Ming Campbell resigns

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS, SIMON HUGHES MP AND THE ACTING LEADER OF THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS, VINCE CABLE MP

President of the Liberal Democrats, Simon Hughes MP said today:

“Ming Campbell has this evening submitted his resignation as the Leader of the Liberal Democrats with immediate effect.

“Over the past two years, Ming has given stability and purpose to our Party. He has hugely professionalised the working of our Party and led its very successful preparations for the next general election.

“Ming has made this decision - as all his political decisions - in the interest of his Party and Liberal Democracy throughout Britain. Every Liberal Democrat owes Ming a huge debt of gratitude.

“Vince Cable, our Deputy Leader will take over as Party leader until a new leader is elected according to our rules. The detailed election timetable will be announced tomorrow.”
Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Vince Cable MP said:

“During his time as Leader, Ming has earned the respect, affection and gratitude of the Party. This was reflected in the warmth with which his speech was received by the Party conference three weeks ago. The key message of that speech was that the Liberal Democrats are the only Party with the distinctive, positive vision of a fairer and greener Britain.

“Throughout his political life Ming has campaigned for liberal values and social justice and we will ensure that we build on that legacy.”

Opportunity for Young Authors

Budding young authors are being given the chance to spend four days of their half term holiday working with professional writers at the inaugural Redcar Young Writers' Festival.

A total of 15 free places are available for the festival, organised by Redcar and Cleveland Council's Libraries and Arts Development, with the Tees Valley Writers & Publishers Project.

There will be three authors working with the group - poet Bob Beagrie, experienced script and screenwriter Fiona Birkbeck and poet and playwright Andy Willougby.

Anyone aged 11-14 interested in writing scripts, stories and poems of any sort is encouraged can join the four festival workshop days at Kirkleatham Museum, Redcar on Tuesday, October 30 and Wednesday, October 31 and Roseberry Library, Redcar on Thursday, November 1 and Friday, November 2, each day from 10am-4pm.

To find out more pick up a leaflet in your local library or contact Janet Richardson on 01642 444319. Booking forms are available at libraries or by contacting Sandra Reddie, director of New Writing North.

Your chance to have your say

A series of consultation events starting next week will give the public a chance to have their say in helping to develop the Borough's first Sustainable Community Strategy.

Members of the Redcar and Cleveland Partnership and Redcar and Cleveland Council are drawing up the strategy which will set the vision for what the Borough will look like in the future and shape the work and priorities of all the Borough's public service providers.

Partnership Chair Professor Brian Footitt explained: "As well as consultation with stakeholders in the voluntary, community and private sector, there will also be opportunities to find out what matters to local people. We want to know what you think. What are your priorities for making the Borough and your neighbourhood a good place to live."

The 17 consultation events start on Monday, October 22, through to Friday, November 30. You can also have your say on-line, by going to the Partnership website, or the Council website.

Venues and times to have your say:

Tuesday, October 23: aboard the One Stop shop bus behind the Voyager pub, off The Avenue, Guisborough, 1pm-4pm.
Wednesday, October 24: aboard the One Stop shop bus at Station Hotel car park, Boosbeck, 9.30am-noon.
Friday, October 26: Laburnum Road library, Redcar, 12.30pm-2.30pm.
Tuesday, October 30: Skelton library, 10am-noon.
Wednesday, October 31: aboard the One Stop shop bus at Kilbridge Close shops, New Marske, 1pm-4pm and Rye Hills School, 6pm-8pm.
Thursday, November 1: aboard the One Stop shop bus near Lingdale Village Hall, 9.30am-noon.
Wednesday, November 7: North Skelton Village Hall, 6pm-7pm.
Thursday, November 8: aboard the One Stop shop bus near the Village Hall, Moorsholm, 1pm-3pm.
Friday, November 9: Brotton library, 10.30am-noon.
Tuesday, November 13: Roseberry library, Redcar, 1.30pm-3.30pm and Bankfields Primary School, Eston, 6pm-7pm.
Wednesday, November 14: Guisborough library, 1pm-3pm.
Thursday, November 15: Redcar library, 10am-11.30am.
Friday, November 16: Timms Coffee House, Skinningrove, 9.30am-noon.
Tuesday, November 20: Chaloner Primary School, Wilton Lane, Guisborough, 6pm-7pm.
Friday, November 23: Dormanstown library, 9.30am-11.30am.
Monday, November 26: Redcar library, 10am-noon.
Friday, November 30: Sainsburys, Guisborough, 11.30am-1.30pm.

For more details, log on to or telephone Tracy Calvert at the Partnership on 01642 444241.

Donating to the Tories - you must be bonkers

Posted by Glynis:

I heard on the news this morning that a Judge has ruled that an £8million donation to the Conservative Party must be paid back because the man who left it to them, in his will, was not of sound mind. Hmm I should say so!

Chance for youngsters to be creative

Young people get the chance to have starring roles in an innovative year-long arts and drama project that starts at Freebrough Community College at Brotton on Tuesday, October 16.

Independent film director Ronak Singh will co-ordinate regular Tuesday after school sessions, entitled Act On It!, to create short films based on issues and topics chosen by the students.

It will be the first project in a packed Creative Links programme, devised by Redcar and Cleveland Council's Arts Development and Extended Schools units for young people who have a creative dream but don't know where to make it a reality.

Students at Laurence Jackson School, Guisborough will enjoy taster sessions on Thursday and Friday, October 25 and 26 for another of the exciting schemes, Boom Dang. This gives 11-18 year olds the chance to learn the skills of Boom Dang drumming and street and contemporary dance.

To find out more, contact project officer Lisa Bean on 01642 496424 or e-mail.

Regional praise for Council's Traffic Management

The Department of Transport rates Redcar and Cleveland Council's arrangements for the management of road traffic as the best in the North East.

An assessment of network management duties by the Department has given the Council the highest score, 73%, of any of the eight local highway authorities in the region.

