Gateshead Establishes "secret police" for Streets

Just two months ago, to great fanfare and publicity, Gateshead Council established a "street warden" scheme to advise them on residents view on their mass demolition project in Saltwell & Bensham. This was despite the fact that the area already has a long established residents association. Some suspected it was merely a cover for the council to fix their flawed non-existent consultation process.

Saltwell & Bensham Residents Association put in a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to find out who had been appointed as "street wardens" so residents could discuss their concerns. To our surprise the council have said that the identities of the "street wardens" are a secret. Members of the residents association also understand that council officers "invite" suitable people to become "street wardens"

Secret government has long been a feature of British society. Until 1994 the existence of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) was denied. This despite 23 Bond movies and various novels by John Le Carre. The current "M" being Sir John Scarlett. The real question is who is "M" in Gateshead Council running the "street wardens"? Do they use codes or secret texts to disguise their real identities?

In former East Germany it was said that 1 in 3 people worked for the secret police. Could the pensioners at the end of the street be observing you for Gateshead Council? What were you carrying in that Tesco bag and will you engage in anti-social behaviour?

Street wardens, spies behind the curtains, secret police, you decide? Right now who knows and "M" in the Civic Centre is keeping it secret.