Posted by Glynis:
This morning our hessian sack, that we have used for the three years that Redcar & Cleveland Council has been seriously into recycling, was taken away and a pack 10 clear plastic sacks was stuck on the door handle.
A letter explained that we had requested this change (we most certainly did not). We are now expected to tie this bag up and fasten it to the weelie bin on collection days. That is okay in theory, but more often than not, my bin is emptied hours before the plastics and cardboard are collected.
Once the wheelie bins are brought in the bags will be left out. I have this vision of bags full of plastic bottles blowing up and down roads. Either that or we will have two bin wagons on our streets at the same time.
The change is because some people did not bother to use the velcro fastening on the hessian sack and plastic bottles often spilled out. Why do they think people will be more inclined to find something to tie up the new bags and then fasten them to the wheelie bin when they could not be bothered to fasten the velcro strap?
The problem round here is not so much people not fastening up the bags, it is the speed with which the collection operatives feel they have to work. When they transfer them into another container some spill out and they don't bother to pick them up.
Why they need to tamper with the system is because when we introduced it, the Lib Dem led Coalition followed the guidance set down by the Labour Government to the letter. We became a Beacon Council and were rated as the best in the north east.
The Labour opposition were seething with rage over this and did nothing but whinge and moan about the system. 80% of residents got fully behind us and participated in recycling but it was the 20% that could not be bothered that Labour encouraged. Constantly knocking the two-weekly collection cycle and promising to return to weekly collection of refuse.
Now they find that we were right all along and have abandoned their promise to return to weekly refuse collection because it will put at least 4% on the Council Tax. Instead they have come up with a barmy plan to just put it up by one half percent and collect refuse weekly for eight weeks of the year, either Christmas or the summer, they have not decided yet.
What they should be doing is continuing with our programme of visiting residents who don't recycle and advising them how to do it. This was working well and they could use the extra money that will be spent on the pointless eight weeks of weekly collection to employ extra people to carry out the advisory visits.
Showing posts with label Coalition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coalition. Show all posts
Wednesday, 17 October 2007
Sunday, 7 October 2007
Labour MP confirms Council advice on Coatham Links covenants
Vera Baird QC MP has published the outcome of her investigation into the covenants on the land at Coatham Links on her web site.
She has concluded (though she states it is the advice of the Land Registry) that what the Lib Dem led Coalition Council said about them is right, although she starts off by spinning the line that we had promised to make the legal advice public but didn't.
Vera Baird knows perfectly well that the Scrutiny Committee that asked for the advice wanted it made public, as did every member of the Council at the time. What she doesn't say is none of those Councillors are lawyers and were unaware at the time that such advice is meant for those acting for the Council, who in turn are acting for the public. The QC advised the Council that it was not in the public interest to publish this advice.
As a top QC Vera Baird knows this and should accept that Councillors were acting honourably in following the legal advice received. They had no choice and could have faced punishment by the Standards Board had they gone against this advice. It contains advice that may be used in court on behalf of the public. Does Vera Baird advise her clients, whom she acts for in court, to make public the advice she gives them before it is played out in court?
Anyone can argue anything in court, if they are prepared to pay for it. The group fighting the proposals are not speaking on behalf of the public as a whole and have delayed the scheme long enough with a whole series of failed legal challenges. They have cost Council taxpayers an absolute fortune and all their candidates in the recent elections were defeated heavily.
The ironic thing about all this is that one of the covenants was placed to protect the view of a convalescent home that was demolished in the 1950's. Since then a swimming pool was built in front of where the home stood (since demolished) and the Mungle Jungle buildings have also been constructed.
She has concluded (though she states it is the advice of the Land Registry) that what the Lib Dem led Coalition Council said about them is right, although she starts off by spinning the line that we had promised to make the legal advice public but didn't.
Vera Baird knows perfectly well that the Scrutiny Committee that asked for the advice wanted it made public, as did every member of the Council at the time. What she doesn't say is none of those Councillors are lawyers and were unaware at the time that such advice is meant for those acting for the Council, who in turn are acting for the public. The QC advised the Council that it was not in the public interest to publish this advice.
As a top QC Vera Baird knows this and should accept that Councillors were acting honourably in following the legal advice received. They had no choice and could have faced punishment by the Standards Board had they gone against this advice. It contains advice that may be used in court on behalf of the public. Does Vera Baird advise her clients, whom she acts for in court, to make public the advice she gives them before it is played out in court?
Anyone can argue anything in court, if they are prepared to pay for it. The group fighting the proposals are not speaking on behalf of the public as a whole and have delayed the scheme long enough with a whole series of failed legal challenges. They have cost Council taxpayers an absolute fortune and all their candidates in the recent elections were defeated heavily.
The ironic thing about all this is that one of the covenants was placed to protect the view of a convalescent home that was demolished in the 1950's. Since then a swimming pool was built in front of where the home stood (since demolished) and the Mungle Jungle buildings have also been constructed.
Friday, 5 October 2007
New bus services have been given the green light
Plans introduced by the Liberal Democrat led Coalition before the Council elections in May are finally in place.
Redcar and Cleveland Council hopes a new bus service to be launched next month is just the ticket for dozens of would-be bus passengers who have been left standing for over a year.