The Council has a duty to manage planned roadworks and prepare for any unplanned incidents in order to limit the impact of congestion on traffic flow across 90 miles of main roads and 330 miles of minor roads.

The Council was praised for the level of liaison undertaken with other organisations such as the emergency services and the bus operators and for the coordination of roadworks with utility companies.

Is this the most selfish bit of parking ever?

A local resident brought us this picture today of a vehicle that is occasionally left parked, in this position, at the bus stop in Troutbeck Road, close to the junction with Windermere Avenue, Redcar.

Wilko kicks England into Rugby World Cup Final

Jonny Wilkinson got his kicking right when it counted and England are through to the Rugby World Cup final. A superb effort by a team that was written off. "Swing low sweet chariot."

England 14 France 9

Rhinos are the CHAMPIONS

Well done Leeds Rhinos 33 points to 6 victors over St Helens in the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford. What an exciting match and what a brilliant second half performance!!! "Marching on together"

Leeds United fail to take their chances against the 'O's

When the Football League docks you 15 points you have to grind out results any way you can and today Leeds United were lucky to scrape home with a draw at Elland Road.

Leyton Orient deservedly took the lead in the 9th minute with a goal by Sean Thornton, from a free kick but the lad found himself sent off for an elbowing offence in the 32nd minute.

Leeds put the pressure on and Seb Carole scored his second goal of the season on 55 minutes. 10 man Leyton Orient survived a penalty, 10 minutes from time, when Tresor Kandol sidefooted it yards over the net. This inspired the 'O's who deserved more than they got out of this game. Orient will feel aggrieved that a shot from Adam Boyd crossed the goal line but was disallowed.

United had plenty of chances and the referee was kind to them with the disallowed goal, the penalty and the sending off, but they failed to make the most of it.

To have a crowd of 29,177 for a League 1 match, when there is a major England international on live at Wembley, England are in the Rugby Union world cup semi-final later and the Rhinos are playing in the Super League grand final at 6pm, is amazing.

Leeds United 1 Leyton Orient 1

Council takes action against flytippers

Redcar and Cleveland Council successfully prosecuted 68 flytippers last year, as it tackled a total of 4,305 incidents, which cost £352,972 to clear up.

Tyres, chemicals, building materials, furniture and household rubbish are just some of the items that crews have to deal with in places as diverse as laybys on the A171 and Skippers Lane Industrial Estate to open space in Dormanstown and Kilton Lane.

The Council has joined forces with the Environment Agency in a region-wide crackdown targetting criminals posing as waste collection businesses.

By law, all businesses must be registered with the Agency if they carry, collect or dispose of household, commercial or industrial waste.

Under some laws anyone who employs a private company to take away their waste must make sure the firm is registered to do so or they could face a £5,000 fine.

Labour claim that Yorkshire is bad for business

Posted by Chris:

An article (read it here) in tonight's Evening Gazette once again quotes the Labour leader of Redcar & Cleveland Council, George Dunning, claiming that business people had advised him that using Yorkshire as part of the postal address was "sending out the wrong messages."

In other words Labour are claiming that Yorkshire is bad for business. This bizarre excuse for dropping Yorkshire from the postal address just does not stand up to scrutiny.

The article was in response to my call for them to reconsider this and I point out that it does no harm at all. We can work with the Government created north east and Tees Valley in just the same way as ever but it does no harm at all to also get the best from our geographic position in Yorkshire, particularly for tourism purposes. Yorkshire actually means something.

None of these business people, who George Dunning claims have advised him have come forward and explained their reasoning. George refuses to say who they are.

Could it be that is not the real reason for doing this. Is it rather something more petty than that. My first reaction was that it was a spiteful decision and a number of people have agreed with that.

There is another reason doing the rounds at the town hall that backs up the view that it was done for spite. It is being said that the decision to propose the motion was taken in a fit of pique when a Labour Councillor ordered business cards from the Council and they came back with Yorkshire as part of the address.

Sportsability sessions earn a grand boost

Young people across the Borough of Redcar & Cleveland are cashing in thanks to two pots of funding that reward bright ideas.

The Council-run Youth Opportunity Fund and the Youth Capital Fund have allocated over £250,000 to 79 successful applications since the funds were launched at the start of the year - and there's still over £180,000 left to allocate.

The highest award in the latest round of grants went to the Saturday morning Sportsability Club, which attracts over 60 young people with physical and learning disabilities to Redcar Leisure Centre.

Co-ordinator Neil Young, a Council Sports Development Officer, has received £7,360 to improve equipment for the two groups, eight-16 year olds and 16 and over, who enjoy the two-hour sessions, from 10am-noon.

The California Youth Centre's plan to create an exciting new garden area at Eston has received £6,000 towards the project, which will be developed by Groundwork South Tees, while the Whale Hill Community Association's Youth Club has received £3,600 towards installing a dividing wall in the main hall and new sports kit.

The young carers project, The Junction at Redcar, has been granted £5,000 towards its activities and Connexions, Redcar has received over £2,300 to enrol eight young people as Middlesbrough Angling Club members, provide them with fishing equipment and coarse angling licences.

Guisborough Town Football Club's expansion plans, running teams for under 10s to under 18s, has received a £2,000 grant and the "Overbeck" youth inclusion project, who are creating a public artwork at the Allendale shopping parade at Overfields, was given £2,000.

A panel of young people is meeting every month until the end of next March to examine applications for 13-19 year olds, assessing under four categories - sport, culture, recreation or volunteering, according to the five principles of Every Child Matters - staying safe, being healthy, enjoying and achieving, economic wellbeing and making a positive contribution.

The Youth Opportunity Fund wants to involve young people, especially hard-to-reach young people, in identifying positive activities, places to go and things to do. The Youth Capital Fund aims to enhance existing provision or establish new youth provision for young people, with individual grants, up to £400 or group grants.

So solid Leeds keep Darlo out

A much changed Leeds United took on a decent Darlington side in the "do dah" cup and held on to win.

A crowd of 7,891 attended, which is about double Darlo's normal gate.

