Happy New Year

A happy new year to all our readers

Bid to broadcast Council meetings - update

Posted by Chris:

I see that we have been receiving dozens of links from redcar.net to the item, posted in August, about the Lib Dem bid to broadcast Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council meetings, proposed by Councillor Margaret Wilson.

In view of the interest here is an update:

The Council referred the matter to the new Democracy Commission, which is currently in the process of being set up. It is one of a list of items that will be investigated, hopefully quickly, though the majority Labour Group do not seem very keen on the idea. Myself and the other Lib Dem members of the Democracy Commission will do our best to ensure that the idea comes to fruition as soon as possible.

10-man Swans beat Leeds United in five goal thriller

Leeds United started well against the league leaders Swansea City at the new Liberty Stadium. A full house of 19,010, which included 2,800 Leeds fans, was electric with anticipation of a great game.

Good shots at goal from Jonathan Howson and Jermaine Beckford slammed in during the 4th minute.

But a free kick awarded from 25 yards, in the 8th minute, set up the Swans for a free shot at goal and Andy Robinson made it count, 0-1.

United fought back and in the 11th minute, a right foot shot from Beckford hit the back of the net from 6 yards, for his 15th league goal of the season, 1-1.

But Swansea won a corner in the 22nd minute, which the captain, Garry Monk, headed into the top right of goal, from 12 yards, 1-2.

With the Swans beginning to dominate a nasty foul on Howson, in the 39th minute, by Ferrie Bodde, resulted in a red card for the Swansea man and Howson being carried off, to be replaced by David Prutton.

United failed to take advantage of the situation and 10-man Swansea increased their share of possession. In the 45th minute a left-footed shot from Jason Scotland (18 yards), sent the Swans in for the break two goals up, 1-3.

Straight from the kick off Leeds won a free kick and skipper Alan Thomson fired into the net, 2-3.

A second free kick, from the same distance, followed straight from the re-start but Thompson hit the post.

Leeds began to dominate play but chances were few and far between. Tore Andre Flo came on for Ian Westlake in the 67th minute to add a bit more striking power and midfielder Curtis Weston replaced Seb Carole in the 77th minute.

United failed to take advantage of 10-man Swans and Leeds went down to their third league defeat of the season.

Swansea City 3 Leeds United 2

Labour MP, Vera Baird, let the people of Redcar down over Coatham Links

How much longer must Coatham Links remain fenced off waiting for development?

Redcar's Labour MP, Vera Baird, "is being irresponsible and has let the people of Redcar down over the Coatham Links development," a political rival has claimed.

Ian Swales, Liberal Democrats Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Redcar (Pictured above), hit out after the MP blamed the former Coalition for taking a decision to grant Planning Permission for the £88million Coatham Links development close to an election period, which was recently ruled out of order by a High Court Judge.

"The decision taken by the Planning Committee was an all party one and Councillors not only followed the advice of professional officers but also took advice from top QC's every step of the way. Their advice was that it was perfectly appropriate for the Committee to meet when it did. The Council’s decision was supported by the Government shortly afterwards.

"It’s impossible to know at any one time where Vera Baird stands on the Coatham development. Until last May’s elections she seemed to be on the side of protestors against the Lib Dem-led Coalition. Then she seemed to be backing the new Labour Council’s support for the development and was being condemned by protestors. What does she really want?

"Our Member of Parliament should be working with everyone who wants to see this long-awaited development succeed. I am appalled at her lack of leadership. Liberal Democrats remain committed to the completion of Coatham Links in full and will campaign vigorously against any attempt to water down the scheme. The current administration's priorities seem to be elsewhere in the Borough and I fear they will use this decision as an excuse to submit a much reduced development in terms of quality and benefits for local people."

Draw against Pool puts Leeds United on top of League One - at least for a couple of hours

The weather was breezy, cold and damp for Leeds United's first ever league game against the monkey hangers at Victoria Park, which is just across the river from here, in Hartlepool.

The game started slowly on a slippery pitch and the first chance in the match came in the 21st minute when Michael Nelson headed in, for Pool, from 6 yards, 0-1.

Leeds responded and started to play a bit, forcing their first two corners on 30 minutes but Pool were looking more dangerous and had the most possession.

In the last 10 minutes before half time chances fell to Tresor Kandol, Jermaine Beckford and Jonathan Howson but Pool went in for the break with their 1-0 lead intact.

