Live: Breaking news, traffic and travel across Teesside

The Evening Gazette's live breaking news blog brings you regular updates, pictures, video, tweets and comments covering the latest Teesside and North Yorkshire traffic, travel, weather, crime and council news for today, Wednesday 28th May, 2014.

You can contribute to the live blog by posting your comment below, and you can also tweet us @EveningGazette to share breaking news stories, pictures and opinions.

Our Teesside breaking news live blog begins at 07:00am every weekday and is updated throughout the day and into the evening.

Royal Mail deny privatisation and sorting office closures have delayed post for Teessiders

Service missed its target in 2013/14 for delivering first class mail the next day to properties with a TS postcode

Fewer Teessiders are getting their post delivered on time this year - but privatisation and the closure of sorting offices is not to blame, say the Royal Mail.

New figures show that posties missed a national target for delivering first class post to properties with a TS postcode.

The postal service aim to deliver 93% of first class mail the next day - but came up short in Teesside, hitting 92.3% in 2013/14, according to the latest Royal Mail Quality of Service report.

Tom Blenkinsop, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, believes that the closure of sorting offices in Middlesbrough and South Bank are having an affect - and questioned the “inevitable impact” of privatisation.

But Julie Peroni, director of external relations for the Royal Mail in the region, said that local staff had worked hard to recover after a poor winter to only narrowly miss the target.

She said: “The figure for Teesside is just below the target, and staff have worked very hard to provide a quality service to people in Teesside.

“However, the floods that we saw this year and another bad winter can affect delivery times, as well as many other factors. We saw that especially in the third quarter of the year, when the figure dropped to 89.6%.

“Privatisation has absolutely nothing to do with it.

“Moving work from sorting offices has been part of our modernisation process which will all help improve our service going forward.”

Mr Blenkinsop was part of the campaign to save Guisborough's delivery office, presenting a 5,000-plus signature petition to the House of Commons and to Ed Davey, Minister for Postal Services in 2011.

He said: “The closure of sorting offices is certainly a factor, yes. One closed at South Bank and work from the Middlesbrough sorting office moved to Gateshead.

“We managed to save the Guisborough sorting office, although they wanted to move it and merge the work with Redcar we made the case that it should remain.

“But closures and changes to service are always going to have an impact.”

And Mr Blenkinsop believes that the quality of service will only decline further after privatisation.

“Because it is now a private company, it is competing with other private companies in the big centres like London, Manchester and Birmingham,” continued Mr Blenkinsop.

“Unfortunately, there will come the point where they don’t have the profits to maintain the service in smaller urban areas like Teesside, and also the rural areas surrounding which share the TS postcode.”

Sembcorp Utilities losses increase from £237k to £28.3m following large write-down

Sembcorp Utilities (UK) - which manages the Wilton Site - is undergoing a major restructure that will reduce Teesside staff numbers by 200

Sembcorp Utilities (UK) - which manages the Wilton Site - says it is confident about its future despite recording major losses in its 2013 financial results.

The company, which is undergoing a major restructure that will reduce Teesside staff numbers by 200 to 185 by the end of the year, has reported a loss of £28.3m during the year ending December 31.

This compares to a loss of £237,000 in 2012.

Sembcorp, which also owns most of the Wilton Site, saw turnover rise from £168.6m to £174.1m during the same period.

A large write-down on the value of non-green business fixed assets on Teesside last year mainly contributed to the loss.

The impairment was “in response to a challenging UK environment affecting both Sembcorp and other large energy users on the Wilton Site” according to bosses.

The company’s ageing coal-fired Boiler 6 has also become a casualty of high carbon taxes and will close within days, saving the company millions of pounds.

Meanwhile, bosses say the sale of the company’s Asset Protection and Security business is at an “advanced stage”.

The company says the restructure is a “direct result of a number of adverse factors” including less on-site customer demand for steam.

“Disadvantageous” contract structures, operating and maintenance regimes - alongside poor wholesale energy market conditions - have also contributed, the company has said.

