Ormesby & Nunthorpe Lib Dems

Decisive victory for Ormesby & Nunthorpe Lib Dems

2009-12-04T11:29:00.002Z

Even bad weather didn't stop local residents giving decisive support to the Liberal Democrat candidate Ann Wilson in yesterday's by-election following the retirement of highly respected Lib Dem Councillor Eric Empson.

The result confirmed that the local Liberal Democrats are on track as Labour's main challengers -

Ann Wilson Liberal Democrat 1084 - an increased vote over 2007 of 13%
Labour 210 - down 5%
UKIP 103
Conservative 77 - down 15%.

New Councillor Ann Wilson said after the result was announced, "I am delighted to have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of such as highly espected Councillor as Eric Empson. I will do my best to repay the confidence peopple have placed in me and I look forward to representing all Ormesby and Nunthorpe on Redcar & Cleveland Council whatever their political affiliation."

Lib Dem Prospective MP Ian Swales, "This is massive result for the Liberal Democrats in the Redcar Constituency and is most encouraging for the coming General Election."

Local Ward Councillors Glyn & Irene Nightingale said, "We are delighted that residents of Ormesby and Nunthorpe have continued to show confidence in the Liberal Democrats - even in such bad weather."

Government threat to our heritage

2009-11-13T17:12:00.002Z

The Government is planning to remove legal protection from listed buildings in Britain. The provisions are contained in draft legislation which will encourage local authorities to demolish listed buildings on economic or social grounds. This legislation threatens numerous buildings including 19 in the Redcar district alone.

Local conservationist Alex Stamp said "to remove legal protection is unacceptable and an astonishing indication of the Governments hostility where distinguished architecture is concerned., the idea that local Councils could demolish buildings such as Redcar clock, Saltburn war memorial or Middlesbrough railway station when they like will be a shock to local people. Professional bodies are already describing the move as a "wreckers charter".

Liberal Democrat prospective MP for Redcar Ian Swales is taking up the cause.

He said "I was saddened but not surprised when I heard of these proposals. The Labour Government's changes to Planning Laws are all designed to make demolition easy, smooth the way for developers and take local people out of the process. They have set up the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol who regularly allow developments despite local opposition. Redcar Lane, Redcar and Church Lane, Eston are two recent examples. They have also set up the Infrastructure Planning Commission who will be able to sanction nuclear power stations, airport runways and other large structures without reference to local people. Now they want to be able to bulldoze any of our fine old buildings that stand in their way".

ANN WILSON SELECTED TO TAKE OVER FROM ERIC EMPSON

2009-10-30T20:06:00.004Z

Local "Better Bus Service" campaigner Ann Wilson has been selected by the Liberal Democrats to fight the 3rd December by-election in Ormesby and Nunthorpe as a successor to Eric Empson who stepped down on Monday this week.

She is well know by local residents for taking the lead for the Lib Dems in getting hundreds of names for their petition calling for a better bus service locally.

Arriva, the main local bus operator, has conceded that their service for Ormesby and Nunthorpe residents' was "not right". But their only response was to re-number the 5 service.

They're dead right Arriva's service isn't right for local people. The bus in the photo was the third bus to go down Ormesby Bank in the space of 2 minutes - and was empty. People usually say that, when you want a bus, two come - Arriva have gone one better!

Ann and local Lib Dem Councillors have been campaigning for a more frequent service that goes where local people want to go - to Morrisons or James Cook Hospital for example - and re-instating the circular service that Arriva scrapped. We have long campaigned for yellow school buses on the US model which would make a massive contribution to cutting local traffic congesion. It's is far worse in school term times than at other times - as everyone can see during this week's half-term holiday.

Ann has promised that, if she is elected on 3rd December, she will keep up the fight for a better bus service for local people.

Tory proposals are short term stop gap says Vince Cable

2009-10-27T20:40:00.001Z

“The Tories have been deeply ambivalent on the much more fundamental question of what we do about the future of the banking system," said the Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable.

Commenting on the Tories’ call for High Street banks to ban the payment of bonuses of more than £2,000 in cash, Vince Cable said:“The Tories have been deeply ambivalent on the much more fundamental question of what we do about the future of the banking system.

“They have not given full backing to Mervyn King’s proposals on splitting up the banks and these bonus proposals are short term, stop gap solutions designed to stem public anger but which fail to get to the heart of the problem.

“The bonus pool in the banking system derives from the fact that the banks are making profits on the back of taxpayer guarantee. Until a properly regulated structure can be established, banks should be paying the taxpayer a premium for this guarantee.”

LOCAL LIB DEM COUNCILLOR ERIC EMPSON STANDS DOWN

2009-10-27T10:24:00.004Z

Eric Empson (right) joining Prospective MP Ian Swales (centre) and local Councillor Glyn Nightingale in Ian's "Save our Post Offices" campaign

Former Redcar & Cleveland Council Leader Eric Empson has yesterday announced his resignation from the council.

Eric, who will be 85 next month, has represented Ormesby on the Council since 1989, initially on Cleveland County Council and later the Borough Council. He led the council from 2003 to 2007, when the Council achieved a 4-star rating.

But Eric feels the time is right to step back now.

Eric said:
“After discussions with my doctor I feel my health will not allow me to continue to represent the people of Ormesby and Nunthorpe to the full.”

“I was proud to serve as Leader of the Council. It was a special privilege to represent my fellow citizens in local, regional and national forums.”

“I would like to thank the people of Ormesby and Nunthorpe for electing me, and thank everyone who has worked with me as a councillor.”

Councillor Chris Abbott, Liberal Democrat Group Leader at the Council, said:
“I thank Eric for his excellent hard work over the years. His experience and wisdom will be missed by many.”

Lib Dem Group Chair, Councillor Irene Nightingale, who also represents Ormesby ward, added:
“It has always been a pleasure to work with Eric in helping local constituents. Local residents will miss his dedication in representing their interests.”

Ormesby Lib Dem Councillor Glyn Nightingale said, "It's a sad day. Eric's a true gentleman. Everyone locally respects him and looks up to him. No one would have thought he is in his 8os. There is no doubt that he has made a tremendous contribution to our area. Now we wish him better health and a long retirement."

VINCE CABLE IN OUR AREA

2009-10-25T22:43:00.003Z

Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable was back in the North East recently.

It's great to hear him speak. Who else has been so right for so long on the state of Britain's economy and has such a clear understanding of the financial mess we’re in?

He stressed the need to close tax loopholes used by the wealthy and take on the greedy bankers. He also wants to lower the tax burden for lower and average earners and make the whole system fairer.

Prospective MP Ian Swales took the opportunity to chat to Vince afterwards about the issues affecting our local area. Once again it shows that right from the top the Liberal Democrats are aware of the jobs crisis our area faces. Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg supports the Save Our Steel campaign (see earlier post). Britain needs the strategically crucial industries like steel and chemicals here on Teesside.

Local Councillors' Overfields Patch Walk

2009-10-25T21:46:00.002Z

On Thursday, local Lib Dem Councillors Glyn and Irene Nightingale once again took part in a "patch walk" with local police officers and representatives of Coast & Country Housing and the Fire Service.

We found a whole load instances of graffiti, fly-tipping and damaged roads signs. There was widespread litter all over the area which Coast & Country are responsible for. But surprisingly, they have no schedule for clearing up.

