Green light given to build nearly 40 new homes on an allotment site in Stillington


The green light has been given to build nearly 40 new homes on an allotment site in Stillington.


The development will see four semi-detached bungalows, 32 semi-detached houses and a terrace of three houses on 2.7 acres of land north of South Avenue.


Nineteen of the homes will be affordable housing.


The scheme also includes a “like-for-like” replacement of the allotments, which will be considered as part of a separate application.


Initially the plans had been opposed by Stillington Parish Council, and a number of residents.


Among the concerns raised were road safety, the limited extension of the 30mph speed limit through the village, and the potential impact on drainage.


The development also comes just months after a separate application for 54 homes in Stillington was approved in August.


And resident Stephen Fisher said “the village aspect will be lost turning Stillington into a small town instead of a rural village that it has been for many years”.


Another resident, Jeanie Scott agreed, saying: “It seems that the quiet rural village of Stillington is slowly becoming a small town without the appropriate amenities.”


But Judith Turner, chair of Stillington and Whitton Parish Council, told a meeting of Stockton’s planning committee yesterday that after detailed discussions with developers “the Parish Council and allotment holders do, on the whole, approve this.”


“We also understand half the properties for the site will be available for rent which we welcome for young people to be able to stay in the area,” she added.


Stockton Council’s planning officers had recommended the scheme be approved with conditions and it was unanimously passed by the planning committee.


The scheme also includes the creation of a new road access and a new footpath.



Six under-threat GP practices serving more than 15,000 Teessiders are handed a reprieve


Under threat GP practices serving more than 15,000 Teessiders have been handed a reprieve.


Six surgeries across Teesside could have closed when their contracts with NHS England ended in the next six months, because of low patient numbers.


This week the Gazette reported that two surgeries in Middlesbrough - the Hemlington Medical Centre and the Resolution Health Centre in North Ormesby - had been handed a one year reprieve.


Now NHS England have confirmed that the contracts of Stockton Health Centre in Hardwick, Eston Grange Health Centre in South Bank and the Langbaurgh Medical Centre in Redcar have also been extended by a year.


And NHS bosses are looking at renewing their contract full-time at Marske Medical Centre.


A spokesman for NHS England in Durham, Darlington and Tees said: “We will be working with Hartlepool and Stockton CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) and the local council to undertake further work and develop a set of proposals for a sustainable solution for a service for patients in Stockton.”


The one year extension given to surgeries in South Bank and Redcar will also lead to a review of services across the borough.


The spokesman continued: “This (extension) will enable a wider review to fully assess the levels of access and quality of all general practices across Redcar and Cleveland.


“This review will be in partnership with South Tees CCG and the local council.


“With the Marske practice, the review has shown there is a clear need for the service, particularly with the high number of patients currently registered at the practice.


“We will now be looking to re-procure the service.


“As always, we will put patient care at the centre of all work we do and continue to ensure patients have access to GP services.”


Drop-in services at Eston Grange Health Centre and at the Resolution practice in North Ormesby - which allow patients to see a doctor without an appointment - are the responsibility of the South Tees Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), and are currently under review separately.



Local councils to consult on plans to join forces as ambitious 'super council' plans for Teesside unveiled


Details of the ‘super council’ being proposed for the Teesside region have been unveiled today.


Five local councils are to consult on plans to join forces in a bid to boost economic growth and job creation.


The move would see the local authorities retain their own identities, delivering local services, but unite as a formal Tees Valley Combined Authority when focusing on economic development, transport, infrastructure and skills.


The new statutory body could also unlock devolved powers and resources from Government.


The proposal already has the backing of the five leaders of Middlesbrough, Stockton, Redcar and Cleveland, Hartlepool and Darlington councils.


Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon said: “We need a strong single voice to advance the Tees area agenda to national government on the big strategic issues such as transport, employment and in particular the skills agenda which is the prerequisite to economic growth for our area.”


Cllr Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton Council, said: “We already have a strong track record in forging effective partnerships across sectors. By harnessing these strengths in a more formal arrangement we could build a better infrastructure, workforce and transport links to help Tees Valley thrive in the global economy and attract more investment and jobs for local people.”


Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Council, Cllr George Dunning, said: “The proposed combined authority would provide the five local authorities and business with the opportunity to strengthen their relationship and secure any future devolved powers and funding from central Government.”


Unlike most combined authorities, a Tees Valley Combined Authority would hold joint meetings with the Tees Valley Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and its business representatives, while also sharing staff and resources - elevating partnership working between public and private sectors to a new level,


The proposal has already received strong backing from business leaders in the form of The North East Chamber of Commerce, the CBI and the Institute of Directors.


