Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has today revealed that a small group of protestors acting against the proposed £88million housing and leisure development at Coatham Links in Redcar has cost the council taxpayers of the Borough approximately quarter of a million pounds in additional legal fees.
The financial information – made available through a routine Freedom of Information request – has shown that the programme of activity by protestors to delay the consideration of the scheme has increased legal costs by £243,941 over a four-year period.
These activities include a recent bid to register public rights of way across the proposed development area, a bid to delay the consideration of the development due to health and safety reasons and legal action to register the land as a village green. All these have been rejected when considered by the appropriate independent bodies.
Councillor Glyn Nightingale, Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources, said: “As a Council we take very seriously our commitment to being an open and honest organisation; we welcome any opportunity to provide information on how public money is being spent.
“Any proposal for a large development will cost a Council money – this is inevitable in the first stages of negotiation, consultation and planning. It is only sensible that we meet these costs. Firstly, it ensures we provide fair and open consultation on any proposals we receive; and, secondly, it encourages important new opportunities that investors and developers can bring to the area in potential new facilities, housing and businesses.
“However, as these figures highlight, we are increasingly concerned about the costs incurred through a small number of protestors’ false claims and sabotage techniques designed to delay the consideration of the current proposals for the Coatham Links. Legitimate protest is part of the democratic process.
“We have procedures in place to allow for this, but the tactics of a small number of protestors have achieved nothing except the waste of Council money on legal action, wasted officer time spent in responding to the protestors' alarmist and exaggerated claims – worse still is the number of deeply unpleasant personal attacks on Council staff.”
“We are committed to making Redcar and Cleveland a prosperous place for our residents to live, work and invest. We are also determined this proposal will receive a fair and open consideration at the forthcoming meeting of the planning committee. We hope protestors do not use this open, democratic process to create a platform for their own personal motives.”
The financial information shows in addition to legal costs in response to protestor activities, the Council has also spent approximately £44,640 per year (£178,560 in total over four years) in negotiation, consultation and standard legal costs. This is substantially less than the average cost to a local authority for a proposed development of this size.
The planning application, submitted by Persimmon Homes in August last year, will be considered at a special Planning Committee meeting, open to the public next month.
Friday, 16 March 2007
Plans will restore Coatham Boating Lake
Redcar and Cleveland Council is starting work on restoring Coatham boating lake to its former glory, including the creation of a shingle beach to an island for wading birds.
The project, a separate but complementary initiative to the proposed Coatham Links development, will install new seating, new footpaths, a new perimeter wall, improved planting scheme and night-time lighting.
The designs for the work, which do not need planning permission, have been drawn up after consultations with Natural England, to ensure the value of the lake for birds can be maintained and enhanced.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: "We believe this scheme is another example of how we are bucking the national trend by improving our seaside resorts, rather than see them go into decline.
"The overall aim of this work is to improve the quality of the public realm areas surrounding the lake, to increase public use of the space and restore the area to its former glory as a public space."
Material at the edges of the lake and island will provide wading birds with the habitat they require, while the beach will add interest to the island and provide opportunities for wading birds.
Councillor Fitzpatrick added: "We're delighted with the scheme and the addition of lighting to the area will ensure night-time interest and safety within the area."
*Council engineers are investigating the state of the boating lake's footbridge, with a view to organising repairs.
The project, a separate but complementary initiative to the proposed Coatham Links development, will install new seating, new footpaths, a new perimeter wall, improved planting scheme and night-time lighting.
The designs for the work, which do not need planning permission, have been drawn up after consultations with Natural England, to ensure the value of the lake for birds can be maintained and enhanced.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: "We believe this scheme is another example of how we are bucking the national trend by improving our seaside resorts, rather than see them go into decline.
"The overall aim of this work is to improve the quality of the public realm areas surrounding the lake, to increase public use of the space and restore the area to its former glory as a public space."
Material at the edges of the lake and island will provide wading birds with the habitat they require, while the beach will add interest to the island and provide opportunities for wading birds.
Councillor Fitzpatrick added: "We're delighted with the scheme and the addition of lighting to the area will ensure night-time interest and safety within the area."
*Council engineers are investigating the state of the boating lake's footbridge, with a view to organising repairs.
Wednesday, 14 March 2007
Is there no end to the twisted nonsense spouted by opponents of the Coatham Links development?
Posted by Chris:
The opponents of the superb Coatham Links proposed leisure and housing development seem to have two methods of working.
The first is to be highly selective in what they hear and to spin conspiracy theories around their selections.
The other is they simply make it up.
It was recently announced that the bowling alley is moving to the building where the bingo hall was going. This is because the Council and the developers Persimmon Homes had listened to the views of residents and businesses and had decided not to proceed with the bingo hall. Instead it was agreed that the bowling alley would be sited in the building that was to house the bingo hall and thereby freeing up space in the new leisure centre for a state of the art dance and performance area.
Because it was announced that there would be no bingo hall, in the twisted logic of one of the protesters, this means there will be no bowling alley as well.
It has been pointed out over and over again that there is no public funding for the provision of the extreme sports facilities that are planned on the site, and never has been. Again it is a leap of twisted logic for the protesters to claim that means there can be no extreme sports. The existing leaseholder for that part of the site is responsible for that part of the development not the Council or Persimmon Homes. The development agreement has a fall back position to cover what happens if leaseholder fails to deliver.
There is £120,000 set aside to CPO the site so extreme sports can be delivered. Again the protesters twist this simple position of "the current leaseholder will do it but if they fail we take over," into something sinister that 'proves' it will not happen.
It has always been the case that at the beach near South Gare we have agreed advisory signs asking people not to walk there during the nesting season. Again this perfectly reasonable position, that we have always been open about, is twisted in the objectors minds to mean all activities are banned on the beach throughout Coatham.
We have pointed out many times that the visitor centre will be provided in the later phases of the development and at this stage all the grant funding needed to provide the facility cannot be confirmed because the grant providers do not agree funding until all the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed. To twist this into "there will no visitor centre" is nonsense.
The opponents of the superb Coatham Links proposed leisure and housing development seem to have two methods of working.
The first is to be highly selective in what they hear and to spin conspiracy theories around their selections.
The other is they simply make it up.
It was recently announced that the bowling alley is moving to the building where the bingo hall was going. This is because the Council and the developers Persimmon Homes had listened to the views of residents and businesses and had decided not to proceed with the bingo hall. Instead it was agreed that the bowling alley would be sited in the building that was to house the bingo hall and thereby freeing up space in the new leisure centre for a state of the art dance and performance area.
Because it was announced that there would be no bingo hall, in the twisted logic of one of the protesters, this means there will be no bowling alley as well.
It has been pointed out over and over again that there is no public funding for the provision of the extreme sports facilities that are planned on the site, and never has been. Again it is a leap of twisted logic for the protesters to claim that means there can be no extreme sports. The existing leaseholder for that part of the site is responsible for that part of the development not the Council or Persimmon Homes. The development agreement has a fall back position to cover what happens if leaseholder fails to deliver.
There is £120,000 set aside to CPO the site so extreme sports can be delivered. Again the protesters twist this simple position of "the current leaseholder will do it but if they fail we take over," into something sinister that 'proves' it will not happen.
It has always been the case that at the beach near South Gare we have agreed advisory signs asking people not to walk there during the nesting season. Again this perfectly reasonable position, that we have always been open about, is twisted in the objectors minds to mean all activities are banned on the beach throughout Coatham.
We have pointed out many times that the visitor centre will be provided in the later phases of the development and at this stage all the grant funding needed to provide the facility cannot be confirmed because the grant providers do not agree funding until all the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed. To twist this into "there will no visitor centre" is nonsense.
The Coalition of Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and East Cleveland Independents that currently run the Council are determined that the Coatham Links scheme will be delivered in full and it is vital that we retain control in May because clearly it is the only way we can bring about the regeneration of Redcar.
You cannot argue with someone so besotted with conspiracy theories but we do try.
You cannot argue with someone so besotted with conspiracy theories but we do try.
Monday, 12 March 2007
Kerry and Neil share the care
When Kerry Lewis and Neil Young began dating, there was one extra caring commitment for them both to consider...
And just as their love has blossomed, with a May wedding on the horizon, so their relationship with 14-year-old John* has flourished through their dedication as carers.
Redcar and Cleveland Council is highlighting their partnership and John's progress to promote Share The Care Week, from March 19-March 25, hoping more people will be persuaded to follow the couple's shining example.
Kerry's links with John, who has special needs, dates back nine years. She remembers: "I was giving him one-to-one care at school then he needed care at home - so I took him, took my work home! And it went from there - I fell into it, then fell in love with him."
Neil, who works for the Council as a school sports co-ordinator, explained: "I fell into the role with dating Kerry - John came with that. It was hard at first, he was a bit jealous with a new person on the scene. But now we're best friends. It's different every day - he's fun, enjoyable, like having another brother rather than being a dad."
And Kerry agrees: "He's like my little kid brother. We have him several nights a month, it's still extremely challenging, but it's really rewarding and great to see how John has developed. It makes me really proud. How long will I do it? For as long as he needs me - forever."
The Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Social Well Being Councillor Valerie Halton said: "Kerry and Neil are marvellous examples of the sort of people we would welcome with open arms.
"Foster carers who join the Shared Care scheme provide not only a break for parents and siblings, but also a different environment that offers her or him different experiences of life, which can spread horizons and improve wellbeing."
Glynis Horner, the Shared Care scheme's social worker, explained: "We have eight shared care foster carers who offer respite care to a number of families and we are always looking to recruit new carers for whom we provide training and ongoing support."
Anyone interested can ring 01642 495910 for an informal chat.
*John is not his real name.
And just as their love has blossomed, with a May wedding on the horizon, so their relationship with 14-year-old John* has flourished through their dedication as carers.
Redcar and Cleveland Council is highlighting their partnership and John's progress to promote Share The Care Week, from March 19-March 25, hoping more people will be persuaded to follow the couple's shining example.
Kerry's links with John, who has special needs, dates back nine years. She remembers: "I was giving him one-to-one care at school then he needed care at home - so I took him, took my work home! And it went from there - I fell into it, then fell in love with him."
Neil, who works for the Council as a school sports co-ordinator, explained: "I fell into the role with dating Kerry - John came with that. It was hard at first, he was a bit jealous with a new person on the scene. But now we're best friends. It's different every day - he's fun, enjoyable, like having another brother rather than being a dad."
And Kerry agrees: "He's like my little kid brother. We have him several nights a month, it's still extremely challenging, but it's really rewarding and great to see how John has developed. It makes me really proud. How long will I do it? For as long as he needs me - forever."
The Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Social Well Being Councillor Valerie Halton said: "Kerry and Neil are marvellous examples of the sort of people we would welcome with open arms.
"Foster carers who join the Shared Care scheme provide not only a break for parents and siblings, but also a different environment that offers her or him different experiences of life, which can spread horizons and improve wellbeing."
Glynis Horner, the Shared Care scheme's social worker, explained: "We have eight shared care foster carers who offer respite care to a number of families and we are always looking to recruit new carers for whom we provide training and ongoing support."
Anyone interested can ring 01642 495910 for an informal chat.
*John is not his real name.
Community Achievement Award winners announced
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Mayor, Councillor Mary Ovens, is holding a civic reception for the latest winners of the annual Mayor's Community Achievement Awards on Wednesday, March 14.
Councillors have nominated 15 individuals and groups from across the Borough for the awards in recognition of their voluntary work.
The ceremony is being held in the Mayors Parlour at 7pm.
Councillor Ovens said: "The work these people do is simply fantastic and I'm delighted to be able to officially give them the recognition they deserve".
The full list is:
# Carol Anderson & Sue Franks: Are guide leaders of the Marske and New Marske Girl Guides. This nomination is fully supported by past and present members of the movement and especially parents, who appreciate their devotion to the care and development of their children.
# Wendy Arundale of Teesville: Puts much of her own time and effort into helping all areas of the community and arranges fundraising activities for many charity groups raising lots of money.
# Brotton Village Hall Committee: This group of local people have improved the hall by refurbishing the toilets and kitchen area, as well as fundraising to keep the important community facility from closing.
# Barbara Brown & Carol Waller: Are part of a group of volunteers helping to raise funds for the Parish of Kirkleatham, via the Church Charity Shop in Roseberry Square, Redcar. This award is for the group's many years of service to their local community.
# Geoff Frewin: Currently the District Commissioner for Redcar and Eston Scout District, he continues to contribute to the grass roots of youth community work, running cub packs and scout troops that would otherwise close because of a shortage of volunteers in the area.
# Susan Jacklin: Is a countryside warden volunteer at Guisborough Forest and Walkway, she gives her time freely at Christmas and events organised throughout the year, going above and beyond the call of duty.
# Lazenby Environmental Group (LEG): This group formed in 1990 and meets every couple of months with representatives from all the companies on the Wilton International Site, leading to an excellent working relationship between the village and their industrial neighbours, ensuring any environmental problems are dealt with.
# Lingdale Lift-Off: In little more than a year this group has done much to improve the village. They help keep it tidy and brighten it with flowers and Christmas Lights. They have worked to build community spirit, optimism and self-help, as well as pride in Lingdale.
# The Loftus Community Forum: Is a shining example of community involvement. They draw in thousands of pounds in outside funding helping Loftus improve as a whole, making the town a better place with their help, support and commitment.
# Peter Brian Maidens and Joy Simpson: Have worked over many years giving their time to community projects in Saltburn, including the annual In-Bloom competitions and Christmas Lights as well as other community events.
# The Marske Leisure Centre Committee: Took over running the centre in 1984 and the community of Marske is indebted to them for their time, effort and commitment in keeping the centre going for the benefit of the people of Marske.
# The North Skelton Belles: Have for many years organised flowers and Christmas decorations for the village on an annual basis and through fundraising and getting involved in local events they are an asset to their local community.
# The Friends of Redcar Cemetery: This group’s efforts have enabled partnership working and funding to be found for the restoration of the entrance gates and new fencing. Other work they do includes general tidying up, litter picking, bulb planting and bird boxes. The meet regularly and produce a quarter newsletter.
# George Rowden: This 77 year old has every day for the last four years, including Christmas Day, visited Zetland Park and cleaned up all the litter and bagged it for collection, he maintains the park to a high degree and all the park users and the Friends Group much appreciate his efforts.
# The Friends of Zetland Park: This group works hard in fundraising and obtaining grants and forming partnerships to improve the appearance and increase the usage of the park.
Councillors have nominated 15 individuals and groups from across the Borough for the awards in recognition of their voluntary work.
The ceremony is being held in the Mayors Parlour at 7pm.
Councillor Ovens said: "The work these people do is simply fantastic and I'm delighted to be able to officially give them the recognition they deserve".
The full list is:
# Carol Anderson & Sue Franks: Are guide leaders of the Marske and New Marske Girl Guides. This nomination is fully supported by past and present members of the movement and especially parents, who appreciate their devotion to the care and development of their children.
# Wendy Arundale of Teesville: Puts much of her own time and effort into helping all areas of the community and arranges fundraising activities for many charity groups raising lots of money.
# Brotton Village Hall Committee: This group of local people have improved the hall by refurbishing the toilets and kitchen area, as well as fundraising to keep the important community facility from closing.
# Barbara Brown & Carol Waller: Are part of a group of volunteers helping to raise funds for the Parish of Kirkleatham, via the Church Charity Shop in Roseberry Square, Redcar. This award is for the group's many years of service to their local community.
# Geoff Frewin: Currently the District Commissioner for Redcar and Eston Scout District, he continues to contribute to the grass roots of youth community work, running cub packs and scout troops that would otherwise close because of a shortage of volunteers in the area.
# Susan Jacklin: Is a countryside warden volunteer at Guisborough Forest and Walkway, she gives her time freely at Christmas and events organised throughout the year, going above and beyond the call of duty.