It's not the first time that we've had to report these sort of problems on the estate to Council officials to seek their urgent attention to sort things out. But we've reported the problems again to them and we'll be checking to see if they are sorted out soon.

The Allendale Shopping Centre is full of graffiti. It's a long standing eyesore that local people say they are fed up with. Police officers want CCTV cameras installed. We have raised the possibility with Council officials.

One of the problems on the estate is the patchwork of land ownership between the Council and Coast & Country Housing. It's time they really got together to do a better job for residents.

We'll keep you in touch with developments.

More bad news for our area - say Ian Swales

2009-10-23T17:50:00.002+01:00

GDP figures show we could be in the deepest recession on record - says Shadow Chacellor Vince Cable

Commenting on today's GDP figures, which show the economy shrank by 0.4% Between July and September, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable said:

"For all the hopes of a quick recovery, these figures make it clear we are still in the longest and what could yet become the deepest recession on record.

"For all that has been thrown at the economy to try and stimulate a recovery it is clear that massive structural problems remain, particularly in the banking sector.

"This news adds to serious concerns over the realism of Government plans to deal with the burgeoning public debt. It is critical ministers spell out a credible path as to how they will deal with the deficit.

"With the legacy of unemployment likely to remain for years after the end of the recession, we need radical measures to avoid repeating the mistakes of the 1990s which left millions on the scrap heap."

Prospective MP for Redcar Ian Swales said:

"The fact that the country is still in recession is more bad news for our area. With unemployment already at high levels, and more threatened, we desperately need a turn round in the country's fortunes. While other countries like France and Germany are growing again we are still faced with decline and a collapsing currency due to the reckless policies of the Labour Government."

Simon Hughes - A bad day for Parliament, Labour and the planet.

2009-10-22T10:02:00.000+01:00

Commenting after the defeat of a Liberal Democrat Opposition day motion calling for Government, Parliament, and all public sector bodies to cut their carbon pollution by 10% by the end of 2010, Liberal Democrat Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary Simon Hughes said:

“This is a bad day for Parliament, Labour and the planet.

“The Government has failed to understand the level of public support for the 10:10 campaign or to get the message that people want real political action now to tackle dangerous climate change.

“Britain needs a Government which sets an example and delivers immediate and ambitious carbon reductions in the UK. Today the Government has stopped a clear message from going to the rest of the world that Britain will take action on climate change now.

“Last year Liberal Democrats successfully added an 80% emission reduction target to the Climate Change Act.

“We will continue to show political leadership in dealing with the climate crisis and we will continue to give the strongest backing to the 10:10 campaign.”

Local students could face £7,000 tuition fees

2009-10-19T22:19:00.002+01:00

There is now less than eight months to save a new generation of young people from huge increases in university tuition fees, according to Liberal Democrat Prospective MP for the Redcar Constituency, Ian Swales.

He was speaking after the Conservatives suggested they will increase tuition fees to £7,000 if they take power at the next general election, which has to be held by next June.

That will see tuition fees for undergraduates more than double. Currently there is a cap of £3,300 in England and Wales.

Peter Mandelson has already suggested that Labour will allow universities to charge more than at present if re-elected – though the party is too scared to push through the changes it wants before June.

Only the Liberal Democrats will scrap tuition fees. The party believes university education should be free and everyone who has the ability should be able to go – and not be put off by the cost.

Ian Swales said: “I look around Redcar Constituency and I see people return from university with no job and a bank balance tens of thousands of pounds in the red. What sort of message is that?

“Labour and now the Tories are showing their true colours. They don’t care about young people – they just want to saddle them with staggering amounts of debt.

“The choice is clear: the people of Redcar Constituency can vote for a politician who will condemn a generation of youngsters or for the Liberal Democrats who will make education free again, giving young people the best possible start.”

It's worth remembering -The National Union of Students estimates that the average cost of attending university now stands at more than £42,000. The average graduate will have accrued nearly £20,000 of debt by the end of a three-year course.

For more details on the Tories’ university policy see Daily Express, 15 October: “Student debt to soar as tuition fees could rise to £7,000 a year” http://www.express.co.UK/posts/view/134074/Student-debt-to-soar-

For more details on Labour’s university policy see Daily Mail, 28 July: “Liberal Democrats are the only party which believes university education should be free and everyone who has the ability should be able to go to university and not be put off by the cost.” http://www.dailymail.co.UK/news/article-1202408/Middle-class-face-7-000-tuition-fees-pay-poor-Mandy-warns-excellence-cheap.HTML

Message from Nick Clegg

2009-10-16T19:25:00.000+01:00

Dear Glyn,

A couple of hours ago Bedford elected a new Mayor - Liberal Democrat Dave Hodgson. This is a sensational victory for Dave Hodgson and I congratulate him and the Bedford Liberal Democrats for an outstanding campaign.

You might not have seen much about this election in the media - but this by-election matters. The Mayor of Bedford represents more people than an MP does, and Dave will be making important decisions that affect peoples' lives.

This result shows how misplaced the Conservatives' complacency about the next election really is. The Liberal Democrats have never taken a single vote for granted. With Labour lagging behind at a disastrous fifth this is yet more evidence that the real choice is now between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.

I've just recorded this video to congratulate Dave Hodgson, our new Mayor of Bedford. And I'd also like to thank everyone from Bedford and beyond who went to canvass, deliver leaflets or make phone calls for his campaign.

We can all be proud that today there's another Liberal Democrat in a position of real influence in Britain. Thank you for everything you do.
Best wishes,

Nick Clegg

Sensational Liberal Democrat victory in Bedford Mayoral election

2009-10-16T16:27:00.002+01:00

Local councillor and campaigner Dave Hodgson takes victory in the Mayoral elections.

Full time councillor and campaigner, Dave Hodgson has stormed to victory in the Mayoral elections that took place on 15 October in Bedford.

Results were announced on today as follows:

Liberal Democrats - 13,352
Conservatives - 11,543.

Labour were eliminated in the first round of voting where they came fifth, despite having the current MP for the town.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg, has expressed his congratulations saying: “This is a sensational victory for Dave Hodgson and I congratulate him and the Bedford Liberal Democrats for an outstanding campaign. “By electing Dave Hodgson as Mayor the people of Bedford have put their trust in the Liberal Democrats to work hard on their behalf."

Here Nick Clegg at -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpbrNf9RnpQ&feature=player_embedded

Lib Dems Persuade Council to Support 10:10 Climate Change Campaign

2009-10-15T22:24:00.011+01:00

Liberal Democrats on Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council today successfully persuaded the Council to back a campaign aimed at driving forward cuts in the authority’s carbon emissions.

Lib Dem Councillor Irene Curr (Coatham Ward) submitted a motion to today’s Council meeting calling on the Labour-run Council to sign up to the “10:10 Campaign” to reduce carbon use.

The 10:10 campaign calls on individuals, businesses and other organisations to work towards a 10% cut in carbon emissions in 2010.

The campaign also aims to show world leaders that there is public support for dramatic cuts in global fuel consumption in the hope of encouraging an international agreement at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which meets in Copenhagen in December.

Councillor Curr said:
“I am pleased that the Council has agreed to give a lead on carbon reduction. 10% will be a tough target to achieve, but if the Council has the will to do it I am sure it will be possible.”

