Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has today revealed the cost of damages caused by vandalism to fencing at Coatham Enclosure and the nearby Boating Lake in Redcar.
During the last four weeks, the damage and associated work to make safe the damaged fencing have cost £5,686, costs which will now have to be met by Council resources.
The fencing has been erected as part of preliminary works by the Council to set out rights of way across the site and prepare the area for the recently approved £95million leisure and housing complex by Persimmon Plc.
The net cost of purchasing the fencing at the Boating Lake is £900; this is because Persimmon Plc will purchase the fencing from the Council once the handover of the site is complete.
The fencing around the Coatham Enclosure has cost £11,788.00, however most of these costs will also be met by Persimmon Plc when they purchase the fencing for use on the site when development commences.
The £95million leisure and housing development at Coatham Enclosure, Redcar was recently approved by members of the Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council Planning Committee and is now set to deliver a leisure centre with a 6-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a second exciting leisure pool with flume and water features, state-of-the-art gym with 75 'fitness stations', a children's gym, 5-a-side pitches, performance space for dance and music, new public rights of way, seafront apartments, alongside new mixed family and affordable housing and ongoing improvements to the boating lake and seafront promenade.
Friday, 22 June 2007
Sunday, 17 June 2007
Brand new Library
The 1,200 borrowers at Redcar's Roseberry Square library are set to be turning over a new leaf this month - with a move to a purpose-built new building just 50 yards away.
The existing library, built in 1967, will close at 12.30pm on Saturday, June 16, with the new facility opening its doors for the first time at 10.30am on Monday, July 2 in the new shops parade.
Redcar and Cleveland Council's Libraries Service is advising the branch's borrowers that they can take extra books during the closure period and as well as reminding them that they can use their ticket at any of the other branches, the nearest at Dormanstown or Redcar Central.
The existing library, built in 1967, will close at 12.30pm on Saturday, June 16, with the new facility opening its doors for the first time at 10.30am on Monday, July 2 in the new shops parade.
Redcar and Cleveland Council's Libraries Service is advising the branch's borrowers that they can take extra books during the closure period and as well as reminding them that they can use their ticket at any of the other branches, the nearest at Dormanstown or Redcar Central.
Labour on the lonely road to Damascus
The sheer hypocrisy of Labour Councillors is breath taking but we welcome their conversion to Coatham Links and their condemnation of the tiny handful of protesters who are trying to block this wonderful development for Redcar.
It is a pity they did not have the courage to support the proposals when they were in opposition. Then all they wanted to do is encourage the protesters.
COUNCILLORS CONDEMN PROTESTORS' ACTION AT COATHAM ENCLOSURE, REDCAR
Leading members of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council today (June 12) condemned protestors' actions to occupy the land set out for development for the multi-million leisure and housing complex by Persimmon Plc at Coatham Enclosure, Redcar.
Councillors have now approved legal action to remove the protestors from the site and are setting out their full support for the development.
It will provide a new leisure centre with a 6-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a second exciting leisure pool with flume and water features, state-of-the-art gym with 75 'fitness stations', a children's gym, 5-a-side pitches, performance space for dance and music, new public rights of way, seafront apartments, alongside new mixed family and affordable housing and ongoing improvements to the boating lake and seafront promenade.
Councillor George Dunning, Leader of the Council's new administration, said: "We are determined to provide the very best for the people of Redcar and Cleveland. The Coatham Enclosure development is a major scheme that will not only benefit the residents of Redcar but also the wider Borough.
"Having now had the opportunity to fully explore and address any concerns we shared as elected representatives, I am confident this development is wanted by the majority of people in the Borough who have made their views known to us through a number of surveys, wide consultation, the recent election results and an open and democratic planning process - protestors will not deter us from delivering the benefits of regeneration to the majority of our residents.
"We will be taking the proper legal action to remove protestors from the site to ensure the development can go ahead."
The Cabinet Member for Economic Development Councillor Mark Hannon said: "We mustn't lose out on this opportunity to re-invigorate our own town of Redcar - this new development will bring new families, businesses, visitors and investment to the area.
"I am convinced if we don't take on and embrace the challenge of development and regeneration now, it is unlikely there will be a future opportunity for this type of investment in the future. It is disappointing that the actions of the few may impact in such a long-lasting and negative way across the Borough."
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Sheelagh Clarke added: "Whilst I fully admire the actions of anyone who stands up to be heard, we must accept that approval of this development has been sought through open and democratic processes.
"The protestors to this scheme have been given fair hearing and the development has been given the go ahead in-line with Government policy and in-line with the majority of people who want the new facilities the development will provide."
Councillor Dave McLuckie, the Cabinet Member for Community Protection, said: "We are also aware of ongoing damage to fencing and property on the site which is generating considerable costs to the Council.
"We are currently monitoring the situation to establish the most appropriate course of action. Should any criminal activity be identified, this will not be tolerated."
It is a pity they did not have the courage to support the proposals when they were in opposition. Then all they wanted to do is encourage the protesters.
COUNCILLORS CONDEMN PROTESTORS' ACTION AT COATHAM ENCLOSURE, REDCAR
Leading members of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council today (June 12) condemned protestors' actions to occupy the land set out for development for the multi-million leisure and housing complex by Persimmon Plc at Coatham Enclosure, Redcar.
Councillors have now approved legal action to remove the protestors from the site and are setting out their full support for the development.
It will provide a new leisure centre with a 6-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a second exciting leisure pool with flume and water features, state-of-the-art gym with 75 'fitness stations', a children's gym, 5-a-side pitches, performance space for dance and music, new public rights of way, seafront apartments, alongside new mixed family and affordable housing and ongoing improvements to the boating lake and seafront promenade.
Councillor George Dunning, Leader of the Council's new administration, said: "We are determined to provide the very best for the people of Redcar and Cleveland. The Coatham Enclosure development is a major scheme that will not only benefit the residents of Redcar but also the wider Borough.
"Having now had the opportunity to fully explore and address any concerns we shared as elected representatives, I am confident this development is wanted by the majority of people in the Borough who have made their views known to us through a number of surveys, wide consultation, the recent election results and an open and democratic planning process - protestors will not deter us from delivering the benefits of regeneration to the majority of our residents.
