Labour's negative campaigning is an indication of their desperation

Labour's negative campaigning in Redcar & Cleveland knows no bounds. Their election material is full of one liners that only those most clued up on local and national issues can understand. Their campaign is desperate and dishonest. It seeks to mislead the public.

Unlike the Lib Dems they have not published a local manifesto and the Labour leader told Council officials that they were not prepared to tell them what their plans are until after the election. Obviously they intend to make it up as they go along in just the same way as they are insulting the intelligence of the electors with misleading one-liners.

The Labour MP, Vera Baird, is even worse. She has published the most juvenile of glossy leaflets containing all sorts of silly, over the top, one-liners like - "Racing at Redcar - they'll sell it off for thousands more houses. Labour is searching, with the Action Group, for a new owner to safeguard our racecourse - the heart of our town."

We cannot sell off Redcar racecourse because we do not own it. There is not room on the site for thousands of houses - is this woman really a top QC?

The sight of Labour Councillors pictured outside the main entrance of the racecourse looking like they were on a Mafia day trip is an image that filled me with horror. To have them meddling in the boardroom politics of a private company is alarming. It puts at serious risk the future of racing at Redcar.

It is interesting to note that Labour's lack of support is really showing in the time it is taking them to deliver Vera's missive. We have distributed our response in a number of wards BEFORE Labour have even got Vera's out.

The other night I came in from delivering leaflets in Kirkleatham Ward and before I could get the curtains closed I noticed that one of the Labour candidates had rushed into the courtyard I live in and put Labour's glossy "Lib Dems soft on crime" leaflet through three of the 16 letterboxes. Mine, my daughter Kelly's (who lives next door but one) and another house. He then went over to West Dyke ward and put it through Lib Dem Councillor Joyce Benbow's letterbox and her next door neighbour's. What is that all about I wonder?

Just for the record here is a response to the soft on crime one-liners that Labour hope to mislead the public about.

Lib Dems. Against Labour’s tough anti-social behaviour measures.
Lib Dems voted against the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, Hansard, 24 June 2003

Lib Dems. Against Labour’s measures to break-up teen gangs.
Lib Dems votes against dispersal orders, Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, 24 June 2003

(NB. These two are basically the same thing.)

Labour think just because a piece of legislation claims it will deal with anti-social behaviour anyone voting against it thinks anti-social behaviour is a good thing. That's as ridiculous as saying anyone voting against an education bill doesn't believe in education! Liberal Democrats have supported a wide range of government measures to tackle anti-social behaviour, such as the 1998 legislation bringing in ASBOs, and in many areas have been ahead of the government in developing new ways to combat anti-social behaviour. (The Acceptable Behaviour Contract pioneered by Lib Dems in Islington has been praised by the Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, as being "better than an ASBO". (Question Time, BBC1, 03/03/05)) But on this occasion we voted against the Bill (after trying to amend it) as we thought it wasn't the best way forward.

We supported some of the policies in the 2003 Act (e.g. Powers to close down crack houses and restrict use of air guns and imitation weapons), but we voted against the Act as a whole, principally over the issue of dispersal orders (sometimes characterised as “powers to break up teen gangs”). We believe that they were –

(a) Unnecessary - the existing public order laws adequately covered the various circumstances in which the police might need to act to disperse groups.

(b) Illiberal - the new powers enable police intervention and arrest purely on the basis of someones presence - even if they are doing nothing wrong. This breaches the right to freedom of movement and assembly, and in theory the power could be abused by the police, for example to harass ethnic minorities.

(c) Potentially counterproductive - the Association of Chief Police Officers said, when the Bill was going through Parliament, that the powers would “not be enthusiastically used” because they would be likely to create divisions between the officers and the communities they police.

(d) Not getting to the root of the problem - the powers enable police to move groups on, but they do nothing to prevent the group from causing trouble elsewhere or behaving badly in general. We believe other proposals (such as our plans for more - and more visible – police and community support officers) would make a greater impact on anti-social behaviour.

However, despite these concerns, we would not scrap the dispersal order powers. We have always recognised that the powers can be used in a helpful way and Lib Dems in local government have worked with the police to find positive ways to use them. We support their use where people are harassing, intimidating, alarming or distressing others, but not where it is on the basis of their presence alone. We would amend the law to take this into account and add safeguards against their misuse.

Lib Dems. Against Labour’s measures to restrict the sale of graffiti spray paints to teenagers.
Opposed measures to limit the sale of spray paint to teenagers, 24 June 2003

This is misleading. Liberal Democrat MPs and councils have been at the forefront of many successful campaigns against graffiti in their areas. We believe graffiti is a serious problem that should be deterred through a combination of street patrols and quick action by local authorities to remove graffiti as it appears.

We were at the forefront of efforts to stop the sale of spray paint to children (e.g. Lib Dem Sutton LBC's voluntary code of practice for retailers to stop sales of spray paint to 10-16 years olds) and welcomed proposals in this area in the Government's Anti-Social Behaviour Bill 2003.