It was a chance for United's new signings, Paul Huntington and David Lucas to impress and that they did. It was also a good opportunity for a look at some of the younger players. The defence looked solid and centre back Huntington headed the only goal of the game, from a corner, early in the second half.

With just over half an hour to go Portugese winger Filipe Da Costa came on for his first run out and impressed with his jinking runs.

The future is looking good for the men in white.

Darlington 0 Leeds United 1

Lots to do at half term

Playschemes have been arranged in the Borough of Redcar and Cleveland during the October half-term break for children aged five-12.

There are two sessions each day - 10am-noon, 1pm-3pm - with a 50p charge to cover refreshments. A parental consent form needs to be completed on the first visit. Call Redcar and Cleveland Council's Children's Information Service for further details on 01642 771173.

Dates and venues are:

Monday, October 29, Tuesday, October 30: California Youth Centre, Eston and St Hilda's Church Hall, Mersey Road, Redcar.

Wednesday, October 31: Locke Park tennis pavilion, Redcar and Lingdale Village Hall.

Thursday, November 1: Lingdale Village Hall and Normanby Methodist Church Hall.

Friday, November 2: Normanby Methodist Church Hall and Carlin How Community Centre.

There will be spooky goings-on in Kirkleatham Museum, Redcar at half term.

On Tuesday, October 30, you can make a spooky skeleton hand that moves, ready for Hallowe'en and on Thursday, November 1, you can create a scarey ghost to decorate the garden. Craft sessions are at 10am-noon, 1pm-4pm.

Are you brave enough to come along to Guisborough Forest and Walkway for a night-time fright time on Wednesday, October 31.

From fire eating demons to wicked goings-on, a night of fun is guaranteed for all, brought to you by the Friends of' Guisborough Forest and Walkway. Tickets, priced £2, can be bought in advance from the Visitor Centre.

A free park and ride service will operate from Belmont House, Guisborough to the Walkway, starting at 5.30pm.

The annual Pageant of Light, a procession of music and light with this year's theme, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, is at Saltburn Valley on Sunday, October 28, starting at 5.30pm.

Organised by Redcar and Cleveland Council's countryside wardens, in conjunction with the Friends of the Valley to mark the end of British Summer Time, it will also include performances by Earthbeat, the theatre company made up of adults with learning disabilities.

There are two half term workshops at the Visitor Centre - on Tuesday, October 23, from noon-3pm to make a lantern and on Thursday, October 25, from 1pm-3pm to make a Lion, Witch and Wardrobe mask. Workshop entry is 50p.

On the night, meet at the Cat Nab car park and don't forget to bring a torch.

Time Travelling around Kirkleatham Village

School children are being given the chance to become time travellers and explore Kirkleatham Village to find evidence that links the area to the Second World War, the 18th century and as far back as medieval times.

The educational journey begins with a week of archaeological, environmental and historic activities, starting on Monday, October 15, and is expected to stretch several years.

The Kirkleatham Village Archaeology Project is a partnership between Redcar and Cleveland Council's countryside and museums services, Tees Archaeology and the local community.

The work makes a perfect link to the National Big Draw Week, as Kirkleatham Museum hosts The Big Archaeology Draw for all the family on Sunday, October 14, from 10am-3pm.

Throughout the following week, schools are being encouraged to spend a morning or afternoon with the project, helping with the series of excavations and investigations around the village, looking for evidence from three main periods.

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.

Gordon Brown - the Video

Watch the new Lib Dem video it is amazing.

Gordon Brown chickens out

Posted by Chris:

Well there we are then Gordon Brown has chickened out of calling an election.

As Maureen Rigg, Lib Dem group leader on Stockton Council points out, Council staff have been taken off other jobs to prepare for a possible election. How much has this cost?

What a waste of time and money!

He has ruled out an election for this year and next but he has not taken my advice, as if I expected he would, to avoid much of the criticism, he is getting and will continue to get, and agree to a fixed term Parliament.

The fact that he has been able to set all this speculation going and then duck out when the polls don't look as good as they did is more than enough reason to take the decision out of the hands of the Prime Minister.

Well at least all the hard work Redcar Lib Dems have put in, just in case he did call an election, will not go to waste. Unlike the work done by local councils, we have saved time doing the type of things that will help us to do even more when the election does come.

Glovers almost halt Leeds United's perfect run of home wins

For the 5th time this season Leeds United left it late to keep up their unbeaten run and climb to within 6 points of the league leaders.

But their perfect run of home wins this season was nearly brought to an end by Paddy Ashdown's men, who for much of the game looked like the best team. Yeovil certainly deserved a draw after their first ever appearance at Elland Road.

Once again though, the crowd of 27,808 was lifting the rafters with noise and this clearly kept, what must have been United's tallest ever team, going right to the bitter end.

Fifteen minutes from time Dennis Wise threw on giant sized strikers Tore Andre Flo and new loan signing Mark De Vries to play alongside tall front men Jermaine Beckford and Tresor Kandol who had both been having a less than good game.

Whilst the mighty Viking, Casper Ankergren, played a blinder in goal, keeping yet another clean sheet, Dennis ordered route one football and that is what he got. Yeovil must have thought they had got a well deserved draw but high balls were going in from the left and from the right then bang! In the 89th minute a Jonathan Douglas free kick from the left, winged over and De Vries headed home on his Elland Road debut for Leeds.

Leeds United 1 Yeovil Town 0

Welcome back Michael Meadowcroft

Posted by Chris:

Nigel Ashton brings the best news of this month so far. Former Liberal MP for Leeds West, Michael Meadowcroft, has joined the Liberal Democrats.

What an inspiration Michael was when he won Leeds West. He was everywhere at Liberal events in Yorkshire and the Liberal Assembly. I remember he was a tough questioner, along with David Shutt (now Lord Shutt of Greetland), on the panel when I first went for approval as a Liberal Parliamentary Candidate in 1978.

I was very disappointed that Michael did not join the party after the merger but better late than never. Welcome back Michael.

