Yes, S., D.A. is one of those prepared to speak out on that touchy, but very important, issue. I used to watch "On the Buses" as a kid, in Sydney; now, close to your place of upbringing:
This is on my myspace player (link below) if anyone would like to hear me recite it...
Poem 187 of 230: A SOUTH SHIELDS WALKABOUT - AUTUMN 2001
Out of the museum-and-gallery (Wiser on Cookson and the local way), Down Ocean Road with, to the right of me, Its eateries and, left, neat places to stay; Before, on either side, Marine Parks - The southern-one a most beautiful place, Teeming with moorhens, swans, grebes and mallards, In a small lake at a scenic-hill's base.
Then (holding chips from the parade's cafe And, thus, a flock of gulls squawking above) Onto the South Pier I made my way: Seeing seaweed over rocks - like a glove - And high-and-dry sands held from transgression By growth of grass and the weaving of wood, Plus, in the dim light of a sleepy sun, Fishing boats returning to Tynemouth's hood.