Redcar and Cleveland Council's five Area Committees give a chance for the public to ask questions in an hour-long open forum.
Written questions can be posted to the Council's Community Development Co-ordinator Julian Feakes at Fairway House, Limerick Road, Dormanstown, TS10 5JU or by email
Dates and venues for the next cycle of meetings is:
Redcar: Wednesday, June 4 at Sacred Heart RC School, Mersey Road.
East Cleveland: Wednesday, June 11 at Gleneagles Community Centre, New Marske.
Greater Eston: Tuesday, June 17 at Ravensworth Junior School, Normanby.
Kilton: Wednesday, June 18 at Moordale Court Community Centre, Lingdale.
Guisborough: Tuesday, June 24 at Belmont Primary School, Lauderdale Drive.
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Sunday, 25 May 2008
Disaster as the Mighty Whites fall at the last hurdle
With Leeds United selling all their allocation of 36,000 tickets for the League 1 Play-Off final ticketless United fans had to nip down to Donny for one. Many of them were seen in the sparsely populated Donny end, proudly wearing Leeds colours. It was a bit like the scene on any day in Doncaster where there are always lots of fans wearing Leeds shirts in the streets.
The Mighty Whites nearly lifted the Wembley roof with boos when the League Chairman, Lord Mawhinny, walked onto the pitch to shake hands with the Leeds players, who looked at his lordship with stony faces.
But the rest of the match belonged to Donny. They outplayed United with pure passing football; they were quicker in the tackle and got into the game much faster than the Mighty Whites.
The first ten minutes were all Doncaster and the mighty Viking, Casper Ankergran, twice in one minute had to snatch the ball from the feet of Donny players who were through on goal. United rode out the storm but never looked like scoring. The chances they had never troubled the Donny goalie, ex-Leeds man Neil Sullivan.
Donny came out for the second half and immediately went on the attack. Disaster struck United when Donny forced a corner and James Hayter headed in, only two minutes into the second half, 1-0.
United tried but were simply not good enough on the day and Sully was clearly the master of the Donny goal area. He grabbed every ball that found its way in.
After a long and courageous season, when the Mighty Whites clawed back the 15-point deficit in the shortest possible time, it was the spell of lost matches at the end of last year, following the departures of first Gus Poyet and then Dennis Wise, that spoilt it for Leeds.
In terms of points earned United did enough to earn promotion and it is a bitter pill to swallow that it was not enough to take us up. They did well to turn around the deficit too, in the play-off semi-final against Carlisle but it was always going to be a lottery at Wembley and United could not pull a winner out of the hat.
At least next season we start with the same number of points as the rest of the teams in lowly League 1. Let us hope that we can sustain the stability that Gary McAllister brings to the club. Marching on together.
Oh dear! This means Donny Rovers are playing in a higher league than the Mighty Leeds. Well done to them, it is nice to see another West Riding team doing well and playing in a super new stadium.
Attendance 75,132
Doncaster Rovers 1 Leeds United 0
The Mighty Whites nearly lifted the Wembley roof with boos when the League Chairman, Lord Mawhinny, walked onto the pitch to shake hands with the Leeds players, who looked at his lordship with stony faces.
But the rest of the match belonged to Donny. They outplayed United with pure passing football; they were quicker in the tackle and got into the game much faster than the Mighty Whites.
The first ten minutes were all Doncaster and the mighty Viking, Casper Ankergran, twice in one minute had to snatch the ball from the feet of Donny players who were through on goal. United rode out the storm but never looked like scoring. The chances they had never troubled the Donny goalie, ex-Leeds man Neil Sullivan.
Donny came out for the second half and immediately went on the attack. Disaster struck United when Donny forced a corner and James Hayter headed in, only two minutes into the second half, 1-0.
United tried but were simply not good enough on the day and Sully was clearly the master of the Donny goal area. He grabbed every ball that found its way in.
After a long and courageous season, when the Mighty Whites clawed back the 15-point deficit in the shortest possible time, it was the spell of lost matches at the end of last year, following the departures of first Gus Poyet and then Dennis Wise, that spoilt it for Leeds.
In terms of points earned United did enough to earn promotion and it is a bitter pill to swallow that it was not enough to take us up. They did well to turn around the deficit too, in the play-off semi-final against Carlisle but it was always going to be a lottery at Wembley and United could not pull a winner out of the hat.
At least next season we start with the same number of points as the rest of the teams in lowly League 1. Let us hope that we can sustain the stability that Gary McAllister brings to the club. Marching on together.
Oh dear! This means Donny Rovers are playing in a higher league than the Mighty Leeds. Well done to them, it is nice to see another West Riding team doing well and playing in a super new stadium.
Attendance 75,132
Doncaster Rovers 1 Leeds United 0
Friday, 23 May 2008
Get ready for recycle now week
Redcar and Cleveland Council is ready to encourage residents to recycle more household waste during Recycle Now Week from Monday, June 2.
The Council's Community Waste Liaison Officer Barbara Webster will be at Asda, South Bank on Tuesday, June 3, from 10.30am-1pm promoting bags for life.
She will be at Morrisons, Redcar on Thursday, June 5, from 10am-12.30pm and at Station Square, Saltburn on Friday, June 6, from 10am-2pm, promoting waste minimisation and the benefits of recycling
Monti, the Council's recycling mascot, visits three primary schools, Skelton, Ormesby and John Batty, Redcar on Wednesday, June 4, encouraging children to reduce, re-use and recycle.
The Council's Community Waste Liaison Officer Barbara Webster will be at Asda, South Bank on Tuesday, June 3, from 10.30am-1pm promoting bags for life.
She will be at Morrisons, Redcar on Thursday, June 5, from 10am-12.30pm and at Station Square, Saltburn on Friday, June 6, from 10am-2pm, promoting waste minimisation and the benefits of recycling
Monti, the Council's recycling mascot, visits three primary schools, Skelton, Ormesby and John Batty, Redcar on Wednesday, June 4, encouraging children to reduce, re-use and recycle.
Friday, 16 May 2008
Newcomen Primary School building for the future
A Redcar primary school, excited at the prospect of a planned £5million rebuilding programme due to start later this summer, has been given another boost by Government inspectors.
Newcomen Primary School, says the Ofsted report, is "a good school with some outstanding features. Children make good progress in all aspects of their education, particularly in their personal development which is outstanding."
The report adds: "The pupils are polite, friendly and helpful. Their behaviour is exemplary. They are justly proud of their school and enjoy their education. They view the school as an oasis of peace in a challenging world."
Parents, too, are pleased with Newcomen. One parent told inspectors: "I have nothing but praise for this school and its dedicated staff."
The leadership of headteacher Barbara Linthwaite and her management team is "good" and the report says: "In the last four years, the headteacher has moved the school forward significantly.
"She has a vision of a school that challenges individual pupils to develop their learning skills and understanding of the wider world. This is shared by the highly committed staff team. Teaching and learning is good and in some lessons outstanding. This enables the majority of pupils to achieve well."
Mrs Linthwaite is delighted with the Ofsted verdict. "The report is a wonderful testament to the hard work of everyone connected with the school, pupils, parents, all staff and governors.
"It was also very rewarding to see Ofsted congratulating the school for continuing to provide quality for the pupils during the disruption caused by the building works.
"We are all delighted and the report has strengthened our feelings of empowerment and excitement as we take the school forward to our new build."
Redcar and Cleveland Council's Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education Councillor Ian Jeffrey said: "Life is never easy for a school that is on the brink of such a major rebuild, but I'm delighted at how well Newcomen has done and that all their good work has been rightly recognised by the inspection team."
Newcomen Primary School, says the Ofsted report, is "a good school with some outstanding features. Children make good progress in all aspects of their education, particularly in their personal development which is outstanding."
The report adds: "The pupils are polite, friendly and helpful. Their behaviour is exemplary. They are justly proud of their school and enjoy their education. They view the school as an oasis of peace in a challenging world."
Parents, too, are pleased with Newcomen. One parent told inspectors: "I have nothing but praise for this school and its dedicated staff."
The leadership of headteacher Barbara Linthwaite and her management team is "good" and the report says: "In the last four years, the headteacher has moved the school forward significantly.
"She has a vision of a school that challenges individual pupils to develop their learning skills and understanding of the wider world. This is shared by the highly committed staff team. Teaching and learning is good and in some lessons outstanding. This enables the majority of pupils to achieve well."
Mrs Linthwaite is delighted with the Ofsted verdict. "The report is a wonderful testament to the hard work of everyone connected with the school, pupils, parents, all staff and governors.
"It was also very rewarding to see Ofsted congratulating the school for continuing to provide quality for the pupils during the disruption caused by the building works.
"We are all delighted and the report has strengthened our feelings of empowerment and excitement as we take the school forward to our new build."
Redcar and Cleveland Council's Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education Councillor Ian Jeffrey said: "Life is never easy for a school that is on the brink of such a major rebuild, but I'm delighted at how well Newcomen has done and that all their good work has been rightly recognised by the inspection team."
Council choose Guisborough to host Yorkshire Day parade
Redcar and Cleveland Council has announced details of its plans to celebrate Yorkshire Day on Friday, August 1 - with Mayors from all over the White Rose county.The Council has accepted an invitation from the Yorkshire Society to host the annual event, which brings 250 civic dignitaries to a civic celebration and church service.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Sheelagh Clarke said: "We're hoping it will be a lovely day for all of us - and we're keeping our fingers cross that the sun shines."
The day will begin with the Council's newly-elected Mayor, Councillor Mike Findley, welcoming the visitors to Guisborough and lead a parade along the town's Westgate to a church service at St Nicholas Parish Church.
The invited guests will then be given a tour of Gisborough Priory, which will be the backdrop for a series of official photographs to mark the occasion before a special lunch is served at Laurence Jackson School, Guisborough.
The Yorkshire Ridings Society, a separate organisation, will be holding its readings of the Yorkshire Declaration of Integrity in Redcar as normal and selling artificial white roses in aid of Redcar Lifeboat. Full details will be provided soon.
Thursday, 15 May 2008
We're on our way Wembley - two-goal Jonny Howson wins it for Leeds
Nineteen years old Jonny Howson was the toast of Leeds when he turned around Monday's one-goal deficit from the first leg of the League 1 play-off semi-final at Elland Road and then banged in the winner in injury time at Brunton Park.
Leeds United looked like a different team as they started the second-leg, with the same line-up. They were compose, patient and disciplined. They won the headers, controlled midfield and played a slick passing game.
Dougie Freedman, who had a hand in both goals, shone out with his clever touches and unselfish play. He really is the new Bobby Collins or Gordon Strachan.
In the 9th minute Freedman's well placed pass, from outside the penalty box found Howson who fired in from five yards to level the aggregate score, o-1.
A 12th minute cross from Bradley Johnson reached the head of Jermaine Beckford but his response was weak. A 19th minute volley from Neil Kilkenny was caught by Blues keeper Keiran Westwood.
Carlisle came close with a couple of chances that tested Casper Ankegran and the Viking did well to stop a goal-bound shot from Marc Bridge-Wilkinson on the stroke of half-time.
Leeds began strongly in the second-half and within a minute Freedman fired in a screamer, from 30 yards that was caught by Westwood. Prutton tried one a minute later, which sailed over the bar. It was Beckford's turn to fire over the bar shortly afterwards.
A header from Carlisle's Danny Graham in the 50th minute was caught by the Viking.
A 51st minute shot by Kilkenny, from just outside the penalty area, went well wide. A minute later he fired in from 30 yards but this time it sailed over the bar. Beckford had a shot from 25 yards in the 57th minute that also went over the bar.
Carlisle began to put the pressure on around the hour mark but their efforts were well defended by Leeds.
On 75 minutes a one-two with Beckford nearly came off when Freedman fired in from 25 yards but it was deflected for a corner. A series of three corners ended with a smart header by Johnson that went wide.
On 80 minutes a Carlisle free-kick was easily dealt with by Leeds and an 82nd minute shot by Leeds skipper, Jonathan Douglas, was deflected for a corner.
Then just as everyone was expecting the whistle to blow for a period of extra-time and the possibility of a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out, Freedman combined once again with Howson who fired in the winner and sent us all leaping in the air with delight, 0-2.
United are on their way to Wembley, after giving all the other teams in League 1 a 15 point start on them. Only 90 minutes and either Southend or Donny stand between mighty Leeds and a quick return to the Championship.
Attendance 12,873 (1600 Leeds)
Carlisle United 0 Leeds United 2 (aggregate 2-3 to Leeds)
Leeds United looked like a different team as they started the second-leg, with the same line-up. They were compose, patient and disciplined. They won the headers, controlled midfield and played a slick passing game.
Dougie Freedman, who had a hand in both goals, shone out with his clever touches and unselfish play. He really is the new Bobby Collins or Gordon Strachan.
In the 9th minute Freedman's well placed pass, from outside the penalty box found Howson who fired in from five yards to level the aggregate score, o-1.
A 12th minute cross from Bradley Johnson reached the head of Jermaine Beckford but his response was weak. A 19th minute volley from Neil Kilkenny was caught by Blues keeper Keiran Westwood.
