More than 2,000 children in Redcar and Cleveland will mark the start of an educational era next week when three brand new schools simultaneously open their doors.
Pupils at Bydales Specialist Technology School in Marske, Gillbrook College in South Bank and Sacred Heart RC Specialist Science College in Redcar, will return from their half term holiday on Thursday, 2 November to study in new state-of-the-art buildings as part of a £155million project.
The new schools are the latest of five new schools to be built in Redcar and Cleveland in just 18 months thanks to a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract. In April 2006, 600 pupils at South Bank Community Primary and St Benedict’s RC Primary School moved into new buildings as part of the project, co-ordinated by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.
Councillor Steve Kay, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “Next week is a momentous week for Redcar and Cleveland and I am delighted to see three more first rate schools being made available to more than 2,000 pupils. The creation of five new schools in such a short space of time is testament to the commitment of both the council and local schools to continue to improve the education of our children and young people.”
Built by Carillion Regional Building and designed by RyderHKS architects, the three new schools each boast the most up-to-date learning facilities. The new buildings each include auditoriums and drama suites with hi-tech sound and lighting equipment, e-learning rooms to seat up to 60 pupils, music suites complete with recording studios and sports facilities installed to Sport England standards. A viewing platform has also been created at Bydales School to enable pupils to map ships and study birds, gaining educational benefit from the school’s coastal location.
All three schools also use the latest biometric finger scanning technology to support their school meals services. Each mealtime, pupils will use finger scanning technology to enable them to claim a school meal. School meals are pre-paid at the start of a day, week or term, minimising the need for pupils to carry money to school.
Headteacher of Bydales Specialist Technology College Tony Hobbs said: “We are all extremely excited to be moving into such a modern building with first rate resources that will undoubtedly be an excellent learning environment for our students.”
Pupils from all three schools have played a central part in finalising the layout and designs of their new buildings. Earlier this year, students attended a council-run design workshop to give their views on landscape proposals, furniture designs, room layouts and test out some of the information technology (IT) and drama equipment.
Headteacher of Sacred Heart RC Specialist Science College Pat Hibbert said: “Our new situation will enable us to deliver the curriculum more effectively in a building which we can enjoy. We very much look forward to the new half term.”
The opening of the schools will come just two weeks after Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council was given the green light to increase education for 16-19-year-olds with the creation of over 500 places at Eston Park School, Gillbrook College and Nunthorpe from September, 2008.
Headteacher of Gillbrook College John Anthony added: “As we move into a new successful future for Gillbrook College, our fantastic new building represents a resource that will enable us to continue to develop an excellent learning culture in which our students can excel and achieve their personal goals. The recent confirmation of our post-16 status and the imminent construction of the collaborative post-16 centre will offer increased and accessible educational choice to students on their doorstep.”
The students will be spending their first week being inducted into a range of new processes and facilities within the building. Formal openings of the building will take place at a later date.
Friday, 27 October 2006
Wednesday, 25 October 2006
Council calls for urgent talks with Racecourse Board of Directors
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick, has put forward a Council motion to call for the Board of Directors of Redcar Racecourse to enter into urgent private discussions with representatives of the Council to ensure that racing in Redcar continues.
The request has been made in response to recent media reports which suggest that the future of Redcar Racecourse may be under threat.
Cllr Dave Fitzpatrick, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, said: “As a Council, we have not received any direct communication from the Racecourse regarding any future plans.
“This Council is concerned at press reports that there may be a threat to the continuation of racing at Redcar. This Councils calls on the Board of Directors of the racecourse to enter into urgent private discussions with representatives of the Council to ensure that racing in Redcar continues.
“Racing is so important to Redcar; the Racecourse has been a leading attraction to Redcar since 1875 - it is part of our town, our history, our identity, and we feel, an essential part of our future - and we will do everything in our power to ensure that this important attraction and the opportunities it represents for the future of Redcar are not threatened.”
The Mayor has called a special Council meeting of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council on Thursday 2 November at 2pm at the Town Hall, Eston, to approve the motion and discuss the future of Redcar Racecourse before the Extraordinary General Meeting of Redcar Racecourse shareholders on 3 November.
The request has been made in response to recent media reports which suggest that the future of Redcar Racecourse may be under threat.
Cllr Dave Fitzpatrick, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, said: “As a Council, we have not received any direct communication from the Racecourse regarding any future plans.
“This Council is concerned at press reports that there may be a threat to the continuation of racing at Redcar. This Councils calls on the Board of Directors of the racecourse to enter into urgent private discussions with representatives of the Council to ensure that racing in Redcar continues.
“Racing is so important to Redcar; the Racecourse has been a leading attraction to Redcar since 1875 - it is part of our town, our history, our identity, and we feel, an essential part of our future - and we will do everything in our power to ensure that this important attraction and the opportunities it represents for the future of Redcar are not threatened.”
The Mayor has called a special Council meeting of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council on Thursday 2 November at 2pm at the Town Hall, Eston, to approve the motion and discuss the future of Redcar Racecourse before the Extraordinary General Meeting of Redcar Racecourse shareholders on 3 November.
New Chairman of the Yorkshire Ridings Society
Chris is the new Chairman of the Yorkshire Ridings Society.
Members of the Society's Executive Committee, met last night in the Black Swan, York, to select a replacement for one of the Society's founder members, Roland (Colin) Holt of Fenwick, near Doncaster, who died in April.
Chris said: "It is a real honour to follow Colin Holt as Chairman of the Ridings Society. It was a sad blow when we lost Colin In April but the Society carries on with the same enthusiasm that has kept it going for more than 30 years.
"I feel proud that members have placed their trust in me as the person to continue the good work that Colin started. Some of these members have travelled to York, from all parts of the County, six or eight times year, in all weathers, to meetings and have kept the Society alive and thriving since 1974."
Roger Sewell, of Goole, who last year completed a charity walk around the boundary of real Yorkshire, is the new Vice Chairman.
The Yorkshire Ridings Society campaigns for recognition of the continuing existence of the Ridings of Yorkshire, never abolished, in spite of numerous local government changes that created new administrative counties and lately new unitary authorities.
Members campaign for Yorkshire to be used as part of the postal address in all parts of the historic County. For the real County to appear on maps alongside local government administrative areas and have been active in restoring and erecting signs on the real boundaries of Yorkshire.
The Society invented Yorkshire Day in 1975 and the event is now celebrated, on August 1st each year, in many towns and villages across the real County.
A former member of Cleveland County Council, Chris took a controversial stand as a member of the County Council, actively campaigning for its abolition and its replacement by four unitary authorities, with boundaries along the River Tees - the traditional boundary between Yorkshire and Durham.
The County Council and the administrative county of Cleveland was formally abolished on 1st April 1996. Chris saw this as the catalyst for regaining recognition for the area south of the Tees to be part of Yorkshire for all cultural, ceremonial and sporting and postal purposes. This ambition was partly achieved in 2003 when Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council agreed to recognise its status as part of Yorkshire and decided to use Yorkshire as part of its postal address.
Members of the Society's Executive Committee, met last night in the Black Swan, York, to select a replacement for one of the Society's founder members, Roland (Colin) Holt of Fenwick, near Doncaster, who died in April.
Chris said: "It is a real honour to follow Colin Holt as Chairman of the Ridings Society. It was a sad blow when we lost Colin In April but the Society carries on with the same enthusiasm that has kept it going for more than 30 years.
"I feel proud that members have placed their trust in me as the person to continue the good work that Colin started. Some of these members have travelled to York, from all parts of the County, six or eight times year, in all weathers, to meetings and have kept the Society alive and thriving since 1974."
Roger Sewell, of Goole, who last year completed a charity walk around the boundary of real Yorkshire, is the new Vice Chairman.
The Yorkshire Ridings Society campaigns for recognition of the continuing existence of the Ridings of Yorkshire, never abolished, in spite of numerous local government changes that created new administrative counties and lately new unitary authorities.
Members campaign for Yorkshire to be used as part of the postal address in all parts of the historic County. For the real County to appear on maps alongside local government administrative areas and have been active in restoring and erecting signs on the real boundaries of Yorkshire.
The Society invented Yorkshire Day in 1975 and the event is now celebrated, on August 1st each year, in many towns and villages across the real County.
A former member of Cleveland County Council, Chris took a controversial stand as a member of the County Council, actively campaigning for its abolition and its replacement by four unitary authorities, with boundaries along the River Tees - the traditional boundary between Yorkshire and Durham.
The County Council and the administrative county of Cleveland was formally abolished on 1st April 1996. Chris saw this as the catalyst for regaining recognition for the area south of the Tees to be part of Yorkshire for all cultural, ceremonial and sporting and postal purposes. This ambition was partly achieved in 2003 when Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council agreed to recognise its status as part of Yorkshire and decided to use Yorkshire as part of its postal address.
Tuesday, 24 October 2006
Cool fun on Redcar High Street for half term
Cool fun will arrive at Redcar High Street this half term with Borough’s first ice rink thanks to Redcar and Cleveland Council.
Opening tomorrow, (Wednesday, October 25) the all-weather synthetic polished surface will be open to skaters 10am-9pm daily until Sunday, 29 October with a £3.50 fee per session.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick, said: “The whole town is really excited about the arrival of this ice rink.
“I’m not a very good skater but I will definitely have a go, it’s a fun way to keep fit and spend time with the family”
The rink will hold up to 90 skaters at a time and organisers have a store of 144 pairs of boots with sizes ranging from suitable for those aged three year olds, up to adult size 13.
Construction of the 12 metres by 18 metres rink started on Monday, October 23.
Leaflets with 50p off coupons have distributed across the borough, each coupon is valid for up to four people.
Opening tomorrow, (Wednesday, October 25) the all-weather synthetic polished surface will be open to skaters 10am-9pm daily until Sunday, 29 October with a £3.50 fee per session.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick, said: “The whole town is really excited about the arrival of this ice rink.
“I’m not a very good skater but I will definitely have a go, it’s a fun way to keep fit and spend time with the family”
The rink will hold up to 90 skaters at a time and organisers have a store of 144 pairs of boots with sizes ranging from suitable for those aged three year olds, up to adult size 13.
Construction of the 12 metres by 18 metres rink started on Monday, October 23.
Leaflets with 50p off coupons have distributed across the borough, each coupon is valid for up to four people.
Monday, 23 October 2006
Coatham abuse has to stop
Posted by Glynis:
On Saturday I was helping to deliver a letter to residents of Coatham on behalf of Josie Crawford, our friend and fellow Lib Dem Councillor. Josie, like us, has had a dreadful time putting up with abuse from certain protestors who do not want a superb leisure and housing development at Coatham. Josie has suffered more than most because she lives close to the site and by helping deliver the letter I was showing my support for her.
These protesters have gone way beyond what is considered to be reasonable and have mounted a campaign of abuse, allegations and scare mongering against members and Council officials that has caused great distress and has wasted so much time. It has got to stop.
None of the allegations and the 1001 conspiracy theories have stood up to scrutiny. They have all proved to be exaggerated nonsense.
As soon as I started to deliver the letter in High Street West out came the lead protester who started bellowing at me in the street: "We don't want this through our letterboxes." "She's a liar." "Your husband's a liar." I simply carried on and ignored the man. They can give it out in spades but if anyone dares to answer back they can't take it.
I post Josie's letter below:
A personal message from Councillor Josie Crawford
Ward Councillor for Coatham
20th October 2006
Dear Coatham Resident.
I have lived in Coatham for 37 years and I have been privileged to serve as its Ward Councillor since 2003. Where I live, the people know me. They know how passionate I am about Coatham.
They, also, know I don’t lie and I am always open and honest about what’s on my mind. This is an open letter and personal message from me. It has not been instigated by anyone other than myself.
As your Ward Councillor, I have to represent the views of all local residents. I work very, very hard to get all of these views and concerns listened to in a constructive and influential way.
There are people who are worried about the proposed development at Coatham. They are worried about the housing, about the change and what might be lost.
As the proposal began to take shape, I openly shared my own views and my own concerns. I have, also, worked hard to fulfil my duties as a Councillor and put forward all views to represent all Coatham residents, and still continue to do so.
I could never have stopped the application from happening. The ball was set rolling long before I was elected, but, believe it or not, Coatham residents have actually influenced what has gone into the final application.
With your support, Irene Curr and I have fought for better pool facilities, the height of the flats on the front to be lowered, the retention of a dance floor, more seafront parking, better footpaths to the seafront and better viewpoints for the homes on High Street West. We were successful in achieving these.
I, have also, offered to meet Coatham Ward protesters to hear their views and concerns at a time and place convenient to them when there was still the opportunity to influence the planning process. My offer was ignored and I never received a reply.
Finally, I went to a massive effort to bring together a Council Scrutiny meeting to scrutinise openly the development proposals for Coatham. This was a crucial meeting that could have significantly influenced the final master plan. It came to nothing, because it was wrecked by loud and unrelenting verbal disruption by a protestor. This meant that many members of the public who, also, wanted to ask questions were unable to do so during the meeting.
This meeting was so important. It was wrecked. I was so angry, because it had taken so much time and effort to actually get the meeting together.
It was at this point I decided the spokesman for the protestors was actually sabotaging any real efforts to influence the planning application and I became increasingly concerned by the method of protest. I openly decided I would not stand by the protestor any longer. This decision saddened me, as I had hoped, together, through reasonable debate, we could influence changes to the final plan.
I cannot support those who think that spitting at me in the street, shouting at me in public, making abusive and aggressive telephone calls to my home, and sending me unpleasant e-mails and letters, is, an effective method of protest.
Many residents who are angry and worried about the development have approached me. They have been reassured once I have explained what is really happening, explained what work has been done to influence the planning application and what still can be done to represent their views on Coatham and on other issues.
I’ve been called ‘spineless’ and ‘an absolute disgrace’ as a Councillor. I am not spineless. I am angry and disappointed. I will not associate with those who cannot conduct themselves in a rational manner and enter into proper debate to be heard. To earn respect you have to show respect.
I have been disgusted at the way that certain protestors have used the proposed Coatham development to attack personally, individual Council officers. The officers are simply getting on with their job. They are responsible and professional persons. I write for them as much as myself. They are hard working and committed.
The Protest has now gone far beyond the Coatham Enclosure issue. It is now also an attack on the Council and its Officers. This is another reason why I cannot show my full support for the protest group even though I share a personal common viewpoint.
Unfortunately, the most vocal protestors won’t be able to fulfil any of the promises they make to anyone, because they have ignored the real opportunities offered to them to influence the development through discussion and debate.
Because I have been so unsettled about the direction and manner of the protest and the consequent pressure imposed upon me, I had considered resigning from my post as your Ward Councillor. This is however not a path I now choose to follow.
I am extremely proud to be representing yourselves and working on your behalf and shall endeavour to continue to act as your representative to the very best of my abilities.
Yours sincerely
Josie Crawford
On Saturday I was helping to deliver a letter to residents of Coatham on behalf of Josie Crawford, our friend and fellow Lib Dem Councillor. Josie, like us, has had a dreadful time putting up with abuse from certain protestors who do not want a superb leisure and housing development at Coatham. Josie has suffered more than most because she lives close to the site and by helping deliver the letter I was showing my support for her.
