Local News

A Guisborough flat has been shut for three months after neighbours had to endure people begging, banging on doors and bags being dumped in corridors;

Police are appealing to trace witnesses to a reported theft of a scooter at Redcar College;

...and a major programme of repairs is underway at the iconic breakwater at South Gare after the structure suffered serious damage in the face of extraordinary sea conditions during Storm Babet.

A Guisborough flat has been shut for three months after neighbours had to endure people begging, banging on doors and bags being dumped in corridors.

Magistrates ordered that the rented apartment at Helmsley House be closed after hearing of more than two dozen incidents of criminal and anti-social behaviour.

Weapons were allegedly being held at the flat as well as stolen property and Teesside Magistrates' Court heard there was also evidence of drug taking.

Neighbours also endured anti-social behaviour such as groups of people loitering in the immediate area, bags being dumped in corridors, loud noise through the night and many other disturbances.

The application to close the property was made by Redcar and Cleveland Council with the support of landlords Beyond Housing.

Cleveland Police, who raided the property last month after hearing reports of drug use and dealing and found drugs paraphernalia, also supported the application.

Police are appealing to trace witnesses to a reported theft of a scooter at Redcar College.

The incident happened around 11am on Friday when three males reportedly stole the scooter and they ran with it through Locke Park.

Officers believe there may have been a man nearby who may have footage which could assist with their investigation and they would appeal for him to come forward, and would also appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or the males as they made off.

Three males aged 16, 17, and 18 were later arrested in connection with the incident and bailed whilst enquiries continue.

The scooter was later recovered.

Anyone who may have information or footage which could assist the ongoing investigation is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101.

A major programme of repairs is underway at the iconic breakwater at South Gare after the structure suffered serious damage in the face of extraordinary sea conditions during Storm Babet.

Concrete slabs weighing up to 50 tonnes were 'tossed about like pebbles' during Storm Babet in October, as the breakwater took the brunt of fierce winds and waves which reached nine metres high at the peak of the storm.

PD Ports, as Statutory Harbour Authority for Teesport and the Port of Hartlepool, with responsibility for the maintenance and safe passage of the many thousands of vessels that visit its waters every year, has committed £1.5m to repair the damage to the structure and ensure it continues to stand firm for many years to come.

The first phase of repair works has seen four tonne bags of stone placed into the voids left by the damaged slabs, with 200 cubic metres of concrete injected into the remaining gaps to repair the immediate damage.

Work is set to continue into 2024, as weather conditions allow, with an eye to further strengthening the breakwater as climate change increases the likelihood of destructive storms.