Liberal Democrat councillor Chris Abbott is asking Redcar & Cleveland Council to contact the RSPB to see if red kites can be released into the wild here.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds recently launched a successful scheme of this kind in the Leeds area and in other parts of the country.

Chris, who represents the Newcomen ward of Redcar, said:

“I believe that the hills around Redcar and Guisborough would be an ideal breeding ground for these beautiful birds.

“If successful a scheme of this kind would help to boost tourism in our area.

“It is not so long ago that hundreds of people came to Guisborough when an osprey visited the town for about a week.”

The Labour Leader of the Council said he would look into the matter.

It doesn’t take much to start to tidy up an area and restore a bit of pride.

Well done to new Councillor Eric Howden for getting ornamental signs at the entrances to Dormanstown. There were previously no signs at all.

Dormanstown has an interesting history, having been laid out after the first world war as a spacious garden suburb for the workers of Dorman Long steel works. It also contains the first local authority bungalows for the elderly anywhere in England or Wales. We should celebrate our heritage.

Liberal Democrat councillors in Redcar and Cleveland have condemned Labour’s handling of care home closures in the Borough.

The Labour council is proposing to close the four care homes it owns in Guisborough, Redcar, Ormesby and Brotton. Their future has been in doubt for many months now, causing uncertainty and insecurity for the residents, their families and staff.

Liberal Democrats believe that, whilst there is clearly a trend towards new purpose built private sector care facilities, it is vital to retain at least one public sector home in the Borough which can also provide respite care. Local Authority homes have always been more expensive to run, but the emphasis has been on care for the elderly and not profit.

Lib Dem Prospective MP for Redcar, Ian Swales, said:

“Labour has dithered around for far too long on this issue, causing uncertainty and stress for residents, their families and staff. The Council has already introduced a £25 charge for day care centres, deterring people from attending. Now it’s clear that the Council intends to close all its elderly care homes.”

“The Council’s consultation was inadequate and offered very limited options. The Council only examined two possibilities.”

“Clearly the current situation cannot carry on, and some of the homes have to close. However, it is the Council’s duty to provide a safety net of care for those who need it.”

“Can the Council guarantee that suitable alternative accommodation can be found in time, to avoid disruption and upset for people who need care?”

Redcar & Cleveland Liberal Democrats have paid tribute to former Borough Councillor Keith Blott, who died last week aged 83.

Keith served as councillor for the West Dyke ward between 1999 and 2007.

Outside of politics, Keith was a local football referee and worked with young offenders. He loved travelling and visited Australia, Africa and Canada.

Group Leader Chris Abbott said:

“Keith was a well respected, hard-working councillor. He was always cheerful and ready with a joke or two. He will be sadly missed.”

Liberal Democrat councillors in Redcar will this week demand better bus services from Dormanstown and East Redcar to the town’s new hospital.

At present people in Dormanstown have to catch two buses or face a long walk to the new Redcar Primary Care Hospital.

Not only that, the new complex is now the location of several local GPs.

At this Thursday’s meeting of Redcar & Cleveland Council, Dormanstown Councillor Eric Howden will ask the Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways to demand a better service from bus operators.

Eric said:

“People have to meet appointments. If appointments are missed, which at present many are, they may have to wait a long time for another to be allocated. Many of the people affected are ill and infirm. It is our duty to help them.”

“People in East Redcar face a similar problem. A circular type route that gives maximum coverage to both these areas and runs from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday would be well used and greatly appreciated.”

Redcar and Cleveland Liberal Democrats are celebrating their fourth by-election win in Redcar constituency in just over twelve months.

Candidate Ann Wilson cruised to victory in the Ormesby Ward by-election with a majority over Labour of 874. The result was as follows:

Ann Wilson (Lib Dem)..1084 (73.5%; +12.4%)
Steven Goldswain (Lab).210 (14.2%; -5.1%)
Martin Bulmer (UKIP)…103 (7.0%; +7.0%)
Colin Jones (Con)…….77 (5.2%; -14.4%)

Majority 874
Turnout 29.55%

Lib Dem hold

The by-election was held due to the resignation of long serving Lib Dem Councillor Eric Empson and was the sixth in just over twelve months in Redcar constituency. The Lib Dems have taken three from Labour and held one. Labour have held two.

New councillor Ann Wilson, who lives in the ward, said:

“I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of highly respected Councillor Eric Empson. I will do my best to repay the confidence people have placed in me and I look forward to representing the views all residents of Ormesby Ward regardless of their political affiliation.”

Lib Dem Prospective MP Ian Swales said:

“The result is a massive boost for the Liberal Democrats in Redcar constituency and is most encouraging for the coming General Election campaign.”