Carlisle came close with a couple of chances that tested Casper Ankegran and the Viking did well to stop a goal-bound shot from Marc Bridge-Wilkinson on the stroke of half-time.
Leeds began strongly in the second-half and within a minute Freedman fired in a screamer, from 30 yards that was caught by Westwood. Prutton tried one a minute later, which sailed over the bar. It was Beckford's turn to fire over the bar shortly afterwards.
A header from Carlisle's Danny Graham in the 50th minute was caught by the Viking.
A 51st minute shot by Kilkenny, from just outside the penalty area, went well wide. A minute later he fired in from 30 yards but this time it sailed over the bar. Beckford had a shot from 25 yards in the 57th minute that also went over the bar.
Carlisle began to put the pressure on around the hour mark but their efforts were well defended by Leeds.
On 75 minutes a one-two with Beckford nearly came off when Freedman fired in from 25 yards but it was deflected for a corner. A series of three corners ended with a smart header by Johnson that went wide.
On 80 minutes a Carlisle free-kick was easily dealt with by Leeds and an 82nd minute shot by Leeds skipper, Jonathan Douglas, was deflected for a corner.
Then just as everyone was expecting the whistle to blow for a period of extra-time and the possibility of a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out, Freedman combined once again with Howson who fired in the winner and sent us all leaping in the air with delight, 0-2.
United are on their way to Wembley, after giving all the other teams in League 1 a 15 point start on them. Only 90 minutes and either Southend or Donny stand between mighty Leeds and a quick return to the Championship.
Attendance 12,873 (1600 Leeds)
Carlisle United 0 Leeds United 2 (aggregate 2-3 to Leeds)
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
Post Office consultation branded a sham
The news that all 37 post offices scheduled for closure in Teesside and surrounding areas will in fact close has been greeted with disbelief by local Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Ian Swales.
He said "there has been a tremendous campaign to keep a number of these post offices open particularly the four in the Borough of Redcar and Cleveland.
The fact that the Post Office management have refused to listen to any protests proves that all the decisions were already made. The consultation process was a sham.
It would have helped if MP's had voted to delay the process in March when they had the chance. However, not one of our local MP's backed the call.
I welcome the news that Redcar and Cleveland Council is aiming to support the communities involved. We still have to see the details but whatever they do will hardly compensate for the loss of a Post Office.
I am also disappointed that they have not mentioned Roseberry Square, Redcar where the loss of the post office through the renewal of the shopping centre is affecting far more people than the other closures in the Borough."
He said "there has been a tremendous campaign to keep a number of these post offices open particularly the four in the Borough of Redcar and Cleveland.
The fact that the Post Office management have refused to listen to any protests proves that all the decisions were already made. The consultation process was a sham.
It would have helped if MP's had voted to delay the process in March when they had the chance. However, not one of our local MP's backed the call.
I welcome the news that Redcar and Cleveland Council is aiming to support the communities involved. We still have to see the details but whatever they do will hardly compensate for the loss of a Post Office.
I am also disappointed that they have not mentioned Roseberry Square, Redcar where the loss of the post office through the renewal of the shopping centre is affecting far more people than the other closures in the Borough."
One million still losing out despite Chancellor's by-election budget
Commenting on the Chancellor's plans to compensate low paid workers who lost out when the 10p income tax rate was abolished, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Ian Swales said:
"This Government's tax policy has descended into a complete farce.
"The abolition of the 10p rate was designed to help Labour win the election that never was. Now this by-election budget is designed to help them cling on to Crewe in next week's vote.
"The Chancellor is desperately trying to backtrack from the disastrous decisions of the Prime Minister but has still hasn't managed to get it right. This u-turn leaves 1.1 million of the lowest paid workers losing up to £100 each.
"We can have no confidence in either a Prime Minister or a Chancellor who continue to make tax policy on the hoof, while still leaving the poorest out in the cold."
"This Government's tax policy has descended into a complete farce.
"The abolition of the 10p rate was designed to help Labour win the election that never was. Now this by-election budget is designed to help them cling on to Crewe in next week's vote.
"The Chancellor is desperately trying to backtrack from the disastrous decisions of the Prime Minister but has still hasn't managed to get it right. This u-turn leaves 1.1 million of the lowest paid workers losing up to £100 each.
"We can have no confidence in either a Prime Minister or a Chancellor who continue to make tax policy on the hoof, while still leaving the poorest out in the cold."
Monday, 12 May 2008
Dougie Freedman's last gasp goal gives Leeds hope as Blues win first-leg
Blogged Live.
Elland Road is packed, the crowd is in good voice and the first leg of the play-offs is about to start. Leeds United kick-off with super striker Jermaine Beckford back in the side after being sidelined for four matches with an ankle injury.
Carlisle's Marc Bridge-Wilkinson hit the bar in the seventh minute, from 18 yards, when he picked up a cross from Danny Graham.
Dougie Freedman came close in the 11th minute when he collected a cross, 20 yards out, turned and fired in one move, which was tipped round the post by Carlisle keeper, Keiren Westwood. In the 13th minute he chested down a long pass and fired in a superb volley that was caught by the keeper.
Carlisle's Scott Dobie is booked for a foul on Lubomir Michalik in the 22nd minute. Carlisle on top in terms of possession and attempts on goal.
29th minute Freedman picks up the ball just inside the Carlisle half, passes to Beckford, who shoots from 25 yards, tipped round the post by Westwood.
Shot from Carlisle's Simon Hackney in the 31st minute is deflected in, 0-1.
39th minute, shot by Jonathan Douglas after great work by Kilkenny, saved by Westwood.
42nd Minute Kilkenny puts Beckford through, saved by Westwood.
Half-time 0-1.
Grumble - we have just seen on Sky that the goal came from a corner. It should never have been given. The ball was put out of play by a Carlisle player being challenged by Michalik, who never touched the ball.
Four minutes into the second half and United are scrambling about their own penalty area like they don't know what they are doing. It all ends in disaster with Bridge-Wilkinson stabbing the ball in from six yards, 0-2.
57th minute Beckford is replaced by Tresor Kandol. Becks is furious.
United are pressing but Carlisle are defending well. Crosses are going in but the Blues are holding firm.
67 minutes - Westwood saves Carlisle again when a misplaced back header from a Carlisle defender was on its way in.
19 minutes to go and a penalty claim is denied as David Prutton attempts a shot from just inside the penalty area, it bounces off a Carlisle defender. Two minutes later and the crowd call again for a penalty as Freedman is bundled over in the same spot.
77th minute, Prutton is replaced by Seb Carole.
78th minute, a long range shot by Bradley Johnson is deflected away.
82nd minute, a long range shot by Kilkenny, over the bar.
85 minutes - United get a free-kick just outside the penalty box. Kilkenny sends it goal bound but it is headed away for a corner. Two corners taken, Westwood saves them both. He has played a blinder.
89th minute - Andy Hughes replaces Jonathan Howson.
Goooooal! In the last seconds of the game a scramble in the Carlisle penalty box ended when Dougie Freedman manages to push the ball into the back of the net with his right foot, 1-2.
Huge relief!!! Leeds have lost and deserved to but we are still in here with a chance after yet another last gasp goal by the Super Whites. We now only have to claw back one goal, instead of two, when we face the Blues again on Thursday at their place. Unfortunately, they have the best home record in League One. It is going to be tough but we can do it.
This was Carlisle's first ever win at Elland Road.
Attendance 36,297.
Leeds United 1 Carlisle United 2
Elland Road is packed, the crowd is in good voice and the first leg of the play-offs is about to start. Leeds United kick-off with super striker Jermaine Beckford back in the side after being sidelined for four matches with an ankle injury.
Carlisle's Marc Bridge-Wilkinson hit the bar in the seventh minute, from 18 yards, when he picked up a cross from Danny Graham.
Dougie Freedman came close in the 11th minute when he collected a cross, 20 yards out, turned and fired in one move, which was tipped round the post by Carlisle keeper, Keiren Westwood. In the 13th minute he chested down a long pass and fired in a superb volley that was caught by the keeper.
Carlisle's Scott Dobie is booked for a foul on Lubomir Michalik in the 22nd minute. Carlisle on top in terms of possession and attempts on goal.
29th minute Freedman picks up the ball just inside the Carlisle half, passes to Beckford, who shoots from 25 yards, tipped round the post by Westwood.
Shot from Carlisle's Simon Hackney in the 31st minute is deflected in, 0-1.
39th minute, shot by Jonathan Douglas after great work by Kilkenny, saved by Westwood.
42nd Minute Kilkenny puts Beckford through, saved by Westwood.
Half-time 0-1.
Grumble - we have just seen on Sky that the goal came from a corner. It should never have been given. The ball was put out of play by a Carlisle player being challenged by Michalik, who never touched the ball.
Four minutes into the second half and United are scrambling about their own penalty area like they don't know what they are doing. It all ends in disaster with Bridge-Wilkinson stabbing the ball in from six yards, 0-2.
57th minute Beckford is replaced by Tresor Kandol. Becks is furious.
United are pressing but Carlisle are defending well. Crosses are going in but the Blues are holding firm.
67 minutes - Westwood saves Carlisle again when a misplaced back header from a Carlisle defender was on its way in.
19 minutes to go and a penalty claim is denied as David Prutton attempts a shot from just inside the penalty area, it bounces off a Carlisle defender. Two minutes later and the crowd call again for a penalty as Freedman is bundled over in the same spot.
77th minute, Prutton is replaced by Seb Carole.
78th minute, a long range shot by Bradley Johnson is deflected away.
82nd minute, a long range shot by Kilkenny, over the bar.
85 minutes - United get a free-kick just outside the penalty box. Kilkenny sends it goal bound but it is headed away for a corner. Two corners taken, Westwood saves them both. He has played a blinder.
89th minute - Andy Hughes replaces Jonathan Howson.
Goooooal! In the last seconds of the game a scramble in the Carlisle penalty box ended when Dougie Freedman manages to push the ball into the back of the net with his right foot, 1-2.
Huge relief!!! Leeds have lost and deserved to but we are still in here with a chance after yet another last gasp goal by the Super Whites. We now only have to claw back one goal, instead of two, when we face the Blues again on Thursday at their place. Unfortunately, they have the best home record in League One. It is going to be tough but we can do it.
This was Carlisle's first ever win at Elland Road.
Attendance 36,297.
Leeds United 1 Carlisle United 2
Work on the Wesmorland Road Allotment's fence put back another month
The painting of the rusty iron rail perimeter fencing, around the Allotments in Westmorland Road, was due to start 1st week in May but due to workload of the contractor these works have now been put back to the second week in June.
The Allotment holders are being informed that the fencing will be removed and a temporary fence will be erected whilst the fence is being painted. This may compromise security for a short period. The tenants have also been asked to remove anything they have attached to the fence ahead of the works progressing.
The Allotment holders are being informed that the fencing will be removed and a temporary fence will be erected whilst the fence is being painted. This may compromise security for a short period. The tenants have also been asked to remove anything they have attached to the fence ahead of the works progressing.
Saturday, 3 May 2008
Super Leeds sink the Gills
Leeds United supporters surrounded the statue of Billy Bremner to let Gillingham fans know exactly what they felt about the 15-point deduction and their Chairman, Paul Scully's gloating comments when the Football League's penalty was endorsed by the vested interests of rival clubs.Billy's statue is situated right outside the entrance/exit to the away fans corner. It was all light hearted stuff and the fans where hamming it up for a film crew who were there to record it. It could have turned nasty when half a dozen bobbies got in behind to move them, unnecessarily, off the pedestal but no-one was bothered:
15 points who gives a stuff?
We're Super Leeds and we're going up!
United had overcome the penalty by amassing 91 points, which should have seen them automatically promoted. The prize of a trip to Wembley now awaits the Super Whites if they can carry on this winning run for the two games against Carlisle. Then we can really show the world what we think about the Football League "family."
38,256 packed into Elland Road, the Football League's biggest crowd of the season, to watch United play Gillingham.
The first half was a scrappy affair with the teams packed into an area about the size of the centre circle for much of the time. United found the Gills hard to break down and paid the price on 20 minutes when nippy striker, Simeon Jackson, took advantage of an error by Paul Huntingdon, then skipped across the front of goal and blasted the ball past the helpless Viking, 0-1.Backed by the noisy crowd (whose rendition of 'Marching on Together' made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up), United got on top in the second half. The introduction of Seb Carole for Peter Sweeney, in the 69th minute, made a difference and it was Carole's cross to Bradley Johnson the equalled things up. Johnson hit a superb volley from just outside the penalty box, 1-1.
United boss, Gary McAllister, rested a number of players and brought in youngster Scott Gardner for his first game since August and Tresor Kandol came back into the starting line-up. Gardner made a nervy start but by the second half was making some exciting runs down the flank that had the Gills on their toes.
Rookie, Fabian Delph, came on for Jonathan Douglas in the 76th minute and looked good.
