Labour Controlled Redcar and Cleveland Council in top 20 for Council Tax increases

Official reports have confirmed that no Liberal Democrat-run council in England has increased council tax for their residents. This is unlike both other major parties, many of which are increasing council tax by up to 3.5% this year.

Commenting on Labour and Conservative councils’ record on Council Tax, Liberal Democrat Party President, Tim Farron said:

“While Labour and the Tories fight over how many of their councils raised Council Tax, it’s clear that with the Liberal Democrats your money is safest: no Liberal Democrat-run council in England has raised Council Tax."

At every level of government, the Liberal Democrats are cutting taxes for low- and middle-earners and better targeting help to those that need it the most. It is a record of financial responsibility of which we can be proud.

Labour ruled Redcar and Cleveland Council, who once imposed the second highest Council Tax in the land on it's long suffering residents, are, as most would guess, one of those Council's in the top twenty for Council Tax increases this year.

Top 20 Council Tax Increases Council Control Increase Barrow Labour 3.50% Babergh No Overall Control 3.50% Darlington Labour 3.50% Dover Conservative 3.50% East Northamptonshire Conservative 3.50% Gravesham Labour 3.50% Huntingdonshire Conservative 3.50% Leicester Labour 3.50% Preston Labour 3.50% Redcar & Cleveland Labour 3.50% Stockton-on-Tees Labour 3.50% Stoke-on-Trent Labour 3.50% Gedling Labour 3.40% Lichfield Conservative 3.40% Luton Labour 3.40% Middlesborough Labour 3.40% Nottingham Labour 3.40% Tunbridge Wells Conservative 3.30% Cambridgeshire Conservative 3.00% Richmondshire No Overall Control 3.00% Source: Local Government Chronicle

Redcar Labour Council’s Town Hall mismanagement costs taxpayers dearly

Liberal Democrats in the Borough of Redcar & Cleveland have hit out at Labour Council bosses who have needlessly cost the taxpayer hundreds of thousands by their mismanagement of the old Town Hall at Eston.

Five years ago it was clear that the Town Hall and neighbouring James Finegan Hall, both on Fabian Road, had had their day. The Lib Dem led coalition which then led the Council was realistic about what needed to happen and proposed demolition. The site needed £4 million spending on back-log maintenance.

But opportunistic Labour Councillors vowed to fight to keep the buildings saying: “Our position is that when we get back control in 2007 we will keep open the James Finegan Hall and refurbish it" (Labour leader George Dunning, Evening Gazette, 8 Sept 2006).

Now Labour has done a complete u-turn and is getting rid of them. This means that for five years the Council has been paying £120,000 a year for scaffolding on James Finegan Hall. Meanwhile, in 2007 Labour also spent £125,000 on refurbishing the Town Hall when it had no long-term future. They have recently wasted £36,000 on alterations to the City Learning Centre including an unnecessary walkway.

Liberal Democrat Group Leader Glyn Nightingale commented:

“The Lib Dems realised that the Council had more space than it needed and that the Town Hall and James Finegan Hall were becoming a financial liability.

“Now Labour has been forced into an embarrassing u-turn after finally realising we were right. In the meantime local taxpayers have had to pay out hundreds of thousands of pounds with nothing to show for it.

"It’s a welcome u-turn, but it’s come too late and been too costly."

Newcomen Ward Neighbourhood Action Partnership

Newcomen Ward Neighbourhood Action Partnership

Inaugural Meeting

6pm Tuesday 17 July

Newcomen Methodist Church

Mersey Road

Open to all who live and work in Newcomen ward

Have your say about issues that matter to you

Work together with councillors and agencies on a

Neighbourhood Action Plan setting priorities and

ideas for improvements in Newcomen ward

All will be welcomed: you can be as involved as little

or as much as you like

We look forward to meeting you

Further information:

Julian Feakes on 0774 8933 946

or email julian.feakes@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk

Emma McLoughlin on 0758 4480 408

or email emma.mcloughlin@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk

Neighbourhood team, Roseberry Library Roseberry Shopping Centre

Redcar's MP, Ian Swales, launches schools manufacturing competition

Ian Swales MP joins UK manufacturers to encourage kids to get excited about manufacturing careers.

