Now I can sort the kid(s) out and pop round the corner to watch the match when I get in :-)

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2002

Answers

Where is Hillheads Softie? Is it anywhere near the Metro?

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2002

Do you mean up by Chapel House?

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2002

Hope they plan to improve the playing surface. It was awful when I was there. The low-flying swans should make things interesting, though. ;-)

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2002

Steph, it`s Whitley Bay`s ground.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2002

Like Softie, this will be highly convenient pour moi - I could walk there in 20 minutes.

ciara - my initial reaction was exactly the same as yours, as we were at the same game. However, the ".com" report includes the following:

"As part of this arrangement, it's thought that Newcastle will fund improvements to the existing main stand and playing surface, while Bay will invest in upgraded floodlights and the construction of a second stand".

If the pitch can be sorted out, this is potentially a better venue than KP - although I think it lacks a bar in which to shelter at HT!

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2002

With the potential crowds turning up, I'm sure it would be in Whitley Bay's interests to include a bar in the stand they're building.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2002

I know it's Whitley Bay's ground, I just have no idea where it is! The only bit of Whitley Bay I know is Spanish City (is it still there?).

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2002

Steph - you have to head west from the W/B Metro Station past Monkseaton Grammar School (I think!) and along Hillheads Road past Safeway's and towards the Ice Rink. It is virtually behind the Ice Rink.

I would say it's a 10-15 minute walk from the Metro Stn.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2002

Whitley bay seafront is an absolute disgrace. When I was over last summer with my young son ( i reside in Greece)I could not believe how neglected and run down the place is. It has so much potential, a good beach and graphic scenery.

On the other hand the sandancers on the other side of the river have done a great job. South Shields seafront, pubs and ameneties are way ahead.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2002

Crumbling Victoriana, Spanish city tack, greasy chips and greasy people.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2002

.....pass the salt 'n vinegar please, Chaz.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2002

nothing personal mate...but if you live there are or are familiar with the place you should know what i am on about. The place is in desperate need of investment.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2002

It's true - I was really impressed with South Shields last time I was over there. The beaches are clean, the prom has been done up - looks great. Whitley Bay is awful. Still good news for the reserves - well it is if you live in N. Tyneside.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2002

I was only joking Chaz - actually I live in Preston Village (that's in North Shields, leyk!).

You're quite right about Whitley Bay - it is an absolute disgrace. I suspect one of the problems is that the residents/Council can't really decide what they want WB to be - a prime residential area, or a seaside resort. A seaside resort requires visitor attractions that are not desirable in a pricey residential area.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2002

Whitley Bay is tacky. However, why is it every time I hear "Tunnel of Love" I get all misty-eyed, with visions of a younger, carefree me and loads of impossibly young, very pretty girls? This is one of the problems with getting old - things were never really as good as you remember!

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2002

Me and me brother rarely used to get taken to Whitley Bay to see your pretty lasses Southpaw.

Mind there was never any shortage of ghouls at the Hoppins !!

-- Anonymous, May 17, 2002

Steph get off monkseaton metro go to platform 1 side and head left when you get away from the coocil hooses youll see the ice rink , its behind there..

-- Anonymous, May 17, 2002

The Bay has suffered badly from years of underinvestment by the local authorities; the thinking with North Tynside seems to be "Those posh gets in Whitley have got plenty money so we'll throw our budget at more deserving causes". Shortsited and petty. Not everyone in Whitley Bay is loaded and the whole of Tyneside would benefit from a rejuvinated promenade and seafront. As it stands, the place gets scruffier every time I come home. Shame.

-- Anonymous, May 17, 2002