A spokesman said: “The [restructure] process, which involved a period of consultation with trade union and elected employee representatives, resulted in a number of moves aimed at securing a brighter, more sustainable future for the business.

“These included the sale of the Asset Protection and Security business (still progressing) and the closure of Boiler 6, the last remaining coal-fired unit within Wilton Power Station.”

Up to 100 Teesside staff have already left the business, including a third through compulsory redundancies.

The company’s report said: “While the current economic conditions create an element of uncertainty, the company’s forecasts and projections show that it well placed to manage its business risks successfully.”

It added: “The directors remain confident that the company will maintain a satisfactory level of performance in the future.

"An ongoing programme of asset efficiency improvements and existing customer supply initiatives to improve flexibility and reliability will deliver further operational and financial benefits.”

The company has three business streams - renewable energy, traditional energy and utility supply, and onsite logistics, in which it supports a number of development projects and companies to grow uptake of development land at Wilton.

Its utilities asset base includes two gas turbines, which were built in the last 11 years, a steam turbine built in 2009, four package boilers (2008) and a water treatment plant.

Its biomass power station - Wilton 10 - came online in 2007, and work is also under way on Wilton 11.

The £200m power station project, led by Sembcorp, SITA UK and ITOCHU Corporation, will take 430,000 tonnes of Merseyside’s municipal waste each year.

Since 2003, when Sembcorp took over the business, it has invested £180m in developing new and upgrading existing assets.

Its Asset Protection and Security business includes industrial fire-fighting and spill protection services for other Teesside companies.

Missing man Jason Hipkins has been found in the Ormesby area

Police would like to thank members of the public for their assistance after missing man Jason Hipkins has been found safe and well

A missing man has been found “safe and well” in the Ormesby area.

Concerns were raised for a “distressed” man who had gone missing.

But Jason Hipkins, 35, has now been found and police officers thanked members of the public who helped to locate him.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: “Police can confirm that Jason Hipkins has been found safe and well in the Ormesby area.

“Police would like to thank members of the public for their assistance.”

It was in the Netherfields area of Middlesbrough where he had last been spotted.

As Jason was in a distressed state when he was last seen, officers were particularly keen to trace him.

Officers urged social media users to get involved in tracing him by sharing his picture and details with other users.

Facebook users have joined the search with one saying: “Hope he is found safe and well."

Travel tips for Teessiders going to see One Direction at Sunderland this week

Thousands of fans will be attending Stadium of Light show :: Here's some details of parking and show times for Teessiders attending gig

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One Direction gallery

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Thousands of One Direction fans are set to converge on Sunderland’s Stadium of Light tomorrow night to see Harry, Liam, Niall, Zayn and Louis live and up close - hopefully.

And many Directioners will be making the hop up the A19 from Teesside.

So here’s a handy guide to what’s on when and where you can park near the ground.

Gates open for the gig at 5pm - with the first act on stage around 6pm.

1D are expected to start playing around 8pm with a scheduled finish for 10.15pm.

One Direction's Niall Horan at the Stadium of Light

Main support comes from Australian boyband 5 Seconds of Summer - who first supported the band on their epic Take Me Home World Tour last year.

There will be no parking available in the areas in the immediate vicinity around the Stadium of Light as the roads will be closed around the stadium to ensure the area is safe for concert goers.

But disabled parking will be available to wheelchair patrons only who present a valid wheelchair platform ticket and car park pass for the red car park (this pass will be included with tickets).

The location is in front of main west stand of stadium, near to turnstile 62A which is disabled entry point.

Sunderland city centre has lots of car parks - here’s a few postcodes if you are using a satellite navigation:

St Mary’s: SR1 3AH

Sunniside: SR1 1UL

Civic Centre: SR2 7DN

The Bridge’s Multi-storey: SR1 3PZ

Boughton Street: SR1 3NH

Nile Street: SR1 1EY

West Wear Street: SR1 1XD

Charles Street: SR1 1XB

Tatham Street: SR1 2QD

Gorse Road: SR1 7BX

University St Peter’s Campus: SR6 0AN

University City Campus: SR1 3SD

Park and Walk:SR5 3XG

Wish Sport is back! Find out how to get a cut of £30k for your sports club in 2014

Wish Sport is back for its third year - and there is £30k on offer for our region's not-for-profit sports clubs and associations

Wish Sport is back!

