Thursday, 31 January 2008

Council clamp down on fly tippers

Fly tippers have been issued with instant £50 fines after a targeted clean-up of the back streets in South Bank by Redcar and Cleveland Council.

Over a tonne of rubbish was cleared in the operation by the Council's area supervisors, working with Community Protection Officers, to tackle the ongoing problem with fly tipping and dumped rubbish.

The collection included two fridges, two freezers, four mattresses, four dining chairs, a hot drinks machine, a Christmas tree, two TVs, two three-piece suites, three carpets, a gas bottle and 74 bags of domestic waste.

As well as clearing the rubbish, the taskforce also collected evidence and were able to visit two homes to issue the fixed penalty notices, with another nine homes under investigation after 184 leaflets to homes around the alleyways were alerted to the clean-up.

The advice leaflet pointed out that household waste should only be presented at the rear of the property, no earlier than 7pm the day before collection and the wheelie bin returned no later than 7pm the same day.

It also promoted the Council's free junk collection service for single items, such as a three piece suite, bed or fridge and gave information on the Authority's Household Waste Recycling Centres at Warrenby and Dunsdale.

Tuesday, 29 January 2008

Blues win sees Leeds slip to sixth

Leeds United started well with two chances on target, in the first two minutes, by Neil Kilkenny and David Prutton. But stand in goalkeeper David Lucas was called into action in the 4th minute to block a shot from Southend's Mark Gower.

A shot by Andy Hughes on 23 minutes was the only other real chance United had in the first half. Play was end to end but Southend created more chances and Leeds, at times, appeared unsure and unsafe at the back.

Then on 40 minutes a foul by Jermaine Beckford earned a free kick for the Blues. It was taken by Steven Hammell from 25 yards out, blocked by Lucas but it fell to Southend's Lee Barnard who tipped the ball home from six yards, 0-1.

Southend came out for the second half with even more confidence and looked the stronger side.

Leeds first and only really good chance came on the hour when Tresor Kandol missed a sitter from six yards.

Stand in coach Gwyn Williams made his first substitution on 67 minutes when he brought on Seb Carole to replace Peter Sweeney.

Prutton was replaced by Tore Andre Flo on 80 minutes and Bradley Johnson came on for Kilkenny with 7 minutes to go.

Leeds did little more following Kandol's miss and only good saves by Lucas prevented further punishment by the Blues.

We can only hope that Gary McAllister will grab this lacklustre team by the scruff of the neck and turn things around, starting at home to Tranmere on Saturday.

Attendance 9815

Southend United 1 Leeds United 0

McAllister confirmed as new Leeds Manager

Gary McAllister is the new manager of Leeds United reports the club website.

Bassett and Gannon follow Wise out of Elland Road

The Yorkshire Evening Post reports that Leeds United's Assistant Manager Dave (Bertie) Bassett and Coach John Gannon left the club. They just had time to say goodbye as the team made their way onto the coach from Tottenham Hotspur's training ground to Roots Hall for their game against Southend tonight.

Obviously the decks are being cleared for the new manager to bring in a fresh new team. Technical director, Gwyn Williams will take change of the team for tonight's match.

Gary McAllister will do

Posted by Chris:

The news that Gary McAllister is in talks with Ken Bates about becoming the new Leeds United manager is not unexpected and will prove very popular with supporters.

A Motherwell lad who was awarded the OBE in 2001, for services to football, was a great asset to United as a player but his experience as a manager at Coventry was short, due to his wife's illness, and not very successful. He started well but not long after winning Manager of the Month his short spell ended having lost more games than he won. Gary's wife sadly died in March 2006 from breast cancer.

Monday, 28 January 2008

John Sheridan should be Leeds new manager

Posted by Chris:

So farewell then Dennis Wise you have certainly made a mockery of the Beckford "What shirt am I wearing bruv" moral booster.

In my opinion the man to manage the mighty whites now is former Leeds favourite John Sheridan. He is much more articulate than Wise and masterminded Oldham's demolition of Leeds at Elland Road recently.

Dennis never really won the hearts of Leeds fans and the decline in the playing fortunes of the club since Gus Poyet left has been noticable.