"We will be taking the proper legal action to remove protestors from the site to ensure the development can go ahead."
The Cabinet Member for Economic Development Councillor Mark Hannon said: "We mustn't lose out on this opportunity to re-invigorate our own town of Redcar - this new development will bring new families, businesses, visitors and investment to the area.
"I am convinced if we don't take on and embrace the challenge of development and regeneration now, it is unlikely there will be a future opportunity for this type of investment in the future. It is disappointing that the actions of the few may impact in such a long-lasting and negative way across the Borough."
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Sheelagh Clarke added: "Whilst I fully admire the actions of anyone who stands up to be heard, we must accept that approval of this development has been sought through open and democratic processes.
"The protestors to this scheme have been given fair hearing and the development has been given the go ahead in-line with Government policy and in-line with the majority of people who want the new facilities the development will provide."
Councillor Dave McLuckie, the Cabinet Member for Community Protection, said: "We are also aware of ongoing damage to fencing and property on the site which is generating considerable costs to the Council.
"We are currently monitoring the situation to establish the most appropriate course of action. Should any criminal activity be identified, this will not be tolerated."
Thursday, 10 May 2007
Error found in counting of votes for Skelton Ward
An arithmetical error has been discovered in the declared result for Skelton. For some inexplicable reason it appears that in adding the different totals the supervisor added the total for one of the Conservative candidates (672) to the Labour block total. Removing those 672 votes from the Labour block total still means that the declared Councillors (three Labour) were duly elected, though by much smaller majorities.
Lib Dems re-elect Chris
Chris Abbott
Irene Nightingale
Mary OvensThe 13 Liberal Democrat councillors at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council have unanimously re-elected Councillor Chris Abbott as their Group Leader.
Chris has been Group Leader since 1999. He and his wife Glynis both represent the Newcomen ward in Redcar, and comfortably held their seats at the elections last week.
Chris’s Deputy will be Councillor Mary Ovens, also from Redcar (West Dyke ward) who is coming to the end of her term as Mayor of the Borough.
The Lib Dem Group will be chaired by Councillor Irene Nightingale, who represents Ormesby ward. She takes over from former Guisborough Councillor Keith Pudney, who did not seek re-election this year.
Cllr Chris Abbott, said:
“It looks as though Labour will now be running the Council. I look forward to making sure that they do not undo the good work that the Lib Dems have done as part of the ruling Coalition over the past four years.”
“We have some very experienced councillors and some talented new ones. I am sure we will be a better opposition than Labour were.”
Chris has been Group Leader since 1999. He and his wife Glynis both represent the Newcomen ward in Redcar, and comfortably held their seats at the elections last week.
Chris’s Deputy will be Councillor Mary Ovens, also from Redcar (West Dyke ward) who is coming to the end of her term as Mayor of the Borough.
The Lib Dem Group will be chaired by Councillor Irene Nightingale, who represents Ormesby ward. She takes over from former Guisborough Councillor Keith Pudney, who did not seek re-election this year.
Cllr Chris Abbott, said:
“It looks as though Labour will now be running the Council. I look forward to making sure that they do not undo the good work that the Lib Dems have done as part of the ruling Coalition over the past four years.”
“We have some very experienced councillors and some talented new ones. I am sure we will be a better opposition than Labour were.”
Friday, 27 April 2007
Labour's negative campaigning is an indication of their desperation
Labour's negative campaigning in Redcar & Cleveland knows no bounds. Their election material is full of one liners that only those most clued up on local and national issues can understand. Their campaign is desperate and dishonest. It seeks to mislead the public.
Unlike the Lib Dems they have not published a local manifesto and the Labour leader told Council officials that they were not prepared to tell them what their plans are until after the election. Obviously they intend to make it up as they go along in just the same way as they are insulting the intelligence of the electors with misleading one-liners.
The Labour MP, Vera Baird, is even worse. She has published the most juvenile of glossy leaflets containing all sorts of silly, over the top, one-liners like - "Racing at Redcar - they'll sell it off for thousands more houses. Labour is searching, with the Action Group, for a new owner to safeguard our racecourse - the heart of our town."
We cannot sell off Redcar racecourse because we do not own it. There is not room on the site for thousands of houses - is this woman really a top QC?
The sight of Labour Councillors pictured outside the main entrance of the racecourse looking like they were on a Mafia day trip is an image that filled me with horror. To have them meddling in the boardroom politics of a private company is alarming. It puts at serious risk the future of racing at Redcar.
It is interesting to note that Labour's lack of support is really showing in the time it is taking them to deliver Vera's missive. We have distributed our response in a number of wards BEFORE Labour have even got Vera's out.
The other night I came in from delivering leaflets in Kirkleatham Ward and before I could get the curtains closed I noticed that one of the Labour candidates had rushed into the courtyard I live in and put Labour's glossy "Lib Dems soft on crime" leaflet through three of the 16 letterboxes. Mine, my daughter Kelly's (who lives next door but one) and another house. He then went over to West Dyke ward and put it through Lib Dem Councillor Joyce Benbow's letterbox and her next door neighbour's. What is that all about I wonder?
Just for the record here is a response to the soft on crime one-liners that Labour hope to mislead the public about.
Lib Dems. Against Labour’s tough anti-social behaviour measures.
Lib Dems voted against the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, Hansard, 24 June 2003
Lib Dems. Against Labour’s measures to break-up teen gangs.
Lib Dems votes against dispersal orders, Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, 24 June 2003
(NB. These two are basically the same thing.)
Labour think just because a piece of legislation claims it will deal with anti-social behaviour anyone voting against it thinks anti-social behaviour is a good thing. That's as ridiculous as saying anyone voting against an education bill doesn't believe in education! Liberal Democrats have supported a wide range of government measures to tackle anti-social behaviour, such as the 1998 legislation bringing in ASBOs, and in many areas have been ahead of the government in developing new ways to combat anti-social behaviour. (The Acceptable Behaviour Contract pioneered by Lib Dems in Islington has been praised by the Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, as being "better than an ASBO". (Question Time, BBC1, 03/03/05)) But on this occasion we voted against the Bill (after trying to amend it) as we thought it wasn't the best way forward.