The Council has been given the green light by the Traffic Commissioners to run the service, which will link the communities of Easington and Lazenby, as well as the villages of Liverton Mines and Skinningrove, into Redcar from Monday, November 12.
The service will be operated by a 25-seater, with wheelchair access, and become the first fare-paying service operated by the Council's Integrated Transport Unit.
The 784 will operate a return, limited stop service from Easington to Redcar on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while the 760 will run a return service from Lazenby to Redcar on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Redcar and Cleveland Council hopes a new bus service to be launched next month is just the ticket for dozens of would-be bus passengers who have been left standing for over a year.
The Council has been given the green light by the Traffic Commissioners to run the service, which will link the communities of Easington and Lazenby, as well as the villages of Liverton Mines and Skinningrove, into Redcar from Monday, November 12.
The service will be operated by a 25-seater, with wheelchair access, and become the first fare-paying service operated by the Council's Integrated Transport Unit.
The 784 will operate a return, limited stop service from Easington to Redcar on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while the 760 will run a return service from Lazenby to Redcar on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Wednesday, 26 September 2007
This is why we said "Labour can't be trusted"
One of Redcar Liberal Democrats slogans, during the Council elections in May was: "Labour can't be trusted."
They had spent the past four years promising everything to everyone. Their leader on Redcar & Cleveland Council practiced opposition for opposition's sake. He jumped onto every populist bandwagon and often opposed things his own pre-2003 administration had set in motion.
The Evening Gazette's letters column was filled with one paragraph sound-bites, supporting the Labour stance, many of which were in the names of people we suspect do not exist (and here and here).
Listed below are just some of the issues where Labour have shown that what they say in opposition is different to what they do in control:
The Lib Dem led Coalition 2003 -2007 took many difficult decisions that lifted the Council from being rated as only 'fair' when we took over in 2003 and to 'four star excellent' within three years.
Coatham Links
When we took over in 2003 the previous Labour administration had appointed Persimmon Homes as the preferred developer and the scheme was launched by Councillor George Dunning just prior to the 2003 elections.
Cllr Dunning became Labour Group leader after the election and aided by Labour MP, Vera Baird, Labour flip flopped this way and that over the scheme and encouraged a very nasty campaign by a small group of protesters.
No sooner had they won back control but they were all for it (and here and here).
In opposition Councillor Dunning went on and on about Councillors allowances complaining that Redcar & Cleveland's allowances were higher than other neighbouring Councils. But at yesterday's cabinet he said "Tees Valley Councils need to catch up with us" as they voted to go on with the current system.
Land at Church Lane
Councillor Dunning and his deputy. Councillor Sheelagh Clarke, led the opposition to the Coalition Cabinet's plan to sell a small section of land, alongside the town hall, to Tees Valley Housing Group. This would provide some much needed homes in the area and in particular provide more options for people moving out of the South Bank renewal area, whilst at the same time preserving a substantial area of green space.
Labour twice managed to win the vote to reject the proposals at planning committee but Tees Valley Housing Group appealed and this was upheld by the Government Inspector.
On taking control Labour still had the choice of not selling the land to Tees Valley, and thereby preventing the houses being built. Councillor Dunning promised in this letter that this is what he would do.
But yesterday, in far away Saltburn, the Labour cabinet voted to hand over the land and allow the houses to be built. They have achieved exactly the same outcome as the previous Coalition Cabinet had attempted to arrive at.
The new Labour Cabinet have shown once again that they say one thing in opposition and do exactly the opposite in control. They owe the residents who trusted them to do what they promised a most humble apology.
They had spent the past four years promising everything to everyone. Their leader on Redcar & Cleveland Council practiced opposition for opposition's sake. He jumped onto every populist bandwagon and often opposed things his own pre-2003 administration had set in motion.
The Evening Gazette's letters column was filled with one paragraph sound-bites, supporting the Labour stance, many of which were in the names of people we suspect do not exist (and here and here).
Listed below are just some of the issues where Labour have shown that what they say in opposition is different to what they do in control:
The Lib Dem led Coalition 2003 -2007 took many difficult decisions that lifted the Council from being rated as only 'fair' when we took over in 2003 and to 'four star excellent' within three years.
Coatham Links
When we took over in 2003 the previous Labour administration had appointed Persimmon Homes as the preferred developer and the scheme was launched by Councillor George Dunning just prior to the 2003 elections.
Cllr Dunning became Labour Group leader after the election and aided by Labour MP, Vera Baird, Labour flip flopped this way and that over the scheme and encouraged a very nasty campaign by a small group of protesters.
No sooner had they won back control but they were all for it (and here and here).
Closure of Eston Town Hall and James Finegan Hall
The Coalition were faced with the task of what to do about the Poulson designed 1960's town hall at Eston and Finegan Hall alongside it. The previous Labour administration had cut the Council's maintenance budget years before, to prop up their "no compulsory redundancy" policy and claw their way back from having the second highest Council tax in the land. Both buildings were in need of major investment and are unsuitable for 21st century local government.
The Coalition decided it was much more economical to provide a new civic hall in the more accessible centre of Redcar, rather than have main council services split over three main towns. The Audit Commission had criticised the previous Labour Council for this inefficient set up. Moving the town hall to Redcar would reduce travelling for staff and make it more accessible to the borough's residents.