Was David Cameron's "ad-lib" speech scripted?

Paul Walter has questioned the impression given by many in the media that David Cameron's speech was unscripted. He points to a Daily Mirror piece, written by Kevin McGuire which suggests that the speech writer was seen receiving congratulations from fellow Tories outside Euston station.

Throughout the speech David Cameron was certainly moving his head from side to side, continuously, in the same way that speakers do when reading from an autocue.

Recycling Surgeries

Redcar and Cleveland Council's Recycling Team hosts a series of advice surgeries at libraries this month. Dates, venues and times are:

Thursday, October 11: Loftus, 11am-noon, Roseberry Shopping Centre, Redcar, 2pm-3pm.
Friday, October 12: Skelton, 11am-noon, Guisborough, 2pm-4pm.
Tuesday, October 16: Marske, 11am-noon, Laburnum Road, Redcar, 2pm-3pm.
Wednesday, October 17: Redcar, noon-2pm.
Friday, October 19: Ormesby, 2pm-4pm.

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.

A fixed term Parliment is Gordon's way out of this embarrassment

Posted by Chris:

There is a way that Gordon Brown could save face if he does decide not to call a snap General Election, and risk becoming the shortest serving PM, by agreeing that there should be a fixed term Parliament.

He saw the merit in handing over responsibility for setting interest rates to the Bank of England. This move, long advocated by the Liberal Democrats, distanced the Government from a lot of the flak associated raising interest rates.

Having a fixed term for Parliament will work in a similar way. It would put a stop to the endless speculation about the date of the election, by agreeing a date now for May or June 2009. It also would save him from the flak he will undoubtedly get which ever way he decides to go now.

If he calls a General Election now he will be accused of cynically using the system to suit his own party political interests. If he doesn't he will be accused of being a coward.

Free Burma

We are making only one blog posting today in support of the Free Burma campaign.



We send our best wishes and support to the people of Burma who are involved in a peaceful revolution.

Anger has spread to Wales at the Labour decision to delete Yorkshire from the Council's postal address

They are even angry in Wales about the Labour decision to remove Yorkshire from Redcar and Cleveland Council's postal address. We were handed a copy of the following letter (also pictured) at a meeting in York tonight. It appeared in the Yorkshire Post on Monday 24th September:

Crime against Yorkshire

From: John Coduri
Liantrisant Road
Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan
South Wales

"I am angry at the remark made by Councillors in Redcar and Cleveland who voted to delete "Yorkshire" from the Council's address. Hung, drawn and quartered would not assuage me or comfort me at this crime.

And their weak excuse about development and strategic planning says it all and shows up their complete ignorance as to the value of "Yorkshire".

Let us hope that they will be chucked out at the next election, headfirst."

No harm was done by the Council using Yorkshire as part of its postal address but a great deal of harm is being done by the decision to delete it and there is no sign of the anger subsiding.

True Yorkshire Calendar 2008

The True Yorkshire Calendar 2008 is on sale now. The calendar can be obtained postage free by sending a cheque for £3.50, made out to the Yorkshire Ridings Society, to:

Yorkshire Ridings Society
39 Essex Close
REDCAR
Yorkshire
TS10 4BY

Super sub Westlake stuns the Latics

Leeds United's never say die attitude paid off once again with another winning goal in the dying seconds. Super sub Ian Westlake came on for Alan Thompson in the 90th minute and scored with a superb volley in the 4th minute of extra time.

Eight wins out of nine and one draw puts United just four points short of the play offs, having given the others a 15 point start.

Oldham Athletic 0 Leeds United 1

Sporting chances at half term

Redcar and Cleveland Council's Sports Development Team is offering plenty of sporting chances for the schools' October half term holiday.

There will be multi sports camps at Rye Hills School, Redcar on Monday and Tuesday, October 29 and 30, St Peter's College of Maths and Computing at South Bank on Wednesday and Thursday, October 31 and November 1, both running from 10am-3pm, priced £3 a day. All sessions will involve coaching by qualified coaches followed by games.

Laurence Jackson School, Guisborough will host an athletics camp on Thursday, November 1 and Friday, November 2, also from 10am-3pm, priced at £3 a day.

The camp, organised in partnership with New Marske Harriers, is a unique opportunity for young people to learn the skills in running, throwing and jumping events.

Are the Police taking the Mickey?

Posted by Chris:

People who claim that the Police fail to respond when they report minor crimes will be interested to learn about this bizarre Police initiative.

Cleveland Police and Redcar & Cleveland Council work together to help reduce crime and there are Government induced Public Service Agreements in place that set targets for crime reduction.

On criminal damage the annual target for reduction in Redcar & Cleveland is, I think, 17.5% and I understand that we are missing the target by about 50%.

A report to today's meeting of Main Scrutiny from R & C's Safer, Stronger Communities Partnership stated:

"Findings from the strategic problem profile on criminal damage has resulted in changes to the approach taken on recording by Cleveland Police."

What has actually happened is that the Police are seeking to eliminate some of the incidents so that the figures can be reduced. They now send a police officer to "challenge and visit every reported incident of criminal damage in order. Findings suggest that approximately 10% of reported incidents should not be categorised a criminal damage."

One of the problems they have found is that Registered Social Landlord, Coast & Country Housing, that has a significant number of properties in the Borough, have been insisting that tenants report damage to their properties and obtain a crime number before the landlord will repair the damage. The Police, who clearly do not investigate these crimes, have simply handed out crime numbers on request, regardless of whether the damage was done by the tenant themselves, or it was only accidental damage done by a youngster playing football, for example. In other cases people seek crime numbers to claim on insurance.

In order to deal with this problem the police have started to investigate each and every one of these incidents, about 480 last month, not to catch the culprit but simply to delete from the list those that are not categorised as criminal damage. Obviously I do not condone false reports of criminal damage to the police to avoid paying for it or to claim on the insurance, they are , in fact crimes in themselves, but surely they should be concentrating on other things?