The disagreement was simply that we thought the age at which people should be able to buy spray paints should be 16, while the Government wanted 18 (we were successful in amending the Bill in this respect). This did not prevent us supporting most of the other measures on graffiti in the Bill, including fixed penalty notices.

In Redcar & Cleveland we have a fast response team for the removal of graffiti from public building and usually manage to remove it the same day.

Lib Dems. Against sending teen criminals to court.
Policy Motion F46 ‘Punishment and Rehabilitation of Offenders’ was passed by Lib Dem Conference in Bournemouth, 23 September 2004

Our policy is that 13 and 14 year old teenagers should be brought before a court at the discretion of the Crown Prosecution Service where their actions mark them out as being dangerous and a threat to society.

Those whose crimes are not serious should be dealt with through the children's system which has a better record at rehabilitation. The children’s system has a better record because it is staffed with experts who understand how to intervene to help children with behavioural problems and prevent them from slipping into a life of crime. Under our policy teenagers aged 15 and older would continue to be dealt with through the courts in the normal way.

Lib Dems. Against jail sentences for drug possession.
Lib Dems ‘Law and Order Mini Manifesto’, page 8, 29 March 2005

Of course drug users who commit crimes like burglary or robbery to feed a drug habit should go to prison. And drug dealers should continue to expect long prison sentences. But where individuals are prosecuted simply for having a small amount of a drug in their possession for their own personal use, and no additional crime has been committed, then compulsory treatment should be used instead of prison. Courts could still make use of Drug Treatment and Testing Orders (DTTOs), fines, and other criminal penalties.

Promoted by C. Abbott 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY, on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, of 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY.

If they are so confident of winning why are Labour telling so many porkies?

Posted by Chris

In a leaflet, going out in Coatham Ward, Labour refer to "big fat cheques paid to 4 leaders of the Coalition whilst if Labour were in control you would only have to pay for one leader." Like every thing else Labour are claiming this is way off the mark. If they are so confident of winning the election why do they feel it necessary to tell so many porkies?

The extra amount paid to myself as Lib Dem Group Leader (16 members), the Conservative Group Leader (13 Members) and the leader of the independent group in the coalition (2 members) is actually only £2990 each.

The allowances are worked out by an Independent Panel based on a number of extra hours less one third to reflect the voluntary nature of the job.

What Labour don't say is that their Group Leader (22 members) is paid £7460 extra for being the Group Leader and the leader of the opposition Independents is paid £4480 extra for being the leader of 5.

Under Labour control there would be one leader plus payments to two opposition leaders just the same. They would also still have to pay 10 Labour cabinet members.

Labour owe the people of Redcar & Cleveland an apology for once again misleading them.
More to follow on Labour's silly "Lib Dems soft on crime" nonsense.

Promoted by C. Abbott 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY, on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, of 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY.

Use your vote at Kayleigh's Salon

A Redcar hairdressing salon will be transformed into a Redcar and Cleveland Council polling station when voters go to the polls on Thursday, May 3.

Owner Kayleigh Taberner is shelving her scissors for the day at her 'Diffuse Hair Salon' on Thrush Road, which will be open from 7am-10pm for voters in the Council's Coatham ward.

The salon is probably the most unusual venue among a total of 81 polling stations to serve the Council's 22 wards after Kayleigh agreed to the makeover, complete with 'Polling Station' signs in the salon's window.

Kayleigh, 19, explained: "I don't mind - I'm looking forward to it, I usually only get Sundays off!"

A Council spokesman said: "We're very grateful to Kayleigh. We try and locate polling stations in accessible venues, with the majority in schools and community halls."

The Council is reminding people of the importance of spending 20 minutes on polling day to go out and vote by highlighting what local government will be doing in that same 20 minutes.

National statistics show during any 20-minute spell, local authorities in England will spend £3,693,531 on the services they provide, which range from care for the elderly and running schools to keeping roads and pathways in good condition.

The breakdown includes: £1,369,254 spent on education, £349,277 spent on culture, the environment and planning, along with 12,975 books borrowed from public libraries and 259 tonnes of household waste recycled.

Mayor's Charity Ball

Redcar and Cleveland Council's Mayor, Councillor Mary Ovens, hosts the main fund-raising event of her civic year with the Mayor's Charity Ball at Gisborough Hall on Thursday, April 26.

Proceeds from the black tie/evening wear occasion will be shared between her two charity choices, Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Redcar-based young people's project, The Junction.

After a drinks reception, and a three-course meal with wine, the evening, hosted by Stewart McFarlane, will feature live music from Gene Jarred's Swing Eight Band, a charity auction, tombola and raffle.

Tickets are priced £35 and available from the Mayor's Secretary Jane Holmes on 01642 444501.