The second half started with both teams sharing possession. In the 56th minute Seb Carole replaced David Prutton and Alan Thompson came on for Radostin Kishishev. Third skriker, Tore Andre Flo, came on for Ian Westlake in the 76th Minute in a desperate bid to make a difference.

The game dragged on with United just edging it, then in the 89th minute Tresor Kandol headed on to super striker Jermaine Beckford who drilled in a left foot shot from 20 yards, 1-1.

Never say die Leeds left it late again and held on for a draw that puts United top of the League for the first time, at least for a couple of hours. Not bad for a team that started the season on minus 15 points.

Attendance 7,784.

Hartlepool United 1 Leeds United 1

Merry Christmas

A very merry Christmas to all our readers.

United do the double over the Rovers with another late goal

An all action start at Elland Road today and an early substitution for Bristol Rovers when Joe Jacobson was replaced by Chris Carruthers, following a clash of heads with United's David Prutton.

Prutton required stitches but was back on the pitch after only a few minutes.

Jermaine Beckford headed against the bar from 12 yards in the third minute.

The fast flowing action, mainly due to long balls, continued through to half time with the only real chances going to Beckford, who was Leeds best striker by far. Tresor Kandol had made little impact on the game in the first 45 minutes.

Half time 0-0

The second half started with Bristol stepping up a gear and beginning to make an impact on the game.

But the crowd lifted Leeds, Seb Carole replaced David Prutton, Tore Andre Flo came on for Ian Westlake and more chances for Leeds began to be created.

With 7 minutes left to play Jonathan Howson finally broke the deadlock, with a glancing header, from 12 yards, which was deflected off a Bristol defender, 1-0.

This win means Leeds have done a league double over Bristol Rovers and puts United into third place, only one point behind the leaders.

Attendance 27,863.

Leeds United 1 Bristol Rovers 0

Nick Clegg names his Shadow Cabinet

The new Shadow Cabinet is as follows:

Leader NICK CLEGG
Deputy Leader Vince Cable
Chief Whip Paul Burstow

The economy and business - VINCE CABLE - Shadow Chancellor
Jeremy Browne - Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury
Sarah Teather - Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform

Home Affairs - CHRIS HUHNE - Shadow Secretary of State for the Home Department
David Heath Shadow - Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor
The Rt Hon the Lord Thomas - Shadow Attorney General
David Howarth - Shadow Solicitor General

International affairs - ED DAVEY - Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. Chair of Campaigns and Communications
Nick Harvey - Shadow Secretary of State for Defence
Mike Moore - Shadow Secretary of State for International Development

Public services - DAVID LAWS - Shadow Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families
Norman Lamb - Shadow Secretary of State for Health
Julia Goldsworthy - Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
Lembit Opik - Housing
Danny Alexander - Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions,
Chair of manifesto group
Stephen Williams - Shadow Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills

Environment - STEVE WEBB -Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Energy, Food and Rural Affairs
Norman Baker - Shadow Secretary of State for Transport
Tim Farron - Countryside

Families -SUSAN KRAMER Families spokesperson, Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office; and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Other Shadow Cabinet members
Simon Hughes - Shadow Leader of the House of Commons and Party President
Don Foster - Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport; and Olympics
Alistair Carmichael - Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland and Northern Ireland
Lynne Featherstone - Youth and equality spokesperson
The Rt Hon Tom McNally - Leader in the Lords
Roger Williams - Shadow Secretary of State for Wales
The Rt Hon the Lord Shutt -Lords Chief Whip
Willie Rennie - Chair of Parliamentary campaigns team

Also attending the Shadow Cabinet
Danny Alexander - Leader’s Chief of Staff
Mark Hunter - Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Leader
Lorely Burt - Chair of the Parliamentary Party

Other apppointments announced today:

Rt Hon Sir Menzies Campbell will join the Foreign Affairs Select Committee and will be conducting a full review of Britain’s future military capability.

Rt Hon Charles Kennedy, as President of the European Movement will be campaigning across the country on European issues, and will contribute to major European debates from the front bench.