# Lazenby Environmental Group (LEG): This group formed in 1990 and meets every couple of months with representatives from all the companies on the Wilton International Site, leading to an excellent working relationship between the village and their industrial neighbours, ensuring any environmental problems are dealt with.
# Lingdale Lift-Off: In little more than a year this group has done much to improve the village. They help keep it tidy and brighten it with flowers and Christmas Lights. They have worked to build community spirit, optimism and self-help, as well as pride in Lingdale.
# The Loftus Community Forum: Is a shining example of community involvement. They draw in thousands of pounds in outside funding helping Loftus improve as a whole, making the town a better place with their help, support and commitment.
# Peter Brian Maidens and Joy Simpson: Have worked over many years giving their time to community projects in Saltburn, including the annual In-Bloom competitions and Christmas Lights as well as other community events.
# The Marske Leisure Centre Committee: Took over running the centre in 1984 and the community of Marske is indebted to them for their time, effort and commitment in keeping the centre going for the benefit of the people of Marske.
# The North Skelton Belles: Have for many years organised flowers and Christmas decorations for the village on an annual basis and through fundraising and getting involved in local events they are an asset to their local community.
# The Friends of Redcar Cemetery: This group’s efforts have enabled partnership working and funding to be found for the restoration of the entrance gates and new fencing. Other work they do includes general tidying up, litter picking, bulb planting and bird boxes. The meet regularly and produce a quarter newsletter.
# George Rowden: This 77 year old has every day for the last four years, including Christmas Day, visited Zetland Park and cleaned up all the litter and bagged it for collection, he maintains the park to a high degree and all the park users and the Friends Group much appreciate his efforts.
# The Friends of Zetland Park: This group works hard in fundraising and obtaining grants and forming partnerships to improve the appearance and increase the usage of the park.
Thursday, 8 March 2007
Attempt to block Coatham Links development fails
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, acting as Highway Authority, has today been successful in its application under section 116 of the Highways Act 1980 to ‘stop-up’ certain footpaths on the land known as the Coatham Enclosure, Redcar.
Teesside Magistrates ruled that the specified footpaths are unnecessary as there are other routes that are equally as convenient for public rights of way for the purposes of either work or leisure.
The remaining public rights of way on the land at Coatham Enclosure, which provide access to and from the land, will continue to be waymarked and maintained as public rights of way, whilst those now deemed unnecessary will no longer continue to be maintained as public rights of way.
The Council, as Highways Authority, is responsible for the maintenance and promotion of public rights of way and recognises the importance of maintaining public access throughout the Borough – more information on public rights of way throughout the Redcar and Cleveland Borough are available on the Council's website at
www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
An attempt by a single protester to oppose the application failed. If it had succeeded the much needed multi-million pound Coatham Links leisure and housing development, which will provide Redcar with two swimming pools and other major lesiure facilities, would have been put in real jeopardy.
Teesside Magistrates ruled that the specified footpaths are unnecessary as there are other routes that are equally as convenient for public rights of way for the purposes of either work or leisure.
The remaining public rights of way on the land at Coatham Enclosure, which provide access to and from the land, will continue to be waymarked and maintained as public rights of way, whilst those now deemed unnecessary will no longer continue to be maintained as public rights of way.
The Council, as Highways Authority, is responsible for the maintenance and promotion of public rights of way and recognises the importance of maintaining public access throughout the Borough – more information on public rights of way throughout the Redcar and Cleveland Borough are available on the Council's website at
www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
An attempt by a single protester to oppose the application failed. If it had succeeded the much needed multi-million pound Coatham Links leisure and housing development, which will provide Redcar with two swimming pools and other major lesiure facilities, would have been put in real jeopardy.
Coalition Council plans to restore Marske Valley Gardens
Hundreds of residents in Marske are getting the chance to have their say in restoring the town's Valley Gardens to their former glories in a £200,000 investment scheme.
Groundwork South Tees, working in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland Council, begin door-to-door interviews at over 400 homes from the end of this month.
The Gardens, originally created to form a link between the beach and the town centre, were constructed in the 1930s, and now one of the main jobs will be to repair the 'vicar's trod' the main path originally used by the vicar and the monks to cross the Valley to St Germain's churchyard.
Other works are set to include improvements to the footpaths and boundaries as well as the reinstatement of some of the Gardens' original features.
The Friends of the Marske Valley Gardens, formed in August last year, are delighted at the initiative. Chairman Susannah Henderson said: "We are a new group who want to see the Valley Gardens restored and we are sure the people of Marske would like the chance to be involved."
Ian Moran, a community project officer for Groundwork South Tees, explained: "We are committed to a wide-ranging public consultation, starting with a blank canvas.
"We are aiming to have sketch proposals drawn up by May and then we will return to the homes to see if they're in agreement. Work is programmed to start in November and take two months."
The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: "We would be delighted to hear the views of local people. It's a wonderful opportunity for the public to get what they want - and can only open access to the Gardens and encourage tourism."
Groundwork South Tees, working in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland Council, begin door-to-door interviews at over 400 homes from the end of this month.
The Gardens, originally created to form a link between the beach and the town centre, were constructed in the 1930s, and now one of the main jobs will be to repair the 'vicar's trod' the main path originally used by the vicar and the monks to cross the Valley to St Germain's churchyard.
Other works are set to include improvements to the footpaths and boundaries as well as the reinstatement of some of the Gardens' original features.
The Friends of the Marske Valley Gardens, formed in August last year, are delighted at the initiative. Chairman Susannah Henderson said: "We are a new group who want to see the Valley Gardens restored and we are sure the people of Marske would like the chance to be involved."
Ian Moran, a community project officer for Groundwork South Tees, explained: "We are committed to a wide-ranging public consultation, starting with a blank canvas.
"We are aiming to have sketch proposals drawn up by May and then we will return to the homes to see if they're in agreement. Work is programmed to start in November and take two months."
The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: "We would be delighted to hear the views of local people. It's a wonderful opportunity for the public to get what they want - and can only open access to the Gardens and encourage tourism."
Tuesday, 6 March 2007
Locke Park ready for £300,000 facelift
Redcar's Locke Park is ready for a £300,000 investment to include a new pavilion and better footpath links as part of a Borough-wide environmental improvement programme.
The facelift also includes refurbishment of perimeter fencing and two park shelters and the installation of new front gates along with de-silting the lake and work to improve the surface of the tennis courts.
Redcar and Cleveland Council and the Friends of Locke Park is using funding from the Government's Neighbourhood Renewal Fund allocation to deliver recommendations from the park's Conservation and Management Plan.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: "The investment in the park is part of a much bigger commitment to ensuring we provide good facilities to create safer, strong communities across the Borough.
"We also want to encourage greater numbers of our residents and visitors to Redcar to use our green spaces to support a healthy lifestyle for themselves
"There will be other improvements to sites across the Borough, including the Valley Gardens at both Saltburn and Marske, the Coronation Park at Loftus and the Eston Recreation Ground."
For the Friends of Locke Park, the investment will be compensation for the failed bid for Heritage Lottery funding in 2005. Friends chairman Ann Best said: "We were so disappointed when we didn't get the Lottery funding, but we're over the moon now, it's absolutely super.
"The work on the paths will certainly make it a lot safer and we're already planning to see if we can get more funding to add some new children's play equipment."
The new pavilion will be for community use, including a meeting room for the Friends, disabled toilets, storeroom and a kitchen, replacing the tennis pavilion, the victim of an arson attack last year.
The perimeter path around the lake and the three main entrance paths that point the way to the Coatham Parish Church spire will be restored to their original red colour.
The Friends are now planning for their annual Gala Day in the park on Saturday, July 14, from 11am-4pm and would welcome new members. Anyone interested can contact Friends secretary Carolyn Farrance on 01642 484487 or attend the group's annual meeting on Thursday, May 17 in the Redcar Station Business Centre at 5.30pm.
The facelift also includes refurbishment of perimeter fencing and two park shelters and the installation of new front gates along with de-silting the lake and work to improve the surface of the tennis courts.
Redcar and Cleveland Council and the Friends of Locke Park is using funding from the Government's Neighbourhood Renewal Fund allocation to deliver recommendations from the park's Conservation and Management Plan.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: "The investment in the park is part of a much bigger commitment to ensuring we provide good facilities to create safer, strong communities across the Borough.
"We also want to encourage greater numbers of our residents and visitors to Redcar to use our green spaces to support a healthy lifestyle for themselves
"There will be other improvements to sites across the Borough, including the Valley Gardens at both Saltburn and Marske, the Coronation Park at Loftus and the Eston Recreation Ground."
For the Friends of Locke Park, the investment will be compensation for the failed bid for Heritage Lottery funding in 2005. Friends chairman Ann Best said: "We were so disappointed when we didn't get the Lottery funding, but we're over the moon now, it's absolutely super.
"The work on the paths will certainly make it a lot safer and we're already planning to see if we can get more funding to add some new children's play equipment."
The new pavilion will be for community use, including a meeting room for the Friends, disabled toilets, storeroom and a kitchen, replacing the tennis pavilion, the victim of an arson attack last year.
The perimeter path around the lake and the three main entrance paths that point the way to the Coatham Parish Church spire will be restored to their original red colour.
The Friends are now planning for their annual Gala Day in the park on Saturday, July 14, from 11am-4pm and would welcome new members. Anyone interested can contact Friends secretary Carolyn Farrance on 01642 484487 or attend the group's annual meeting on Thursday, May 17 in the Redcar Station Business Centre at 5.30pm.
Thursday, 1 March 2007
Council demands a fair allocation of development support
Posted by Chris:
The nonsense in today's edition of the Evening Gazette criticising our withdrawal of funding from Tees Valley Regeneration needs proper explanation:
We have agreed not to pay £50,000 towards the costs of two project officers.
We have already paid out a quarter of a million pounds to this organisation over the past four years and they have not promoted a single project in our Borough. The organisation is concentrating its efforts in the area between Middlesbrough and Stockton. They refused to support Coatham Links but expect us to back Middlehaven, which we are happy to do, but they must treat us equally and there is a view amongst our officers and members that this is not happening.
We have not pulled out of the organisation but have fired a warning shot that we are not prepared to continue being ignored and that we demand investment in our Borough.
We have today fiercely defended our position in what was one of the best debates the Council has had for a long time. We took advice from our officers and I hope that our points will be put across when the Gazette reports on the debate.
It has absolutely nothing to do with our promotion of the area as part of Yorkshire, as the opposition are claiming. We have to work with the Tees Valley organisations and the North East for economic development and strategic planning purposes and do so willingly, but we are not prepared to waste public money funding staff who are doing nothing for our area.
Councillor Glyn Nightingale is leading on this for the Coalition.
The nonsense in today's edition of the Evening Gazette criticising our withdrawal of funding from Tees Valley Regeneration needs proper explanation:
We have agreed not to pay £50,000 towards the costs of two project officers.
We have already paid out a quarter of a million pounds to this organisation over the past four years and they have not promoted a single project in our Borough. The organisation is concentrating its efforts in the area between Middlesbrough and Stockton. They refused to support Coatham Links but expect us to back Middlehaven, which we are happy to do, but they must treat us equally and there is a view amongst our officers and members that this is not happening.
We have not pulled out of the organisation but have fired a warning shot that we are not prepared to continue being ignored and that we demand investment in our Borough.
We have today fiercely defended our position in what was one of the best debates the Council has had for a long time. We took advice from our officers and I hope that our points will be put across when the Gazette reports on the debate.
It has absolutely nothing to do with our promotion of the area as part of Yorkshire, as the opposition are claiming. We have to work with the Tees Valley organisations and the North East for economic development and strategic planning purposes and do so willingly, but we are not prepared to waste public money funding staff who are doing nothing for our area.
Councillor Glyn Nightingale is leading on this for the Coalition.
Redcar & Cleveland Council to host County celebrations in 2008
Posted by Chris:
Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council is to host the Yorkshire Society's Yorkshire Day Celebrations on 1st August 2008. A motion was passed at today's meeting of the Full Council and only the Labour councillors voted against it.
We will be setting up a steering group to begin preparations as soon as possible.
The Council had received an invitation from the Yorkshire Society to host the celebrations. I should add that this is a completely separate organisation from the Yorkshire Ridings Society, which I currently chair.
The Yorkshire Society was formed in 1980 and has held this event in a different town each year since about 1984.
This, in my opinion, is a wonderful opportunity for our Borough and especially for whoever will be our Mayor in 2008. Around 250 Civic heads/dignitaries and Yorkshire Society members attend a Church Service of Celebration for Yorkshire (the historic County) and a formal Banquet, including a civic procession (in full colourful regalia) to Church and to the Banqueting Hall. The Civic guest list is prepared and passed from one host to the next, and updated as necessary on an annual basis. Of the 250 in attendance around 30 or 40 are Society members.
The hosting Council selects a guest of honour and speaker at the luncheon, and the Mayor usually makes a welcome speech.
The cost of the event is met by the hosting Council, which I understand from previous hosts can be defrayed by means of sponsorship from local/regional businesses. The luncheon is again covered by a ticket price for those in attendance.
The event is being held in Hull this year and last year it was held in Penistone.
Our event does not necessarily have to be held in Redcar. It could be Guisborough or Saltburn or Eston and we could perhaps let each town bid for the event.
Where ever it is held the event and the celebration gives the Council a fantastic opportunity to promote itself, our community and our region across the County and beyond.
Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council is to host the Yorkshire Society's Yorkshire Day Celebrations on 1st August 2008. A motion was passed at today's meeting of the Full Council and only the Labour councillors voted against it.
We will be setting up a steering group to begin preparations as soon as possible.
The Council had received an invitation from the Yorkshire Society to host the celebrations. I should add that this is a completely separate organisation from the Yorkshire Ridings Society, which I currently chair.
The Yorkshire Society was formed in 1980 and has held this event in a different town each year since about 1984.
This, in my opinion, is a wonderful opportunity for our Borough and especially for whoever will be our Mayor in 2008. Around 250 Civic heads/dignitaries and Yorkshire Society members attend a Church Service of Celebration for Yorkshire (the historic County) and a formal Banquet, including a civic procession (in full colourful regalia) to Church and to the Banqueting Hall. The Civic guest list is prepared and passed from one host to the next, and updated as necessary on an annual basis. Of the 250 in attendance around 30 or 40 are Society members.
The hosting Council selects a guest of honour and speaker at the luncheon, and the Mayor usually makes a welcome speech.
The cost of the event is met by the hosting Council, which I understand from previous hosts can be defrayed by means of sponsorship from local/regional businesses. The luncheon is again covered by a ticket price for those in attendance.
The event is being held in Hull this year and last year it was held in Penistone.
Our event does not necessarily have to be held in Redcar. It could be Guisborough or Saltburn or Eston and we could perhaps let each town bid for the event.
Where ever it is held the event and the celebration gives the Council a fantastic opportunity to promote itself, our community and our region across the County and beyond.
Mayor plans fund raisers
Redcar and Cleveland Council's Mayor Councillor Mary Ovens is planning two major fund-raisers for her civic charities, the Marie Curie Cancer Care and the young people's Redcar support base, The Junction.
There will be a concert featuring the Marske Fishermen's Choir and the talented youth choir, the Topline Community Arts Project, on Friday, March 30, in Redcar's Christ Church, Coatham Road, starting at 7pm. Tickets are £3.
The annual Mayor's Charity Ball is at Gisborough Hall on Thursday, April 26 from 7pm. Tickets are £35 which includes a reception drink,three-course meal with wine and live entertainment. There will also be a raffle/tombola and auction.
There will be a concert featuring the Marske Fishermen's Choir and the talented youth choir, the Topline Community Arts Project, on Friday, March 30, in Redcar's Christ Church, Coatham Road, starting at 7pm. Tickets are £3.
The annual Mayor's Charity Ball is at Gisborough Hall on Thursday, April 26 from 7pm. Tickets are £35 which includes a reception drink,three-course meal with wine and live entertainment. There will also be a raffle/tombola and auction.