Her colleague, Liberal Democrat Councillor Mike Carling, seconded the motion, adding:
“I hope that many local residents and businesses will also sign up to the 10:10 Campaign.”
“In these tough economic times it makes sense, not only for the environment, but in cutting fuel bills too.”

Speaking in support of the motion at today's Council meeting, Ormesby & Nunthorpe Councillor Glyn Nightingale raised his concern that the Council's environment officer had been seconded to another job away from climate change work.

He also welcomed the conversion of other parties to the urgent need to deal with environment issues.

He illustrated how attitudes are changing - even on the other side of the Atlantic. He said on a recent visit to Washington DC on holiday with Irene Nightingale they had seen two outdoor meetings at the Capitol lawns. US Democrat Senators, including former presidential candidate John Kerry (centre bottom photo), were campaigning for climate change action and greater use of cycling. See the photos above. A key plank of their case was to make America less dependent on foreign energy supplies. It's something we need to bear in mind here.

The Democrats were sponsoring a bill that will aim to deal with climate change which they promised would create 1 million new jobs. This backs up what Lib Dems have been saying that environmental action will be good for jobs. The Lib Dems' policy aims to create green jobs in Britain.

Nick Clegg sends second letter to Sir Thomas Legg on MPs expensesWed, 14 Oct 2009

2009-10-14T18:13:00.000+01:00

Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg, today wrote again to Sir Thomas Legg regarding his investigation in to MPs expenses.In the letter, written alongside an article in today’s Daily Telegraph, he expresses his concerns about the oversight of the inquiry. He was particularly concerned about those MPs who have claimed for a non-existent mortgages or ‘flipped’ their second homes purely for personal gain.

Nick Clegg’s letter in full:

I am writing to you with regard to your ongoing enquiries into MPs’ expenses.I am, of course, glad that you are looking into cases where MPs have spent too much of taxpayers’ money and asking them to repay it. The British people have been deeply angered by MPs’ excesses and have every right to ask MPs to make amends. I have instructed Liberal Democrat MPs to cooperate fully with your investigations and abide by any reasonable requests for repayments.But when your inquiry was first announced, I think most people expected the worst offences such as flipping to come under the toughest scrutiny.

The letters sent this week, however, appear not to focus on these offences. If your review is to be seen as credible it must expose every single one of those MPs who claimed for a non-existent mortgage or ‘flipped’ their second homes purely for personal gain, some of whom then went on to avoid Capital Gains Tax. Some of these MPs appear to have made tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds in profits with the help of taxpayer subsidies. They must be exposed and these illegitimate profits returned.If we want to begin to rebuild faith in politics, there can be no half measures; full compensation must be paid by MPs who have abused their constituents’ trust.
Yours sincerely,
Nick Clegg MP
Leader of the Liberal Democrats

You can read the full Telegraph article here.

Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg responds to Gordon Brown's statement on Afghanistan.

2009-10-14T18:10:00.001+01:00

We on these benches have argued that we cannot continue to fight this war on half-horsepower with half-measures and half-baked thinking.

Time is running out for the mission in Afghanistan and we need a radical change in direction. The PM has set out a number of conditions on which the deployment of extra British troops will depend. But isn’t the ultimate condition that they should have a realistic chance of success? And that this requires above all a credible new strategy?The public is rightly cautious about a drip, drip accumulation of British forces in Afghanistan without any overarching strategy to work from or realistic goals to work towards.

More troops may be necessary, but they will not be sufficient to guarantee success.I welcome the PM’s announcements today on new Merlin helicopters and more Mastiff and Ridgback vehicles, though we need more detail on when these will be actually available on the ground. And also, can the PM confirm whether or not the poorly armoured Snatch Land Rovers have been withdrawn from service as the Government has promised in the past?But does the PM not agree with General McChrystal’s conclusion that just “focusing on force or resource requirements misses the point entirely” and that there is more to this than just boots and equipment on the ground? Does he not agree that the key and central failure in Afghanistan is the lack still today of a co-ordinated international plan?What then is he doing to advance a political surge, to run alongside the new military surge?As Secretary of State Clinton said this week, “Not everyone who calls himself a Taliban is necessarily a threat to the UK or to the United States.”

So what is the Government doing to bring about the defection of reconcilable elements of the Taliban? What programmes, budgets and staff has he allocated to reconciliation and grass-roots diplomacy? Beyond the borders of Afghanistan, what progress is being made to bring other countries in the region together to share intelligence on the Taliban and Al Qaeda and tackle the opium trade? On military strategy General McChrystal has highlighted the need to defend urban centres. Does the PM concede that it is now better for our forces to focus on defending highly populated areas rather than to operate from remote outposts in the Taliban-dominated countryside?

Finally, the Karzai Government has spectacularly failed to win the trust of the Afghan people. It is beset by corruption, crime and the influence of the warlords. The Prime Minister talks about the need for a “more inclusive political process” but [let me press him again on the issue I raised earlier.] Does he agree that regardless of electoral outcomes, only a Government of National Unity can now deliver a platform for progress in Afghanistan?

Council bus service consultation event at Ormesby Library

2009-10-14T10:10:00.003+01:00

The consultation event produced the inevitable conclusion that there are not enough bus services to key destinations from Ormesby Bank without needing to change buses.

The services that remain after Arriva alterations all now travel down Cargo Fleet Lane.

According to Council officials there were calls for:

The re-introduction of the 66/67 circular service that previously gave direct access from the Nunthorpe area to Morrisons on Ormesby Road, James Cook Hospital on Marton Road, the One Life doctors' surgeries on Linthorpe Road into Middlesbrough.
The extension of the route of Service 27 and other services that turn in the Overfields/ Allendale Road area to travel up Ormesby Bank and turn around at Swan's Corner.
An additional stop to the limited stop Service 93 at the top of Ormesby Bank to provide the direct route from Nunthorpe to Whitby.

Offivials have promised local Lib Dem Councillors that they will collate all of the comments that are arising from the consultation and report them to Arriva to see if they can get them to sort out some of the problems that have arisen.

The consultation results are entirely predictable. We have consistently called for these changes. Ann Wilson, a key member of our local team, collected hundreds of signatures for our petition which called for these changes.

Arriva must know already that local people think their service is totally inadequately in our area.

Huge gulf between Cameron’s sunny rhetoric and grim reality of Tory policy

2009-10-09T14:12:00.002+01:00

Commenting on David Cameron’s speech to the Tory party conference, Nick Clegg’s Chief of Staff, Danny Alexander MP said:

“This speech demonstrates the huge gulf between the sunny rhetoric of David Cameron and the grim reality of Tory policy.

“The Tories claim to be honest on spending, but their proposals barely scratch the surface.

“They claim they can fix the country’s finances, but their plans are economically illiterate. Cutting spending now would plunge us back into recession.

“They claim to care about the poorest, but will only slash taxes for millionaires.

“They expect to have the keys to Downing Street handed to them, but at a time of crisis they have the wrong solutions and the wrong priorities.”

It just shows that, if local people want real change, the Liberal Democrats offer the best alternative to Labour's failures.

See http://www.libdems.org.uk/policies.aspx for the ideas that the Liberal Democrats are suggesting to bring real change for our area

Ian Swales & Nick Clegg promote Save our Steel Campaign

2009-10-09T01:25:00.003+01:00

Ian Swales & Nick Clegg promote Save our Steel Campaign

Liberal Democrat prospective MP for Redcar, Ian Swales took the Save Our Steel campaign to the recent Liberal Democrat conference.