Here is the new Eston sign

Coatham new signs with the Yorkshire rose

Posted by Chris

Coatham ward Councillors Josie Crawford (pictured right) and Irene Curr (left) are pictured with one of the two Coatham signs that were installed today, complete with Yorkshire Rose. Irene and Josie asked for these signs because they felt Coatham, which was originally a separate village to Redcar should be signed.

It could be more than 100 years since signs identifying Coatham were last in place, I can't be sure, perhaps someone could let me know. New signs for Redcar and Eston have also been provided by the Coalition Council, each bearing the Yorkshire rose symbol. The Coatham sign is displayed the right way up for the North Riding. The Eston sign is not but it also includes an ironstone mining symbol. It costs nothing extra to place these on signs and as all are set in stone work they look rather attractive.

The Coatham signs are actual millstones and they will look even better tomorrow when I will post a new picture.

Promoted by C. Abbott 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY, on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, of 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY.

Florence is still active for the Lib Dems at 95

Redcar Liberal Democrats oldest member is Florence Artley, 96 years old in May, but still delivering the Party's local newsletter, Focus, and baking cakes for fund raising coffee mornings.

Florence is helping the Liberal Democrat Candidates, John Hannon and Paul Smith, in Redcar's Zetland Ward, where she lives in Ripon Road, along with her daughter, Alex who is also a party member. Sadly her husband Frank died 7 years ago aged 80.

Out delivering the latest Focus newsletter in marginal Zetland ward, Florence said, "I really enjoy doing my bit for the Liberal Democrats. It keeps me active and a get a real kick out of seeing the success of the Lib Dems on our Council. I want to make sure the keep up the excellent work they've been doing here."

Redcar's Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Ian Swales, said "Florence is an inspiration to us all. Not only is she incredibly fit she is also still very sharp mentally and wonderful to talk to. Although Florence has lived in Redcar for over 60 years and brought up her family here she still has the charming accent to show that she originally came from Northern Ireland".is Florence Artley, 96 years old in May, but still delivering the Party's local newsletter, Focus, and baking cakes for fund raising coffee mornings. (picture attached)

Florence is helping the Liberal Democrat Candidates, John Hannon and Paul Smith, in Redcar's Zetland Ward, where she lives in Ripon Road, along with her daughter, Alex who is also a party member. Sadly her husband Frank died 7 years ago aged 80.

Out delivering the latest Focus newsletter in marginal Zetland ward, Florence said, "I really enjoy doing my bit for the Liberal Democrats. It keeps me active and a get a real kick out of seeing the success of the Lib Dems on our Council. I want to make sure the keep up the excellent work they've been doing here."

Redcar's Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Ian Swales, said "Florence is an inspiration to us all. Not only is she incredibly fit she is also still very sharp mentally and wonderful to talk to. Although Florence has lived in Redcar for over 60 years and brought up her family here she still has the charming accent to show that she originally came from Northern Ireland".

Promoted by C. Abbott 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY, on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, of 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY.

Redcar & Cleveland Lib Dems Election Campaign gets off to a flying start

Posted by Chris:

Redcar and Cleveland Council has received 160 nominations from 85 men and 75 women for the Borough's 59 seats in 22 wards at the Thursday, 3rd May poll.

The Liberal Democrats are the strongest party in the Redcar Parliamentary constituency with a full slate of candidates in all the constituency wards.

The Lib Dem campaign has got off to a flying start with the launch of our excellent manifesto "No Turning Back" on Friday with a visit to Redcar and Brotton from Greg Mulholland MP. Greg gave our Candidates a real boost and everybody is well motivated for the campaign. Our manifesto can be viewed in full on the local party website http://www.redcarlibdems.org.uk/.

Yesterday we got the excellent news that the Planning Committee approved by nine votes to two our flagship Coatham Links Development, that will bring 200 jobs to Redcar and top quality leisure facilities and housing. We are getting our swimming pool back after ten years of being about the largest town in the land without a pool. In fact, we are getting two pools, a swimming pool and a leisure pool. I can't wait for the work to get started it will revitalise an area that is run down and I am absolutely convinced it will help to kick start Redcar's economy.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that two of the Labour Councillors voted for the scheme, in spite of the fact that the local MP has threatened to call in the decision. If she does the swimming pool will be set back yet another year. There are no genuine grounds to turn it down, I am convinced of that and calling it in in could put grant funding at risk.

Today we had a visit from the lovely Fiona Hall MEP. Fiona visited the Coatham Links site, where work is about to start on the improvements to the boating lake area (see picture above with Glynis and I). This did not require planning permission and would have gone ahead regardless of yesterday's decision. Fiona spent a lot of time with candidates in a number of wards including the solar energy scheme that Coast & Country Housing have installed on flats around the Closes Estate in our ward, the flood defence work recently carried out in Skinningrove.

We look forward to a packed month of intensive campaigning that may well surprise our opponents.

Promoted by C. Abbott 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY, on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, of 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY.