York Avenue

When the A19, referred to today as the Tyne Tunnel Approach Road, opened back in 1965, York Avenue had been the only major roadway in carrying traffic to the Boldon’s and all points beyond. The tree lined dual carriageway was thought to be the first of its kind in the country.

York Avenue 1949

It was officially opened by HRH The duchess of York back in 1928. By the bus stop to the left and right of the highway pathways lead down to Valley View Park also known as Monkton Dene Park, or The Jarvis Park, set up by Sir John Jarvis with money from the Surrey Fund shortly after the Jarrow March in 1936.

Because speeding became a problem in this particular part of the town a system known as Pinch point road narrowing was adopted in 1995, at the junction of York Avenue and Bede Burn Road. After the system became a success it was used to Pinch point various intervals along the length of York Avenue. This resulted in it becoming a single lane system, with the creation of parking spaces for residents.

Apart from the new road markings and a different style bus stop little has changed. As far as I am concerned it still makes for a really lovely highway to drive down before entering the town centre. I wish I could say the same about the town of Jarrow.

It was and still is a lovely place to live, but sadly the area has been in the hands of a Labour stronghold for to many years, so much so I do believe they (the council) have fooled themselves into thinking they will never be put out of office. The result is Jarrow, a National Heritage area, in and around her streets have been allowed to deteriorate. With Jarrow becoming the poor relation of South Shields.

Jarrow, York Avenue Present Day 2010

I am more than sure somebody living in or around the area will disagree with me. Well, Don’t bother, this is how I see it. I lived in Jarrow through the late 60′s and 70′s, as well as the 90′s and later, and it’s a wide spread thought to those who live there, as time has gone by certain parts of Jarrow are not receiving the support it should be. Maybe now is a good time for the Independent, or dare I say it, Tory candidates to start knocking on doors. No I’m not council bashing they’re doing that themselves. I’m just telling it as I see it.

Me thinks (Oops I see smoke rising)… The Venerable Bede, The Bede Museum, Bede’s Walk, Catherine Cookson Way (novelist), St Paul’s Church and Monastery founded by Benedict Biscop back in AD681 to AD685, and the many walks and nature trails and let us never forget the people, families and individuals that make up the population many of them direct descendent from family and relations that put Jarrow to the front of poverty back in 1936, when the Jarrow Marchers took their plight to London.

Their march was for much needed work, not just for themselves… no politics… no one town or village… but the area in general. These concerned individuals help bring back much need work and Self Esteem to all, now many years later, my own opinion is, the local council is doing to Jarrow what poverty couldn’t.