Hartbeat December 2023
www.hartlepool.gov.uk @hpoolcouncil
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Christmas and New Year Opening Times 2023/24 Details correct at time of going to print. For any further updates visit www.hartlepool.gov.uk/christmas-opening-times Civic Centre
Main reception and telephones Fri 22 Dec Closed from 4.30pm Reopen 8.30am (phone Tue 2 Jan lines) and 9am (reception)
Register Office
Hartlepool Art Gallery
Closed Sun 24 Dec - Mon 1 Jan. Reopens Tue 2 Jan.
Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre
Closed on Mon 25 and Tue 26 Dec, then again following the matinee performance of Peter Pan and the Lost Boys on Thu 28 Dec until Mon 8 Jan.
Closed from 4.30pm Fri 22 Dec. Open Wed 27 - Fri 29 Dec Borough Hall for telephone service and pre-arranged appointments only. Closed from Fri 22 Dec until Tue 2 Jan other than for For opening hours and details of the services available visit existing wedding bookings. www.hartlepool.gov.uk/registeroffice/christmas or call Museum of Hartlepool 01429 523337. Sun 24 Dec – Tue 26 Dec Closed Children’s Hub & Multi-Agency Child Wed 27 Dec onwards Normal hours
Exploitation Team
Close 4.30pm Fri 22 Dec and reopen 8.30am Wed 27 Dec 8.30am – 5pm Wed 27 Dec – Thu 28 Dec 8.30am – 4.30pm Fri 29 Dec Reopen 8.30am Tue 2 Jan Tel – 01429 284284 The Emergency Duty Team will operate at all other times including evenings, weekends and bank holidays – Tel - 01642 524552.
Children’s Safeguarding, Assessment and Support
Closed from 4.30pm until 27 Dec Fri 22 Dec Wed 27 Dec – Fri 29 Dec Normal hours, by appointment only - call 01429 523878 Closed Sat 30 Dec – Mon 1 Jan Reopens 8.30am Tue 2 Jan
One Stop Shop - Villiers Street
Close 4.30pm Fri 22 Dec and reopen 8.30am Tue 2 Jan Tel – 01429 284043 / 523900 Facebook – Hartlepool Youth Services
Youth Justice Service/Through Care Service - Civic Centre
Mon 18 Dec – Fri 22 Dec Sat 23 Dec – Tue 26 Dec Wed 27 Dec – Fri 29 Dec Sat 30 Dec – Mon 1 Jan Tue 2 Jan onwards Tel - 01429 523986 / 401891
Normal hours Closed Normal hours Closed Normal hours
Mill House Leisure Centre, Brierton Sports Centre and Headland Sports Hall Sun 24 Dec
Mon 25 - Tue 26 Dec Wed 27 Dec Thu 28 Dec Fri 29 Dec Sat 30 Dec
Sun 31 Dec Mon 1 Jan Tue 2 Jan
Mill House Brierton Headland
Mill House Brierton Headland Mill House Brierton Headland Mill House Brierton Headland Mill House Brierton Headland Mill House Brierton Headland Mill House Brierton Headland Mill House Brierton Headland
Normal hours Normal hours Closed All closed Normal hours 9am – 7pm Closed Normal hours 9am –7pm Closed Normal hours 9am – 7pm Closed Normal hours Normal hours Closed Normal hours Normal hours Closed Closed Closed Closed Normal hours Normal hours Normal hours
Summerhill Visitors Centre
Closes 4pm Fri 22 Dec. Reopens Tue 2 Jan * Please note the Summerhill site is permanently open.
Household Waste Recycling Centre
Open Wednesday to Sunday 9am – 4pm except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Also open Tue 2 Jan 9am – 4pm. Residents wanting to use the site MUST book an appointment in advance either online at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/hwrcbookings or by calling 01429 523333.
Bulky Waste Collection Service
The last day for the Bulky Waste Collection Service is Fri 22 Dec, restarting Tue 2 Jan. Tel: 01429 523333.
Collections over the Festive Period
Please see below changes to refuse, recycling and commercial waste collections over the festive period. Please ensure your bin is placed out before 7.30am on your collection day. Individual collection dates are online at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/findmybinday Usual Collection Day Revised Collection Day Tue 26 Dec Wed 27 Dec Wed 27 Dec Thu 28 Dec Thu 28 Dec Fri 29 Dec Fri 29 Dec Sat 30 Dec Normal collections resume Tue 2 Jan
Christmas Tree Collections
You can dispose of your real Christmas tree at the Household Waste Recycling Centre free of charge Christmas trees will be accepted from Wed 27 Dec. Residents must book an appointment to dispose of their tree at the HWRC. Alternatively, we are offering a collection service for real trees from Tue 9 Jan. Residents wishing to use this service must book in for the collection to take place book online at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/collectmytree or call 01429 523333. You must ensure that all decorations are removed prior to disposal. The collection service has a limited number of slots, which are allocated on a firstcome, first-served basis.