We posted recently about a garden fence, fronting on to West Dyke Road car park, that was damaged by a car, whose driver, failed to stop. When Glynis visited the householder she advised her to report it to the Police. I had the lady to my surgery last week and she told me that the Police had simply said that she should take it up with the Council as it was "the Council's car park." The Council, of course, says it is "not responsible for criminal damage caused by an individual."

The lady is not happy and is faced with paying for the damage herself. Reports in this blog, or in our newsletter Focus, have prompted one resident to telephone to say that he witnessed the incident. It was caused, he said, by a female driver, in her fifties, driving a red car but that was all the information he could provide.

Tomorrow is Lincolnshire Day

Posted by Chris:

Tomorrow (October 1st) is Lincolnshire Day and I shall be a guest on Radio Lincolnshire's Drive Time programme, at 4.40pm, to talk about County days, and in particular how Yorkshire Day has grown in popularity over the years.

It is high time the yellowbellies had a day of their own. They have a smashing flag (pictured) and whilst we in Yorkshire wear a white rose on our special day (August 1st) the beeb is encouraging Lincolnshire folk to wear something yellow. In that case I shall wear a yellow tie.

October 1st was chosen because the date coincides with the Lincolnshire uprising on this date in 1536.

Comment on Coatham Links

Posted by Chris:

This blog has received a comment, via the anonymous option, to this posting which was predominantly about Labour but did make reference to Coatham Links, the topic of the comment, which we have rejected.

We reserve the right not to publish anonymous postings even when the writer identifies himself if we consider them to be offensive, personal or if we think they may be libelous. All three apply in this case.

The blogger whose name appears on the bottom of the comment does not allow comments at all on his blog, at least that was the case the last time I looked.

If the person concerned would like to re-send the comments with all the references to other people removed we will be happy to publish the points that refer to me, and any additional ones he may have, as a blog item and answer them point by point in good faith.

Nine-man Leeds cling on for a draw against twelve-man Gillingham at Priestfield

Leeds United took the lead with a goal by Seb Carole on 28 minutes but Jermaine Beckford and Tresor Kandol were sent off for silly infringements and left Leeds with only nine men.

The bizarre decisions of the referee seemed to favour Gillingham. He clearly ignored shirt grabbing and niggling fouls by the out-played Gills and concentrated on minor dissent infringements by the Leeds strike duo and three others.

Leeds looked like scoring a dozen until the sendings off, which meant the whites had to quickly change things around and battle to defend the one goal lead. This they did comfortably until the very last minute when the Gills equalised. United were clearly in a different class.

It is disappointing that their 100% start to the season has ended but what can you do when the referee is playing for the other side.

Gillingham 1 Leeds United 1

Iain Dale's Guide to Political Blogging in the UK 2007

Posted by Chris:

My eagerly awaited copy of Conservative Blogger Iain Dale's Guide to Political Blogging in the UK dropped through the letterbox yesterday morning and I read a good bit of it in bed last night.

Disregarding the obvious Tory slant to Iain's contributions and the fact that our blog is down to No 77, in this year's top 100 Lib Dem blogs (according to a "panel" of fellow Lib Dem Bloggers), from No 48 last year when Iain Dale choose the list, this excellent guide tells you almost everything you want to know about political blogging in the UK.

It doesn't tell you, however, who the panel of Lib Dem Bloggers were and what the criteria was they used. I suspect the huge increase in well written new Lib Dem Blogs, that have appeared over the past 12 months, our lack of interest in the national political scene, shown so far, and our low number of commenters, probably had something to do with our slide down the list. We will try our best to improve for next year.

Reading the book in bed with a low light made it hard to read. The type is very small and worst of all the text could not be closer to the centre fold. I found myself trying to force the book open to read the end of a line. The margin on the other side of the page is almost 4.5cms wide. This is obviously because there are pictures on some of the pages but it would have been better if these were on the centre fold side.

I read with interest the pen pictures of 50 top bloggers in the 'who's who' section and was very disappointed to find that almost all of these were bloggers from the south, as are most of the other contributors. This does not mean I think the guide is biased, it just means that I think Iain should cast his net further afield next year.

The 'Glossary' of blogging terms is a mine of information. There are many there that I have never heard of and some I have heard of but had no idea what they meant. Barking moonbat "a negative term for describing someone as being at the far edge of whatever ideology he or she is advocating," is one such term I had never heard before but will remember for future use.

It is useful to have a list of 1200 political blogs and their domain names but I am pretty sure that there are a lot more than 125 Lib Dem supporting blogs around.

The guide has a generous sprinkling of cartoon strips about a blogging dog by Hoby which makes it all the more a good read and well worth the £11.04 plus postage from Politico's.

No elected Mayor for Darlington

Over on Mike Barker's blog is the good news that Darlington residents have voted against having a populist Mallon type Mayor in the Borough.

The result was:

No - 11,226 (58.4%)
Yes - 7,981 (41.6%)
Turnout was 24.7%

Football Association chickens out of holding an inquiry into Leeds points penalty

Posted by Chris:

Leeds United have been informed by the Football Association that they do not think it is "appropriate" for there to be any further inquiry into the scandalous imposition of a 15-point penalty so eagerly confirmed by our rival clubs.

Well I'm sure that has rattled us enough to keep on socking it to 'em for a few more games then.

Two fingers to the Football Association as well as the Football League.

Redcar Beer Festival

CAMRA, supported by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, are hosting Redcar Beer Festival at Coatham Memorial Hall, Redcar from the 27th to 29th of September 2007

Featuring 22 beers from Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland. Also cider, perry and fruit wines. Live Music too!

Thursday 27th 6.30pm-11pm (£1.50)
Friday 28th 11.30am-5.30pm (£1.00)
Friday 28th 6.30pm-11pm (£2.00) (Fat Medicine)
Saturday 29th 11.30am-5.30pm (£1.50) (Him and That Man)
Saturday 29th 6.30pm-11pm (£1.50)

All sessions free to card carrying CAMRA members.

