Labour war graves gaffe

Labour Councillors at Redcar & Cleveland were today left red-faced after their attacks on Government plans for war graves proved unfounded. They were then forced into an embarrassing climbdown.

Labour Councillor Wendy Wall put forward a motion condemning the Government after an article in a national paper said that there were plans to cut the budget for war graves maintenance by £16.5 million.

The motion was seconded by the Labour Leader of the Council. 

But Lib Dem Leader Chris Abbott produced not just one but two letters from Government Ministers confirming that the claims in the paper were untrue. 

A letter from the Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey says that:

“The Ministry of Defence will continue to meet its obligations to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and will be providing them with over £42 million this year to continue the excellent work they do.”

A further letter from Andrew Robathan MP, Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare & Veterans says:

“I can confirm that the story on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission published in the Sunday Mirror on 20 February is completely untrue.”

Cllr Mrs Wall then withdrew her motion, saying "I never got the right facts."

Lib Dem Cllr Eric Howden, who does a great deal of work for the British Legion, said:

“It is disgraceful that Labour once again tries to make headlines for itself with false information. To attack the Government based on nothing more than unsubstantiated information mentioned in a national newspaper is downright cold-hearted. To put the relatives of those who paid the ultimate price for their country in the fear that their graves, some in lands too far away to visit, that they would be left neglected, is about a low as one could go just to try and gain a few political points.”

Lib Dem Group Leader Chris Abbott added:

“I am particularly staggered that the Leader of the Council should be so unprofessional as to put his name to a motion like this without checking his facts. This incompetent scaremongering shows that Labour are not fit to run the council.”

Lib Dems will ditch Labour's "Vertical Pier"

Posted by Chris:

If Liberal Democrats win control of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council at the elections in May they will abandon the Labour Council’s controversial plans to erect an 80’ "Vertical Pier" On Redcar seafront.

Labour have simply not convinced people that building an 80’ tower on the seafront and renting the space to a cafe and craft industries is sustainable. The attraction of climbing up it to see the view is pretty limited and the huge cost of paying back the debt and maintaining the facility does not justify going ahead with something no-one seems to want.

A Focus survey carried out by the Lib Dems in Redcar  this autumn asked residents: "Should the Council build the proposed 80’ "vertical pier" on Redcar sea front? Hundreds responded with more than 97% answering NO.

It is hard to find anyone who thinks the "vertical pier" plan is a good idea and we need to listen. Giving it planning permission is one thing, there were no legal grounds to turn it down but going ahead in the face of such solid opposition is just plain ridiculous.

Local Liberal Democrats have long campaigned for a proper pier at Redcar and this should be the Council’s aim

The Council have recently put the "vertical pier" out to tender but the contract for the work is not due to be signed until after the Council elections. If the Liberal Democrats win we shall abandon it.

Councillors should not set their own pay – Lib Dems

Redcar & Cleveland’s Liberal Democrat Group today abstained on the issue of councillors’ allowances.

The Independent Remuneration Panel which looks into councillors pay recommended no change this year.

Lib Dem Leader Councillor Chris Abbott, who represents Newcomen ward, said:

“We welcome the freeze in councillors’ allowances. To increase the amounts would have been quite wrong in the current economic climate.”

“But there is a more fundamental issue here. Councillors should not be setting their own pay, and we have asked the Government to consider taking the decision away from councillors altogether.”

Labour’s cop-out budget

Redcar & Cleveland’s Liberal Democrat Group today voted against Labour’s budget, calling it a “cop-out” which delays big decisions until after the May elections.

Liberal Democrats have welcomed the Council’s decision to set a 0% Council Tax rise. This has been made possible by a generous £1.4 million grant from central Government.

But other aspects of Labour’s budget are very concerning to Liberal Democrats. A major one is the lack of detail in the budget proposals.

Lib Dem Leader Councillor Chris Abbott, who represents Newcomen ward, said:

“We welcome the 0% Council Tax increase. In these tough economic times this will be a real help to low and middle income households. I am pleased that the Government has made this possible with its grant. I am also pleased that Labour has listened to advice from Liberal Democrats. We have been proposing a 0% increase since December.”