Ian is proud to be launching the "We Made It!" competition here in the Redcar Constituency, working with local schools and industry to help young people understand how exciting and rewarding a career in manufacturing could be.

The competition will invite young people aged 13-16 to submit designs and ideas for a gadget, gizmo, toy or tool they'd like to see made. Any invention, no matter how creative, is welcome and as long as it's realistic enough to be made there's a chance it could be!

The entries will be judged by Ian Swales and the winner will be entered into a nation-wide competition judged by a group of organisations involved in manufacturing, including Boeing, The Manufacturing Institute, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Finmeccanica, Renewable UK, the Confederation of Paper Industries and Lloyds Banking Group. The organisations are all partners in the Dods Manufacturing Dialogue, which is working to increase interest in manufacturing skills in schools.

The best entries nationwide will be invited to a Fab Lab, the outstanding facilities provided by MIT and the Manufacturing Institute, where their designs will be manufactured and brought to life.

Later this autumn, Ian will bring the winner of our local competition to a reception and awards ceremony in parliament and they'll have the opportunity to meet the heads of the manufacturing organisations involved in the project and learn how to take their career in manufacturing further.

Ian Swales MP said: “I’m very proud to be supporting this great project to help young people turn their ideas into reality. Britain desperately needs more young people aspiring to high-level manufacturing jobs and gaining a better understanding of how the industry and businesses involved in it actually works.”

To find out more and to enter the competition, pupils can visit the competition's website.

Road safety campaign success - Zebra crossings to be raised at Marske.

Following a campaign by Redcar MP Ian Swales, Councillor Madge Moses (pictured right), Parish Councillor Margaret Wilson (pictured left) and local residents, the zebra crossings in Marske are to be raised, acting as a traffic-calming measure and improving pedestrian safety.

 

Following a series of accidents in the area around Marske High Street, the MP received a number of cases from residents concerned about pedestrian safety. He raised the issue with the Council who have confirmed that a consultation will be undertaken, with work planned for the next financial year, pending the consultation’s outcome. The crossing on Redcar Road and the two on the High Street are all expected to be raised.

 

Ian Swales MP said:

 

“This is very good news for the people of Marske. The new, raised crossings will make drivers slow down and improve pedestrian safety in the village. It is a very busy thoroughfare and I’m glad the Council agree that improvements should be made.”

Coast Road speeding campaign gets underway in Redcar.

Cllr Josh Mason (left) and Cllr Ron Harrison (right)  with Emma Boyes and her daughter Leila, along with Spike the road safety mascot.

A speed awareness event was held yesterday on Redcar’s Stray as part of a campaign, sponsored by Redcar and Cleveland Council to reduce irresponsible driving on the Coast Road.

It included appearances by Spike the Hedgehog as well as driving simulation equipment to test drivers’ reflexes.

The event follows a campaign by local resident Emma Boyes to tackle speeding on the Coast Road. “Coast Road Action Group” (CRAG) has been established to garner support for the initiative and liaise with the Council on what can be done to improve the problem.

Emma Boyes said:

“It was a great day! Thank you to every one for their support and to the Council for organising the day. I really appreciate everyone getting involved and supporting the campaign. I won’t give up until the issue is resolved!” 

Local Councillors Josh Mason and Ron Harrison strongly support the campaign.

Josh Mason said:

“There is a perennial problem of anti-social driving on this stretch of road. Providing safe crossing points is a key priority as, at present, there is only one zebra crossing to service the whole stretch of road. I am glad the Council are supporting CRAG’s campaign and I look forward to future improvements.”

Redcar MP, Ian Swales, supports Bill to help disabled blue badge holders

Ian Swales, Member of Parliament for Redcar , has given his support to a Private Members’ Bill to amend the Blue Badge legislation.

The “Disabled Persons’ Parking Badges Bill”, which was presented in the chamber of the House of Commons and has already attracted cross party support.