We supported some of the policies in the 2003 Act (e.g. Powers to close down crack houses and restrict use of air guns and imitation weapons), but we voted against the Act as a whole, principally over the issue of dispersal orders (sometimes characterised as “powers to break up teen gangs”). We believe that they were –
(a) Unnecessary - the existing public order laws adequately covered the various circumstances in which the police might need to act to disperse groups.
(b) Illiberal - the new powers enable police intervention and arrest purely on the basis of someones presence - even if they are doing nothing wrong. This breaches the right to freedom of movement and assembly, and in theory the power could be abused by the police, for example to harass ethnic minorities.
(c) Potentially counterproductive - the Association of Chief Police Officers said, when the Bill was going through Parliament, that the powers would “not be enthusiastically used” because they would be likely to create divisions between the officers and the communities they police.
(d) Not getting to the root of the problem - the powers enable police to move groups on, but they do nothing to prevent the group from causing trouble elsewhere or behaving badly in general. We believe other proposals (such as our plans for more - and more visible – police and community support officers) would make a greater impact on anti-social behaviour.
However, despite these concerns, we would not scrap the dispersal order powers. We have always recognised that the powers can be used in a helpful way and Lib Dems in local government have worked with the police to find positive ways to use them. We support their use where people are harassing, intimidating, alarming or distressing others, but not where it is on the basis of their presence alone. We would amend the law to take this into account and add safeguards against their misuse.
Lib Dems. Against Labour’s measures to restrict the sale of graffiti spray paints to teenagers.
Opposed measures to limit the sale of spray paint to teenagers, 24 June 2003
This is misleading. Liberal Democrat MPs and councils have been at the forefront of many successful campaigns against graffiti in their areas. We believe graffiti is a serious problem that should be deterred through a combination of street patrols and quick action by local authorities to remove graffiti as it appears.
We were at the forefront of efforts to stop the sale of spray paint to children (e.g. Lib Dem Sutton LBC's voluntary code of practice for retailers to stop sales of spray paint to 10-16 years olds) and welcomed proposals in this area in the Government's Anti-Social Behaviour Bill 2003.
The disagreement was simply that we thought the age at which people should be able to buy spray paints should be 16, while the Government wanted 18 (we were successful in amending the Bill in this respect). This did not prevent us supporting most of the other measures on graffiti in the Bill, including fixed penalty notices.
In Redcar & Cleveland we have a fast response team for the removal of graffiti from public building and usually manage to remove it the same day.
Lib Dems. Against sending teen criminals to court.
Policy Motion F46 ‘Punishment and Rehabilitation of Offenders’ was passed by Lib Dem Conference in Bournemouth, 23 September 2004
Our policy is that 13 and 14 year old teenagers should be brought before a court at the discretion of the Crown Prosecution Service where their actions mark them out as being dangerous and a threat to society.
Those whose crimes are not serious should be dealt with through the children's system which has a better record at rehabilitation. The children’s system has a better record because it is staffed with experts who understand how to intervene to help children with behavioural problems and prevent them from slipping into a life of crime. Under our policy teenagers aged 15 and older would continue to be dealt with through the courts in the normal way.
Lib Dems. Against jail sentences for drug possession.
Lib Dems ‘Law and Order Mini Manifesto’, page 8, 29 March 2005
Of course drug users who commit crimes like burglary or robbery to feed a drug habit should go to prison. And drug dealers should continue to expect long prison sentences. But where individuals are prosecuted simply for having a small amount of a drug in their possession for their own personal use, and no additional crime has been committed, then compulsory treatment should be used instead of prison. Courts could still make use of Drug Treatment and Testing Orders (DTTOs), fines, and other criminal penalties.
Promoted by C. Abbott 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY, on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, of 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY.
Unlike the Lib Dems they have not published a local manifesto and the Labour leader told Council officials that they were not prepared to tell them what their plans are until after the election. Obviously they intend to make it up as they go along in just the same way as they are insulting the intelligence of the electors with misleading one-liners.
The Labour MP, Vera Baird, is even worse. She has published the most juvenile of glossy leaflets containing all sorts of silly, over the top, one-liners like - "Racing at Redcar - they'll sell it off for thousands more houses. Labour is searching, with the Action Group, for a new owner to safeguard our racecourse - the heart of our town."
We cannot sell off Redcar racecourse because we do not own it. There is not room on the site for thousands of houses - is this woman really a top QC?
The sight of Labour Councillors pictured outside the main entrance of the racecourse looking like they were on a Mafia day trip is an image that filled me with horror. To have them meddling in the boardroom politics of a private company is alarming. It puts at serious risk the future of racing at Redcar.
It is interesting to note that Labour's lack of support is really showing in the time it is taking them to deliver Vera's missive. We have distributed our response in a number of wards BEFORE Labour have even got Vera's out.
The other night I came in from delivering leaflets in Kirkleatham Ward and before I could get the curtains closed I noticed that one of the Labour candidates had rushed into the courtyard I live in and put Labour's glossy "Lib Dems soft on crime" leaflet through three of the 16 letterboxes. Mine, my daughter Kelly's (who lives next door but one) and another house. He then went over to West Dyke ward and put it through Lib Dem Councillor Joyce Benbow's letterbox and her next door neighbour's. What is that all about I wonder?
Just for the record here is a response to the soft on crime one-liners that Labour hope to mislead the public about.
Lib Dems. Against Labour’s tough anti-social behaviour measures.
Lib Dems voted against the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, Hansard, 24 June 2003
Lib Dems. Against Labour’s measures to break-up teen gangs.
Lib Dems votes against dispersal orders, Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, 24 June 2003
(NB. These two are basically the same thing.)