Although we promised that a brand new replacement for Finegan Hall would be built before the hall was closed a group of dancers launched a campaign against the closure plans. Councillor George Dunning, the council's Labour Group leader, backed the protesters. Over and over again he was reported as saying: "Our position is that when we get back control in 2007 we will keep open the James Finegan Hall and refurbish it along with the Town Hall." Read more here and here.
No sooner are they back in control than they have now voted to do exactly what the Coalition had planned. They have done a complete u-turn. It is interesting that they held the Cabinet meeting in Saltburn, far away from Eston.
Councillors AllowancesIn opposition Councillor Dunning went on and on about Councillors allowances complaining that Redcar & Cleveland's allowances were higher than other neighbouring Councils. But at yesterday's cabinet he said "Tees Valley Councils need to catch up with us" as they voted to go on with the current system.
Land at Church Lane
Councillor Dunning and his deputy. Councillor Sheelagh Clarke, led the opposition to the Coalition Cabinet's plan to sell a small section of land, alongside the town hall, to Tees Valley Housing Group. This would provide some much needed homes in the area and in particular provide more options for people moving out of the South Bank renewal area, whilst at the same time preserving a substantial area of green space.
Labour twice managed to win the vote to reject the proposals at planning committee but Tees Valley Housing Group appealed and this was upheld by the Government Inspector.
On taking control Labour still had the choice of not selling the land to Tees Valley, and thereby preventing the houses being built. Councillor Dunning promised in this letter that this is what he would do.
But yesterday, in far away Saltburn, the Labour cabinet voted to hand over the land and allow the houses to be built. They have achieved exactly the same outcome as the previous Coalition Cabinet had attempted to arrive at.
The new Labour Cabinet have shown once again that they say one thing in opposition and do exactly the opposite in control. They owe the residents who trusted them to do what they promised a most humble apology.
Wednesday, 12 September 2007
Labour in control and already the Town Clock is on the blink
Redcar Town Clock is currently showing the incorrect time. The clock maintenance engineers have advised that the timing mechanism should right itself in a few days. Let's hope it does. One of the first things we did when we took control of the Council was get the town clock ticking again. It had been out of action for more than four years and the Labour administration claimed it was seriously damaged by vandalism. The truth turned out quite differently. The only thing wrong with the clock was that the mechanism had siezed up through lack of maintenance.
The Lib Dem led Coalition kept the clock ticking for four years. Let us hope that Labour do not neglect it again now they are back in control.
Lib Dems are the greenest and that's official
Posted by Glynis:
Liberal Democrat Councillors on Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council are delighted that an independent report has named the Lib Dems as the greenest of the main parties.
The report entitled “Green Standard” is published by an alliance of respected environmental campaign groups including Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and the Woodland Trust.
It awarded the Lib Dems three “green lights” approving their policies. Labour received only one and the Conservatives none.
This confirms what we have always known. Whilst the other parties talk about the environment, only the Liberal Democrats put words into action. We have ambitious plans to make it easier for people to make their homes greener, and to tax pollution.
In Redcar and Cleveland the Lib Dem-led Coalition which ran the Council until May built “green” schools such as Freebrough in Brotton. We gave free home insulation to homes with residents over 60 or under five. But now Labour has stopped this scheme. This shows that at local and national level it is only the Lib Dems who are committed to action on the environment.
Liberal Democrat Councillors on Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council are delighted that an independent report has named the Lib Dems as the greenest of the main parties.
The report entitled “Green Standard” is published by an alliance of respected environmental campaign groups including Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and the Woodland Trust.
It awarded the Lib Dems three “green lights” approving their policies. Labour received only one and the Conservatives none.
This confirms what we have always known. Whilst the other parties talk about the environment, only the Liberal Democrats put words into action. We have ambitious plans to make it easier for people to make their homes greener, and to tax pollution.
In Redcar and Cleveland the Lib Dem-led Coalition which ran the Council until May built “green” schools such as Freebrough in Brotton. We gave free home insulation to homes with residents over 60 or under five. But now Labour has stopped this scheme. This shows that at local and national level it is only the Lib Dems who are committed to action on the environment.
Friday, 20 July 2007
Glyn Nightingale hits out at Labour's "frantic" claims
Liberal Democrat Councillor, Glyn Nightingale, former Cabinet member for Resources, on Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council has defended the Coalition's four years of excellent performance whilst in charge of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council with an attack on claims made by the Leader of the new administration:"The leader of the Labour Group is setting up his excuses for breaking his election promise of Council Tax cuts when an increase next year is inevitable, especially because his Government's grant continually penalises Redcar & Cleveland.
"This year they gave £7.1m less than justified by its own assessment of needs. Next year Government financial stringency is likely to put even more pressure on Council finances.
"If what the Labour Leader says is true, there would have been no chance of the Coalition achieving its 4-Star Excellent rating from Government Inspectors. No council can get an Excellent rating unless its use of financial resources is in the top brackets. The Coalition made sure we were.
"The Council faces more demands for people in care and environmental services. So our priorities were sound when we put an extra £18.5m into care for the elderly, young people and environmental services as well as making £17.5m of efficiency savings.
"He fails to say that his Government is forcing the Council to make even more efficiency gains that cannot be re-invested in services any longer. That's one of the real challenges he is facing along with Labour's additional commitments, eg £2m for Town Hall and Finegan Hall repairs.