Limited supply of commemorative glasses.

For further details visit or call 01287 622444 01642 231351

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).

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 Allowances

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.

Nearly 30,000 fans watch Leeds beat the Swans at Elland Road

The roar from the Elland Road crowd of 29,467 was deafening. The Leeds players responded with another 2-0 win that equals the club's best ever start to a season and moves us up to 18th in League one.

Goals from Jermaine Beckford and David Prutton, along with a man of the match display in defence from Rui Marques and great work by Seb Carole made it seven wins out of seven.

This Leeds team is on fire!

Leeds United 2 Swansea City 0

Dynamic Leeds duo make it a magnificent six out of six

Jermaine Beckford and Tresor Kandol shared three goals as United lifted clear of the relegation zone, at least for one day, and made it a magnificent six out of six.

Leeds had to endure massive pressure from Bristol Rovers for much of the game but our dynamic twin strikers took their chances well.

Bristol Rovers 0 Leeds United 3

"It Girl" Amanda Skelton is Redcar and Cleveland's new Chief Executive

Redcar and Cleveland Council has appointed South Tyneside Council's Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services, Amanda Skelton as the new Chief Executive.

She will succeed Colin Moore, who is retiring from the role after completing eight years in the job in December.

Residents can no doubt look forward to a range of "it" campaigns, such as "blitz it" "bin it" and "just do it" which seem to have been a feature of Amanda's five years as Executive Director at South Tyneside.

Like Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside has moved from a 'fair' authority to 'excellent' and is one one of only ten nationwide to be classed as 'four star improving strongly'.

Amanda Skelton's career in local government has a housing and regeneration background, with vast experience in delivering frontline services. She has previously worked for City of Sunderland Council, Newcastle City Council and Salford Council before arriving in South Tyneside.

How can people leave this mess?

We have received the following from a resident in Easson Road:

Over the past few months I have dutifully cleaned up the remains of dog bowel movement in order to safeguard the health and safety of my grandchildren and the rest of my family. I do not have a dog myself.

I have tried to encourage the owners of the animals concerned to remove the stuff themselves by leaving messages flagged in the verge.

The Community Protection Team is on the case.

Licence is for music at fireworks display

Acting Chief Executive Ray Richardson, has sent the following information to residents living in the Coast Road area following concerns from residents who have had up to SIX different explanations from Council staff when they rang to ask about notices that had been posted:

"You may be aware that Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council staged a firework display on the Stray last year which was a huge success. As a result of this we have recently applied for a Premises Licence (Licensing Act 2003) in regard of repeating the display on the 5th November.

"If we held a firework display only, we would not require a licence, the reason for the Premises Licence, is to allow us to enhance the event by playing accompanying music for the fireworks. As part of the licence application process, we are required to advertise the application, and as the scope of the licence covers a whole host of functions, these also have to be included in the advert."

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.

Eco-Park plans moving a step closer

As many as 20 companies could be based on a 53-hectare former steelworks site to be branded as the South Tees Eco-Park, with the first planning application for development expected later this month.

Work on the site is expected to begin by next March in a phased development that will span several years and negotiations for a £2.5million funding bid are being progressed by the Council to construct access and highway improvements to serve the site.

The North East company, Graphite Resources, is expected to deliver its plans for the site's 'anchor' development which is earmarked for almost half the site.

The company will be hosting public consultation sessions at the South Tees Business Centre in Puddlers Road, South Bank on Thursday, September 13, between noon-7pm and Saturday, September 15, from 9am-noon.

Calling all would-be novelists

If all the Atonement activity in Redcar has inspired you to have a go at writing your own historical novel, then Redcar and Cleveland Council's Library Service has just the thing for you.

Author Wendy Robertson will be running a half day writing workhop called "The Historical Imagination" at Redcar Library on Saturday, September 15. Tickets cost £5 and include tea and a biscuit.

For more information contact Sandra Reddie on 0191 222 1332

Ken Bates in talks with Freddie Shepherd

Leeds United Chairman, Ken Bates, has had preliminary talks with former Magpies supremo Freddie Shepherd but denies press speculation that Freddie is about to launch a take-over bid.

Leeds United make it to zero points in shortest possible time

The biggest crowd in the Football League this season saw United make it five out of five and wipe out the 15 point penalty in the shortest possible time. One goal in each half from the dynamic duo, Tresor Kandol and Jermaine Beckford, was enough to see off Hartlepool.

Leeds best start to a season since 1973 means that many teams in League One are still close enough to catch within a very short period of time.

It is Bristol Rovers away next Friday and a win there could actually see United off the bottom, at least for one day. That would be some achievement

Leeds United 2 Hartlepool United 0

Tyne Tees viewers anger at Council for ditching Yorkshire

Viewers expressed their anger on Tyne Tees TV's North East News programme tonight after Redcar & Cleveland Council voted by 27 votes to 23 yesterday to delete Yorkshire from the Council's postal address.

Yorkshire easily won the text poll of local residents.

Just in case those watching thought I was going a bit over the top. We don't normally have flags and banners draped over cupboards and on walls. It was just for the filming. This blog, showing the poll on the sidebar, was also filmed though you would have to pause the film to see it.

Many thanks to all the people who rang us up after the programme to express their disgust at Labour's spiteful actions. I am sure that this issue is going backfire on Labour.

.

You can watch the programme on-line here

Click on the North East News South Friday 7th September 2007.

Us at the Atonement Premier

Losing our heritage at Kirkleatham

Liberal Democrats in Redcar have called on the Government to act now to save historic buildings before they are lost forever.

Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Ian Swales (pictured above with local conservationist Alexandra Stamp) made the call following the publication of the 2007 English Heritage “Buildings at Risk Register”.

Of the 119 buildings and structures listed in the North East of England no less than 6 lie in Kirkleatham village near Redcar.

Ian Swales said "These buildings are important to our local heritage. Kirkleatham is a beautiful mixture of glorious nature and distinguished early 18th century buildings and monuments unique in the Redcar and Cleveland area. A place that should be a magnet for visitors has now become a cause for local shame ."