Labour think just because a piece of legislation claims it will deal with anti-social behaviour anyone voting against it thinks anti-social behaviour is a good thing. That's as ridiculous as saying anyone voting against an education bill doesn't believe in education! Liberal Democrats have supported a wide range of government measures to tackle anti-social behaviour, such as the 1998 legislation bringing in ASBOs, and in many areas have been ahead of the government in developing new ways to combat anti-social behaviour. (The Acceptable Behaviour Contract pioneered by Lib Dems in Islington has been praised by the Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, as being "better than an ASBO". (Question Time, BBC1, 03/03/05)) But on this occasion we voted against the Bill (after trying to amend it) as we thought it wasn't the best way forward.
We supported some of the policies in the 2003 Act (e.g. Powers to close down crack houses and restrict use of air guns and imitation weapons), but we voted against the Act as a whole, principally over the issue of dispersal orders (sometimes characterised as “powers to break up teen gangs”). We believe that they were –
(a) Unnecessary - the existing public order laws adequately covered the various circumstances in which the police might need to act to disperse groups.
(b) Illiberal - the new powers enable police intervention and arrest purely on the basis of someones presence - even if they are doing nothing wrong. This breaches the right to freedom of movement and assembly, and in theory the power could be abused by the police, for example to harass ethnic minorities.
(c) Potentially counterproductive - the Association of Chief Police Officers said, when the Bill was going through Parliament, that the powers would “not be enthusiastically used” because they would be likely to create divisions between the officers and the communities they police.
(d) Not getting to the root of the problem - the powers enable police to move groups on, but they do nothing to prevent the group from causing trouble elsewhere or behaving badly in general. We believe other proposals (such as our plans for more - and more visible – police and community support officers) would make a greater impact on anti-social behaviour.
However, despite these concerns, we would not scrap the dispersal order powers. We have always recognised that the powers can be used in a helpful way and Lib Dems in local government have worked with the police to find positive ways to use them. We support their use where people are harassing, intimidating, alarming or distressing others, but not where it is on the basis of their presence alone. We would amend the law to take this into account and add safeguards against their misuse.
Lib Dems. Against Labour’s measures to restrict the sale of graffiti spray paints to teenagers.
Opposed measures to limit the sale of spray paint to teenagers, 24 June 2003
This is misleading. Liberal Democrat MPs and councils have been at the forefront of many successful campaigns against graffiti in their areas. We believe graffiti is a serious problem that should be deterred through a combination of street patrols and quick action by local authorities to remove graffiti as it appears.
We were at the forefront of efforts to stop the sale of spray paint to children (e.g. Lib Dem Sutton LBC's voluntary code of practice for retailers to stop sales of spray paint to 10-16 years olds) and welcomed proposals in this area in the Government's Anti-Social Behaviour Bill 2003.
The disagreement was simply that we thought the age at which people should be able to buy spray paints should be 16, while the Government wanted 18 (we were successful in amending the Bill in this respect). This did not prevent us supporting most of the other measures on graffiti in the Bill, including fixed penalty notices.
In Redcar & Cleveland we have a fast response team for the removal of graffiti from public building and usually manage to remove it the same day.
Lib Dems. Against sending teen criminals to court.
Policy Motion F46 ‘Punishment and Rehabilitation of Offenders’ was passed by Lib Dem Conference in Bournemouth, 23 September 2004
Our policy is that 13 and 14 year old teenagers should be brought before a court at the discretion of the Crown Prosecution Service where their actions mark them out as being dangerous and a threat to society.
Those whose crimes are not serious should be dealt with through the children's system which has a better record at rehabilitation. The children’s system has a better record because it is staffed with experts who understand how to intervene to help children with behavioural problems and prevent them from slipping into a life of crime. Under our policy teenagers aged 15 and older would continue to be dealt with through the courts in the normal way.
Lib Dems. Against jail sentences for drug possession.
Lib Dems ‘Law and Order Mini Manifesto’, page 8, 29 March 2005
Of course drug users who commit crimes like burglary or robbery to feed a drug habit should go to prison. And drug dealers should continue to expect long prison sentences. But where individuals are prosecuted simply for having a small amount of a drug in their possession for their own personal use, and no additional crime has been committed, then compulsory treatment should be used instead of prison. Courts could still make use of Drug Treatment and Testing Orders (DTTOs), fines, and other criminal penalties.
Promoted by C. Abbott 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY, on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, of 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY.
If they are so confident of winning why are Labour telling so many porkies?
Posted by Chris
In a leaflet, going out in Coatham Ward, Labour refer to "big fat cheques paid to 4 leaders of the Coalition whilst if Labour were in control you would only have to pay for one leader." Like every thing else Labour are claiming this is way off the mark. If they are so confident of winning the election why do they feel it necessary to tell so many porkies?
The extra amount paid to myself as Lib Dem Group Leader (16 members), the Conservative Group Leader (13 Members) and the leader of the independent group in the coalition (2 members) is actually only £2990 each.
The allowances are worked out by an Independent Panel based on a number of extra hours less one third to reflect the voluntary nature of the job.
What Labour don't say is that their Group Leader (22 members) is paid £7460 extra for being the Group Leader and the leader of the opposition Independents is paid £4480 extra for being the leader of 5.
Under Labour control there would be one leader plus payments to two opposition leaders just the same. They would also still have to pay 10 Labour cabinet members.
Labour owe the people of Redcar & Cleveland an apology for once again misleading them.
More to follow on Labour's silly "Lib Dems soft on crime" nonsense.
Promoted by C. Abbott 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY, on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, of 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY.
In a leaflet, going out in Coatham Ward, Labour refer to "big fat cheques paid to 4 leaders of the Coalition whilst if Labour were in control you would only have to pay for one leader." Like every thing else Labour are claiming this is way off the mark. If they are so confident of winning the election why do they feel it necessary to tell so many porkies?
The extra amount paid to myself as Lib Dem Group Leader (16 members), the Conservative Group Leader (13 Members) and the leader of the independent group in the coalition (2 members) is actually only £2990 each.
The allowances are worked out by an Independent Panel based on a number of extra hours less one third to reflect the voluntary nature of the job.
What Labour don't say is that their Group Leader (22 members) is paid £7460 extra for being the Group Leader and the leader of the opposition Independents is paid £4480 extra for being the leader of 5.
