Ian Swales secures crucial meeting with the Government and Corus buyers SSI

A crucial meeting between Corus buyers Sahaviriya Steel Industries (SSI) and the Government has been secured by local MP Ian Swales.

Ian was concerned by a report from the Energy Intensive Users Group that suggested that green taxes could force industries that use a lot of energy - such as steel production - to move abroad. 

In the House of Commons today Ian Swales asked Climate Change Minister Gregory Barker to consider the international competitiveness of UK-based energy intensive industries. He also asked if the Minister would meet with SSI to discuss future carbon and energy policy and its impact on high-energy industries.

The Minister assured Mr. Swales that he would be happy to meet with him and SSI to discuss these issues.

Ian Swales commented, “It is vital that green taxes do not send energy intensive industries abroad. It’s energy inefficiency - not energy intensity - that should be taxed.

 “Everyone in the area knows how important it is for the steel plant to re-open to create hundreds of jobs for local people. The Minister’s agreement to meet with SSI and myself will help to make sure that happens.”

Ian Swales MP commemorates our veterans and Armed Forces

Ian Swales MP commemorates our veterans and Armed Forces in a series of events over the next few days

On Friday Mr Swales will be attending an event at Redcar and Cleveland College as part of a series of Remembrance Day activities occurring in the area.

Ian will be talking to students at the College about the significance of the day before taking part in a wreath laying ceremony in honour of all those serving in our Armed Forces, past and present.

Ian said “Remembrance Day is a great opportunity for us to pay our respects to those who have given their lives in service to their country, and to show our appreciation to those currently serving.  It is especially good to see young people participating in these commemorative services. 

“We must be sure to also pay tribute to those who return from duty injured, both physically and mentally.  This time of year is a great time to highlight the fantastic work which is done year round by the Royal British Legion and other charities, such as Help for Heroes.

“There have been some great events in the area this year, including the Marske United football match which I attended last Sunday.  It was great to see so many people taking part and coming out to show their support.  I was really impressed by the footballing prowess of our local councillors, but the Legion were worthy winners in the end”

Ian will be attending services in Normanby (Sat 11am), Redcar (Sun 11am), Lazenby (Sun 12pm) and New Marske (Sun 2.30pm), as well as laying wreaths at the remaining 6 war memorials across the constituency over the weekend. 

He added  ‘’I would encourage anyone who can to attend their local Remembrance Day service.  It is always nice to see a good turnout at these events.’’   

Details of local services can be found here. 

Soil conditioner give away at Redcar Racecourse

Following popular demand Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council is holding another big heap, soil conditioner give away to any residents who would like to come along, bag it up and take it away.

 

The giveaway is being held at Redcar Racecourse, in the car park at the Redcar Lane main entrance, on Saturday, November 20 between 10am and 12noon.

 

There will be a three bag limit to each vehicle, given on a first come, first served basis. Shovels will be available, but you will need to provide your own bags.

 

The soil conditioner has been collected through the Council's green waste scheme and can be spread about an inch thick into garden borders to give plants plenty of nutrients and improve the soil.

 

If you would like more information please call, Area Management Promotions and Marketing on 01287 612305.

Lib Dems condemn lack of notice on green waste

Liberal Democrats on Redcar & Cleveland Council are concerned about the Labour Council stopping green waste collections without enough warning.

The Council has stopped its alternate weekly collection of green waste from 1 November for the winter as a cost cutting exercise. However, the Council only informed the press of this on 26 October.

Lib Dem Councillor John Hannon (Kirkleatham Ward) said:

"I appreciate the need to save money, but the Council should have given people much more notice. How are people supposed to plan ahead when big changes like this are sprung on them?"

“I have already received several complaints from residents who are angry about this, and they have good reason to be.”

“The Lib Dems will be asking the Labour Cabinet member responsible what went wrong.”

Lib Dem unites Redcar swimmers

Liberal Democrat Councillor Mike Carling has reunited the swimmers, coaches and parents from Redcar Swimming Club for a pre-Christmas swim thanks to the temporary pool at Rye Hills School.

Mike was a swim coach with the club until its closure 10 years ago.

The club had 120 young members and provided a valuable resource for the town. The closure of the baths was a real blow to Redcar.

The British Gas Pools for Schools programme has helped to make this possible, along with Tees Valley Leisure, the Council and the School Sports Partnership.

Cllr Carling said:

"The temporary pool will provided much needed swimming lessons for local children and help them understand water safety."

Fellow Lib Dem Councillor Mary Ovens, who is also a governor at Rye Hills School, added:

“Congratulations are due to all the staff and partners who have made this possible.”

“The new pool has to be seen to be believed. I urge local people to go along and see for themselves how good it is.”