These protesters have gone way beyond what is considered to be reasonable and have mounted a campaign of abuse, allegations and scare mongering against members and Council officials that has caused great distress and has wasted so much time. It has got to stop.
None of the allegations and the 1001 conspiracy theories have stood up to scrutiny. They have all proved to be exaggerated nonsense.
As soon as I started to deliver the letter in High Street West out came the lead protester who started bellowing at me in the street: "We don't want this through our letterboxes." "She's a liar." "Your husband's a liar." I simply carried on and ignored the man. They can give it out in spades but if anyone dares to answer back they can't take it.
I post Josie's letter below:
A personal message from Councillor Josie Crawford
Ward Councillor for Coatham
20th October 2006
Dear Coatham Resident.
I have lived in Coatham for 37 years and I have been privileged to serve as its Ward Councillor since 2003. Where I live, the people know me. They know how passionate I am about Coatham.
They, also, know I don’t lie and I am always open and honest about what’s on my mind. This is an open letter and personal message from me. It has not been instigated by anyone other than myself.
As your Ward Councillor, I have to represent the views of all local residents. I work very, very hard to get all of these views and concerns listened to in a constructive and influential way.
There are people who are worried about the proposed development at Coatham. They are worried about the housing, about the change and what might be lost.
As the proposal began to take shape, I openly shared my own views and my own concerns. I have, also, worked hard to fulfil my duties as a Councillor and put forward all views to represent all Coatham residents, and still continue to do so.
I could never have stopped the application from happening. The ball was set rolling long before I was elected, but, believe it or not, Coatham residents have actually influenced what has gone into the final application.
With your support, Irene Curr and I have fought for better pool facilities, the height of the flats on the front to be lowered, the retention of a dance floor, more seafront parking, better footpaths to the seafront and better viewpoints for the homes on High Street West. We were successful in achieving these.
I, have also, offered to meet Coatham Ward protesters to hear their views and concerns at a time and place convenient to them when there was still the opportunity to influence the planning process. My offer was ignored and I never received a reply.
Finally, I went to a massive effort to bring together a Council Scrutiny meeting to scrutinise openly the development proposals for Coatham. This was a crucial meeting that could have significantly influenced the final master plan. It came to nothing, because it was wrecked by loud and unrelenting verbal disruption by a protestor. This meant that many members of the public who, also, wanted to ask questions were unable to do so during the meeting.
This meeting was so important. It was wrecked. I was so angry, because it had taken so much time and effort to actually get the meeting together.
It was at this point I decided the spokesman for the protestors was actually sabotaging any real efforts to influence the planning application and I became increasingly concerned by the method of protest. I openly decided I would not stand by the protestor any longer. This decision saddened me, as I had hoped, together, through reasonable debate, we could influence changes to the final plan.
I cannot support those who think that spitting at me in the street, shouting at me in public, making abusive and aggressive telephone calls to my home, and sending me unpleasant e-mails and letters, is, an effective method of protest.
Many residents who are angry and worried about the development have approached me. They have been reassured once I have explained what is really happening, explained what work has been done to influence the planning application and what still can be done to represent their views on Coatham and on other issues.
I’ve been called ‘spineless’ and ‘an absolute disgrace’ as a Councillor. I am not spineless. I am angry and disappointed. I will not associate with those who cannot conduct themselves in a rational manner and enter into proper debate to be heard. To earn respect you have to show respect.
I have been disgusted at the way that certain protestors have used the proposed Coatham development to attack personally, individual Council officers. The officers are simply getting on with their job. They are responsible and professional persons. I write for them as much as myself. They are hard working and committed.
The Protest has now gone far beyond the Coatham Enclosure issue. It is now also an attack on the Council and its Officers. This is another reason why I cannot show my full support for the protest group even though I share a personal common viewpoint.
Unfortunately, the most vocal protestors won’t be able to fulfil any of the promises they make to anyone, because they have ignored the real opportunities offered to them to influence the development through discussion and debate.
Because I have been so unsettled about the direction and manner of the protest and the consequent pressure imposed upon me, I had considered resigning from my post as your Ward Councillor. This is however not a path I now choose to follow.
I am extremely proud to be representing yourselves and working on your behalf and shall endeavour to continue to act as your representative to the very best of my abilities.
Yours sincerely
Josie Crawford
Friday, 20 October 2006
Bright future guaranteed as Council clinches street lighting deal
REDCAR and Cleveland Council is predicting a very bright future for the Borough's residents after agreeing a £46million project to replace, upgrade and add to its street lighting stock.
Over 15,000 columns will be replaced - 85 per cent of the existing stock - and another 3,457 added in a phased programme across the Borough over the next five years, with a £1million a year maintenance budget in place for a further 25 years.
The Council has appointed David Webster Lighting, based in Hertfordshire, as its preferred bidder, through the Government-backed Private Finance Initiative scheme, with £21 million from the Government backed up by a £1 million a year maintenance commitment over the next 25 years from the Council.
The Council's Cabinet Chairman Councillor Eric Empson said: "This is a massive investment that has been waiting to happen for a very long time and will undoubtedly be endorsed by every one of our residents. The new columns will cut out 'light pollution' in many locations, which will mean the sky and the stars can be seen in all their glory.
"We are very pleased to announce that a major national company, David Webster Lighting, will be the preferred bidder for the project and, subject to successfully completing contract negotiations, will be delivering this vital service over the next 25 years."
The company's managing director Bertrand Richard said: "We look forward to working in partnership with the Council on this prestigious and exciting project to deliver a first class lighting service to the people of Redcar and Cleveland, creating safer and better-lit streets."
Councillor Empson, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Development and Infrastructure, explained: "Our surveys show the importance the public places on street lighting, with its rating as the third most important service, behind waste collection/recycling and street cleaning.
"What the public may not realise, but we have acknowledged for some time, is that the majority of our lighting stock doesn't meet the European standards and thousands have now passed their 25-year life expectancy.
"We've even discovered that the space between them is too much - that's why we're not only embarking on a replacement programme, but also putting in thousands of new columns."
A contract is expected to be signed and sealed in the next few months, with work ready to start next Spring following consultations with residents and the Police to determine priority areas.
Over 15,000 columns will be replaced - 85 per cent of the existing stock - and another 3,457 added in a phased programme across the Borough over the next five years, with a £1million a year maintenance budget in place for a further 25 years.
The Council has appointed David Webster Lighting, based in Hertfordshire, as its preferred bidder, through the Government-backed Private Finance Initiative scheme, with £21 million from the Government backed up by a £1 million a year maintenance commitment over the next 25 years from the Council.
The Council's Cabinet Chairman Councillor Eric Empson said: "This is a massive investment that has been waiting to happen for a very long time and will undoubtedly be endorsed by every one of our residents. The new columns will cut out 'light pollution' in many locations, which will mean the sky and the stars can be seen in all their glory.
"We are very pleased to announce that a major national company, David Webster Lighting, will be the preferred bidder for the project and, subject to successfully completing contract negotiations, will be delivering this vital service over the next 25 years."
The company's managing director Bertrand Richard said: "We look forward to working in partnership with the Council on this prestigious and exciting project to deliver a first class lighting service to the people of Redcar and Cleveland, creating safer and better-lit streets."
Councillor Empson, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Development and Infrastructure, explained: "Our surveys show the importance the public places on street lighting, with its rating as the third most important service, behind waste collection/recycling and street cleaning.
"What the public may not realise, but we have acknowledged for some time, is that the majority of our lighting stock doesn't meet the European standards and thousands have now passed their 25-year life expectancy.
"We've even discovered that the space between them is too much - that's why we're not only embarking on a replacement programme, but also putting in thousands of new columns."
A contract is expected to be signed and sealed in the next few months, with work ready to start next Spring following consultations with residents and the Police to determine priority areas.
Tuesday, 17 October 2006
No pool closures in foreseeable future
A leading Coalition Councillor today insisted that there are no plans to close any of East Cleveland's three swimming pools at Loftus, Saltburn and Guisborough.
Fears that the pools could be under threat have surfaced amid negotiations by the Council to choose one of three companies who tendered for the contract to manage the Borough's leisure centres.
Concerned users and user groups have wrongly linked the suggestion in one of the tendering documents that an Olympic 'super pool' could be built in East Cleveland to imminent closure of existing swimming facilities.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: "I can categorically state that this Council has no intention of closing any pools for the foreseeable future.
"We will still continue to subsidise the leisure facillities by around £1 million a year and are looking to increase this investment in the future."
He explained: "I can also confirm that there has been a suggestion from one of the organisations tendering for the contract to manage our leisure facilities that they should build an Olympic 'super pool' in East Cleveland and lose the swimming element at the sports centres in Loftus, Saltburn and Guisborough.
"As this is an official tendering document, we are legally bound to consider all its contents and that is why we are also keen to take on board the views of users and user groups. I'm more than happy to talk to all interested parties."
Councillor Fitzpatrick added: "People are jumping to conclusions, but nothing has been decided. What we need to be doing is finding and analysing as many opinions as possible from all areas of Redcar and Cleveland.
"And we need to broaden people's minds - this isn't about the future of swimming in the Borough, it's about all our leisure provision and there is absolutely no suggestion that that will be reduced."
Fears that the pools could be under threat have surfaced amid negotiations by the Council to choose one of three companies who tendered for the contract to manage the Borough's leisure centres.
Concerned users and user groups have wrongly linked the suggestion in one of the tendering documents that an Olympic 'super pool' could be built in East Cleveland to imminent closure of existing swimming facilities.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: "I can categorically state that this Council has no intention of closing any pools for the foreseeable future.
"We will still continue to subsidise the leisure facillities by around £1 million a year and are looking to increase this investment in the future."
He explained: "I can also confirm that there has been a suggestion from one of the organisations tendering for the contract to manage our leisure facilities that they should build an Olympic 'super pool' in East Cleveland and lose the swimming element at the sports centres in Loftus, Saltburn and Guisborough.
"As this is an official tendering document, we are legally bound to consider all its contents and that is why we are also keen to take on board the views of users and user groups. I'm more than happy to talk to all interested parties."
Councillor Fitzpatrick added: "People are jumping to conclusions, but nothing has been decided. What we need to be doing is finding and analysing as many opinions as possible from all areas of Redcar and Cleveland.
"And we need to broaden people's minds - this isn't about the future of swimming in the Borough, it's about all our leisure provision and there is absolutely no suggestion that that will be reduced."
Monday, 16 October 2006
Council gets Sixth Form go-ahead
Redcar and Cleveland Council is today celebrating the go-ahead for creating a sixth form with two brand new centres to be built at Nunthorpe and Eston.
The Office of the Schools Adjudicator has approved the proposal for post 16 education for Eston Park School, Gillbrook College and Nunthorpe, with a September 1, 2008 implementation date.
The adjudicator, Dr Elizabeth Passmore organised a public meeting at the City Learning Centre last month to debate the issue with parents, school representatives, governors and representatives from further education providers.
Now, in her judgement, Dr Passmore said: "The increased choice in provision, the convenience of location that the additional sixth forms would provide and the development of the 14-19 centre would be of such benefit to pupils that this outweighed any possible disadvantages."
The Council's Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Steve Kay said: "We were quietly confident that we would get a positive result after all the support from staff and parents at the public meeting.
"I would like to thank all the staff at the schools and the Children Services' Department for all the effort they have put in to winning our case. We look forward to becoming an authority providing post 16 education in collaboration with the schools involved, colleges and the Learning and Skills Council."
The proposed collaborative 14-19 centre, split between Nunthorpe and Eston, will provide approximately 550 places. The Council has made a £9.6million bid to the Learning and Skills Council, which has been given approval 'in principle' by the LSC's National Committee, based on a commitment to work in partnership with existing further education providers, Prior Pursglove College and Redcar and Cleveland College as well as work-based trainers.
Councillor Kay added: "Our proposed centre is completely in line with Government thinking. It will not be an elitist institution but will provide vocational as well as academic education."
The Office of the Schools Adjudicator has approved the proposal for post 16 education for Eston Park School, Gillbrook College and Nunthorpe, with a September 1, 2008 implementation date.
The adjudicator, Dr Elizabeth Passmore organised a public meeting at the City Learning Centre last month to debate the issue with parents, school representatives, governors and representatives from further education providers.
Now, in her judgement, Dr Passmore said: "The increased choice in provision, the convenience of location that the additional sixth forms would provide and the development of the 14-19 centre would be of such benefit to pupils that this outweighed any possible disadvantages."
The Council's Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Steve Kay said: "We were quietly confident that we would get a positive result after all the support from staff and parents at the public meeting.
"I would like to thank all the staff at the schools and the Children Services' Department for all the effort they have put in to winning our case. We look forward to becoming an authority providing post 16 education in collaboration with the schools involved, colleges and the Learning and Skills Council."
The proposed collaborative 14-19 centre, split between Nunthorpe and Eston, will provide approximately 550 places. The Council has made a £9.6million bid to the Learning and Skills Council, which has been given approval 'in principle' by the LSC's National Committee, based on a commitment to work in partnership with existing further education providers, Prior Pursglove College and Redcar and Cleveland College as well as work-based trainers.
Councillor Kay added: "Our proposed centre is completely in line with Government thinking. It will not be an elitist institution but will provide vocational as well as academic education."
Ice Rink brings cool fun to the High Street
Redcar and Cleveland Council is bringing cool fun to Redcar High Street this half term with the Borough's first ice skating rink.
The rink, an all-weather synthetic polished surface, opens Wednesday, October 25 till Sunday, October 29, open 10am-9pm daily with a £3.50 fee per session.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: “We are pleased to welcome the ice rink to the Borough.
"This will be a great temporary addition to the High Street which will hopefully draw visitors to the town. If the rink is a success this half term we may look to bring it back on a regular basis.”
The rink, which measures 12 metres by 18 metres, will be sited in front of the Town Clock and be big enough to hold up to 70 skaters at a time. Organisers have a store of 144 pairs of boots with sizes ranging from suitable for three to four year olds and up to adult size 13.
The rink, hired by the Cheshire-based company, Ice Magic, will be lit by existing street lights and halogen lights with a barrier around the perimeter. Work on erecting the rink starts on Monday, October 23.
Scaffolding currently surrounded the clock tower as part of the £260,000 restorations, close to where the rink will be situated, will be removed next week in advance of the rink's construction.
Schools, offices and shops have already been targeted with the distribution of 50,000 leaflets by the Council's Events Team, each with a 50p off coupon, with each coupon valid for up to four people.
The rink, an all-weather synthetic polished surface, opens Wednesday, October 25 till Sunday, October 29, open 10am-9pm daily with a £3.50 fee per session.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: “We are pleased to welcome the ice rink to the Borough.
"This will be a great temporary addition to the High Street which will hopefully draw visitors to the town. If the rink is a success this half term we may look to bring it back on a regular basis.”
The rink, which measures 12 metres by 18 metres, will be sited in front of the Town Clock and be big enough to hold up to 70 skaters at a time. Organisers have a store of 144 pairs of boots with sizes ranging from suitable for three to four year olds and up to adult size 13.
The rink, hired by the Cheshire-based company, Ice Magic, will be lit by existing street lights and halogen lights with a barrier around the perimeter. Work on erecting the rink starts on Monday, October 23.
Scaffolding currently surrounded the clock tower as part of the £260,000 restorations, close to where the rink will be situated, will be removed next week in advance of the rink's construction.