The aim of the Bill is to protect people who genuinely need a blue badge by clamping down on the misuse of badges by those individuals abusing the current scheme. The National Fraud Authority estimates it to be costing local authorities up to £46 million per annum. The Bill would introduce a number of measures to tackle this problem.

Commenting, Ian Swales MP said:

“I know that many disabled people in Redcar are frustrated when they cannot park because someone is misusing a badge. This Bill will clamp down on those individuals who abuse the system and deprive legitimate badge holders from parking.  Pretending to be disabled for financial gain is outrageous and deeply offensive to people with genuine disabilities.

“The changes contained within the Bill will improve the credibility of the scheme and result in the greater availability of parking spaces, protecting the scheme for genuine badge holders who have the most need.

“I am pleased to be supporting this Bill, which will benefit genuine blue badge holders up and down the country.”

Come on England!

The Olympic torch enters Rydal Avenue, Redcar, Yorkshire.

 Carried by Daniel Abbott aged 8

Carried by Jessica Seaman aged 5

Redcar Lib Dems attack Labour Council’s failure

Figures uncovered by Liberal Democrats show that Redcar & Cleveland Council only managed to meet half of its targets last year.

At the full Council meeting this month, Lib Dem members asked the Labour Leader of the Council whether these figures amounted to a failure of the council’s “Our Plan” strategy.

Figures also show that 86% of “milestones” were completed by the council in its work. These are the mechanisms by which the measures are achieved.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Josh Mason (pictured) commented:

“Labour are achieving their milestones but not their targets. This suggests that there is something radically wrong with the way they are tackling things. 

“Cllr Dunning was unable to provide any justification for why this was the case and instead gave a long list of what he considered key ‘achievements’ of the last year.

“I am deeply concerned that the Labour Group continues to prioritise their extravagant building programme to the detriment of other targets: job creation; business support; educational attainment and health inequalities.”

The Olympic torch comes through Newcomen Ward at Redcar in pictures

My daughter Kelly Seaman in the queue for the free refreshments provided by Dave Stones on behalf of Newcomen Ward Community Forum, whilst she waits for the Olympic torch to pass through Corporation Road, Redcar.

Here it comes!

The Mascot.

The Sponsors.

Coca Cola.

Lloyds TSB.

The Police Escort.

Here it is!

Get set for Redcar Game Park

Budding artists are being given a sporting chance to contribute to a masterpiece - as the Borough of Redcar and Cleveland gears up for the Olympic Torch passing through the Borough.

A sculpture and game park will be created on Redcar High Street on Saturday and Sunday, June 16 and 17, from 11am to 4pm, with experts on hand to create a unique piece of art celebrating the historic occasion.

And local residents are invited to bring along any old sports equipment to help form the striking sculpture. Free workshops with professional artists will take place over the weekend, giving everybody that comes along the opportunity to contribute to the sculpture and add their own creative flair.

In addition to the creation of the sculpture there will be street theatre, fun games and sporting activities, with local sports clubs offering free sessions.

For anyone who doesn't fancy taking part but is keen to see the finished sculpture, the Sculpture Park will be open on June 18, between 9am and 4pm.

The Olympic Torch relay starts in Redcar at 6.59am on Monday and will go on to pass through Marske, Saltburn, Brotton, Carlin How and Loftus. For further information please click here, or contact 01642 496425.

Evening Gazette reveals Labour Council chiefs accepted unpopularity of Redcar's "Vertical Pier"

Shocking that this report was hidden even from Councillors and members of the Cabinet were always denying there was any opposition. 

Yorkshire flag at Buckingham Palace

Whatever the event you can always rely on a Yorkshire flag being waved.

LIB DEMS CALL FOR URGENT REVIEW OF CUTS TO HOMECALL

The Liberal Democrat Group on Redcar and Cleveland Council have called on the ruling Labour Group to review cuts to services for elderly and vulnerable people.