Tuesday, 27 February 2007
TWELVE new Community Wardens to be recruited
Redcar and Cleveland Council today announced plans to begin a recruiting drive which will add another 12 community safety wardens to its successful borough-wide service, bringing the number of wardens to 35 by April 1.
The increase in personnel will help the service, which currently operates from the Borough's six police stations on a seven-day shift pattern, widen its targets of tackling antisocial behaviour and enviro crime.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Community Safety Councillor Joyce Benbow said: "We are absolutely delighted to be in a position to extend the service.
"We hope that, along with the increased numbers of Police Community Safety Officers, we can show a far greater uniformed presence on the streets, working in partnership with the Police and other agencies as part of the Neighbourhood Policing approach."
Councillor Benbow explained: "We had intended to increase numbers in the current financial year, but haven't been able to because of budget pressures. Those pressures have now been reduced with so we are in a position to recruit new wardens.
"We are looking for men and women who are good communicators, can use their initiative in all sorts of situations and will try to instil a real sense of pride, encouraging the community to improve the quality of everyone's lives."
The service, which was launched in 2000, will see some wardens allocated to the existing teams, bolstering numbers in each of the Council's six areas and the rest will form a dedicated team to deal with specific 'hot spot' areas where enviro-crime is prevalent and to assist in the implementation of the new smoke-free legislation.
Councillor Benbow said: "This expansion of our already much-improved warden service, following the review of hours in 2005, shows that our commitment to a cleaner, greener, safer Borough is as strong as ever.
"We believe that the extra staff will allow us to provide a more focused service and give support in dealing with any matters arising from the implementation of the smoke-free legislation coming into force on July 1."
The increase in personnel will help the service, which currently operates from the Borough's six police stations on a seven-day shift pattern, widen its targets of tackling antisocial behaviour and enviro crime.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Community Safety Councillor Joyce Benbow said: "We are absolutely delighted to be in a position to extend the service.
"We hope that, along with the increased numbers of Police Community Safety Officers, we can show a far greater uniformed presence on the streets, working in partnership with the Police and other agencies as part of the Neighbourhood Policing approach."
Councillor Benbow explained: "We had intended to increase numbers in the current financial year, but haven't been able to because of budget pressures. Those pressures have now been reduced with so we are in a position to recruit new wardens.
"We are looking for men and women who are good communicators, can use their initiative in all sorts of situations and will try to instil a real sense of pride, encouraging the community to improve the quality of everyone's lives."
The service, which was launched in 2000, will see some wardens allocated to the existing teams, bolstering numbers in each of the Council's six areas and the rest will form a dedicated team to deal with specific 'hot spot' areas where enviro-crime is prevalent and to assist in the implementation of the new smoke-free legislation.
Councillor Benbow said: "This expansion of our already much-improved warden service, following the review of hours in 2005, shows that our commitment to a cleaner, greener, safer Borough is as strong as ever.
"We believe that the extra staff will allow us to provide a more focused service and give support in dealing with any matters arising from the implementation of the smoke-free legislation coming into force on July 1."
Thursday, 22 February 2007
Redcar & Cleveland Council maintains position as a top performing Council
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has maintained the highest overall performance rating for a Council with an Audit Commission assessment of ‘four stars’ and is judged to have plans in place to continue ‘improving well’.
The Assessment, which took place at the end of last year, looked at how each of the Council’s main services are performing, how well the Council is being managed, how it manages its finances and achieves value for money, as well as what progress the Council has made over the past year and the plans it has in place for the future.
Cllr Eric Empson, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s Cabinet Chairman, said: “This is a significant achievement which should be celebrated by residents, partner organisations and staff alike.
“The Audit Commission’s assessment of the Council as a four-star organisation is real evidence of the sustained and continuous effort by staff and partners throughout the Borough to improve services for the benefit of local residents and businesses.
“What is really gratifying is that despite the growing demands against the budget and the increasingly challenging criteria of ‘The Harder Test’, we have maintained our status as one of the top-performing Councils in the country. We would like to thank residents, partner organisations and staff who helped us to achieve this excellent result.”
The Commission singled out a number of achievements for particular praise:
- Good performance levels have been sustained and services are improving in areas prioritised by local people, including increasing employment.
- Early Years provision is good and performance by 11 year olds continues on an upward trend.
- Adult social care services help more people to live at home and benefits claimants are dealt with more accurately and promptly.
- Rapid progress is being made in improving local housing services.
- Environmental performance is strong with targets for waste and recycling significantly exceeded.
- Libraries perform well against national standards.
- More people access services through the contact centre, one-stop shops and Libraries.
- The Council engages well with young people and progress has been made in delivering equality in service provision.
- Support services have been brought back in-house during 2006 and a
Council-wide project is underway to deliver improvements at lower cost.
- Value for money is good and statutory plans are robust.
- Improvements to performance and financial management offer a sound basis for continued improvement.
Cllr Glyn Nightingale, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources, said: “What has been accomplished in the past year is tremendous. However, as a Council, we are determined to continue to improve and respond to residents’ priorities.
“We, along with our partners, will build on recent work to tackle the challenges of crime and anti-social behaviour and we are exploring how we can further address health improvement, social care and the quality of our local environment.
“Our work in these areas, alongside significantly increased investment in education and the creation of future employment opportunities, means that we are looking forward to the future with renewed confidence.”
The Assessment, which took place at the end of last year, looked at how each of the Council’s main services are performing, how well the Council is being managed, how it manages its finances and achieves value for money, as well as what progress the Council has made over the past year and the plans it has in place for the future.
Cllr Eric Empson, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s Cabinet Chairman, said: “This is a significant achievement which should be celebrated by residents, partner organisations and staff alike.
“The Audit Commission’s assessment of the Council as a four-star organisation is real evidence of the sustained and continuous effort by staff and partners throughout the Borough to improve services for the benefit of local residents and businesses.
“What is really gratifying is that despite the growing demands against the budget and the increasingly challenging criteria of ‘The Harder Test’, we have maintained our status as one of the top-performing Councils in the country. We would like to thank residents, partner organisations and staff who helped us to achieve this excellent result.”
The Commission singled out a number of achievements for particular praise:
- Good performance levels have been sustained and services are improving in areas prioritised by local people, including increasing employment.
- Early Years provision is good and performance by 11 year olds continues on an upward trend.
- Adult social care services help more people to live at home and benefits claimants are dealt with more accurately and promptly.
- Rapid progress is being made in improving local housing services.
- Environmental performance is strong with targets for waste and recycling significantly exceeded.
- Libraries perform well against national standards.
- More people access services through the contact centre, one-stop shops and Libraries.
- The Council engages well with young people and progress has been made in delivering equality in service provision.
- Support services have been brought back in-house during 2006 and a
Council-wide project is underway to deliver improvements at lower cost.
- Value for money is good and statutory plans are robust.
- Improvements to performance and financial management offer a sound basis for continued improvement.
Cllr Glyn Nightingale, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources, said: “What has been accomplished in the past year is tremendous. However, as a Council, we are determined to continue to improve and respond to residents’ priorities.
“We, along with our partners, will build on recent work to tackle the challenges of crime and anti-social behaviour and we are exploring how we can further address health improvement, social care and the quality of our local environment.
“Our work in these areas, alongside significantly increased investment in education and the creation of future employment opportunities, means that we are looking forward to the future with renewed confidence.”
Wednesday, 21 February 2007
Council issues warning to litter louts
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has issued a warning for littering and dog fouling following the prosecution of over 100 people in the past 12 months.
The most recent prosecutions, involving three women and four men, for littering and failing to remove dog faeces, received a total of £460 fines and £680 costs at Teesside Magistrates Court on Wednesday 14th February 2007.
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Protection, Councillor Joyce Benbow, said: “We are determined to prosecute anyone who doesn’t pay a fixed penalty notice issued to them. We do not forget and we will not ignore.
“If your case is taken to court and proven, then the fine and the court costs can be substantially more than the initial cost of accepting a fixed penalty notice.
“Our wardens do a fantastic job, sometimes in very difficult circumstances, to help maintain a pleasant environment and, in doing so, make a vital contribution in helping to make our Borough a cleaner, safer place to live.”
The Council’s Community Safety Wardens have issued 294 £50 fixed penalty notices for littering and dog fouling in the past 12 months.
A fixed penalty notice will not be issued in every instance and individuals do not have to accept the notice, however, the Council will, where appropriate, take individuals to court who fail to pay the fine within 14 days after they have accepted one. Should a fine not be accepted the matter will be taken to court.
It is an offence for people to refuse to give a Community Safety Warden their name and address when witnessed acting in an anti-social manner, littering or refusing to clear up dog fouling.
Wardens powers include enforce littering and dog fouling laws, carrying out patrols on foot, in vehicles and on cycles across communities and in hotspot areas, dealing with abandoned and dangerous vehicles, visiting vulnerable residents of the community, advising residents on anti-social behaviour and liaising with the Police.
The Council has six teams of warden patrolling the Borough. Their hours of patrol are normally 1pm till five minutes past midnight, 7 days a week.
The most recent prosecutions, involving three women and four men, for littering and failing to remove dog faeces, received a total of £460 fines and £680 costs at Teesside Magistrates Court on Wednesday 14th February 2007.
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Protection, Councillor Joyce Benbow, said: “We are determined to prosecute anyone who doesn’t pay a fixed penalty notice issued to them. We do not forget and we will not ignore.
“If your case is taken to court and proven, then the fine and the court costs can be substantially more than the initial cost of accepting a fixed penalty notice.
“Our wardens do a fantastic job, sometimes in very difficult circumstances, to help maintain a pleasant environment and, in doing so, make a vital contribution in helping to make our Borough a cleaner, safer place to live.”
The Council’s Community Safety Wardens have issued 294 £50 fixed penalty notices for littering and dog fouling in the past 12 months.
A fixed penalty notice will not be issued in every instance and individuals do not have to accept the notice, however, the Council will, where appropriate, take individuals to court who fail to pay the fine within 14 days after they have accepted one. Should a fine not be accepted the matter will be taken to court.
It is an offence for people to refuse to give a Community Safety Warden their name and address when witnessed acting in an anti-social manner, littering or refusing to clear up dog fouling.
Wardens powers include enforce littering and dog fouling laws, carrying out patrols on foot, in vehicles and on cycles across communities and in hotspot areas, dealing with abandoned and dangerous vehicles, visiting vulnerable residents of the community, advising residents on anti-social behaviour and liaising with the Police.
The Council has six teams of warden patrolling the Borough. Their hours of patrol are normally 1pm till five minutes past midnight, 7 days a week.
Tuesday, 20 February 2007
BALLROOM DANCING TO FIND A NEW HOME AT COATHAM LINKS
Persimmon Homes have issued the following press release:
Persimmon Homes has announced a number of positive changes to the planning application for the proposed Coatham Links development in Redcar, with renewed plans submitted to incorporate a large new dance floor performance space within the leisure centre of the landmark £88m scheme.
The updated application details plans to create a state of the art dance floor and performance space to be housed alongside the further proposed facilities at Coatham Links leisure centre. The changes will now create a 30m by 20m dance floor, with adjacent viewing and entertainment facilities, creating an exciting new performance space for the hundreds of dance enthusiasts within Redcar.
The proposed leisure facilities at Coatham Links are at the heart of the new £88m Coatham Links scheme and will be recognised as the gateway to a variety of sporting and leisure facilities, from the extreme to the sedate. For the first time, residents will be able to enjoy a first-class water-based leisure facility boasting a six-lane swimming pool, separate leisure pool, bowling alley and new dance floor performance space.
Changes to the planning application submitted by Persimmon Homes in August 2007 have been made following liaison with both the local business community and Redcar residents. The further changes enable the delivery of the new dance floor right at the start of the development, ensuring that the consequential relocation of the bowling alley to replace the bingo hall addresses fully the concerns of local businesses.
Further changes to the plans include a new home for the planned bowling alley, which has now been moved into a different section of the leisure centre.
Joan Martin, who runs the Martin Grove School of Dance and Fitness in Redcar is looking forward to utilising the new space to showcase the dancing abilities of her many students throughout the area. Joan said:
“Redcar has a long dance tradition and I am pleased to see that the plans for Coatham Links now include a dance space as part of the leisure centre, ensuring that the local dance community will benefit from a new performance space as part of the first development phase.
“A well sized dance floor at Coatham Links will help cater for the growing numbers of people becoming interested in dancing, and in particular ballroom dancing, and guarantee that the talented people of the area will have the performance space they deserve to show their skills on the dance floor to new audiences.”
The amended plans have now been submitted to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for review, with a decision on the overall planning application for the Coatham Links scheme expected prior to Easter 2007.
Peter Jordan, Persimmon Homes Regional Projects Director said, “The planning application for Coatham Links has now been altered and re-submitted as a result of what the team felt to be required changes relating to the inclusion of the dance floor space.
“Redcar has a long dancing tradition and it was felt that providing this important facility from the outset is a positive move for the benefit of the whole community. It demonstrates that we are listening and adapting our plans to take on board the concerns of residents and businesses.
“With a development of this scale it is normal that changes are made during the planning procedure and this is precisely what has occurred at Coatham Links. We are confident that the scheme now fully represents the needs and aspirations of local and future residents and look forward to putting the plans into action to create what will be one of the region’s most pioneering development projects.”
Persimmon Homes has announced a number of positive changes to the planning application for the proposed Coatham Links development in Redcar, with renewed plans submitted to incorporate a large new dance floor performance space within the leisure centre of the landmark £88m scheme.
The updated application details plans to create a state of the art dance floor and performance space to be housed alongside the further proposed facilities at Coatham Links leisure centre. The changes will now create a 30m by 20m dance floor, with adjacent viewing and entertainment facilities, creating an exciting new performance space for the hundreds of dance enthusiasts within Redcar.
The proposed leisure facilities at Coatham Links are at the heart of the new £88m Coatham Links scheme and will be recognised as the gateway to a variety of sporting and leisure facilities, from the extreme to the sedate. For the first time, residents will be able to enjoy a first-class water-based leisure facility boasting a six-lane swimming pool, separate leisure pool, bowling alley and new dance floor performance space.
Changes to the planning application submitted by Persimmon Homes in August 2007 have been made following liaison with both the local business community and Redcar residents. The further changes enable the delivery of the new dance floor right at the start of the development, ensuring that the consequential relocation of the bowling alley to replace the bingo hall addresses fully the concerns of local businesses.
Further changes to the plans include a new home for the planned bowling alley, which has now been moved into a different section of the leisure centre.
Joan Martin, who runs the Martin Grove School of Dance and Fitness in Redcar is looking forward to utilising the new space to showcase the dancing abilities of her many students throughout the area. Joan said:
“Redcar has a long dance tradition and I am pleased to see that the plans for Coatham Links now include a dance space as part of the leisure centre, ensuring that the local dance community will benefit from a new performance space as part of the first development phase.
“A well sized dance floor at Coatham Links will help cater for the growing numbers of people becoming interested in dancing, and in particular ballroom dancing, and guarantee that the talented people of the area will have the performance space they deserve to show their skills on the dance floor to new audiences.”
The amended plans have now been submitted to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for review, with a decision on the overall planning application for the Coatham Links scheme expected prior to Easter 2007.
Peter Jordan, Persimmon Homes Regional Projects Director said, “The planning application for Coatham Links has now been altered and re-submitted as a result of what the team felt to be required changes relating to the inclusion of the dance floor space.
“Redcar has a long dancing tradition and it was felt that providing this important facility from the outset is a positive move for the benefit of the whole community. It demonstrates that we are listening and adapting our plans to take on board the concerns of residents and businesses.
“With a development of this scale it is normal that changes are made during the planning procedure and this is precisely what has occurred at Coatham Links. We are confident that the scheme now fully represents the needs and aspirations of local and future residents and look forward to putting the plans into action to create what will be one of the region’s most pioneering development projects.”