Nick Clegg names his Shadow Cabinet

The new Shadow Cabinet is as follows:

Leader

NICK CLEGG

Deputy Leader

Vince Cable

Chief Whip

Paul Burstow

The economy and business

VINCE CABLE

Shadow Chancellor

Jeremy Browne

Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Sarah Teather

Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform

Home Affairs

CHRIS HUHNE

Shadow Secretary of State for the Home Department

David Heath

Shadow Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor

The Rt Hon the Lord Thomas

Shadow Attorney General

David Howarth

Shadow Solicitor General

International affairs

ED DAVEY

Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

Chair of Campaigns and Communications

Nick Harvey

Shadow Secretary of State for Defence

Mike Moore

Shadow Secretary of State for International Development

Public services

DAVID LAWS

Shadow Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families

Norman Lamb

Shadow Secretary of State for Health

Julia Goldsworthy

Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

Lembit Opik

Housing

Danny Alexander

Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

Chair of manifesto group

Stephen Williams

Shadow Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills

Environment

STEVE WEBB

Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Energy, Food and Rural Affairs

Norman Baker

Shadow Secretary of State for Transport

Tim Farron

Countryside

Families

SUSAN KRAMER

Families spokesperson, Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office; and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Other Shadow Cabinet members

Simon Hughes

Shadow Leader of the House of Commons and Party President

Don Foster

Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport; and Olympics

Alistair Carmichael

Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland and Northern Ireland

Lynne Featherstone

Youth and equality spokesperson

The Rt Hon Tom McNally

Leader in the Lords

Roger Williams

Shadow Secretary of State for Wales

The Rt Hon the Lord Shutt

Lords Chief Whip

Willie Rennie

Chair of Parliamentary campaigns team

Also attending the Shadow Cabinet

Danny Alexander

Leader’s Chief of Staff

Mark Hunter

Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Leader

Lorely Burt

Chair of the Parliamentary Party

Other apppointments announced today:

Rt Hon Sir Menzies Campbell will join the Foreign Affairs Select Committee and will be conducting a full review of Britain’s future military capability.

Rt Hon Charles Kennedy, as President of the European Movement will be campaigning across the country on European issues, and will contribute to major European debates from the front bench.

Nick Clegg's speech in full

On his election as the new Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg said:

My election as leader of this party marks a new beginning.

Today is about two things: ambition, and change.

Renewed ambition for the Liberal Democrats.

Renewed ambition to reach out to the millions of people who share our values, but have not yet voted for us.

It’s about renewed ambition for Britain.

Because we want to change politics, and change Britain.

I would like to thank Chris for the energetic and committed way he has campaigned in this leadership election.

We have been rivals in this contest. From today, we are colleagues again. I look forward to working closely with him for the good of liberalism in Britain.

I would also like to thank Vince Cable for the magnificent way he has led the party in these past two months.

There are few men who have excelled as an economist, a comedian and a ballroom dancer.

Finally, I would like to give my warmest thanks, on behalf of the whole party, to Ming Campbell. He took over the Liberal Democrats at a difficult time, and provided enormous stability and professionalism to the party. Without his work, building on the extraordinary achievements of Charles Kennedy and Paddy Ashdown before him, the party would not have the bright future which it now does.

I am a Liberal by temperament, by instinct and by upbringing.

My own family was marked, scattered and reunited by the tragic conflicts of the last century.

I was taught from an early age that Britain was a place of tolerance and pluralism, with a history steeped in democracy and the rule of law.

I believe that liberalism is the thread that holds together everything this country stands for. Pull out that thread and the fabric of the nation unravels.

We are a people with a strong sense of fair play and social justice. An instinct to protect the environment for future generations. We are suspicious of arbitrary power, wary of government interference. We want to play an active, enlightened role in the affairs of the world.

And we have always put our faith in the power of ordinary men and women to change things for the better.

So why is Britain still not the liberal nation we want it to be?
Look around us:

Our civil liberties casually cast aside.

Gigantic, faceless and incompetent Government bureaucracies.

Security and opportunity in short supply, particularly in the poorest communities.

Families struggling to meet each month’s bills. Struggling to balance the demands of work, and the time for a real family life.

Above all, our politics is broken.

Out of step with people.

Out of step with the modern world.

That is why I have one sole ambition: to change Britain to make it the liberal country the British people want it to be.

I want a new politics: a people’s politics.

I want to live in a country where rights, freedoms and privacy are not the playthings of politicians, but safeguarded for everyone.

Where political life is not a Westminster village freak show, but open, accessible, and helpful in people’s everyday lives.

Where parents, pupils and patients are in charge of our schools and hospitals.

Where fine words on the environment are translated into real action.

Where social mobility becomes a reality once again, so that no-one is condemned by the circumstances of their birth.

Why have we stopped imagining a better society?

Look at what we’ve got.

The Conservatives and New Labour have governed in the same way. Top-down and centralising. I refuse to believe that the only alternative to a clapped out Labour Government is a Conservative party which has no answers to the big issues - environmentalism without substance, social justice without money, internationalism without Europe.