Schools, offices and shops have already been targeted with the distribution of 50,000 leaflets by the Council's Events Team, each with a 50p off coupon, with each coupon valid for up to four people.
Tuesday, 10 October 2006
Friday, 6 October 2006
Persimmon Homes facilitates new Public Footpaths at Coatham Links
Following the recent submission of detailed plans by Persimmon Homes to create a landmark £80m mixed use development at the Coatham Links site in Redcar, minor excavation work is now set to continue to facilitate the creation of public rights of way around and in across the site.
Currently, a comprehensive planning application from Persimmon Homes is being considered by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for the development of new residential, leisure and entertainment facilities at Coatham Links. The planning application is subject to extensive information including environmental assessments and a full site investigation report.
As part of the extensive consultation which took place prior to the submission of the planning application, residents raised concerns regarding the public rights of way at the proposed development site. Consequently, minor engineering works are being undertaken on site to facilitate the creation of a new network of footpaths on the existing site. The minor excavation work required to create the footpaths on site does not require planning permission.
Further concerns raised by local residents recently have related to the existing ground conditions at the Coatham Links site, therefore Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council have been instrumental in ensuring that correct procedures are followed to guarantee best working practice is undertaken at all times.
In line with these working practices, as from Monday (9th October), Encia Consulting, experienced specialist surveying consultants have been commission by Persimmon Homes to conduct small scale investigations at each point where excavation works will be taking place for testing purposes. Material removed from the site will be tested for any degree of potential ground contamination.
Any work undertaken by contractors at the Coatham Links site will only be allowed once a full risk assessment has been prepared to the satisfaction of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. The council will then allow contactors on site under license. Any works will be carried out in accordance with an agreed method statement and all health and safety guidelines.
Persimmon Homes Regional Projects Director, Peter Jordan said, “Persimmon Homes takes seriously all aspects of professional working practices across its regional development sites and always ensures that contractors are provided with up to date information on all aspects of the development process.
“We have listened to the concerns of residents and are currently undertaking work that will provide an extensive network of new and improved rights of way across and around the Coatham Links site.
“As a homebuilder with many years of experience in the development of brownfield and greenfield sites, we are skilled in dealing with any issues regarding ground contamination, which is a common factor in regeneration projects up and down the country and the North East in particular with it’s industrialised past. “
Currently, a comprehensive planning application from Persimmon Homes is being considered by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for the development of new residential, leisure and entertainment facilities at Coatham Links. The planning application is subject to extensive information including environmental assessments and a full site investigation report.
As part of the extensive consultation which took place prior to the submission of the planning application, residents raised concerns regarding the public rights of way at the proposed development site. Consequently, minor engineering works are being undertaken on site to facilitate the creation of a new network of footpaths on the existing site. The minor excavation work required to create the footpaths on site does not require planning permission.
Further concerns raised by local residents recently have related to the existing ground conditions at the Coatham Links site, therefore Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council have been instrumental in ensuring that correct procedures are followed to guarantee best working practice is undertaken at all times.
In line with these working practices, as from Monday (9th October), Encia Consulting, experienced specialist surveying consultants have been commission by Persimmon Homes to conduct small scale investigations at each point where excavation works will be taking place for testing purposes. Material removed from the site will be tested for any degree of potential ground contamination.
Any work undertaken by contractors at the Coatham Links site will only be allowed once a full risk assessment has been prepared to the satisfaction of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. The council will then allow contactors on site under license. Any works will be carried out in accordance with an agreed method statement and all health and safety guidelines.
Persimmon Homes Regional Projects Director, Peter Jordan said, “Persimmon Homes takes seriously all aspects of professional working practices across its regional development sites and always ensures that contractors are provided with up to date information on all aspects of the development process.
“We have listened to the concerns of residents and are currently undertaking work that will provide an extensive network of new and improved rights of way across and around the Coatham Links site.
“As a homebuilder with many years of experience in the development of brownfield and greenfield sites, we are skilled in dealing with any issues regarding ground contamination, which is a common factor in regeneration projects up and down the country and the North East in particular with it’s industrialised past. “
Housing is a vital part of the Coatham Links development
Peter Jordan, Persimmon Homes Regional Projects Director has defended the need for housing as part of the Coatham Links development at Redcar:
“The housing at Coatham Links is fundamental to securing the necessary financial backing and grant funding to bring leisure facilities to this site. The funding and market requirements for all aspects of this development have been meticulously investigated and Persimmon Homes is confident that the current plans represent the best way, and in fact the only way, to create the high quality state of the art leisure and sporting facilities that Redcar deserves.
“Housing is not only vital to the funding of the project but is vital to the future of the town. Research shows young adults leaving is set to become a major issue in Redcar, with a large percentage of the economically active population expected to move away during the course of the next 5 years. Taken as a whole, the Coatham Links project is a vital part of the change needed to regenerate the town and reverse this trend by providing a new range of housing, employment opportunities, leisure and sporting amenities for present and future residents of Redcar.”
“The housing at Coatham Links is fundamental to securing the necessary financial backing and grant funding to bring leisure facilities to this site. The funding and market requirements for all aspects of this development have been meticulously investigated and Persimmon Homes is confident that the current plans represent the best way, and in fact the only way, to create the high quality state of the art leisure and sporting facilities that Redcar deserves.
“Housing is not only vital to the funding of the project but is vital to the future of the town. Research shows young adults leaving is set to become a major issue in Redcar, with a large percentage of the economically active population expected to move away during the course of the next 5 years. Taken as a whole, the Coatham Links project is a vital part of the change needed to regenerate the town and reverse this trend by providing a new range of housing, employment opportunities, leisure and sporting amenities for present and future residents of Redcar.”
Persimmon Homes Refutes Flood Risk Rumours at Coatham Links
The following is a statement from Persimmon Homes, Redcar & Cleveland Council's partners in the Coatham Links Development:
Persimmon Homes is in the process of addressing a recent objection raised by the Environment Agency regarding flooding risks at the proposed Coatham Links development, with a new onsite flood risk assessment designed to address the recently updated Environment Agency guidelines on flood prevention.
Concerns have been raised by the Environment Agency regarding a heightened flood risk posed to housing and leisure facilities at the proposed £80m Coatham Links development. The site is subject to an extensive planning application from Persimmon Homes currently under review by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and subject to extensive environmental assessments and a full site investigation report.
The Environment Agency registered a holding objection to the planning application for Coatham Links due to a perceived flood risk at the seafront development. Following liaison with the Environment Agency, Persimmon Homes are confident they can satisfy any concerns regarding provision against potential flooding on site.
Persimmon Homes carried out initial flood risk assessments at Coatham Links on advice given by the Environment Agency, relating specifically to the area of Redcar. The Environment Agency is currently updating this advice and consequently Persimmon Homes will be modifying the flood risk assessment for the Coatham Links site to meet with all current Environment Agency recommendations.
Persimmon Homes regional projects director, Peter Jordan, said:
“Prior to the planning application being submitted, all guiding principles available on flood risk assessment were taken into account in devising appropriate strategies to deal with any flood threat onsite. Consequently, we agreed to raise the level of the site to an appropriate height to be capable of dealing with any potential flood risk. This is a normal procedure at any development site located close to a large water source.
“Under proposed new guidelines to be issued by the Environment Agency for this area of Redcar, the renewed flood risk assessment may require slight amendments to the raised levels along with other works to cope with any flood potential. In light of this, Persimmon Homes is acting on the potential concerns of the Environment Agency and will be modifying plans accordingly to the satisfaction of all available guidelines.”
Persimmon Homes is in the process of addressing a recent objection raised by the Environment Agency regarding flooding risks at the proposed Coatham Links development, with a new onsite flood risk assessment designed to address the recently updated Environment Agency guidelines on flood prevention.
Concerns have been raised by the Environment Agency regarding a heightened flood risk posed to housing and leisure facilities at the proposed £80m Coatham Links development. The site is subject to an extensive planning application from Persimmon Homes currently under review by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and subject to extensive environmental assessments and a full site investigation report.
The Environment Agency registered a holding objection to the planning application for Coatham Links due to a perceived flood risk at the seafront development. Following liaison with the Environment Agency, Persimmon Homes are confident they can satisfy any concerns regarding provision against potential flooding on site.
Persimmon Homes carried out initial flood risk assessments at Coatham Links on advice given by the Environment Agency, relating specifically to the area of Redcar. The Environment Agency is currently updating this advice and consequently Persimmon Homes will be modifying the flood risk assessment for the Coatham Links site to meet with all current Environment Agency recommendations.
Persimmon Homes regional projects director, Peter Jordan, said:
“Prior to the planning application being submitted, all guiding principles available on flood risk assessment were taken into account in devising appropriate strategies to deal with any flood threat onsite. Consequently, we agreed to raise the level of the site to an appropriate height to be capable of dealing with any potential flood risk. This is a normal procedure at any development site located close to a large water source.
“Under proposed new guidelines to be issued by the Environment Agency for this area of Redcar, the renewed flood risk assessment may require slight amendments to the raised levels along with other works to cope with any flood potential. In light of this, Persimmon Homes is acting on the potential concerns of the Environment Agency and will be modifying plans accordingly to the satisfaction of all available guidelines.”
Tuesday, 3 October 2006
Eric Empson calls for an end to political bickering over the Coatham Links development
Liberal Democrat Councillor, Eric Empson, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Development and Infrastructure has sent an open letter to local MP for Redcar, Vera Baird QC, calling for her to display real political leadership in ensuring a fair and open determination of the planning application for the Coatham Links development.
Councillor Empson, who is also Chairman of the Cabinet, said: "I have sent the letter in response to my increasing concerns that party politics are jeopardising the determination of the planning application for the development at Coatham Links.
"It does not help when the Labour Group switch sides only four days after the very same members voted publicly to support the scheme at a recent meeting of the Joint Strategy Committee."
In the letter, Councillor Empson openly challenges Ms Baird's recent support for the protesters against the development of housing and leisure facilities at Redcar and for their call for a Public Inquiry into the current planning application, suggesting the Council should itself call for an Inquiry.
He sets out: "As a lawyer with planning experience you know we cannot do this.
"Firstly, it is a matter for the Planning Committee acting independently and the Cabinet cannot take such a decision.
"Secondly, we cannot predict with any certainty what decision the Planning Committee will take. If they are minded to refuse then there is no point in an inquiry If they are minded to grant permission then it goes to Government Office for a decision on whether to hold an inquiry.
"It would be absurd for the Planning Committee to say we are minded to approve but by the way hold an Inquiry anyway because we need some political public relations.
"I am fully aware of the political motivation of much of the activity surrounding the proposed development at Coatham Links.
"It is in the interests of opposition party members to delay the decision on the proposed development - even when they support it in principle. Much of the public argument and scare-mongering surrounding the proposed development on Coatham Links is generated by these interests.
"I am now publicly asking for VeraBaird MP to put a stop to the party political wrangling and support local councillors in determining the planning application in a right and proper manner.
"The present scheme is the only show in town for the next five years that can bring real regeneration to Redcar. It should not be thrown away just to score party political points. The decision should be made on solid grounds, not on an unfounded assertion that the Council may not have the money it says it has.
"We might not be in this position if Vera Baird had not refused to speak to leading Council members for the past twelve months.
"We all owe this opportunity to bring about a fair and open debate to the residents who elected us to represent them and we owe it to the future regeneration of Redcar".
Councillor Empson, who is also Chairman of the Cabinet, said: "I have sent the letter in response to my increasing concerns that party politics are jeopardising the determination of the planning application for the development at Coatham Links.
"It does not help when the Labour Group switch sides only four days after the very same members voted publicly to support the scheme at a recent meeting of the Joint Strategy Committee."
In the letter, Councillor Empson openly challenges Ms Baird's recent support for the protesters against the development of housing and leisure facilities at Redcar and for their call for a Public Inquiry into the current planning application, suggesting the Council should itself call for an Inquiry.
He sets out: "As a lawyer with planning experience you know we cannot do this.
"Firstly, it is a matter for the Planning Committee acting independently and the Cabinet cannot take such a decision.
"Secondly, we cannot predict with any certainty what decision the Planning Committee will take. If they are minded to refuse then there is no point in an inquiry If they are minded to grant permission then it goes to Government Office for a decision on whether to hold an inquiry.
"It would be absurd for the Planning Committee to say we are minded to approve but by the way hold an Inquiry anyway because we need some political public relations.
"I am fully aware of the political motivation of much of the activity surrounding the proposed development at Coatham Links.
"It is in the interests of opposition party members to delay the decision on the proposed development - even when they support it in principle. Much of the public argument and scare-mongering surrounding the proposed development on Coatham Links is generated by these interests.
"I am now publicly asking for VeraBaird MP to put a stop to the party political wrangling and support local councillors in determining the planning application in a right and proper manner.
"The present scheme is the only show in town for the next five years that can bring real regeneration to Redcar. It should not be thrown away just to score party political points. The decision should be made on solid grounds, not on an unfounded assertion that the Council may not have the money it says it has.
"We might not be in this position if Vera Baird had not refused to speak to leading Council members for the past twelve months.
"We all owe this opportunity to bring about a fair and open debate to the residents who elected us to represent them and we owe it to the future regeneration of Redcar".
Monday, 2 October 2006
Busy bulky waste service
Redcar and Cleveland Council is carrying out an average of almost 300 bulky waste collections a week - and expects the busy service to continue in the run-up to Bonfire Night.
The Council is urging residents to get rid of unwanted rubbish using the service, which charges £5 for standard jobs and £10 for an 'express' service, which promises collection within seven days.
Latest statistics show that between October last year to September this week, a total of 13,739 jobs were completed - 9,233 standard and 4,506 express, an average of almost 300 per week.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Environmental Improvement Councillor Bob Stanway said: "All residents have to do is call our Call Centre on 08456 126 126 to arrange a collection. This is just one of the ways we are working with residents to provide a cleaner, safer, greener borough.
"We're also delighted to note that the number of flytips has reduced, compared to the number we had received at this point during 2005/06."
Figures show from April 1 to the end of August, there were 1,750 flytipping reports, down by just over 800 for the same period last year.
"We will be working closely with the Fire Brigade and Coast & Country Housing in the run-up to Bonfire Night to reduce the potential for deliberate fires."
The Council is urging residents to get rid of unwanted rubbish using the service, which charges £5 for standard jobs and £10 for an 'express' service, which promises collection within seven days.
Latest statistics show that between October last year to September this week, a total of 13,739 jobs were completed - 9,233 standard and 4,506 express, an average of almost 300 per week.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Environmental Improvement Councillor Bob Stanway said: "All residents have to do is call our Call Centre on 08456 126 126 to arrange a collection. This is just one of the ways we are working with residents to provide a cleaner, safer, greener borough.
"We're also delighted to note that the number of flytips has reduced, compared to the number we had received at this point during 2005/06."
Figures show from April 1 to the end of August, there were 1,750 flytipping reports, down by just over 800 for the same period last year.
"We will be working closely with the Fire Brigade and Coast & Country Housing in the run-up to Bonfire Night to reduce the potential for deliberate fires."
Redcar & Cleveland Primary Care Trust established
Redcar and Cleveland Primary Care Trust (PCT) was established today and its boundary is fully co-terminus with that of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.