“However, Labour’s budget does not say specifically where the cuts will be made. It is a cop-out budget, with Labour hoping to delay big decisions about spending until after the local elections in May. Councillors cannot be expected to vote for a budget without knowing the detail. For example, we do not know what charges are going to be increased.”

“Tackling Labour’s disastrous financial mess was always going to be hard. Because local government spends 25% of all public money, councils were always going to have to play a big part in fixing the black hole in the country’s finances.”

“If Labour claim they can avoid making cuts to frontline services then there must have been a great deal of waste before. Much of what they are doing now could have been done over the two years they took to reorganise the Council. If they didn’t foresee this they need their heads examining.”

Ian Swales secures crucial meeting with the Government and Corus buyers SSI

A crucial meeting between Corus buyers Sahaviriya Steel Industries (SSI) and the Government has been secured by local MP Ian Swales.

Ian was concerned by a report from the Energy Intensive Users Group that suggested that green taxes could force industries that use a lot of energy - such as steel production - to move abroad. 

In the House of Commons today Ian Swales asked Climate Change Minister Gregory Barker to consider the international competitiveness of UK-based energy intensive industries. He also asked if the Minister would meet with SSI to discuss future carbon and energy policy and its impact on high-energy industries.

The Minister assured Mr. Swales that he would be happy to meet with him and SSI to discuss these issues.

Ian Swales commented, “It is vital that green taxes do not send energy intensive industries abroad. It’s energy inefficiency - not energy intensity - that should be taxed.

 “Everyone in the area knows how important it is for the steel plant to re-open to create hundreds of jobs for local people. The Minister’s agreement to meet with SSI and myself will help to make sure that happens.”

Ian Swales MP commemorates our veterans and Armed Forces

Ian Swales MP commemorates our veterans and Armed Forces in a series of events over the next few days

On Friday Mr Swales will be attending an event at Redcar and Cleveland College as part of a series of Remembrance Day activities occurring in the area.

Ian will be talking to students at the College about the significance of the day before taking part in a wreath laying ceremony in honour of all those serving in our Armed Forces, past and present.

Ian said “Remembrance Day is a great opportunity for us to pay our respects to those who have given their lives in service to their country, and to show our appreciation to those currently serving.  It is especially good to see young people participating in these commemorative services. 

“We must be sure to also pay tribute to those who return from duty injured, both physically and mentally.  This time of year is a great time to highlight the fantastic work which is done year round by the Royal British Legion and other charities, such as Help for Heroes.

“There have been some great events in the area this year, including the Marske United football match which I attended last Sunday.  It was great to see so many people taking part and coming out to show their support.  I was really impressed by the footballing prowess of our local councillors, but the Legion were worthy winners in the end”

Ian will be attending services in Normanby (Sat 11am), Redcar (Sun 11am), Lazenby (Sun 12pm) and New Marske (Sun 2.30pm), as well as laying wreaths at the remaining 6 war memorials across the constituency over the weekend. 

He added  ‘’I would encourage anyone who can to attend their local Remembrance Day service.  It is always nice to see a good turnout at these events.’’   

Details of local services can be found here. 

Soil conditioner give away at Redcar Racecourse

Following popular demand Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council is holding another big heap, soil conditioner give away to any residents who would like to come along, bag it up and take it away.

 

The giveaway is being held at Redcar Racecourse, in the car park at the Redcar Lane main entrance, on Saturday, November 20 between 10am and 12noon.

 

There will be a three bag limit to each vehicle, given on a first come, first served basis. Shovels will be available, but you will need to provide your own bags.

 

The soil conditioner has been collected through the Council's green waste scheme and can be spread about an inch thick into garden borders to give plants plenty of nutrients and improve the soil.

 

If you would like more information please call, Area Management Promotions and Marketing on 01287 612305.

Lib Dems condemn lack of notice on green waste

Liberal Democrats on Redcar & Cleveland Council are concerned about the Labour Council stopping green waste collections without enough warning.