The challenge for my party is clear and simple: to define a liberal alternative to the discredited politics of Big Government.

I want to open up my party, open up Westminster, and open up politics for good.

To lead well, a leader needs to listen.

That’s why I will hold regular and public Town Hall Meetings.

That’s why I want to open up the Liberal Democrats to give people who support us, but aren’t members, a say on the big issues.

That’s why I will spend at least one day every week listening and campaigning outside Westminster.

That’s why I will set up a network of real families, who have nothing to do with party politics, in every region of this country to advise me on what they think should be my priorities.

If you once voted Lib Dem but think we’ve spent too much time focusing on ourselves.

If you once voted Conservative but don’t know what they stand for any more.

If you once voted Labour but feel let down after ten years of disappointment.

If you’ve given up voting altogether, but still care about the world we live in:

Then a newly united, energetic, optimistic Liberal Democrat party is there for you.

This is an unprecedented time of opportunity for liberalism in Britain.

If we are to grab this opportunity, my party will need to change.

We must start acting like the growing national political movement that we are. More professional. More united. More ambitious.

Liberalism is the creed of our times.

The old left-right politics has broken down. Labour and the Conservatives are mutating into each other, united in defence of a system which has let the people down.

Instead, we must start where people are, not where we think they should be.

In short, I want the Liberal Democrats to be the future of politics.

Because Liberal Democrats have the courage to imagine a better society.

To break the stifling grip of the two-party system for good.

To bring in a new politics.

Of politicians who listen to people, not themselves.

No more business as usual. No more government-knows-best.

I want today to mark the beginning of real change in Britain.

The beginning of Britain’s liberal future.

Cleggy is the new Leader of the Liberal Democrats

Nick Clegg is the new leader of the Liberal Democrats. Nick won a very narrow victory over Chris Huhne who ran an aggressive campaign and was thought to have gained support as the campaign went on.

The result was as follows:

Nick Clegg - 20.988
Chris Huhne - 20.477

Yorkshire MP, Cleggy, pictured above in Newcastle with Chris (left), and Glyn Nightingale, was our favourite for the job because, as Glynis wrote on her endorsement, "Nick has made a big impression on Liberal Democrats in a very short time. He has the ability to quickly establish himself with voters and improve our ratings in the polls."

Nick paid tribute to Chris Huhne, acting leader Vince Cable and his predecessor Ming Campbell. He said the Liberal Democrats will be "more professional, more united and more ambitious." To disillusioned voters he said "a newly united, energetic Liberal Party is the party for you."

Recycling arrangements at Christmas

Redcar and Cleveland Council is reminding residents of the revised Christmas refuse collection times - and urging everyone to remember to recycle real Christmas trees and cards as well as the regular cans, paper, glass, plastic and cardboard, which are plentiful at this time of year.

There will be no collections on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year's Day, but the Council's catch-up arrangements will ensure everything is back to normal on Tuesday, January 8.

Collection dates will change from:

Tuesday, December 25 to Thursday, December 27
Wednesday, December 26 to Friday, December 28
Thursday, December 27 to Saturday, December 29
Friday, December 28 to Monday, December 31
Tuesday, January 1 to Wednesday, January 2
Wednesday, January 2 to Thursday, January 3
Thursday, January 3 to Friday, January 4
Friday, January 4 to Saturday, January 5.

For more information, log on to the recycling section on the Council's website or call the Council's Contact Centre on 08456 126 126 for further assistance

You can place real Christmas trees out for collection on green waste collection days. Residents who do not have a green waste collection can take the trees to Warrenby Household Waste Recycling Centre, Dunsdale Household Waste Recycling Centre, Saltburn Somerfield Car Park Community Recycling Point and Guisborough Forest and Walkway.

The Woodland Trust and Recycle Now's annual Christmas Card Recycling Scheme hope to plant 24,000 trees by collecting 100 million cards.

Put your Christmas cards out with your cardboard and plastic for recycling from Monday, January 2 to Thursday, January 31 or take them to participating primary schools and libraries or Tesco, T-K-Max, WHSmith and M&S.

The Council's new Waste & Recycling 2008/2009 calendar, which details collection dates from February, 2008 to March, 2009, is being delivered in January. If you require the new collections calendar in other languages, Braille, on tape and in Large Print, contact 08456 126 126.