This new PCT covers the area previously covered by Langbaurgh PCT - Redcar, Marske, Saltburn, Guisborough, Skelton, Brotton and Loftus - and now includes the council wards of South Bank, Eston, Teesville, Grangetown, Ormesby and Normanby, which were previously covered by Middlesbrough PCT.
The information on this website dated prior to October 1st 2006, relates to work done by the dis-established Langbaurgh PCT.
The day-to-day primary care health services - ie, GPs, dentistry, pharmacy and optometry will remain unaffected by this change, as will all community services, such as district nursing, health visiting, physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
All services in, and based at, the three Primary Care Hospitals in Guisborough, Brotton and Redcar also remain unaffected by the change.
The reason for the change followed a national consultation, Commissioning a Patient-Led NHS, which took place at the end of 2005 and the beginning of this year.
NHS Chief Executive David Nicholson said: "The new PCTs coming into effect today represents the culmination of months of hard work and consultation.
"The extra investment we have seen in the NHS over the last few years has reaped real improvements, but we need to do much more. We need to create an NHS that delivers better services for better value. PCTs are at the very heart of making this vision a reality. Our commissioning needs to be responsive and innovative, using services that patients want, in the place and time that they want them, whilst making the most of every penny spent.
"To do this we will need to engage and listen to the public. We will need to motivate and involve staff at all levels, nurture talent and develop leaders from a broad range of backgrounds.
"The move to fewer, more strategic PCTs - more closely mirroring local government boundaries - means we are better placed to make this happen."
This new PCT covers the area previously covered by Langbaurgh PCT - Redcar, Marske, Saltburn, Guisborough, Skelton, Brotton and Loftus - and now includes the council wards of South Bank, Eston, Teesville, Grangetown, Ormesby and Normanby, which were previously covered by Middlesbrough PCT.
The information on this website dated prior to October 1st 2006, relates to work done by the dis-established Langbaurgh PCT.
The day-to-day primary care health services - ie, GPs, dentistry, pharmacy and optometry will remain unaffected by this change, as will all community services, such as district nursing, health visiting, physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
All services in, and based at, the three Primary Care Hospitals in Guisborough, Brotton and Redcar also remain unaffected by the change.
The reason for the change followed a national consultation, Commissioning a Patient-Led NHS, which took place at the end of 2005 and the beginning of this year.
NHS Chief Executive David Nicholson said: "The new PCTs coming into effect today represents the culmination of months of hard work and consultation.
"The extra investment we have seen in the NHS over the last few years has reaped real improvements, but we need to do much more. We need to create an NHS that delivers better services for better value. PCTs are at the very heart of making this vision a reality. Our commissioning needs to be responsive and innovative, using services that patients want, in the place and time that they want them, whilst making the most of every penny spent.
"To do this we will need to engage and listen to the public. We will need to motivate and involve staff at all levels, nurture talent and develop leaders from a broad range of backgrounds.
"The move to fewer, more strategic PCTs - more closely mirroring local government boundaries - means we are better placed to make this happen."
Friday, 22 September 2006
At last progress towards improving the unmodernised part of the Closes estate
Coast & Country Housing have issued the following notice to residents of the Closes Estate:
Consultation Event – Thursday 28th and Friday 29th September at Newcomen School Redcar – 10am to 4pm
Coast & Country Housing are committed to improving both the homes and the environment of the Closes estate.
We value your ideas and are keen to find out you views about the area.
Please come along to the above event and be involved in shaping the future of your estate.
In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, parts of the estate were modernised and improvements made to the layout and the environment of the estate.
The properties improved during this period are currently undergoing Investment work to bring them up to Decent Homes Standard.
We now want to concentrate our efforts on the older unmodernised part of the estate and bring about lasting improvements to the area.
A number of partners are on board to help us work with residents to deliver these improvements.
· DKS Architects
· Groundwork South Tees
· Tees Forest
Your views are essential to this process!
We look forward to seeing you on the 28th and 29th September at Newcomen School
Every Household from The Closes who attends the event will be entered into a prize draw for £50.00 Marks & Spencer Vouchers
We need your views on how we can improve the Estate!
Coast & Country Housing are committed to improving both the homes and the environment of the Closes estate.
We value your ideas and are keen to find out you views about the area.
Please come along to the above event and be involved in shaping the future of your estate.
In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, parts of the estate were modernised and improvements made to the layout and the environment of the estate.
The properties improved during this period are currently undergoing Investment work to bring them up to Decent Homes Standard.
We now want to concentrate our efforts on the older unmodernised part of the estate and bring about lasting improvements to the area.
A number of partners are on board to help us work with residents to deliver these improvements.
· DKS Architects
· Groundwork South Tees
· Tees Forest
Your views are essential to this process!
We look forward to seeing you on the 28th and 29th September at Newcomen School
Every Household from The Closes who attends the event will be entered into a prize draw for £50.00 Marks & Spencer Vouchers
We need your views on how we can improve the Estate!
Wednesday, 20 September 2006
'Easy' access to Council services
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council launches ‘It’s Easy’ – a Public Access campaign - tomorrow (21 September) to promote the seven easy ways in which local residents can contact the Council and access its services.
These seven easy ways, which include new and improved technology, include Viewpoint webcams, by phone, One Stop Shops, the Council website, i-plus kiosks, by letter and through the A-Z Guide to Council Services.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of how easy it is to get in touch with the Council by phone on a single contact number 0845 612 612 6 (standard rates apply); at our network of One Stop Shops at Guisborough, Redcar and Eston as well as the mobile One Stop Shop bus which travels throughout East Cleveland and Nunthorpe.
The campaign also demonstrates how the Council is embracing the use of modern technology to bring access to services for residents who can now speak directly with confidential advisors using a Viewpoint Webcam available at 11 libraries in the Borough.
Also available is the i-plus kiosk network – an interactive screen and keyboard available in Brotton, Marske and Ormesby libraries, Lingdale Village Hall and at Redcar High Street.
Residents can always contact the council by letter addressed to one of the four main council buildings or via the website at www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk.
In the past few weeks, the Council has also published its first-ever A to Z Guide to Council Services which has been distributed to every household in the Redcar and Cleveland area.
The launch coincides with the arrival of ‘Adshel’ posters to promote the campaign across the Borough which each feature a member of Council staff. Also being launched is the ‘It’s Easy’ contact guide which is available at libraries and Council offices.
Cllr Glyn Nightingale, Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: “We are getting out into the local community and getting in touch with local residents in libraries, high streets towns and villages as well as delivering information about how to access Council services to each and every home across the area. Above all, we are not just sitting back waiting for residents to come to us.
“In the past three years, we have considerably increased the ways in which residents can contact the Council to access our services and our staff are trained to deliver consistently high standards of customer service using a variety of methods to communicate with residents, including Typetalk and new technology.
“As a Council providing key local services, residents expect us to be responsive to their needs and deserve the best services possible that are accessible in the most convenient way possible.
“We have worked hard to ensure residents can contact us in a variety of ways – some have been in operation for the past two years, some are new services using the latest in technology – now we are promoting these services to residents to make sure that the greatest number of people are aware of them and able to use them in the most convenient manner for them.”
The Public Access Viewpoint webcams have been launched in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland Mind, The Junction, Citizens Advice Bureau, Cleveland Police (Domestic Abuse) and Women’s Aid.
These seven easy ways, which include new and improved technology, include Viewpoint webcams, by phone, One Stop Shops, the Council website, i-plus kiosks, by letter and through the A-Z Guide to Council Services.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of how easy it is to get in touch with the Council by phone on a single contact number 0845 612 612 6 (standard rates apply); at our network of One Stop Shops at Guisborough, Redcar and Eston as well as the mobile One Stop Shop bus which travels throughout East Cleveland and Nunthorpe.
The campaign also demonstrates how the Council is embracing the use of modern technology to bring access to services for residents who can now speak directly with confidential advisors using a Viewpoint Webcam available at 11 libraries in the Borough.
Also available is the i-plus kiosk network – an interactive screen and keyboard available in Brotton, Marske and Ormesby libraries, Lingdale Village Hall and at Redcar High Street.
Residents can always contact the council by letter addressed to one of the four main council buildings or via the website at www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk.
In the past few weeks, the Council has also published its first-ever A to Z Guide to Council Services which has been distributed to every household in the Redcar and Cleveland area.
The launch coincides with the arrival of ‘Adshel’ posters to promote the campaign across the Borough which each feature a member of Council staff. Also being launched is the ‘It’s Easy’ contact guide which is available at libraries and Council offices.
Cllr Glyn Nightingale, Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: “We are getting out into the local community and getting in touch with local residents in libraries, high streets towns and villages as well as delivering information about how to access Council services to each and every home across the area. Above all, we are not just sitting back waiting for residents to come to us.
“In the past three years, we have considerably increased the ways in which residents can contact the Council to access our services and our staff are trained to deliver consistently high standards of customer service using a variety of methods to communicate with residents, including Typetalk and new technology.
“As a Council providing key local services, residents expect us to be responsive to their needs and deserve the best services possible that are accessible in the most convenient way possible.
“We have worked hard to ensure residents can contact us in a variety of ways – some have been in operation for the past two years, some are new services using the latest in technology – now we are promoting these services to residents to make sure that the greatest number of people are aware of them and able to use them in the most convenient manner for them.”
The Public Access Viewpoint webcams have been launched in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland Mind, The Junction, Citizens Advice Bureau, Cleveland Police (Domestic Abuse) and Women’s Aid.
Thursday, 14 September 2006
Environment Agency reveals flood plans for east Redcar
Residents from east Redcar will have the opportunity to see how the Environment Agency plans to improve flood defences in The Stray area of the town.
They are invited to find out more at an Environment Agency open day on Tuesday, September 26. Staff will be answering people’s questions at Laburnum Road Library in east Redcar from 3pm to 7pm.
Earlier this year staff outlined the main flood defence plans for the town but this month’s event is for people in east Redcar to see how the scheme will benefit them.
Project manager Phil Welton said: “We held an open day in March to show the public the main proposals for the town but at the time our plans for The Stray had not been finalised.
“We have now had time to assess the options for The Stray and we are coming back to people to show how we want to tackle flooding in their area.”
The proposals for The Stray include repairing and replacing the timber groynes, reinforcing the slopes that stretch from the promenade to beach level, and filling gaps in the wall including a 150-metre stretch by the paddling pool.
Residents will have the opportunity to comment on the proposals and staff from Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, who have been working with the Environment Agency on the scheme, will also be at the open day.
Once feedback has been received and the plans have been finalised, the Environment Agency will seek approval for funding.
The scheme is due to be funded by the Environment Agency, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council.
Redcar is at risk of flooding during storms and also from coastal erosion at a rate of 40 centimetres a year. The sea wall has been damaged by storms and the slopes are starting to break up in places.
They are invited to find out more at an Environment Agency open day on Tuesday, September 26. Staff will be answering people’s questions at Laburnum Road Library in east Redcar from 3pm to 7pm.
Earlier this year staff outlined the main flood defence plans for the town but this month’s event is for people in east Redcar to see how the scheme will benefit them.
Project manager Phil Welton said: “We held an open day in March to show the public the main proposals for the town but at the time our plans for The Stray had not been finalised.
“We have now had time to assess the options for The Stray and we are coming back to people to show how we want to tackle flooding in their area.”
The proposals for The Stray include repairing and replacing the timber groynes, reinforcing the slopes that stretch from the promenade to beach level, and filling gaps in the wall including a 150-metre stretch by the paddling pool.
Residents will have the opportunity to comment on the proposals and staff from Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, who have been working with the Environment Agency on the scheme, will also be at the open day.
Once feedback has been received and the plans have been finalised, the Environment Agency will seek approval for funding.
The scheme is due to be funded by the Environment Agency, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council.
Redcar is at risk of flooding during storms and also from coastal erosion at a rate of 40 centimetres a year. The sea wall has been damaged by storms and the slopes are starting to break up in places.
Tuesday, 12 September 2006
Response to Coatham protesters exaggerated claims
Printed below is a report issued to members of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council by the Council's Chief Executive, Colin Moore. It is in response to the seriously exaggerated claims about contamination made by objectors to the Council's proposed leisure and housing development at Coatham Enclosure:
"Persimmon is being advised by experts in these fields and the advice they have received has been submitted to the Council as part of their planning application.
"Two separate but related issues need to be addressed here. There is the issue of contamination of the site as a whole and then the allegation of sand being removed that is two and a half times the safe level for mercury, lead and arsenic."
The Site as a Whole
"The issue of contaminated land is an issue for all developments throughout the country. Some degree of contamination is to be expected on all brown field sites. That is why a thorough examination of this site has taken place and a report submitted as part of the planning process. The issue then is the nature of remediation required.
"The examination done for Persimmon by Encia Consulting is thorough, detailed and highly responsible as should be expected from a respected national house builder dealing with public authorities.
"The first headline from the report is that there is nothing on this site that presents any danger to existing uses. The issue is with “made ground”, that is soil imported or existing reworked. It goes on to say “This made ground contains sporadic, slightly elevated concentrations of some metals including arsenic, copper and zinc. These are considered to present only a slight risk to the proposed development.” The report goes on to discuss the remedial work necessary for the development to go ahead. This will be implemented in the final scheme and independently scientifically validated
"In other words the whole site does not have contamination but only parts of it. Where there is contamination it is only slight. There is no danger to anyone walking across the site or playing golf. There is a slight risk to new residential development if remedial measures are not taken. The view of Persimmon is that this is one of the cleanest sites they have had to deal with.
"I will now go into the detail of exactly what is on the site.
"Out of twenty samples tested there was one finding of Arsenic at two and a half times the Soil Guideline Value (safe in layman’s terms). It was found at 2.6metres depth. It was in unusual soil of brick and ash. For this to be a danger to health you would have to dig down 2.6metres (8 feet 8 inches) and somehow eat the brick and ash. You would probably have to do this repeatedly to have any affect on health. The 95 percentile analysis of all samples is at 21.2 parts per million, or just over the Soil Guideline Value (SGV) of 20 parts per million, this is the measure used to assess whether the site is contaminated.
"There is only one sample where mercury is above the SGV at 1.4 metres depth and is way below the two and a half times level claimed. All other samples are well below mercury’s SGV of 8 parts per million.
"For lead there are two samples slightly above the SGV, one at 1.4 metres depth and the other at 2.6 metres depth being the same site of brick and ash as the arsenic anomaly. However when taken as a whole the concentrations encountered present negligible risk.
"In conclusion this leads to the best technical advice being that there is no danger to existing users and only a slight danger to a residential development, which can easily be remediated."
Removed Sand
"The key allegation is that McAlpines, in laying out a public footpath, have removed sand that is contaminated at two and a half times the safe limit for arsenic, mercury and lead. This is nonsense. Such inorganic contaminants as are known are well below the surface in made ground. They have only been identified in two locations over an area of 4.5 hectares (45,000 square metres). In addition the elevated concentrations were only found at depth (the shallowest being 1.4metres). There is therefore no basis for the claim that the sand removed is contaminated with arsenic, mercury and lead. The material removed by McAlpines is wind blown sand from the surface."