Report shows environment is improving
Redcar and Cleveland Council together with Redcar and Cleveland Partnership this week published its latest ‘State of the Environment’ report providing the most comprehensive review of the environment ever undertaken in the Borough.
The report sets out evidence illustrating the significant environmental improvements made to the area since the State of the Environment Reports began in 2002.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Environmental Improvement, Councillor Bob Stanway said: “This is the third report produced in partnership and we’re delighted that the work of the Council and the Redcar and Cleveland Partnership to improve our environment is paying dividends.
”Our response to climate change, receiving Beacon status for our waste management services and continuous improvement in bathing water are just some of the examples.”
A previous report for 2004/5 won praise from the Environment Agency as ‘best practice’ in its field as a way of embedding performance management and the latest report follows this model.
Copies of the report can be accessed through the Council’s website www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk.
The report sets out evidence illustrating the significant environmental improvements made to the area since the State of the Environment Reports began in 2002.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Environmental Improvement, Councillor Bob Stanway said: “This is the third report produced in partnership and we’re delighted that the work of the Council and the Redcar and Cleveland Partnership to improve our environment is paying dividends.
”Our response to climate change, receiving Beacon status for our waste management services and continuous improvement in bathing water are just some of the examples.”
A previous report for 2004/5 won praise from the Environment Agency as ‘best practice’ in its field as a way of embedding performance management and the latest report follows this model.
Copies of the report can be accessed through the Council’s website www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk.
Wednesday, 14 February 2007
Amended Planning Application received for Coatham Links
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has received amended plans in respect of the application already lodged for the multi million pounds Coatham Links development.
The Council has learnt from Persimmon Homes that following the consultation process of their planning application, they have decided to amend the scheme, taking into account feedback received during that initial consultation.
They have told the Council that their intention now is to put leisure facilities in place of "bingo", such as ten pin bowling, which is classified as "D2 leisure uses", on the amended plans.
They also show revisions to the leisure centre incorporating a dance floor and performance space in the area previously allocated to 12-lane bowling.
The amended plans also incorporate design changes to some of the houses on the planning application but no increase in the number of dwellings and a slight move in the position of the coastguard station in recognition of earlier consultation.
Persimmon Homes has also confirmed that objections from Natural England, the Environment Agency and RSPB, which were raised during the earlier consultation process, have been withdrawn.
The amendments will now be considered within the statutory planning framework.
As part of this process, the Council is embarking on a three-week consultation exercise.
Any comments submitted in response to the original application will be taken into account in considering the application.
The Planning Committee is due to meet in March to consider the application.
The Council has learnt from Persimmon Homes that following the consultation process of their planning application, they have decided to amend the scheme, taking into account feedback received during that initial consultation.
They have told the Council that their intention now is to put leisure facilities in place of "bingo", such as ten pin bowling, which is classified as "D2 leisure uses", on the amended plans.
They also show revisions to the leisure centre incorporating a dance floor and performance space in the area previously allocated to 12-lane bowling.
The amended plans also incorporate design changes to some of the houses on the planning application but no increase in the number of dwellings and a slight move in the position of the coastguard station in recognition of earlier consultation.
Persimmon Homes has also confirmed that objections from Natural England, the Environment Agency and RSPB, which were raised during the earlier consultation process, have been withdrawn.
The amendments will now be considered within the statutory planning framework.
As part of this process, the Council is embarking on a three-week consultation exercise.
Any comments submitted in response to the original application will be taken into account in considering the application.
The Planning Committee is due to meet in March to consider the application.
Council and Police promise action on loads of litter
Redcar and Cleveland Council today promised to clampdown on windblown litter louts who are causing a road safety hazard along one of the Borough's busiest roads.
Cleveland Police has given backing to the Council's initiative, aimed at tackling a long-running problem of wagons and lorries, without netting, strewing rubbish along the A1085 Trunk Road.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Environmental Improvement Councillor Bob Stanway said: "I'm sure everyone has seen the problem, which has been plaguing us for the past 18 months.
"We try to keep the problem under control, but it is not easy. For example, we can deploy crews to pick up the litter, yet within hours the road is covered again."
Councillor Stanway said: "The time has come to take action and if we can gather the necessary evidence and positively identify the culprits, we will prosecute. I am delighted to say we have the backing of the Police in trying to combat what is a real environment headache."
Inspector Eric Robinson, Head of Cleveland Police's Road Policing Unit, said: " It's important that operators keep their loads secure so that items do not fall from their vehicles causing a road safety hazard and an environmental eyesore. Patrolling officers have been alerted to this issue and will deal robustly with offenders."
Cleveland Police has given backing to the Council's initiative, aimed at tackling a long-running problem of wagons and lorries, without netting, strewing rubbish along the A1085 Trunk Road.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Environmental Improvement Councillor Bob Stanway said: "I'm sure everyone has seen the problem, which has been plaguing us for the past 18 months.
"We try to keep the problem under control, but it is not easy. For example, we can deploy crews to pick up the litter, yet within hours the road is covered again."
Councillor Stanway said: "The time has come to take action and if we can gather the necessary evidence and positively identify the culprits, we will prosecute. I am delighted to say we have the backing of the Police in trying to combat what is a real environment headache."
Inspector Eric Robinson, Head of Cleveland Police's Road Policing Unit, said: " It's important that operators keep their loads secure so that items do not fall from their vehicles causing a road safety hazard and an environmental eyesore. Patrolling officers have been alerted to this issue and will deal robustly with offenders."
Masterplanners appointed
International property advisors GVA Grimley have been appointed by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to create the Greater Eston Masterplan.
The firm has advised all nine House Market Renewal Pathfinders and has a proven track record of success.
The regeneration strategy they devised to address the problems of decline in Sefton, Merseyside which included neighbourhood masterplanning, planning, neighbourhood management and financial advice is now being delivered.
Gerry Hughes, National Head of Urban Regeneration at GVA Grimley who will lead the study, said: "We are delighted to be working in Redcar and Cleveland and welcome the challenge of preparing a masterplan for Greater Eston.
"Our aim is to develop a vibrant community, that will continue to flourish by improving existing housing; building new, high quality housing for rent and for sale; improving the layout of the area - including paths, roads and the environments and improving or introducing new community and retail facilities.
"We will take in to account residents views on previous plans for the area and we will involve the local community and ensure that the masterplan promotes a future that reflects as far as possible the aspirations of those who live and work in Greater Eston.
"The masterplan will also act as a guide for future development and investment to drive forward, attract new residents and visitors and create a vibrant and sustainable community that we can all be proud of."
Councillor Chris Abbott, the Cabinet Member for Housing and Neighbourhood Renewal, said: "We are thrilled to have a team with the expertise and experience of GVA Grimley on board.
"They have excellent experience in delivering similar schemes elsewhere and we are certain that they will listen to the community's views. The Masterplan is an essential tool that will be used to make things happen and create thriving communities in Greater Eston again."
The Greater Eston Masterplan is a key document that will play an essential role in securing major investment for the area - including affordable new homes, shopping, leisure facilities, pleasant open public spaces and woodland and a new library and healthcare services.
The firm has advised all nine House Market Renewal Pathfinders and has a proven track record of success.
The regeneration strategy they devised to address the problems of decline in Sefton, Merseyside which included neighbourhood masterplanning, planning, neighbourhood management and financial advice is now being delivered.
Gerry Hughes, National Head of Urban Regeneration at GVA Grimley who will lead the study, said: "We are delighted to be working in Redcar and Cleveland and welcome the challenge of preparing a masterplan for Greater Eston.
"Our aim is to develop a vibrant community, that will continue to flourish by improving existing housing; building new, high quality housing for rent and for sale; improving the layout of the area - including paths, roads and the environments and improving or introducing new community and retail facilities.
"We will take in to account residents views on previous plans for the area and we will involve the local community and ensure that the masterplan promotes a future that reflects as far as possible the aspirations of those who live and work in Greater Eston.
"The masterplan will also act as a guide for future development and investment to drive forward, attract new residents and visitors and create a vibrant and sustainable community that we can all be proud of."
Councillor Chris Abbott, the Cabinet Member for Housing and Neighbourhood Renewal, said: "We are thrilled to have a team with the expertise and experience of GVA Grimley on board.
"They have excellent experience in delivering similar schemes elsewhere and we are certain that they will listen to the community's views. The Masterplan is an essential tool that will be used to make things happen and create thriving communities in Greater Eston again."
The Greater Eston Masterplan is a key document that will play an essential role in securing major investment for the area - including affordable new homes, shopping, leisure facilities, pleasant open public spaces and woodland and a new library and healthcare services.
Council celebrates £2.8m funding
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is today celebrating after being allocated £2,817,000 in Government money, to deliver a range of housing improvements.
The cash will be used to improve housing occupied by the vulnerable and aid area-wide regeneration in the most deprived housing areas.
Over a million will be used for the Housing Market Renewal Programme, which is currently underway in South Bank for acquisition, demolition and relocation costs.
The remainder will be used for:
tenure switch, which is where the Council assists with general housing enquiries e.g. people moving from owner occupation into rented accommodation.
housing assistance, in the form of loans, for improving the general condition of stock, addressing energy efficiency, bringing long-term empty properties back into use and improving housing to meet the Decent Homes Standard.
Community Housing Needs, which includes different projects, such as the sanctuary scheme for the homeless, adaptation and disabled facilities.
The Cabinet Member for Housing and Neighbourhood Renewal, Councillor Chris Abbott, said: "We are thrilled to have got the second largest pot of money in the North East and our teams will be putting a lot of thought into how best it will be spent to the benefit of the community."
The cash will be used to improve housing occupied by the vulnerable and aid area-wide regeneration in the most deprived housing areas.
Over a million will be used for the Housing Market Renewal Programme, which is currently underway in South Bank for acquisition, demolition and relocation costs.
The remainder will be used for:
tenure switch, which is where the Council assists with general housing enquiries e.g. people moving from owner occupation into rented accommodation.
housing assistance, in the form of loans, for improving the general condition of stock, addressing energy efficiency, bringing long-term empty properties back into use and improving housing to meet the Decent Homes Standard.
Community Housing Needs, which includes different projects, such as the sanctuary scheme for the homeless, adaptation and disabled facilities.
The Cabinet Member for Housing and Neighbourhood Renewal, Councillor Chris Abbott, said: "We are thrilled to have got the second largest pot of money in the North East and our teams will be putting a lot of thought into how best it will be spent to the benefit of the community."
Thursday, 8 February 2007
Proposed amendments to Traffic regulation Orders - Newcomen Ward, Redcar
No waiting at any time restrictions – Corporation Road
The north side from its junction with Sandringham Road for a distance of 10 metres in a westerly direction.
Concerns have been raised from residents regarding parked cars at the junction of Corporation Road/Sandringham Road. The parked cars are restricting visibility for drivers when exiting or entering Sandringham Road and restricting two-way traffic movement for other motorists. It is proposed to introduce ‘no waiting at any time’ restrictions. The proposals will increase highway safety in terms of reducing highway obstruction and increase highway visibility.
No waiting at anytime restrictions – Corporation Road, Redcar
South side. From a point 115 metres west of its junction with West Dyke Road, for a distance of 167 metres in a westerly direction.
Concerns have been raised from residents and local ward members about vehicles parking on the footway and causing access/ egress problems. It is proposed to implement no waiting at anytime restrictions to prevent vehicles parking in the carriageway and effecting the free flow of traffic. In addition to this designated parking bays are to be provided on the hard standing verge for safe parking.
Unlimited Waiting Bay – Corporation Road, Redcar
South side. From a point 115 metres west of its junction with West Dyke Road, for a distance of 167 metres in a westerly direction. (off carriageway).
Concerns have been raised from residents and local ward members about vehicles parking on the footway and causing access/ egress problems. It is proposed to implement unlimited waiting bays to provide safe off street parking. In addition to this no waiting at anytime restrictions are to be implemented to prevent vehicles parking in the carriageway and affecting the free flow of traffic.
No waiting at any time restrictions – Sandringham Road
The west side from its junction with Corporation Road for a distance of 16 metres in a northerly direction.
Concerns have been raised from residents regarding parked cars at the junction of Corporation Road/Sandringham Road. The parked cars are restricting visibility for drivers when exiting or entering Sandringham Road and restricting two-way traffic movement for other motorists. It is proposed to introduce ‘no waiting at any time’ restrictions. The proposals will increase highway safety in terms of reducing highway obstruction and increase highway visibility
No waiting at anytime restrictions – Troutbeck Road, Redcar.
Both sides. From its junction with Mersey Road, for a distance of 15 metres in an easterly direction.
The purpose of the order is to prevent vehicles parking and obstructing site lines at the junction of Troutbeck Road and Mersey Road as part of road safety improvements.
Revocation of No Loading and Unloading Saturday and Sunday 9.00am – 3.00pm – Troutbeck Road, Redcar.
North side. From its junction with West Dyke Road for a distance of 56 metres in a westerly direction.
South side. From its junction with West Dyke Road for a distance of 64 metres in a westerly direction.
It is proposed to revoke the existing restrictions as they are now thought unsuitable due to the improved parking facilities within the racecourse for race goers.
No waiting at anytime restrictions – Mersey Road, Redcar
East side. From its junction with Troutbeck Road, for a distance of 15 metres in a northerly direction.
East side. From its junction with Troutbeck Road, for a distance of 15 metres in a southerly direction.
The purpose of the order is to prevent vehicles parking and obstructing site lines at the junction of Troutbeck Road and Mersey Road as part of road safety improvements.
No waiting and unloading, Monday – Friday, 8.30 – 9.30am and 2.45 – 3.45pm – Mersey Road, Redcar
East side. From a point 60 metres south of its junction with Corporation Road, for a distance of 284 metres in a southerly direction.
West side. From a point 60 metres south of its junction with Corporation Road to its junction with St Josephs Court.
West side. From its junction with St Josephs Court to its junction with Thames Road.
The local schools, residents, councillor, bus companies and Cleveland Police have raised concerns about vehicle parking on the extents of road described above. The vehicles are preventing the free flow of traffic on Mersey Road, St Josephs Court and Thames Road, in addition to this the parked vehicles are obstructing site line for vehicles exiting the school and also causing safety issues for children crossing in the area.
Revocation of No Loading and Unloading Saturday and Sunday 9.00am – 3.00pm – West Dyke Road, Redcar
East side. From a point 100 metres south of its junction with Thrush Road for a distance of 42 metres in a southerly direction.
East side. From the racecourse entrance opposite Lakes Avenue for a distance of 362 metres in a southerly direction.
East side. From the racecourse entrance north of Easson Road for a distance of 271 metres in a southerly direction.
East side. From a point 77 metres south of its junction with Thrush Road for a distance of 25 metres in a southerly direction.
West side. From its junction with Westfield Avenue to a point 15 metres north of its junction with Easson Road.
West side. From its junction with Orchard Road for a distance of 33 metres in a northerly direction.
West side. From its junction with Brooksbank Avenue for a distance of 24 metres in a northerly direction.
West side. From its junction with Brooksbank Avenue to its junction with Lakes Avenue.
West side. From its junction with Lakes Avenue to its junction with Lucerne Road.
West Side. From its junction with Lucerne Road to its junction with Troutbeck Road.
It is proposed to revoke the existing restrictions as they are now thought unsuitable due to the improved parking facilities within the racecourse for race goers.
No waiting at anytime restrictions – West Dyke Road, Redcar
East Side. From a point 69 metres south of its junction with Thrush Road, for a distance of 737 metres in a southerly direction.
West side. From its junction with Brooksbank Avenue, for a distance of 10 metres in a northerly direction.
West side. From its junction with Brooksbank Avenue, for a distance of 10 metres in a southerly direction.
The purpose of the order is to prevent vehicles parking and obstructing the carriageway for the lengths described. This will aid with the free flow of traffic on a busy route in Redcar.