Sandy Anderson, chairman of Tees Valley Unlimited, said: “It is important that business is engaged from the very beginning of the process and its support is vital to the future success of a Combined Authority.”


Cllr Bill Dixon, vice-chairman of Tees Valley Unlimited and leader of Darlington Council, said: “This Combined Authority proposal will now be sent for approval by each local council involved and we are confident it will gain the support of people in Tees Valley.”


The consultation process is due to start on December 10 and last until the end of February when details will be available on TVU and all five council’s websites.


A submission will be made to Government soon after.


If successful the Combined Authority is expected to come into operation in Autumn or Winter of 2015.


James Wharton, Conservative MP for Stockton South, welcomed today’s announcement. He said: “I back this bid and will give it all the support I can. Where we work together across our area we have shown we can deliver and this will put that on a formal long term footing.”



New GB Development Squad boxer Joe Maphosa targeting 2016 Olympics


Joe Maphosa has put the 2016 Olympics at the top of his hit list after being taken on by the GB Boxing Development Squad.


The Middlesbrough ABC boxer is now training eight days a month with the squad in Sheffield after impressing in four separate trials.


And the 20-year-old former England junior international and 2012 senior ABA bantamweight finalist has wasted no time in putting Rio on his radar.


“I’m really determined to make the most of it and go to the Olympics and all of the major tournaments,” Maphosa said of his GB spot.


“Whatever experience I can get, I’m going to take it with both hands.


“There is no-one on the GB Podium Squad at the moment in my weight category after dropping down to 49 kilos.


“If I can make good progress and move up, I could be there in Rio definitely.”


Maphosa says all of the ingredients are in place at the English Institute of Sport for him to become a top class international boxer.


His first bout in GB Squad colours will be in the New Year.


“I’m at the right place to kick on,” he said. “There is everything you need at Sheffield.


“The coaches are great and there is a lot of one-on-one stuff which has helped me a lot already.


“With sparring and technical sparring, you can do 12 rounds in a day.”


Joe’s brother Alex, 19, lost to smooth in-and-out boxer Charlie Lynn in the November 2 Elite Development Finals.


But he said it’s only a matter of time before he follows in his footsteps.


“My brother has got good attributes,” Joe added. “He is a skilful boxer and as long as he wants it, he can make it. He will be following me.”


Middlesbrough ABC’s Muzzy Fuyana won his support bout at the Development Finals, beating Chorley’s Liam Garmory by split decision.



Recognition for inspirational New Marske youngster who goes above and beyond to help others


A determined youngster from New Marske who continuously strives to go above and beyond to help others has been recognised for her efforts.


Enna Stephens, 11, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour at the age of seven.


Having undergone 18 months of gruelling treatment to be rid of the cancer Enna has now had two years in remission.


Aside from making sure she gets better herself, Enna has been tireless in her quest to help others who have the disease and support those charities which help people in her position.


Taking everything in her stride and just getting on with life, the Westgarth Primary School pupil is in her element when she is organising charity events with the aim of helping others.


Enna’s mum, Vana Stephens, has nominated her daughter in The Gazette’s Community Champion awards in the Child of Courage category.


Vana, 44, said: “I think a lot of kids that have been poorly seem to have a different outlook on life.


“Enna always wants to help other people. If there is any opportunity Enna is the first to do it.”


Earlier this year, Enna ran a sweet stall at a family fundraiser and made 100 loom bands with her friends which together raised £300 on the day for local charity, Victoria’s Wish.


Last month, Enna single-handedly organised a sponsored pyjama dog walk with her friends which raised £500 for Cancer Research. She also organised a Macmillan Cancer coffee afternoon which raised £120.


Vana said: “It’s not something you can forget about. It is part of her life.


“For an 11 year old to be so socially aware and to want to help others around her, she just really deserves the award.


“All parents are proud of their kids but how many can say that their child is their hero and their inspiration to be a better person?”


Despite side-effects that the cancer has left Enna with, which affect her learning, she is determined to carry on with life as normal. Enna loves dancing which she does three times a week and she also attends singing lessons.


Enna has recently been nationally selected for a part in the Rays of Sunshine choir, part of a children’s charity which helps children live with serious or life-limiting illnesses. Enna will take to the stage next May at London’s Royal Albert Hall.


Vana added: “I believe Enna is a caring young lady who could be spending her free time playing with her friends and ignoring what is going on around her but she chooses to do what she can to help.


“I am sure in the future she will be an enormous credit and a force to be reckoned with in the fundraising world.”