The withdrawal of the ‘Homecall’ contract, currently worth £680,000 to social housing provider Coast and Country, will see thousands of residents charged for the crucial pull-cord lifeline which allows them to live independently.  Liberal Democrats fear that removing the subsidy will endanger the freedom and security of the Borough’s most vulnerable and could bring an end to the service altogether.

Cllr Mary Ovens, Liberal Democrat Group Deputy Leader and Shadow Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, has today written to Council Leader George Dunning and Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Sheelagh Clarke, imploring them to reconsider this potentially damaging decision.

In March this year Grant Shapps, Minister for Housing and Local Government, wrote to council leaders to inform them that although funding was no longer ring-fenced, the budget for Supporting People had not been significantly reduced and that councils were still expected to invest in housing-related support services.

Cllr Ovens commented:

“This decision by the Labour Group will leave vulnerable people isolated and alone; at risk of losing their independence.

“The policy could see thousands of vulnerable people abandoned by the Council they rely on for support.

“I urge the Council to think again on this.”

Ian Swales, MP for Redcar added:

“It seems counterproductive to remove a service that enables people to continue living independently in their own homes particularly in light of the Council’s long term social care policy.

“I hope the Council will reconsider this decision in light of the letter from Housing Minister Grant Shapps, which established the maintenance of budgets for this area."

Ian has set up a petition on line. Please take the time to have a look and sign the petition.  The more pressure we put on the council to protect this vital service for our community the more likely it is to succeed. 

Labour run Redcar and Cleveland Council penalise blue badge holders

Redcar and Cleveland Labour Run Council have announced that they are considering charging all disabled blue badge holders to park in all council run off street car parks.

Of those 25 car parks, there are 79 bays that are specifically marked for disabled badge holders only.
All residents who hold blue badges were notified of this possible change by letter today (14^th May 2012).

The council claim that this will help to resolve the financial mess they have found themselves in, but Ian Swales, local MP for Redcar says:

''This is yet another example of how this Labour-run council are choosing to penalise those who can afford it least. I am disturbed at the choices they are making, and they are choices.

''This is just one in a long list of politically motivated charges such as recycling bags, basic care needs, special educational transport and increasing council tax at a time when we are all feeling the pinch''

Liberal Democrat Group leader, Glyn Nightingale, said: '' The Government cuts only account for £8m of the £34m referred to in this letter. The remaining £26m of savings relate to Labour council bosses wish list rather than to what needs to be done over the next few years.

''It will only be when the council sort out their waste and mismanagement of their finances that we will feel assured that they are capable of running this council.''

Leeds United fans invade the City of Cardiff Stadium.

Redcar Athletic and the clash of the giants

MESSAGE FROM KEVIN FRYETT OF REDCAR ATHLETIC FC:

This season is drawing to a close and on the pitch the Club sits top of the Wearside League 3 points clear with 4 games to play so the Wearside League title is in our sights, this undoubtedly has been the most successful season in the clubs short history. Off the field the club has continued to develop its facilities at Green Lane and despite disappointing news that the ground failed to meet the Northern League ground criteria the installation of the floodlights has been a major step in the club's development

We have a huge game on Wednesday evening 25th April 7pm ko at Green Lane, Redcar which is a title decider we would love to see a big Redcar crowd there supporting the team.

                                                                       

Forget Messi and Ronaldo the real clash of the giants takes place at Green Lane, Redcar on Weds 25th April at 7pm when Redcar Athletic FC, current Wearside League leaders take on Ryhope CW FC, in 2nd place 3 points behind with a game in hand. Whilst this will not determine who wins the Wearside League the winners of this game will take a massive stride to securing the title, we need the support of the town of Redcar, please do your best to attend, i can assure you a fantastic game a very warm welcome. 