Thompson saves United's blushes with a late equaliser against the Saddlers

End to end play at the Bescot Stadium resulted in stalemate for the first 75 minutes then Tommy Mooney left footed into the net, from the six-yard line, to put Walsall into the lead, 0-1.

This sparked United into life and an injury time, deflected free kick, from substitute Alan Thompson sailed into the net from 30 yards, 1-1.

Jonathan Douglas was carried off in the last minute with what seems to be a serious injury to his left leg.

Leeds had the most possession but Walsall had slightly the better chances. United go home with a draw and that is about what they deserved from a pretty dour game.

The attendance of 10,102 was one of the Saddlers best at the Bescot.

Walsall 1 Leeds United 1

Free winter car checks

Redcar and Cleveland Council's Road Safety Team is offering free winter car checks next week to ensure your car is both legal and prepared for the winter months.

The free drop-in clinics will check the vehicle's lights, tyre treads, examine windscreen wiper blades and windscreen wash reservoir levels and top up if required.

They will also confirm any child seats are fitted correctly and provide information on many road safety issues to help you keep your licence and keep you and others safe this winter.

Dates, venues and times are:

Monday, December 17: Asda car park, South Bank, 10am-3pm.
Tuesday, December 18: Windy Hill Lane car park, Marske, 10am-3pm.
Wednesday, December 19: Retail Park car park, Cargo Fleet Lane, 10am-3pm.

United tame the Terriers in first derby for twenty years

The sound of "there's only one Billy Bremner" rang out, at a packed Elland Road, during the one minute applause for the great man who died on 7th December 1997.

It was the first derby against Huddersfield Town for 20 years.

Leeds United started badly in the poor conditions, though they still had slightly the majority of possession. But Town edged it on chances and quality of play. Fortunately for United, the Terriers had 17 years old rookie, Alex Smithies, in goal for only his second game. The lad allowed a 25 yard shot from Jonathan Douglas slip through his fingers, on 23 minutes, letting in his third goal in only 30 odd minutes play for the club, 1-0.

Radostin Kishishev, on one yellow card and warned a second time late in the first half, was replaced by Jonathan Howson at the start of the second half.

Three minutes after the re-start a cross by David Prutton was collected by Jermaine Beckford who drove past the luckless goalie, Smithies, from six yards, 2-0.

The game just got more exciting as spells of pressure from both United and Town resulted in much goal mouth action. Then on 69 minutes a good save, by Smithies off Prutton, fell to goal machine Beckford who made no mistake from six yards, 3-0.

Beckford was replaced by Tore Andre Flo on 82 minutes and five minutes later he right-footed into the net from six yards, 4-0.

Unfortunately there have not been many Leeds/Huddersfield derbies over the past forty years, mainly because United have been playing in a higher league. What is not widely known is the fact that Leeds played in Huddersfield's blue and white stripes for many years from the formation of the club, until they reverted to blue and gold, the colours of predecessor club Leeds City, in the 1930's.

The match attracted a remarkable pre-Christmas sell out attendance of 32,501. The largest crowd for a third tier game since 1979.

Leeds United 4 Huddersfield Town 0

Canoe man and his family are starting to remember what happened

Posted by Chris:

Back from the dead canoe man, John Darwin, who is currently being interviewed a mile or so up the road from here, at Redcar & Cleveland police headquarters, in Kirkleatham Business Park, used the name John Jones and travelled freely in and out of Britain, according to tonight's Evening Gazette report.

It seems he is just starting to remember what happened to him after his disappearance, five years ago, that started a 200sq mile sea search, costing £70,000 and lasting several days.

A boat dealer has come forward to claim that Darwin put down a £1000 deposit on a £45,000 boat, paid for out of his wife's bank account and gave his address as the family home at Seaton Carew.

The most curious thing is that Mrs Darwin, having first denied knowing that her husband was still alive, then admitted she knew when a picture of the couple, taken last year, came to light. Her response was that her sons would never forgive her, followed quickly by a statement from her sons publicly disowning her. They have now reportedly left their homes.

£1.479m investment for Coatham links

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council is celebrating confirmation of £1.479million grant from One North East, the Regional Development Agency for the North East of England, to support the development of the multi-million pound sports, leisure and housing development at Coatham Enclosure, Redcar.

The confirmation of the funding, which will contribute towards the cost of installing a proposed combined heat and power unit within the new leisure centre building and fund wide-scale quality improvements to the public areas, marks a key milestone in the delivery of this exciting new development set to commence in spring 2008.

