Local News

Major disruption is expected on routes in and out of Redcar this morning as another day of protests takes place;

Redcar MP Anna Turley has expressed her diappointment at the protests by workers at MGT;

...and police cadets from our area have been put through their paces in a major exercise at police headquarters.

Major disruption is expected on routes in and out of Redcar this morning as another day of protests takes place.

Yesterday morning a protest by workers involved in an industrial dispute at MGT caused lengthy tailbacks and disruption for many motorists in the Tees Dock roundabout area.

At it's peak yesterday there were delays on the A174, the A66, the A1085 Trunk Rd, and the A1053.

Police say that they have a duty to facilitate a peaceful protest, and will be liaising with the protestors at the scene to alleviate as far as possible any disruption or delay.

Officers aim to maintain the safety of the public and those engaged in the protest, those going about their daily business, the local traffic network and the wider community of Redcar and Cleveland. 

Police are asking motorists to use alternative routes where possible unless heading directly to Tees Dock Road and avoid the area to assist them in managing the traffic flow and minimising disruption.

Stay tuned to Zetland FM for further updates.

Redcar MP Anna Turley has expressed her disappointment at the protests by workers at MGT.

In a statement yesterday Anna said that the action is incredibly counterproductive when MGT are actually setting a really good example of community engagement with the power plant project.

Anna said that 80% of the workforce are from Teesside and the surrounding areas, with less than 5% of the labour from overseas. They have worked constructively with the trade unions, are paying NAECI blue book rates, and have funded an employment hub in Grangetown, with two full time employees and two apprentices, to give local people access to opportunities at the site.

She said the protest is for the wrong reasons, and sends the wrong message to those looking to invest in Teesside.”

Police cadets from our area have been put through their paces in a major exercise at police headquarters.

Ladgate Lane was a hive of criminal activity for one night only as more than 40 youngsters dealt with hostages, Hate Crime and a drugs incident.

And although the uniforms and radios were real, the jobs were not, just exercises to put 14-17 year old Police Cadets through their paces.

Cadets from Redcar and Middlesbrough’s units were at Ladgate Lane until midnight dealing with the role plays designed to test their knowledge and skills.

Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger also attended to support the event.