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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

Ian Swales MP said:

 

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

Coast Road speeding campaign gets underway in Redcar.

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

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

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

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

Emma Boyes said:

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

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

Josh Mason said:

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

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

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

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

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

Commenting, Ian Swales MP said:

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

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

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

Come on England!

The Olympic torch enters Rydal Avenue, Redcar, Yorkshire.

 Carried by Daniel Abbott aged 8

Carried by Jessica Seaman aged 5

Redcar Lib Dems attack Labour Council’s failure

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

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

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

Liberal Democrat Councillor Josh Mason (pictured) commented:

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

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

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

The Olympic torch comes through Newcomen Ward at Redcar in pictures

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

Here it comes!

The Mascot.

The Sponsors.

Coca Cola.

Lloyds TSB.

The Police Escort.

Here it is!

Get set for Redcar Game Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yorkshire flag at Buckingham Palace

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

LIB DEMS CALL FOR URGENT REVIEW OF CUTS TO HOMECALL

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

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

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

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

Cllr Ovens commented:

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

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

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

Ian Swales, MP for Redcar added:

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

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

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

Labour run Redcar and Cleveland Council penalise blue badge holders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leeds United fans invade the City of Cardiff Stadium.

Redcar Athletic and the clash of the giants

MESSAGE FROM KEVIN FRYETT OF REDCAR ATHLETIC FC:

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

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

                                                                       

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

Entry £2 adults 50p Concessions Programmes £1

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

ONE OFF STADIUM/STAND SPONSORSHIP

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

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

ADVERT IN MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

Programme printed every week for Home Wearside League Games

Full page advert £100 per season

½ page advert £75 per season

¼ page advert £50 per season

MATCHDAY SPONSOR

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

MATCHBALL SPONSOR

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

PLAYER SPONSOR 

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

Labour Council cuts target most vulnerable

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ian Swales, MP for Redcar added:

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

We're Leeds United we make history

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

What the Liberal Democrats have achieved in Government

This excellent infographic was produced by Mark Pack:

Lib Dems vote against Council Tax rise

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

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

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

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

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

Liberal Democrat Council Group Leader, Glyn Nightingale commented:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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