After the astounding success of its first two years, the Gazette has again teamed up with Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation to offer sports groups across Teesside a chance to raise money for their clubs and associations.

If your sports club could do with some new equipment or maybe needs some help to meet ever-increasing costs then a slice of £30,000 - provided by the foundation - could be crucial.

Last year, more than 1.6 million tokens were carefully cut out and submitted in support of more then 190 groups, who each received a share of the £30,000 cash pot.

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Wish Sport presentation

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Gazette Editor Chris Styles said: “For the past two years, Wish Sport proved that our readers can make a real difference in their communities by collecting Gazette tokens.

“I’m delighted Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation will be working with us again to make sure this year's Wish Sport is an even bigger success.

“Sport plays a huge role in the lives of thousands of people in this region.

"Wish Sport provides money where it is most needed and is a terrific incentive for readers to help those who give up their time to promote sport in their communities.”

Ropner Park Bowling Association

Andy Preston, chairman of Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation, pointed out that more than £700,000 has been raised for good causes in the region over three years.

Thanking the local individuals and businesses involved in numerous projects, he added: "Wish Sport stands out as one of our best in many ways, not least because we are helping localsports clubs to shape their own financial destiny and continue the outstanding work that they do.

“I know from experience that these clubs survive and thrive because several enthusiastic volunteers generously dedicate much of their spare-time to running the organisation and fundraising.

“The foundation is all about making Teesside a better place to live and work – which is what so many of these sporting clubs are about, so we are delighted to be able to give them a helping hand."

So how will it all work?

If you’re a not-for-profit sports group or organisation benefiting the Teesside community then you are eligible to apply.

Your sporting activity could be any of the following: horse riding, football, netball, rugby, cricket, angling, athletics, badminton, boxing, cheerleading, cycling, dance, diving, fencing, hockey, ice hockey, ice skating, martial arts, motorsports, roller hockey, sailing, snooker, swimming, tennis, water sports or wrestling.

Schools are eligible to take part but the money must be used on a sports activity - for example, a new kit for a school team.

If your activity is not listed above, call the Wish Sport team on 0191 201 6350 to discuss eligibility.

Guisborough Cricket Club juniors

What about the tokens?

The first token will appear on Monday, July 9 - and we’ll then run them every day until Saturday, September 6.

Every token counts - so every group will get a share, no matter what.

The bigger your share of tokens, the bigger your slice of the £25,000 prize pot.

Also watch out for two very special Wish Sport online bonus days.

This is where all groups accepted into Wish Sport have the chance to receive an additional sum of money.

We will be announcing details in due course.

Thornaby Amateur Swimming Club

How do I know who to vote for?

We’ll feature every group in the paper, so readers can choose who to collect tokens for.

The Evening Gazette will publish details of every group on Monday, July 7.

The list will also be available online and we’ll print an address so people can post their tokens.

We’ll also run a supplement in October showing how much money each group has been awarded - and the cheques will be sent out straight away!

How do I apply?

Fill in the online form below or - if you are viewing this page on the Gazette's app - click HERE .

The deadline for registration is Saturday, June 21.

We’ll confirm via email and send you a free starter pack to get your supporters ready to start collecting tokens.

If you have any other questions, email gmc.promotions@trinitymirror.com

In these days of funding and budget cuts, the best thing about Wish Sport is that every group that entered gets a share of the cash.

Best of luck to everyone!