He is pictured with Lib Dem leader and Sheffield MP Nick Clegg.

Nick said " I am very concerned that our Government is not working with other European Governments to ensure a level playing field for our steel industry."

Ian Swales said "we have to get as many people as possible behind the campaign to save the local steel industry. I was fortunate to be able to state the case to so many parliamentarians at the Conference."

Lib Dems Support 10:10 Climate Change Campaign

2009-10-08T18:51:00.001+01:00

Liberal Democrats on Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council will next week call on councillors to back a campaign aimed at driving forward cuts in the authority’s carbon emissions.

Councillor Irene Curr (Coatham Ward) has submitted a motion to the Council meeting on 15 October calling on the Labour-run Council to sign up to the “10:10 Campaign” to reduce carbon use.

The 10:10 campaign calls on individuals, businesses and other organisations to work towards a 10% cut in carbon emissions in 2010.

The campaign also aims to show world leaders that there is public support for dramatic cuts in global fuel consumption in the hope of encouraging an international agreement at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which meets in Copenhagen in December.

Councillor Curr said:
“The Council should be giving a lead on carbon reduction. 10% will be a tough target to achieve, but if the Council has the will to do it I am sure it will be possible.”

Her colleague, Liberal Democrat Councillor Mike Carling, seconded the motion, adding:
“I hope that many local residents and businesses will also sign up to the 10:10 Campaign.”
“In these tough economic times it makes sense, not only for the environment, but in cutting fuel bills too.”

Ian Swales joins Lib Dems carrying the torch for North East Olympic hopes

2009-10-08T14:02:00.001+01:00

North East Liberal Democrats have launched a campaign to bring the Olympic flame to our region as part of the UK celebrations in 2012.
Led by Berwick’s MP Sir Alan Beith, Liberal Democrats from around the north east have written to Lord Coe as Chairman of the London Organising Committee asking for the flame to visit the North east. Other signatories are: Fiona Hall MEP, Cllr John Shipley, Leader of Newcastle City Council; Cllr Jeff Reid, Leader of Northumberland County Council, Ron Beadle, parliamentary spokesman for Newcastle North; Greg Stone, parliamentary spokesman for Newcastle East; Carol Woods, parliamentary spokesman for Durham City; and Ian Swales, parliamentary spokesman for Redcar.
Sir Alan Beith said
“The Olympics is a wonderful opportunity to encourage many people to get involved in all kinds of sporting activity. Bringing the Olympic flame to the north east will remind people that although the focus of the Games is London, we can all get involved.”
The Lib Dem team presented Lord Coe with a letter inviting the Olympic Flame to the North East at an event to promote London 2012 at the recent Lib Dem party conference in Bournemouth.
Ends.

I'm shocked at lack of support for local business

2009-10-07T13:42:00.002+01:00

Liberal Democrat prospective MP for Redcar Ian Swales has responded to the news about lack of Government support for the local chemical industry.

He said: "I am shocked that the Government is doing so little to protect this country's vital strategic industries. Lord Mandelson's reply amounts to an insult when we're talking about such a big slice of the national economy. This is not just about jobs although that is absolutely vital for Teesside. It's also about security of supply for the important materials that our society needs. I worked at Wilton and Billingham for over 20 years. I can't believe that the Government would allow the chemical infrastructure here on Teesside to collapse.

"The suggestions from the industry looked very sensible and no less than companies will be getting elsewhere. With so much of our industry now foreign owned, companies will choose which plants to keep and where to invest based on many factors. A supportive political climate both locally and nationally is absolutely key.

"With its failure to back both our steel and chemical industries and failure to move Civil Service jobs here it looks as though the Government is quite content to see Teesside become an industrial wasteland with mass unemployment."

Osborne’s proposals are Lib Dem Lite – Cable

2009-10-07T13:39:00.001+01:00

Commenting on George Osborne’s address to Tory party conference, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable said:

“This set of deficit reduction proposals is Lib Dem Lite.

“The sum total amounts to nothing more than a drop in the ocean and will not deal with the structural deficit.

“What is more, Osborne has in effect guaranteed that these policies will merely pave the way for a return to traditional Tory politics – hitting the public sector now to pay for tax cuts for millionaires later.

“Only the Liberal Democrats have made a commitment to bringing public spending under control whilst making taxes fairer across the board.”

Leaked letters expose how little has been done to safeguard 10,000 jobs

2009-10-06T14:08:00.002+01:00

Can you believe it?

When local industry sought help from Lord Mandelson's Business Department they got a frosty reply, according to a report in the Gazette today. "I was sorry to hear about the recently announced closures of some chemical plants on Teesside," he said.

Governments across the European Union are helping their industries facing tough business conditions. They include Holland, Germany and Poland. But not the UK's Labour Government.

Local Lib Dems have supported the Save Our Steel campaign, but we have repeatedly pointed out that the buck stops with Gordon Brown's Government. It's no good local Labour MP Vera Baird doing her usual thing of campaigning locally for one thing and backing her Government when she's back home in London.

We need a Lib Dem MP who will consistently represent local people and industry at Westminster

See -
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2009/10/06/leaked-letters-expose-how-little-has-been-done-to-safeguard-10-000-teesside-jobs-84229-24863233/4/

National Trust says sale of land for East Middlesbrough bypass would be dereliction of duty

2009-10-06T13:57:00.002+01:00

From the Evening Gazette, 5 October 2009 -

'SELLING off land at Ormesby Hall estate for an East Middlesbrough bypass would be a dereliction of its duty, says the National Trust.

The proposed new single-carriageway road is at the centre of a controversy between Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland councils.
Middlesbrough Council wants the road to be built with a number of measures to alleviate traffic problems on routes into the town from the south.
Redcar and Cleveland’s Cabinet has confirmed its opposition to the road plan. It prefers to make progress on alternative measures to ease traffic congestion - especially the Marton Crawl.
In taking its decision, the Cabinet pointed to the opposition to the plan from the National Trust.
The route of the proposed bypass from Swans Corner at Nunthorpe to Longlands in Middlesbrough would require land at the edge of the Ormesby Hall Estate, which is owned by the National Trust.

Nick Dolan, the National Trust’s Property Manager for Ormesby Hall, told the Gazette the National Trust had been involved with previous studies, which had found the building of a new road to be an impractical solution on a number of grounds.

“Whilst the National Trust is keen to support sustainable solutions to Middlesbrough’s transport problems, and is willing to maintain an open dialogue with both Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland Councils, the National Trust is an independent charity established for over a century to protect valuable open space, and this vital protection of land will continue.

“The Ormesby Hall Estate was given to the National Trust by the Pennyman family to ensure such a ‘green lung’ remained for local people and other visitors to enjoy.

“Therefore it would be a dereliction of our legal duty to approve the loss of this important land to development.”'

Lib Dems Councillors for Ormesby and Nunthorpe have passed on details the National Trust's position to local residents on the road for years.

It is time Middlesbrough Council's Mayor recognised the reality of the situation and started looking for realistic and sustainable solutions to local traffic problems.

The response to the Lib Dems' petition to keep local green space earlier this year showed the overwhelming wish of local residents to oppose the road and Redcar & Cleveland's Labour Council's scheme for 115 houses on the Swan's Corner field.