Chief among the buildings at risk is the Kirkleatham Hall Stables, a handsome 18th century Grade II listed stable block set near charming walks and woodlands. The stables are approached through elegant gate piers topped by large lions which are listed Grade I. A conservation plan and options appraisal was commissioned by the Council in 2005 but the condition of these magnificentl structures continues to deteriorate.

Ian Swales said "the stables could be converted into highly desirable luxury accommodation by a specialised developer provided that public access was maintained and no further building was permitted in this sensitive landscape."

To the North East of the stables lies a romantic gatehouse badly in need of repair and dating from around 1780.

Ian Swales said “English Heritage have suffered a drop of nearly £20m over the last 6 years in the grant provided by the Government. The heritage lottery funds are now also being raided by a Government who seem to have undermined the independence of the lottery by announcing what will happen to the funds raised.

“As well as restoring the heritage grants the Government should change the VAT rules. The present system favours green field development as that is VAT free whilst repair and renovation attracts VAT at the full rate."

Redcar Lib Dems slam Labour’s abandoning of Yorkshire

Liberal Democrat Councillors on Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council have condemned Labour’s decision to axe the word “Yorkshire” from the council’s official address.

The 27 votes to 23 decision came today at a meeting of the Council. The Labour-dominated authority decided instead to use the term “Redcar & Cleveland” on the Town Hall address.

Labour also refused to allow the public to have their say in a referendum on the issue.

Councillor Chris Abbott, Lib Dem Group Leader said:

“This is an act of cultural vandalism. The North Riding of Yorkshire has never been abolished for cultural, ceremonial, sporting and postal purposes. Our borough is still a part of Yorkshire.”

Redcar Lib Dem Councillor Josie Crawford added:

“Labour said they would be open and transparent, and take the Council to the people. Yet they refuse to give the people the opportunity to have their say on it.”

Lib Dems Demand Recording of Council Meetings

Liberal Democrat Councillors on Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council today struck a blow for political openness by calling for meetings to be recorded and broadcast on the Council website.

This follows the highly successful introduction of a similar scheme at neighbouring North Yorkshire County Council earlier this year.

However, the ruling Labour group stopped short of agreeing to the proposal, and instead argued for the matter to be referred to the Council’s “Democracy Commission”.

Marske Councillor Margaret Wilson proposed the motion, saying:

“The Council already has the technology to do this and it will give the public the opportunity to see the Councillors they elected in action. It will also provide an accurate record of the proceedings.”

“I am pleased that the Labour Party half-supported my motion. We will now have to see what the Democratic Commission is all about, and whether it has any real power to change the Council in ways which allow public access.”

Redcar Lib Dem Councillor Joyce Benbow seconded the motion, adding:

“Few people are able to attend Council meetings, as they take place during the day. Access to the Town Hall Chamber is also difficult for people with disabilities. But if people could watch proceedings at home at a time of their own choosing, many more would get the chance to see and hear what goes on.”

The Regent Cinema's greatest night ever

Redcar's Regent Cinema hosted the regional premier of Atonement tonight. Glynis and I were first to walk down the red carpet with the cameras flashing. What a fabulous night for Redcar and for the Regent Cinema!

The red carpet or is it pink?

The champagne reception but no, that is not Charles Kennedy.

Glynis with Dave Fitzpatrick and his girlfriend.

Neil Bates who runs the Regent Cinema.

Joe Wright, Director of Atonement, finds a spare minute from
his hectic schedule today to organise his next blockbuster.

Mystery of the split open letters to Redcar Lib Dems

Posted by Chris:

It seems that almost all the letters sent out to Redcar Lib Dems members giving notice of the September General meeting have landed on the doorstep with the envelopes spit open and the papers loose.

Many members have received only the face part of the envelope, whilst Joyce Benbow has received a Royal Mail packet (also burst open) with umpteen sets of the papers in them.

I spoke to our friendly Postman this morning and he was well aware of it. It had apparently been a talking point at the Sorting Office but they have no idea how it happened.

New Poll - Should Redcar & Cleveland Council retain Yorkshire as part of its postal address?

Posted by Chris:

At 2pm on Thursday, in the Town Hall, Fabian Road, Eston, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Councillors will debate a spiteful motion proposed by Labour Councillors to delete Yorkshire from the Council's postal address.

Let's be honest about it, this petty action will cost absolutely nothing to the Council, though it may cost Royal Mail money in wasted time having to hand sort incorrectly addressed letters. It cost the Council nothing to add Yorkshire in the first place and it will cost nothing to replace it. I make this point because when it was first proposed that we use Yorkshire as part of the postal address Labour Councillors claimed it would cost £80,000 and they have spent years whining in the local press about the cost of associating the area with Yorkshire, when there is no cost. They actually made up the £80,000 cost and the annoying thing is that people believe them.

I was sent, last night, extracts from a local website that showed comments from anonymous posters objecting to the Labour motion. The only problem about that is all they could refer to was the cost of deleting Yorkshire from the postal address. What I am interested in is not the cost (there is none) it is the value. Redcar, Yorkshire means something. It identifies exactly where we are and associates the area with our real County. More than one thousand years of history and heritage is what it means to be part of Yorkshire.

Local government changes are made regularly and will be made again in the future, there is no doubt about that. England needs stable geography and there is no need to change the name of the area every time the name of the local Council changes. Areas for local government can be shown alongside real Counties on maps. As my posting yesterday explains what Labour proposes is nonsensical and will cause chaos for the postal service.

I have added a new Poll on the sidebar please express your views. You can also use the comments section.

History comes alive at Atonement regional premier:

Dunkirk veterans will be among special guests who are beating the queue to see 'Atonement' before it goes on general release.

They will be among the 266 strong audience at The Regent Cinema in Redcar on Wednesday, September 5, for the official Community Premiere of Joe Wright's adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel 'Atonement'.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has worked with Northern Film and Media, Universal and BAFTA Films to bring the multi Oscar tipped film to the town where some of its most memorable scenes were shot for the official regional premiere.