Kandol looked low in confidence and took a bit of stick from the crowd at times. He looked hesitant in making passes, when he helped out in midfield, but all that went out of the window, with two minutes to go, when he collected a pass from Andy Hughes, slipped the Gills defence and walloped the ball into the back of the net, 2-1.
Gillingham had to win this game to stay up. In the end it did not matter because Cheltenham won against Donny so the Gills were down anyway.
United go into the play-offs as the team in-form and with the Arbitration Panel's decision still rankling, our hopes are high for a swift return to the Championship against all the odds.
Leeds United 2 Gillingham 1
Thursday, 1 May 2008
Leeds lose appeal - now let's get on and win the play-offs
Leeds United have lost their appeal against the deduction of 15 points. Three reasons given by the arbitration panel are bizarre.* United agreed in writing to the 15-point decision.
* took too long to get around to the arbitration
* it would be unfair to the other clubs pushing for promotion to give Leeds the points back at this late stage.
United had no choice but to agree. They would have been out of the League if they hadn't signed. They have been arguing since 30th August for an appeal and did everything they could to get to this stage. The other clubs have benefitted from this unfair and as yet unjustified penalty placed on the Mighty Whites.
If a team other than Leeds gets promoted it will be without really earning it. Our job now is to make sure United win through. It's us against them and that is the best possible incentive for Leeds to get through the play-offs.
If Swansea take the Championship trophy without beating Leeds on points then they cannot in all fairness take real credit for their achievement. If the Swans get three points tomorrow or if Leeds don't win against the Gills then Swansea deserve the title and good luck to them.
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Funding for over 55's housing on former garage site in Roseberry Road stalls
The former Lakes Service Station site on Roseberry Road (pictured above) has become a real eyesore. We had been expecting work to start any time on the provision of elderly persons accommodation. That was the position when the Lib Dem led Coalition left office in May last year.
With the new financial year underway and no sign of work commencing on the site we raised the issue at the last Wednesday's meeting of the Redcar Area Committee and were promised an update. This we have now received as follows:
The Council owns the land and has granted BP a long lease of the land. Lakes Service Station closed and the Council began negotiations for a surrender of the lease.
In anticipation of the site becoming available, it was originally considered as part of a range of sites offered for extra care development. However, the extra care providers were not too keen due to the size of this site and it was later looked at by the Tees Valley Housing Group for housing for the over 55's. This scheme successfully attracted Housing Corporation Funding.
Some remediation works were carried out by the tenant, but eventually the negotiations broke down. The Council could not compel the tenant to proceed with the surrender of the lease and therefore the site was not available for re-development as the lease remains in place.
This prompted Tees Valley Housing Group to approach the Housing Corporation requesting that the funding be switched to a site at Church Lane, Eston which will deliver general needs housing linked to the Housing Market Renewal activity in Greater Eston. The Housing Corporation confirmed funding for the Church Lane scheme in March this year.
BP has since offered the lease for sale at Auction. The lease did not sell. Redcar & Cleveland Council are still in discussions with the tenant and are trying to establish whether a surrender can be achieved.
With the new financial year underway and no sign of work commencing on the site we raised the issue at the last Wednesday's meeting of the Redcar Area Committee and were promised an update. This we have now received as follows:
The Council owns the land and has granted BP a long lease of the land. Lakes Service Station closed and the Council began negotiations for a surrender of the lease.
In anticipation of the site becoming available, it was originally considered as part of a range of sites offered for extra care development. However, the extra care providers were not too keen due to the size of this site and it was later looked at by the Tees Valley Housing Group for housing for the over 55's. This scheme successfully attracted Housing Corporation Funding.
Some remediation works were carried out by the tenant, but eventually the negotiations broke down. The Council could not compel the tenant to proceed with the surrender of the lease and therefore the site was not available for re-development as the lease remains in place.
This prompted Tees Valley Housing Group to approach the Housing Corporation requesting that the funding be switched to a site at Church Lane, Eston which will deliver general needs housing linked to the Housing Market Renewal activity in Greater Eston. The Housing Corporation confirmed funding for the Church Lane scheme in March this year.
BP has since offered the lease for sale at Auction. The lease did not sell. Redcar & Cleveland Council are still in discussions with the tenant and are trying to establish whether a surrender can be achieved.
Friday, 25 April 2008
Freedman books Leeds United's place in the play-offs
Leeds United's made their first visit to Huise Park in search of the three points that will ensure a place in the League 1 play-offs. There is no place in the starting line-up for last Saturday's goal scorers David Prutton and Andy Hughes. Both sit on the bench, whilst injured striker Jermaine Beckford has failed to recover in time.
Yeovil's biggest ever crowd at Huise Park watched United make the best possible start when a goalmouth scramble in the 3rd minute ended with Dougie Freedman left-footed into the top-right of the goal from six yards, 1-0.
The Glovers, low in confidence, allowed United to dominate possession but still managed four or five chances to score. Freedman had two more chances to add to his goal for Leeds, Anthony Elding also had two chances on target, whilst Frazer Richardson and Jonathan Douglas had a chance apiece but the Whites failed to add to their score before the half-time whistle went.
The second half started with Yeovil showing more purpose and a shot from Antony Barry, in the 50th minute, from 25 yards, went wide.
Three minute later Bradley Johnson fired one in from 35 yards and the ball whistled only just over the bar.
Alan Sheehan was sent off in the 64th minute for a two-footed tackle on Yeovil's Lee Peltier. Frontman Elding was taken off in response and replaced by Hughes.
A trio of Yeovil corners were well defended by Leeds with 15 minutes to go. Johnson was replaced by Prutton in the 77th minute as the Glovers attempted to make their one-man advantage count.
With six minutes remaining Rui Marques came on for Neil Kilkenny.
A shot by Yeovil's Aiden Downes in the 87th minute brought a superb save by Casper Ankergran and Casper was there again one-minute later to catch a cross from Nathan Smith.
Four minutes of extra time seemed to last forever but United hung on to become the first club ever to reach the play-offs after starting with a points deduction. What a remarkable achievement!
Attendance 9527
Yeovil 0 Leeds United 1
Yeovil's biggest ever crowd at Huise Park watched United make the best possible start when a goalmouth scramble in the 3rd minute ended with Dougie Freedman left-footed into the top-right of the goal from six yards, 1-0.
The Glovers, low in confidence, allowed United to dominate possession but still managed four or five chances to score. Freedman had two more chances to add to his goal for Leeds, Anthony Elding also had two chances on target, whilst Frazer Richardson and Jonathan Douglas had a chance apiece but the Whites failed to add to their score before the half-time whistle went.
The second half started with Yeovil showing more purpose and a shot from Antony Barry, in the 50th minute, from 25 yards, went wide.
Three minute later Bradley Johnson fired one in from 35 yards and the ball whistled only just over the bar.
Alan Sheehan was sent off in the 64th minute for a two-footed tackle on Yeovil's Lee Peltier. Frontman Elding was taken off in response and replaced by Hughes.
A trio of Yeovil corners were well defended by Leeds with 15 minutes to go. Johnson was replaced by Prutton in the 77th minute as the Glovers attempted to make their one-man advantage count.
With six minutes remaining Rui Marques came on for Neil Kilkenny.
A shot by Yeovil's Aiden Downes in the 87th minute brought a superb save by Casper Ankergran and Casper was there again one-minute later to catch a cross from Nathan Smith.
Four minutes of extra time seemed to last forever but United hung on to become the first club ever to reach the play-offs after starting with a points deduction. What a remarkable achievement!
Attendance 9527
Yeovil 0 Leeds United 1
Monday, 21 April 2008
Principal road maintenance
Redcar and Cleveland Council has programmed its annual four-week period of principal road maintenance across the Borough, with work involving gully and sign cleaning, grass cutting plus repairs to street lights and carriageways.
The work, which will be timed from 9am-3pm to avoid early morning and homeward bound traffic, starts on Monday, April 28, with a six-day schedule on the A171 from Swans Corner to Middlesbrough Road, South Bank, finishing on Tuesday, May 6.
The second phase, from Wednesday, May 7 to Tuesday, May 13, will tackle the A1053 Trunk Road and the A66 from the Wilton International site's West Gate roundabout to Cargo Fleet Lane roundabout.
The third phase, from Wednesday, May 14 to Friday, May 16, covers the A1085 Trunk Road, from the West Coatham Lane roundabout to Corus Lackenby. At the same time, Thursday, May 15 and Friday, May 16, work will be carried out on the A171 Birk Brow.
The final work schedule is on the A174 from Greystones roundabout to the Redcar Lane roundabout from Monday, May 19 to Thursday, May 22.
The work, which will be timed from 9am-3pm to avoid early morning and homeward bound traffic, starts on Monday, April 28, with a six-day schedule on the A171 from Swans Corner to Middlesbrough Road, South Bank, finishing on Tuesday, May 6.
The second phase, from Wednesday, May 7 to Tuesday, May 13, will tackle the A1053 Trunk Road and the A66 from the Wilton International site's West Gate roundabout to Cargo Fleet Lane roundabout.
The third phase, from Wednesday, May 14 to Friday, May 16, covers the A1085 Trunk Road, from the West Coatham Lane roundabout to Corus Lackenby. At the same time, Thursday, May 15 and Friday, May 16, work will be carried out on the A171 Birk Brow.
The final work schedule is on the A174 from Greystones roundabout to the Redcar Lane roundabout from Monday, May 19 to Thursday, May 22.
Saturday, 19 April 2008
Rampant Lions slayed by Super Leeds
Striker Anthony Elding was named in the starting line-up, alongside Dougie Freedman, for Leeds United's penultimate away match against Millwall at the New Den. The injured Jermaine Beckford was not included in the 16.
Jonny Howson, the young player who has made an enormous impact over the past few weeks, was named as captain and David Prutton was in for the suspended Jonathan Douglas.
United had slightly more possession in a windy first-half but Millwall had more chances on goal plus four corners to United's one. A shot from Elding in the seventh minute was tipped around the post. A 24th minute shot, from 20 yards, by Frazer Richardson sailed over the bar.
In a flurry of action just before half time, United tried to make a breakthrough. Elding tried a shot from 18 yards, in the 44th minute, that whipped over the bar and a header from Howson, in the first minute of injury time, was saved.
It was Millwall who came out for the second half full of fire with three chances on goal in the first five minutes. United's first chance in the second half came in the 57th minute when Freedam shot wide from 20 yards out. Freedman tried a 30 yard shot in the 63rd minute which was saved.
Then on 69 minutes David Prutton volleyed a curving 30 yard shot from the right to put United in front against the run of play, 0-1.
Elding was replaced by Andy Hughes in the 72nd minute and in the 79th minute Hughes was there to side-foot a cross from Bradley Johnson into the net, 0-2.
Peter Sweeney came on for Johnson and Freedman was replaced by Tresor Kandol in the 88th minute.
United came to the New Den and withstood fierce pressure from the Lions, who had far more chances on goal but failed to make them count.
Brighton's win against the Pools means Leeds are still not guaranteed a play-off spot but a win at Yeovil on Friday can book our place.
Attendance 13,395 (1892 Leeds)
Millwall 0 Leeds United 2
Jonny Howson, the young player who has made an enormous impact over the past few weeks, was named as captain and David Prutton was in for the suspended Jonathan Douglas.
United had slightly more possession in a windy first-half but Millwall had more chances on goal plus four corners to United's one. A shot from Elding in the seventh minute was tipped around the post. A 24th minute shot, from 20 yards, by Frazer Richardson sailed over the bar.
In a flurry of action just before half time, United tried to make a breakthrough. Elding tried a shot from 18 yards, in the 44th minute, that whipped over the bar and a header from Howson, in the first minute of injury time, was saved.
It was Millwall who came out for the second half full of fire with three chances on goal in the first five minutes. United's first chance in the second half came in the 57th minute when Freedam shot wide from 20 yards out. Freedman tried a 30 yard shot in the 63rd minute which was saved.
Then on 69 minutes David Prutton volleyed a curving 30 yard shot from the right to put United in front against the run of play, 0-1.
Elding was replaced by Andy Hughes in the 72nd minute and in the 79th minute Hughes was there to side-foot a cross from Bradley Johnson into the net, 0-2.
Peter Sweeney came on for Johnson and Freedman was replaced by Tresor Kandol in the 88th minute.
United came to the New Den and withstood fierce pressure from the Lions, who had far more chances on goal but failed to make them count.
Brighton's win against the Pools means Leeds are still not guaranteed a play-off spot but a win at Yeovil on Friday can book our place.
Attendance 13,395 (1892 Leeds)
Millwall 0 Leeds United 2
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
Terriers snatch win as Leeds lack fire at the Galpharm
Leeds United's first ever league game at the Galpharm Stadium started at rapid pace on a damp pitch.
The only change in the starting line-up from Saturday was Tresor Kandol replacing the injured Jermaine Beckford.
Huddersfield matched Leeds for possession and there were few chances for the Whites in the first half.
United were put on the back foot when Jonathan Douglas received his marching orders for a second yellow card in the 38th minute.