Revocation of No Loading and Unloading Saturday and Sunday 9.00am – 3.00pm – Brooksbank Avenue, Redcar
Both sides. From its junction with West Dyke Road, for a distance of 10 metres in a westerly direction.
It is proposed to revoke the existing restrictions as they are now thought unsuitable due to the improved parking facilities within the racecourse for race goers.
No waiting at anytime restrictions – Brooksbank Avenue, Redcar
Both sides. From its junction with West Dyke Road for a distance of 10 metres in a westerly direction.
The purpose of the order is to prevent vehicles parking and obstructing site lines at the junction of Brooksbank Avenue and West Dyke Road as part of road safety improvements.
No waiting and no loading restrictions Monday - Friday from 8.30am - 9.30am and 2.45pm – 3.45pm – Keswick Road
The west side from a point 10 metres north of its junction with Penrith Close to a point 10 metres south of its junction with Ambleside Avenue.
Following concerns from residents regarding parking problems associated with the start and finish times of Lakes Primary School and by the obstruction caused by parking it is proposed to implement parking restrictions on Keswick Road. The restrictions are necessary to ensure the free flow of traffic through the estate, make the roads safer for pedestrians to cross and to ensure residential properties are not obstructed.
Revocation of No Loading and Unloading Saturday and Sunday 9.00am – 3.00pm – Lucerne Road, Redcar
North Side. From its junction with West Dyke Road, for a distance of 55 metres in a westerly direction.
South Side. From its junction with West Dyke Road, for a distance of 52 metres in a westerly direction.
It is proposed to revoke the existing restrictions as they are now thought unsuitable due to the improved parking facilities within the racecourse for race goers.
Revocation of No Loading and Unloading Saturday and Sunday 9.00am – 3.00pm – Lakes Avenue, Redcar
North Side. From its junction with West Dyke Road to its junction with Rydal Avenue.
South Side. From its junction with West Dyke Road to its junction with Coniston Avenue.
It is proposed to revoke the existing restrictions as they are now thought unsuitable due to the improved parking facilities within the racecourse for race goers.
Revocation of No Loading and Unloading Saturday and Sunday 9.00am – 3.00pm – Coniston Avenue, Redcar
East side. From its junction with Lakes Avenue for a distance of 38 metres in a southerly direction.
It is proposed to revoke the existing restrictions as they are now thought unsuitable due to the improved parking facilities within the racecourse for race goers.
Revocation of No Loading and Unloading Saturday and Sunday 9.00am – 3.00pm – Rydal Avenue, Redcar.
East side. From its junction Lakes Avenue for a distance of 27 metres in a northerly direction.
It is proposed to revoke the existing restrictions as they are now thought unsuitable due to the improved parking facilities within the racecourse for race goers.
Revocation of No Loading and Unloading Saturday and Sunday 9.00am – 3.00pm – Orchard Road, Redcar.
North side. From its junction with West Dyke Road for a distance of 15 metres in a westerly direction.
It is proposed to revoke the existing restrictions as they are now thought unsuitable due to the improved parking facilities within the racecourse for race goers.
Revocation of No Loading and Unloading Saturday and Sunday 9.00am – 3.00pm – Westfield Avenue, Redcar.
South side. From its junction with West Dyke Road, for a distance of 15.5 metres in a westerly direction.
It is proposed to revoke the existing restrictions as they are now thought unsuitable due to the improved parking facilities within the racecourse for race goers.
Should you require any further information please contact Andy Martin (Highways and Transportation) on (01287) 612464.
The north side from its junction with Sandringham Road for a distance of 10 metres in a westerly direction.
Concerns have been raised from residents regarding parked cars at the junction of Corporation Road/Sandringham Road. The parked cars are restricting visibility for drivers when exiting or entering Sandringham Road and restricting two-way traffic movement for other motorists. It is proposed to introduce ‘no waiting at any time’ restrictions. The proposals will increase highway safety in terms of reducing highway obstruction and increase highway visibility.
No waiting at anytime restrictions – Corporation Road, Redcar
South side. From a point 115 metres west of its junction with West Dyke Road, for a distance of 167 metres in a westerly direction.
Concerns have been raised from residents and local ward members about vehicles parking on the footway and causing access/ egress problems. It is proposed to implement no waiting at anytime restrictions to prevent vehicles parking in the carriageway and effecting the free flow of traffic. In addition to this designated parking bays are to be provided on the hard standing verge for safe parking.
Unlimited Waiting Bay – Corporation Road, Redcar
South side. From a point 115 metres west of its junction with West Dyke Road, for a distance of 167 metres in a westerly direction. (off carriageway).
Concerns have been raised from residents and local ward members about vehicles parking on the footway and causing access/ egress problems. It is proposed to implement unlimited waiting bays to provide safe off street parking. In addition to this no waiting at anytime restrictions are to be implemented to prevent vehicles parking in the carriageway and affecting the free flow of traffic.
No waiting at any time restrictions – Sandringham Road
The west side from its junction with Corporation Road for a distance of 16 metres in a northerly direction.
Concerns have been raised from residents regarding parked cars at the junction of Corporation Road/Sandringham Road. The parked cars are restricting visibility for drivers when exiting or entering Sandringham Road and restricting two-way traffic movement for other motorists. It is proposed to introduce ‘no waiting at any time’ restrictions. The proposals will increase highway safety in terms of reducing highway obstruction and increase highway visibility
No waiting at anytime restrictions – Troutbeck Road, Redcar.
Both sides. From its junction with Mersey Road, for a distance of 15 metres in an easterly direction.
The purpose of the order is to prevent vehicles parking and obstructing site lines at the junction of Troutbeck Road and Mersey Road as part of road safety improvements.
Revocation of No Loading and Unloading Saturday and Sunday 9.00am – 3.00pm – Troutbeck Road, Redcar.
North side. From its junction with West Dyke Road for a distance of 56 metres in a westerly direction.
South side. From its junction with West Dyke Road for a distance of 64 metres in a westerly direction.
It is proposed to revoke the existing restrictions as they are now thought unsuitable due to the improved parking facilities within the racecourse for race goers.
No waiting at anytime restrictions – Mersey Road, Redcar
East side. From its junction with Troutbeck Road, for a distance of 15 metres in a northerly direction.
East side. From its junction with Troutbeck Road, for a distance of 15 metres in a southerly direction.
The purpose of the order is to prevent vehicles parking and obstructing site lines at the junction of Troutbeck Road and Mersey Road as part of road safety improvements.
No waiting and unloading, Monday – Friday, 8.30 – 9.30am and 2.45 – 3.45pm – Mersey Road, Redcar
East side. From a point 60 metres south of its junction with Corporation Road, for a distance of 284 metres in a southerly direction.
West side. From a point 60 metres south of its junction with Corporation Road to its junction with St Josephs Court.
West side. From its junction with St Josephs Court to its junction with Thames Road.
The local schools, residents, councillor, bus companies and Cleveland Police have raised concerns about vehicle parking on the extents of road described above. The vehicles are preventing the free flow of traffic on Mersey Road, St Josephs Court and Thames Road, in addition to this the parked vehicles are obstructing site line for vehicles exiting the school and also causing safety issues for children crossing in the area.
Revocation of No Loading and Unloading Saturday and Sunday 9.00am – 3.00pm – West Dyke Road, Redcar
East side. From a point 100 metres south of its junction with Thrush Road for a distance of 42 metres in a southerly direction.
East side. From the racecourse entrance opposite Lakes Avenue for a distance of 362 metres in a southerly direction.
East side. From the racecourse entrance north of Easson Road for a distance of 271 metres in a southerly direction.
East side. From a point 77 metres south of its junction with Thrush Road for a distance of 25 metres in a southerly direction.
West side. From its junction with Westfield Avenue to a point 15 metres north of its junction with Easson Road.
West side. From its junction with Orchard Road for a distance of 33 metres in a northerly direction.
West side. From its junction with Brooksbank Avenue for a distance of 24 metres in a northerly direction.
West side. From its junction with Brooksbank Avenue to its junction with Lakes Avenue.
West side. From its junction with Lakes Avenue to its junction with Lucerne Road.
West Side. From its junction with Lucerne Road to its junction with Troutbeck Road.
It is proposed to revoke the existing restrictions as they are now thought unsuitable due to the improved parking facilities within the racecourse for race goers.
No waiting at anytime restrictions – West Dyke Road, Redcar
East Side. From a point 69 metres south of its junction with Thrush Road, for a distance of 737 metres in a southerly direction.
West side. From its junction with Brooksbank Avenue, for a distance of 10 metres in a northerly direction.
West side. From its junction with Brooksbank Avenue, for a distance of 10 metres in a southerly direction.
The purpose of the order is to prevent vehicles parking and obstructing the carriageway for the lengths described. This will aid with the free flow of traffic on a busy route in Redcar.
Revocation of No Loading and Unloading Saturday and Sunday 9.00am – 3.00pm – Brooksbank Avenue, Redcar
Both sides. From its junction with West Dyke Road, for a distance of 10 metres in a westerly direction.
It is proposed to revoke the existing restrictions as they are now thought unsuitable due to the improved parking facilities within the racecourse for race goers.
No waiting at anytime restrictions – Brooksbank Avenue, Redcar
Both sides. From its junction with West Dyke Road for a distance of 10 metres in a westerly direction.
The purpose of the order is to prevent vehicles parking and obstructing site lines at the junction of Brooksbank Avenue and West Dyke Road as part of road safety improvements.
No waiting and no loading restrictions Monday - Friday from 8.30am - 9.30am and 2.45pm – 3.45pm – Keswick Road
The west side from a point 10 metres north of its junction with Penrith Close to a point 10 metres south of its junction with Ambleside Avenue.
Following concerns from residents regarding parking problems associated with the start and finish times of Lakes Primary School and by the obstruction caused by parking it is proposed to implement parking restrictions on Keswick Road. The restrictions are necessary to ensure the free flow of traffic through the estate, make the roads safer for pedestrians to cross and to ensure residential properties are not obstructed.
Revocation of No Loading and Unloading Saturday and Sunday 9.00am – 3.00pm – Lucerne Road, Redcar
North Side. From its junction with West Dyke Road, for a distance of 55 metres in a westerly direction.
South Side. From its junction with West Dyke Road, for a distance of 52 metres in a westerly direction.
It is proposed to revoke the existing restrictions as they are now thought unsuitable due to the improved parking facilities within the racecourse for race goers.
Revocation of No Loading and Unloading Saturday and Sunday 9.00am – 3.00pm – Lakes Avenue, Redcar
North Side. From its junction with West Dyke Road to its junction with Rydal Avenue.
South Side. From its junction with West Dyke Road to its junction with Coniston Avenue.
It is proposed to revoke the existing restrictions as they are now thought unsuitable due to the improved parking facilities within the racecourse for race goers.
Revocation of No Loading and Unloading Saturday and Sunday 9.00am – 3.00pm – Coniston Avenue, Redcar
East side. From its junction with Lakes Avenue for a distance of 38 metres in a southerly direction.
It is proposed to revoke the existing restrictions as they are now thought unsuitable due to the improved parking facilities within the racecourse for race goers.
Revocation of No Loading and Unloading Saturday and Sunday 9.00am – 3.00pm – Rydal Avenue, Redcar.
East side. From its junction Lakes Avenue for a distance of 27 metres in a northerly direction.
It is proposed to revoke the existing restrictions as they are now thought unsuitable due to the improved parking facilities within the racecourse for race goers.
Revocation of No Loading and Unloading Saturday and Sunday 9.00am – 3.00pm – Orchard Road, Redcar.
North side. From its junction with West Dyke Road for a distance of 15 metres in a westerly direction.
It is proposed to revoke the existing restrictions as they are now thought unsuitable due to the improved parking facilities within the racecourse for race goers.
Revocation of No Loading and Unloading Saturday and Sunday 9.00am – 3.00pm – Westfield Avenue, Redcar.
South side. From its junction with West Dyke Road, for a distance of 15.5 metres in a westerly direction.
It is proposed to revoke the existing restrictions as they are now thought unsuitable due to the improved parking facilities within the racecourse for race goers.
Should you require any further information please contact Andy Martin (Highways and Transportation) on (01287) 612464.
"Cash Strapped" - You must be joking!
Redcar and Cleveland Council today is furious at claims it is a 'cash-strapped' council as it underlined budget proposals which will invest £6.5million into the Borough to improve services for the elderly, young people and the environment.
The Council’s policy and its 2007/2008 budget has already inspired job creation in the private sector, with three new independent care homes planned for the Borough.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources Councillor Glyn Nightingale dismissed ‘ill-informed’ criticisms of the Authority’s plan to shed over 100 posts in administration and management as well as cutting back on overheads to effect efficiency savings of £6.5million.
Councillor Nightingale said: “The Trade Union-inspired scaremongering does nothing for staff morale and industrial relations.
“Our investment is bringing three new care homes – the first alone will create 90 jobs. Our budget is bringing about a net increase in jobs.
"The public should ask themselves: do they want taxpayers’ money on administration, management and outmoded services no-one wants or do they want it on improved services that are responsive to the needs of the individual.
“The suggestion that these are the actions of a cash-strapped council is a total misrepresentation of the facts – ill-informed and politically motivated. We are not cash-strapped. This is a deliberate policy to make savings and put the money saved into investment on frontline services.
“The critics need to explain if we are cash-strapped how we can be spending £6.5m to improve a range of services that include over £3m in improving services for older people and the disabled, nearly £2m in improving services for children and young people and well over £1m on the environment.”
Councillor Nightingale added: “Over the last two years, across 7,000 employees, there have been approximately 104 voluntary redundancies and 160 early retirements. We always receive more requests than we are able to allow – this time we received 200 requests.
"The Council is continuing to refuse to waste money on employing staff it no longer needs but is promoting job growth in the private and voluntary sectors. The Council should be judged on the quality of services it provides not the number of people it employs."
The Council’s policy and its 2007/2008 budget has already inspired job creation in the private sector, with three new independent care homes planned for the Borough.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources Councillor Glyn Nightingale dismissed ‘ill-informed’ criticisms of the Authority’s plan to shed over 100 posts in administration and management as well as cutting back on overheads to effect efficiency savings of £6.5million.
Councillor Nightingale said: “The Trade Union-inspired scaremongering does nothing for staff morale and industrial relations.
“Our investment is bringing three new care homes – the first alone will create 90 jobs. Our budget is bringing about a net increase in jobs.
"The public should ask themselves: do they want taxpayers’ money on administration, management and outmoded services no-one wants or do they want it on improved services that are responsive to the needs of the individual.
“The suggestion that these are the actions of a cash-strapped council is a total misrepresentation of the facts – ill-informed and politically motivated. We are not cash-strapped. This is a deliberate policy to make savings and put the money saved into investment on frontline services.
“The critics need to explain if we are cash-strapped how we can be spending £6.5m to improve a range of services that include over £3m in improving services for older people and the disabled, nearly £2m in improving services for children and young people and well over £1m on the environment.”
Councillor Nightingale added: “Over the last two years, across 7,000 employees, there have been approximately 104 voluntary redundancies and 160 early retirements. We always receive more requests than we are able to allow – this time we received 200 requests.
"The Council is continuing to refuse to waste money on employing staff it no longer needs but is promoting job growth in the private and voluntary sectors. The Council should be judged on the quality of services it provides not the number of people it employs."
Friday, 2 February 2007
Don't lose ESOL
Classes teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages are under threat. This will affect newly arrived people, resident diverse communities, those seeking asylum, migrant workers, employers (who may be asked to pay for their workers to attend classes) and teachers. There will be nation-wide protests against these cuts, and there will be local action.
To hear about what is happening and what you can do to help protest, there will be a:
PUBLIC MEETING
February 6th 7.30 – 9.00pm Trades Union Centre, 119-121 Marton Road, Middlesbrough (Opposite St John’s Church)
With guest speakers and entertainment
All welcome!!
