Headlam Street in Byker which now has no name

People in parts of Byker claim their lives are at risk after street signs were blanked out with white paint.

They say emergency services will be unable to get to crimes and accidents because of the whitewashed signs.

Newcastle City Council says it has had difficulties in upgrading street signs, but has placed additional information for emergency vehicles.

Byker Village Tenants' Association said at first locals thought painting out the signs was the first part of a council clean-up operation. Now they say they have been dealt an insult by council bosses.

Norma Johnson, who lives in Headlam Street in Byker said: "Six months ago I had to call an emergency doctor for my husband, fortunately they found the place, but the lack of street signs made it much more difficult.

The signs were originally painted white as part of a scheme to replace faded street signs Newcastle City Council

"This is not just an inconvenience for residents and visitors to the estate but it is a wonder someone hasn't died.

"Emergency services often have to stop and ask other residents directions on the estate while people are waiting for medical attention."

Streets without signs include Headlam Street, Spires Lane and the streets around the northern part of Byker.

A spokesman for Newcastle City Council said: "The signs were originally painted white as part of a scheme to replace faded street signs.

"However, the listings authority who wished to see the original character of the estate maintained opposed this and the work was left unfinished.

"Work is set to start on a �30,000 project which will see original signage restored."

But a spokesman for the Byker Village Tenants' Association added: "This is an insult to the people of Byker.

"It looks to many like the political leadership of the council think more of the richer areas of the city than estates like Byker, Gosforth and Jesmond homeowners would not accept this so why should we."