2009-10-06T13:43:00.000+01:00

Liberal Democrat prospective MP for Redcar, Ian Swales, has appeared on the BBC Politics Show criticising the new Regional Grand Committee. The Committee met in Middlesbrough last Friday and is an attempt to bring Parliament out of Westminster into the regions.

Ian said "It was an interesting bit of theatre but contributed little to the Government of the region. The fact that only 14 of the regions 30 MP's bothered to turn up shows that it is already low in their priorities right from the start.

"The Committee also shows the absurdity of the first past the post electoral system. Full attendance would have seen 28 Labour MP's and just 1 Liberal Democrat and 1 Conservative at the Committee. The recent European elections were held under a fair voting system and the region returned 1 Labour, I Conservative and 1 Liberal Democrat to Brussels.

"Finally I would question the wisdom of adding to the cost of running Parliament and taking a large number of police away from their normal duties. When so many of our local front line services such as social workers, neighbourhood police and the probation service are making cutbacks it seems insensitive to bring this show into town."

Watch Redcar's prospective Lib Dem MP Ian Swales on the Politics Show: http://tinyurl.com/y99wgch

HAVE YOUR SAY ON BUILDING SCHOOLS FOR THE FUTURE

2009-10-06T13:41:00.000+01:00

HAVE YOUR SAY ON BUILDING SCHOOLS FOR THE FUTURE

REDCAR and Cleveland Borough Council is currently undertaking Statutory Consultation on its Building Schools for the Future plans.

The Council's Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education, Councillor Ian Jeffrey, said: "This consultation forms part of the next stage in our exciting plans for Building Schools for the Future. I would like to encourage everyone to come along and have their say on the proposals."

Councillor Jeffrey, added: "The Building Schools for the Future programme is a vitally important part of the jigsaw that will eventually see 21st Century learning environments for all ages designed to engage and inspire young people, their teachers and the wider community."

The consultation which runs until Sunday 25th October, focuses on the following proposals:

*to discontinue Gillbrook College and expand Eston Park School

*to discontinue St Peter’s Catholic College of Maths and Computing, South Bank and expand Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided School – A Specialist Science College, Redcar

*to discontinue Freebrough Specialist Engineering College. An Academy at Freebrough is planned. This will be subject to a proposal by the Secretary of State. This will not affect the day to day operation of the College. A full and thorough consultation process about the Academy will take place next month.

Have your say at one of the following drop-in sessions:

Expansion of Eston Park School: Wednesday 23rd September, at James Finegan Hall, Eston, 4pm-6pm and Wednesday 14th October, at City Learning Centre, Eston, 5pm-7pm.

Catholic provision in Redcar and Cleveland: Wednesday 30th September, at James Finegan Hall, Eston, 4pm-6pm and Wednesday 21st October, at Sacred Heart RC School, Redcar, 5pm-7pm.

An Academy at Freebrough: Wednesday 7th October, at Freebrough Specialist Engineering College, Brotton, 5pm-7pm.

The full consultation document is available on the Council's website www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk, follow the link from the homepage.

Ian Swales pledges to “do his bit” for British Armed Forces

2009-10-06T13:40:00.000+01:00

Ian Swales pledges to “do his bit” for British Armed Forces

Ian Swales, Liberal Democrat Prospective MP for Redcar, has pledged to do his bit for the British Armed Forces family.

Ian Swales met with representatives from The Royal British Legion at the recent Liberal Democrat party conference in Bournemouth where he was presented with a copy of the Legion’s manifesto for the next general election.

The manifesto sets out priorities for the next Government to improve conditions for the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. It encourages MPs and parliamentary candidates to “do their bit” for Service Personnel and their families, the bereaved, veterans and dependants.

Kevin Shinkwin, the Legion’s Head of Public Affairs, said, “We’re really grateful to Ian Swales for making the time to meet with us and listen to our concerns. Our message to every candidate standing at the general election is very simple: ‘It’s time to do your bit’.

“The entire Armed Forces family needs the support of politicians from all parties,” he added. “Our manifesto outlines practical ways the next government can help, and we hope all the parties will give it serious consideration”.

Ian Swales said, “I was delighted to meet with The Royal British Legion. They have an important role to play in highlighting the needs of the whole Armed Forces family. I have pledged to do my bit and would encourage everyone to do the same by visiting the general election manifesto website – www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk - to find out more.”

TAMIFLU SHOCK

2009-10-06T13:38:00.000+01:00

RESIDENTS LET DOWN BY SWINE FLU ARRANGEMENTS

Residents in Redcar and Cleveland are being let down by the swine flu arrangements.
Those needing Tamiflu are expected to go to either Stockton or Whitby to pick up the drug.

Liberal Democrat prospective MP for Redcar has personal experience. He said: “I had some flu symptons and rang the help line. After a long pre-recorded introduction I was put through to two of the staff arguing between themselves and they couldn't hear me. Eventually I got through and was given all the help I needed. However I was amazed to be told that I had to nominate a "buddy" to go all the way to Teesdale in Stockton to pick up the Tamiflu. The pharmacy is only open between 2pm and 6pm. The nearest public transport is at Thornaby railway station which is over 10 minutes walk away for a fit person.

"Many residents will have problems with these arrangements especially those who are elderly or infirm. Not everyone knows someone who could spend most of an afternoon travelling to Stockton and back.

"It's unbelievable that Redcar and Cleveland Primary Care Trust has not provided a single pick up point.”

2009-03-14T11:47:00.002Z

Labour’s scheme for 115 houses on SWAN’S CORNER FIELD

The Labour Council has now come clean on what they plan to do with the field at Swan’s Corner. It’s part of a scheme to build 5765 new houses up to 2021.
And their favourite locations include green field sites like their scheme to build 115 houses at Swan’s Corner.

Bang goes Labour’s promise to protect green areas

Labour’s 2007 Local Election Manifesto
Labour said, they would -
"Put in place policies and strategies to maintain, enhance and extend green spaces.
Have policies to rigorously enforce the protection of all green areas."

Your Lib Dem Councillors, Eric Empson and Glyn & Irene Nightingale think Labour have again reneged on an election promise to local people.
It has never been so important as now to protect green spaces.

WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US IN OBJECTING TO THE LABOUR COUNCIL'S PROPOSALS TO BUILD ON A GENUINE GREEN FIELD SITE.
PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION OVERLEAF - TODAY!

We, the undersigned, object strongly to any new housing on the green area at Swan’s Corner.

Name: Address:
Tel:
Email:

Please print out and return to -

Cllr ERIC EMPSON
28 Woodside Tel: 322014

Cllr GLYN & IRENE NIGHTINGALE
161 Ormesby Bank Tel: 315565

OR - FREEPOST RRKX-SBSS-JRTS
Liberal Democrats 39 Coast Road, Redcar TS10 3NN

“Government incompetence has been costly to Northern Rock” – Ian Swales

2008-02-19T10:40:00.003Z

Responding to the decision by the Government to nationalise Northern Rock, Ian Swales, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Redcar constituency, said:

“This decision is welcome but was also inevitable and should have been taken last year. Instead, Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling have been paralysed by their own indecision. They put off the only sensible course of action right until the very end. This is hardly a sensible way to run the Government.

“Had Labour followed the advice of Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable last year, the uncertainty that has been so damaging to Northern Rock and to the British economy would have been avoided.