Under Labour control there would be one leader plus payments to two opposition leaders just the same. They would also still have to pay 10 Labour cabinet members.
Labour owe the people of Redcar & Cleveland an apology for once again misleading them.
More to follow on Labour's silly "Lib Dems soft on crime" nonsense.
Promoted by C. Abbott 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY, on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, of 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY.
Thursday, 26 April 2007
Use your vote at Kayleigh's Salon
A Redcar hairdressing salon will be transformed into a Redcar and Cleveland Council polling station when voters go to the polls on Thursday, May 3.
Owner Kayleigh Taberner is shelving her scissors for the day at her 'Diffuse Hair Salon' on Thrush Road, which will be open from 7am-10pm for voters in the Council's Coatham ward.
The salon is probably the most unusual venue among a total of 81 polling stations to serve the Council's 22 wards after Kayleigh agreed to the makeover, complete with 'Polling Station' signs in the salon's window.
Kayleigh, 19, explained: "I don't mind - I'm looking forward to it, I usually only get Sundays off!"
A Council spokesman said: "We're very grateful to Kayleigh. We try and locate polling stations in accessible venues, with the majority in schools and community halls."
The Council is reminding people of the importance of spending 20 minutes on polling day to go out and vote by highlighting what local government will be doing in that same 20 minutes.
National statistics show during any 20-minute spell, local authorities in England will spend £3,693,531 on the services they provide, which range from care for the elderly and running schools to keeping roads and pathways in good condition.
The breakdown includes: £1,369,254 spent on education, £349,277 spent on culture, the environment and planning, along with 12,975 books borrowed from public libraries and 259 tonnes of household waste recycled.
Owner Kayleigh Taberner is shelving her scissors for the day at her 'Diffuse Hair Salon' on Thrush Road, which will be open from 7am-10pm for voters in the Council's Coatham ward.
The salon is probably the most unusual venue among a total of 81 polling stations to serve the Council's 22 wards after Kayleigh agreed to the makeover, complete with 'Polling Station' signs in the salon's window.
Kayleigh, 19, explained: "I don't mind - I'm looking forward to it, I usually only get Sundays off!"
A Council spokesman said: "We're very grateful to Kayleigh. We try and locate polling stations in accessible venues, with the majority in schools and community halls."
The Council is reminding people of the importance of spending 20 minutes on polling day to go out and vote by highlighting what local government will be doing in that same 20 minutes.
National statistics show during any 20-minute spell, local authorities in England will spend £3,693,531 on the services they provide, which range from care for the elderly and running schools to keeping roads and pathways in good condition.
The breakdown includes: £1,369,254 spent on education, £349,277 spent on culture, the environment and planning, along with 12,975 books borrowed from public libraries and 259 tonnes of household waste recycled.
Tuesday, 17 April 2007
Mayor's Charity Ball
Redcar and Cleveland Council's Mayor, Councillor Mary Ovens, hosts the main fund-raising event of her civic year with the Mayor's Charity Ball at Gisborough Hall on Thursday, April 26.
Proceeds from the black tie/evening wear occasion will be shared between her two charity choices, Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Redcar-based young people's project, The Junction.
After a drinks reception, and a three-course meal with wine, the evening, hosted by Stewart McFarlane, will feature live music from Gene Jarred's Swing Eight Band, a charity auction, tombola and raffle.
Tickets are priced £35 and available from the Mayor's Secretary Jane Holmes on 01642 444501.
Proceeds from the black tie/evening wear occasion will be shared between her two charity choices, Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Redcar-based young people's project, The Junction.
After a drinks reception, and a three-course meal with wine, the evening, hosted by Stewart McFarlane, will feature live music from Gene Jarred's Swing Eight Band, a charity auction, tombola and raffle.
Tickets are priced £35 and available from the Mayor's Secretary Jane Holmes on 01642 444501.
Friday, 13 April 2007
Coatham new signs with the Yorkshire rose
Posted by Chris
Coatham ward Councillors Josie Crawford (pictured right) and Irene Curr (left) are pictured with one of the two Coatham signs that were installed today, complete with Yorkshire Rose. Irene and Josie asked for these signs because they felt Coatham, which was originally a separate village to Redcar should be signed.
It could be more than 100 years since signs identifying Coatham were last in place, I can't be sure, perhaps someone could let me know. New signs for Redcar and Eston have also been provided by the Coalition Council, each bearing the Yorkshire rose symbol. The Coatham sign is displayed the right way up for the North Riding. The Eston sign is not but it also includes an ironstone mining symbol. It costs nothing extra to place these on signs and as all are set in stone work they look rather attractive.
The Coatham signs are actual millstones and they will look even better tomorrow when I will post a new picture.
Promoted by C. Abbott 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY, on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, of 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY.
Florence is still active for the Lib Dems at 95
Redcar Liberal Democrats oldest member is Florence Artley, 96 years old in May, but still delivering the Party's local newsletter, Focus, and baking cakes for fund raising coffee mornings.
Florence is helping the Liberal Democrat Candidates, John Hannon and Paul Smith, in Redcar's Zetland Ward, where she lives in Ripon Road, along with her daughter, Alex who is also a party member. Sadly her husband Frank died 7 years ago aged 80.
Out delivering the latest Focus newsletter in marginal Zetland ward, Florence said, "I really enjoy doing my bit for the Liberal Democrats. It keeps me active and a get a real kick out of seeing the success of the Lib Dems on our Council. I want to make sure the keep up the excellent work they've been doing here."
Redcar's Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Ian Swales, said "Florence is an inspiration to us all. Not only is she incredibly fit she is also still very sharp mentally and wonderful to talk to. Although Florence has lived in Redcar for over 60 years and brought up her family here she still has the charming accent to show that she originally came from Northern Ireland".is Florence Artley, 96 years old in May, but still delivering the Party's local newsletter, Focus, and baking cakes for fund raising coffee mornings. (picture attached)
Florence is helping the Liberal Democrat Candidates, John Hannon and Paul Smith, in Redcar's Zetland Ward, where she lives in Ripon Road, along with her daughter, Alex who is also a party member. Sadly her husband Frank died 7 years ago aged 80.