Entry £2 adults 50p Concessions Programmes £1

Finally as this season draws to a close we now need to look at how we will financially cope in season 2012/13 the current economic climate is creating  very difficult conditions for voluntary groups like ourselves and to try and create some additional finance we have capped our sponsorship packages at this seasons prices, please see below perhaps you may know somebody who would be interested we would be very grateful if you could pass on these details 

ONE OFF STADIUM/STAND SPONSORSHIP

To coincide with the rebranding of the club an exciting package has been designed to help support the club in its push to gain Northern League status and to win the naming rights for the ground in a 3 year deal and the opportunity to sponsor one of the new stands soon to be erected again in a 3 year deal.One off Stadium Sponsor Cost £3,000 for 2 years– the ground will be named after your company, signs will be erected around the ground and the name will be publicised through all the local media.

Sponsor a Stand Cost £1,000 for 1 years- the stand will be named after your company, signs will be erected on the stands and the name will be publicised through all the local media.

ADVERT IN MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

Programme printed every week for Home Wearside League Games

Full page advert £100 per season

½ page advert £75 per season

¼ page advert £50 per season

MATCHDAY SPONSOR

Sponsor one of our home games at a cost of £100 and receive 4 complimentary tickets for the game, pre match and post match buffet and drinks, advertisement in the match day programme and present the man of the match award after the game

MATCHBALL SPONSOR

Sponsor the match ball at one of home games for £50 and receive a free advert in the matchday programme as well as 4 complimentary tickets with half time buffet

PLAYER SPONSOR 

Sponsor a player for £50  per season, recognition of players sponsor on the squad list in the match day programme and a free season ticket for all home games in season 2012/13

Labour Council cuts target most vulnerable

On Tuesday this week, the cabinet of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council voted to introduce a flat-rate charging policy for adults with special educational needs (SEN) to travel to college. The move will also hit elderly people attending day care centres and adults with SEN using day services and respite care.  Post-16 SEN learners will be hit with a £380 charge per year, while the elderly and day service users will face a cost of £3 for a return trip.

The Council cuts to adult SEN learners comes at a time when Sarah Teather, Liberal Democrat Children’s Minister, has just announced a new programme for SEN support staff for younger learners. While the Coalition Government are working hard for the needs of vulnerable learners, Redcar and Cleveland Council are taking away opportunities and risking invaluable lifelines for those in most need.

The decision has been condemned by Liberal Democrats on the Council who believe that this minor saving will have a massive impact on the Borough’s poorest and most vulnerable people. 

Commenting on the decision, Liberal Democrat Council Group Leader, Glyn Nightingale said:

“This is a typical move by the ruling Labour Group.''

“They are more interested in ploughing millions of pounds of council tax revenue into their ludicrous, ill-thought out regeneration programme and ‘Vertical Pier’ than protecting vital local services.  They continually fail to crack down on waste.”

Ian Swales, MP for Redcar added:

“Imposing charges for access to key services is detrimental to the individuals concerned and the area as a whole. This is a choice that the Labour-run Council have made, and they have chosen to hurt those that need support the most.”

We're Leeds United we make history

I was in the record crowd at Elland Road of 57,892 on 15 March 1967 v Sunderland with my Dad and brother Gordon. On 20th March 2012 I was at Elland Road with my lad Mark and Grandson Daniel to witness Leeds United's heaviest ever home defeat, 3-7 against Nottingham Forest, in a crowd of 21,367. We may not be famous anymore but we can still make history.

What the Liberal Democrats have achieved in Government

This excellent infographic was produced by Mark Pack:

Lib Dems vote against Council Tax rise

Tonight local Liberal Democrats voted against Redcar & Cleveland Council’s unfair plan to increase Council tax by 3.5% this year.

The Labour Council turned down a grant of nearly £1.5 million from the Coalition Government to freeze council tax and voted to raise it by 3.5% instead – the highest increase in the country announced so far.

Across the country around 80% of councils have announced that they will freeze council tax this year.

Labour bosses provided no substantial justification for refusing the Government’s offer.

Liberal Democrats in Redcar launched a petition to put pressure on the Council’s ruling Labour Group to think again, but it was to no avail. They have obtained over a thousand signatures.

Liberal Democrat Council Group Leader, Glyn Nightingale commented:

“This is a slap in the face for local hardworking families.