"Maintenance of leisure centres and swimming baths has been part of the responsibilities of TVLL as part of the contract set up by Labour.
"Labour left the real financial mess for the Coalition to sort out. To get no Council Tax increases for three years, Labour cut services and neglected repairs to roads and Council buildings. We introduced an affordable, planned maintenance programme. Also, each year Labour's zero Council Tax rises cost the Council over £7m in lost Government grant.
"The frantic language and distortions presented by Labour, through their leader, confirms our election warning that Labour cannot be trusted."
"If what the Labour Leader says is true, there would have been no chance of the Coalition achieving its 4-Star Excellent rating from Government Inspectors. No council can get an Excellent rating unless its use of financial resources is in the top brackets. The Coalition made sure we were.
"The Council faces more demands for people in care and environmental services. So our priorities were sound when we put an extra £18.5m into care for the elderly, young people and environmental services as well as making £17.5m of efficiency savings.
"He fails to say that his Government is forcing the Council to make even more efficiency gains that cannot be re-invested in services any longer. That's one of the real challenges he is facing along with Labour's additional commitments, eg £2m for Town Hall and Finegan Hall repairs.
"Maintenance of leisure centres and swimming baths has been part of the responsibilities of TVLL as part of the contract set up by Labour.
"Labour left the real financial mess for the Coalition to sort out. To get no Council Tax increases for three years, Labour cut services and neglected repairs to roads and Council buildings. We introduced an affordable, planned maintenance programme. Also, each year Labour's zero Council Tax rises cost the Council over £7m in lost Government grant.
"The frantic language and distortions presented by Labour, through their leader, confirms our election warning that Labour cannot be trusted."
Thursday, 19 July 2007
Lib Dems condemn loss of energy scheme for elderly
Liberal Democrats on Redcar & Cleveland Council today attacked the Council’s Labour leadership for suspending a scheme which gives free home insulation to residents most in need.
The scheme, introduced when the Lib Dem-led Coalition ran the Council, provided free cavity wall insulation to householders aged over 60 or those with children under five.
But now the Council, under Labour, has suspended the scheme.
Redcar Lib Dem Councillor Chris Abbott, said:
“This is an excellent scheme which deserves to continue. It provides warmer homes for those who most need it, cuts fuel bills and reduces carbon emissions. It should have been given a fresh injection of cash.”
“In the longer term I would like to see the Council go further, and follow the excellent lead of Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council in providing free cavity wall and loft insulation for all households which request it. There the result has been savings on fuel bills of £150 per household per year, the creation of several new jobs, and a significant cut in CO2 emissions.
"Labour’s manifesto from the recent elections says: “We will support installation and (sic) energy saving schemes in the home”. Why then has the Council scrapped (suspended) the scheme introduced by the Coalition which offered free cavity wall and loft insulation to householders over 60 or those with children under five?"
The scheme, introduced when the Lib Dem-led Coalition ran the Council, provided free cavity wall insulation to householders aged over 60 or those with children under five.
But now the Council, under Labour, has suspended the scheme.
Redcar Lib Dem Councillor Chris Abbott, said:
“This is an excellent scheme which deserves to continue. It provides warmer homes for those who most need it, cuts fuel bills and reduces carbon emissions. It should have been given a fresh injection of cash.”
“In the longer term I would like to see the Council go further, and follow the excellent lead of Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council in providing free cavity wall and loft insulation for all households which request it. There the result has been savings on fuel bills of £150 per household per year, the creation of several new jobs, and a significant cut in CO2 emissions.
"Labour’s manifesto from the recent elections says: “We will support installation and (sic) energy saving schemes in the home”. Why then has the Council scrapped (suspended) the scheme introduced by the Coalition which offered free cavity wall and loft insulation to householders over 60 or those with children under five?"
Friday, 27 April 2007
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.
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.
Friday, 13 April 2007
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.
Wednesday, 14 March 2007
Is there no end to the twisted nonsense spouted by opponents of the Coatham Links development?
Posted by Chris:
The opponents of the superb Coatham Links proposed leisure and housing development seem to have two methods of working.
The first is to be highly selective in what they hear and to spin conspiracy theories around their selections.
The other is they simply make it up.
It was recently announced that the bowling alley is moving to the building where the bingo hall was going. This is because the Council and the developers Persimmon Homes had listened to the views of residents and businesses and had decided not to proceed with the bingo hall. Instead it was agreed that the bowling alley would be sited in the building that was to house the bingo hall and thereby freeing up space in the new leisure centre for a state of the art dance and performance area.
Because it was announced that there would be no bingo hall, in the twisted logic of one of the protesters, this means there will be no bowling alley as well.
It has been pointed out over and over again that there is no public funding for the provision of the extreme sports facilities that are planned on the site, and never has been. Again it is a leap of twisted logic for the protesters to claim that means there can be no extreme sports. The existing leaseholder for that part of the site is responsible for that part of the development not the Council or Persimmon Homes. The development agreement has a fall back position to cover what happens if leaseholder fails to deliver.
There is £120,000 set aside to CPO the site so extreme sports can be delivered. Again the protesters twist this simple position of "the current leaseholder will do it but if they fail we take over," into something sinister that 'proves' it will not happen.