Last Autumn the beach and a section of the Promenade was turned into Dunkirk for the filming of the movie Atonement, which involved 1,000 local people as extras.

And a living history group will be bringing war-time memories back to Redcar as the Council kicks off the free community celebrations with a 1940's Spectacular Event at 11am.

Visitors will step back in time as members of Hartlepool Heritage Memorial Society give up their time to turn parts of The Esplanade and beach into wartime 1940's.

To really get that wartime feel, Hartlepool Military Heritage Memorial Society re-enacts an encampment, complete with camouflage netting, field kitchen, mortars, sandbanks and ammunition including two 25lb guns and one Bofors, automatic, double-barrelled, anti-aircraft gun.

Founder, Neil Forcer, said: "We don't celebrate or glorify war. We like to think of ourselves as a living museum, where people can participate in what we're doing.

"They can touch the uniforms and artifacts and really get to grips with it and even eat food of the era as we'll be cooking up Bully Beef on the day for people to try!

"What we provide is a completely different experience to that of visiting a museum where exhibits are often behind glass and remote. We'll also be in simple Royal Artillery gunner's uniform, so we'll be very much the common man soldier."

Who did this?

Posted by Glynis

The resident of 127 Sandringham Road, Redcar woke up to this damage to the rear fence and garden hut this morning.

The fence fronts onto the West Dyke Road car park and it seems that someone has reversed out of a parking space, damaged the fence and pushed back the garden shed eighteen inches, damaging it in the process.

I understand that this is the second time that it has happened. It has been reported to the police. Did anyone see it happen?

Road closure for Atonement premier

Redcar and Cleveland Council has organised a temporary road closure to allow a day of nostalgia events in the build-up to the regional premiere of the movie, Atonement, at Redcar's Regent Cinema on Wednesday, September 5.

Traffic will be banned from a stretch of the Esplanade, from its junction with Arthur Street to the junction near Station Road, from 8am on Tuesday, September 4 to 2pm on Thursday, September 6.

The closure will allow work for creating a 1940s day of entertainment, including a stage for music and dance performances as well as room for the red carpet to be rolled out for the 8pm VIP screening on Wednesday.

Ditching Yorkshire and adding Redcar and Cleveland will cause chaos for the Postal Service.

With regard to the Labour motion to delete Yorkshire from the postal address of Redcar and Cleveland Council and change it with Redcar and Cleveland. Here is confirmation that Royal Mail think the idea of using a unitary council name in the county part of the address is "nonsensical"

Below is a copy of an email to Peter Boyce Chairman of the Association of British Counties from Royal Mail's Address Management Centre at Portsmouth, dated 31st August 2007. The AMC is the authority on postal addresses. As experienced in the past, if you ring the local office you get the opinion of whoever you speak to, usually a telephone clerk who does not know the facts and is usually wrong.

Royal Mail's Automated Sorting System requires both the correct post town and correct postcode, otherwise a letter is rejected for manual sorting. In the Borough of Redcar & Cleveland there are four post towns. Redcar, Middlesbrough, Saltburn and Guisborough.

A letter addressed to someone in Saltburn, Middlesbrough or Guisborough with Redcar and Cleveland added will mean that two post towns appear on the address, causing it either to be misdirected or rejected for manual sorting.

A letter with Redcar, Redcar & Cleveland on the address is simply silly.

Re: Address Management

Thank you for your enquiry concerning the use of County information in a UK address.

I would like to confirm Royal Mail no longer require County information in a correct Postal Address providing the correct post town and full accurate postcode are included. Our customers are, however, free to include county information if they wish to do so.

In such circumstances, they may choose to use the former postal, traditional, or administrative county name with no detrimental effect on the service they receive. Royal Mail are not seeking to discourage the use of county information, but rather to provide our customers with a choice.

Former Postal County

Former Postal County information is what was used by Royal Mail, prior to the full use of Postcodes to identify between similar and same sounding place names. The information was taken from what was the Administrative county at the time, and has not been updated.

Traditional County

Traditional County information is provided by the Association of British Counties (ABC) and is historical data, backdating to the 1800's.

Administrative County

Administrative County data is provided by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This information is not static data, the county boundaries may change due to administrative changes.

In some circumstances it would be nonsensical for use in an address. For example, the administrative county name for Portsmouth would be Portsmouth, and for Southampton would be Southampton.

Royal Mail has not provided county information on PAF based products and services since December 2000.

The exception to this being the Royal Mail UK Addresses products and the Alias File, whereby all three county names are supplied and the user would have to make a selection from the above three county names if required. The Alias File is an 'add-on' data set which would be purchased in addition to a full PAF Data product, and again all three county names are supplied and the end user will need to make a
choice.

The PAF is intended primarily to meet the requirements of Royal Mails own distribution system. Whilst Royal Mail provide Postcode and Address data to third party users as a source of information we have no control over the manner in which it is used.

Regards

Customer Support

Royal Mail, Address Management Unit, 4th Floor, Royal Mail, Slindon
Street, PORTSMOUTH PO1 1AF
(0845 606 6854 (option 2) or postline (Royal Mail only) 5258 2778

United cap the Hatters to make it minus 3

26,856 watched a tense thriller, at Elland Road, as Leeds United make it four wins out of four - their best start for 23 years.

Tresor Kandol scored in the final moments of the first half as once again his link up work with strike partner, Jermaine Beckford, proved crucial for United.

Kevin Blackwell and John Carver lost it at the end of the match refusing to shake hands with Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet. Interviewed on Yorkshire Radio, after the match, Dennis claimed that former Leeds caretaker manager Carver grabbed him by the throat. Blackwell, who under the circumstances, did a reasonable job as United manager, taking us to the Championship play offs, played the incident down, claiming he was just leaning in to listen to what Dennis had to say.

Leeds United 1 Luton Town o