“Very few people will see their wages go up by 3.5% this year. This is not the time to increase the burden of tax on local people. But it is inexcusable when Labour has been offered a credible alternative by the Coalition Government.”

Cleveland Police Authority rejects Government offer of £960,000 grant to freeze Council Tax this year

I would hardly call the Northern Echo's report of the Cleveland Police Authority precept decision yesterday a fair and balanced report of the meeting.

Where is the reference to the £960,000 grant the Authority would have received had it opted for the freeze option? That is the equivalent of a 3% increase in Council Tax. Surely Council Tax payers are entitled to know they are now going to be paying £1,120,000 extra in Council Tax this year when they could have saved that 3.5% increase and received £960,000 in Government grant funding. 

The concern was that this grant may not be available next year but that is no reason not to accept it this year. I reject the claim of the acting Chief Constable that she could not manage on anything less than a 3.5% increase.

I spoke in favour of the Council Tax freeze at the meeting and voted against the 3.5% increase.

Redcar Lib Dems protest against Council Tax rise

On Saturday, local Liberal Democrats, including MP Ian Swales, took to the streets to oppose the Council’s unfair plan to increase Council tax by 3.5% this year.

Redcar and Cleveland Council plans to turn down a grant of nearly £1.5 million from the Coalition Government to freeze council tax, and to raise it by 3.5% instead - increasing the burden on local people.

Liberal Democrats in Redcar have launched a petition to put pressure on the Council’s ruling Labour Group to think again. So far they have obtained over a thousand signatures, with more and more people signing up every day online through Ian Swales’ website. On Saturday they collected over 500 more signatures in less than two hours.

Saturday’s event, which was supported by the Tax Payers’ Alliance, attracted the attention of hundreds of people who object to the Council’s intention to turn down Government money in favour of taxing local people.

Liberal Democrat Council Group Leader, Glyn Nightingale commented:

“The support we received on Saturday was overwhelming.

“It should send a clear message to the Labour-run Council that this is not the time to increase the burden of tax on local people – especially when offered a credible alternative by the Coalition Government.

“Recent internal and external audits of the Council’s finances have revealed poor economic management – it is not acceptable to make working people pay for the Council’s financial incompetence.”

Labour Council Tax rise in Redcar and Cleveland is the highest in the country

Local Liberal Democrats have reacted with anger to the news that the 3.5% increase in Council Tax in Redcar & Cleveland is the highest in the country.

The rise, which will come into effect this year, is happening despite the Government offering the Council £1.42 million to freeze the tax.

So far no council in the entire country has voted to put up council tax by more than this.

Councillor Glyn Nightingale, Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Lib Dem group, said:

“This is a slap in the face for hard working families. At a time when the Council should be helping local people and easing the financial burden on them, Labour will be piling on the pressure with this tax rise.”

Residents and Liberal Democrat activists will be meeting at the clock on Redcar High Street at 1pm this Saturday (25th) and will be collecting signatures for our petition against the increase until 3pm.

Redcar Liberal Democrats step up Council Tax campaign

Residents and Liberal Democrat activists will take to the streets this Saturday (25 February) to continue their campaign against Redcar Labour’s unnecessary 3.5% Council Tax rise.

The rise, which will come into effect this year, is happening despite the government offering the Council £1.42 million to freeze the tax.

The Leader of the Council has refused to meet with a cross party group of councillors to discuss the budget and seems intent on pushing through the proposals despite the extra strain this will put on local people.

The activists will be joined by Andrew Allison, the grassroots co-ordinator of the Taxpayers' Alliance, and will be collecting signatures on Redcar High Street from 1pm – 3pm

Councillor Glyn Nightingale, Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Lib Dem group, said:

“It makes no sense for local Labour bosses to ignore the chance to freeze Council tax when the government has offered to pay them to do it. Instead of helping hard working families and taking pressure off their budgets Labour will be piling on the pressure with this tax rise.”