This woke the Terriers fans up and Town pressed their advantage in the hope of a goal before the break. Then a goal mouth incident on the stroke of half-time led to a second yellow card for Huddersfield's Jon Worthington which evened up the teams again.
David Prutton came on for Bradley Johnson in the 70th minute and Jonny Howson was replaced by Andy Hughes three minutes later.
A cross by Joe Skarz was headed into the net by Andy Holdsworth and Town were in front, 1-0.
Seb Carole replaced Kilkenny in the 83rd minute but even with five minutes of extra time United failed to make a breakthrough. Poor crosses and badly taken free-kicks did not help Leeds and the Terriers probably deserved it on the night.
The only good thing was that Walsall lost at home to Bristol Rovers so United retain their play-off position with the four point advantage intact but their game in hand used up.
United have not won at Huddersfield since 1963, although we have not been in the same league for much of the time.
Attendance 16,413
Huddersfield Town 1 Leeds United 0
The only change in the starting line-up from Saturday was Tresor Kandol replacing the injured Jermaine Beckford.
Huddersfield matched Leeds for possession and there were few chances for the Whites in the first half.
United were put on the back foot when Jonathan Douglas received his marching orders for a second yellow card in the 38th minute.
This woke the Terriers fans up and Town pressed their advantage in the hope of a goal before the break. Then a goal mouth incident on the stroke of half-time led to a second yellow card for Huddersfield's Jon Worthington which evened up the teams again.
David Prutton came on for Bradley Johnson in the 70th minute and Jonny Howson was replaced by Andy Hughes three minutes later.
A cross by Joe Skarz was headed into the net by Andy Holdsworth and Town were in front, 1-0.
Seb Carole replaced Kilkenny in the 83rd minute but even with five minutes of extra time United failed to make a breakthrough. Poor crosses and badly taken free-kicks did not help Leeds and the Terriers probably deserved it on the night.
The only good thing was that Walsall lost at home to Bristol Rovers so United retain their play-off position with the four point advantage intact but their game in hand used up.
United have not won at Huddersfield since 1963, although we have not been in the same league for much of the time.
Attendance 16,413
Huddersfield Town 1 Leeds United 0
Monday, 14 April 2008
Brand new boundary sign erected at Yedingham
33 years ago a group of Yorkshire Ridings Society members, which included Colin and Hilary Holt and John Dargan, erected an East Riding boundary sign on a building adjacent to the old road bridge at Yedingham, on the boundary of the North Riding and East Riding.
On Saturday 12th April 2008 Hilary Holt returned with a happy band of YRS members and friends to unveil a replacement sign as the original one was showing signs of age.
The sign, in the garden of Mr Robert Neil, can be seen from the new road bridge and was provided by the Society out of funds and donations.
Mr Neil, who was presented with a white rose bush by Roger Sewell, told members that the original owner of the property was Mr Alf Jackson, lived to the ripe old age of 103. He is reputed to have never spent a night outside the village and was the local pig killer, a reserved occupation.
On Saturday 12th April 2008 Hilary Holt returned with a happy band of YRS members and friends to unveil a replacement sign as the original one was showing signs of age.
The sign, in the garden of Mr Robert Neil, can be seen from the new road bridge and was provided by the Society out of funds and donations.
Mr Neil, who was presented with a white rose bush by Roger Sewell, told members that the original owner of the property was Mr Alf Jackson, lived to the ripe old age of 103. He is reputed to have never spent a night outside the village and was the local pig killer, a reserved occupation.
David and Lynda Russell (pictured far right above), of the Friends of Real Lancashire, travelled over from Rawthenstall for the unveiling on the banks of the River Derwent,.
After the ceremony members enjoyed lunch at the Providence pub, across the road.
Yedingham is on the Malton Road 9 miles north east of Malton.
Pictures by Roger & Chris Sewell.
Sunday, 13 April 2008
Freedman brace sinks the Blues
Is Dougie Freedman the new Bobby Collins?
The veteran Crystal Palace striker has certainly made a huge impact since he was brought in on loan at a time when Leeds United's season seemed to be falling apart. His influence on the team has been dramatic and reminds us of the great Bobby Collins who inspired Don Revie's young team in the early 1960's.
Dougie's deft touches and unselfish play have made a huge difference. His second-half brace of goals that sunk Carlisle could help ensure that United at least make the play-offs. Gary McAllister should consider making him skipper for the remaining games and seek to sign him for at least another season.
Dougie's goals and another from young Jonny Howson, who has also made a huge impact on the team since McAllister took charge, sent the Blues home pointless and knowing that their lofty automatic promotion position of second in the league is courtesy of the unfair 15-point penalty imposed on the Mighty Whites at the start of this season. The independent tribunal, which begins its deliberations on Wednesday, may change that but for now United must be content that having given their promotion rivals a 15-point start they are still there with a chance to get out of the doldrums at the first attempt.
A crowd of 28,530 watched a first-half that saw United gain more than 60% of the possession but fail to match the 16th minute goal by Carlisle's Scott Dobie and the Blues went in for the 0-1 up.
In a pulsating second-half Freedman evened up the score just four minutes in and Howson put United in front in the 58th minute only for Carlisle's Danny Graham to equalise two minutes later, 2-2.
Dougie Freedman fired Leeds back into the lead in the 69th minute with a volley from a re-bounded Neil Kilkenny fee-kick and United make in three wins on the trot, 3-2.
They can now look forward to the re-arranged derby match against the Terriers at Huddersfield on Tuesday night before another trip to face Millwall in the Lion's Den.
Leeds United 3 Carlisle 2
The veteran Crystal Palace striker has certainly made a huge impact since he was brought in on loan at a time when Leeds United's season seemed to be falling apart. His influence on the team has been dramatic and reminds us of the great Bobby Collins who inspired Don Revie's young team in the early 1960's.
Dougie's deft touches and unselfish play have made a huge difference. His second-half brace of goals that sunk Carlisle could help ensure that United at least make the play-offs. Gary McAllister should consider making him skipper for the remaining games and seek to sign him for at least another season.
Dougie's goals and another from young Jonny Howson, who has also made a huge impact on the team since McAllister took charge, sent the Blues home pointless and knowing that their lofty automatic promotion position of second in the league is courtesy of the unfair 15-point penalty imposed on the Mighty Whites at the start of this season. The independent tribunal, which begins its deliberations on Wednesday, may change that but for now United must be content that having given their promotion rivals a 15-point start they are still there with a chance to get out of the doldrums at the first attempt.
A crowd of 28,530 watched a first-half that saw United gain more than 60% of the possession but fail to match the 16th minute goal by Carlisle's Scott Dobie and the Blues went in for the 0-1 up.
In a pulsating second-half Freedman evened up the score just four minutes in and Howson put United in front in the 58th minute only for Carlisle's Danny Graham to equalise two minutes later, 2-2.
Dougie Freedman fired Leeds back into the lead in the 69th minute with a volley from a re-bounded Neil Kilkenny fee-kick and United make in three wins on the trot, 3-2.
They can now look forward to the re-arranged derby match against the Terriers at Huddersfield on Tuesday night before another trip to face Millwall in the Lion's Den.
Leeds United 3 Carlisle 2
Saturday, 5 April 2008
Super Leeds put two past Orient and move back into a play-off position
Leeds United's trip to Leyton Orient was another sell out
The O's were one of the clubs that voted to unfairly penalise United at the start of the season and their manager Martin Ling got in a strop when it was announced that the 15 points decision was going to arbitration.
The match started 15 minutes late, at a fast pace with Orient dominant. Leeds soon got their act together and began to match the O's for effort.
Neil Kilkenny fired in the first chance, in the seventh minute, which went wide. In the 12 minute Dougie Freedman had the ball in the net from a Bradley Johnson cross but was ruled offside.
On 16 minutes United won a free-kick, taken by Johnson, which was guided into the net by Paul Huntington, 0-1.
Orient keeper, Glenn Morris, did well to stop chances by Jonny Howson and Freedman in the 30th minute. United were on top with some fast flowing play and a good effort by Jermaine Beckford was fired wide. Then Morris was the Orient saviour again when Beckford latched on to a pass from Howson.
Five minutes into the second half Beckford got his 20th goal of the season when he whacked in a pass from Freedman, 0-2.
At this point interest was taken away by the Grand National. We had £5 on the winner Comply or Die (so did our lad Steven and our daughter Kelly) and we cheered it home all the way.
Beckford went off injured in the 64th minute and was replaced by Tresor Kandol. David Prutton came on for Johnson in the 73rd minute. Kilkenny made way for Andy Hughes in the 78th minute.
The Whites held out and move back into a play-off position in sixth place with a confident team performance.
Attendance 7602 (2735 Leeds).
Leyton Orient 0 Leeds United 2
The O's were one of the clubs that voted to unfairly penalise United at the start of the season and their manager Martin Ling got in a strop when it was announced that the 15 points decision was going to arbitration.
The match started 15 minutes late, at a fast pace with Orient dominant. Leeds soon got their act together and began to match the O's for effort.
Neil Kilkenny fired in the first chance, in the seventh minute, which went wide. In the 12 minute Dougie Freedman had the ball in the net from a Bradley Johnson cross but was ruled offside.
On 16 minutes United won a free-kick, taken by Johnson, which was guided into the net by Paul Huntington, 0-1.
Orient keeper, Glenn Morris, did well to stop chances by Jonny Howson and Freedman in the 30th minute. United were on top with some fast flowing play and a good effort by Jermaine Beckford was fired wide. Then Morris was the Orient saviour again when Beckford latched on to a pass from Howson.
Five minutes into the second half Beckford got his 20th goal of the season when he whacked in a pass from Freedman, 0-2.
At this point interest was taken away by the Grand National. We had £5 on the winner Comply or Die (so did our lad Steven and our daughter Kelly) and we cheered it home all the way.
Beckford went off injured in the 64th minute and was replaced by Tresor Kandol. David Prutton came on for Johnson in the 73rd minute. Kilkenny made way for Andy Hughes in the 78th minute.
The Whites held out and move back into a play-off position in sixth place with a confident team performance.
Attendance 7602 (2735 Leeds).
Leyton Orient 0 Leeds United 2
Friday, 4 April 2008
Tree team's big challenge
Redcar and Cleveland Council's Tree Team is ready for a mercy mission - to end the misery of a 75-foot sycamore in Kirkleatham Village, suffering from a serious fungal disease which is threatening its stability.
The Council's four-man team begin the two day operation on felling the tree, which is probably 100 years old, at 8.30am on Monday, 7th April.
The tree is situated next to Kirkleatham Museum, and staff at both the Museum and its neighbour, The Owl Centre, have been alerted to the work programme.
The felled tree will still have a use after-life, with its timber recycled for firewood and wood chip mulch.
The Council's four-man team begin the two day operation on felling the tree, which is probably 100 years old, at 8.30am on Monday, 7th April.
The tree is situated next to Kirkleatham Museum, and staff at both the Museum and its neighbour, The Owl Centre, have been alerted to the work programme.
The felled tree will still have a use after-life, with its timber recycled for firewood and wood chip mulch.
Thursday, 3 April 2008
Lib Dems question financial transparency
Posted by Chris:
At Redcar & Cleveland Council today I asked why Council Tax payers now have to pay over £25 million for “Other Services” this year.
In a letter sent out with Council Tax bills to explain where the money goes, “Other Services” now accounts for £25 million, up from £13 million last year. This makes it the second highest category of expenditure, with only Social Services higher (£36 million).
We need to know why the cost of these mysterious other services have rocketed so much. The whole thing looks to be out of control.
Even if Labour can explain it, there is still a problem. £25 million is much too high a figure to be represented in this way. It needs to be broken down more.
Labour promised to be open and transparent in their running of the Council. But this doesn’t look very transparent at all.
Local people have a right to know where their money is going.
The Labour Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources, Cllr Peter Scott, conceded that £25 million was a “large figure."
At Redcar & Cleveland Council today I asked why Council Tax payers now have to pay over £25 million for “Other Services” this year.
In a letter sent out with Council Tax bills to explain where the money goes, “Other Services” now accounts for £25 million, up from £13 million last year. This makes it the second highest category of expenditure, with only Social Services higher (£36 million).
We need to know why the cost of these mysterious other services have rocketed so much. The whole thing looks to be out of control.
Even if Labour can explain it, there is still a problem. £25 million is much too high a figure to be represented in this way. It needs to be broken down more.
Labour promised to be open and transparent in their running of the Council. But this doesn’t look very transparent at all.
Local people have a right to know where their money is going.
The Labour Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources, Cllr Peter Scott, conceded that £25 million was a “large figure."
Tuesday, 1 April 2008
Leeds get their revenge on Donny with a superb Sheehan free-kick
Leeds United made three changes for tonight's re-arranged game against Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium, watched by a record crowd. Paul Huntington, Jonathan Douglas and Frazer Richardson started in place of Rui Marques, David Prutton and Darren Kenton.
Donny started strongly and United worked hard to fend off two or three good chances. But on 20 minutes Douglas won a free-kick just outside the penalty box and Alan Sheehan sent in a superb curler to score his first goal for the Whites, 1-0.