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  For more information about the Philanthropic Foundation, and how to get involved, click HERE

  
  

New poll indicates that Liberal Democrats will 'lose Redcar seat at next election'

Internal poll reveals collapse in support for current MP Ian Swales and suggest Anna Turley is on course to regain the seat for Labour

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Liberal Democrat MP Ian Swales

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Liberal Democrat MP Ian Swales is set to lose his Redcar seat at the General Election, a new poll has indicated.

Leaked results from an internal Liberal Democrat poll suggest Anna Turley is on course to regain the seat for Labour in next year’s ballot.

It also indicated that Mr Swales could potentially be pushed into third place by Ukip, which is enjoying a surge in popularity on Teesside.

A survey of 500 voters carried out in April by pollster ICM showed that of those intending to vote 46% would choose Labour, with 20% backing Ukip.

Just 16% of voters said they would vote Lib Dem.

The results are a fresh blow for the party after a dismal showing at last week’s European elections.

In Redcar & Cleveland, the party gained just 2,305 votes compared with 11,087 for Ukip and 8,548 for Labour.

The latest private opinion poll was commissioned by a Lib Dem supporter from ICM and suggests that leader Nick Clegg could lose his Sheffield Hallam seat in next year’s election.

The survey of four Lib Dem seats suggested the party would also lose Cambridge and Wells, alongside Redcar.

However a separate question indicated that 23% of voters still have not yet made up their mind.

The poll also showed that 56% of those questioned believed Mr Swales was doing a good job in the role.

Responding to the poll Anna Turley said: ‘Whilst this poll obviously suggests good news for Labour in the Redcar constituency I certainly won’t be resting on my laurels. I know that there is still so much hard work that needs to be put in to regain the trust of local people.

“People from all areas of the constituency who thought they were voting for something different in 2010 will, quite rightly, feel betrayed by what the Liberal Democrats have done in signing up to the worst of this government’s assault.”

The potential collapse in support for the Liberal Democrats in Redcar comes after a dramatic victory in the 2010 election.

Mr Swales ousted Labour’s Vera Baird after overturning a massive majority and securing the biggest swing in the country.

The former accountant’s current majority is 5,214.

Anger over the closure of Corus steelworks in Redcar was seen as a key factor in Labour’s defeat.

The poll offers a further boost for Labour after a separate survey at the weekend indicated it was on course to regain the key battleground seat of Stockton South from the Conservatives.

The results of a poll by Tory peer Lord Ashcroft showed Conservative James Wharton’s majority of just 332 is set to be overhauled by Labour’s Louise Baldock.

Labour already holds the seats of Middlesbrough, Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, and Hartlepool.

Next year’s election could therefore see a return to the pre-2010 position of Labour holding all Teesside seats.

Mr Swales was unavailable for comment.

North-east devolution? We could be like Plaid Cymru says new party's leader

The 'small but dedicated' North East Party, which was launched yesterday, will campaign for devolution for the region

A new political party was launched yesterday - with just 100 friends.

The North East Party said it would campaign for devolution for the region.

Chairman and leader Hilton Dawson said the group hoped to field candidates in 12 constituencies at next year’s General Election.

The former Labour MP said the party had been registered with the Electoral Commission. “We are a small but dedicated band, “ he said.

“There are more than 100 people in good contact with the party and we think it is achievable to get 12 candidates.

“We have been meeting every couple of weeks for the last six months and I am convinced it will grow.”

The first gathering of the new party will be held at the Durham Conference Centre on Monday, June 16th.

Mr Dawson, who retired as a MP after eight years, said he was not planning to stand himself. He said the party would dedicate itself to local politics.

“We have perfectly good examples in Plaid Cymru and the Scottish Nationalists,” he said.

“We can do the same and take control of jobs, public services, caring supportive communities, public transport, world class science and research.

“We will do politics better and be independent, honest, and open to all.”

Mr Dawson, 60, was born in Northumberland and was Labour MP for Lancaster and Wyre from 1997 to 2005.

The former social worker quit to return to work in children’s services.

His recent interests have been in championing the region and he set up a company called Northumbria People.

He said the North East Party could provide a voice to many people who did not vote for anyone in last week’s local and European elections.

