Jobcentre communication not acceptable – Ian Swales

Local Liberal Democrat MP Ian Swales has been contacted by concerned residents about the need for a local number to contact Redcar Jobcentre.  After investigating, it appears that the 0845 number not only charges people 4p per minute, there is no alternative local number. 

The website www.saynoto0870.com has local numbers for both Middlesbrough and Guisborough Jobcentre, but there is no such number for Redcar Jobcentre. 

Ian said: ‘This is a disgrace.  Not only do I have constituents who are trying to contact the Jobcentre as asked, they are also being made to wait for 30 minutes or more on a line that is costing them money.  Anyone contacting the Jobcentre is likely to be short of money. 

‘’I am calling on all local jobcentres to publicise their local numbers.’’

 ‘’In difficult times like this we should be helping people save money, not making it hard for them.  The Jobcentre is a lifeline to for some people and easy access is essential.  I will be speaking to Redcar Jobcentre, and will ask them to provide a local number for my constituents’’.

Lib Dems demand Surestart swimming for Redcar, Marske & New Marske

A Liberal Democrat councillor is demanding access to swimming through Surestart for families in the Marske, New Marske and Redcar areas.

Councillor Margaret Wilson, who represents St Germains ward in Marske, raised the issue at last Thursday’s meeting of Redcar & Cleveland Council. She feels that children from Marske, New Marske and Redcar are not getting a fair deal.

Local children in these areas qualify for free swimming sessions via Surestart, but cannot get them because of the booking system at Saltburn baths. This gives priority to families from Saltburn and other eastern parts of the borough.

Margaret Wilson said:

“Above all this highlights the need for a pool at Redcar. But until that time we need an arrangement which does not deprive children from Marske, New Marske and Redcar of free swimming.

"I hope a solution can be found so that our children are not deprived of swimming. We are after all a coastal borough, which makes learning to swim all the more important.

“The Council could look at providing sessions at Kirkleatham Hall School baths as a short-term measure. This happened in the past so why not again?”