“The Conservative proposal that Northern Rock should be put into administration and run down would be a disaster. Not only would this not get taxpayers money back any faster but it would be the one way to guarantee that every single job at the bank would be lost, most of them in the North East. Temporary nationalisation will not be easy for Northern Rock, but it at least offers hope that the bank can have a long-term future and eventually be sold when conditions are better.”

Ian Swales is the Liberal Democrats Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Redcar

SAVE OUR POST OFFICES

2008-02-14T16:22:00.001Z

Ian Swales with local Councilllors Glyn Nightingale (left) and Eric Empson (right) outside Lazenby Post Office

REDCAR Constituency’s Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Ian Swales, says Labour’s new plans to close 2500 post offices will hit local communities across Britain.

That’s nearly 1 in 5 post offices to close and this includes local post offices in Park Avenue, Redcar and Lazenby. These new closures are on top of the 7500 post offices already closed by Conservative and Labour Governments. The closures will mean long journeys for many just to pick up a pension or send a parcel.

Local people deserve much better!

Labour have already closed 4000 post offices in Britain.
The last Conservative Government closed 3500 post offices.
The Lib Dems are fighting to save our post offices.

STEPS TO SAVE OUR POST OFFICES

1. Invest £2 billion in post office network - open new branches where needed.
2. The Post Office freed from Royal Mail restrictions to let it develop new business.
3. A new legal requirement for the Government to maintain the local Post Office network.

Please print out and sign our "Save our post offices petition"

I/We the undersigned call on the Labour Government to stop the closure of 2500 post offices across Britain. We need more post offices, not more cuts.

Name/s _________________________________________

Address_________________________________________

Phone_________________ Email____________________

Return to: FREEPOST RRKX-SBSS-JRTS,
Redcar & Cleveland Liberal Democrats,
39 Coast Road,
Redcar,
Yorkshire, TS10 3NN

NUNTHORPE MEETING OF THE AREA COMMITTEE

2008-01-31T22:28:00.001Z

AREA COMMITTEE NUNTHORPE YOUTH CLUB 6 PM TUESDAY
12 FEBRUARY

We have been proved right that this Labour invention to keep control covers too big an area. The previous Ormesby, Normaby & Eston Area Committee made regular visits to our area. But this is the first meeting locally since the May elections of the new Greater Eston Committee.

You need to know that the local police inspector attends the Area Committee and answers residents' questions. He needs residents' suggestions for neighbourhood policing prioriities.

The latest spending from our £6000 allocation are getting a grit bin for the Laburnum Rd-Lilac Road junction and Spring bedding plants at the Library.

NEW BENCH FOR ORCHARD WAY

2008-01-31T22:18:00.000Z

Cllrs Eric Empson and Irene Nightingale showed local team member, Ann Wilson, the new bench on Orchard Way. A local resident suggested that one was needed there. So we used some of our Area Committee allocation. We also got officials to move the litter and dog bin.

FIRE BRIGADE FORCED TO FIND £2M CUTS

2008-01-31T22:04:00.000Z

Ian Swales,the local Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, has unearthed the shocking fact that the Governmetn is forcing the fire service to make massive cuts.

He said recently, "Our area is highly populated with the risk of fire on major chemical, steel-making or nuclear plants.
"Yet cutbacks in the local fire service are on the cards. And it’s all because Government has cut funding to Cleveland Fire Brigade by £2million forcing cuts in services, such as - cutting crewing on fire engines, abolishing community safety teams, cutting staffing, and response times for environmental protection and incident command support, closing a fire station, not filling six vacant posts and pushing up Council Tax by 5%.
"The Fire Service has been successful in the past four years. So why is the Labour Government cutting back in supporting one of our vital local services?"

“LIKE PUTTING NEW TYRES ON A CAR JUST TO TOW IT TO THE SCRAPYARD”

2008-01-31T22:00:00.000Z

Labour are spending over £120,000 of your Council Tax money repairing and re-decorating the Town Hall and Finegan Hall which is planned for demolition. At the same time they are making £5½m cuts in services.

NEW LIB DEM LEADER PLANS CHANGE FOR BRITAIN

2008-01-31T21:58:00.000Z

New Lib Dem Leader, Nick Clegg, outlined his plans for a Liberal Britain to local Councillor Glyn Nightingale when he visited the region.
"As the only Northern MP to lead a major party, I’m fully aware of the importance of the region and the concerns of local people.
New rights for parents, pupils and patients are at the heart of everything the Lib Dems stand for.
No-one should be condemned by the circumstances of their birth.
A fair deal for every family means investing in education, cutting income tax and reforming tax credits. I’ll campaign to cut crime and get a fair deal for victims. And I’ll fight to improve our NHS so it delivers the care people need.
Join with me to make all this happen, so we can give British families control over their own lives.
Together we can make Britain the liberal country the British people want it to be."

Labour’s £5½ million planned cuts

2008-01-31T21:49:00.000Z

Labour promised no cuts in services and boasted about zero Council Tax rises. It was just election spin. Now they plan cuts including spending on the old, disabled and children in need. The only growth spending is on £350,000 to pay for free junk jobs and throwing money down the drain on Eston Town Hall when the office space isn’t needed.
That’s an extra 1% on Council Tax pushing it up by 4.9%.

WHERE THE OTHER CUTS FALL
• Promised weekly refuse collection kicked into the long grass
• Slashing library spending - no children’s librarian, book fund cut and opening hours cut
• To get a decent junk job collection the charge goes up 50% to £15
• Closing all re-cycling bring sites
• Ending the 'Bring Out Your Dross' re-cycling scheme
• Slashing spending on play equipment maintenance
• Charging for green box replacement
• Ending winter flower bedding
• Cutting grants and charging voluntary organisations more
• 10% higher burial fees

LABOUR’S PHONEY EFFICIENCY SAVINGS EXPOSED

So-called efficiency savings are really cuts in services, higher charges or offloading spending.
For the first time in four years net spending on the old, disabled and vulnerable young people is cut.
Above all Labour is taking massive risks with your tax money -
• They’ve no idea how the forecast downturn in the economy will affect returns on invested cash.
• They’ve no idea if the unions will go for their plan to cut 900 Council officers’ pay by up to £1000.
• They’ve already over-spent by nearly £1m that has put an extra 2% on Council Tax.
Council Leader George Dunning claims he’s in charge. He regularly promises one thing and does the opposite. It’s his Budget. And, it shows!

New Leader - for a New Liberal Britain

2007-12-20T11:17:00.000Z

Nick Clegg is the new leader of the Liberal Democrats.

Sheffield MP, Nick Clegg, pictured above with Glyn Nightingale and fellow Councillor, Chris Abbott, was the favourite to win and was widely supported by local Liberal Democrats, including all three Ormesby & Nunthorpe Councillors. His victory marks a new beginning for the Lib Dems and for achieving a new Liberal Britain.

Here's his acceptance speech in full -

"My election as leader of this party marks a new beginning. Today is about two things: ambition, and change.

Renewed ambition for the Liberal Democrats.

Renewed ambition to reach out to the millions of people who share our values, but have not yet voted for us.It’s about renewed ambition for Britain.

Because we want to change politics, and change Britain.