ADVANCE NOTICE
Bus to lobby Parliament -Wednesday 28th February
(Helen Weir: 07730 216593)
Rally -Middlesbrough Town Centre Saturday 3rd March
Thursday, 1 February 2007
Warning over discarded syringes
Liberal Democrat Councillor, Joyce Benbow, has highlighted the dangers of picking up discarded needles after several incidents relating to drug use in the East Cleveland area.
The Council's Environmental Maintenance Team has been alerted to attend several locations in Loftus to remove drugs paraphenalia, while another report gives evidence of a discarded needle found on a play area in the town.
Syringes, with evidence of drug use, some found hidden in the brickwork, were discovered in the two blocks of ladies toilets in Loftus, at West Road and Water Lane, at opposite ends of the High Street. Now the Council's Community Safety Wardens are monitoring the situation on a regular basis.
Since April, there have been 87 reported incidents, totalling over 150 syringes, which have been recovered across the Borough, underlining the need for the public's vigilance - and care in dealing with them.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Community Safety Councillor Joyce Benbow said: "These are disturbing incidents and we want the public to be on their guard.
"We have very efficient methods of disposal of these needles and our advice is very simple and straightforward: We do not want members of the public to pick these items up if at all possible.
"Addiction is a dreadful condition and the thoughtless disposal of needles, endangering children, is unforgivable."
The series of recommended steps is: If members of the public find a discarded needle on the road or open space, such as parks or beach areas, they must avoid picking it up. Its location should be marked with a piece of wood, brick or even a drinks can to help to identify its location. If the needle needs moving, the advice is to move it with a stick or something similar and not by hand.
A call to the Council's Contact Centre on 08456 126 126 with information on the exact location will be responded to immediately, with a promise to recover the needle by our Community Safety wardens inside two hours. The Council would also like the caller's name, address and contact number if it is unable to find the needle.
The Council cannot enter premises to remove needles or search properties. If needles are reported inside a property, it becomes the landlord's responsibility and we will offer advice.
The Council's Environmental Maintenance Team has been alerted to attend several locations in Loftus to remove drugs paraphenalia, while another report gives evidence of a discarded needle found on a play area in the town.
Syringes, with evidence of drug use, some found hidden in the brickwork, were discovered in the two blocks of ladies toilets in Loftus, at West Road and Water Lane, at opposite ends of the High Street. Now the Council's Community Safety Wardens are monitoring the situation on a regular basis.
Since April, there have been 87 reported incidents, totalling over 150 syringes, which have been recovered across the Borough, underlining the need for the public's vigilance - and care in dealing with them.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Community Safety Councillor Joyce Benbow said: "These are disturbing incidents and we want the public to be on their guard.
"We have very efficient methods of disposal of these needles and our advice is very simple and straightforward: We do not want members of the public to pick these items up if at all possible.
"Addiction is a dreadful condition and the thoughtless disposal of needles, endangering children, is unforgivable."
The series of recommended steps is: If members of the public find a discarded needle on the road or open space, such as parks or beach areas, they must avoid picking it up. Its location should be marked with a piece of wood, brick or even a drinks can to help to identify its location. If the needle needs moving, the advice is to move it with a stick or something similar and not by hand.
A call to the Council's Contact Centre on 08456 126 126 with information on the exact location will be responded to immediately, with a promise to recover the needle by our Community Safety wardens inside two hours. The Council would also like the caller's name, address and contact number if it is unable to find the needle.
The Council cannot enter premises to remove needles or search properties. If needles are reported inside a property, it becomes the landlord's responsibility and we will offer advice.
Thursday, 25 January 2007
Local Network Funds available in Redcar
NEED EXTRA MONEY IN 2007?
This could be your last chance!
If you work with children and young people 0 - 19 yrs old and have a short-term project in 2007, but lack the necessary funds to get it started look no further…….
The Local Network Fund for Children and Young People (LNF), administered by Tees Valley Community Foundation may be your answer, but you only have 6 months in which to submit your bids( i.e. up to 30 September 2007).
If you are a small, locally managed group and you need between £250 and £7,000 to organise or run an activity for children or young people, and your activity fits into one of the five outcomes of the Government’s Every Child Matters strategy:
· Being Healthy
· Staying Safe
· Enjoying and Achieving
· Making a Contribution
· Achieving Economic Wellbeing
now is the time to apply!
The Foundation holds regular grant panels to ensure the fastest possible response to your application. Help and support is also available from our Outreach Officer, Chris Barkas.
All projects need to be completed by 31 December 2007 so to avoid disappointment get your application in as soon as possible.
If you would like to discuss making an application, or speak to our Outreach Officer, please contact Tees Valley Community Foundation on (01642) 314200.
The Local Network Fund for Children & Young People is a programme of the DFES and is managed by Tees Valley Community Foundation.
This could be your last chance!
If you work with children and young people 0 - 19 yrs old and have a short-term project in 2007, but lack the necessary funds to get it started look no further…….
The Local Network Fund for Children and Young People (LNF), administered by Tees Valley Community Foundation may be your answer, but you only have 6 months in which to submit your bids( i.e. up to 30 September 2007).
If you are a small, locally managed group and you need between £250 and £7,000 to organise or run an activity for children or young people, and your activity fits into one of the five outcomes of the Government’s Every Child Matters strategy:
· Being Healthy
· Staying Safe
· Enjoying and Achieving
· Making a Contribution
· Achieving Economic Wellbeing
now is the time to apply!
The Foundation holds regular grant panels to ensure the fastest possible response to your application. Help and support is also available from our Outreach Officer, Chris Barkas.
All projects need to be completed by 31 December 2007 so to avoid disappointment get your application in as soon as possible.
If you would like to discuss making an application, or speak to our Outreach Officer, please contact Tees Valley Community Foundation on (01642) 314200.
The Local Network Fund for Children & Young People is a programme of the DFES and is managed by Tees Valley Community Foundation.
Wednesday, 24 January 2007
Royal connections
Posted by ChrisPictured cheek to cheek with Prince William is my sister Cheryl's boy, James Hunter.
They are in the same regiment stationed just outside Windsor Castle.
Public's chance to debate Council budget
Redcar and Cleveland Council is giving the public the chance to have their say in preparing its 2007/2008 budget, which plans a £6million-plus investment for more and better services for the elderly, children and environment and only a cost of living Council Tax rise.
The consultative meetings are planned for Tuesday, January 30 - the first to start at 10am at the Redcar Education Development Centre, Corporation Road, Redcar and the second fixed for 6pm at Redcar Central Library, Coatham Road, Redcar.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources Councillor Glyn Nightingale will outline the Council's budget strategy at both meetings, then invite questions from the audience, which will also include members of the Borough's business sector plus community and voluntary sector organisations.
The consultation on the £105million budget, which will be formally approved by the Council on March 1, is expected to centre around the Council's success in keeping the projected Council Tax rise, within the cost of living increase, as well as promising a streamlined service with more public and private sector jobs.
The budget proposals earmark over £3million to invest in care for elderly people and those with learning disabilities as well as ensuring improvements to residential care and more help for people to live at home.
There is also a commitment to invest just under £2million in improving transporting children to school and ensuring 'vulnerable' children get more support, with a further £1.3million in the environment and transport.
Councillor Nightingale said: "The consultative meetings are crucial in planning next year's budget. We will be listening to what local people have to say.
"The budget process has already gone through enough stages to allow us to ask the public to look at four options. It is important everyone understands what can be achieved and what demands are being placed upon our services."
The options include:
*The 3.6 per cent increase in Council Tax in line with the cost of living.
*A 3.9 per cent increase to pay for extra Clean and Green operatives to build on our position as the second most improved recycling council in England.
*A 4.9 per cent rise in Council Tax - the Government maximum - with an extra £625,000 spent on further improvements in Council services.
*A Council Tax rise less than 3.6 per cent with cuts in services and the jobs of people directly serving the public or much higher charges for Council services, hitting the most vulnerable in our society.
The consultative meetings are planned for Tuesday, January 30 - the first to start at 10am at the Redcar Education Development Centre, Corporation Road, Redcar and the second fixed for 6pm at Redcar Central Library, Coatham Road, Redcar.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources Councillor Glyn Nightingale will outline the Council's budget strategy at both meetings, then invite questions from the audience, which will also include members of the Borough's business sector plus community and voluntary sector organisations.
The consultation on the £105million budget, which will be formally approved by the Council on March 1, is expected to centre around the Council's success in keeping the projected Council Tax rise, within the cost of living increase, as well as promising a streamlined service with more public and private sector jobs.
The budget proposals earmark over £3million to invest in care for elderly people and those with learning disabilities as well as ensuring improvements to residential care and more help for people to live at home.
There is also a commitment to invest just under £2million in improving transporting children to school and ensuring 'vulnerable' children get more support, with a further £1.3million in the environment and transport.
Councillor Nightingale said: "The consultative meetings are crucial in planning next year's budget. We will be listening to what local people have to say.
"The budget process has already gone through enough stages to allow us to ask the public to look at four options. It is important everyone understands what can be achieved and what demands are being placed upon our services."
The options include:
*The 3.6 per cent increase in Council Tax in line with the cost of living.
*A 3.9 per cent increase to pay for extra Clean and Green operatives to build on our position as the second most improved recycling council in England.
*A 4.9 per cent rise in Council Tax - the Government maximum - with an extra £625,000 spent on further improvements in Council services.
*A Council Tax rise less than 3.6 per cent with cuts in services and the jobs of people directly serving the public or much higher charges for Council services, hitting the most vulnerable in our society.
Monday, 22 January 2007
Proud of our Yorkshire roots
Glynis Abbott (centre in red) joins Yorkshire campaigners at the Ormesby roundabout.Flying the flag
Left to right, Redcar Councillor Chris Abbott, Former Mayor of Scarborough Michael Pitts and International Opera Singer Stephen Laird, celebrate the erection of the North Riding boundary signs.Lib Dem slams triple whammy of mistakes
A Liberal Democrat Councillor has reacted today to the claims of Local Government Minister Phil Woolas, who is applauding the 39 per cent funding increase for local government over the past ten years.
Councillor Glyn Nightingale, the Council's Cabinet member for Corporate Resources, said: “I am sure the Minister is right for the national average - but the reality here is very different. A triple whammy of mistakes has cost our taxpayers £7.1million.
“Despite the Government’s failure, through our own efficiencies we have been able to find a productivity improvement of seven per cent to invest £6.5million in improved services for the elderly, vulnerable children and the environment whilst keeping the Council Tax to a cost of living increase."
He explained: "The Government has an army of civil servants working out in great detail the funding needs of local areas. Not surprisingly, the North needs more than it has been getting, but the South needs less. To give the North more means giving the South less.
“So another army of civil servants is employed to reduce the grants for the North to prop up the overspending councils in the South. Redcar and Cleveland has lost £3.5million over the past two years by this so-called dampening mechanism.
“I estimate that our sub region as a whole has seen £15million of its required resources in the last two years sent to help Kensington and Chelsea, Surrey and Hampshire.
“We then get a double whammy from the Government’s admitted mistake in estimating population figures. Twelve months ago new population estimates claimed our population was falling rapidly against all recent trends and measures of reality.
"We forced the Government to admit they had got it wrong, but for a second year running they have continued to give grant on the basis of population figures they know to be wrong.
“Redcar and Cleveland’s tax payers have lost £4million over the last two years because of this. I estimate our area and the whole North East region has lost many millions more. Again the South East gains by the error.
“The Triple whammy comes from the outrageous distribution of a special grant called “supporting people”. The Government have redone their estimates for this grant and say that Redcar and Cleveland should have an increase in grant to help the elderly and disabled of £3.4million. However as many Councils in the South have been getting too much, and they cannot be reduced, our increase is only £188,000.
“Add all this together and Redcar and Cleveland’s tax payers have been cheated out of £7.1million for 2007, as they were in 2006 as well.
“If the Government could get its sums right and give the North its fair share we could do even more for the quality of life of our people.”
Councillor Glyn Nightingale, the Council's Cabinet member for Corporate Resources, said: “I am sure the Minister is right for the national average - but the reality here is very different. A triple whammy of mistakes has cost our taxpayers £7.1million.
“Despite the Government’s failure, through our own efficiencies we have been able to find a productivity improvement of seven per cent to invest £6.5million in improved services for the elderly, vulnerable children and the environment whilst keeping the Council Tax to a cost of living increase."
He explained: "The Government has an army of civil servants working out in great detail the funding needs of local areas. Not surprisingly, the North needs more than it has been getting, but the South needs less. To give the North more means giving the South less.
“So another army of civil servants is employed to reduce the grants for the North to prop up the overspending councils in the South. Redcar and Cleveland has lost £3.5million over the past two years by this so-called dampening mechanism.
“I estimate that our sub region as a whole has seen £15million of its required resources in the last two years sent to help Kensington and Chelsea, Surrey and Hampshire.
“We then get a double whammy from the Government’s admitted mistake in estimating population figures. Twelve months ago new population estimates claimed our population was falling rapidly against all recent trends and measures of reality.
"We forced the Government to admit they had got it wrong, but for a second year running they have continued to give grant on the basis of population figures they know to be wrong.
“Redcar and Cleveland’s tax payers have lost £4million over the last two years because of this. I estimate our area and the whole North East region has lost many millions more. Again the South East gains by the error.
“The Triple whammy comes from the outrageous distribution of a special grant called “supporting people”. The Government have redone their estimates for this grant and say that Redcar and Cleveland should have an increase in grant to help the elderly and disabled of £3.4million. However as many Councils in the South have been getting too much, and they cannot be reduced, our increase is only £188,000.
“Add all this together and Redcar and Cleveland’s tax payers have been cheated out of £7.1million for 2007, as they were in 2006 as well.
“If the Government could get its sums right and give the North its fair share we could do even more for the quality of life of our people.”
Friday, 19 January 2007
Better Value Customer Services
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is to invest £161,000 creating 13 new jobs in its Contact Centre after monitoring showed take up of public access services is up by almost a third.
In May 2004, there was an average of 18,500 calls a month to the Council's newly-created Contact Centre and 2,000 visitors to One Stop Shops.
The service has been so successful that nearly 24,000 people call the Contact Centre a month and over 3,000 visit the One Stop Shops.
Opening hours at the One Stop Shops in Eston, Guisborough and Redcar are also being realigned. Although visits have almost doubled, take up on Saturdays remains minimal.
In October 2006, for example, 3,644 people used the One Stop Shop service. But only 12 of those visits took place on Saturdays. So staff are being switched to meet demand elsewhere.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources, Councillor Glyn Nightingale, said: "The Contact Centre and One Stop Shops have been a real success with the public, with increasing numbers of people now choosing to use them to get in touch with the Council. We're committed to making it as easy as possible for people to get the service they need. That's why we're continuing our investment in the service.
"The pilot Saturday opening has shown there's only a limited demand for One Stop Shops at weekends. By switching resources to times and options that the public prefer, we can offer a better service when people actually need it.
"People are now increasingly realising that it's easy to use a wide range of new ways to contact the Council - web cams in libraries, email - as well as the 'phone and in writing.
"By re-aligning the hours of the One Stop Shops and investing in 13 extra staff we can deliver an excellent service as and when people need it."
The One Stop Shops are currently open from 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday and 9am until 1pm on Saturdays at Redcar and Cleveland Town Hall, Eston; Belmont House, Guisborough and Redcar and Cleveland House, Redcar.
The One Stop Shop will cease to open on Saturdays from April 1, when the new staff will be in post in the Contact Centre.
In May 2004, there was an average of 18,500 calls a month to the Council's newly-created Contact Centre and 2,000 visitors to One Stop Shops.
The service has been so successful that nearly 24,000 people call the Contact Centre a month and over 3,000 visit the One Stop Shops.
Opening hours at the One Stop Shops in Eston, Guisborough and Redcar are also being realigned. Although visits have almost doubled, take up on Saturdays remains minimal.