Mr Dawson said: “We have people from all the main parties and none.

“We are about reclaiming democratic politics.”

Arrested man is released on bail following serious assault in Bankfields

34-year-old man had been arrested after police were called to Moorcock Close :: Victim was taken to hospital with injuries to his head

A man has been released on bail following a serious assault that left another man in hospital.

The 34-year-old man had been arrested after police were called to a property on Moorcock Close, in Bankfields, Normanby, at 4am on Monday.

The victim was taken to James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, by ambulance in the early hours of the morning, with injuries to his head.

Today, he is said to remain in a stable condition with non-life threatening injuries.

A police cordon was set up between Moorcock Close and Woodcock Close, with forensic scene of crime officers scouring the area on Monday morning.

The cordon was taken down later in the afternoon, but a house on Moorcock Close was still being classed as a crime scene.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: “Police were called at around 4am on Monday morning, after reports of an assault.

“A man was taken to James Cook hospital with head injuries, and another man was arrested at the scene.”

One neighbour, who lives on nearby Woodcock Close in Bankfields, said: “We just heard police cars, and then we heard that someone had been arrested.

“I can’t tell what happened, but people do like a drink on the Bank Holiday. Normanby is always busy on a Bank Holiday.

“The police have been here all morning and set up a cordon so people can’t cut between here and Moorcock.”

As it happened: European Election count in the North East

On May 22, voters in six North councils went to the polls to their say in local elections. At the same time, everyone in the region was given the chance to vote in the European elections. The North East’s three MEP seats in Brussels will be decided.

For the first time in many years, the European battle in the North East is set to throw up some interesting battles. Currently, there are three MEPS – one each for Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.

Adrian Pearson, the Chronicle and Journal's regional affairs correspondent, is hosting a live blog bringing updates, results and reaction from polling stations around the North East, bringing the results of the European elections count from across the region.

Read a full guide to the European elections here.

Charles Bronson coats himself in butter and attacks 12 warders in jail because Arsenal won FA Cup

Britain's hardest prisoner and Tottenham fan Charles Bronson admitted he 'lost it' when Spurs' arch rivals defeated Hull at Wembley

Britain’s most dangerous inmate covered himself in butter to attack 12 prison officers – because Arsenal won the FA Cup.

Spurs fan Charles Bronson admitted he “lost it” when Tottenham’s arch rivals defeated Hull at Wembley.

The incident at Full Sutton jail in York came just months after he is said to have attacked the governor of Woodhill prison for criticising his artwork.

In a letter dated May 19 to friend Kate Kray – the ex-wife of Ronnie Kray – Bronson said the “rumble” with officers in riot gear left him with broken ribs.

He said he smothered himself in Lurpak as he hoped the grease would make it harder for them to restrain him.

The attack was a carbon copy of an assault on 12 prison officers at Wakefield prison in 2010.

Bronson, 61, wrote: “Not good news. I’ve had another rumble. This time with a dozen riot mob on the yard!

“Obviously I had my reasons and I’d sooner swallow teeth than my pride. Sadly I came off worst – got smashed up ribs.

"Life goes on Kate! You won’t hear me moan!”

The hard man went on: “It was sunny! A scorcher! Arsenal was playing Hull. I so wanted Hull to win, coz I’m Spurs.

“I got Lurpak and spread it on thick. Then a small cloud appeared.

“I swear I see Ron’s face. It was eerie. Go on son, let ’em have it!”

Explaining the vision, he said: “I know the mind plays games in moments of mad events but it is still a comforting thought Ron’s still around. Made me feel happy. Safe! Double up for it!”

The letter goes on to refer to Derek Bentley who was hanged in 1953 – and posthumously pardoned – for the murder of a police officer during a burglary.

Bentley was said to have told the accomplice who shot the PC: “Let him have it.” But the interpretation of what he meant was disputed.

Bronson, who is due to go on trial on September 1 for the alleged attack on Woodhill Prison’s governor, claimed to have been offered a third off his sentence if he pleads guilty.