Neil Kilkenny headed off the line from Rovers midfielder Jason Price in the 36th minute, as they looked for an equaliser but the fast flowing first half ended with United's lead intact.
Another chance by Price straight after the re-start went wide. A free kick by Gareth Roberts, soon afterwards, was deflected away from goal as Donny piled on the pressure.
United were looking to capitalise on the break as Rovers were the stronger going forward. Jonathan Howson came close twice and Jermaine Beckford once, in between frenetic Donny pressure.
Andy Hughes replaced Bradley Johnson in the 74th minute.
Frustrated Donny resorted to long balls in the last ten minutes but Leeds could cope. Douglas cleared the ball off the line in the last minute but that was the last chance Rovers had to save a point.
United got their revenge in a fiercely competed Yorkshire derby. They move back up to seventh in the League, one point from a play-off position and the points arbitration still to come.
Attendance 15,001 (3094 Leeds)
Donny started strongly and United worked hard to fend off two or three good chances. But on 20 minutes Douglas won a free-kick just outside the penalty box and Alan Sheehan sent in a superb curler to score his first goal for the Whites, 1-0.
Neil Kilkenny headed off the line from Rovers midfielder Jason Price in the 36th minute, as they looked for an equaliser but the fast flowing first half ended with United's lead intact.
Another chance by Price straight after the re-start went wide. A free kick by Gareth Roberts, soon afterwards, was deflected away from goal as Donny piled on the pressure.
United were looking to capitalise on the break as Rovers were the stronger going forward. Jonathan Howson came close twice and Jermaine Beckford once, in between frenetic Donny pressure.
Andy Hughes replaced Bradley Johnson in the 74th minute.
Frustrated Donny resorted to long balls in the last ten minutes but Leeds could cope. Douglas cleared the ball off the line in the last minute but that was the last chance Rovers had to save a point.
United got their revenge in a fiercely competed Yorkshire derby. They move back up to seventh in the League, one point from a play-off position and the points arbitration still to come.
Attendance 15,001 (3094 Leeds)
£90m school challenge
Redcar and Cleveland Council has a £90million challenge to shape the future of the Borough's young people - and is urging pupils, teachers, governors and parents to help the Authority make the right decisions.
The investment, to be spread across the Borough's 11 secondary schools and special schools, comes from the Government's Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme, with £10million earmarked for investment in ICT to underpin the development of 'personalised learning' for all students.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Ian Jeffrey said: "BSF is different from other school building initiatives - in terms of its ambition, scale and complexity. It is not simply a building programme - the key focus is on education transformation.
"The focus will be on schools providing a wide range of other services to local communities but we may need to reduce the size of schools to reflect future student numbers and there may be amalgamations or federations where schools may not be viable individually.
"Some schools may become academies or trusts and but all our plans will be geared towards providing excellent facilities and increasing attainment."
The Borough has already benefitted from a multi-million pound investment in education, dating back to November 23, 2001 when former Prime Minister Tony Blair officially opened the £7.7million Rye Hills School at Redcar.
New buildings have since been developed for Bydales Specialist Technology College at Marske, Sacred Heart RC Specialist Science College at Redcar, Gillbrook College at Normanby, Freebrough Specialist Engineering College at Brotton, while a new Huntcliff School at Saltburn is set to open in September.
Councillor Jeffrey said: "BSF will complete our plans for transformation by rebuilding or remodelling the remaining secondary and special schools that have not had investment so far.
"To shape our plans for BSF we must tackle the core issue of having fewer pupils: our secondary school population will drop from 9,700 to 8,000 over the next ten years. How do we change our school provision to match?"
The Borough is divided into three separate educational areas, each with option appraisals. The areas and the options are:
*Redcar and Marske, covering Bydales School, Redcar Community College, Rye Hills and Kirkleatham Hall Special School.
Option 1: Redevelop Redcar Community College for 750 pupils and relocate Kirkleatham Special School onto the same site.
Option 2: Extend Rye Hills and relocate Kirkleatham Special School on the Rye Hills site. Close Redcar Community College. Bydales remain unchanged.
*Eston and Nunthorpe, covering Eston Park, Gillbrook and Nunthorpe.
Option 1: Redevelop Nunthorpe for 1,300 pupils, redevelop Eston Park for 800 pupils, continue to assess the success of the collaborative sixth form. Have a trust to underpin the soft federation of schools in this collaborative.
Option 2: Rebuild Nunthorpe for 1,300 pupils, close Eston Park, close Gillbrook, re-open a 1,200 place school based on the Gillbrook building, possibly as an Academy.
*East Cleveland, covering Laurence Jackson, Freebrough, Huntcliff and Kilton Thorpe.
Option 1: Rebuild Laurence Jackson for a more appropriate size to ensure the number of surplus places is kept to a minimum - to rebuild for 1,000 places would be 200 places less than currently projected. Freebrough could be considered for an Academy or as a trust with the other schools on the same site. Freebrough is located on a single site with Kilton Thorpe Special School and St Peter's C of E Primary. Surplus accommodation may be used to the benefit of all the schools. Option of post 16-satellite provision at Freebrough could be examined.
The Council has also been working with the Diocese of Middlesbrough to look at the Catholic secondary schools - Sacred Heart at Redcar and St Peter's at South Bank, and is investigating three options - 1: Expand Sacred Heart to 900 places to accommodate all the baptised catholic learners in Redcar and Cleveland, 2: To have a Catholic academy on the St Peter's site, 3: To federate Sacred Heart and St Peter's.
The Council's Cabinet will debate the options at its meeting on Tuesday, April 15, activating a month-long period of consultation before any final decisions are taken. The consultation includes three drop-in sessions, all from 3pm-6pm. Dates and venues are:
Tuesday, April 22 at Redcar Community College
Wednesday, April 23 at Eston City Learning Centre
Thursday, April 24 at Laurence Jackson School, Guisborough.
There will be a variety of ways to give your views as well as more consultation sessions. A leaflet is being distributed to all parents via pupil mail which will contain a tear off response and people can respond by email.
The investment, to be spread across the Borough's 11 secondary schools and special schools, comes from the Government's Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme, with £10million earmarked for investment in ICT to underpin the development of 'personalised learning' for all students.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Ian Jeffrey said: "BSF is different from other school building initiatives - in terms of its ambition, scale and complexity. It is not simply a building programme - the key focus is on education transformation.
"The focus will be on schools providing a wide range of other services to local communities but we may need to reduce the size of schools to reflect future student numbers and there may be amalgamations or federations where schools may not be viable individually.
"Some schools may become academies or trusts and but all our plans will be geared towards providing excellent facilities and increasing attainment."
The Borough has already benefitted from a multi-million pound investment in education, dating back to November 23, 2001 when former Prime Minister Tony Blair officially opened the £7.7million Rye Hills School at Redcar.
New buildings have since been developed for Bydales Specialist Technology College at Marske, Sacred Heart RC Specialist Science College at Redcar, Gillbrook College at Normanby, Freebrough Specialist Engineering College at Brotton, while a new Huntcliff School at Saltburn is set to open in September.
Councillor Jeffrey said: "BSF will complete our plans for transformation by rebuilding or remodelling the remaining secondary and special schools that have not had investment so far.
"To shape our plans for BSF we must tackle the core issue of having fewer pupils: our secondary school population will drop from 9,700 to 8,000 over the next ten years. How do we change our school provision to match?"
The Borough is divided into three separate educational areas, each with option appraisals. The areas and the options are:
*Redcar and Marske, covering Bydales School, Redcar Community College, Rye Hills and Kirkleatham Hall Special School.
Option 1: Redevelop Redcar Community College for 750 pupils and relocate Kirkleatham Special School onto the same site.
Option 2: Extend Rye Hills and relocate Kirkleatham Special School on the Rye Hills site. Close Redcar Community College. Bydales remain unchanged.
*Eston and Nunthorpe, covering Eston Park, Gillbrook and Nunthorpe.
Option 1: Redevelop Nunthorpe for 1,300 pupils, redevelop Eston Park for 800 pupils, continue to assess the success of the collaborative sixth form. Have a trust to underpin the soft federation of schools in this collaborative.
Option 2: Rebuild Nunthorpe for 1,300 pupils, close Eston Park, close Gillbrook, re-open a 1,200 place school based on the Gillbrook building, possibly as an Academy.
*East Cleveland, covering Laurence Jackson, Freebrough, Huntcliff and Kilton Thorpe.
Option 1: Rebuild Laurence Jackson for a more appropriate size to ensure the number of surplus places is kept to a minimum - to rebuild for 1,000 places would be 200 places less than currently projected. Freebrough could be considered for an Academy or as a trust with the other schools on the same site. Freebrough is located on a single site with Kilton Thorpe Special School and St Peter's C of E Primary. Surplus accommodation may be used to the benefit of all the schools. Option of post 16-satellite provision at Freebrough could be examined.
The Council has also been working with the Diocese of Middlesbrough to look at the Catholic secondary schools - Sacred Heart at Redcar and St Peter's at South Bank, and is investigating three options - 1: Expand Sacred Heart to 900 places to accommodate all the baptised catholic learners in Redcar and Cleveland, 2: To have a Catholic academy on the St Peter's site, 3: To federate Sacred Heart and St Peter's.
The Council's Cabinet will debate the options at its meeting on Tuesday, April 15, activating a month-long period of consultation before any final decisions are taken. The consultation includes three drop-in sessions, all from 3pm-6pm. Dates and venues are:
Tuesday, April 22 at Redcar Community College
Wednesday, April 23 at Eston City Learning Centre
Thursday, April 24 at Laurence Jackson School, Guisborough.
There will be a variety of ways to give your views as well as more consultation sessions. A leaflet is being distributed to all parents via pupil mail which will contain a tear off response and people can respond by email.
Monday, 31 March 2008
Lib Dems condemn Labour hypocrisy over Post Offices
Posted by Chris:
On Thursday 3 April Liberal Democrats will use a motion to Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council to express dismay at the failure of local MPs to support local post offices.
Four post offices in the borough are under threat as part of the Labour Government’s closure programme, in Redcar (Park Avenue), Lazenby, Moorsholm and Charltons.
The Borough’s two Labour MPs, Vera Baird and Ashok Kumar, could have voted against the closures in Parliament on 19 March, but chose instead to back the Government’s closure of 2500 post offices nationally.
This is despite both having campaigned against closures locally.
Our Labour MPs have behaved despicably and hypocritically over post offices.
One minute they are campaigning in the constituency to save post offices, the next they are voting in Parliament to get rid of them. Local people will see their campaigns to save post offices for the hollow sham that they are.
Our MPs have failed in their duty to fight for local services for local people. This sort of cynical behaviour undermines trust in politicians generally. Our area deserves better representation.
On Thursday 3 April Liberal Democrats will use a motion to Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council to express dismay at the failure of local MPs to support local post offices.
Four post offices in the borough are under threat as part of the Labour Government’s closure programme, in Redcar (Park Avenue), Lazenby, Moorsholm and Charltons.
The Borough’s two Labour MPs, Vera Baird and Ashok Kumar, could have voted against the closures in Parliament on 19 March, but chose instead to back the Government’s closure of 2500 post offices nationally.
This is despite both having campaigned against closures locally.
Our Labour MPs have behaved despicably and hypocritically over post offices.
One minute they are campaigning in the constituency to save post offices, the next they are voting in Parliament to get rid of them. Local people will see their campaigns to save post offices for the hollow sham that they are.
Our MPs have failed in their duty to fight for local services for local people. This sort of cynical behaviour undermines trust in politicians generally. Our area deserves better representation.
Saturday, 29 March 2008
Seagulls grab a valuble point at Elland Road
An unchanged Leeds United team took on Brighton and Hove Albion at Elland Road.
Albion started the game, at Elland Road, in seventh position, two points and one place ahead of United. Both teams are within touching distance of a play-off position.
Dougie Freedman came close in the 13th minute with a shot from inside the penalty box that was cleared off the line.
Another chance for Freedman went wide in the 21st minute.
The Seagulls matched United for effort and the first half ended on equal terms but not before free-kicks and corners at both ends of the pitch as both teams had late chances but could not make them count.
United started the second half strongly and Jermaine Beckford came close with two early chances.
A long-range shot in the 56th minute from Jonathan Howson, who had three or four chances in the first half, was saved by Michel Kuipers in the Brighton goal.
Jonathan Douglas came on for Bradley Johnson, who was carrying a first half injury, in the 58th minute.
In the 61st minute a long ball from Casper Ankergran found Freedman who came close but was denied by Kuipers. Brighton quickly rallied and had the ball in the net only to have it disallowed for offside.
Neil Kilkenny was replaced by a third striker, Tresor Kandol, in the 76th minute as United pressed for that elusive goal. Anthony Elding came on for Freedman with 5 minutes to go.
Chances came at both ends of the pitch but United had the majority of them and were much the better side.
This was a game that United needed to win and must now pull something out of the bag at Doncaster on Tuesday if they want to maintain their push for a place in the play-offs.
Attendance 22,575.
