Minutes:
Mayor Announcements
The Mayor thanked everybody involved with the Remembrance events last weekend, there had been a great turnout throughout the Borough, which had been great to see. He thanked all the organisers and everybody involved including the Council staff who ensured that everything was in place for the events to take place with the road closures and cleaning of the cenotaphs.
The Mayor thanked Councillor Linda White and everybody at Loftus Social Club for working so hard to ensure over £1000 was raised at his charity night last Friday, it was a good night and he thanked those Councillors that attended or made a donation.
He advised that he would be holding a Christmas Choir Concert on Saturday, 7th December at St John’s Church, South Bank and he hoped that Members would be able to come along to support the event.
He stated that it had been great to welcome town twinning visitors from Troisdorf, Germany to our area, including two Deputy Mayor’s.
He recently hosted two receptions to thank the many litter pickers we had in our Borough, we were very lucky to have so many volunteers who went out in all weathers to ensure the area was litter free and showed great civic pride.
The Mayor advised that Zetland FM had been presented the Kings Award, which was the highest award a local volunteer group could receive, the equivalent of an MBE for an organisation. The Mayor congratulated everybody at Zetland FM.
Leader’s Announcements.
“I just want to mention something that took place this week. After the Local Election in 2023 a gentleman sat in front of me with a newspaper article from Fyfe regarding a Multi Bank. He said I want to bring this to the region. I just want to pay testament to the work of Councillor McCue and his tenacity and drive in regard to this matter. The Labour Group will pay testament that we have had more updates than on any other subject. Councillor McCue has done a marvellous job bringing this facility to the region which will now help families and children in poverty in all the five Boroughs of the Tees Valley.”
Councillor McCue thanked the Council for supporting this project and said that he was so pleased to see the Tees Valley Multi Bank officially launched into action against child poverty. The multi bank aimed to make family life happier and more comfortable so that they can meet with confidence the opportunities in society and their communities.
“I would like to thank everybody involved in the many remembrance events across the Borough last weekend.
It is vital that we never forget the sacrifice and service of all the servicemen and women who have served their country with distinction over the years.
Once again, the ceremonies in Redcar and Cleveland were well attended and well respected and I would like to pay tribute to all those who give their time and efforts to make sure that the fallen will always be remembered in our Borough.
A couple who fostered hundreds of children over nearly 42 years of caring have finally started a much-deserved retirement.
Janette and Neil Dewsbury, from Liverton Mines, have spent most of their lives giving children in need of help and support the very best start in life.
Helping so many children is an incredible achievement and their commitment over so many years is simply remarkable. Giving children the best start in life is a key priority for our council and the Dewsbury’s have more than played their part in achieving this.
They were awarded MBEs in 2020 and their retirement was marked by a special reception with our Mayor.
I would like to thank the Dewsbury’s for all they have done and wish them a very happy retirement.
Also honoured by our Mayor were people who make our Borough a much better place to live.
Around 80 litter pickers, who give up their time to clear our Borough of rubbish for no personal reward attended reception events.
They are wonderful and selfless people, and I would like to add my thanks for all the time and effort they put into clearing beauty spots of litter.
Finally, it is excellent news that residents in Loftus whose homes have been flooded will see measures to make their properties secure.
The project, which is a partnership between residents, the Environment Agency and the Council, will make safe 22 properties which are at risk from high water levels in Loftus Beck.”
Councillor Quartermain
“Today I am pleased to share some positive news that reflects our commitment to supporting local communities and our responsiveness to the needs and requests of our residents, business owners and local representatives. Over the last few weeks and months I have received numerous requests from residents, Ward Councillors and our two local Members of Parliament to bring back free parking in the run up to Christmas and I am aware that today I have a question from Councillor J Hart. I trust this announcement answers that question. This asks that I go further than the one hour free parking already in place in Redcar and the one hour free parking being ready for Guisborough and I am pleased to announce that I am doing just that. From Sunday 1 December through to the Tuesday 31 December there will be free parking in selective car parks from 1pm.
This initiative aims to attract shoppers to our town centres and give much needed support to our local businesses during what we all hope will be a busy and successful Christmas period. The car parks affected in Redcar include parking spaces on the High Street, Station Road, King Street, Grafenberg Street, Turner Street and both West Dyke Roads South and North car parks. In Guisborough Church Square Car Park, Reid Terrace car park, Fountain Street East and West and Patten Lane car park will be included in the scheme. Motorists need only park in the pay and display car parks after 1pm and there is nothing else for them to do. There will be yellow stickers on the pay and display machines and information boards will make this arrangement clear. This action is more than just about free parking it is about making a concerted effort supporting our local economy, bolster our fantastic local shops and encourage visitors and residents to spend more time and money in our Town Centres.
Our independent retailers offer high quality services, gifts and experiences that can make the Christmas Season truly special and we want to make it as easy as possible for people to shop locally. I want to thank everyone who has pressed me for this, your voices have been heard and together we are demonstrating our commitment to making this Borough a thriving place for both businesses and shoppers alike. This is a great opportunity to support our local economies, spread some festive cheer and make the Christmas season a great success for everyone.”