In October 2006, for example, 3,644 people used the One Stop Shop service. But only 12 of those visits took place on Saturdays. So staff are being switched to meet demand elsewhere.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources, Councillor Glyn Nightingale, said: "The Contact Centre and One Stop Shops have been a real success with the public, with increasing numbers of people now choosing to use them to get in touch with the Council. We're committed to making it as easy as possible for people to get the service they need. That's why we're continuing our investment in the service.
"The pilot Saturday opening has shown there's only a limited demand for One Stop Shops at weekends. By switching resources to times and options that the public prefer, we can offer a better service when people actually need it.
"People are now increasingly realising that it's easy to use a wide range of new ways to contact the Council - web cams in libraries, email - as well as the 'phone and in writing.
"By re-aligning the hours of the One Stop Shops and investing in 13 extra staff we can deliver an excellent service as and when people need it."
The One Stop Shops are currently open from 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday and 9am until 1pm on Saturdays at Redcar and Cleveland Town Hall, Eston; Belmont House, Guisborough and Redcar and Cleveland House, Redcar.
The One Stop Shop will cease to open on Saturdays from April 1, when the new staff will be in post in the Contact Centre.
North Riding signs in place
Pictured are 3 of 7 North Riding of Yorkshire boundary signs recently erected on the roads leading into the Borough of Redcar & Cleveland.Sign 1 (bottom) - On Stokesley Road between Great Ayton and Guisborough
Sign 2 (middle) - On the A1085 Trunk Road on the boundary with Middlesbrough
Sign 3 (top) - On Normanby Road at Ormesby with Chair of the Ridings Society Cllr Chris Abbott in pic
The seven signs were erected at no cost to the Borough of Redcar & Cleveland. They were paid for with a donation of £1150 from the Yorkshire Ridings Society.
Chairman of the Yorkshire Ridings Society and Cabinet member for Housing and Neighbourhood Renewal on Redcar and Cleveland Council, Cllr Chris Abbott said:
"We are delighted that at last our real county is shown on road signs in our area.
"The Coalition running Redcar & Cleveland has promoted the area as part of Yorkshire ever since it took control in May 2003. In July of that year the Council made Yorkshire part of its postal address and introduced an annual Yorkshire Day festival that has proved very successful. The Council also joined the Yorkshire Tourist Board.
"Promoting the area as part of Yorkshire keeps our link with history and heritage alive. It is quite separate from the areas invented for local government administration, economic development and regional planning. These areas can change at any time but Yorkshire is one of England's 39 Counties, which have been part of our geography for more than 1000 years. Real Counties should appear on maps alongside our administrative areas.
"The Ridings Society campaigns for recognition that the three Ridings of Yorkshire still exist for all cultural, ceremonial, sporting and postal purposes. Local government changes in recent years have not affected the North Riding of Yorkshire. The 1972 Local Government Act abolished only North Riding County Council and not the North Riding.
"Government statements made at the time and often repeated since declared that "the changes were for local government purposes only, for all other purposes Yorkshire is still Yorkshire."
Monday, 15 January 2007
Council seeks independent members for Audit Committee
Redcar and Cleveland Council is seeking applications from the public for two new part-time and voluntary members to join its internal Audit Committee as part of a process to bring an independent perspective on how public money is spent and how it conducts business in accordance with the law.
Committee chairman Councillor Keith Pudney said: "Successful applicants will have an exciting and vital role in contributing and influencing the Committee's work.
"It is responsible for providing independent assurance to the Council of the adequacy and effectiveness of its internal control measures, which include risk management and performance measures."
The Committee also has the potential to advise all organisational arms of the Council, Members and Officers within its Terms of Reference.
Membership will involve five or six meetings a year plus additional time to consider issues and liaise with members and officers and entitles the person to travel and subsistence expenses.
Ideally you will preferably live or work in the Borough and possess an accounting background, while you cannot be related to an officer or Member or have been an employee or councillor in the Borough during the past five years.
Committee chairman Councillor Keith Pudney said: "Successful applicants will have an exciting and vital role in contributing and influencing the Committee's work.
"It is responsible for providing independent assurance to the Council of the adequacy and effectiveness of its internal control measures, which include risk management and performance measures."
The Committee also has the potential to advise all organisational arms of the Council, Members and Officers within its Terms of Reference.
Membership will involve five or six meetings a year plus additional time to consider issues and liaise with members and officers and entitles the person to travel and subsistence expenses.
Ideally you will preferably live or work in the Borough and possess an accounting background, while you cannot be related to an officer or Member or have been an employee or councillor in the Borough during the past five years.
Oh dear! Labour is struggling to find candidates for the Council elections
Selections from a Labour Party document found under the lid of a photocopier in Redcar & Cleveland Town Hall. (surely they were not using Council facilities? - CA).
Leader's New Year Report for 2007
Dear Comrades,
Campaigning. We were out in Eston on Saturday and Sunday with Vera Baird introducing the Eston candidates on the doorsteps in the Whale Hill Estate.
This year we have our local elections taking place on Thursday the 03rd of May. Whilst all the "A" wards have been completed we still need candidates for some of the "B" wards and also the "C" wards.
The Labour Group and Joint Trade Union meetings were reconvened during 2006. (Had they fallen out? - CA).
Unison look very likely to be moving out of the Town Hall annex up to Marton Road in Middlesbrough by the end of January 2007, after receiving notice to quit. (The annex is due to be demolished!!!).
The Unison Brancy Secretary has said on a couple of occasions that whoever takes control of the Council on the 3rd of May will have great difficulty when it comes to running the Council.
Yours fraternally,
George R. Dunning
Eston Park is outstanding and that's official
Rising achievements at Eston Park School has earned top marks from Ofsted inspectors.
The number of students achieving five or more GCSEs at the school has almost quadrupled in the last five years, resulting in an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating.
The report says: “Students make outstanding progress given their starting points and develop into confident young people.”
The Redcar and Cleveland school in Eston is now in the top 14 per cent of schools nationally for the progress students make from entering to leaving the school. Some students are given the opportunity to study GCSEs in Year 9 when they are 14, two years earlier than expected.
The report said: “The holistic approach taken by the school is a major factor in enabling the students to make excellent progress in their learning. There is a very strong sense among staff of their commitment to helping all students to achieve.”
Headteacher Jim Rogers, praised for creating an ‘ethos of continuous improvement’, said: “We are delighted that the report recognises the outstanding progress at Eston Park. We work extremely hard to instil appropriate values in our pupils and they can be justifiably proud of themselves and their school.
“This report is the culmination of 11 years of hard work by strong, dedicated staff at all levels. We intend to build on it to improve further to convince people of the value and importance of comprehensive education and to maintain Eston Park’s outstanding status.”
The report highlighted the ‘excellent’ student behaviour, ‘good’ teaching and high attendance which was hailed as ‘better than found nationally.’
It praised the promotion of healthy eating lifestyles to the school’s 899 students together with the school’s celebration of student achievements through reward systems and displays.
Redcar and Cleveland Council's Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Steve Kay said: "Congratulations to Eston Park on a truly deserved report which is testament to the dedication of hard working staff.
"The school clearly works extremely hard to ensure that every child is given the opportunity to reach their full potential and the improving examination results demonstrate its effectiveness in doing so.”
Links with parents were commended in the report, with inspectors stating: “The school works well, and increasingly successfully, to involve parents in the education of their children and is rightly continuing to explore new ways to help parents become more involved.”
The report also highlighted the extra support given to students with disabilities, learning difficulties, or those at risk of exclusion from school.
Inspectors predicted an ‘outstanding’ capacity to improve at the school, where the number of students has increased by almost 100 in two years.
The number of students achieving five or more GCSEs at the school has almost quadrupled in the last five years, resulting in an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating.
The report says: “Students make outstanding progress given their starting points and develop into confident young people.”
The Redcar and Cleveland school in Eston is now in the top 14 per cent of schools nationally for the progress students make from entering to leaving the school. Some students are given the opportunity to study GCSEs in Year 9 when they are 14, two years earlier than expected.
The report said: “The holistic approach taken by the school is a major factor in enabling the students to make excellent progress in their learning. There is a very strong sense among staff of their commitment to helping all students to achieve.”
Headteacher Jim Rogers, praised for creating an ‘ethos of continuous improvement’, said: “We are delighted that the report recognises the outstanding progress at Eston Park. We work extremely hard to instil appropriate values in our pupils and they can be justifiably proud of themselves and their school.
“This report is the culmination of 11 years of hard work by strong, dedicated staff at all levels. We intend to build on it to improve further to convince people of the value and importance of comprehensive education and to maintain Eston Park’s outstanding status.”
The report highlighted the ‘excellent’ student behaviour, ‘good’ teaching and high attendance which was hailed as ‘better than found nationally.’
It praised the promotion of healthy eating lifestyles to the school’s 899 students together with the school’s celebration of student achievements through reward systems and displays.
Redcar and Cleveland Council's Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Steve Kay said: "Congratulations to Eston Park on a truly deserved report which is testament to the dedication of hard working staff.
"The school clearly works extremely hard to ensure that every child is given the opportunity to reach their full potential and the improving examination results demonstrate its effectiveness in doing so.”
Links with parents were commended in the report, with inspectors stating: “The school works well, and increasingly successfully, to involve parents in the education of their children and is rightly continuing to explore new ways to help parents become more involved.”
The report also highlighted the extra support given to students with disabilities, learning difficulties, or those at risk of exclusion from school.
Inspectors predicted an ‘outstanding’ capacity to improve at the school, where the number of students has increased by almost 100 in two years.
Friday, 12 January 2007
Libraries host recycling surgeries
Redcar and Cleveland Council will be using its 13 branch libraries for a new awareness-raising campaign on recycling, starting at Saltburn on Monday, January 15.
The Council's Community Waste Liaison Officer Barbara Webster will be joined by assistants Chris Orr and Ryan Williams on a programme of visits, which plans three stops at each library from now until the end of March.
The sessions, funded through the Government's WRAP - Waste and Resource Action Programme - initiative is geared to offer advice and information to residents on all recycling issues.
Barbara explained: "This will be the third year we have organised these visits and we've been really encouraged by the turn-outs."
The Council's Cabinet Member for Environmental Improvement Councillor Bob Stanway said: "We achieved Beacon Council status for our waste management and recycling practises last year - and we're determined not to rest on our laurels.
"We see these recycling surgeries as another key way of getting our message across. We were all heartened by the Government's latest statistics which showed our recycling rate of 35.7 per cent last year as a 20.8 per cent increase making us the second most improved council in the country.”
Dates, venues and times for next week's surgeries are:
Monday, January 15: Saltburn, 11am-noon; Redcar, 2pm-4pm,Tuesday, January 16: Guisborough, 10am-noon; Ormesby, 3pm-4pm,Thursday, January 18: Grangetown, 1pm-2pm, Friday, January 19: Skelton, 10am-11am, Laburnum Road, Redcar, 11.30am-12.30pm.
The full list of surgeries can be accessed via the Council's website, www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk.
The Council's Community Waste Liaison Officer Barbara Webster will be joined by assistants Chris Orr and Ryan Williams on a programme of visits, which plans three stops at each library from now until the end of March.
The sessions, funded through the Government's WRAP - Waste and Resource Action Programme - initiative is geared to offer advice and information to residents on all recycling issues.
Barbara explained: "This will be the third year we have organised these visits and we've been really encouraged by the turn-outs."
The Council's Cabinet Member for Environmental Improvement Councillor Bob Stanway said: "We achieved Beacon Council status for our waste management and recycling practises last year - and we're determined not to rest on our laurels.
"We see these recycling surgeries as another key way of getting our message across. We were all heartened by the Government's latest statistics which showed our recycling rate of 35.7 per cent last year as a 20.8 per cent increase making us the second most improved council in the country.”
Dates, venues and times for next week's surgeries are:
Monday, January 15: Saltburn, 11am-noon; Redcar, 2pm-4pm,Tuesday, January 16: Guisborough, 10am-noon; Ormesby, 3pm-4pm,Thursday, January 18: Grangetown, 1pm-2pm, Friday, January 19: Skelton, 10am-11am, Laburnum Road, Redcar, 11.30am-12.30pm.
The full list of surgeries can be accessed via the Council's website, www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk.
Thursday, 11 January 2007
Planning ahead for learning campus
Redcar and Cleveland Council is ready to submit its detailed planning application for the £16million Saltburn Learning Campus project next week.
The Campus will provide a new secondary school to replace the existing Huntcliff School buildings and a new primary school to replace the two Saltburn Primary School sites at Marske Mill Lane and Upleatham Street.
The development of the current Huntcliff School site will create a modern learning campus, expanding on the existing facilities of a Children’s Centre, Leisure Centre and Multi-Use Games Area providing life-long learning opportunities.
The first of two phases is hoped to commence in July, with the building of the new secondary school, and the second phase, the new primary school, will be completed by September 2009, subject to planning approval.
The Council’s Lead Member for Children's Services Councillor Valerie Halton said: “This is a marvellous and innovative project which will be a great asset to the young people and the wider community of Saltburn for years to come."
Members of the public attended the latest meeting at Huntcliff this week to see the proposals and designs for the development presented by Council officers and the project's architects, Aedas.
The Council's Capital Projects Manager Lionel Danby, who chaired the meeting, said: "The plans for the new buildings were generally well received. We have also taken on board issues raised and noted them for consideration during further design development."
Improved shared facilities for both schools and the community will include a sports hall, multi-use activity halls, changing facilities and remodelled playing fields.
Enclosed wildlife areas and amphitheatres will form new outdoor learning areas for the schools while woodland areas and landscaping will be used to improve the visible aspects of the site.
The inclusion of on-site parking, drop-off facilities and cycle storage is expected to alleviate public concerns over traffic management and control. A formal public consultation process will take place once the planning application has been submitted.
The Capital Projects Team's website is regularly updated as design development progresses - log on to www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk and click on the Capital Projects BLOG on the home page.
The Campus will provide a new secondary school to replace the existing Huntcliff School buildings and a new primary school to replace the two Saltburn Primary School sites at Marske Mill Lane and Upleatham Street.
The development of the current Huntcliff School site will create a modern learning campus, expanding on the existing facilities of a Children’s Centre, Leisure Centre and Multi-Use Games Area providing life-long learning opportunities.
The first of two phases is hoped to commence in July, with the building of the new secondary school, and the second phase, the new primary school, will be completed by September 2009, subject to planning approval.
The Council’s Lead Member for Children's Services Councillor Valerie Halton said: “This is a marvellous and innovative project which will be a great asset to the young people and the wider community of Saltburn for years to come."
Members of the public attended the latest meeting at Huntcliff this week to see the proposals and designs for the development presented by Council officers and the project's architects, Aedas.
The Council's Capital Projects Manager Lionel Danby, who chaired the meeting, said: "The plans for the new buildings were generally well received. We have also taken on board issues raised and noted them for consideration during further design development."
Improved shared facilities for both schools and the community will include a sports hall, multi-use activity halls, changing facilities and remodelled playing fields.
Enclosed wildlife areas and amphitheatres will form new outdoor learning areas for the schools while woodland areas and landscaping will be used to improve the visible aspects of the site.
The inclusion of on-site parking, drop-off facilities and cycle storage is expected to alleviate public concerns over traffic management and control. A formal public consultation process will take place once the planning application has been submitted.
The Capital Projects Team's website is regularly updated as design development progresses - log on to www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk and click on the Capital Projects BLOG on the home page.
Wednesday, 10 January 2007
Council budget's big investment
Redcar and Cleveland Council is ready to invest £6million on more and better services for the elderly, children and the environment - and keep its Council Tax rise down to a cost of living increase.
The Council's Cabinet also believes its 2007/2008 budget will deliver a seven per cent productivity improvement, as well as being able to limit the Council Tax rise to 51p a week for Band A properties, which accounts for over a third of the Borough's 61,000 properties.