Leeds United 0 Brighton and Hove Albion 0
Albion started the game, at Elland Road, in seventh position, two points and one place ahead of United. Both teams are within touching distance of a play-off position.
Dougie Freedman came close in the 13th minute with a shot from inside the penalty box that was cleared off the line.
Another chance for Freedman went wide in the 21st minute.
The Seagulls matched United for effort and the first half ended on equal terms but not before free-kicks and corners at both ends of the pitch as both teams had late chances but could not make them count.
United started the second half strongly and Jermaine Beckford came close with two early chances.
A long-range shot in the 56th minute from Jonathan Howson, who had three or four chances in the first half, was saved by Michel Kuipers in the Brighton goal.
Jonathan Douglas came on for Bradley Johnson, who was carrying a first half injury, in the 58th minute.
In the 61st minute a long ball from Casper Ankergran found Freedman who came close but was denied by Kuipers. Brighton quickly rallied and had the ball in the net only to have it disallowed for offside.
Neil Kilkenny was replaced by a third striker, Tresor Kandol, in the 76th minute as United pressed for that elusive goal. Anthony Elding came on for Freedman with 5 minutes to go.
Chances came at both ends of the pitch but United had the majority of them and were much the better side.
This was a game that United needed to win and must now pull something out of the bag at Doncaster on Tuesday if they want to maintain their push for a place in the play-offs.
Attendance 22,575.
Leeds United 0 Brighton and Hove Albion 0
Thursday, 27 March 2008
Lib Dems welcome latest court decision over Coatham Links
The decision by the High Court not to allow another Judicial Review of Redcar & Cleveland Council's decision to reject the second application for Village Green status on land that was formally part of a golf course (see pic above) has been welcomed by Liberal Democrats.
We welcome this decision as yet another Judicial Review would mean more delays and more public money wasted. It is time we told the Friends of Coatham Common that enough is enough. Their never ending attempts to subvert local democracy by using people who qualify for legal aid to run up enormous legal bills for the local taxpayers is outrageous.
Anybody can claim anything in court and spend months, even years, dragging things out, especially if you can get someone else to pay for it. In this case it is the taxpayer and this is unacceptable.
Every week this scheme is delayed the longer we have to wait for the two brand new swimming pools and the state of the art leisure facilities that this town so badly needs.
It puts at risk vital grant funding for a project that has everything that is needed to help boost the town centre and bring jobs and people into the town.
We welcome this decision as yet another Judicial Review would mean more delays and more public money wasted. It is time we told the Friends of Coatham Common that enough is enough. Their never ending attempts to subvert local democracy by using people who qualify for legal aid to run up enormous legal bills for the local taxpayers is outrageous.
Anybody can claim anything in court and spend months, even years, dragging things out, especially if you can get someone else to pay for it. In this case it is the taxpayer and this is unacceptable.
Every week this scheme is delayed the longer we have to wait for the two brand new swimming pools and the state of the art leisure facilities that this town so badly needs.
It puts at risk vital grant funding for a project that has everything that is needed to help boost the town centre and bring jobs and people into the town.
Saturday, 22 March 2008
Leeds United leapfrog the Saddlers with a Beckford double
Live on Sky Sports (a 5.20pm, start), Leeds United faced Walsall at Elland Road with just one change to the starting line-up, Alan Sheehan replacing the suspended Andy Hughes.
Using the long ball at every opportunity United looked good. In the second minute a long ball from Neil Kilkenny left Jermaine Beckford with only Clayton Ince, the Saddlers goalie, to beat but he shot wide. One minute later another chance for Beckford went wide.
Walsall, a good footballing side, were proving hard to break down.
A 25 yard shot from David Prutton, after 17 minutes, sailed over the bar.
From the start Dougie Freedman looked a class apart from the rest and he showed a real understanding with Beckford, making three clever flicks through to him in the first 20 minutes, that Becks failed to convert.
In the 22nd minute Prutton edged a good ball through to Becks but he could not make contact in front of goal.
Another good through ball from Kilkenny, in the 28th minute, found Beckford again, who sent the ball over the line from a very difficult angle close to the line, 1-0.
A 30-yard drive, in the 41st minute by Prutton forced a save by Ince.
The Whites started the second half with a chance by Jonathan Howson. Then with a minute gone Freedman twisted past a couple of defenders but his shot from just outside the box was saved by Ince. In the 53rd minute Freedman latched on to a cross from Prutton but his header was also saved by Ince.
The Saddlers best chance came in the 58th minute when striker Tommy Mooney fired over the bar from close range.
In the 64th minute Alan Sheehan sent in a pile driver of a free-kick from 25 yards. It was tipped over the bar for a corner that caused more chaos in the Walsall penalty box. United were well on top and cruising.
Kilkenny had a 30 yard shot on target in the 68th minute and Bradley Johnson came close when his header was cleared off the line.
In the 79th minute a through ball from Kilkenny was picked up outside the box by Beckford who ran in to score with two taps of the ball, 2-0.
Becks had a similar chance two minutes later which sailed over the bar.
Jonathan Douglas made a welcome return to first-team action when he replaced Johnson in the 82nd minute. Freedman walked off to a standing ovation, in the 90th minute, when he was replaced by Tresor Kandol.
In the final minute of injury time Howson made a run with the ball that covered half the length of the pitch. He fired in a shot that was tipped over the bar.
United ran in deserved winners with their best performance since before Christmas. They leapfrog the Saddlers to move up to eighth in the table and two points away from the play-offs.
Attendance 19,095.
Leeds United 2 Walsall 0
Using the long ball at every opportunity United looked good. In the second minute a long ball from Neil Kilkenny left Jermaine Beckford with only Clayton Ince, the Saddlers goalie, to beat but he shot wide. One minute later another chance for Beckford went wide.
Walsall, a good footballing side, were proving hard to break down.
A 25 yard shot from David Prutton, after 17 minutes, sailed over the bar.
From the start Dougie Freedman looked a class apart from the rest and he showed a real understanding with Beckford, making three clever flicks through to him in the first 20 minutes, that Becks failed to convert.
In the 22nd minute Prutton edged a good ball through to Becks but he could not make contact in front of goal.
Another good through ball from Kilkenny, in the 28th minute, found Beckford again, who sent the ball over the line from a very difficult angle close to the line, 1-0.
A 30-yard drive, in the 41st minute by Prutton forced a save by Ince.
The Whites started the second half with a chance by Jonathan Howson. Then with a minute gone Freedman twisted past a couple of defenders but his shot from just outside the box was saved by Ince. In the 53rd minute Freedman latched on to a cross from Prutton but his header was also saved by Ince.
The Saddlers best chance came in the 58th minute when striker Tommy Mooney fired over the bar from close range.
In the 64th minute Alan Sheehan sent in a pile driver of a free-kick from 25 yards. It was tipped over the bar for a corner that caused more chaos in the Walsall penalty box. United were well on top and cruising.
Kilkenny had a 30 yard shot on target in the 68th minute and Bradley Johnson came close when his header was cleared off the line.
In the 79th minute a through ball from Kilkenny was picked up outside the box by Beckford who ran in to score with two taps of the ball, 2-0.
Becks had a similar chance two minutes later which sailed over the bar.
Jonathan Douglas made a welcome return to first-team action when he replaced Johnson in the 82nd minute. Freedman walked off to a standing ovation, in the 90th minute, when he was replaced by Tresor Kandol.
In the final minute of injury time Howson made a run with the ball that covered half the length of the pitch. He fired in a shot that was tipped over the bar.
United ran in deserved winners with their best performance since before Christmas. They leapfrog the Saddlers to move up to eighth in the table and two points away from the play-offs.
Attendance 19,095.
Leeds United 2 Walsall 0
Thursday, 20 March 2008
Labour should put their money where their mouth is on Post Offices say Lib Dems
Posted by Chris:
Liberal Democrats on Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council are asking the ruling Labour bosses to look at what councils in Essex and London are doing to try to save post offices.
Four post offices in the borough are under threat as part of the Labour Government’s closure programme, in Redcar, Lazenby, Moorsholm and Charltons.
In Essex the County Council has stepped in and announced a £1.5 million plan to support post offices earmarked for closure. Negotiations are still taking place into how exactly the help will be given.
Meanwhile, other councils in Essex and London are looking at the possibility of offering post office services from council offices.
We have already seen Redcar’s Labour MP make a lot of noise over post office closures, only to vote for the closures in Parliament yesterday.
Now we will see whether Labour bosses at the Town Hall are hypocrites as well. Let’s see them take a proactive approach and look at ways in which the Council can help threatened post offices to stay open.
The Government Minister responsible has now told Post Office Ltd. that it must enter talks with councils wishing to try to save post offices. So the Labour council has no excuse for not fighting to retain these essential community services.
Liberal Democrats on Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council are asking the ruling Labour bosses to look at what councils in Essex and London are doing to try to save post offices.
Four post offices in the borough are under threat as part of the Labour Government’s closure programme, in Redcar, Lazenby, Moorsholm and Charltons.
In Essex the County Council has stepped in and announced a £1.5 million plan to support post offices earmarked for closure. Negotiations are still taking place into how exactly the help will be given.
Meanwhile, other councils in Essex and London are looking at the possibility of offering post office services from council offices.
We have already seen Redcar’s Labour MP make a lot of noise over post office closures, only to vote for the closures in Parliament yesterday.
Now we will see whether Labour bosses at the Town Hall are hypocrites as well. Let’s see them take a proactive approach and look at ways in which the Council can help threatened post offices to stay open.
The Government Minister responsible has now told Post Office Ltd. that it must enter talks with councils wishing to try to save post offices. So the Labour council has no excuse for not fighting to retain these essential community services.
LIB DEM WARD COUNCILLORS TOLD TO STAY AWAY FROM PRESS CALL
The Coatham Ward Councillors were invited by a Council Official to attend a photo call today at the re-opening of Coatham Boating Lake.
Councillors Josie Crawford and Irene Curr were happy to attend as invited because they had campaigned to have the fencing removed and the lake reopened for the summer.
Less than one hour before the event took place the same official rang to withdraw the invitation on the instructions of the Leader of the Council George Dunning.
Councillor Irene Curr was informed that the event was only for the Leader of the Council and his deputy.
Councillor Irene Curr said:
"We have persistently campaigned for the area to be reopened and the fencing removed. It has been our ambition to restore the boating lake to it's original 1930's state."
Councillor Josie Crawford said:
"Funding was put in place, under the Coalition, over one year ago, for major refurbishment work to the boating lake and surrounding area. We are delighted that it is at last going ahead"
Leader of the Lib Dem Group Councillor Chris Abbott said:
To invite the ward Councillors and then withdraw it is pathetic. They have worked hard to kept residents informed about progress on the site and have taken on the chin a lot of criticism that was not their fault."
Ian Swales Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Redcar said:
"So much for Councillor Dunning's claim to be open and transparent. The Ward Councillors were rightly invited then told they must not come. What is he frightened of?"
Councillors Josie Crawford and Irene Curr were happy to attend as invited because they had campaigned to have the fencing removed and the lake reopened for the summer.
Less than one hour before the event took place the same official rang to withdraw the invitation on the instructions of the Leader of the Council George Dunning.
Councillor Irene Curr was informed that the event was only for the Leader of the Council and his deputy.
Councillor Irene Curr said:
"We have persistently campaigned for the area to be reopened and the fencing removed. It has been our ambition to restore the boating lake to it's original 1930's state."
Councillor Josie Crawford said:
"Funding was put in place, under the Coalition, over one year ago, for major refurbishment work to the boating lake and surrounding area. We are delighted that it is at last going ahead"
Leader of the Lib Dem Group Councillor Chris Abbott said:
To invite the ward Councillors and then withdraw it is pathetic. They have worked hard to kept residents informed about progress on the site and have taken on the chin a lot of criticism that was not their fault."
Ian Swales Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Redcar said:
"So much for Councillor Dunning's claim to be open and transparent. The Ward Councillors were rightly invited then told they must not come. What is he frightened of?"
Wednesday, 19 March 2008
Vera Baird ducks out of chance to vote against Post Office closures
Redcar MP, Vera Baird was not amongst the 19 Labour members who voted to halt the closure of 2500 post offices according to a report by the BBC. How strange that she was parading through Lazenby at the weekend supposedly campaigning against the closures?
UPDATE: Vera Baird voted with the Government in support of closing 2500 post offices.
The 19 Labour rebels:
Diane Abbott (Hackney North & Stoke Newington)
Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North)
John Cummings (Easington)
Andrew Dismore (Hendon)
David Drew (Stroud)
Frank Field (Birkenhead)
Paul Flynn (Newport West)
John Grogan (Selby)
Kate Hoey (Vauxhall)
Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North)
John McDonnell (Hayes & Harlington)
Eric Martlew (Carlisle)
Alan Meale (Mansfield)
Gordon Prentice (Pendle)
Alan Simpson (Nottingham South)
Geraldine Smith (Morecambe & Lunesdale)
Sir Peter Soulsby (Leicester South)
David Taylor (Leicestershire North West)
Mike Wood (Batley & Spen)
Independent Labour MP Robert Wareing (Liverpool West Derby) also voted with the Tories.