Out delivering the latest Focus newsletter in marginal Zetland ward, Florence said, "I really enjoy doing my bit for the Liberal Democrats. It keeps me active and a get a real kick out of seeing the success of the Lib Dems on our Council. I want to make sure the keep up the excellent work they've been doing here."
Redcar's Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Ian Swales, said "Florence is an inspiration to us all. Not only is she incredibly fit she is also still very sharp mentally and wonderful to talk to. Although Florence has lived in Redcar for over 60 years and brought up her family here she still has the charming accent to show that she originally came from Northern Ireland".
Florence is helping the Liberal Democrat Candidates, John Hannon and Paul Smith, in Redcar's Zetland Ward, where she lives in Ripon Road, along with her daughter, Alex who is also a party member. Sadly her husband Frank died 7 years ago aged 80.
Out delivering the latest Focus newsletter in marginal Zetland ward, Florence said, "I really enjoy doing my bit for the Liberal Democrats. It keeps me active and a get a real kick out of seeing the success of the Lib Dems on our Council. I want to make sure the keep up the excellent work they've been doing here."
Redcar's Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Ian Swales, said "Florence is an inspiration to us all. Not only is she incredibly fit she is also still very sharp mentally and wonderful to talk to. Although Florence has lived in Redcar for over 60 years and brought up her family here she still has the charming accent to show that she originally came from Northern Ireland".is Florence Artley, 96 years old in May, but still delivering the Party's local newsletter, Focus, and baking cakes for fund raising coffee mornings. (picture attached)
Florence is helping the Liberal Democrat Candidates, John Hannon and Paul Smith, in Redcar's Zetland Ward, where she lives in Ripon Road, along with her daughter, Alex who is also a party member. Sadly her husband Frank died 7 years ago aged 80.
Out delivering the latest Focus newsletter in marginal Zetland ward, Florence said, "I really enjoy doing my bit for the Liberal Democrats. It keeps me active and a get a real kick out of seeing the success of the Lib Dems on our Council. I want to make sure the keep up the excellent work they've been doing here."
Redcar's Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Ian Swales, said "Florence is an inspiration to us all. Not only is she incredibly fit she is also still very sharp mentally and wonderful to talk to. Although Florence has lived in Redcar for over 60 years and brought up her family here she still has the charming accent to show that she originally came from Northern Ireland".
Promoted by C. Abbott 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY, on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, of 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY.
Wednesday, 4 April 2007
Redcar & Cleveland Lib Dems Election Campaign gets off to a flying start
Posted by Chris:Redcar and Cleveland Council has received 160 nominations from 85 men and 75 women for the Borough's 59 seats in 22 wards at the Thursday, 3rd May poll.
The Liberal Democrats are the strongest party in the Redcar Parliamentary constituency with a full slate of candidates in all the constituency wards.
The Lib Dem campaign has got off to a flying start with the launch of our excellent manifesto "No Turning Back" on Friday with a visit to Redcar and Brotton from Greg Mulholland MP. Greg gave our Candidates a real boost and everybody is well motivated for the campaign. Our manifesto can be viewed in full on the local party website http://www.redcarlibdems.org.uk/.
Yesterday we got the excellent news that the Planning Committee approved by nine votes to two our flagship Coatham Links Development, that will bring 200 jobs to Redcar and top quality leisure facilities and housing. We are getting our swimming pool back after ten years of being about the largest town in the land without a pool. In fact, we are getting two pools, a swimming pool and a leisure pool. I can't wait for the work to get started it will revitalise an area that is run down and I am absolutely convinced it will help to kick start Redcar's economy.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that two of the Labour Councillors voted for the scheme, in spite of the fact that the local MP has threatened to call in the decision. If she does the swimming pool will be set back yet another year. There are no genuine grounds to turn it down, I am convinced of that and calling it in in could put grant funding at risk.
Today we had a visit from the lovely Fiona Hall MEP. Fiona visited the Coatham Links site, where work is about to start on the improvements to the boating lake area (see picture above with Glynis and I). This did not require planning permission and would have gone ahead regardless of yesterday's decision. Fiona spent a lot of time with candidates in a number of wards including the solar energy scheme that Coast & Country Housing have installed on flats around the Closes Estate in our ward, the flood defence work recently carried out in Skinningrove.
We look forward to a packed month of intensive campaigning that may well surprise our opponents.
Promoted by C. Abbott 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY, on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, of 39 Essex Close, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4BY.
Friday, 30 March 2007
Atonement captured
See the filming of Atonement and the locals who took part in it through the eyes of an award winning professional Teesside photographer who visited the set. The Bellamy Pavilion at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Kirkleatham Museum is hosting the exhibition from April 7 until June 10 featuring photographs of the making of the movie by the 2006 UK Events Photographer of the Year, Pam Ainsley.
Pam visited the Redcar on three different occasions during filming, taking snapshots of activity on the set as it happened from people's living room windows overlooking the set and the beach during the day and evening.
Pam Ainsley said: "It was a fantastic experience to be able to view the making of the film and capture it from a different perspective on another kind of film.
"I knew that many of the 1,000 extras were from Redcar and the surrounding area so I made a point of getting photographs of them.
"After viewing the large amount of images taken I wanted the people who took part in the film to be able to see them. I contacted the Museum who looked at the prints and were more than happy to arrange for the exhibition, so here we are!"
In total there are 250 photographs on display ranging in size from large black and white canvas to standard colour prints.
People spotting themselves in the exhibition will also have the opportunity to purchase the photographs for posterity.
A stretch of the Esplanade in Redcar, from the Regent Cinema to the boating lake, was closed and transformed into 1940's Dunkirk while director Joe Wright filmed his adaptation of Ian McEwan's bestseller.
Atonement is due to be released on September 14.
Pam visited the Redcar on three different occasions during filming, taking snapshots of activity on the set as it happened from people's living room windows overlooking the set and the beach during the day and evening.
Pam Ainsley said: "It was a fantastic experience to be able to view the making of the film and capture it from a different perspective on another kind of film.