The Council has stopped its alternate weekly collection of green waste from 1 November for the winter as a cost cutting exercise. However, the Council only informed the press of this on 26 October.

Lib Dem Councillor John Hannon (Kirkleatham Ward) said:

"I appreciate the need to save money, but the Council should have given people much more notice. How are people supposed to plan ahead when big changes like this are sprung on them?"

“I have already received several complaints from residents who are angry about this, and they have good reason to be.”

“The Lib Dems will be asking the Labour Cabinet member responsible what went wrong.”

Lib Dem unites Redcar swimmers

Liberal Democrat Councillor Mike Carling has reunited the swimmers, coaches and parents from Redcar Swimming Club for a pre-Christmas swim thanks to the temporary pool at Rye Hills School.

Mike was a swim coach with the club until its closure 10 years ago.

The club had 120 young members and provided a valuable resource for the town. The closure of the baths was a real blow to Redcar.

The British Gas Pools for Schools programme has helped to make this possible, along with Tees Valley Leisure, the Council and the School Sports Partnership.

Cllr Carling said:

"The temporary pool will provided much needed swimming lessons for local children and help them understand water safety."

Fellow Lib Dem Councillor Mary Ovens, who is also a governor at Rye Hills School, added:

“Congratulations are due to all the staff and partners who have made this possible.”

“The new pool has to be seen to be believed. I urge local people to go along and see for themselves how good it is.”

Jobcentre communication not acceptable – Ian Swales

Local Liberal Democrat MP Ian Swales has been contacted by concerned residents about the need for a local number to contact Redcar Jobcentre.  After investigating, it appears that the 0845 number not only charges people 4p per minute, there is no alternative local number. 

The website www.saynoto0870.com has local numbers for both Middlesbrough and Guisborough Jobcentre, but there is no such number for Redcar Jobcentre. 

Ian said: ‘This is a disgrace.  Not only do I have constituents who are trying to contact the Jobcentre as asked, they are also being made to wait for 30 minutes or more on a line that is costing them money.  Anyone contacting the Jobcentre is likely to be short of money. 

‘’I am calling on all local jobcentres to publicise their local numbers.’’

 ‘’In difficult times like this we should be helping people save money, not making it hard for them.  The Jobcentre is a lifeline to for some people and easy access is essential.  I will be speaking to Redcar Jobcentre, and will ask them to provide a local number for my constituents’’.

Lib Dems demand Surestart swimming for Redcar, Marske & New Marske

A Liberal Democrat councillor is demanding access to swimming through Surestart for families in the Marske, New Marske and Redcar areas.

Councillor Margaret Wilson, who represents St Germains ward in Marske, raised the issue at last Thursday’s meeting of Redcar & Cleveland Council. She feels that children from Marske, New Marske and Redcar are not getting a fair deal.

Local children in these areas qualify for free swimming sessions via Surestart, but cannot get them because of the booking system at Saltburn baths. This gives priority to families from Saltburn and other eastern parts of the borough.

Margaret Wilson said:

“Above all this highlights the need for a pool at Redcar. But until that time we need an arrangement which does not deprive children from Marske, New Marske and Redcar of free swimming.

"I hope a solution can be found so that our children are not deprived of swimming. We are after all a coastal borough, which makes learning to swim all the more important.

“The Council could look at providing sessions at Kirkleatham Hall School baths as a short-term measure. This happened in the past so why not again?”

Local MP Ian Swales champions Olympics bid to get kids involved

Local Liberal Democrat MP, Ian Swales has written to all schools in his constituency to encourage them to take part in the ‘Get Set’ London 2012 education programme. Ian met with Seb Coe earlier this week and was encouraged to hear about how many schools were involved in the ‘Get Set’ programme. This programme aims to engage with young people in many different ways from encouraging active lifestyles to enterprise and creativity.

Become part of it

Ian Swales said ‘’There are plenty of ways in which we can and should be encouraging children to get involved. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for people to engage with a variety of events and ultimately being part, even if only in a small way, of the London 2012 Olympics.’’

‘’I have visited many of the schools in the Redcar and Cleveland area since being elected in May, and have been impressed with what I have seen. ‘Get Set’ seems to me to be an exciting way to encourage our young people to get involved with the many events surrounding the Olympics.’’