Morning news headlines: Miliband says he can be PM; NHS IT pledge; Comet data analysed


Ed Miliband has embarked on a push to bolster his public and party position, insisting he has emerged "stronger" from a "tough few days" of criticism of his leadership and poor polls.


The Labour leader will attempt to relaunch his pitch to voters by declaring his "resilience" in a speech today after a bout of bitter party infighting helped push his ratings to an all-time low.


He conceded he had to address concerns over his suitability as prime minister and people's distrust of disunited parties, but said he was backed by the "vast, vast majority" of Labour members.


Hammond: Foreign aid pledge bizarre


Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has dismissed a move to enshrine in law the UK's commitment to spend 0.7% of national wealth on foreign aid as "bizarre".


Mr Hammond said legislation - which was promised in the Conservative general election manifesto and the Coalition Agreement - was not required as the United Nations target was being met.


The Government has given its backing to a private member's bill tabled by Lib Dem ex-cabinet minister Michael Moore in frustration over the Tories' reluctance to put the measure on the statute book.


Hunt to promote new IT to cut costs


The NHS must use new technology better to slash costs, Jeremy Hunt will say as part of a package of efficiency measures needed to prevent it running out of cash.


A new strategy document published by health and social care chiefs promises to give all patients access to their full medical records within four years.


It proposes the introduction of "kitemark" approved smartphone apps to enable people to look and comment on their personal data amid fears over security.


Woman missing from ferry


A search is under way for a woman who went missing from a ferry in the English Channel.


The passenger was reported missing just after 1.30am when the Pride of Kent ferry was around six miles off the coast of Dover.


HM Coastguard said a "massive search" was launched after the ferry crew alerted Dover Coastguard to say they feared the woman had gone overboard.


Stephen's father in diagnosis plea


A campaign to tackle bowel cancer has been backed by a panel of medical experts as well as the father of Stephen Sutton, the fundraising teenager who died from the disease.


Bowel Cancer UK is calling for better diagnosis and treatment for people under the age of 50 who are at higher risk of developing the disease.


The initiative is focused on Lynch syndrome, an inherited condition which gives people a 72% higher risk of developing bowel cancer during their lifetime.


Wife sentenced over Syria cash plot


A young mother who became the first Briton to be convicted of funding jihadists in Syria faces jail when she is sentenced today.


Amal El-Wahabi, 27, hoodwinked an old school friend into agreeing to take 20,000 euros (£15,830) in cash to Turkey for her husband Aine Davis, a drug dealer who went to Syria to fight in July last year.


The plan was scuppered when Nawal Msaad, also 27, was stopped at Heathrow before boarding a flight to Istanbul and produced the rolled up notes from her underwear.


Scientists study comet probe data


Scientists are analysing data from the European spacecraft which made history by landing on a comet.


The Philae probe touched down on the 2.5 mile-wide comet yesterday afternoon after a 10-year, four billion-mile journey through space in an achievement hailed as one of the greatest in science.


Officials from the European Space Agency are expected to speak later about the data they have been able to analyse so far.


Fake Sheikh images aired on BBC


A television expose of undercover journalist Mazher Mahmood was aired last night featuring up-to-date images of the "Fake Sheikh".


The Panorama episode was previously postponed due to legal action brought by Mr Mahmood.


He had argued in court that revealing his current appearance would breach his human rights by exacerbating the existing risk to his safety caused by his investigative work.


Keane calls police to hotel


Roy Keane called police to the hotel where the Republic of Ireland team are staying ahead of a Euro 2016 qualifier after an incident involving a member of the public, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) said.


The team's assistant manager made the call after an incident yesterday afternoon at the hotel in Portmarnock, Co Dublin.


In a statement the FAI criticised "inaccurate media reports" about the incident and added: "The manager Martin O'Neill and the FAI are fully aware of the circumstances surrounding this event, and the assistant manager (Keane) has their full support."


Pamela is booted off The Apprentice


Apprentice contestant Pamela Uddin found it was "game over" as she was given the boot from the BBC1 show after touting a disastrous dating boardgame.


The assistant brand manager from Dublin was fired by Lord Sugar when her team had sales which were half those of her rivals in a challenge that saw them design and sell boardgames.


Their product, The Relationship Guru, was deemed offensive as it included sexist questions about men and women's likes and dislikes written by team member Daniel Lassman, while the other team came up with a guess-the-country game called Geoknow which had broader family appeal.



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Photo of Chris Styles

Chris was appointed editor of the Gazette in January 2012. He is also a former Gazette news editor. Chris has more than 20 years experience as a journalist and has previously worked in senior positions in Newcastle, Exeter and Nottingham.