But he told Kate, 58: “F*** that!. “I’m ­innocent. That’s what Derek Bentley said. He hung!”

In recent phone calls to Kate, who lives in Kent, Bronson claimed the governor said his style of art was too aggressive. His pictures often depict prison officers in violent scenes.

Bronson has spent 36 of the past 40 years in solitary confinement and his move to Woodhill, Bucks, was to test if he could mix with other prisoners.

The convict, first jailed in 1974 when he got seven years for armed robbery, told Kate he was mortified by the incident with the prison boss because he had upset his mother Eira Peterson, 84.

Kate said: “Apparently he lost it and attacked the governor for saying his art was too explicit, too violent. He got put back in the cage and started drawing Easter bunnies instead of his usual disturbing pictures. But he is really upset that he’s upset his mum.

“I’d told him I was planning an auction of lots of Ron’s and Reggie’s stuff, so he said, ‘Can you put my drawings in auction to send my mum on holiday?’”

Kate is selling nine of Bronson’s pictures, as well as a poem called Asylum, a statement about his art and a copy of a formal complaint he made against the Prison Service in 2009 after his ­spectacles were allegedly stolen.

In one drawing, he promotes “Kate Kray for Prime Minister”.

In another, which depicts severed limbs, there is a note saying: “Remember me to Santa.”

Another shows Bronson on a sun-lounger on Blackpool beach with a bird and a speech bubble saying: “I’m sure that’s the Birdman of Broadmoor.”

One chilling picture has Bronson depicting himself in a Hannibal Lecter-style mask. A self-portrait from 2000 was drawn with pastels. He also gave Kate a picture of a cross, as a tribute to gangsters the Kray twins and their brother Charlie.

Bronson’s chilling work has featured in exhibitions around the world and he is also the author of several published books.

Kate added: “I got to know Charlie through being married to Ron and included him when I was working on TV documentaries and books about Britain’s hardest villains.

"Of all the people I have interviewed, including murderers and maniacs, if you were to ask me, ‘Would you let Charles Bronson stay at your house overnight?’ I would say yes. It is testosterone-led with Charlie.

“Charlie has only two things to occupy him in his cage. His fitness regime and his art. If you keep a man in a cage for 36 years, then rattle that cage, be prepared, he’ll bite.”

The Ministry of Justice declined to comment on the incident at Full Sutton.

NYSD League: Coates sets pace as Darlington lead the way again

Quakers have a 26-point lead over Richmond, but it’s far from a two-horse race in the NYSD League

The Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier Division has a familiar look about it with Darlington leading the way.

That has been the case for the last couple of seasons, and each time Richmondshire have overhauled their rivals to take the title.

Quakers have a 26-point lead over Richmond.

But it’s far from a two-horse race, as Stokelsey are splitting the two sides in second place, 18 points behind Darlington.

Stokesley picked up 20 points by yesterday beating neighbours Great Ayton.

Andrew Weighell had a superb game, the Stokesley skipper taking five wickets before scoring an unbeaten 91. Joe Marsey took five wickets for Great Ayton, but Stokesley won by two wickets.

Darlington and Richmond also won, the leaders picking up 25 points for beating Sedgefield when batting first, while Richmond took 20 points from their win at Barnard Castle, the Swaledale team batting second.

Despite the efforts of Rameez Nawaz, who took five wickets, Darlington reached 215 for eight, Liam Coates making 92 from 87 balls.

Sedgefield were dismissed for 100, Jon Barnes and Doug Mulholland each taking three wickets.

Barnard Castle were bowled out for 111, Shani Dissanayake taking four wickets as Richmond won by four wickets, skipper Gary Pratt top scoring with 48.

Guisborough beat Marske by six wickets. The Seasiders batted first and Nadeera Nawela hit 12 fours and two sixes in his 80.

The rest of the side struggled, Stu MacKay snapping up six wickets for 29 runs.

Martin Hood led the reply with 43 as Guisborough eased home despite three wickets for Josh Carroll.