It has always been the case that at the beach near South Gare we have agreed advisory signs asking people not to walk there during the nesting season. Again this perfectly reasonable position, that we have always been open about, is twisted in the objectors minds to mean all activities are banned on the beach throughout Coatham.
We have pointed out many times that the visitor centre will be provided in the later phases of the development and at this stage all the grant funding needed to provide the facility cannot be confirmed because the grant providers do not agree funding until all the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed. To twist this into "there will no visitor centre" is nonsense.
The opponents of the superb Coatham Links proposed leisure and housing development seem to have two methods of working.
The first is to be highly selective in what they hear and to spin conspiracy theories around their selections.
The other is they simply make it up.
It was recently announced that the bowling alley is moving to the building where the bingo hall was going. This is because the Council and the developers Persimmon Homes had listened to the views of residents and businesses and had decided not to proceed with the bingo hall. Instead it was agreed that the bowling alley would be sited in the building that was to house the bingo hall and thereby freeing up space in the new leisure centre for a state of the art dance and performance area.
Because it was announced that there would be no bingo hall, in the twisted logic of one of the protesters, this means there will be no bowling alley as well.
It has been pointed out over and over again that there is no public funding for the provision of the extreme sports facilities that are planned on the site, and never has been. Again it is a leap of twisted logic for the protesters to claim that means there can be no extreme sports. The existing leaseholder for that part of the site is responsible for that part of the development not the Council or Persimmon Homes. The development agreement has a fall back position to cover what happens if leaseholder fails to deliver.
There is £120,000 set aside to CPO the site so extreme sports can be delivered. Again the protesters twist this simple position of "the current leaseholder will do it but if they fail we take over," into something sinister that 'proves' it will not happen.
It has always been the case that at the beach near South Gare we have agreed advisory signs asking people not to walk there during the nesting season. Again this perfectly reasonable position, that we have always been open about, is twisted in the objectors minds to mean all activities are banned on the beach throughout Coatham.
We have pointed out many times that the visitor centre will be provided in the later phases of the development and at this stage all the grant funding needed to provide the facility cannot be confirmed because the grant providers do not agree funding until all the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed. To twist this into "there will no visitor centre" is nonsense.
The Coalition of Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and East Cleveland Independents that currently run the Council are determined that the Coatham Links scheme will be delivered in full and it is vital that we retain control in May because clearly it is the only way we can bring about the regeneration of Redcar.
You cannot argue with someone so besotted with conspiracy theories but we do try.
You cannot argue with someone so besotted with conspiracy theories but we do try.
Thursday, 8 March 2007
Coalition Council plans to restore Marske Valley Gardens
Hundreds of residents in Marske are getting the chance to have their say in restoring the town's Valley Gardens to their former glories in a £200,000 investment scheme.
Groundwork South Tees, working in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland Council, begin door-to-door interviews at over 400 homes from the end of this month.
The Gardens, originally created to form a link between the beach and the town centre, were constructed in the 1930s, and now one of the main jobs will be to repair the 'vicar's trod' the main path originally used by the vicar and the monks to cross the Valley to St Germain's churchyard.
Other works are set to include improvements to the footpaths and boundaries as well as the reinstatement of some of the Gardens' original features.
The Friends of the Marske Valley Gardens, formed in August last year, are delighted at the initiative. Chairman Susannah Henderson said: "We are a new group who want to see the Valley Gardens restored and we are sure the people of Marske would like the chance to be involved."
Ian Moran, a community project officer for Groundwork South Tees, explained: "We are committed to a wide-ranging public consultation, starting with a blank canvas.
"We are aiming to have sketch proposals drawn up by May and then we will return to the homes to see if they're in agreement. Work is programmed to start in November and take two months."
The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: "We would be delighted to hear the views of local people. It's a wonderful opportunity for the public to get what they want - and can only open access to the Gardens and encourage tourism."
Groundwork South Tees, working in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland Council, begin door-to-door interviews at over 400 homes from the end of this month.
The Gardens, originally created to form a link between the beach and the town centre, were constructed in the 1930s, and now one of the main jobs will be to repair the 'vicar's trod' the main path originally used by the vicar and the monks to cross the Valley to St Germain's churchyard.
Other works are set to include improvements to the footpaths and boundaries as well as the reinstatement of some of the Gardens' original features.
The Friends of the Marske Valley Gardens, formed in August last year, are delighted at the initiative. Chairman Susannah Henderson said: "We are a new group who want to see the Valley Gardens restored and we are sure the people of Marske would like the chance to be involved."
Ian Moran, a community project officer for Groundwork South Tees, explained: "We are committed to a wide-ranging public consultation, starting with a blank canvas.
"We are aiming to have sketch proposals drawn up by May and then we will return to the homes to see if they're in agreement. Work is programmed to start in November and take two months."
The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: "We would be delighted to hear the views of local people. It's a wonderful opportunity for the public to get what they want - and can only open access to the Gardens and encourage tourism."
Tuesday, 21 November 2006
Coalition ensures safe journeys to school
Redcar and Cleveland Council has reassessed the walk to school for some children attending Freebrough Specialist Engineering College and they will now have transport provided when their new school opens in the New Year.
The decision means that children from Carlin How and Skinningrove will benefit from home to school transport to Freebrough Specialist Engineering College when the doors of its new building open to students at Brotton on the first day of the new term in January.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Steve Kay said: "We are now in a position to inform parents that we can offer free home to school transport for more children going to Freebrough in January."