UPDATE: Vera Baird voted with the Government in support of closing 2500 post offices.
The 19 Labour rebels:
Diane Abbott (Hackney North & Stoke Newington)
Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North)
John Cummings (Easington)
Andrew Dismore (Hendon)
David Drew (Stroud)
Frank Field (Birkenhead)
Paul Flynn (Newport West)
John Grogan (Selby)
Kate Hoey (Vauxhall)
Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North)
John McDonnell (Hayes & Harlington)
Eric Martlew (Carlisle)
Alan Meale (Mansfield)
Gordon Prentice (Pendle)
Alan Simpson (Nottingham South)
Geraldine Smith (Morecambe & Lunesdale)
Sir Peter Soulsby (Leicester South)
David Taylor (Leicestershire North West)
Mike Wood (Batley & Spen)
Independent Labour MP Robert Wareing (Liverpool West Derby) also voted with the Tories.
Lib Dem pressure gets boating lake reopened
Cllr Josie Crawford, Ian Swales, Cllr Irene CurrCoatham Boating Lake will be re-opened in time for Easter.
Labour controlled Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council have bowed to pressure from Coatham Ward Councillors Josie Crawford and Irene Curr who, along with Ian Swales, Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Redcar, have persistently campaigned for the area to be reopened and the fencing removed.
Funding was put in place, by the Lib Dem led Coalition that ran Redcar & Cleveland up to May last year, for major refurbishment work to the boating lake and surrounding area. The funding was separate from the Coatham Links development on the same site but the new Labour administration, for reasons known only to them, put a stop to the work and the lake has remained fenced off ever since.
The Coalition's plans were to restore the boating lake to it's original 1930's state. It is hoped that this remains the same under Labour.
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
Saltburn Smugglers Heritage Centre opens for the summer
Visitors can once again relive the sights, sounds and smells of the smuggling trade from over 200 years ago as a popular visitor attraction, run by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, reopens in Saltburn.
Set in authentic fishermen's cottages, the story of Smuggler King John Andrews is being brought to life in the three-room Saltburn Smugglers Heritage Centre, next to the Ship Inn, as it reopens in time for Easter on Good Friday, March 21.
Opening times are Wednesday to Sunday 10am until 6pm until May 31.
June 1 - June 30, Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 6pm.
July 1 -August 31, daily 10am -6pm.
September 1 - September 30, Wednesday - Sunday 10am - 6pm.
With last admission at 5.30pm.
Admission prices are: adult/oap's £1.95, children (over 5) £1.45 with a family rate for two adults and two children of £5.80.
There are reduced rates for pre-booked groups and schools. Call 01287 625252 for more details.
Set in authentic fishermen's cottages, the story of Smuggler King John Andrews is being brought to life in the three-room Saltburn Smugglers Heritage Centre, next to the Ship Inn, as it reopens in time for Easter on Good Friday, March 21.
Opening times are Wednesday to Sunday 10am until 6pm until May 31.
June 1 - June 30, Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 6pm.
July 1 -August 31, daily 10am -6pm.
September 1 - September 30, Wednesday - Sunday 10am - 6pm.
With last admission at 5.30pm.
Admission prices are: adult/oap's £1.95, children (over 5) £1.45 with a family rate for two adults and two children of £5.80.
There are reduced rates for pre-booked groups and schools. Call 01287 625252 for more details.
Monday, 17 March 2008
Government Minister campaigns against Government decision!
Vera Baird MP has been campaigning against the closure of Lazenby Post Office. She joins a long list of Labour Ministers campaigning locally against their own national decision to close 2,500 Post offices.
Ian Swales, the Liberal Democrats Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Redcar said:
"They should have listened to local people before taking the decision not afterwards.
"The Government is killing the post office network by withdrawing business such as TV Licenses and Car Tax, by restricting what they can do and by restricting their opening hours. Our MP should be campaigning in Parliament to save the Post office network not engaging in cynical local publicity stunts. Only the Liberal Democrats have firm plans to turn round the Post office business and rescue the network.
"Liberal Democrats in Redcar & Cleveland are campaigning against the closure of four post offices in the Borough and for the reopening of the post office in Roseberry Shopping Centre. Councillor Dunning, Leader of the Council, has been telling residents in Lazenby that the survival of their post office is the Council's priority. It seems he has already admitted defeat on the others. Labour's gimmicky campaign is phoney. They made the decision to close the post offices in the first place.
"We need all our post offices to survive and for plans to be put in place for them to prosper. Along with Fiona Hall MEP I have presented the first batch of 1000 signatures on our petition to save the post offices to Sarah Teather, MP Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Enterprise."
Sarah Teather MP, who is pictured (attached) receiving the petition from Ian Swales and Fiona Hall MEP said:
"The Government should be helping local Post Offices to develop their business rather than forcing more and more of them to go to the wall."
Ian Swales, the Liberal Democrats Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Redcar said:
"They should have listened to local people before taking the decision not afterwards.
"The Government is killing the post office network by withdrawing business such as TV Licenses and Car Tax, by restricting what they can do and by restricting their opening hours. Our MP should be campaigning in Parliament to save the Post office network not engaging in cynical local publicity stunts. Only the Liberal Democrats have firm plans to turn round the Post office business and rescue the network.
"Liberal Democrats in Redcar & Cleveland are campaigning against the closure of four post offices in the Borough and for the reopening of the post office in Roseberry Shopping Centre. Councillor Dunning, Leader of the Council, has been telling residents in Lazenby that the survival of their post office is the Council's priority. It seems he has already admitted defeat on the others. Labour's gimmicky campaign is phoney. They made the decision to close the post offices in the first place.
"We need all our post offices to survive and for plans to be put in place for them to prosper. Along with Fiona Hall MEP I have presented the first batch of 1000 signatures on our petition to save the post offices to Sarah Teather, MP Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Enterprise."
Sarah Teather MP, who is pictured (attached) receiving the petition from Ian Swales and Fiona Hall MEP said:
"The Government should be helping local Post Offices to develop their business rather than forcing more and more of them to go to the wall."
Sunday, 16 March 2008
Vale grab late equaliser as United squander lead
New loan striker, Dougie Freedman, making his first start for Leeds United, grabbed a brace of goals in the Potteries and Rui Marques got one but it was not enough in the end as bottom of the table Port Vale grabbed a late equaliser in the third minute of extra time.
Over 3500 United fans, which made up almost half the Vale Park crowd, were celebrating at half-time when the team went in 2-0 ahead.
Leeds should have had a penalty in the 38th minute but were awarded a corner instead. The corner, taken by Bradley Johnson, was converted by Marques from inside the box, 0-1.
Three minutes later Freedman slammed in his first goal for United to make it a perfect end to the first-half.
In the 62nd minute the referee awarded Vale a penalty after it appeared that Andy Hughes had handled the ball. Video evidence later showed that the ball had hit his head. Hughes desperately tried to explain this to the official as he pointed to the penalty spot. Vale's Paul Harsley converted from the spot and almost immediately afterwards Danny Whitaker put Vale on level terms, 2-2.
Freedman put United back in the lead with four minutes to go when he headed in a free-kick taken by Seb Carole, 2-3.
It looked like the mighty Whites were all set to return to Leeds with a well earned three points but in the third minute of extra-time Vale went level again when Luke Rogers tapped in a dramatic equaliser, 3-3.
As a result of United's shaky defence the team went from being one minute away from a play-off position down to 10th spot in the league and with only nine games left to play every point counts from now on.
Attendance 7908.
Port Vale 3 Leeds United 3
Over 3500 United fans, which made up almost half the Vale Park crowd, were celebrating at half-time when the team went in 2-0 ahead.
Leeds should have had a penalty in the 38th minute but were awarded a corner instead. The corner, taken by Bradley Johnson, was converted by Marques from inside the box, 0-1.
Three minutes later Freedman slammed in his first goal for United to make it a perfect end to the first-half.
In the 62nd minute the referee awarded Vale a penalty after it appeared that Andy Hughes had handled the ball. Video evidence later showed that the ball had hit his head. Hughes desperately tried to explain this to the official as he pointed to the penalty spot. Vale's Paul Harsley converted from the spot and almost immediately afterwards Danny Whitaker put Vale on level terms, 2-2.
Freedman put United back in the lead with four minutes to go when he headed in a free-kick taken by Seb Carole, 2-3.
It looked like the mighty Whites were all set to return to Leeds with a well earned three points but in the third minute of extra-time Vale went level again when Luke Rogers tapped in a dramatic equaliser, 3-3.
As a result of United's shaky defence the team went from being one minute away from a play-off position down to 10th spot in the league and with only nine games left to play every point counts from now on.
Attendance 7908.
Port Vale 3 Leeds United 3
Friday, 14 March 2008
Yorkshire Regiment to parade through Redcar
Plans are underway for hundreds of soldiers to invade Redcar as the Yorkshire Regiment prepares to exercise its newly transferred Freedom of the Borough.
More than 500 soldiers from the 2nd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment will march through the town as they celebrate the Freedom of the Borough with guns held high, bayonets fixed, Colours flying and bands playing.
The celebrations being organised by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council with the Army will take place on Wednesday, June 18.
The Green Howards were officially awarded the Freedom of the Redcar in 1958. In 2006, they were amalgamated into the Yorkshire Regiment and the Council agreed to transfer the Freedom rights to the new Regiment.
The new Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, who will be installed in May, will inspect the troops on the Esplanade and present the officer in charge, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Downey, with a new scroll before they all head off to Redcar Bowl for pie and peas washed down with beer.
"Which is the limit of the Labour Council's culinary taste" - say's Glynis.
More than 500 soldiers from the 2nd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment will march through the town as they celebrate the Freedom of the Borough with guns held high, bayonets fixed, Colours flying and bands playing.
The celebrations being organised by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council with the Army will take place on Wednesday, June 18.
The Green Howards were officially awarded the Freedom of the Redcar in 1958. In 2006, they were amalgamated into the Yorkshire Regiment and the Council agreed to transfer the Freedom rights to the new Regiment.
The new Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, who will be installed in May, will inspect the troops on the Esplanade and present the officer in charge, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Downey, with a new scroll before they all head off to Redcar Bowl for pie and peas washed down with beer.
"Which is the limit of the Labour Council's culinary taste" - say's Glynis.
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
Working Woodlands
You can find out how to improve wildlife habitats by joining in with a Working Woodlands event on Friday, March 14.
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Events Team is encouraging people to put on their working clothes and bring a packed lunch to help the "Friends of Errington Wood" with some practical tasks to improve the wildlife habitat from 10am until 4pm.
Anyone interested should meet at Errington Wood Picnic Area.
For more information contact the Eastern Area Countryside Officer on 01642 776911.
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Events Team is encouraging people to put on their working clothes and bring a packed lunch to help the "Friends of Errington Wood" with some practical tasks to improve the wildlife habitat from 10am until 4pm.
Anyone interested should meet at Errington Wood Picnic Area.
For more information contact the Eastern Area Countryside Officer on 01642 776911.
Tuesday, 11 March 2008
Two-goal Robins do the double over Leeds
Gary McAllister fielded an unchanged side for the third game running. At a windy Elland Road, Leeds United attempted to make it three wins in a row when they ran out to face lowly Cheltenham Town.
The Whites got off to a flyer when a 20-yard strike by Jermaine Beckford shot hit the upright after just over one minute from the start.
A packed Town midfield held up any further progress by Leeds for the next 20 minutes.
A cross by Bradley Johnson found the head of Tresor Kandol but the ball sailed over the bar on 22 minutes. Darren Kenton volleyed wide from 35 yards two minutes later. On the half hour Jonathan Howson tried a 30 yarder which sailed off to the right of the post.
The Robins seemed content to stifle United's attempts to make progress at the front and then in the 37th minute a mistake by Frazer Richardson led to an opportunity for Town's David Bird, who fired in from 20 yards, 0-1.
With a minute of normal time to go to in the first half a shot by Beckford flew over the bar from 12 yards. An injury time header from Lubomir Michalik landed on the roof of the net.
It was looking like Leeds were having a nightmare repeat of their trip to Whaddon Road in November when they dominated the game and lost out to a late Cheltenham goal against the run of play.
The Whites had more time to put things right this time and came out for the second half with a sense of urgency. A free kick by Bradley Johnson, one minute after the re-start, was saved by the Robin's goalie, Shane Higgs Then a minute later Johnson volleyed over the bar from 20 yards. In the 51st minute an overhead kick from Beckford sailed over the bar as Leeds kept up the pressure.
A 20-yard shot from Kandol was saved by Higgs in the 58th minute. Howson was replaced by striker Dougie Freedman on the hour. Then from nowhere, in the 62nd minute, disaster struck as Town's Alex Russell fired in from 18 yards to make it 0-2.
Leeds made a double substitution in the 70th minute, Anthony Elding and Andy Hughes came on for Richardson and Kandol.
With eight minutes remaining Beckford had the ball in the net but it was ruled offside. In the 85th minute some good build up play led to a cross from Johnson, which reached Elding who headed in from 12 yards to score is first goal for the club 1-2.