Labour cuts to hit women and children first

Labour’s budget cuts will hit women and children first Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council.

The Labour-run council is proposing to cut £50,000 from its grants to voluntary organisations budget managed by the Area Management Department. Much of this fund goes to organisations that provide support to children and vulnerable women.

Among the organisations that could be worse off is the Playgroup Network, which provides advice and training for pre-school groups on Teesside.

Another is EVA Women’s Aid, which gives support to women and children whose lives have been affected by domestic violence in the South Tees area.

Labour have found £125,000 to redecorate a Town Hall which will soon have to be demolished, but are cutting £50,000 from grants to excellent, grass-roots voluntary organisations.

Labour’s priorities are all wrong.

Views wanted on Redcar Lane road safety plans

Redcar and Cleveland Council is inviting hundreds of Redcar residents to give their views on road safety proposals aimed at cutting the accident rate along the town's Redcar Lane.

Letters are being sent to 600 homes around Redcar Lane outlining details of a planned £60,000 Casualty Reduction Scheme, which are on display in Redcar Central Library and Laburnum Road library from Monday, February 4 until Friday, February 22.

Improvements would include vehicle-activated signs, urging motorists to slow down, safer crossing points away from junctions, a central pedestrian refuge outside Borough Park and narrowing the carriageway near the junctions of both Victoria Avenue and Queensland Avenue.

Figures show that there have been 33 injury accidents along Redcar Lane between 2002 and 2006 making it the Borough's second worst accident blackspot.

Investigations reveal that there are no common causes for the accidents along the 2.6 kilometre stretch, which have been mostly clustered around the junctions. The breakdown is 2002: six, 2003: six, 2004: seven, 2005: eight, 2006: six.

*Approval has already been given for a £70,000 Casualty Reduction Scheme for the B1380, the road with the Borough's worst accident record, which recorded a total of 67 injury accidents over the last five years.

Work on the 4.3 kilometre stretch from the Greystones roundabout to the Borough boundary is expected to start in March.

Saturday, 26 January 2008

Hatters snatch last gasp equaliser to deny Leeds victory

Leeds United's mini two match away excursion, to play the two clubs who were relegated with the whites at the end of last season, started with a visit to the depressing Kenilworth Road to play Luton Town, after a depressing week following the defeat at Elland Road by Doncaster.

The Hatters had most of the possession in the first period of the game and United had to wait until the 12th minute to get their first chance. Tresor Kandol, from 20 yards out, lobbed a cross by Peter Sweeney over the Luton goalkeeper and over the bar as well.

A foul. on 27 minutes, by Luton's Chris Perry on Jermaine Beckford resulted in a free kick for Leeds 25 yards out. Sweeney sent in a sweet left footer which found the head of Paul Huntington who made no mistake and United were ahead, 1-0.

The goal settled things down, though there was trouble in the stands. Leeds began to see more of the ball and ended the half still 1-0 in front. Luton had the most chances but failed to make them count.

The Hatters began the second half the stronger team and an injury to Casper Ankergran, with no goalie on the bench, made it a very nervous second half.

Dean Morgan, who almost joined Leeds a few weeks ago, came on for Darren Currie in the 67th minute and Luton kept pressing.

Leeds created few chances and Tore Andre Flo came on for Beckford in the 85th minute.

United held on until the dying seconds when a cross by Morgan produced a headed goal by Sam Parkin from 12 yards out, 1-1.

They now stay in the area for the game against Southend at Roots Hall on Tuesday.

What happened to that winning team that started the season a few months ago?

Attendance 9297 (1800 Leeds)

Luton Town 1 Leeds United 1

Friday, 25 January 2008

Time to get your bus pass from the library

All current Redcar and Cleveland pass holders, and those who qualify and want a new bus pass, can register at special sessions in Redcar and Guisborough libraries next month for the new National Bus Pass issued for April 1.

Already, nearly 20,000 people have applied for new passes after a series of registration sessions in November.

If you do not currently have a bus pass, but will qualify between now and March 31, you can also register, but you will also need to bring proof of your date of birth.If you attend these extra sessions, you will need to bring proof of residence within the Borough, such as a recent bill showing your address and your current bus pass.