Redcar & Cleveland Council's funding of Pro-Labour Coastal View and Moor News free newspaper

My December 16th posting about Coastal View free newspaper publishing verbatim scurrilous Labour Party articles smearing the Lib Dems, started with the words "Grant funded Coastal View." This prompted a complaint to Ian Swales' office by one of the owners claiming that the newspaper was not grant funded.

As a sign of good faith, even though I had understood that they had received Council grants, I deleted the words "grant funded."

I have checked with the Council and the newspaper has received the following grant funding:

£5000 (grant) in May 2009, in relation to set up costs printing, design and delivery of the newspaper; 

£3000  (PR work) in May 2009, in relation to PR work carried out for the Enterprise Team.

Since then the newspaper has been taken over and the following has been provided:

£662.50 (grant) in November 2010, in relation to the purchase of a PC and Monitor; and

£1750 (PR work) in January 2011, in relation to promotional activity for the Enterprise Team. 

Every edition since No 3 has carried a full page advertisement paid for by hard pressed Redcar and Cleveland Council who are making severe cuts in public services yet can afford to fund this newspaper.

Issue 3 - Redcar Renaissance. 1 page advertisement costing £250;

Issue 4 - Have your say on Regeneration Masterplan. 1 page advertisement costing £250;

Issue 5 - Sea change on its way. 1 page advertisement costing £250

Issue 6 - Green light for landmark building and virtual shopping is a winner. 1 page advertisement costing £250.

Issue 7 - This is…. £75m Redcar Regeneration. 1 page advertisement costing £250.

Issue 8 - Contractor appointed to deliver Creative Hub and plans in place for Redcar Leisure and Community Heart. 1 page advertisement costing £250.

Issue 9 - Redcar Regeneration gathers pace and outdoor exhibition comes to Redcar. 1 page advertisement costing £250.

Issue 10 - £50k grant is just suite for Loftus Project, Council offers job bonanza support and creative talent throw open their doors. 1 page advertisement costing £250.

Issue 11 - International demand for glimpse of Saxon Princess Treasure, spark of inspiration for half marathon runners, and creative talent throw open their doors. 1 page advertisement costing £250.

Issue 12 - Start on site for £31m Redcar Leisure and Community Heart and youth centre gets green light. 1 page advertisement costing £250;

Issue 13 - A66 improvement plans motor ahead, Seaside scheme set to bring investment and jobs and demolition signals start on site for Creative Hub. 1 page advertisement costing £250.

Issue 14 - £4.9m youth centre work begins, £300k revamp is treemendous for forest and entries pour in to landmark naming contest.  1 page advertisement costing £275;

Issue 15 - Seafront shop to showcase Redcar Regeneration, creative industry set to flourish and mMajor demand to be Eco Village people.  1 page advertisement costing £275;

Issue 16 - Redcar leisure plans given the green light, Princess’s Treasure display attracts 28,000 and pupils all smiles at new £4.75m school. 1 page advertisement costing £275;

Issue 17 - Olympic hero’s jump-start for £31m leisure scheme, hundreds check out Tesco jobs and My place begins to take shape.  1 page advertisement costing £275;

Issue 18 - Ian’s at the art of Redcar’s revival, School children steel themselves for seaside landmark and trip down memory lane for ex residents – South Bank.  1 page advertisement costing £275; and

Issue 19 - Eco Village launch, Flight of the future – Redcar Seafront fly through and Landmark visit for Coatham Primary school to Vertical Pier. 1 page advertisement costing £275.

Last year, in February, Redcar and Cleveland Lib Dems announced that we had included abandoning the "vertical pier" in our manifesto in response to the survey we had carried out that showed 97% of Redcar residents did not want it.  Coastal View asked me to write an article about it. I did this and received an email back thanking me and pointing out that it would be the front page lead story. In the end they didn't publish it and instead a full page Council add appeared in the paper promoting the "vertical pier."