Currently, the area for the scheme is being marked out and made ready for this major new development which will provide a leisure centre with a 6-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a second exciting leisure pool with flume and water features, state-of-the-art gym with 75 'fitness stations', a children's gym, 5-a-side pitches, performance space for dance and music, beauty salon, medical centre, new public rights of way, seafront apartments, alongside new mixed family and affordable housing and ongoing improvements to the boating lake and seafront promenade.

Tory faint-hearts over Fairtrade

Liberal Democrat councillors at County Hall, Northallerton, today expressed disappointment at the ruling Conservatives’ decision not to make North Yorkshire County Council a “Fairtrade County.”

The Fairtrade Foundation aims to improve the lives of food producers in the developing world by ensuring that they are paid a fair price for what they produce. It has the support of many councils, charities and religious organisations.

Following a Lib Dem motion, the Council’s Environment & Heritage Committee set up a Research Group to look into Fairtrade. It reported back by recommending that the Council aim to gain Fairtrade status for the county.

However, the recommendations then went to the Council’s Management Board, which is made up of senior officers. It advised the Council’s Conservative dominated Executive that it should expand availability of Fairtrade products in its general business, but not to seek Fairtrade status for the county.

Richmond Lib Dem Councillor Stuart Parsons said: “I am pleased that the Council has decided to expand use of Fairtrade products at meetings and in the County Hall canteen. Any use of their products will help bring about a fairer and more decent world economy.

“But it is a great pity that the Conservatives have not opted to go for Fairtrade County status. We could have proudly declared our Fairtrade status to visitors on road signs and council vehicles.

“Our neighbours in Cumbria have already become a Fairtrade County, and Lancashire is working towards it. North Yorkshire is in danger of being left behind, and has missed a golden opportunity to support the local economy.”

Do you need community facilities?

Are you involved with a club, society or other community group that has plans or ambitions for new or improved facilities, or do you own such a facility and have aspirations for its future improvement?

If so, then Redcar and Cleveland Council wants to hear from you, so that it has all the information available to draft new planning policies on the provision of community facilities across the Borough.

A new planning document, the Communities DPD, could protect existing facilities and safeguard sites for new community facilities. The Council is also looking at ways of securing contributions towards community facilities as part of new housing developments but needs to know where the greatest needs are.

You can download a community infrastructure questionnaire from the Council's website, pick up a copy in your local library, or ask for one to be posted to you by calling 01287 650553.

The closing date for responses is 4th January 2008.

This consultation is part of the on-going consultation on the Emerging Options for the Communities DPD which was launched on the 13, November and deals with housing, open space, community facilities and environmental matters.

Responses are also invited on all the issues and options raised in the Emerging Options Report by 4 January 2008.

Super Leeds put three past rock bottom Valiants

David Prutton headed home from 6 yards in the 17th minute, after Leeds had dominated play from the start, 1-0.

Hopes of more goals in the first half began to fade as United took their foot off the pedal and the Valiants increased their share of possession.

After the restart Leeds got a grip of the game again and a right foot shot, from 12 yards, in the 54th minute, gave Jermaine Beckford his 11th league goal of the season so far, 2-0.

An injury to Beckford in the 64th minute brought on Tore Andre Flo for what is said to be his first pain free game for 10 months; Jonathan Howson came on for Radistin Kishishev on 73 minutes, Ian Westlake was replaced by Alan Thompson in the 80th minute.

On 82 minutes Flo volleyed a right foot shot, from 20 yards, straight into the back of the net, 3-0.

This was a much improved performance by United, who have clearly benefited from the 10 day break.

Attendance - 20,301

Leeds United 3 Port Vale 0

Are we the "saddest" area in the country?

A News of the World study places Middlesbrough as the "saddest place" in the country with the Borough of Redcar & Cleveland in third place.

Our area receives a lot of negative publicity about the quality of life and the health of our citizens. The response to this is usually denial and threats to boycott the messengers as seen in today's Northern Echo story.

You can't deny the fact that there are real health and sickness problems in our area; high levels of unemployment on many estates and poor housing.

Redcar's Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesman, Ian Swales (pictured second left), said:

"These results certainly make me depressed. Sadly they're not surprising. High levels of people not working or having to work outside the area, the constant bother of low level crime and some parts being very run down are bound to affect people's health. Teesside has been let down by generations of politicians."

"No doubt people will try to say the results of these surveys are somehow not representative. They will probably be people with positions to protect. In fact the very people who have brought the area to it's current state. For example where are the well paid Civil Service jobs that the Government have been promising for ten years?"