Conclusion
"One trial pit found one trace of one metal in one place at two and a half times the safe limit in deep unnatural soil. To extrapolate that into three metals being at that level in blown sand on the surface elsewhere on the site is an argument that cannot be sustained and is unscientific.
"There is no more significant risk to human health in the near surface deposits at Coatham than anywhere else on industrial Teesside and certainly not such as to require special measures in terms of its current use."
The report prompted the Leader of the Labour Group, Councillor George Dunning, to include the following in an email sent to all members of the Council: "I have to say on behalf of the Labour Group that we have had reassurances from top officers on the allegations of contamination at Coatham Common."
"Persimmon is being advised by experts in these fields and the advice they have received has been submitted to the Council as part of their planning application.
"Two separate but related issues need to be addressed here. There is the issue of contamination of the site as a whole and then the allegation of sand being removed that is two and a half times the safe level for mercury, lead and arsenic."
The Site as a Whole
"The issue of contaminated land is an issue for all developments throughout the country. Some degree of contamination is to be expected on all brown field sites. That is why a thorough examination of this site has taken place and a report submitted as part of the planning process. The issue then is the nature of remediation required.
"The examination done for Persimmon by Encia Consulting is thorough, detailed and highly responsible as should be expected from a respected national house builder dealing with public authorities.
"The first headline from the report is that there is nothing on this site that presents any danger to existing uses. The issue is with “made ground”, that is soil imported or existing reworked. It goes on to say “This made ground contains sporadic, slightly elevated concentrations of some metals including arsenic, copper and zinc. These are considered to present only a slight risk to the proposed development.” The report goes on to discuss the remedial work necessary for the development to go ahead. This will be implemented in the final scheme and independently scientifically validated
"In other words the whole site does not have contamination but only parts of it. Where there is contamination it is only slight. There is no danger to anyone walking across the site or playing golf. There is a slight risk to new residential development if remedial measures are not taken. The view of Persimmon is that this is one of the cleanest sites they have had to deal with.
"I will now go into the detail of exactly what is on the site.
"Out of twenty samples tested there was one finding of Arsenic at two and a half times the Soil Guideline Value (safe in layman’s terms). It was found at 2.6metres depth. It was in unusual soil of brick and ash. For this to be a danger to health you would have to dig down 2.6metres (8 feet 8 inches) and somehow eat the brick and ash. You would probably have to do this repeatedly to have any affect on health. The 95 percentile analysis of all samples is at 21.2 parts per million, or just over the Soil Guideline Value (SGV) of 20 parts per million, this is the measure used to assess whether the site is contaminated.
"There is only one sample where mercury is above the SGV at 1.4 metres depth and is way below the two and a half times level claimed. All other samples are well below mercury’s SGV of 8 parts per million.
"For lead there are two samples slightly above the SGV, one at 1.4 metres depth and the other at 2.6 metres depth being the same site of brick and ash as the arsenic anomaly. However when taken as a whole the concentrations encountered present negligible risk.
"In conclusion this leads to the best technical advice being that there is no danger to existing users and only a slight danger to a residential development, which can easily be remediated."
Removed Sand
"The key allegation is that McAlpines, in laying out a public footpath, have removed sand that is contaminated at two and a half times the safe limit for arsenic, mercury and lead. This is nonsense. Such inorganic contaminants as are known are well below the surface in made ground. They have only been identified in two locations over an area of 4.5 hectares (45,000 square metres). In addition the elevated concentrations were only found at depth (the shallowest being 1.4metres). There is therefore no basis for the claim that the sand removed is contaminated with arsenic, mercury and lead. The material removed by McAlpines is wind blown sand from the surface."
Conclusion
"One trial pit found one trace of one metal in one place at two and a half times the safe limit in deep unnatural soil. To extrapolate that into three metals being at that level in blown sand on the surface elsewhere on the site is an argument that cannot be sustained and is unscientific.
"There is no more significant risk to human health in the near surface deposits at Coatham than anywhere else on industrial Teesside and certainly not such as to require special measures in terms of its current use."
The report prompted the Leader of the Labour Group, Councillor George Dunning, to include the following in an email sent to all members of the Council: "I have to say on behalf of the Labour Group that we have had reassurances from top officers on the allegations of contamination at Coatham Common."
Also in an email to all members of the Council, Chairman of the Cabinet, Councillor Eric Empson wrote: "I am sure that my colleagues, and all right thinking Members of this Authority, are completely disgusted at the posturing and pontificating of people who have no interest in the future of Redcar and Cleveland."
Friday, 8 September 2006
Public rights of way on Coatham Enclosure
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has given permission to surveyors to mark out a number of routes on land at the Coatham Enclosure and surrounding area in Redcar, intended to be used as public rights of way.
The Council is responsible for the maintainance and promotion of public rights of way and recognises the importance of maintaining public access throughout the Borough.
Surveyors and contractors have made a start marking those routes which will be completed next week.
More information on public rights of way are available on the Council's website at www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
The Council is responsible for the maintainance and promotion of public rights of way and recognises the importance of maintaining public access throughout the Borough.
Surveyors and contractors have made a start marking those routes which will be completed next week.
More information on public rights of way are available on the Council's website at www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
Thursday, 7 September 2006
Penguins back after 'Atonement'
Redcar's seafront penguins have been safely returned to their Esplanade patch as the town returns to normal life after the summer excitement of becoming 'Hollywood by the Sea.'
The penguins had been carefully lifted from their habitat and kept in protective storage while the area was totally transformed into 1940s Dunkirk for filming scenes for the eagerly-awaited adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel, Atonement.
Redcar and Cleveland Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick reflected on an amazing few months for the town and said: "The penguins must be the only members of our community who haven't been enthralled by what's gone on!
"Of course, it's difficult to work out just how much interest and income the filming has generated for the Borough, but the publicity and marketing value must run into hundreds of thousands of pounds. Now we've got to see if we can repeat it."
Redcar's Town Centre Manager John Partridge said: "The effect of the filming on the town centre was incredible - visitors came to see the set being built, to watch the filming itself and then to look at the set before it was dismantled."
The town's Tourist Information Centre on the Esplanade enjoyed probably its busiest-ever week, coping with 350 visitors in the week before filming, then an incredible 750 during the filming. Callers included people from all over the United Kingdom, many to watch family members among the 1,000 extras.
Mr Partridge explained: "The town certainly enjoyed one of its busiest Augusts for many years as people wanted to see the transformation of the seafront into 1940s Dunkirk and then came into town for food and drink and other shopping.
"All kinds of businesses benefited from the film as they provided the film makers with everything from car valeting and hairdressing to food and vehicle fuel.
"Town centre shops reported higher than average sales, car parks were full and Redcar became the place to visit for a glimpse of 'Hollywood by the sea'."
The Regent Cinema, used for a fight scene and adapted as a French bar, has two souvenirs - the mirrored bar itself and two illuminated art deco fan-shaped facades.
And manager Neil Bates is looking forward to next year, too, with the prospect of a regional premiere. "I'm sure there'll be a Leicester Square premiere, but I'm also pretty certain we'll get one of the regional premieres. I'm confident enough to be ordering the red carpet."
The penguins had been carefully lifted from their habitat and kept in protective storage while the area was totally transformed into 1940s Dunkirk for filming scenes for the eagerly-awaited adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel, Atonement.
Redcar and Cleveland Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick reflected on an amazing few months for the town and said: "The penguins must be the only members of our community who haven't been enthralled by what's gone on!
"Of course, it's difficult to work out just how much interest and income the filming has generated for the Borough, but the publicity and marketing value must run into hundreds of thousands of pounds. Now we've got to see if we can repeat it."
Redcar's Town Centre Manager John Partridge said: "The effect of the filming on the town centre was incredible - visitors came to see the set being built, to watch the filming itself and then to look at the set before it was dismantled."
The town's Tourist Information Centre on the Esplanade enjoyed probably its busiest-ever week, coping with 350 visitors in the week before filming, then an incredible 750 during the filming. Callers included people from all over the United Kingdom, many to watch family members among the 1,000 extras.
Mr Partridge explained: "The town certainly enjoyed one of its busiest Augusts for many years as people wanted to see the transformation of the seafront into 1940s Dunkirk and then came into town for food and drink and other shopping.
"All kinds of businesses benefited from the film as they provided the film makers with everything from car valeting and hairdressing to food and vehicle fuel.
"Town centre shops reported higher than average sales, car parks were full and Redcar became the place to visit for a glimpse of 'Hollywood by the sea'."
The Regent Cinema, used for a fight scene and adapted as a French bar, has two souvenirs - the mirrored bar itself and two illuminated art deco fan-shaped facades.
And manager Neil Bates is looking forward to next year, too, with the prospect of a regional premiere. "I'm sure there'll be a Leicester Square premiere, but I'm also pretty certain we'll get one of the regional premieres. I'm confident enough to be ordering the red carpet."
Tuesday, 29 August 2006
Josie meets James McAvoy
Josie Crawford, Lib Dem Councillor for Coatham Ward, met Atonement star, James McAvoy, at a reception following the filming of scenes at Redcar.Nick Murray has posted some exciting Atonement pics on his blog http://www.nick.org.uk/
Friday, 25 August 2006
Crackdown on antisocial drinking behaviour
Redcar and Cleveland Council is introducing Designated Public Place Orders from Friday, September 1 to curb alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour for over 300 streets in nine towns and villages across the Borough.
The towns and villages covered are Brotton (22 streets), Marske (30), Redcar (35), Loftus (67), Guisborough (88), Eston (8), Saltburn (30), Normanby (20) and Carlin How (11) as well as a number of parks and playing fields.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Community Safety Councillor Joyce Benbow said: "This order is designed to help the good citizens of the Borough enjoy the parks and streets in their free time without harassment from alcohol fuelled individuals”.
Inspector Andrew Bright, Chair of the Redcar and Cleveland Community Safety Partnership’s Violence and Street Crime Task Group, said. “This is another valuable tool in our armoury to help stamp out anti-social behaviour and crime fuelled by the irresponsible consumption of alcohol which so often brings misery to residents and communities”.
Councils can designate public areas where they are satisfied nuisance, annoyance or disorder has been associated with public drinking in that area. There are no provisions under the legislation to create Alcohol Free Zones or blanket restrictions.
If a Police Officer, Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) or community safety warden believes that someone is consuming alcohol or intends to consume alcohol they can require them to stop and/or confiscate the alcohol from people whether the drinking vessel is unopened or not.
If someone, without a reasonable excuse, fails to comply with a request from a Police Officer, PCSO or Community Safety Warden they are committing an offence and further action can be taken which can include a penalty notice for disorder of £50 being issued. A Police Officer can also arrest an offender and prosecute them.
The towns and villages covered are Brotton (22 streets), Marske (30), Redcar (35), Loftus (67), Guisborough (88), Eston (8), Saltburn (30), Normanby (20) and Carlin How (11) as well as a number of parks and playing fields.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Community Safety Councillor Joyce Benbow said: "This order is designed to help the good citizens of the Borough enjoy the parks and streets in their free time without harassment from alcohol fuelled individuals”.
Inspector Andrew Bright, Chair of the Redcar and Cleveland Community Safety Partnership’s Violence and Street Crime Task Group, said. “This is another valuable tool in our armoury to help stamp out anti-social behaviour and crime fuelled by the irresponsible consumption of alcohol which so often brings misery to residents and communities”.
Councils can designate public areas where they are satisfied nuisance, annoyance or disorder has been associated with public drinking in that area. There are no provisions under the legislation to create Alcohol Free Zones or blanket restrictions.
If a Police Officer, Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) or community safety warden believes that someone is consuming alcohol or intends to consume alcohol they can require them to stop and/or confiscate the alcohol from people whether the drinking vessel is unopened or not.
If someone, without a reasonable excuse, fails to comply with a request from a Police Officer, PCSO or Community Safety Warden they are committing an offence and further action can be taken which can include a penalty notice for disorder of £50 being issued. A Police Officer can also arrest an offender and prosecute them.
Thursday, 24 August 2006
Our best ever GCSE results
Redcar and Cleveland's 11 secondary schools are celebrating the Borough's best-ever GCSE results this year, with more than half the 2,000-plus students achieving five or more A*-C grades.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Steve Kay said: "We want to congratulate all our young people for their exam successes and the efforts they have made to ensure an excellent level of attainment across all our secondary schools.
"As far as the national standards are concerned, covering five or more A*-C grades, this set of results represent the best-ever, reaching 50.6 per cent, two per cent up on last year."
Sacred Heart RC at Redcar and St Peter's RC at South Bank have achieved their best-ever results, with Sacred Heart's success rate up 4.3 per cent to 64.3pc and St Peter's rising to 40pc from 34.8pc. Huntcliff School at Saltburn also made considerable progress, up 13.4pc to 66.4pc.
Extremely encouraging results have been recorded at Gillbrook College, Eston, previously the Borough's lowest performing school.
Following best-ever results at Key Stage 3, the College has increased its GCSE five or more A*-C grade percentage by over 12 per cent to 33.5pc. Higher grades in maths rose by 13pc (36.2) and science grades were up 18pc (31.9).
Councillor Kay explained: "With a new headteacher and deputy head arriving for the start of the new school year next week and the move to a new purpose-built school in October, the future looks very bright for the students at Gillbrook.
"Everyone at the College should be congratulated on this substantial increase in standards."
Improvements in the core subjects - Maths, English and Science - were made in most schools. English at Redcar Community rose 13pc to 45.2, with Huntcliff reporting a ten per cent rise in Maths (63.5pc) and 17pc to Science (65.4pc).
Provisional percentage results for five or more A*-C grades in the Borough's secondary schools (with 2005 results in brackets) are:
Bydales, Marske 56 (48), Eston Park 46 (44), Freebrough 28.1 (28.6), Gillbrook 33.5 (21.1), Huntcliff 66.4 (53), Laurence Jackson, Guisborough 59.2 (68), Nunthorpe 70.1 (69.4), Rye Hills, Redcar 45 (46.8), Sacred Heart 64.3 (60), St Peter's RC, South Bank 40 (34.8), Redcar Community College 41.4 (44).
The Council's Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Steve Kay said: "We want to congratulate all our young people for their exam successes and the efforts they have made to ensure an excellent level of attainment across all our secondary schools.
"As far as the national standards are concerned, covering five or more A*-C grades, this set of results represent the best-ever, reaching 50.6 per cent, two per cent up on last year."
Sacred Heart RC at Redcar and St Peter's RC at South Bank have achieved their best-ever results, with Sacred Heart's success rate up 4.3 per cent to 64.3pc and St Peter's rising to 40pc from 34.8pc. Huntcliff School at Saltburn also made considerable progress, up 13.4pc to 66.4pc.
Extremely encouraging results have been recorded at Gillbrook College, Eston, previously the Borough's lowest performing school.
Following best-ever results at Key Stage 3, the College has increased its GCSE five or more A*-C grade percentage by over 12 per cent to 33.5pc. Higher grades in maths rose by 13pc (36.2) and science grades were up 18pc (31.9).
Councillor Kay explained: "With a new headteacher and deputy head arriving for the start of the new school year next week and the move to a new purpose-built school in October, the future looks very bright for the students at Gillbrook.
"Everyone at the College should be congratulated on this substantial increase in standards."