Wednesday, 23 January 2008

Cycle to the station and keep your bike safe

Redcar and Cleveland Council is making it easier to leave the car at home and let the train take the strain...by installing new cycle lockers at Redcar Central station.

The six new improved lockers, replacing the originals which were the victim of vandalism, have been funded with £6,000 from the Council's Local Transport Plan budget.

They are available for hire at £1 a week, along with six lockers at Saltburn station, six at Marske station and four at Longbeck station.

To rent a locker, contact the Council on 08456 126 126.

Tuesday, 22 January 2008

Atonement up for seven Oscars

Atonement, the big screen blockbuster that Redcar helped to make, has been nominated for seven Oscars.

Saturday, 19 January 2008

Determined Donny outplay Leeds at Elland Road

Doncaster Rovers first league visit to Elland Road for more than 50 years started with Donny, unbeaten in the last 16 games, full of confidence and looking like they were here to make a match of it.

In a nice pre-match gesture the Doncaster Chairman laid a wreath at the foot of Billy Bremner's statue.

It was rapid end to end play for the first 20minutes with Donny equal in terms of possession. Then a foul by Paul Huntington, 12 yards from the Leeds goal line was easily converted by Brian Stock, 0-1.

United began to get more of a grip on the game but seemed to be short of ideas up front. Three Leeds corners in the dying minutes of the first half failed to bring the vital goal and Donny held on to their deserved 1-0 lead.

Matt Heath came on for the injured Darren Kenton at the start of the second half. Rovers won their first corner straight from the kick off.

United's first chances of the second half came when Jermaine Beckford and Bradley Johnson had attempts on goal missed.

Tore Andre Flo was replaced by Tresor Kandol on 53 minutes. With Donny dominating the game, Dennis Wise sent on Curtis Weston to replace Niel Kilkenny on 71 minutes.

United could hardly get a kick of the ball and were being outplayed by Doncaster. They reverted to route one football but few chances came and Donny ran in well deserved winners.

Leeds drop down to fifth place in League One as Rovers move up into forth.

Attendance 31,402.

Leeds United 0 Doncaster Rovers 1

Wednesday, 16 January 2008

Becks "what shirt am I wearing bro?" PC wallpaper

The Evening Post's new Leeds United PC wallpaper, features the comments made by Jermaine Beckford, during Monday night's post match interview on Sky TV, when he was asked about Derby County's interest in him.

Here it is, plus a 15 point head start version:

Tuesday, 15 January 2008

Eco-Park plans receive £2.5million funding

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is celebrating confirmation of £2.5million Single Programme funding from One NorthEast, the Regional Development Agency, for the construction of access and highway improvements to serve the first-ever Tees Valley 'Eco-Park'.

Working in partnership with Renew Tees Valley Ltd and Tees Valley Regeneration, the Council is planning an Eco-Park on a 53 hectare site off the A66 at South Bank to breathe new life into a derelict former steelworks site and potentially provide a new base for up to 20 renewables and recycling industry companies, creating up to 500 new jobs for the area.

Work is expected to begin by March in a phased development that will take place over several years.

Monday, 14 January 2008

Beckford rises above the Alex to make it two in a row for Leeds

A rare treat these days, a live showing on Sky TV of Leeds United's third ever visit to Gresty Road to take on Crewe Alexandra.

Dennis Wise handed debuts to Darren Kenton and Peter Sweeney, whilst another new recruit, Bradley Johnson, gained a place on the bench.

United dominated the early stages with over 60% of the possession in windy conditions and had three early chances, the nearest coming in the 3rd minute, when an Andy Hughes header hit the bar.

Crewe came close only once in the first twenty minutes but striker Nicky Maynard was looking dangerous up front.

On 36 minutes Jermaine Beckford rose high for a long cross from Sweeney and with the giant Crewe goalie bearing down on him Beckford seemed to hang in the air as he directed the ball into the net, 1-0.

Leeds ended the first half with their lead intact. They dominated most of the half and restricted Crewe to the single chance.

Early in the second half the Alex were lucky to avoid a penalty as a shot by Frazer Richardson was deflected off the line by the arm of Crewe defender, Ben Rix. It went unseen by the referee who awarded Leeds a corner.