"I knew that many of the 1,000 extras were from Redcar and the surrounding area so I made a point of getting photographs of them.
"After viewing the large amount of images taken I wanted the people who took part in the film to be able to see them. I contacted the Museum who looked at the prints and were more than happy to arrange for the exhibition, so here we are!"
In total there are 250 photographs on display ranging in size from large black and white canvas to standard colour prints.
People spotting themselves in the exhibition will also have the opportunity to purchase the photographs for posterity.
A stretch of the Esplanade in Redcar, from the Regent Cinema to the boating lake, was closed and transformed into 1940's Dunkirk while director Joe Wright filmed his adaptation of Ian McEwan's bestseller.
Atonement is due to be released on September 14.
Tuesday, 27 March 2007
Ian Swales is selected again for Redcar
Liberal Democrats in Redcar Constituency have selected local resident Ian Swales as their Prospective Parliamentary Candidate. Members voted on a short list of three candidates at a hustings meeting at James Finegan Hall, Eston.Ian Swales said “I am very pleased to be selected again after a hard fought contest. I look forward to meeting more residents and will continue to campaign for a better deal for the area. After a big swing in our favour last time it is clear that people see us as the real alternative to Labour in this constituency. I will be working hard from now until the next General election whenever that might be”.
Chris Abbott, Liberal Democrat Group Leader on Redcar and Cleveland Council said “I am delighted to be able to continue working with Ian Swales who is an excellent local choice for the area”.
- Ian Swales lives in Redcar. He is married with 3 children.
- Formerly a senior manager at ICI Wilton he now runs his own training and consulting business.
- He fought the 2005 General Election for the Liberal Democrats in the Redcar constituency.
- He moved the Liberal Democrats into 2nd place with a swing against Labour of 8.2% (share of the vote).
- Husting meeting was held on Saturday 24th March 2007
Monday, 26 March 2007
Planning for Monday evenings
Redcar and Cleveland Council planning officers will be available to personal or telephone callers at their offices in Belmont House, Rectory Lane, Guisborough for a trial period on four Monday evenings until 7pm next month.
Planning Committee chairman Councillor Peter Spencer said: "The idea is part of the Planning Team's desire to be as accessible to the public as possible. Last year we were the most improved Local Planning Authority for e-planning, giving the public a One Stop Shop service.
"However, we acknowledge there are times when only a face-to-face discussion or telephone call with a Planning Officer will do and this is not always possible during normal office hours. If interest is strong, we will look to this becoming a permanent arrangement".
Apart from Easter Monday, April 9, late opening will be on Mondays, April 2, 16, 23 and 30. The number to ring is 08456 126 126.
Planning Committee chairman Councillor Peter Spencer said: "The idea is part of the Planning Team's desire to be as accessible to the public as possible. Last year we were the most improved Local Planning Authority for e-planning, giving the public a One Stop Shop service.
"However, we acknowledge there are times when only a face-to-face discussion or telephone call with a Planning Officer will do and this is not always possible during normal office hours. If interest is strong, we will look to this becoming a permanent arrangement".
Apart from Easter Monday, April 9, late opening will be on Mondays, April 2, 16, 23 and 30. The number to ring is 08456 126 126.
Wednesday, 21 March 2007
Emergency Planning Unit awarded Beacon Status
The Cleveland Emergency Planning Unit has won national recognition for its innovative work to ensure the safety of local people.
The unit which operates on behalf of Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar and Cleveland Councils, has been awarded Beacon status.
The Government-sponsored award which reflects excellence and innovation in local government, was announced at an Oscars-style ceremony in London on Tuesday.
The unit joined forces with Cleveland Police and Cleveland Fire Brigade to highlight the successful inter-agency partnership arrangements operating in the area, and its application for Beacon status was one of only six successful “bids”. Twelve had been short-listed
Chief Emergency Planning Officer Denis Hampson said: “The multi-agency civil protection plans and arrangements that we have developed put us at the leading edge of emergency planning and our partnership arrangements are something of which we can all be proud.
“I am very proud that the unit has been awarded Beacon status which recognises how well the four local authorities across Cleveland and our emergency service colleagues work together in planning for and managing major emergencies, and protecting residents.”
Local Government Minister Angela Smith said: “This year, we have a comprehensive group of Beacons that I hope will be proud to share their knowledge and excellence across the country.”
The unit which operates on behalf of Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar and Cleveland Councils, has been awarded Beacon status.
The Government-sponsored award which reflects excellence and innovation in local government, was announced at an Oscars-style ceremony in London on Tuesday.
The unit joined forces with Cleveland Police and Cleveland Fire Brigade to highlight the successful inter-agency partnership arrangements operating in the area, and its application for Beacon status was one of only six successful “bids”. Twelve had been short-listed
Chief Emergency Planning Officer Denis Hampson said: “The multi-agency civil protection plans and arrangements that we have developed put us at the leading edge of emergency planning and our partnership arrangements are something of which we can all be proud.
“I am very proud that the unit has been awarded Beacon status which recognises how well the four local authorities across Cleveland and our emergency service colleagues work together in planning for and managing major emergencies, and protecting residents.”
Local Government Minister Angela Smith said: “This year, we have a comprehensive group of Beacons that I hope will be proud to share their knowledge and excellence across the country.”
Tuesday, 20 March 2007
Warden Carolyn scores a winner
Community safety warden Carolyn Bircham has scored a personal triumph for her work in setting up football with matches for young people and giving them the chance to help design a new play area.
Carolyn's extra commitment to her role as Redcar and Cleveland Council's warden supervisor for South Bank, Grangetown and Teesville was 'highly commended' by the annual North East Regional Wardens awards, organised by the Middlesbrough-based North East Regional Resource Centre.
The Council's warden service was also applauded by the Centre, funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government, for achieving a distinction for the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund's nationally-recognised quality standard. Centre manager Sian Bunn said: "Redcar and Cleveland did extremely well - not only did they achieve the national standard, but achieved it with a distinction."