Improvements in the core subjects - Maths, English and Science - were made in most schools. English at Redcar Community rose 13pc to 45.2, with Huntcliff reporting a ten per cent rise in Maths (63.5pc) and 17pc to Science (65.4pc).
Provisional percentage results for five or more A*-C grades in the Borough's secondary schools (with 2005 results in brackets) are:
Bydales, Marske 56 (48), Eston Park 46 (44), Freebrough 28.1 (28.6), Gillbrook 33.5 (21.1), Huntcliff 66.4 (53), Laurence Jackson, Guisborough 59.2 (68), Nunthorpe 70.1 (69.4), Rye Hills, Redcar 45 (46.8), Sacred Heart 64.3 (60), St Peter's RC, South Bank 40 (34.8), Redcar Community College 41.4 (44).
Green light for Bydales wind generator
Green energy will help power a new school and educate its pupils into the benefits of solar energy after Redcar and Cleveland Council approved the installation of two solar panels and a wind turbine.
The headteacher at Bydales Specialist Technology College, Tony Hobbs, who will welcome the school's pupils into new buildings later this year, said: "We are delighted. This gives us the go-ahead to work with the Centre for Process Innovation and the Council.
"We will be creating cutting-edge learning activities for pupils that relate to sustainable energy with particular emphasis on renewable energy, such as photo-voltaics and wind generators.
"It will allow pupils to investigate how they work, how the energy can be stored and how it can be used to power objects within the school. We also intend to display the outputs on plasma screens around the school."
The Council's Planning Committee today (Thursday, August 24) agreed with officers' recommendation to approve the school's application for the installation of a three-metre mast and solar panels at the new school building on the Coast Road, with two conditions, including controlling any noise from the wind generator.
The 800 Bydales pupils are expected to start lessons in the new school, being built as part of the Council's massive PFI schools modernisation programme, on the first day of the winter term, Monday, October 30.
The headteacher at Bydales Specialist Technology College, Tony Hobbs, who will welcome the school's pupils into new buildings later this year, said: "We are delighted. This gives us the go-ahead to work with the Centre for Process Innovation and the Council.
"We will be creating cutting-edge learning activities for pupils that relate to sustainable energy with particular emphasis on renewable energy, such as photo-voltaics and wind generators.
"It will allow pupils to investigate how they work, how the energy can be stored and how it can be used to power objects within the school. We also intend to display the outputs on plasma screens around the school."
The Council's Planning Committee today (Thursday, August 24) agreed with officers' recommendation to approve the school's application for the installation of a three-metre mast and solar panels at the new school building on the Coast Road, with two conditions, including controlling any noise from the wind generator.
The 800 Bydales pupils are expected to start lessons in the new school, being built as part of the Council's massive PFI schools modernisation programme, on the first day of the winter term, Monday, October 30.
Wednesday, 23 August 2006
Misinformation about 'Coatham Links' funding and flooding issues answered
At Redcar & Cleveland's Grand Scrutiny meeting, held yesterday, the Council's Chief Executive, Colin Moore, was asked two questions about Coatham Links and these are the answers he gave:
In answer to the question of whether in the event of planning permission being granted the Council had the resources to complete the Leisure provision he said:
"The cost of the two swimming pools, bowling alley, leisure centre including five a side pitches and dance floor is £11.5 million. The Council has £14million secure through the capital receipt from Persimmon, Sport England Grant and prudential borrowing. This is £2.5 million in excess of the leisure provision requirements.
"In addition there is £12million required for all groundworks, surrounding infrastructure, utilities including a combined heat and power plant, promenade improvements, art works and a new coast guard station. The Council has £11.3million pledged in the forward plans of funding bodies. This can be confirmed after planning permission has been granted. If Planning Permission is not granted there is no need to confirm the funding as nothing will be built anyway.
"In addition Mr Richardson reported earlier in the meeting that the Council had £5million unallocated capital resource. There is therefore more than enough to complete the Coatham Links and carry out further investment in the Borough.
"The Council is looking for in excess of £13million to add a visitor and exhibition centre with viewing tower at Coatham. At present only half the amount necessary has been raised from funders. This is the last element of the scheme and, if permission is granted, will be two to three years away from starting. By then we are very confident the visitor centre will also be fully funded.
"Just to remind Members the legally binding development agreement with Persimmon does not allow any houses to be built without the building of the leisure provision.
"There is no reason for anyone to claim doubt over the funding of Coatham Links. There is no room for doubt. The Council has more than it needs to complete the leisure at Coatham Links"
The second question was about whether the Council was acting irresponsibly in building on an identified flood risk area. Mr Moore's reply was as follows:
"The Council is very much aware that the 1 in 200 year flood plain map shown by the Environment Agency encroaches into the Coatham Links Site. In fact it covers the very eastern end of the site covered by the boating lake. Persimmon Homes employed consultants to look at flood risk issues related to both coastal and fluvial flooding and also to come up with a solution for dealing with surface water drainage generated from the Coatham site.
"That assessment has resulted in the following :
a) Discussions with the Environment Agency in relation to Flood Risk issues
b) Advice from the Environment Agency to build floor levels to a minimum level of 5.19m AOD. This takes account of current predicted worst case tide levels, 400mm to take account of predicted climate change impacts and free board protection of 600mm to all buildings. Persimmon has adopted this position.
c) A formal part of the planning submission has been the preparation of a Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) 25 Flood Risk Assessment. This was completed and submitted as part of the planning submission.
"The Environment Agency are a Statutory Consultee in the planning process and only if the PPG25 Flood Risk Assessment meets their requirements can planning approval be granted. Clearly the Council hopes the groundwork undertaken by Persimmon ensures this is the case. If it doesn't we will revisit and do all things necessary to ensure that the Environment Agency are content."
In answer to the question of whether in the event of planning permission being granted the Council had the resources to complete the Leisure provision he said:
"The cost of the two swimming pools, bowling alley, leisure centre including five a side pitches and dance floor is £11.5 million. The Council has £14million secure through the capital receipt from Persimmon, Sport England Grant and prudential borrowing. This is £2.5 million in excess of the leisure provision requirements.
"In addition there is £12million required for all groundworks, surrounding infrastructure, utilities including a combined heat and power plant, promenade improvements, art works and a new coast guard station. The Council has £11.3million pledged in the forward plans of funding bodies. This can be confirmed after planning permission has been granted. If Planning Permission is not granted there is no need to confirm the funding as nothing will be built anyway.
"In addition Mr Richardson reported earlier in the meeting that the Council had £5million unallocated capital resource. There is therefore more than enough to complete the Coatham Links and carry out further investment in the Borough.
"The Council is looking for in excess of £13million to add a visitor and exhibition centre with viewing tower at Coatham. At present only half the amount necessary has been raised from funders. This is the last element of the scheme and, if permission is granted, will be two to three years away from starting. By then we are very confident the visitor centre will also be fully funded.
"Just to remind Members the legally binding development agreement with Persimmon does not allow any houses to be built without the building of the leisure provision.
"There is no reason for anyone to claim doubt over the funding of Coatham Links. There is no room for doubt. The Council has more than it needs to complete the leisure at Coatham Links"
The second question was about whether the Council was acting irresponsibly in building on an identified flood risk area. Mr Moore's reply was as follows:
"The Council is very much aware that the 1 in 200 year flood plain map shown by the Environment Agency encroaches into the Coatham Links Site. In fact it covers the very eastern end of the site covered by the boating lake. Persimmon Homes employed consultants to look at flood risk issues related to both coastal and fluvial flooding and also to come up with a solution for dealing with surface water drainage generated from the Coatham site.
"That assessment has resulted in the following :
a) Discussions with the Environment Agency in relation to Flood Risk issues
b) Advice from the Environment Agency to build floor levels to a minimum level of 5.19m AOD. This takes account of current predicted worst case tide levels, 400mm to take account of predicted climate change impacts and free board protection of 600mm to all buildings. Persimmon has adopted this position.
c) A formal part of the planning submission has been the preparation of a Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) 25 Flood Risk Assessment. This was completed and submitted as part of the planning submission.
"The Environment Agency are a Statutory Consultee in the planning process and only if the PPG25 Flood Risk Assessment meets their requirements can planning approval be granted. Clearly the Council hopes the groundwork undertaken by Persimmon ensures this is the case. If it doesn't we will revisit and do all things necessary to ensure that the Environment Agency are content."
Coatham Enclosure is not a Village Green
Councillor Vera Moody, speaking as Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: "Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has been told that an application for judicial review for a Village Green at Coatham in Redcar has been refused.
"The Honourable Mr Justice Collins at the High Court of Justice, London, found that 'the inspector's findings of fact, following a careful and detailed review of the evidence heard over 6 days at the inquiry, cannot be impugned'.
"This means that following a lengthy and thorough process of review the final decision is that the land at Coatham Enclosure is not a Village Green.
"His observations also state 'in the circumstances, it is quite impossible to show that the Council's decision was wrong in law. It is highly likely that this claim was not lodged within the maximum period of 3 months and certainly it was not lodged promptly. There has been no excuse provided for the delay which is another reason not to grant permission'.
"This is simply the fantastic news that we've been hoping for. You simply have to look at the Coatham Enclosure to know that it is not a Village Green.
"Sir Andrew Collins observations about no excuse for delay, show to me, that this was never a genuine claim but simply an attempt to sabotage a scheme that will breathe new life into Redcar and the Borough and that the applicants stalling for time has simply undermined their case.
"This means that one less hurdle stands in the way of a fantastic development that will create at least 200 new jobs, bring much needed high quality housing, state of the art leisure facilities and hundreds of thousands more visitors to Redcar a year."
"The Honourable Mr Justice Collins at the High Court of Justice, London, found that 'the inspector's findings of fact, following a careful and detailed review of the evidence heard over 6 days at the inquiry, cannot be impugned'.
"This means that following a lengthy and thorough process of review the final decision is that the land at Coatham Enclosure is not a Village Green.
"His observations also state 'in the circumstances, it is quite impossible to show that the Council's decision was wrong in law. It is highly likely that this claim was not lodged within the maximum period of 3 months and certainly it was not lodged promptly. There has been no excuse provided for the delay which is another reason not to grant permission'.
"This is simply the fantastic news that we've been hoping for. You simply have to look at the Coatham Enclosure to know that it is not a Village Green.
"Sir Andrew Collins observations about no excuse for delay, show to me, that this was never a genuine claim but simply an attempt to sabotage a scheme that will breathe new life into Redcar and the Borough and that the applicants stalling for time has simply undermined their case.
"This means that one less hurdle stands in the way of a fantastic development that will create at least 200 new jobs, bring much needed high quality housing, state of the art leisure facilities and hundreds of thousands more visitors to Redcar a year."
Titanic Exhibition becomes Redcar's added attraction
Redcar's Kirkleatham Museum is offering another look back in time with its hugely-popular exhibition on the doomed ocean liner, Titanic, attracting over 2,000 visitors a week.
The publicity which has put the town in the national spotlight with the transformation of the Esplanade into 1940s Dunkirk for the filming of the hoped-for blockbuster, Atonement, is also having a marvellous spin-off for the Museum.
As total visitor numbers approach 20,000 since the exhibition opened nine weeks ago, staff have this week welcomed coach parties from Birmingham, Bradford and Durham en route to the seafront.
Redcar and Cleveland Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: "We waited a long time to secure the Titanic exhibition, which was always going to be a really good attraction. Visitor numbers bear that out, and with the added interest from the film-making, it's become a fantastic time for the town.
"It proves if we have the right attractions we can get people into Redcar and adds more strength to our plants to regenerate the town."
The exhibition, which will be open on Bank Holiday Monday and runs right through to December, features over 200 exhibits and, thanks to two more visitors from the Torbay Maritime History Society, who are hoping to take Titanic: Honour and Glory to the south west, there are new additions.
They donated three books by W.T. Stead, the famous journalist and social reformer, who at 22 in 1871 was the youngest editor in the country, taking over Darlington’s Northern Echo newspaper. He lost his life on the Titanic on his way to speak at a conference on World Peace at New York’s Carnegie Hall.
Other fascinating exhibits include costumes and props from James Cameron's epic movie and artefacts from Titanic's sister ships.
*It was 11.40am on Sunday, April 14 when Titanic struck an iceberg off Newfoundland Grand Bank. Within two and a half hours, only 705 passengers on the 'unsinkable' liner had been saved from the 2,200 who set sail from Southampton.
The publicity which has put the town in the national spotlight with the transformation of the Esplanade into 1940s Dunkirk for the filming of the hoped-for blockbuster, Atonement, is also having a marvellous spin-off for the Museum.
As total visitor numbers approach 20,000 since the exhibition opened nine weeks ago, staff have this week welcomed coach parties from Birmingham, Bradford and Durham en route to the seafront.
Redcar and Cleveland Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: "We waited a long time to secure the Titanic exhibition, which was always going to be a really good attraction. Visitor numbers bear that out, and with the added interest from the film-making, it's become a fantastic time for the town.
"It proves if we have the right attractions we can get people into Redcar and adds more strength to our plants to regenerate the town."
The exhibition, which will be open on Bank Holiday Monday and runs right through to December, features over 200 exhibits and, thanks to two more visitors from the Torbay Maritime History Society, who are hoping to take Titanic: Honour and Glory to the south west, there are new additions.
They donated three books by W.T. Stead, the famous journalist and social reformer, who at 22 in 1871 was the youngest editor in the country, taking over Darlington’s Northern Echo newspaper. He lost his life on the Titanic on his way to speak at a conference on World Peace at New York’s Carnegie Hall.
Other fascinating exhibits include costumes and props from James Cameron's epic movie and artefacts from Titanic's sister ships.
*It was 11.40am on Sunday, April 14 when Titanic struck an iceberg off Newfoundland Grand Bank. Within two and a half hours, only 705 passengers on the 'unsinkable' liner had been saved from the 2,200 who set sail from Southampton.
Chance for closer view of Atonement
The public will be given a fascinating chance to get an even closer view of Redcar Esplanade's incredible transformation into 1940s Dunkirk when filming for the hoped-for blockbuster, Atonement, is completed.
The stretch of the Esplanade, from the Regent Cinema to the boating lake, has been out of bounds to the thousands of people who have flocked to see the action this week, involving 1,000 locally-recruited extras for director Joe Wright's adaptation of Ian McEwan's bestseller.
The road closure is expected to be lifted some time on Sunday when the tons of rubble, which have been strewn across the surface, will have been cleared, but there will be be plenty to see on Bank Holiday Monday and Tuesday before three days of work starts on Wednesday to dismantle the scenery.
Redcar and Cleveland Council will complete the final stage of work to return Redcar back to 2006, with the reinstatement of street lighting and street furniture, as well as restoring the stone penguins to their spot near the boating lake after that.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick, who has been given an inside tour of the action, said: "I was absolutely fascinated to see how they've altered the buildings, camouflaged them and turned the area into a film set.
"The town has been packed all week and I'm sure we've seen an awful lot of investment come into the area. Now there's this marvellous chance to see close-up how much work has been done."
Location manager Adam Richards, who earmarked Redcar as the 'perfect' location in December last year, is still thrilled at the end product. "I've been doing this job for 20 years and I'm staggered by the scale of what we've achieved."
There will still be a few permanent reminders of the days Hollywood came to Redcar with 300 crew, the £50 a day extras and 40 assorted vehicles.