New boy Bradley Johnson came on for David Prutton in the 70th minute. Tore Andre Flo was replaced by Tresor Kandol in the 76th minute.

United retained around 60% of the possession and the new signings looked good. Beck's goal was his 16th in the league this season but, surprisingly, the first with his head.

Attendance 6771 (1995 from Leeds)

Crewe Alexandra 0 Leeds United 1

How to find a route to employment

Redcar and Cleveland Council's Routes to Employment Team, who have helped nearly 400 people find work over the last nine months, is setting up new courses for residents looking for advice and guidance on training and employment.

The training programmes will give help for those who have been out of work for some time or looking to start work for the first time as well as training in letter and cv writing and how to approach an interview.

There are still places available on the first of these employability courses which runs for five days from Monday, January 28 at the South Tees Skills Centre on Grangetown's Bolckow Road Industrial Estate.

The Team is also planning three Site Safety Passport Courses, at venues to be confirmed in Grangetown on Monday, January 21 and Tuesday, January 22, in Redcar on Wednesday, February 6 and Thursday, February 7 and in Skelton on Monday, February 18 and Tuesday, February 19.

Training is free to unemployed residents looking to get into work but places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. For more details, an informal chat or to make an appointment contact the Team on 01642 442950.

Sporting chances at half-term

Redcar and Cleveland Council's Sports Development Team is organising a series of multi-sports days during the schools' half-term holiday in February.

Anyone aged eight-16 can come to the sessions, led by qualified coaches from local sports clubs, which involve coaching followed by games, with activities ranging from basketball, athletics and rugby.

Each session, from 10am-3pm, is £3 a day. Booking is essential and places are limited. For more information, contact Louise Sherrington on 01642 496441 or Stuart Smith on 01642 496428 at the Sports Development base, Kirkleatham Museum, The Pavilion, Redcar, TS10 5NW

Dates and venues are:

Monday, February 18 and Tuesday, February 19 at Rye Hills School, Redcar.
Wednesday, February 20 at St Peter's RC School, South Bank.
Thursday, February 21 and Friday, February 22 at Laurence Jackson School, Guisborough

Labour Cabinet proposes stringent cuts in services but has plenty to spend on Town Hall that is due for demolition

Spending £125,000 on the soon to be demolished Redcar & Cleveland Town Hall and Finegan Hall, whilst making stringent cuts in public services is like putting new tyres on a car just to tow it to the scrapyard.

The Council's Labour cabinet have done just that at a time when they are faced with slashing millions of pounds from the Council's budget.

What do the Labour Cabinet think they are playing at? According to the latest Cabinet Business papers, to be considered at the Cabinet meeting on 22nd January, they plan to include the following popular public services as part of a series of cuts totaling £5.5m:
  • Slash £112.700 from the Library service
  • increase the charge for junk jobs from £10 to £15
  • remove all bring sites
  • end the 'bring out your dross' scheme
  • slash maintenance on play equipment
  • introduce charges for green box replacement
  • cease winter flower bedding
  • reduce funding for supporting people and housing efficiency
  • cut grants to voluntary organisations

The former Coalition spent four years building up and improving public services, which earned us four star excellent status, but within one year the Labour Council are poised to wreck much of this good work with stringent cuts in public services that will surely send the Council back to the bad old pre-Coalition days when we were a failing Council.

UPDATE 15/1/08: We have received an anonymous comment referring to the allegations of a £12million black hole in the council's funding that the Labour leader claimed was left by the Lib Dem led Coalition in office until May last year. This claim was retracted a couple of days later and a full account can be read here.

We have not published the comment because it contains what we consider may be libelous remarks. As pointed out many times before, we are not prepared to publish anonymous comments which we consider are offensive about anyone, including ourselves. Nor do we publish comments from fake names either. On more than one occasion we have received comments from people using the same fake names that we see regularly in the Evening Gazette letters page.

Golden Globe awards for Atonement

The film which put Redcar on the map has won two awards at the 65th annual Golden Globe awards.

Atonement, which features the transformation of Redcar beach into 1940s Dunkirk, picked up the Best Picture and the Best Original Score.

The film will be released as a DVD next month and will include a feature on how Redcar was transformed.