Middlesbrough are rooted to the bottom. Despite five wickets for skipper James Lowe they lost to Marton, Sam Jones making 67 for the winners, while Lee Hodgson snapped up seven wickets.

Redcar had the better of their seaside derby with Saltburn, having to settle for a draw despite seven wickets for Callum Brown.

Skipper Stuart Lobb took four wickets as Seaton Carew picked up 17 points from their draw with Hartlepool.

Government 'pothole report' suggests Teesside has some of the best roads in the country

Teesside councillors have hit back, saying that more funding is badly needed to repair potholes and damaged paths in residential areas

Council chiefs have hit back at a Government roads report which suggests Teesside has some of the best roads in the country, saying more funding is badly needed to repair potholes and damaged paths.

Residents are facing potentially hazardous roads, paths and cycleways because of a lack of Government funding, they said.

The comments came after a new Department for Transport report said just 2% of “A” roads in Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton are in potential need of repair.

This compares to those at the bottom end of the table - City of London, where 32% of roads were classed as “may need repair”, followed by 23% in the Tower Hamlets area.

But Teesside councillors said while Government funding for the upkeep of these “main” roads is sufficient, it is not nearly enough to keep roads on residential estates in good repair.

The report covers 2012/13, so the data also does not reflect any more recent damage.

Councillor Nicky Walker, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for environment, said the council is suffering an estimated £15m backlog due to lack of funds.

She said: “The funding we get from the Government each year through the Local Transport Plan is sufficient to keep our main routes, such as A, B and C roads, in good condition.

“However, it does not leave money for us to resurface and keep in a similar condition the minor roads in our residential estates.

“Therefore the council has invested £6m over a three-year period to address this - and there is £500,000 in this year’s budget for further improvements.

“However, that is still not sufficient to keep pace with the deterioration caused by the ageing of our roads and we still have an estimated £15m maintenance backlog for roads alone, with a similar amount for footpaths and cycleways.”

Stockton Council's Cabinet member for regeneration and transport, Councillor Mike Smith, said: “We have a carefully planned and very successful policy of maintaining our principal highways network, which includes routine inspections and independent testing. This means that in most cases we can identify and treat weaknesses in the road surface early. “We know that the repair of roads is extremely important to our borough’s residents, which is why the council’s budget for the forthcoming year includes investment in infrastructure across the Borough including additional work to improve roads and footpaths.

“Like all councils, we would welcome additional funds from the Government to accelerate this even further.

“It is vitally important that our roads remain safe for residents, visitors and businesses to use and that is why we routinely inspect our principal roads and encourage people to report potholes. Any pothole reported to us will be inspected at the earliest opportunity and repaired if necessary.”

Helen McLuckie, Redcar and Cleveland Council’s cabinet member for highways, planning and transport, said: “The data seems to reflect that the main roads are in a reasonably good condition, which is great news.

“However the minor roads are in a poorer state and the whole network has been underfunded for many years meaning it will take a great deal of investment to bring them up to the same standard.”

Nunthorpe teen awarded place at National Youth Theatre after acting for just a year

Nunthorpe Academy 6th former Cameron Norrie one of only 560 people awarded a place on two-week National Youth Theatre summer intake

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Cameron Norrie

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A student who has been acting for just over one year has been awarded a place at one of Britain’s top theatre schools.

Cameron Norrie, 17, began acting last year in a school play and now he has landed a place at The National Youth Theatre (NYT), London.

Almost 5,000 people auditioned for a place with the NYT but Cameron, of Nunthorpe, was one of only 560 awarded a place on a two-week NYT summer intake.

The Nunthorpe Academy 6th former said: “I’m over the moon. I began acting last year at school when I was 16 when I played Reecey in Our House, the Madness musical.

“I enjoyed it so I joined The Nunthorpe Players and Guisborough Theatre Company which are two local amateur dramatic groups and I’ve went on from there.

“Since then, I’ve played a number of roles with those companies, most recently, Mr George Wickham in Pride and Prejudice.”