I would like to thank Chris for the energetic and committed way he has campaigned in this leadership election. We have been rivals in this contest. From today, we are colleagues again. I look forward to working closely with him for the good of liberalism in Britain. I would also like to thank Vince Cable for the magnificent way he has led the party in these past two months. There are few men who have excelled as an economist, a comedian and a ballroom dancer. Finally, I would like to give my warmest thanks, on behalf of the whole party, to Ming Campbell. He took over the Liberal Democrats at a difficult time, and provided enormous stability and professionalism to the party. Without his work, building on the extraordinary achievements of Charles Kennedy and Paddy Ashdown before him, the party would not have the bright future which it now does.

I am a Liberal by temperament, by instinct and by upbringing. My own family was marked, scattered and reunited by the tragic conflicts of the last century. I was taught from an early age that Britain was a place of tolerance and pluralism, with a history steeped in democracy and the rule of law. I believe that liberalism is the thread that holds together everything this country stands for. Pull out that thread and the fabric of the nation unravels.

We are a people with a strong sense of fair play and social justice. An instinct to protect the environment for future generations. We are suspicious of arbitrary power, wary of government interference. We want to play an active, enlightened role in the affairs of the world. And we have always put our faith in the power of ordinary men and women to change things for the better.So why is Britain still not the liberal nation we want it to be?

Look around us:

Our civil liberties casually cast aside.

Gigantic, faceless and incompetent Government bureaucracies.

Security and opportunity in short supply, particularly in the poorest communities. Families struggling to meet each month’s bills.

Struggling to balance the demands of work, and the time for a real family life.

Above all, our politics is broken.

Out of step with people.

Out of step with the modern world.

That is why I have one sole ambition: to change Britain to make it the liberal country the British people want it to be.

I want a new politics: a people’s politics. I want to live in a country where rights, freedoms and privacy are not the playthings of politicians, but safeguarded for everyone.

Where political life is not a Westminster village freak show, but open, accessible, and helpful in people’s everyday lives.

Where parents, pupils and patients are in charge of our schools and hospitals.Where fine words on the environment are translated into real action.

Where social mobility becomes a reality once again, so that no-one is condemned by the circumstances of their birth.

Why have we stopped imagining a better society? Look at what we’ve got. The Conservatives and New Labour have governed in the same way. Top-down and centralising. I refuse to believe that the only alternative to a clapped out Labour Government is a Conservative party which has no answers to the big issues - environmentalism without substance, social justice without money, internationalism without Europe.

The challenge for my party is clear and simple: to define a liberal alternative to the discredited politics of Big Government. I want to open up my party, open up Westminster, and open up politics for good. To lead well, a leader needs to listen.

That’s why I will hold regular and public Town Hall Meetings.

That’s why I want to open up the Liberal Democrats to give people who support us, but aren’t members, a say on the big issues. That’s why I will spend at least one day every week listening and campaigning outside Westminster.

That’s why I will set up a network of real families, who have nothing to do with party politics, in every region of this country to advise me on what they think should be my priorities.

If you once voted Lib Dem but think we’ve spent too much time focusing on ourselves. If you once voted Conservative but don’t know what they stand for any more. If you once voted Labour but feel let down after ten years of disappointment. If you’ve given up voting altogether, but still care about the world we live in: Then a newly united, energetic, optimistic Liberal Democrat party is there for you.

This is an unprecedented time of opportunity for liberalism in Britain. If we are to grab this opportunity, my party will need to change. We must start acting like the growing national political movement that we are. More professional. More united. More ambitious.

Liberalism is the creed of our times. The old left-right politics has broken down. Labour and the Conservatives are mutating into each other, united in defence of a system which has let the people down. Instead, we must start where people are, not where we think they should be. In short, I want the Liberal Democrats to be the future of politics. Because Liberal Democrats have the courage to imagine a better society. To break the stifling grip of the two-party system for good. To bring in a new politics. Of politicians who listen to people, not themselves. No more business as usual. No more government-knows-best.

I want today to mark the beginning of real change in Britain.

The beginning of Britain’s liberal future."

Nessfield Scheme rejected - again

2007-12-03T19:53:00.000Z

We understand that Government planning inspectors have again rejected the appeal by developers who want to build flats on the Nessfield site.

Local residents have consistently opposed a large scale three-story development, because of it excessive scale and mass. Hundreds signed a petition to stop the scheme and successfully presented their case to the Council's Planning Committee.

All three Lib Dem Councillors who have backed residents' protests are delighted by the inspector's decision. We congratulate Ted Parker and his team for their valiant efforts.

Nick Clegg for Leader - 14 days to go

2007-12-03T19:34:00.001Z

There are just 14 days to go before the new Leader of the Lib Dems will be announced.

All three Ormesby & Nunthorpe Councillors are supporting Nick Clegg in his bid to become the Leader of the Lib Dems. So is Ian Swales, our parliamentary spokesman, and Chris Abbott, the Lib Dem's Group Leader on Redcar & Cleveland Council.

Glyn Nightingale recently met Nick following Nick's speech to the North East Economic Forum. They discussed Nick's plans for the Lib Dems. He pointed that there are millions of people across the North East who share our liberal values, but do not vote Liberal Democrat. As Leader Nick intends to reach out to that liberal majority to win their support.

He said, "Whether it's the appalling disadvantage that condemns children to a life of poverty, the remote and bureaucratic state, the challenges of climate change and globalisation or the fear that grips too many communities, I want to show that the old bankrupt two-party system simply does not have the answers."

Nick Clegg has the support of the majority of Lib Dem MPs and is in the lead according to a recent poll. We want to see Nick as our Leader, because he is best one to get more and more who share our liberal values supporting the Liberal Democrats.

Glyn Nightingale is pictured with Nick Clegg (centre) and Chris Abbott

Look at what Labour does, not what they say - Cash for local schools

2007-12-03T19:29:00.000Z

Ian Swales, Lib Dem campaigner for the Redcar Constituency (pictured), expressed dismay today at the Government's grant to local schools for next year.

He is writing to the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families to plead for a higher allocation.

He said, "While nationally the Government is giving schools 4.1% extra cash, Redcar & Cleveland schools are only getting 2.1% extra next year. Neither of these figures make full allowance for public sector inflation currently running at 7%."It is appalling that our local schools are getting such a raw deal compared with other schools across the country. Falling pupil numbers locally are given as the reason. Even with falling school rolls, classes still need teachers, buildings have to be maintained and office overheads covered."The impact is alarming for our schools. They will face the prospect of employing less staff, buying fewer books and resources and cutting back on extra activities."It seems inconceivable that the Council will be able to bail out schools from their other resources. It already faces the need for massive cuts in spending because of unfunded commitments and the need to make other efficiency savings to meet reductions in Government grants."

A sad story

2007-12-03T19:09:00.000Z

A News of the World study places Middlesbrough as the "saddest place" in the country with the Borough of Redcar & Cleveland in third place.Our area receives a lot of negative publicity about the quality of life and the health of our citizens. The response to this is usually denial and threats to boycott the messengers as seen in today's Northern Echo story.You can't deny the fact that there are real health and sickness problems in our area; high levels of unemployment on many estates and poor housing.Redcar's Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesman, Ian Swales (pictured second left), said:"These results certainly make me depressed. Sadly they're not surprising. High levels of people not working or having to work outside the area, the constant bother of low level crime and some parts being very run down are bound to affect people's health. Teesside has been let down by generations of politicians.""No doubt people will try to say the results of these surveys are somehow not representative. They will probably be people with positions to protect. In fact the very people who have brought the area to it's current state. For example where are the well paid Civil Service jobs that the Government have been promising for ten years?"