The decision follows a review of the walking route to school after the Council had ruled children living in Carlin How and Skinningrove could not claim free school travel.
Councillor Kay explained: "I have had representations from Brotton ward councillors Val Miller and Kay Walker and Loftus ward councillor Dave Fitzpatrick, who all asked for the walking route to be reviewed on safety grounds.
"Following our reassessment we can make home to school transport available to the children concerned. We are now in the process of writing to parents to explain the decision and hope that pupils can all look forward to the excitement of attending the new school in a few weeks."
The decision means that children from Carlin How and Skinningrove will benefit from home to school transport to Freebrough Specialist Engineering College when the doors of its new building open to students at Brotton on the first day of the new term in January.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Steve Kay said: "We are now in a position to inform parents that we can offer free home to school transport for more children going to Freebrough in January."
The decision follows a review of the walking route to school after the Council had ruled children living in Carlin How and Skinningrove could not claim free school travel.
Councillor Kay explained: "I have had representations from Brotton ward councillors Val Miller and Kay Walker and Loftus ward councillor Dave Fitzpatrick, who all asked for the walking route to be reviewed on safety grounds.
"Following our reassessment we can make home to school transport available to the children concerned. We are now in the process of writing to parents to explain the decision and hope that pupils can all look forward to the excitement of attending the new school in a few weeks."
Tuesday, 17 October 2006
No pool closures in foreseeable future
A leading Coalition Councillor today insisted that there are no plans to close any of East Cleveland's three swimming pools at Loftus, Saltburn and Guisborough.
Fears that the pools could be under threat have surfaced amid negotiations by the Council to choose one of three companies who tendered for the contract to manage the Borough's leisure centres.
Concerned users and user groups have wrongly linked the suggestion in one of the tendering documents that an Olympic 'super pool' could be built in East Cleveland to imminent closure of existing swimming facilities.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: "I can categorically state that this Council has no intention of closing any pools for the foreseeable future.
"We will still continue to subsidise the leisure facillities by around £1 million a year and are looking to increase this investment in the future."
He explained: "I can also confirm that there has been a suggestion from one of the organisations tendering for the contract to manage our leisure facilities that they should build an Olympic 'super pool' in East Cleveland and lose the swimming element at the sports centres in Loftus, Saltburn and Guisborough.
"As this is an official tendering document, we are legally bound to consider all its contents and that is why we are also keen to take on board the views of users and user groups. I'm more than happy to talk to all interested parties."
Councillor Fitzpatrick added: "People are jumping to conclusions, but nothing has been decided. What we need to be doing is finding and analysing as many opinions as possible from all areas of Redcar and Cleveland.
"And we need to broaden people's minds - this isn't about the future of swimming in the Borough, it's about all our leisure provision and there is absolutely no suggestion that that will be reduced."
Fears that the pools could be under threat have surfaced amid negotiations by the Council to choose one of three companies who tendered for the contract to manage the Borough's leisure centres.
Concerned users and user groups have wrongly linked the suggestion in one of the tendering documents that an Olympic 'super pool' could be built in East Cleveland to imminent closure of existing swimming facilities.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: "I can categorically state that this Council has no intention of closing any pools for the foreseeable future.
"We will still continue to subsidise the leisure facillities by around £1 million a year and are looking to increase this investment in the future."
He explained: "I can also confirm that there has been a suggestion from one of the organisations tendering for the contract to manage our leisure facilities that they should build an Olympic 'super pool' in East Cleveland and lose the swimming element at the sports centres in Loftus, Saltburn and Guisborough.
"As this is an official tendering document, we are legally bound to consider all its contents and that is why we are also keen to take on board the views of users and user groups. I'm more than happy to talk to all interested parties."
Councillor Fitzpatrick added: "People are jumping to conclusions, but nothing has been decided. What we need to be doing is finding and analysing as many opinions as possible from all areas of Redcar and Cleveland.
"And we need to broaden people's minds - this isn't about the future of swimming in the Borough, it's about all our leisure provision and there is absolutely no suggestion that that will be reduced."
Sunday, 13 August 2006
January 1997 and the battle to save the swimming pool
Focus January 1997
Liberal Democrat Councillors battle to save Redcar Swimming Pool
REDCAR Council has to make further budget cuts and what is the first thing that our top heavy Labour controlled Council proposes to close?
Yes, you've guessed it, Redcar Swimming Pool.
Newcomen Ward Liberal Democrat Councillors Chris Abbott and Stan Wilson, together with Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson, Cllr Joyce Benbow, have pledged to fight any plans to close the pool. They have pressed for cuts in bureaucracy which they believe are the root cause of the Council's troubles.
"Too many Council Departments mean too much bureaucracy and too many highly paid top level Council Officers. The Council can quite easily reduce from ten Departments to six but it is like asking turkeys to vote for Christmas. Council Officers will not propose cutting their own empires. Instead they propose cuts in services to the public. The very basic facilities which the Council was set up to provide." said Cllr Chris Abbott.
"Frankly, the Labour Council have got themselves into this mess by the long term neglect of what is an essential facility for a seeside town. It is vital that it remains open until a new state of the art facility can be provided as part of the regeneration plans for Coatham Enclosure area," said Cllr Joyce Benbow.
