Thursday 18 May 2006

Be an extra in Redcar's blockbuster film

Redcar and Cleveland Council is set to receive the final plans which could turn Redcar seafront into 1940s Dunkirk as the setting for a £36 million blockbuster movie.

The production company, Working Title Films, has drawn up a draft timetable for the war time movie which could see set building starting from early July and closure of the Esplanade from the Regent Cinema to the boating lake at the end of August for filming to start.

The Regional Screen Agency for the North East, Northern Film and Media, has started a recruitment drive for up to 1,000 local extras, for the film based on the Ian McEwan novel, Atonement, alongside confirmed stars Keira Knightly and James McAvoy

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for Redcar. Of course, it’s not 100 per cent certain yet but this film is a fantastic showcase for the town and its residents.

“Working Title Films has assured us they are not considering any other towns for filming and are now looking for further locations in Redcar and across the Borough, which is very promising”.

Northern Film & Media Location Service Manager, Gayle Mason, said: “Working Title Films has commented on how positive the Council have been and how much progress has been made, they’ve had a great reception from the North East”.

Working Title Films sent 50 members of its technical crew to visit the town this week to inspect locations and make preparations ready to turn parts of the town into war time scene.

To apply for a part as an extra download an application form by logging on to the Northern Film and Media website at http://www.northernmedia.org/ and click on locations, crew & facilities. The form will ask for basic details including name, address, age, height, dress or collar size and a mid-shot photograph.

Monday 8 May 2006

Super Leeds

Posted by Chris

What a night for Leeds United! What a match! What superb support from the fans! They drowned out the commentator the whole match long. I have not enjoyed a match so much for two or three years.

Leeds were brilliant. They never stopped trying and it all came good in the end. It will be a real miracle if we get back in the Premiership this time, after coming so close to going out of business such a short time ago. If they play in Cardiff with the same determination as they did tonight they can beat anyone.

Re-development of Roseberry Square underway

Demolition of the northern block of Roseberry Square will allow work to commence on the new district shopping centre that is set to replace the unsightly, vandalism plagued, 1960’s facility.

Following long, drawn out, negotiations with existing leaseholders, an agreement was signed on 7th April 2006, between the Council and Bellway & Persimmon, who in turn entered into a sub-agreement with Stirling Capital on the same day.

Stirling Capital are the developers for the commercial elements of the project. Bellway & Persimmon are the developers for the residential element.

Stirling Capital have appointed York House Construction as their main contractor.

The first phase of demolition, will remove the northern, unoccupied block, Oasis Public House, the Health Clinic and the Youth & Community Centre. It was due to begin in the week commencing 8th May 2006 and due to complete 5 weeks later.

The second phase of demolition the remaining shopping includes Ladbrooks, Bells, Scott-Chem, Johnson Dentist, and the Library. It is currently scheduled for mid to end February 2007 and will follow the completion and fit-out of the long awaited new district shopping centre.

Sea front shelters enjoy a facelift

Liberal Democrat Councillors Irene Curr and Josie Crawford do love to be beside the seaside - even more so now that their favourite seafront shelters have been given a facelift.

Sadly, vandals had wrecked havoc on the three Esplanade shelters, smashing windows, breaking panels and daubing the structures with graffiti.

Now thanks to funding from both the Council's Redcar Area Environment Committee and the Council's highways partner, Alfred McAlpine, the shelters are gleaming again.

Councillor Curr, the Committee's chair and, along with Councillor Crawford a Coatham ward councillor, said: "I think they look lovely. They looked really unloved with all the vandalism - now I'm really pleased they're back looking as good as new."

The Council's Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Development and Infrastructure Councillor Eric Empson praised the five weeks work and said: "They're an asset to the town again. What could be nicer than looking out to sea in comfort and pleasant surroundings."