Nearly £2million is earmarked to invest in care for elderly people and those with learning disabilities as well as ensuring improvements to residential care and more help for people to live at home.
This investment is geared to address national fears from the Commission for Social Care, who believe families face a growing financial burden to pay for their own support services.
There is also a commitment to invest just under £1million in improving transporting children to school and ensuring 'vulnerable' children get more support.
The budget proposals, which are going out to widespread consultation over the next month, also plan to build on the Council's status as a Beacon Council for its recycling and waste management services. This could see an extra Clean and Green operative in each of the six zoned areas of the Borough.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources Councillor Glyn Nightingale said: "The Council's primary objectives are to maintain existing services and respond effectively to the need for improved services.
"We can spend an extra £6 million for a cost of living increase of 3.6 per cent, the figure used by the Chancellor for pensions increase and achieve productivity improvements worthy of any world-class business."
Consultation on the £105 million budget, which will involve hundreds of people, with meetings planned for both public and staff before it is formally agreed by the Council on March 1, will offer three further options.
Councillor Nightingale explained: "We want the views of local people on whether we should employ more Clean and Green workers. This would mean a Council Tax rise of 3.9 per cent instead of 3.6 per cent.
"If Council Tax was to rise by 4.9 per cent - the maximum allowed by Government, an extra £625,000 could be spent on further improvements in Council services. If we did that, what should we spend it on?
"However, if people wanted us to set the Council Tax at less than 3.6 per cent, we would need to make serious cuts in services with job losses. We need the public to tell us what those reductions should be."
Each of the Council's main directorates - Chief Executives, Finance and Procurement, Area Management, Health and Social Well Being and Children's Services - have also already made considerable efforts to find new ways of delivering services with greater efficiency.
"The result is savings amounting to £7 million achieved in some cases through investment in automation, ending duplication of work, less office space and new work practices."
Councillor Nightingale said: "Our overall package will see an increase in jobs in the private as well as the public sector. There will be a reduction in administration and managerial jobs but a bigger increase in jobs directly serving the public.
"The exact numbers of job losses and job gains have not yet been determined because we are going through a voluntary process. There are no compulsory redundancies planned."
Copies of the proposals, which are being circulated to all councillors, the Borough's town and parish councils, businesses, trade unions and the voluntary sector, can be access through the Council's website, www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk.
Details of public meetings and other consultation events will shortly be advertised.
The Council's Cabinet also believes its 2007/2008 budget will deliver a seven per cent productivity improvement, as well as being able to limit the Council Tax rise to 51p a week for Band A properties, which accounts for over a third of the Borough's 61,000 properties.
Nearly £2million is earmarked to invest in care for elderly people and those with learning disabilities as well as ensuring improvements to residential care and more help for people to live at home.
This investment is geared to address national fears from the Commission for Social Care, who believe families face a growing financial burden to pay for their own support services.
There is also a commitment to invest just under £1million in improving transporting children to school and ensuring 'vulnerable' children get more support.
The budget proposals, which are going out to widespread consultation over the next month, also plan to build on the Council's status as a Beacon Council for its recycling and waste management services. This could see an extra Clean and Green operative in each of the six zoned areas of the Borough.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources Councillor Glyn Nightingale said: "The Council's primary objectives are to maintain existing services and respond effectively to the need for improved services.
"We can spend an extra £6 million for a cost of living increase of 3.6 per cent, the figure used by the Chancellor for pensions increase and achieve productivity improvements worthy of any world-class business."
Consultation on the £105 million budget, which will involve hundreds of people, with meetings planned for both public and staff before it is formally agreed by the Council on March 1, will offer three further options.
Councillor Nightingale explained: "We want the views of local people on whether we should employ more Clean and Green workers. This would mean a Council Tax rise of 3.9 per cent instead of 3.6 per cent.
"If Council Tax was to rise by 4.9 per cent - the maximum allowed by Government, an extra £625,000 could be spent on further improvements in Council services. If we did that, what should we spend it on?
"However, if people wanted us to set the Council Tax at less than 3.6 per cent, we would need to make serious cuts in services with job losses. We need the public to tell us what those reductions should be."
Each of the Council's main directorates - Chief Executives, Finance and Procurement, Area Management, Health and Social Well Being and Children's Services - have also already made considerable efforts to find new ways of delivering services with greater efficiency.
"The result is savings amounting to £7 million achieved in some cases through investment in automation, ending duplication of work, less office space and new work practices."
Councillor Nightingale said: "Our overall package will see an increase in jobs in the private as well as the public sector. There will be a reduction in administration and managerial jobs but a bigger increase in jobs directly serving the public.
"The exact numbers of job losses and job gains have not yet been determined because we are going through a voluntary process. There are no compulsory redundancies planned."
Copies of the proposals, which are being circulated to all councillors, the Borough's town and parish councils, businesses, trade unions and the voluntary sector, can be access through the Council's website, www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk.
Details of public meetings and other consultation events will shortly be advertised.
Monday, 8 January 2007
New chapter for Brotton Library
Redcar and Cleveland Council has started a new chapter for Brotton Library, opening the doors to its new home in the new Freebrough Specialist Engineering College.
The College, which opens tomorrow (Tuesday, January 9) for its first day, incorporates the library as a shared school and community facility, with a separate entrance for public access.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: “We are confident that the library users will be delighted with their fantastic new library. We hope people will come along and see for themselves what a tremendous improvement it is.”
Over £8,000 has been spent on new adult and junior books including an additional 526 non-fiction books and 842 fiction books to join the libraries existing stock.
The new site offers an improved layout with easier access for people with mobility difficulties, a disabled toilet and baby change facilities.
The new library has something for everyone – books for both adults and children, including large print and talking books, DVDs and music CDs, plus a reference collection with resources for both local and family history.
There are 12 computers providing free public access to the internet, word processing and other software whilst a Viewpoint web-cam is available to provide confidential access to council services.
Library staff are available to help students from the College as well as members of the public with everything from locating books to printing to homework.
The library has increased opening hours from 30 to 37.5 per week with the library open Tuesday mornings and through lunch during term time.
New opening hours - Term Time: Monday 9.30am-7pm, Tuesday 9.30am-5pm, Wednesday noon-2pm, Thursday 9.30am-7pm, Friday 9.30am-5pm, Saturday 9.30am-12.30pm.
School holidays: Monday 9.30am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-7pm, Tuesday 9.30am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-5pm, Wednesday Closed, Thursday 9.30am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-5pm, Friday 9.30am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-5pm, Saturday 9.30pm-12.30pm.
Council officers are now looking into future potential uses of the old library site on the High Street, which was closed on December 16.
The College, which opens tomorrow (Tuesday, January 9) for its first day, incorporates the library as a shared school and community facility, with a separate entrance for public access.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: “We are confident that the library users will be delighted with their fantastic new library. We hope people will come along and see for themselves what a tremendous improvement it is.”
Over £8,000 has been spent on new adult and junior books including an additional 526 non-fiction books and 842 fiction books to join the libraries existing stock.
The new site offers an improved layout with easier access for people with mobility difficulties, a disabled toilet and baby change facilities.
The new library has something for everyone – books for both adults and children, including large print and talking books, DVDs and music CDs, plus a reference collection with resources for both local and family history.
There are 12 computers providing free public access to the internet, word processing and other software whilst a Viewpoint web-cam is available to provide confidential access to council services.
Library staff are available to help students from the College as well as members of the public with everything from locating books to printing to homework.
The library has increased opening hours from 30 to 37.5 per week with the library open Tuesday mornings and through lunch during term time.
New opening hours - Term Time: Monday 9.30am-7pm, Tuesday 9.30am-5pm, Wednesday noon-2pm, Thursday 9.30am-7pm, Friday 9.30am-5pm, Saturday 9.30am-12.30pm.
School holidays: Monday 9.30am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-7pm, Tuesday 9.30am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-5pm, Wednesday Closed, Thursday 9.30am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-5pm, Friday 9.30am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-5pm, Saturday 9.30pm-12.30pm.
Council officers are now looking into future potential uses of the old library site on the High Street, which was closed on December 16.
Thursday, 4 January 2007
Labour and Independents desperate rush to claim credit for Eston precinct is premature
Letters from rival Labour and Independent Councillors in Eston and Teesville wards in the Evening Gazette have suggested that they have had contact with a company who wish to redevelop Eston Precinct.
The Council has twice written to the prospective developers asking them to provide details of their business plan and how they will finance the purchase of the existing properties and businesses on the site. A meeting that was due to take place this week, between the Council and the proposed developers, had to be cancelled when it was learned that they do not have a business plan for the site.
The Council is unable to talk about the feasibility of development proposals that we have not yet been formally advised about. We are happy to help to facilitate any plan to redevelop the Eston Precinct, which is a privately owned development, but we need to know that it can be financed and is sustainable.
There have been too many red herrings thrown in over the past couple of years, due to the bitter and senseless rivalry between Councillors in the Eston and Teesville wards and it does nobody any good when they are each rushing to claim credit for development proposals that may not amount to anything. Premature claims can also put off other potential investors.
The Council is committed to finding a suitable developer for the precinct and we hope the latest proposal is not another cruel hoax in the run up to an election.
The Council has twice written to the prospective developers asking them to provide details of their business plan and how they will finance the purchase of the existing properties and businesses on the site. A meeting that was due to take place this week, between the Council and the proposed developers, had to be cancelled when it was learned that they do not have a business plan for the site.
The Council is unable to talk about the feasibility of development proposals that we have not yet been formally advised about. We are happy to help to facilitate any plan to redevelop the Eston Precinct, which is a privately owned development, but we need to know that it can be financed and is sustainable.
There have been too many red herrings thrown in over the past couple of years, due to the bitter and senseless rivalry between Councillors in the Eston and Teesville wards and it does nobody any good when they are each rushing to claim credit for development proposals that may not amount to anything. Premature claims can also put off other potential investors.
The Council is committed to finding a suitable developer for the precinct and we hope the latest proposal is not another cruel hoax in the run up to an election.
Coatham beach is not closed
The Evening Gazette has today published a letter claiming that the Council has closed Coatham beach to walkers and dog walkers. There is not one word of truth in this.
Council to launch sanctuary scheme
Redcar and Cleveland Council is one of the first local authorities in the North East to follow government guidance and offer a sanctuary scheme for residents who are victims of domestic abuse.
The scheme's aim is to provide a victim-centred initiative for people who have experienced or are at risk of domestic abuse and, as a result, likely to be made homeless.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Social Services, Councillor Valerie Halton, who leads on domestic violence issues, said: "For many people, being able to stay in their own home is important, as they may have an existing support network, including health facilities and it is better for the children’s welfare if they do not have to move schools.
"The Sanctuary Scheme will not be suitable for everybody, but it will give victims of domestic abuse who face homelessness an additional choice when considering the options available to them."
To deliver the scheme, which will be launched on Monday, January 8, the Council is working in partnership with several agencies including the Police, Women’s Aid, Victim Support and Guinness Trust Housing Association.
The Council's Housing Options Development Manager Jane Bayley said: "The scheme helps people to remain in their home and feel safer by adding additional security measures to the property.
"These can include alarms, locks, CCTV, fire safety equipment and the creation of a ‘safe room’ within the home. Each sanctuary will be tailored to meet the needs of the individual and in addition ongoing support will be offered."
The scheme's aim is to provide a victim-centred initiative for people who have experienced or are at risk of domestic abuse and, as a result, likely to be made homeless.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Social Services, Councillor Valerie Halton, who leads on domestic violence issues, said: "For many people, being able to stay in their own home is important, as they may have an existing support network, including health facilities and it is better for the children’s welfare if they do not have to move schools.
"The Sanctuary Scheme will not be suitable for everybody, but it will give victims of domestic abuse who face homelessness an additional choice when considering the options available to them."
To deliver the scheme, which will be launched on Monday, January 8, the Council is working in partnership with several agencies including the Police, Women’s Aid, Victim Support and Guinness Trust Housing Association.
The Council's Housing Options Development Manager Jane Bayley said: "The scheme helps people to remain in their home and feel safer by adding additional security measures to the property.
"These can include alarms, locks, CCTV, fire safety equipment and the creation of a ‘safe room’ within the home. Each sanctuary will be tailored to meet the needs of the individual and in addition ongoing support will be offered."
Freebrough School opens on Tuesday
Pupils, staff and governors at Freebrough Specialist Engineering College will move into their new site in Brotton on Tuesday, January 9, following the culmination of a £16million project by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.
The new 10,000 square metre building brings together 1,000 students from the school’s previous three sites in Brotton, Loftus and Skelton.
It is the sixth new school to open its doors in Redcar and Cleveland in the last 12 months. In November, Bydales Specialist Technology School in Marske, Gillbrook College in South Bank and Sacred Heart RC Specialist Science College in Redcar all moved into new buildings.
Last April, South Bank Community Primary and St Benedict’s RC Primary also moved into new buildings.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Steve Kay said: “The opening of the new Freebrough College marks the start of a new chapter in the delivery of excellent educational provision in East Cleveland.
"The new building brings first rate facilities for both students and local communities to ensure they have every opportunity to fulfil their goals.”
Built by HBG Construction and designed by Aedas architects, the new school includes eight hi-tech science laboratories, a modern design suite, state-of-the-art technology and engineering rooms, a music suite including a recording studio and art facilities with an outdoor balcony.
It boasts a range of facilities serving the local community including a sports hall, outdoor playing surfaces and The Fusion Youth and Community Centre, based within the new building. The school also houses a new joint school and public library, replacing the former High Street premises.
The new school has taken just 15 months to build and has been funded by the Council including funds from the sale of the school’s former Loftus and Skelton sites.
Its opening comes just a few weeks after Redcar and Cleveland was named as part of the national Building Schools for the Future programme which aims to rebuild and refurbish secondary schools.
Students will be phased into the new school by year group over the next few weeks and inducted into a range of new processes and facilities within the building. Formal opening ceremonies will take place at a later date.
The new 10,000 square metre building brings together 1,000 students from the school’s previous three sites in Brotton, Loftus and Skelton.
It is the sixth new school to open its doors in Redcar and Cleveland in the last 12 months. In November, Bydales Specialist Technology School in Marske, Gillbrook College in South Bank and Sacred Heart RC Specialist Science College in Redcar all moved into new buildings.
Last April, South Bank Community Primary and St Benedict’s RC Primary also moved into new buildings.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Steve Kay said: “The opening of the new Freebrough College marks the start of a new chapter in the delivery of excellent educational provision in East Cleveland.
"The new building brings first rate facilities for both students and local communities to ensure they have every opportunity to fulfil their goals.”
Built by HBG Construction and designed by Aedas architects, the new school includes eight hi-tech science laboratories, a modern design suite, state-of-the-art technology and engineering rooms, a music suite including a recording studio and art facilities with an outdoor balcony.
It boasts a range of facilities serving the local community including a sports hall, outdoor playing surfaces and The Fusion Youth and Community Centre, based within the new building. The school also houses a new joint school and public library, replacing the former High Street premises.
The new school has taken just 15 months to build and has been funded by the Council including funds from the sale of the school’s former Loftus and Skelton sites.
Its opening comes just a few weeks after Redcar and Cleveland was named as part of the national Building Schools for the Future programme which aims to rebuild and refurbish secondary schools.
Students will be phased into the new school by year group over the next few weeks and inducted into a range of new processes and facilities within the building. Formal opening ceremonies will take place at a later date.
Tuesday, 2 January 2007
Christmas card recycling
Happy New Year to all.
Please remember to recycle all your Christmas cards at all participating primary schools and libraries.
Alternatively at home, you can place your cards into the white sack or orange sack (terraced homes only) for collection.
Please remember to recycle all your Christmas cards at all participating primary schools and libraries.
Alternatively at home, you can place your cards into the white sack or orange sack (terraced homes only) for collection.
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