"As a former teacher I am most concerned about all the valuable education time which Redcar school children will waste travelling to Saltburn Baths. Local Liberal Democrats will vote against the proposed closure of Redcar Swimming Pool." said Cllr Stan Wilson.
IT is interesting that the Coalition, elected in 2003, has severely reduced the number of departments, chief officers and bureaucracy. Placing the emphasis on putting services first we have dragged the Council up from only fair under Labour to FOUR STAR excellent today. Our plans to provide two new swimming pools in Redcar are now at planning stage and we are determined to bring them to fruition over the next few months.
Wednesday, 5 April 2006
Another award for Coalition Council
More good news for Redcar and Cleveland Council today. We celebrate Investor In People status, which has praised the Authority's good business planning, its equal opportunity culture and joint development working with other organisations.
A cross-directorate group is already implementing a number of recommendations in areas for future development, centring on consistency and effective implementing of corporate policies and procedures, which will be closely monitored.
The Investors in People Standard is awarded indefinitely, subject to regular reviews no more than three years apart to make sure standards are met and to assess progress made since the last visit.
A cross-directorate group is already implementing a number of recommendations in areas for future development, centring on consistency and effective implementing of corporate policies and procedures, which will be closely monitored.
The Investors in People Standard is awarded indefinitely, subject to regular reviews no more than three years apart to make sure standards are met and to assess progress made since the last visit.
Monday, 20 March 2006
Prescott awards Redcar Council Beacon Status
The Coalition running Redcar and Cleveland Council is celebrating Beacon Council status in recognition of its waste and recycling management services.
The Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and Local Government Minister Phil Woolas congratulated the Council for delivering quality public services at the seventh annual Beacon Scheme awards ceremony in London.
The Council, one of only four across the North East to receive recognition of their work from 239 applications nationwide, will get a share of a £3million kitty to actively promote good practice, working with the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) on learning events and open days.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Environmental Improvement Councillor Bob Stanway said: "This award is a tribute to all the hard work and dedication of our staff and partners - and the enthusiasm and support of all our residents to embrace the new recycling regimes and our area-based working to deliver a cleaner, safer, greener Borough.
"We regard Beacon Council status as a chance to develop more and more green thinking and encourage as many councils as possible to believe they can effect change as successfully as we have done. In fact, we are further developing our recycling scheme in line with best practice from elsewhere which goes to show that we continue to listen and learn as well."
Mr Prescott said: "Beacon authorities help to create sustainable communities by embedding good practice across local government for the delivery of high quality public services. I hope that other authorities will be encouraged to look at what they can learn from these Beacons."
Mr Woolas said: "The fact is that the best of local government rivals, and sometimes beats, the best of business.
"Beacons encourage strong, efficient local leadership which is essential if local government is to continue delivering successful services for our communities."
*The Council's application was shortlisted by an independent Advisory Panel, who make recommendations to Ministers, who then make final decisions.
The Coalition is made up of 16 Lib Dems, 13 Conservatives and 2 East Cleveland Independents.
The Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and Local Government Minister Phil Woolas congratulated the Council for delivering quality public services at the seventh annual Beacon Scheme awards ceremony in London.
The Council, one of only four across the North East to receive recognition of their work from 239 applications nationwide, will get a share of a £3million kitty to actively promote good practice, working with the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) on learning events and open days.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Environmental Improvement Councillor Bob Stanway said: "This award is a tribute to all the hard work and dedication of our staff and partners - and the enthusiasm and support of all our residents to embrace the new recycling regimes and our area-based working to deliver a cleaner, safer, greener Borough.
"We regard Beacon Council status as a chance to develop more and more green thinking and encourage as many councils as possible to believe they can effect change as successfully as we have done. In fact, we are further developing our recycling scheme in line with best practice from elsewhere which goes to show that we continue to listen and learn as well."
Mr Prescott said: "Beacon authorities help to create sustainable communities by embedding good practice across local government for the delivery of high quality public services. I hope that other authorities will be encouraged to look at what they can learn from these Beacons."
Mr Woolas said: "The fact is that the best of local government rivals, and sometimes beats, the best of business.
"Beacons encourage strong, efficient local leadership which is essential if local government is to continue delivering successful services for our communities."
*The Council's application was shortlisted by an independent Advisory Panel, who make recommendations to Ministers, who then make final decisions.
The Coalition is made up of 16 Lib Dems, 13 Conservatives and 2 East Cleveland Independents.
Tuesday, 7 March 2006
Work to start on road in October
Posted by Chris
The private street between Corporation Road and Westfield Avenue, in Redcar, is to be made up to adoptable standard and the work is programmed to start in October.
There are a huge number of these private streets in the Borough and the Coalition agreed to use prudential borrowing to invest £1.29m, in a 3 year programme, to make a start in tackling 19 of them.
Opponents claim the cost is £6m but this is nonsense. Even with the cost spread over 40 years, taking into account interest and maintenance, the cost would be £2.5m.
The former County Council abandoned it’s programme of upgrading these roads in the early 1980’s and it has taken all this time to get it reinstated. It will be safer and brighter for the people who live alongside it."
The private street between Corporation Road and Westfield Avenue, in Redcar, is to be made up to adoptable standard and the work is programmed to start in October.