The Regent Cinema, which has been turned into a French bar for a fight scene, involving 25 stuntmen, is being given the scenery - and Universal Pictures are in discussions over the prospect of a Redcar premiere, when the film hits the big screen in September next year.
The stretch of the Esplanade, from the Regent Cinema to the boating lake, has been out of bounds to the thousands of people who have flocked to see the action this week, involving 1,000 locally-recruited extras for director Joe Wright's adaptation of Ian McEwan's bestseller.
The road closure is expected to be lifted some time on Sunday when the tons of rubble, which have been strewn across the surface, will have been cleared, but there will be be plenty to see on Bank Holiday Monday and Tuesday before three days of work starts on Wednesday to dismantle the scenery.
Redcar and Cleveland Council will complete the final stage of work to return Redcar back to 2006, with the reinstatement of street lighting and street furniture, as well as restoring the stone penguins to their spot near the boating lake after that.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick, who has been given an inside tour of the action, said: "I was absolutely fascinated to see how they've altered the buildings, camouflaged them and turned the area into a film set.
"The town has been packed all week and I'm sure we've seen an awful lot of investment come into the area. Now there's this marvellous chance to see close-up how much work has been done."
Location manager Adam Richards, who earmarked Redcar as the 'perfect' location in December last year, is still thrilled at the end product. "I've been doing this job for 20 years and I'm staggered by the scale of what we've achieved."
There will still be a few permanent reminders of the days Hollywood came to Redcar with 300 crew, the £50 a day extras and 40 assorted vehicles.
The Regent Cinema, which has been turned into a French bar for a fight scene, involving 25 stuntmen, is being given the scenery - and Universal Pictures are in discussions over the prospect of a Redcar premiere, when the film hits the big screen in September next year.
Monday, 21 August 2006
Now Atonement-mania hits our libraries
Redcar and Cleveland Council's libraries are coping with Atonement-mania as moviemakers move into Redcar to film author Ian McEwan's international bestseller.
The work on creating the set, transforming a stretch of the town's Esplanade into 1940s Dunkirk, has already attracted hundreds of people to the town.
When this week's hectic filming schedule is complete, involving 1,000 extras, a three-day localised daytime road closure on Newcomen Terrace, between Henry Street and Turner, next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - August 30, August 31 and September 1 - will allow the dismantling of scenery on top of the former Olympia Health Club.
That work can be viewed by the public throughout the three days - and there has already been great interest in a special 'Atonement' exhibition at Redcar Central Library.
The wartime story is certainly capturing readers' imagination with increased supplies of 13 ordinary copies, one spoken word and two large print versions, already out to borrowers and more on order to keep pace.
The exhibition, mounted in the library foyer, features a showcase with World War II helmets, shell casings and ammunition, as well as request forms for borrowers.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: "I think people are delighted with the fact that the film is here - it's creating a terrific amount of interest right across the Borough and beyond.
"And what a positive spin-off we've got with people wanting to read the book, too. It's a real win, win situation for everyone."
The story of Atonement, rated 'McEwan's best novel so far, his masterpiece', is:
“On the hottest day of the summer of 1935, 13-year-old Briony Tallis sees her sister Cecilia strip off her clothes and plunge into the fountain in the garden of their country house. Watching her is Robbie Turner, her childhood friend who, like Cecilia, has recently come down from Cambridge.
“By the end of the day, the lives of all three will have been changed for ever. Robbie and Cecilia will have crossed a boundary they had not even imagined at its start and will have become victims of the younger girl's imagination. Briony will have witnessed mysteries and committed a crime for which she will spend the rest of her life trying to atone.”
The work on creating the set, transforming a stretch of the town's Esplanade into 1940s Dunkirk, has already attracted hundreds of people to the town.
When this week's hectic filming schedule is complete, involving 1,000 extras, a three-day localised daytime road closure on Newcomen Terrace, between Henry Street and Turner, next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - August 30, August 31 and September 1 - will allow the dismantling of scenery on top of the former Olympia Health Club.
That work can be viewed by the public throughout the three days - and there has already been great interest in a special 'Atonement' exhibition at Redcar Central Library.
The wartime story is certainly capturing readers' imagination with increased supplies of 13 ordinary copies, one spoken word and two large print versions, already out to borrowers and more on order to keep pace.
The exhibition, mounted in the library foyer, features a showcase with World War II helmets, shell casings and ammunition, as well as request forms for borrowers.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: "I think people are delighted with the fact that the film is here - it's creating a terrific amount of interest right across the Borough and beyond.
"And what a positive spin-off we've got with people wanting to read the book, too. It's a real win, win situation for everyone."
The story of Atonement, rated 'McEwan's best novel so far, his masterpiece', is:
“On the hottest day of the summer of 1935, 13-year-old Briony Tallis sees her sister Cecilia strip off her clothes and plunge into the fountain in the garden of their country house. Watching her is Robbie Turner, her childhood friend who, like Cecilia, has recently come down from Cambridge.
“By the end of the day, the lives of all three will have been changed for ever. Robbie and Cecilia will have crossed a boundary they had not even imagined at its start and will have become victims of the younger girl's imagination. Briony will have witnessed mysteries and committed a crime for which she will spend the rest of her life trying to atone.”
Sunday, 20 August 2006
Regency Mansions (formally Coatham Hotel) transformed into Hotel L'Hirondelle
Picture by Colin Crawford 
Sunday, 13 August 2006
August 2003 Draft development plans released for consultation
Focus 229 August 2003
Draft Development Plans for Coatham Enclosure about to be released for Public Consultation
PROPOSALS to develop Coatham Enclosure with a mixture of Housing and leisure facilities will go out to public consultation in the next few weeks.
The plans, presented by Persimmon Homes, include 294 houses and apartments, a swimming pool, an extreme sports centre, viewing tower, shops and a pub.
All will be subject to public approval, finance and further technical considerations. If approved it is expected that they will be considered for Planning Permission in May 2004, with a possible start on site in January 2005.
The above article was distributed in both Newcomen and Coatham Wards
Consultation took place in the autumn of 2003 and the results were referred to the Council's cabinet on 16th March 2004. At Cabinet we responded to the views expressed by residents and requested numerous changes to produce an even better, more ambitious scheme.
It included the provision of both a 25 metre swimming pool and a leisure pool, reduced size of sea front apartments, sea front parking, a dance floor, extra parking and better sight lines through the housing part of the development.
This was to delay progress and went to a second public consultation. In spite of a determined campaign to disrupt it, the results showed considerable public support for the proposals and this was backed up by a Mori survey.
In Issue 233 we surveyed residents with the following question:
Please highlight what should be the Council's priorities for Redcar
YES/NO - Develop Tourism in Redcar
YES/NO - Development of Coatham Enclosure
YES/NO - Support Wind Turbines in Coatham Bay
YES/NO - Make Redcar the civic centre of the Borough
In Issue 235 we reported back the results as folows:
Develop Tourism in Redcar
Yes 180, No 26, No Answer 64.
Development of Coatham Enclosure
Yes 144, No 64, No Answer 62.
Support Wind Turbines in Coatham Bay
Yes 106, No 92, No Answer 72
Make Redcar the civic centre of the Borough
Yes 156, No 24, No Answer 90.
Draft Development Plans for Coatham Enclosure about to be released for Public Consultation
PROPOSALS to develop Coatham Enclosure with a mixture of Housing and leisure facilities will go out to public consultation in the next few weeks.
The plans, presented by Persimmon Homes, include 294 houses and apartments, a swimming pool, an extreme sports centre, viewing tower, shops and a pub.
All will be subject to public approval, finance and further technical considerations. If approved it is expected that they will be considered for Planning Permission in May 2004, with a possible start on site in January 2005.
The above article was distributed in both Newcomen and Coatham Wards
Consultation took place in the autumn of 2003 and the results were referred to the Council's cabinet on 16th March 2004. At Cabinet we responded to the views expressed by residents and requested numerous changes to produce an even better, more ambitious scheme.
It included the provision of both a 25 metre swimming pool and a leisure pool, reduced size of sea front apartments, sea front parking, a dance floor, extra parking and better sight lines through the housing part of the development.
This was to delay progress and went to a second public consultation. In spite of a determined campaign to disrupt it, the results showed considerable public support for the proposals and this was backed up by a Mori survey.
In Issue 233 we surveyed residents with the following question:
Please highlight what should be the Council's priorities for Redcar
YES/NO - Develop Tourism in Redcar
YES/NO - Development of Coatham Enclosure
YES/NO - Support Wind Turbines in Coatham Bay
YES/NO - Make Redcar the civic centre of the Borough
In Issue 235 we reported back the results as folows:
Develop Tourism in Redcar
Yes 180, No 26, No Answer 64.
Development of Coatham Enclosure
Yes 144, No 64, No Answer 62.
Support Wind Turbines in Coatham Bay
Yes 106, No 92, No Answer 72
Make Redcar the civic centre of the Borough
Yes 156, No 24, No Answer 90.
April 2003 Going for Gold Lib Dems pledge to give priority to re-development of Coatham Enclosure
Focus 226 April 2003
The back page of this edition comprised of a summary of Going for Gold the Liberal Democrat Manifesto for the 2003 Council Elections.
Slap bang in the centre is the following pledge:
Liberal Democrats will give priority to the redevelopment of Coatham Enclosure.
The result of the election led to the formation of the successful Lib Dem/Conservative/Independent Coalition. In Redcar more Liberal Democrats were elected than the other two parties:
Lib Dem - 7
Labour - 6
Conservative - 2
July 2001 Council markets Coatham Enclosure but can't guarantee a new Swimming Pool
Focus 212 July 2001
Join the fight for a new swimming pool in Redcar
RESIDENTS have come out strongly in favour of a new swimming pool for Redcar.
The Council's Director of Development has reported that a six-month programme to market the Coatham Enclosure for leisure uses will start shortly, but has pointed out that there is no guarantee that potential partners or developers will want to build a swimming pool. On this basis, it would appear that the people of Redcar might have to raise the necessary finance themselves.
As an independent organisation it might be possible to do just this. It will involve a lot of work and commitment. The Focus Team would like to know what residents think about the idea? Are you prepared to help? Please contact Chris & Glynis Abbott as soon as possible
In Focus 213 we asked resident to give their opinion on the level of priority that should be given to the provision of a Swimming Pool facility at Redcar.
In Focus 214 we reported the results as follows High Priority 240, Low Priority 22, No Priority 0, No Answer 12.
February 1997 and local Labour Councillors vote to close Redcar Swimming Pool
Focus February 1997
Labour Councillors vote to close Redcar Swimming Pool
LOCAL Labour Councillors put party before people once again when they voted to close Redcar Swimming Pool.
Liberal Democrat Councillors Chris Abbott and Stan Wilson have slammed the decision of Labour controlled Redcar Council to close the pool, in spite of a strong campaign waged by local residents and pool users.
"What really sickens me is the way some Redcar Councillors were claiming to be supporting the campaign to save the pool but when it came to the crunch they meekly toed the party line," said Chris Abbott.
"All the Liberal Councillors have promised to keep up pressure on the Labour Council to try to reverse the decision," said Stan Wilson.
January 1997 and the battle to save the swimming pool
Focus January 1997
Liberal Democrat Councillors battle to save Redcar Swimming Pool
REDCAR Council has to make further budget cuts and what is the first thing that our top heavy Labour controlled Council proposes to close?
Yes, you've guessed it, Redcar Swimming Pool.
Newcomen Ward Liberal Democrat Councillors Chris Abbott and Stan Wilson, together with Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson, Cllr Joyce Benbow, have pledged to fight any plans to close the pool. They have pressed for cuts in bureaucracy which they believe are the root cause of the Council's troubles.
"Too many Council Departments mean too much bureaucracy and too many highly paid top level Council Officers. The Council can quite easily reduce from ten Departments to six but it is like asking turkeys to vote for Christmas. Council Officers will not propose cutting their own empires. Instead they propose cuts in services to the public. The very basic facilities which the Council was set up to provide." said Cllr Chris Abbott.
"Frankly, the Labour Council have got themselves into this mess by the long term neglect of what is an essential facility for a seeside town. It is vital that it remains open until a new state of the art facility can be provided as part of the regeneration plans for Coatham Enclosure area," said Cllr Joyce Benbow.
"As a former teacher I am most concerned about all the valuable education time which Redcar school children will waste travelling to Saltburn Baths. Local Liberal Democrats will vote against the proposed closure of Redcar Swimming Pool." said Cllr Stan Wilson.
IT is interesting that the Coalition, elected in 2003, has severely reduced the number of departments, chief officers and bureaucracy. Placing the emphasis on putting services first we have dragged the Council up from only fair under Labour to FOUR STAR excellent today. Our plans to provide two new swimming pools in Redcar are now at planning stage and we are determined to bring them to fruition over the next few months.
August 1993 and the plans are still on the shelf
Focus August 1993
When will Redcar get some real regeneration?
REDCAR regeneration is not about the wasteful replacement of good paving on the Esplanade and the erection of a few flagpoles.
Three years ago, in the June 1990 edition, the FOCUS team welcomed the report on the study by Consultants, Drivas Jonus. Listed below are some of the proposals which the FOCUS team felt were right for the town:
WILTON STREET AREA: This could be re-developed with covered access onto a pedestrianised High Street, a sensible traffic management scheme, road re-alignment and better car parking provision.
KIRKLEATHAM STREET AREA: We prefer sheltered housing or civic or cultural buildings on this site not light industry.
COATHAM ENCLOSURE: Removal of the lorry park to a site inland. Re-alignment of MAJUBA ROAD. Possible residential development on the sea front. Improvements to the Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool, plus private sector leisure developments.
Says Cllr Stan Wilson:
"In 1991, the Labour Party took control of the Council and set us back years. They threw out the £50m Motor Sports development, sneered at the TDC, and then wondered why their bid for City Challenge grant money for Redcar was turned down.
This edition of Focus was distributed in Newcomen and Coatham Wards.
More than 16 years of consistent campaigning for the development of Coatham Enclosure
Posted by Chris:
One of the advantages for a Councillor of issuing regular newsletters to the residents he or she represents is that you keep an accurate record of your campaigns and can make you opponents look foolish when they start spreading malicious and inaccurate statements.
The proposals for Coatham Enclosure have been a long time germinating (more than 16 years in fact). I am proud of the fact that Glynis and I have consistently supported the need for the development of this eyesore area for leisure and linked housing development and have kept people informed every step of the way. We have always seen it as a major catalyst for the regeneration of Redcar.
Back in June 1990, the last time the Council was balanced, we reported on the Redcar Regeneration Study by Consultants, Drivas Jonus, who first planted the seed that has only just germinated with the recent submission of a Planning Application for today's much more ambitious scheme. Some of the proposals in the Study never got off the ground others were amended but in the case of Coatham Enclosure they have been, albeit delayed for many years, expanded on and improved by the current administration after listening to the constructive views of residents.
Focus June 1990
REDCAR REGENERATION PLANS WELCOMED
Liberal Democrat Councillors Stan Wilson and Chris Abbott have welcomed the report on the Redcar Regeneration Study put forward by Langbaurgh Council's consultants, Drivas Jonus.
The report concentrates on four principal sites and we highlight some of our proposals below.