Carolyn was quick to praise her team after collecting the award in the 'excellence in working for young people' category - Lesley Fell, Louise Dobson and Dave Grimwood, along with Police Community Support Officer Paul Walker. "To be recognised for the work we've done was fantastic - as far as I'm concerned, it was a team award."
She was also delighted to report more sporting progress - with the creation of a football league next month and a hoped-for start by Coast & Country Housing to create a recreation area on wasteland at the junction of Steel Crescent and Strauss Road, South Bank in the spring.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Community Safety Councillor Joyce Benbow had special praise for Carolyn and the warden service.
"I think it's absolutely excellent, thoroughly well deserved. She's done a lot of work with young people and the more work that's done like this to keep them out of trouble, the better for everybody.
"I think our service continues to improve and with the recruitment of a dozen new wardens next month, it will improve further and make the lives of residents much happier."
Carolyn's extra commitment to her role as Redcar and Cleveland Council's warden supervisor for South Bank, Grangetown and Teesville was 'highly commended' by the annual North East Regional Wardens awards, organised by the Middlesbrough-based North East Regional Resource Centre.
The Council's warden service was also applauded by the Centre, funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government, for achieving a distinction for the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund's nationally-recognised quality standard. Centre manager Sian Bunn said: "Redcar and Cleveland did extremely well - not only did they achieve the national standard, but achieved it with a distinction."
Carolyn was quick to praise her team after collecting the award in the 'excellence in working for young people' category - Lesley Fell, Louise Dobson and Dave Grimwood, along with Police Community Support Officer Paul Walker. "To be recognised for the work we've done was fantastic - as far as I'm concerned, it was a team award."
She was also delighted to report more sporting progress - with the creation of a football league next month and a hoped-for start by Coast & Country Housing to create a recreation area on wasteland at the junction of Steel Crescent and Strauss Road, South Bank in the spring.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Community Safety Councillor Joyce Benbow had special praise for Carolyn and the warden service.
"I think it's absolutely excellent, thoroughly well deserved. She's done a lot of work with young people and the more work that's done like this to keep them out of trouble, the better for everybody.
"I think our service continues to improve and with the recruitment of a dozen new wardens next month, it will improve further and make the lives of residents much happier."
Eyes down for more investment in unmade streets
A walk to the bingo will be a lot smoother for pensioners in Brotton and Lingdale thanks to Redcar and Cleveland Council's £1million additional investment to tackle unmade streets.Community Campaigner Norma Morris is pictured, left, with Brotton Ward Liberal Democrat Councillors Val Miller, centre, and Kay Walker in one of the unmade streets on the Park at Brotton which could benefit from the funding.
Pensioners in the two East Cleveland villages have given the thumbs-up to the start of work in tackling unadopted streets in an ongoing investment that has already allocated £1.3million to tackle 19 schemes across the Borough.
The Council's Cabinet Chairman Councillor Eric Empson, whose portfolio covers the commitment to target unadopted highways, is delighted with the results - and the promise of more to come.
"We began the three-year programme of improvements in April, 2004 and so far 19 schemes have been completed or are nearing completion," he explained.
"The adoption of these roads has to be a benefit not just to the people living there, but to the whole village or town. We have had positive feedback from every piece of work we've carried out.
"The success of the programme has brought numerous requests from residents across the Borough and a further £1m will be allocated over the next four years to try and meet the demands."
Funding of £250,000 has been provided for works to be undertaken in Brotton and Lingdale during 2007/08 and engineers are in the process of drawing up and prioritising a list of possible schemes to take to consultation with councillors and residents.
Brotton ward councillor Kay Walker, a regular at the Thursday afternoon community bingo at the Village Hall, said: "The work is going to be very popular, not only with pensioners, but also young families."
Councillor Steve Kay, who represents the Lockwood ward, which covers Lingdale, said: "We can also hail the investment as an accident prevention scheme as there have been several senior citizens involved in nasty falls. It's not surprising as they have tried to negotiate treacherous unmade streets, full of potholes and covered with loose material.
"I'm delighted that the people of East Cleveland have been given a real say in how this project has evolved and we're looking for more improvements to come over the next 12 months. No-one can deny they are needed."
To date, streets throughout the Borough have benefited from the scheme, including streets in Redcar, Guisborough, Loftus, Boosbeck, Moorsholm, Aysdalegate, Charltons, Lingdale and Dunsdale.
Monday, 19 March 2007
Brotton Library relocation - a real success story
Redcar and Cleveland Council's Libraries Service has a real success story to tell with the relocation of Brotton Library to Freebrough Specialist Engineering College at Brotton.
Book borrowing is up by 23%, with 2,762 issues in February, compared with 2,229 last year, and, encouragingly, junior issues have jumped by 68%, with 1,061 in February, compared to 706 for the same period last year.
The number of active borrowers has also increased, up 16% in the two months since the move from Brotton High Street in December, with 1,729 borrowers, compared to 1,496 borrowers.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: "I am absolutely delighted with the public's response, especially younger readers."
Librarian Diane Lonsdale said: "We've had marvellous feedback since the move and are doing all we can to increase interest in the new building even more."
Attractions include a new Saturday morning club, the War Hammer Fantasy Fun Club, from 10am-noon, a children's reading group on Thursday afternoons, from 4.30pm-5.30pm, aimed at five-12 year olds and a Friday afternoon homework club, from 3.45pm-4.45pm.
Book borrowing is up by 23%, with 2,762 issues in February, compared with 2,229 last year, and, encouragingly, junior issues have jumped by 68%, with 1,061 in February, compared to 706 for the same period last year.
The number of active borrowers has also increased, up 16% in the two months since the move from Brotton High Street in December, with 1,729 borrowers, compared to 1,496 borrowers.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: "I am absolutely delighted with the public's response, especially younger readers."
Librarian Diane Lonsdale said: "We've had marvellous feedback since the move and are doing all we can to increase interest in the new building even more."
Attractions include a new Saturday morning club, the War Hammer Fantasy Fun Club, from 10am-noon, a children's reading group on Thursday afternoons, from 4.30pm-5.30pm, aimed at five-12 year olds and a Friday afternoon homework club, from 3.45pm-4.45pm.
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