There are a huge number of these private streets in the Borough and the Coalition agreed to use prudential borrowing to invest £1.29m, in a 3 year programme, to make a start in tackling 19 of them.
Opponents claim the cost is £6m but this is nonsense. Even with the cost spread over 40 years, taking into account interest and maintenance, the cost would be £2.5m.
The former County Council abandoned it’s programme of upgrading these roads in the early 1980’s and it has taken all this time to get it reinstated. It will be safer and brighter for the people who live alongside it."
Saturday, 18 February 2006
Why Redcar deserves a Civic Centre
Posted by Chris.This picture, lifted from the Simon Hughes campaign website, is not very clear and looks more like an oil painting, but it illustrates exactly what my idea of a splendid Council Chamber is.
The photograph was taken of Simon addressing the Leeds Leadership Hustings on 4th February, in the Grand Council Chamber at Leeds Civic Hall.
Lit from outside by floodlamps shining through the windows, which gives a warm daylight feel to the room, this elegant building, with its two guilded owls on the exterior and Roman columns at the entrance, was opened in 1933 by King George V. It clearly is a fine place to promote Leeds as a city to invest in.
Whilst I would never suggest that we could provide civic facilities on the same grand scale in Redcar, we certainly need something much better than the shabby 1960's, Poulson designed Town Hall that we have got at present. Stuck out, right on the Middlesbrough end of the Borough, in the middle of a housing estate, it gives out the wrong image to those we hope will invest in the area and it dampens the moral of those who have to work in it.
Like most of the public buildings in our borough it has suffered from years of neglect by unambitious old Labour politicians. There are more modern Council offices in Redcar and Guisborough and the cost of travel and time between them is enormous.
The new Coalition has turned the Council from a failing organisation to a four star, excellent authority in less than three years and is keen to change the drab image of the Borough and at the same time reduce the amout of travelling between buildings. Last year we announced that we planned to sell off the old town hall and provide an impressive new Civic Centre in our main town, Redcar (pop 40,000), at a cost of around £3.5m. This is peanuts when you think some Labour Boroughs have spent nearer £100m on civic buildings.
Redcar was a Borough in its own right until 1967. Since then it has had its town hall sold off and has had little capital investment in the town for 40 years. Things are now changing, we are getting new schools, new shopping centres, a new college, a new hospital, a new swimming baths with a separate leisure pool, a visitor centre, a performance facility, new housing, major investment in the racecourse, huge investment in the sewage system and hopefully a new civic centre.
40 years on neglect in the town has bred a cynical attitude in some of our residents and every one of these proposals have attracted opposition, in most cases from the same negative half a dozen individuals who have ulterior political motives for doing so. The new administration is ambitious for the town and we are committed to restoring civic pride and encouraging investment.
Thursday, 19 January 2006
Welcome to our blog
Posted by Chris
We start this bog at an interesting time for Lib Dems. We were as shocked as anyone about the way Charles Kennedy was encouraged to resign as leader of the Party, but life goes on. We are enjoying watching and in a small way participating in the campaign for the leadership.
I have been doing a private blog for local Lib Dem members, here in Redcar and discussing the merits of each candidate and the events as they happen. It was clear that, in spite of the everything, members were fiercely loyal to Charles and were comfortable with the progress we had made under him.
At the last General election we moved into second place in Redcar constituency for the first time ever and since 2003 we have been the largest group in the Coalition that is successfully running Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council. More about that in future postings.
Glynis and I have not yet declared our support for one candidate yet. Last time I supported Simon Hughes and Glynis supported Charles. The reason we have not made our minds up yet is because we were hoping that Harrogate MP Phil Willis would chuck his hat into the ring. It is looking unlikely but the closing date for nominations is 25th January and we live in hope.
The three contenders so far - thank you Mark Oaten, who has stepped down today, for ensuring that there was a contest - would all make excellent leaders. We know little about Chris Huhne and want to find out more about him. He has certainly impressed so far but I felt his speech at the LSE was delivered in monotone. I am sure that he has what it takes but, in my humble opinion, he needs to show more passion.
We start this bog at an interesting time for Lib Dems. We were as shocked as anyone about the way Charles Kennedy was encouraged to resign as leader of the Party, but life goes on. We are enjoying watching and in a small way participating in the campaign for the leadership.
I have been doing a private blog for local Lib Dem members, here in Redcar and discussing the merits of each candidate and the events as they happen. It was clear that, in spite of the everything, members were fiercely loyal to Charles and were comfortable with the progress we had made under him.
At the last General election we moved into second place in Redcar constituency for the first time ever and since 2003 we have been the largest group in the Coalition that is successfully running Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council. More about that in future postings.
Glynis and I have not yet declared our support for one candidate yet. Last time I supported Simon Hughes and Glynis supported Charles. The reason we have not made our minds up yet is because we were hoping that Harrogate MP Phil Willis would chuck his hat into the ring. It is looking unlikely but the closing date for nominations is 25th January and we live in hope.
The three contenders so far - thank you Mark Oaten, who has stepped down today, for ensuring that there was a contest - would all make excellent leaders. We know little about Chris Huhne and want to find out more about him. He has certainly impressed so far but I felt his speech at the LSE was delivered in monotone. I am sure that he has what it takes but, in my humble opinion, he needs to show more passion.
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