Ormesby Ward Councillors Glyn and Irene Nightingale said:

“We are delighted that the residents of Ormesby and Nunthorpe continue to have confidence in the Liberal Democrats.”

The composition of the Council is now:

Labour - 25
Liberal Democrats - 16
Conservative - 11
Independents supporting Labour - 4
Independents – 3

In Redcar constituency Liberal Democrats now hold 16 seats, to Labour’s 16 and the Tories 3.

A local Liberal Democrat councillor will today draw attention to the achievements of a Redcar singer/composer/musician.

Rock musician Dean Heslop, 19, of West Dyke Road, will release his first CD album (entitled simply “Dean Heslop”) on 14 December. An earlier EP he put out has been played extensively on US college radio.

The CD will be released on Middlesbrough-based Weedspell Records. The video to his song “Say You’re Sorry” was directed by Saltburn’s Adam Steele, and filmed in Middlesbrough, Saltburn and New Marske.

At today’s meeting of Redcar & Cleveland Council, Redcar Councillor Chris Abbott will ask the Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure & Tourism to join him in congratulating Dean on his achievements.

Chris said:

“Dean is an exceptionally talented young man who deserves the Council’s congratulations.”

“Modern music may not be to everyone’s taste, but it is one of the few areas where Britain still leads the world, so it is right that our Council supports and encourages local talent.”

Liberal Democrat councillors in Redcar have started a petition to try and get a new pier out to sea at in the town.
 
The Council has announced major expenditure for Redcar sea front but no pier is included.
 
Redcar Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate Ian Swales said:

“It is clear from talking to people around the town that the majority would like to have a proper pier again. Historically there were two piers, one at Coatham and one at Redcar. A new pier would be a fantastic asset that would bring anglers and many other visitors to the town.”

The report on the Council’s “Love it, Hate it” sea front consultation with residents includes the statement “many people suggested a breakwater or pier”.
 
It’s not just local residents who feel this way. Within 10 minutes of starting to collect signatures on the High Street the Lib Dem Team met a visitor from Australia who said that Redcar beach was a perfect place for a pier.
 
We know there would be limitations on siting but there are possible locations close to the Regent cinema.
 
Chris Abbott, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Redcar and Cleveland Council, backs the idea, as do Coatham ward Councillors Irene Curr and Josie Crawford.

Chris said:

“We need a whole series of attractions to bring people to the town and a pier, costing around £3m, would be an exciting addition.”
 
You can sign the petition on-line or download paper copies to gather signatures at www.tinyurl.com/yeczm7a

Former Redcar & Cleveland Council Leader Eric Empson has today announced his resignation from the council.

Eric, who will be 85 next month, has represented Ormesby on the Council since 1989, initially on Cleveland County Council and later the borough council. He led the council from 2003 to 2007, when the Council achieved a 4-star rating.

But Eric feels the time is right to step back now.

Eric said:

“After discussions with my doctor I feel my health will not allow me to continue to represent the people of Ormesby and Nunthorpe to the full.”

“I was proud to serve as Leader of the Council. It was a special privilege to represent my fellow citizens in local, regional and national forums.”

“I would like to thank the people of Ormesby and Nunthorpe for electing me, and thank everyone who has worked with me as a councillor.”

Councillor Chris Abbott, Liberal Democrat Group Leader at the Council, said:

“I thank Eric for his excellent hard work over the years. His experience and wisdom will be missed by many.”

Lib Dem Group Chair, Councillor Irene Nightingale, who also represents Ormesby ward, added:

“It has always been a pleasure to work with Eric in helping local constituents. Local residents will miss his dedication in representing their interests.”

Liberal Democrats on Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council today successfully persuaded the council to back a campaign aimed at driving forward cuts in the authority’s carbon emissions.

Lib Dem Councillor Irene Curr (Coatham Ward) submitted a motion to today’s Council meeting calling on the Labour-run Council to sign up to the “10:10 Campaign” to reduce carbon use.

The 10:10 campaign calls on individuals, businesses and other organisations to work towards a 10% cut in carbon emissions in 2010.

The campaign also aims to show world leaders that there is public support for dramatic cuts in global fuel consumption in the hope of encouraging an international agreement at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which meets in Copenhagen in December.

Councillor Curr said:

“I am pleased that the Council has agreed to give a lead on carbon reduction. 10% will be a tough target to achieve, but if the Council has the will to do it I am sure it will be possible.”

Her colleague, Liberal Democrat Councillor Mike Carling, seconded the motion, adding:

“I hope that many local residents and businesses will also sign up to the 10:10 Campaign.”

“In these tough economic times it makes sense, not only for the environment, but in cutting fuel bills too.”