Leeds had little chance to even up the score as Cheltenham, languishing in the relegation zone, held on to their lead and went in winners against United for the second time this season.
Attendance 20,257
Leeds United 1 Cheltenham Town 2
The Whites got off to a flyer when a 20-yard strike by Jermaine Beckford shot hit the upright after just over one minute from the start.
A packed Town midfield held up any further progress by Leeds for the next 20 minutes.
A cross by Bradley Johnson found the head of Tresor Kandol but the ball sailed over the bar on 22 minutes. Darren Kenton volleyed wide from 35 yards two minutes later. On the half hour Jonathan Howson tried a 30 yarder which sailed off to the right of the post.
The Robins seemed content to stifle United's attempts to make progress at the front and then in the 37th minute a mistake by Frazer Richardson led to an opportunity for Town's David Bird, who fired in from 20 yards, 0-1.
With a minute of normal time to go to in the first half a shot by Beckford flew over the bar from 12 yards. An injury time header from Lubomir Michalik landed on the roof of the net.
It was looking like Leeds were having a nightmare repeat of their trip to Whaddon Road in November when they dominated the game and lost out to a late Cheltenham goal against the run of play.
The Whites had more time to put things right this time and came out for the second half with a sense of urgency. A free kick by Bradley Johnson, one minute after the re-start, was saved by the Robin's goalie, Shane Higgs Then a minute later Johnson volleyed over the bar from 20 yards. In the 51st minute an overhead kick from Beckford sailed over the bar as Leeds kept up the pressure.
A 20-yard shot from Kandol was saved by Higgs in the 58th minute. Howson was replaced by striker Dougie Freedman on the hour. Then from nowhere, in the 62nd minute, disaster struck as Town's Alex Russell fired in from 18 yards to make it 0-2.
Leeds made a double substitution in the 70th minute, Anthony Elding and Andy Hughes came on for Richardson and Kandol.
With eight minutes remaining Beckford had the ball in the net but it was ruled offside. In the 85th minute some good build up play led to a cross from Johnson, which reached Elding who headed in from 12 yards to score is first goal for the club 1-2.
Leeds had little chance to even up the score as Cheltenham, languishing in the relegation zone, held on to their lead and went in winners against United for the second time this season.
Attendance 20,257
Leeds United 1 Cheltenham Town 2
Sunday, 9 March 2008
Leeds midfielders find their scoring boots and pip the Cherries
With the exception of new loan signing Dougie Freedman on the subs bench, Leeds United fielded an unchanged side at Elland Road yesterday.
We listened to the match on Radio Leeds as we drove back from the Lib Dems Spring Conference in Liverpool.
The Cherries were in a confident mood as they faced United in strong winds and at times driving rain. They had beaten Pools 2-0 last Saturday and Manager Kevin Bond was a little over optomistic in his pre-match comments. This will have helped spur on United who were unbeaten in four.
Just 11 minutes into the game David Prutton sent in a ball from the right which caused a mix-up between a Cherries defender and on-loan goalie David Forde. Their collision allowed midfielder Bradley Johnson to gently tap a loose ball into the net and score his first goal for Leeds, 1-0.
Bournemouth had plenty of chances during the game but they could not make them count. As the rain began to lash down United's lead was doubled, in the 63rd minute, when another midfielder, Neil Kilkenny. collected as pass from Jonathan Howson and drilled in a shot from 18 yards. It was his first goal for the Whites, 0-2.
Kilkenny, who has recently recoved from injury, was replaced by Freedman in the 68th minute. Andy Hughes replaced Howson (84 mins) and Anthony Elding came on for Tresor Kandol (89 mins).
Whatever was the real cause of United's loss of form since Christmas seems to have been overcome as Gary McAllister got his first home win as manager and that makes it five games unbeaten.
Attendance 21,199
Leeds United 2 AFC Bournemouth 0
We listened to the match on Radio Leeds as we drove back from the Lib Dems Spring Conference in Liverpool.
The Cherries were in a confident mood as they faced United in strong winds and at times driving rain. They had beaten Pools 2-0 last Saturday and Manager Kevin Bond was a little over optomistic in his pre-match comments. This will have helped spur on United who were unbeaten in four.
Just 11 minutes into the game David Prutton sent in a ball from the right which caused a mix-up between a Cherries defender and on-loan goalie David Forde. Their collision allowed midfielder Bradley Johnson to gently tap a loose ball into the net and score his first goal for Leeds, 1-0.
Bournemouth had plenty of chances during the game but they could not make them count. As the rain began to lash down United's lead was doubled, in the 63rd minute, when another midfielder, Neil Kilkenny. collected as pass from Jonathan Howson and drilled in a shot from 18 yards. It was his first goal for the Whites, 0-2.
Kilkenny, who has recently recoved from injury, was replaced by Freedman in the 68th minute. Andy Hughes replaced Howson (84 mins) and Anthony Elding came on for Tresor Kandol (89 mins).
Whatever was the real cause of United's loss of form since Christmas seems to have been overcome as Gary McAllister got his first home win as manager and that makes it five games unbeaten.
Attendance 21,199
Leeds United 2 AFC Bournemouth 0
Wednesday, 5 March 2008
Leeds United call on all football fans to support their fight for justice
The independent arbitration against the Football League's imposition of a 15-point penalty on Leeds United will be heard during the week commencing April 14.
The points penalty has been hotly disputed by Leeds who claim they had followed the League's rules in paying off football debts first. This was challenged by Inland Revenue and it prevented United from coming out of administration with an approved Company Voluntary Arrangement, as required by League rules, though the threat of legal action by Inland Revenue was eventually dropped.
It is grossly unfair for United to have been deducted 15-points this season for something that was beyond their control. They had already suffered a 10-point penalty at the end of last season when they went into administration during the last week of the season. This clearly rankled with many in the Football League and the opportunity to make Leeds pay was taken with relish and ratified at a meeting of League Chairman, including those in League 1, who clearly benefit from the decision.
With Luton and Bournemouth now in administration it is likely that they too will have trouble satisfying the Inland Revenue with the League's rules about paying off football creditors first still in force.
United are calling on all football fans to support their fight for justice. On it's website the club say they have been overwhelmed with the support of fans from all clubs on an on-line petition to Prime Minister Gordon Brown. You can log on to the petition here.
United are calling on all football fans to support their fight for justice. On it's website the club say they have been overwhelmed with the support of fans from all clubs on an on-line petition to Prime Minister Gordon Brown. You can log on to the petition here.
Monday, 3 March 2008
Lib Dems Oppose “Excessive and Risky” 4.9% Council Tax Increase
Posted by Chris:
Liberal Democrat Councillors on Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council today opposed Labour’s budget which included an excessive 4.9% council tax increase, the biggest rise for years.
In addition Cleveland Fire Authority have set a 4.9% increase and Cleveland Police Authority have imposed a massive 9.97% increase.
Lib Dems are concerned that the Labour-run authority runs a serious risk of being “capped” by central government and having to re-bill residents.
The Local Government Minister, John Healey, has said that he expects council tax increases to be “substantially below 5%” or councils will face the risk of capping. There is no way in the world that 4.9% is substantially below 5%. It is highly irresponsible of Labour to take such a risk with public money.
Having to send out a new set of bills would cost the Council Taxpayer well over £100,000.
Speaking in the debate at today's meeting of the Borough Council Councillor Glyn Nightingale, Lib Dem Finance spokesperson, said:
“Under the Council’s financial plans there should only have been a 3.6% increase this year. But Labour have overspent and failed to be innovative in making efficiency savings. There is precious little real growth.”
“The people of Redcar & Cleveland will pay more and get less with this budget. What Labour calls “efficiencies” are really cuts and extra charges on the public.”
Liberal Democrat Councillors on Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council today opposed Labour’s budget which included an excessive 4.9% council tax increase, the biggest rise for years.
In addition Cleveland Fire Authority have set a 4.9% increase and Cleveland Police Authority have imposed a massive 9.97% increase.
Lib Dems are concerned that the Labour-run authority runs a serious risk of being “capped” by central government and having to re-bill residents.
The Local Government Minister, John Healey, has said that he expects council tax increases to be “substantially below 5%” or councils will face the risk of capping. There is no way in the world that 4.9% is substantially below 5%. It is highly irresponsible of Labour to take such a risk with public money.
Having to send out a new set of bills would cost the Council Taxpayer well over £100,000.
Speaking in the debate at today's meeting of the Borough Council Councillor Glyn Nightingale, Lib Dem Finance spokesperson, said:
“Under the Council’s financial plans there should only have been a 3.6% increase this year. But Labour have overspent and failed to be innovative in making efficiency savings. There is precious little real growth.”
“The people of Redcar & Cleveland will pay more and get less with this budget. What Labour calls “efficiencies” are really cuts and extra charges on the public.”
Saturday, 1 March 2008
Leeds back to winning ways as Kandol header beats the Robins
Swindon Town: P. Smith, Comminges, Kanyuka, Aljofree, Vincent, Allen, Peacock, Easton, Roberts, Cox, Paynter. Subs: Brezovan, McGovern, McNamee, Ifill, Ashikodi.
Leeds United: Ankergren, Kenton, Richardson, Michalik, Marques, Prutton, Kilkenny, Howson, Johnson, Beckford, Kandol. Subs: Lucas, Sheehan, Thompson Carole, Elding.
Referee: C. Foy.
New loan signing Steve O'Halloran limped off during the warm up and did not feature as expected. Frazer Richardson took his place in the team and Alan Sheehan was elevated to the subs bench. Leeds fans welcomed back midfielder Neil Kilkenny to the starting line-up at the County Ground, Swindon.
The first 20 minutes saw Swindon, a team low in confidence, getting the best out of a scrappy start to the match. Jermaine Beckford was booked on 23 minutes for unsporting behaviour.
The booking prompted a short spell of pressure from Leeds. A cross from David Prutton, in the 25th minute, found the head of Tresor Kandol who connected solidly and the ball went in from six yards out, 0-1.
It's a long time since Leeds fans saw the famous somersault but it looks like Tresor, with his second goal in successive game, has found his scoring head again and there may be more to come.
Another cross by Prutton in the 32nd minute but this time Bradley Johnson's header, also from six yards, went wide to the right.
Swindon came back into the game for the last 15 minutes of the first half and won three or four corners that put Leeds under pressure.
United remained on the back foot for the first 20 minutes of the second half, as the Robins, with the crowd behind them, looked for an equaliser.
Two inswinging corners by Prutton in the 70th minute began a spell of pressure by Leeds but Swindon got forward again soon afterwards and a shot from Christian Roberts was tipped round the post by Casper Ankergran, earning the Robins their 9th corner of the game.
Alan Thompson came on for Kilkenny in the 77th minute.
A shot by Jonathan Howson, from 25 yards, in the 80th minute, sailed off to the right and was only the 4th chance of the game for United.
The Robins had 11 good chances in the game. They had the Whites on the back foot for long spells but they failed to make their chances count and Gary McAllister got his first win as United's manager.
Attendance 13,217
Swindon Town 0 Leeds United 1.
Leeds United: Ankergren, Kenton, Richardson, Michalik, Marques, Prutton, Kilkenny, Howson, Johnson, Beckford, Kandol. Subs: Lucas, Sheehan, Thompson Carole, Elding.
Referee: C. Foy.
New loan signing Steve O'Halloran limped off during the warm up and did not feature as expected. Frazer Richardson took his place in the team and Alan Sheehan was elevated to the subs bench. Leeds fans welcomed back midfielder Neil Kilkenny to the starting line-up at the County Ground, Swindon.
The first 20 minutes saw Swindon, a team low in confidence, getting the best out of a scrappy start to the match. Jermaine Beckford was booked on 23 minutes for unsporting behaviour.
The booking prompted a short spell of pressure from Leeds. A cross from David Prutton, in the 25th minute, found the head of Tresor Kandol who connected solidly and the ball went in from six yards out, 0-1.
It's a long time since Leeds fans saw the famous somersault but it looks like Tresor, with his second goal in successive game, has found his scoring head again and there may be more to come.
Another cross by Prutton in the 32nd minute but this time Bradley Johnson's header, also from six yards, went wide to the right.
Swindon came back into the game for the last 15 minutes of the first half and won three or four corners that put Leeds under pressure.
United remained on the back foot for the first 20 minutes of the second half, as the Robins, with the crowd behind them, looked for an equaliser.
Two inswinging corners by Prutton in the 70th minute began a spell of pressure by Leeds but Swindon got forward again soon afterwards and a shot from Christian Roberts was tipped round the post by Casper Ankergran, earning the Robins their 9th corner of the game.
Alan Thompson came on for Kilkenny in the 77th minute.
A shot by Jonathan Howson, from 25 yards, in the 80th minute, sailed off to the right and was only the 4th chance of the game for United.
The Robins had 11 good chances in the game. They had the Whites on the back foot for long spells but they failed to make their chances count and Gary McAllister got his first win as United's manager.
Attendance 13,217
Swindon Town 0 Leeds United 1.
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