‘’I am happy to support any school that wishes to get more involved in these projects’’.

For more information on this or any other events relating to the Olympics visit www.london2012.com.

Who said Politics wasn’t fun?

The Liberal Democrat Conference this week has seen motions debated by the grass roots of the party, it’s had more fringe events discussing a wide range of topics and we were privileged to hear from many senior figures both in the party and in Government.

But conference would not be conference without a little light relief and this year, Ian Swales MP competed against his Liberal Democrat colleagues in a Virtual Archery game as well as (without knowing) competing in the badge competition!

Mr Clegg, hit a perfect ten with his final shot, shouting “bullseye” across the hall however, his efforts fell just short of Ian Swales and John Hemming MP who filled the top spots in the early part of the game. More MPs then joined in the fun and Ian soon found himself further down the leader board than he would like. He made up for it by selling out of the badges at the Liberal Democrat Image stand and coming third in this competition. Who said that MPs don’t know how to have fun!

Ian Swales backs Theresa Cave’s call for the removal of Voodoo Knife Set

Ian Swales MP for Redcar, supports Mrs Cave’s campaign to have the ‘Voodoo Knife Set,’ which depicts a man being repeatedly stabbed, removed from shops around the country. Ian believes that the set’s design promotes violent behaviour and sends worrying messages to impressionable youngsters.

The set was first discovered by Mrs Cave on a recent visit to Whitby, where it was displayed openly in a shop window. Theresa was horrified to overhear a young boy shouting at his mother to ‘buy me a stabbing man’ and after reading this Ian felt compelled to publicly support Teresa in her campaign.

The debate over these knives comes at a sensitive time for people in Redcar and Cleveland after recent series of incidents of knife crime and unprovoked violent attacks. Cleveland Police recently reported that incidents of knife crime had dropped in 2010, however, over 10 days in August, a succession of five attacks took place, two of which happened in Ian’s Redcar Constituency.

The designers of the knife block have claimed that they are not ‘designed to incite violence’, that it is an ‘artistic design, made tongue in cheek’, however Redcar MP Ian Swales said “ The artist may take a light hearted view of his creation but I feel this image should not be freely displayed to all ages. Anything which makes stabbing a human shaped figure seem OK, particularly to children, is offensive and should be withdrawn.’

Ian Swales gets on his bike

The Member of Parliament for Redcar, Ian Swales, will be joining a fundraising bike ride on Saturday 4th September. The event is one of around 50 'Fresh Air Miles' events taking place across the country to celebrate 15 years of the National Cycle Network.

The event is being hosted by leading UK charity Sustrans who help people to make smarter, healthier, cleaner and cheaper travel choices.Sustrans work with families, communities and partner organisations so that people really do have options.

Ian Swales will be joining Philip Chisholm who is Sustrans' volunteer liaison ranger in Redcar on the bike ride.It will start from Saltburn Allotments/Howard Drive,Marske at 2pm and he will ride to the Council's old Cargo Fleet Offices in South Bank. All are welcome to join in on the ride and Ian hopes to see a lot of local people get involved.

Ian said: “I am looking forward to taking part in the bike ride, it’s been a while since I was on a bicycle but its all good fun and for a good cause. I hope to have the chance to see the constituency from a different perspective and I am sure it will provide me with the opportunity to see where we could improve the green transport routes around the Borough of Redcar and Cleveland. Cycling is a great form of exercise, made all the more enjoyable by the many beautiful, scenic routes available to peddle around across the Borough.

For anybody who cannot join Ian on Saturday, but do want to get involved there is another bike ride taking place on Sunday 5th September starting on Majuba Road in Redcar at 10.30am.

Brotton by-election result

Labour  have won Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s Brotton Ward by-election.

The result was as follows:

Doreen Rudland (Lab)... 565

Barry Hunt (Ind).......... 351

Val Miller (Lib Dem)...... 315

Donald Alan Agar (Con).. 220

Michael George (BNP).... 33

There was a 27.76 per cent turnout.

