Local News

Six people have been hospitalised after a chemical incident at a leisure centre;

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Cabinet is proposing a freeze in Council Tax for the coming financial year;

...and man under bail conditions charged to court after alleged theft from shop, Redcar

Six people have been hospitalised after a chemical incident at a leisure centre.

Loftus Leisure Centre was evacuated just after 3pm yesterday and a cordon was put in place while firefighters in chemical suits entered the building.

Cleveland Fire Brigade said four members of the public and two employees were transported to hospital with breathing difficulties.

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, confirmed that medics had actually treated seven patients following the incident - with one later discharged.

Yesterday evening five of the casualties were described as being in a comfortable condition in hospital, and one as stable.

The building will remain closed until further notice and an investigation is under way.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Cabinet is proposing a freeze in Council Tax for the coming financial year.

A report, which will be considered by the Cabinet and then debated and voted upon by the full Borough Council, proposes a balanced budget for 2022/23 and a draft financial plan for the years to 2026/2027.

The Cabinet had previously agreed that the public and businesses should be consulted on a proposed 1.99% increase in Council Tax and also on a proposed 2% increase in the Adult Social Care Precept for the next financial year.

Following feedback from the public and businesses and concern about the current squeeze on household finances, the report proposes the 2% increase in the Adult Social Care precept from the next financial year, but recommends no increase in Council Tax.

Man under bail conditions charged to court after alleged theft from shop, Redcar

The 29-year-old man, who was subject of a curfew, was suspected to have broken bail conditions after being seen by neighbourhood officers in Redcar.

He was arrested, charged and remanded to court.

The man was also arrested in connection with a report of a theft from a shop in the town and he was subsequently charged with theft.

He was due to appear at Teesside Magistrates' Court yesterday.