Cameron also successfully auditioned as an extra in the most recent series of George Gently and was filmed in scenes with Gemma Redgrave.

Cameron’s grandmother, Corinne Coles said: “He is a very hard-working young man.

“As well as studying at Nunthorpe Academy for his A levels, he still had an Evening Gazette paper round and worked in McDonald’s on a weekend to earn his own money.

“He devotes the rest of his spare time to rehearsing and set building with one or other of the drama groups he is involved with.

“I consider his efforts and achievements well worth a mention, but then I am his Grandma.”

After the course, young people become NYT members, which gives them the opportunity to star in the company’s critically acclaimed productions, which this year will include the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Village Ceremonies and a season of shows in London’s West End.

Cameron will now follow in the footsteps of NYT alumni who include huge stars such as Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig, Daniel Day-Lewis, Colin Firth, Orlando Bloom, and Matt Smith.

At this year’s BAFTAs stressing the importance of the charity NYT alumna and vice president Helen Mirren, said: “I could only become an actress because of the existence of the National Youth Theatre.

“The National Youth Theatre at this moment in time is incredibly important because it’s very difficult for working class kids to get into the theatre.

“It was my way in because we didn’t have money to send me to drama school.”

George Friend would trade end of season Boro awards for place in the play-offs

George Friend was grateful for the recognition in the player of the year ceremonies, but would swap it all for a top six finish

George Friend admits he would have traded all the end of season awards he received for a top six finish.

The Boro left-back cleaned up at the various 2013/14 player of the year ceremonies and was grateful for the recognition.

But he says missing out on the play-offs was a huge blow and is now fully focused on helping Boro climb back into the Premier League next season.

“I would have traded any personal accolades for a place in the play-offs - nevermind promotion,” he said.

“For me personally, the awards are another goal and that’s what every player strives to achieve, their own personal goals.

“But I have to say I am part of a team and the team goal every year is to get promoted so it’s disappointing we didn’t manage to do that.”

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George Friend

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Friend thrived under Aitor Karanka's management, playing some of his best football in a Boro shirt over the second half of the season.

That kind of consistency is something he’s aiming to replicate next season.

“I guess awards recognise consistency as much as anything,” said the 26-year-old.

“I think when I first came to Middlesbrough I caught the eye going forward but I think last season I showed that I can defend as well.

“That’s been important considering I’m a left back.

“I think I made the most appearances – definitely starts - last season and it’s the most I’ve ever had in my career.

“I’m really happy that I’ve managed to do that.”

Marvin Emnes told to improve fitness levels if he wants to return to Swansea City

Swansea boss Garry Monk says he is a fan of the Boro forward, but feels he needs to improve on a lot of things, his fitness being one of them

Marvin Emnes has been told to improve his fitness levels if he wants to return to Swansea City.

Swans boss Garry Monk is interested in re-signing the Dutchman following his loan spell at the Liberty Stadium over the second half of last season.

But he’s given Emnes some personal objectives to address during his summer break.

“I’ve talked to Marvin about how I feel going forward,” Monk told the South Wales Evening Post.

“I like him, but he needs to improve on a lot of things, his fitness for one.”

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Gallery: Marvin Emnes

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Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins confirmed recently that he’s hopeful of signing Emnes on a long-term deal from Boro.

He said: “With Marvin Emnes, I think as things stand there’s a fair possibility we’ll look to pursue that and bring him back here.”

Monk echoed those sentiments adding: “It is a case of the club speaking to his representative and seeing what happens.

“There’s no definites here and there just yet but we will see in the coming weeks.”

Boro are believed to be open to offers for Emnes, but will want to raise the maximum possible fee for the play-maker, who has set his heart on staying in the Barclays Premier League.

“I would like to stay in the Premier League, so wherever that is going to take me, I hope that is what happens,” he said.

“I had some good times at Middlesbrough.

“They have been nice to me, and I have been nice to them, so hopefully things will get resolved the way we all want this summer.”