Local News

A knife-wielding robber who terrorised the streets of Redcar during a two-week crime spree has been jailed;

More free compost bins are being made available for Redcar and Cleveland residents;

...and a local councillor is nearing the end of a 12 night sleep out to raise money for charity.

A knife-wielding robber who terrorised the streets of Redcar during a two-week crime spree has been jailed.

Ashley Killeen appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Wednesday via videolink from Durham Prison.

He was charged in connection with a robbery at Sainsbury’s Local store in Redcar on October 12 after he stole hundreds of pounds worth of cigarettes whilst armed with a 10 inch blade.

The 22-year-old was also accused of other unrelated offences - two assaults on October 2, three offences of theft and two burglaries including a break-in at the Spot On Dog Groomers in Redcar between September 24 and 27.

Mr Killeen - who has seven convictions for 15 offences - was given a four-year one-month and three week prison sentence..

More free compost bins are being made available for Redcar and Cleveland residents.

Four hundred free composting bins have been snapped up by recycling-savvy residents, after a council survey highlighted significant interest in the ability to recycle food waste.

The uptake has prompted the council to make even more bins available, in their drive to continue improving the borough’s recycling rates and become carbon-neutral by 2030.

To encourage this green initiative, those who wish to make their own compost right at home will be supplied with a 220 litre composting bin with lid, allowing them to reduce waste and save money at the same time.

Residents who would like one, free of charge, can request one by calling the Customer Services team on 01642 774774.

They are to be allocated on a first-come first-served basis, with a limit of one per household.

A local councillor is nearing the end of a 12 night sleep out to raise money for charity.

In the run-up to Remembrance Sunday, Councillor Barry Hunt is spending a night on the streets at 12 different Redcar and East Cleveland war memorials, in aid of SSAFA – the Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association.

Last night Cllr Hunt was in Skinningrove, and tonight he is in Easington, before rounding spending the final night at Loftus on Saturday.