A perfect day

A good morning's campaigning in Brotton was followed by Leeds 3 Millwall 1 on Yorkshire Radio and then off to Green Lane with Daniel to watch Redcar Athletic thrash Prudoe 6-0.

Lib Dems see off David Miliband at Brotton

The much publicised visit of Labour leadership contender David Miliband to the Co-op at Brotton was upstaged by the Liberal Democrats today.

Labour's election stunt was their biggest shot in the Brotton by-election but it backfired when the only residents who turned up were Lib Dem activists with "Lib Dems Winning Here" poster boards.

In the face of loud questioning from Chris Foote-Wood, Mr Miliband was soon urging his half dozen Labour Councillors and activists to abandon the stunt and slope off.

Ian Swales first 100 days in office

 Ian Swales MP is pictured with HRH Prince Charles on his visit to Redcar

On Sunday Ian Swales MP for Redcar had been a Member of Parliament for 100 days, and to mark this occasion Ian took some time to reflect on everything that has happened since he was elected on the 6th May. Time seems to have flown by since that night and when Ian looked at everything that he has achieved so far it seems almost unbelievable.

Ian said: "Time seems to have just disappeared and some days I still cannot believe that I am actually here doing this job, representing an area that I passionately care about.  When I reflect on the work that I have done so far it seems amazing that so much can happen in such a short space of time.

"I have been in London every day that parliament has sat and back in Redcar all the rest of the time apart from 4 days travelling to Thailand to meet a potential Corus buyer and 2 days in Belgium for a wedding.

"When I was elected I was working out of my front room. Now I have organised support in Westminster and a fully staffed office in Redcar Station Business Centre which is operational and working well.  

"I have attended 20 advice surgeries in 8 locations across the constituency; I am trying to get to all areas as I know how important it is to have access to your MP. 

"In Westminster, I have spoken 7 times in the House of Commons, asked a number of questions and proposed 4 Early Day Motions on a range of subjects, one of which was in relation to Corus and another proposing a transaction tax on banks. 

"I have been elected to the prestigious Public Accounts Committee and elected as Vice Chair of the All Party Group for the Steel industry and the one for the Chemical Industry.

"In my constituency I have been campaigning on issues important to people. These include the sale of Corus TCP, St. Peters School South Bank, Ensus emissions and the need to get more jobs in the area. 

"I am especially pleased to have got the Government to sort out the position on biomass tariffs which has directly led to a new £500m investment in the constituency. 

"I have attended community events from the return of the Green Howards to concerts, coffee mornings and fetes. I have met many representatives from the voluntary sector and presented awards at the Redcar and Cleveland volunteer celebration. 

"I have met many local businesses as well as many of my constituents and have been trying to help wherever possible.  We have had hundreds of items of correspondence since I was elected and I'm happy that we have been able to make a difference for so many people. I hope to be able to help many more constituents in the years to come.

"It has been incredibly busy with virtually no time off and I'm now looking forward to a short break away with the family before parliament restarts on September 6th."

Newcomen Ward Community Forum: First Ever Community Gala Day

Newcomen Ward Community Forum are holding their first ever Community Gala Day, for local residents and the wider area of West Redcar.

The first ever Newcomen Ward Community Gala Day is being held in Locke Park, Corporation Road, Redcar on Saturday 21st August 2010 between 11am - 4pm.

A number of Attractions have been booked for the day, including, Bouncy Castle and Slide, Fairground Ride, Climbing Wall, Face Painting, Balloon Modelling, Walk-a-bout Magician, Miniature Railway, Urban Kaos Street Dance Workshops and numerous other activities. A number of Craft Stalls will be in attendance, along with representatives from Redcar and Cleveland College, Pertemps, Routes-2-Employment, Coast and County Housing and Sure Start and other organisations.

Free Car Parking for the event has been arranged at Redcar and Cleveland College, Corporation Road.

Newcomen Ward Community Forum has been established for over 10 years, and is an independent Community led organisation run by volunteers, It's main aim is to put forward the views of local residents who live and work in the area, to the Local Authority, and other Statutory and Community Groups.