Get involved with Redcar Athletic FC Floodlight Appeal

Redcar Athletic FC have opened an appeal to raise money to finalise the installation of the Club's Floodlights, the lights are required as part of the criteria for entry into the Northern League coupled with a top of the League finish. The club through grants and donations have secured £27,000 towards the cost of the lights but need to address a shortfall to complete the development. The team are currently sat top of the Wearside League and the push to ensure that the floodlights are ready for the deadline date of 31st March 2012 has started in earnest. Redcar has an old tradition of Northern League football but has never had a team in the League since the 1920's we require the support of the local community and local businesses to help us bring Northern League football back to Redcar anybody interested in getting involved in any capacity to help us achieve our dream please get in touch. Redcar Athletic FC are also appealing to local businesses and individuals to come forward with donations to help us finalise the developments at the ground which include floodlights and spectator provision. If you are interested in donating to the cause or getting involved with the club please contact Kevin Fryett on 07854935380 or kevfryett@hotmail.com

For individuals who cannot donate the club has launched a number draw club and for a £1 a week individuals can win a cash prize the equivalent of half of the weekly takings, the club would like eventually to build this number draw up to around a membership of 500 giving a weekly prize of £250 if you are interested in the number draw again contact Club Secretary Kevin Fryett on the above details or see attachment for an entry form  

The club has also launched a fantastic prize raffle draw which is restricted to 30 organisations, businesses or individuals and for £500 the participant will receive a raffle ticket for a 1 in 30 chance to win a full corporate package at the forthcoming Boro v Leeds Utd game for six people, in addition all entrants will receive - 4 free tickets to every home game with half time/full time refreshments, 1/2 page advert in the matchday programme, 6ft x 3ft advertising board around the pitch perimeter and a link on the club's website.Contact Kevin Fryett on 07854935380 or e mail at kevfryett@hotmail.com for further details or see attachment for leaflet.

Redcar Athletic FC is also looking for sponsors at all levels and has packages available from as little as £50, this is an exciting time to get involved with Redcar Athletic FC and promotion to the Northern League would raise the clubs profile even higher, if you want to become a corporate partner of a very progressive ambitious local Football Club please get in touch using the contact details above.

Any potential sponsor/investor or anybody interested in supporting the club have a great opportunity to sample the clubs progression by attending the crunch top of the League clash with Ryhope CW at Green Lane, Redcar on Saturday 11th Feb 2012 2pm ko, free tickets are available by contacting Kevin Fryett.

Labour Council boss hides from budget scrutiny

Redcar Councillors were shocked this week when the Leader of the Council refused to attend a cross party scrutiny meeting to explain his budget.

The Scrutiny Board is the key way Labour Leader Cllr Dunning can be held accountable for his actions and can question him on his justifications the major changes he wants to make.

Leader of the Lib Dem group Councillor Glyn Nightingale said:

“Cllr Dunning's failure to face the Scrutiny Board is another in a long line of actions by Labour Council bosses which do little to encourage open debate and democracy.

“Councillors were unable ask him in person why he is refusing a Government grant to freeze Council Tax for another year and increasing Council Tax by 3.5%.

“In light of his refusal to attend I can’t help but ask what he is trying to hide from the people of Redcar & Cleveland."

Meanwhile, Lib Dem Councillors have put an online poll on the group's website about the council tax freeze. Please be click here to vote and encourage others to do the same.

Newcomen Ward residents show their contempt for Labour's obnoxious smearmongering

Tomorrow is Election Day in the Newcomen Ward By-Election to replace my wife Glynis who died on 7th November.

Within less than 24 hours of Glynis's funeral Labour's smear leaflets started dropping through the letterboxes of local residents, including that of my daughter Kelly and her family.  Labour have reached new lows with smear after smear, lie after lie, allegation after allegation and absolutely nothing about what Labour are doing on the Council or plan to do in the future.

We knew from what people were saying to Lib Dem canvassers on the doorstep that many residents were complaining about the "obnoxious smearmongering antics" of the Labour candidate and his team. But I have never seen anything like these notices which have appeared on doors in Corporation Road (top), and Windermere Avenue (bottom).

Published and promoted by Chris Abbott on behalf of Dave Stones (Liberal Democrats) all at 3 Rydal Avenue, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 1JB.