A prospective Conservative councillor has challenged his Lib Dem opponent to a public debate. Jason Smith, who is the Conservative spokesman for Westerhope Ward, made the call in the council chamber during Public Question Time.

Before making the call, he highlighted the way the Liberal Democrats broke their promise to find money to save the Matchbox Community Centre in Westerhope – used by elderly residents and young people – and then decided in December to demolish it and build housing in its place. He also raised concerns about open space that is under threat from developers and asked what the council is doing to protect it.

Jason Smith said: “Lib Dems in the West End of Newcastle are making promises to local residents about our community facilities while senior Lib Dems are calling in the builders. Liberal Democrats are standing by while our community assets are being flogged.

“Westerhope Councillor Neil Hamilton has been silent on the big issues in Westerhope Ward. He was the lead councillor for the former school sites in Denton and Westerhope Wards, yet did not know that Lib Dems were planning to build houses on the Parkway site.

“When residents looked for leadership, they got it from Independent Councillors and local Conservatives. Liberal Democrats did very little but Cllr Hamilton is now claiming the credit for stopping their own madcap scheme.”

“Residents of Westerhope Ward need a councillor who will put Westerhope first and stand up for local people in the council chamber. I have challenged him to a public debate so local people can decide whether they want a strong local champion or a Liberal Democrat ‘yes’ man.”