Ian Swales is pictured on the left with Ormesby & Nunthorpe Councillor, Eric Empson who appears on the right.

Glyn & Irene Nightingale Back Nick Clegg

2007-10-18T21:32:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow, we expect Nick Clegg MP to declare his intention to stand for the leadership of the Liberal Democrats. Local Ormesby & Nunthorpe Councillors, Glyn and Irene Nightingale are backing Nick to be the new Leader of the Liberal Democrats.
We have watched Nick's impresseive progress since he became an MEP and, then MP for Sheffield Hallam in 2005. We are confident that he will make a massive impact as Lib Dem Leader. He has an impressive record and successful career before entering politics.

We feel sure that Lib Dems owe Menzies Campbell, who resigned as Leader on Monday, tremendous debt of gratitude. He made enormous changes behind the scenes restoring a greater sense of purpose and re-focused policies on Liberal Democratic values.

Now we are sure Nick will provide a resurgence of confidence and dynamism that we need to see us through the European Election and the next General Election. He is a superb communicator and has shown he is prepared to work out the policies this country needs to meet the challenges of the next decade.

He is young, dynamic and has high intellectual ability. He is more than a match for David Cameron and will provide a great contrast to the dourness of George Brown. The Lib Dems need a Leader who will show that there is a realistic, relevant and responsive alternative to the Brown-Cameron axis.

Nick is the man to do it.

Why Labour can't be trusted

2007-09-26T21:21:00.000+01:00

Wednesday, 26 September 2007

This is why we said "Labour can't be trusted"

During the May Council elections we gave reasons why Labour can't be trusted. While the Lib Dem-led Coalition ran the Council from 2003 to 2007, Labour promised everything to everyone and practicised opposition for opposition's sake. The Labour leader, Cllr George Dunning jumped on every bandwagon and even opposed what his own Labour administration had started or done before 2003.

The Evening Gazette's 'You Say' column was filled with letters supporting Labour. We're not sure whether some of their suporters really exist (and here and here).

The Lib Dem-led Coalition between 2003 -2007 took many difficult decisions that lifted the Council from 'Fair' rating by Government Inspectors when we took over in 2003 and to 4-star Excellent' within three years. It's record we're proud.

Here's the evidence that shows why Labour have broken election promises and made significant 'U-turns'.

Coatham Links

Just prior to the 2003 elections Councillor George Dunning launched a multi-million pound project to develop Redcarby appointing Persimmon Homes as the preferred developer. But Cllr Dunning's soon changed his tune over the scheme. A small group of protesters were hardly discouraged by him. But no sooner had Labour won back control, but they were all for it (and here and here).

Closure of Eston Town Hall and James Finegan Hall

The Coalition were faced with the task of what to do about the Poulson designed 1960's Town Hall at Eston and Finegan Hall next door. The previous Labour administration had cut the Council's maintenance budget years before, to prop up their "no compulsory redundancy" policy and claw their way back from having the second highest Council tax in the land.

Both buildings were in need of major investment and are unsuitable for 21st century local government.

The Coalition decided it was much more economical to reduce administrative costs by starting 'remote working' using new technology and to focus its activities in Redcar. The Audit Commission had criticised the Council for the inefficient set up and poor leadership under Labour. So action was needed.

We promised that a brand new replacement for Finegan Hall to be built before the Hall was closed. But Cllr Dunning backed a group of dancers in opposing our plan. Over and over again he was reported as saying: "Our position is that when we get back control in 2007 we will keep open the James Finegan Hall and refurbish it along with the Town Hall." Read more here and here.

Now they are doing what the Coalition had planned. It's a complete U-turn. It is interesting that they held the Cabinet meeting in Saltburn, far away from Eston and made sure the decision was make under confidentiality conditions behind closed doors.

Don't trust them when they say we left these building in a mess. They had years to do the job and didn't. Don't trust them when they say we would have left Eston without a Council presence. We said people would still have access locally to Council services.

Councillors Pay

In opposition Cllr Dunning went on and on about Councillors allowances complaining that Redcar & Cleveland's allowances were higher than other neighbouring Councils. But at yesterday's Cabinet, he said, "Tees Valley Councils need to catch up with us" as they voted to go on with the current system. Cllr Dunning said, 'Even what we pay councillor now is still not going to get enough people to stand for the Council.' One of his colleagues said, 'I couldn't agree more.' What they say in opposition is again not what they say when they are running the Council.

Land at Church Lane

Councillor Dunning and his deputy Sheelagh Clarke led the opposition the Coalition Cabinet's plan to sell a small strip of a land alongside the Town Hall to Tees Valley Housing for affordable housing for people moving out of the South Bank renewal area, whilst at the same time preserving a substantial area of green space.

Labour twice managed to win the vote to reject the proposals at Planning Committee, but Tees Valley Housing's appeal was upheld by the Government Inspector. On taking control Labour could still have not sold the land to stop the houses being built. Councillor Dunning's letter promised that this is what he would do.

But yesterday, again under confidentiality conditions, the Labour Cabinet voted to hand over the land and allow the houses to be built. They have achieved exactly the same outcome as the Coalition Cabinet wanted. The new Labour Cabinet have shown once again that they say one thing in opposition and do exactly the opposite in control. They owe the residents who trusted them to do what they promised an apology.

Those who supported them must now be regretting that they did. We told you so - we said Labour can't be trusted. It shows what can happen when a tiny number of votes - 2 here, 9 there - change how the Council is run.

Ian Swales' "Police not ID Cards" Campaign

2007-09-18T16:38:00.000+01:00

Ian Swales, the Lib Dem's Redcar Constituency prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Glyn Nightingale and Lib Dem Team member, Tina Meir, went to Eston Police Station to check whether it was open.

We found that it is closed every day except Wednesdays.

Ian Swales writes -

"As I write the police are still looking for who shot an 11 year old boy in Liverpool. Gun crime has been increasing yet the Government STILL hasn't implemented the hand gun register recommended after the Dunblane massacre in 1996.

Local Liberal Democrats were recently involved in the case of a respectable 15 year old boy who was beaten up by about 10 youths wielding iron and wooden bars in the Bankfields Road area of Eston. The response by our hard working police force to this incident showed just how stretched they are. Charges are unlikely.

It's clear from talking to residents that crime remains a major concern.

This Government has not policed our borders properly, not given us enough front line police and failed to build enough prisons. They admit that the Home Office, that looks after these things, has been failing. There isn't much more to get wrong! Now they want to spend billions on a complicated ID card system which will have no impact on most crime.
We say the money should be spent putting more police on the streets."

What do you think? Let us know.

Operation Eco in Ormesby

2007-09-18T14:42:00.000+01:00

Ormesby & Nunthorpe Councillors, Glyn & Irene Nightingale and Eric Empson with Ian Swales, the Lib Dem’s prospective parliamentary candidate, went round to see the impact of Operation Eco has on Overfields. They were particularly impressed with the new Boro mural painted by young volunteers on the side of the Allendale shopping centre which was also repainted by community workers.

Keeping in touch

2007-09-17T23:44:00.001+01:00

Welcome to Ormesby & Nunthorpe Ward Liberal Democrats' new location on the Internet.

We intend to keep Ormesby & Nunthorpe residents in touch with local developments.