Local News

It's been announced that people from our area who are convicted of drug-driving will be among the first in the country to be offered an educational course to help them address their drug-taking habits;

Residents objecting to a new Lidl store in Linthorpe have erupted in applause after councillors roundly rejected the plans;

...and a miniature horse has brought smiles and laughter to elderly people at an activity and wellbeing centre in our area.

It's been announced that people from our area who are convicted of drug-driving will be among the first in the country to be offered an educational course to help them address their drug-taking habits. 

Current UK legislation offers educational courses for drink-driving and for driving without due care attention – but there is no such course for those found to be driving under the influence of drugs. 

The Department for Transport has selected the South Tees area – which encompasses both the Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland local authority areas – as a testing site for an educational drug-driving course. 

The first course is expected to take place in early 2024 and will signpost offenders to local services that offer support to aid recovery from drug-taking habits. 

Residents objecting to a new Lidl store in Linthorpe have erupted in applause after councillors roundly rejected the plans.

The supermarket chain wanted to build a store on the site of the former Cleveland College of Art and Design on Green Lane in Linthorpe.

All members of Middlesbrough Council's planning committee attending the committee agreed to turn down the proposal after hearing officers and residents' concerns about road safety, layout and visual impact.

A miniature horse has brought smiles and laughter to elderly people at an activity and wellbeing centre in our area.

A 15-year-old American Miniature Horse named 'Mr P' - which is short for 'Mr Perfect' - visited the council-run Activities and Wellbeing Service at St Germain’s Grange, which is attached to the supported housing scheme for elderly people in Marske – much to the delight of tenants, day visitors and staff alike.

The placid creature brought back special memories for 88-year-old resident Vera Tate, who spent her working life on a North Yorkshire farm.

Other visitors to the Activities and Wellbeing Service centre reminisced about much loved animals they had had in their lives as Mr P calmly walked from person to person to be petted.