Local News

A round up of Local News in Redcar and Cleveland for 12th January 2016.

Police are appealing for information after a 72-year-old woman discovered her purse and mobile phone were missing following an incident in Guisborough in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Officers originally thought that the the woman had been robbed after two females aged in their early thirties approached the woman at around 2am, close to the Wilton House Veterinary Clinic on Wilton Lane in the town and offered to walk her home.

As the woman walked down Wilton Lane with the two females, she stopped to get her keys out of her handbag. In the process, she dropped her umbrella, and one of the females held the womans handbag, as she picked the umbrella up.

Later the next morning the elderly woman realised that her purse and mobile phone were not in her handbag.

However police are saying that following an earlier appeal, two women have now come forward with information leading police to believe they did not have any involvement in the robbery of the victim. Officers say it is not clear whether the items have been stolen or not, and the mobile phone and purse are still missing.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or has further information, is asked to contact PC Rachel Morgan on the non-emergency 101 number, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

A survey has shown that Redcar and Cleveland has had the biggest percentage drop in the country in the number of bus passenger journeys over the past six years, prompting concern over funding cuts and fare hikes.

A survey for BBC News found that out of 89 transport authority areas, two-thirds reported a fall in the number of bus journeys taken over the past six years. Just 29 areas reported a rise in the number of passenger trips.

Campaigners have blamed government cuts and said there was a danger of whole networks of bus services being lost.

However the government said it is investing £250m into bus services this year.

Councillor Dale Quigley, Redcar and Cleveland's cabinet member for economic growth, said that whilst the council does work closely with local bus provider Arriva to provide services that will hopefully benefit communities it must be acknowledged that, beyond London, the deregulation of the bus industry has not served our communities well.

He said the lack of ability to control fares or plan a coherent network of routes means commuters are not getting the best service possible.

Cleveland Fire Brigade is reminding residents to test their smoke alarms in a continued appeal to help save lives.

It comes with the launch of a national campaign and UK figures showing that only half of all householders regularly check their alarms.

A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and dial 999.

Phil Lancaster, Director of Community Protection at Cleveland Fire Brigade told Zetland FM that without a working smoke alarm you are four times more likely to die in a fire. There are also more hazards at home during the winter months such as electric heaters and drying clothes.

He urged the public to ensure that they test their smoke alarms now and then get into the habit of testing them every week.

The Government Fire Kills advertising campaign runs for a month from January across radio, print, digital and social media. It features friendly smoke alarms telling people to make time for their “unsung heroes” by regularly testing them.