Local News

A round up of Local News in Redcar and Cleveland for 19th November 2015.

Labour MPs for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, Tom Blenkinsop, and Redcar's Anna Turley have called on the Government to step up its support for the Carbon Capture and Storage project on Teesside.

Ahead of the Spending Review and the Autumn Statement on 25th November, Tom and Anna have sent a joint letter to the Chancellor George Osborne asking him to 'reassess the level of support and funding available to Teesside Collective's CCS project in light of the closure of the steelworks in Redcar and the 700 announced job losses at Boulby Potash'.

Tom said: "Over the past couple of months the local economy of Teesside and East Cleveland have suffered tremendous blows, firstly the steelworks and latterly with the potash mine at Boulby. The industrial CCS project put forward by Teesside Collective offers a huge opportunity to not only protect remaining key industries, but to grow and become a global leader in this technology – and that will bring jobs. So far, the government has invested £1m into this project; that is a pittance when compared to other governments. For example, in Canada, government's there have invested over $600m in a CCS project by Royal Dutch Shell. There is a real risk that the UK will be left behind on this technology and the government urgently needs to step up the funding being provided to the project on Teesside and that will attract private investment that will lead to more jobs for local people."

Anna added: "The carbon capture and storage project offers huge potential for Teesside's economy and is exactly the kind of investment we need to drive our recovery from the loss of the steelworks and job cuts in other local industries. It will not only help create new jobs but ensure our existing core industries remain viable and make Teesside a world leader in clean energy. This is an ideal project for new Tees Valley Inward Investment Initiative and it is imperative the government recognise the crucial importance of this project."

The Redcar & Cleveland Leisure and Community Heart building has scooped the Civic Building of the Year award alongside Manchester Central Library at an awards ceremony in Bristol.

At the Civic Building of the Year Awards, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council also won the category for Regeneration alongside The Environment Agency for their work on the Redcar seafront Flood Alleviation and Landscaping Scheme which saw the creation of the new promenade.

These add to a list of award successes for the council, with the Redcar & Cleveland Leisure and Community Heart winning both regionally and national commendations awards over the last twelve months.

In addition, the Redcar Flood Alleviation Scheme and Enhanced Landscaping Scheme was awarded Project of the Year this time last year by the North East Civil Engineering Contractors association

Cllr Dale Quigley, cabinet member for economic growth at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council said "We are delighted that the Heart building and the rejuvenated seafront are being recognised on this scale. This latest award is fantastic news for the area and is a great reflection of the hard work that has gone into regenerating the borough.”

A new project aimed at men from our area is gearing up for its launch this weekend. Men’s Shed held is holding its Launch and Open Day this Saturday, and is a project of Footprints in the Community, based on Queen Street in Redcar.

The concept will be familiar to anyone who watches ‘Neighbours’ on television. It's a safe place for men to come, to make friendships and learn and share new skills. Woodwork equipment is provided, along with metal work tools, leather and wood engraving tools in order to encourage men to be active both physically and mentally.

The Men's shed will be open to any man over the age of 18, looking for new things to do and a place to meet other men. It is situated at 17 Queen Street in Redcar (to the rear of the Next Step Shop). Initially a pilot project but, if successful, new premises will be sought.