WILTON STREET AREA: This could be re-developed as a new retail area with covered access onto a pedestrianised HIGH STREET. Better car parking provision and a widened WEST DYKE ROAD. The Station and former Garden Centre Site were not included because English Estates already propose to build offices and workshops.
KIRKLEATHAM STREET AREA: Sheltered housing is preferred here, by the consultants. This matches the views of local residents supported by the FOCUS TEAM and against the view of the Council who prefer light industry.
COATHAM ENCLOSURE: Possible re-alignment of MAJUBA ROAD. Removal of the lorry Park to a site inland with possible residential development on sea front. Improvements to leisure centre and swimming pool.
WILTON SITE: Encouragement for the provision of modern industrial units on land close to ICI's Wilton Site.
This article was distributed in two editions of Focus in June 1990 - the Newcomen Ward edition and the Coatham Ward edition. It is interesting that opponents of the scheme often claim that they were not informed about the proposals to provide housing on the lorry park.
Thursday, 10 August 2006
Tides predicted to reach a 10 year high
The Environmental Agency has issued a ‘News Release, ‘which states that the highest tides for the next ten years are predicted to hit the North East and Yorkshire coastline this autumn.
The high tides are forecast for August 11-13, September 9-11 and October 7-10 but their severity is dependent on weather conditions such as wind strength and duration as well as atmospheric pressure.
The tides in September and October are the highest and could be more than 3.08 metres depending on the weather conditions in the areas close to North Shields and Whitby, while August’s tides could be more than 2.87 metres in the same areas.
In Redcar the high tides over the forthcoming weekend are due at:-
Fri. 11 Aug 04:31 and 17:10
Sat. 12 Aug 05:13 and 17:54
Sun. 13 Aug 05:55 and 18:39
Although the forecasted weather conditions for the weekend do not cause concern, arrangements have been made for the Council’s Highway Partner, Alfred McAlpine to provide resources to monitor the situation along the Council’s coastline.
The high tides are forecast for August 11-13, September 9-11 and October 7-10 but their severity is dependent on weather conditions such as wind strength and duration as well as atmospheric pressure.
The tides in September and October are the highest and could be more than 3.08 metres depending on the weather conditions in the areas close to North Shields and Whitby, while August’s tides could be more than 2.87 metres in the same areas.
In Redcar the high tides over the forthcoming weekend are due at:-
Fri. 11 Aug 04:31 and 17:10
Sat. 12 Aug 05:13 and 17:54
Sun. 13 Aug 05:55 and 18:39
Although the forecasted weather conditions for the weekend do not cause concern, arrangements have been made for the Council’s Highway Partner, Alfred McAlpine to provide resources to monitor the situation along the Council’s coastline.
Wednesday, 9 August 2006
Seafront road to close for filming of Atonement
Newcomen Terrace, Redcar will be closed to traffic and pedestrians from Saturday August, 12 to Sunday August, 27 as the area prepares to be turned into 1940s Dunkirk for the filming of the blockbuster movie 'Atonement'.
The seafront road will be closed from the Regent Cinema to Arthur Street where bombed out buildings and a band stand can already be seen as work carries on to create the essential scenes for the movie.
Diversion signs around the closure are already in place on Majuba Road, Lobster Road, Coatham Road, Millbank Terrace, West Dyke Road, Lord Street, Redcar Lane, Granville Terrace, High Street East and Wilton Street.
Extra parking will also be available on Kirkleatham Street and will be signed from Majuba Road car park.
The seafront road will be closed from the Regent Cinema to Arthur Street where bombed out buildings and a band stand can already be seen as work carries on to create the essential scenes for the movie.
Diversion signs around the closure are already in place on Majuba Road, Lobster Road, Coatham Road, Millbank Terrace, West Dyke Road, Lord Street, Redcar Lane, Granville Terrace, High Street East and Wilton Street.
Extra parking will also be available on Kirkleatham Street and will be signed from Majuba Road car park.
Redcar and Cleveland Council receives an apology from CPRE
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has received an apology from the Campaign to Protect Rural England after it was wrongly listed in a press release regarding building low density houses.
The CPRE said that it received a message from the Department for Communities and Local Government, telling them that there is an error in some of its published figures, which were placed on its website in May.
The analysis carried out by the CPRE was based on these figures relating to density.
The CPRE continued "we are sorry that the Government has put incorrect figures in the public domain, and trust it will soon publish correct figures on its website."
A Council spokesman also said: "That in any event these figures are up-to 5 years old and are concerned with house building not granting a planning permission, which is the only element under the council's control.
"Planning permission for building in 2001 dates back to as much as 10 years earlier before Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council even existed.
"We are pleased that CPRE have admitted their error but even if they were right it would have been pretty meaningless and not worthy of the description of 'named and shamed'."
The CPRE said that it received a message from the Department for Communities and Local Government, telling them that there is an error in some of its published figures, which were placed on its website in May.
The analysis carried out by the CPRE was based on these figures relating to density.
The CPRE continued "we are sorry that the Government has put incorrect figures in the public domain, and trust it will soon publish correct figures on its website."
A Council spokesman also said: "That in any event these figures are up-to 5 years old and are concerned with house building not granting a planning permission, which is the only element under the council's control.
"Planning permission for building in 2001 dates back to as much as 10 years earlier before Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council even existed.
"We are pleased that CPRE have admitted their error but even if they were right it would have been pretty meaningless and not worthy of the description of 'named and shamed'."
Saturday, 5 August 2006
£558 raised for Redcar Lifeboat from sales of white roses
Posted by Chris: Yorkshire Day, this year (Tuesday 1st August), was spoiled by heavy showers but the efforts of Redcar Lifeboat Ladies helped to boost sales of white roses.£558 was raised this year and every penny will go to the local lifeboat funds. It is always a thrill to see people queuing up to show their pride in Yorkshire on Yorkshire Day, by paying £1, for one of our white roses. Each Spring the Ridings Society holds a coffee morning in Marske. We use the money raised to buy the roses and then sell them for a local charity.
Attendances at the Readings of the Yorkshire Declaration of Integrity were down this year, due to the heavy showers, but money raised from the roses is well up on last year.
Probably the best attendance was in Lingdale and it is a few years since we last did a reading in that village. We have now completed ten years doing the readings each Yorkshire Day and we are already planning a much bigger event next year.
Thanks must go to Stewart Macfarlane of Radio Cleveland, for once again leading the group around Eston, Redcar, Marske, Loftus, Lingdale, Saltburn and Guisborough and reading the declaration. Thanks also to Eric Howden who read the Latin and old English versions and Cllr Dave Fitzpatrick (pictured above), who did the old Norse version.
Following on from this Glynis, Charlotte and I went to a Yorkshire Day Garden Party in Cloughton, near Scarborough where we had a Yorkshire pudding supper, with onion gravy, in aid of St Mary's Church. Six year's old Charlotte had three.
There were about 100 people present and I was asked to speak about our activities and explain such things as the correct way to display the Yorkshire rose on flags. I also took a box of roses and sold 33, which raised £33 for the church funds.
Colin's pal wins the North Riding Duck Race
Posted by Chris:
This year's North Riding Duck Race attracted 182 £1 entries and was held last Saturday in Saltburn Beck.
The weather, this year, was fine and a good crowd attended. I did my usual job of shepherding the ducks that get snagged up, in my fishing waders - bought three years ago and not yet used for fishing. Councillors Josie Crawford and Val Miller stood on the wier with my fishing nets to catch the winners. North Riding Group Chair, John Curr gave his usual commentary, whilst filming the proceedings.
The race was won by Rowland Gaunt from the village of Spotborough near Doncaster, once home to Douglas Bader. Rowland and his wife Jan have attended all our duck races, travelling up with YRS Chair Colin Holt and his wife Hilary. Sadly, Colin died in April this year and in tribute we provided the Colin Holt Cup for the winner. It was nice that Hilary was able to present it to Colin's pal, who she had once again travelled up with from Doncaster.
The train on the Saltburn Miniature Railway was proudly flying the Yorkshire flag, as it does each time we hold the duck race.
We were able to hand out free packets of Yorkshire tea, to race entrants after the manufacturers, unprompted, sent us a couple of boxes full in support of Yorkshire Day.
First Place and winner of the Colin Holt Cup:
No 161 - Aqua - Rowland Gaunt of Spotborough, Doncaster
Second Place:
No 169 - Blue - Maise Wilson of Oxford Street, Saltburn
Third Place:
No 55 - Quackers - Joyce Taylor of Rydal Avenue, Redcar
Best Named Duck (chosen by John Curr)
No 20 - DCUK - Chris Sewell of Viking Marina, Goole
Heather wins the Flat Cap Fling
Posted by Chris:
A packed Redcar High Street was the venue for the Council's Yorkshire celebrations on Saturday 29th July and there were lots of activities going on to suit all ages.
As part of this the Yorkshire Ridings Society (YRS) organised a, free to enter, Flat Cap Fling for the first time. It was won by teenager Heather Brinsley of Redcar.
David Tucker, Managing Director of D.J. Tucker Ltd, kindly sponsored the event with a nice cup for the winner.
We set up a stall in front of the Council's Event cabin and sold white roses, duck race entries and handed out leaflets. It also turned out to be a bit of a Councillors surgery as people wanted to raise Council issues with us.
I was delighted that the Mayor, Councillor Mary Ovens, came to help along with Glynis, our grandaughter Charlotte, who handed out leaflets, Councillor Val Miller and YRS Secretary Nancy Hudson.
Trying to get blokes to enter was like pulling teeth. In the end it was almost exclusively lasses who entered. With a light breeze behind them, and long waits for people to move out of the way, three local teenage girls competed for the first three places. The winners were as follows:
First Place and winner of the D.J. Tucker Ltd Cup:
Heather Brinsley of Langley Close, Redcar.
Second Place:
Rebecca Ball of Broadway West, Redcar.
Third Place:
Elizabeth Williams of Victoria Avenue, Redcar.
All three received £5 vouchers for WH Smiths.
A packed Redcar High Street was the venue for the Council's Yorkshire celebrations on Saturday 29th July and there were lots of activities going on to suit all ages.
As part of this the Yorkshire Ridings Society (YRS) organised a, free to enter, Flat Cap Fling for the first time. It was won by teenager Heather Brinsley of Redcar.
David Tucker, Managing Director of D.J. Tucker Ltd, kindly sponsored the event with a nice cup for the winner.
We set up a stall in front of the Council's Event cabin and sold white roses, duck race entries and handed out leaflets. It also turned out to be a bit of a Councillors surgery as people wanted to raise Council issues with us.
I was delighted that the Mayor, Councillor Mary Ovens, came to help along with Glynis, our grandaughter Charlotte, who handed out leaflets, Councillor Val Miller and YRS Secretary Nancy Hudson.
Trying to get blokes to enter was like pulling teeth. In the end it was almost exclusively lasses who entered. With a light breeze behind them, and long waits for people to move out of the way, three local teenage girls competed for the first three places. The winners were as follows:
First Place and winner of the D.J. Tucker Ltd Cup:
Heather Brinsley of Langley Close, Redcar.
Second Place:
Rebecca Ball of Broadway West, Redcar.
Third Place:
Elizabeth Williams of Victoria Avenue, Redcar.
All three received £5 vouchers for WH Smiths.
Friday, 4 August 2006
Planning Application in for multi million pound Coatham Links development
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has received a planning application for the multi million pound Coatham Links development.The application will now be considered within the statutory planning framework.
As part of this process, the Council is currently embarking on a consultation exercise with a number of interested parties including, environmental, regeneration and sporting bodies as well as residents who live next to the site.
All residents and businesses have 21 days from the date of the consultation letter and site notice to comment on the scheme.
The planning application is available for inspection from Monday August 7, for four weeks at Belmont House in Guisborough during normal office hours and at Dawson House, Redcar between 10am and 7pm, Monday to Friday.
The documentation can also be found on the Council's website www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
Planning Officers will compile a report for the Council's Planning Committee detailing all material considerations, including those contained in relevant representations made to the Council.
This report will contain a recommendation to the Committee.
The Planning Committee will then decide whether it is minded to approve the application with appropriate conditions, in which case it will be referred to Government Office North East, or refuse the application. In the case of a refusal the applicant has right of appeal.
The Planning Committee meeting will be open to the public and representatives of both supporters and objectors will be allowed to address the Committee, as will Ward Councillors.
The date of the Committee meeting is yet to be agreed and will be publicised on the website once known.
Thursday, 3 August 2006
A Viking reads the Yorkshire Declaration of Integrity in Old Norse
Left to right: Cllr Dave Fitzpatrick, Eric Howden,
Radio Cleveland's Stewart MacFarlane, Cllr Madge Moses,
Cllr Margaret Wilson, Cllr Glynis Abbott and Daniel.
How Redcar plans to save the penguins
A mercy mission is being launched to ensure the preservation of one of Redcar's prized possessions as an invasion force prepare to take over their seafront habitat.
A specially-trained workforce has been organised to quietly approach the colony of penguins, who have been facing the South Pole since their arrival on the Esplanade at least ten years ago, lifting them all into purpose-built trailers for the journey to a place of safety.
Only once before has their space been invaded - when a cheeky thief took one that ended up outside one of the town's fishmongers - but with at least 1,000 visitors set to storm the beaches later this month, Redcar and Cleveland Council decided it had to act.
It is part of a busy period of preparation as the town readies itself for a transformation into 1940s Dunkirk for the filming of scenes for a movie blockbuster, the film version of Ian McEwan's bestselling novel, Atonement.
The stretch of the promenade from the town's Regent Cinema to the boating lake will become a film set, so the risk to those penguins was too great to take.
The Council's highways partner, Alfred McAlpine, has begun the four weeks of preparatory work, removing street furniture, including street lighting columns, signposts, flagpoles, benches, litter bins and, of course, those penguins.
The colony, installed by the Great British Bollard Company as part of the Esplanade's public art, will be transported to a secret location and kept under lock and key before their anticipated return next month, when the stretch of prom returns to the 21st century.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: "I'm told we're taking them off to a safe pool where we can feed them lots of fish and bring them back fat and happy."
A specially-trained workforce has been organised to quietly approach the colony of penguins, who have been facing the South Pole since their arrival on the Esplanade at least ten years ago, lifting them all into purpose-built trailers for the journey to a place of safety.
Only once before has their space been invaded - when a cheeky thief took one that ended up outside one of the town's fishmongers - but with at least 1,000 visitors set to storm the beaches later this month, Redcar and Cleveland Council decided it had to act.
It is part of a busy period of preparation as the town readies itself for a transformation into 1940s Dunkirk for the filming of scenes for a movie blockbuster, the film version of Ian McEwan's bestselling novel, Atonement.
The stretch of the promenade from the town's Regent Cinema to the boating lake will become a film set, so the risk to those penguins was too great to take.
The Council's highways partner, Alfred McAlpine, has begun the four weeks of preparatory work, removing street furniture, including street lighting columns, signposts, flagpoles, benches, litter bins and, of course, those penguins.
The colony, installed by the Great British Bollard Company as part of the Esplanade's public art, will be transported to a secret location and kept under lock and key before their anticipated return next month, when the stretch of prom returns to the 21st century.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: "I'm told we're taking them off to a safe pool where we can feed them lots of fish and bring them back fat and happy."
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