Dog Warden Service
From Sat 23 Dec up to and including Mon 1 Jan collections of found/stray dogs will be carried out by Stray Aid – please call 01429 266522 during the following times: Sat 23 Dec - Sun 24 Dec 10am – 2pm Mon 25 Dec - Tue 26 Dec Closed 8.30am – 3.30pm Wed 27 Dec - Fri 29 Dec Sat 30 Dec - Sun 31 Dec 10am - 2pm Mon 1 Jan Closed
Schools and Academies
Schools and academies will inform families of their closure dates over the Christmas period. Parents can also check school/academy term dates by visiting their child’s school/academy website.
Community Hubs & Libraries
Sat 23 Dec Sun 24 Dec - Tue 26 Dec Wed 27 Dec - Fri 29 Dec: Community Hub Central All other buildings Hartlepool Support Hub
Normal hours All closed
10am – 4pm Closed 8.30am – 5pm (Fri 4.30pm) By telephone or email only outside of Central Hub opening hours – 01429 272905. Email helping@hartlepool.gov.uk Sat 30 Dec - Mon 1 Jan All closed Tue 2 Jan Normal hours Home Library Service Finishes on Fri 22 Dec. Resumes Tue 2 Jan. Tel – 07881 518166
Out of School Club (Oscars)
Closes at 6pm on Tue 19 Dec. Reopens on Wed 3 Jan at 3pm
Cemeteries and Crematorium
Sun 24 Dec
Mon 25 Dec – Tue 26 Dec Wed 27 Dec – Thu 28 Dec Fri 29 Dec Sat 30 Dec – Sun 31 Dec
Grounds and Book of Remembrance open as normal. Grounds and Book of Remembrance open as normal, office closed. Office and grounds open as normal, cremation bookings 9am - 5pm. Office open until 2pm with last cremation and burial also 2pm. Grounds and Book of Remembrance open as normal. Grounds and Book of Remembrance open as normal.
Grounds and Book of Remembrance open as normal, office closed. In out of hours emergencies please call 01429 266522. Mon 1 Jan
Out of Hours Emergencies Emergency Duty Team and Children’s Social Care – 01642 524552 Other services – 01429 266522
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Welcome to the final edition of Hartbeat for 2023 As 2023 draws to a close, it’s a chance to reflect on a year of significant achievement and to look forward with optimism. We will never forget the fantastic four days in July when we hosted the magnificent Tall Ships. The positivity generated by the event has undoubtedly provided fresh impetus to our ambitions for the borough. Read more on page 5. Work is underway on Highlight, our new multi-million pound flagship attraction. Site preparatory works, the appointment of contractors and the placing of orders has started, and groundworks at The Waterfront site will begin in January. See page 4. Proposals for a Screen Industries Production Village in the Scarborough Street/Whitby Street/Lynn Street area are also progressing well. Read more on page 11. In October, the Council demonstrated its commitment to tackling the causes of climate change by working with Tarmac to resurface a stretch of the A689 in one of the lowest carbon projects of its type in the UK. See page 27.
Continuing on a highways theme, read more on page 21 about the Council team which works so hard to help keep the borough’s roads free of ice and snow over the winter.
Work starts on Highlight - P4
This time of the year wouldn’t be the same without our traditional pantomime. Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre is hosting Peter Pan and The Lost Boys until 28th December. Page 9. While Christmas is meant to be full of festive cheer, it can be a strain on people’s mental wellbeing. Page 19 details some of the help and support available. The Council has a commitment to help residents live healthy, fulfilled lives and you can find out more on pages 6 and 7 about our Family Hubs, one-stop-shops providing a range of free support to children and teens. As we look to the future, the Council has launched its Big Conversation public consultation exercise. We want to hear from residents and partners from the public, private and voluntary and community sectors to find out how they feel about Hartlepool. Read more on page 13.
Tall Ships boost - P5
Discover our Family Hubs - P6 & 7
It’s panto time! - P9
Meet our gritting team - P21
Denise McGuckin Managing Director
Councillor Mike Young Leader of the Council
On behalf of everyone at Hartlepool Borough Council we would like to wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Hartbeat is available in Braille and articles can be translated into other languages. For information please call (01429) 523578 or email communications@hartlepool.gov.uk To advertise in Hartbeat please call (01429) 523578 or email communications@hartlepool.gov.uk
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Work begins on Highlight Work has officially started on Hartlepool’s new multimillion pound flagship attraction Highlight, marking another major milestone in its development. A range of preparatory site works, the appointment of contractors and the discharging of planning conditions have all commenced ahead of the start of groundworks, which will include the construction of the new building’s foundations, in January. Highlight which is scheduled to open at The Waterfront towards the end of 2025, will replace the town’s existing Mill House Leisure Centre which has been in operation since 1972. The start of work follows the appointment of Wates Construction, a leader in the sport and leisure sector nationally, as main contractor. In turn, Wates have appointed a number of local sub-contractors and they are utilising a local supply chain where possible to ensure the borough and wider North-East area benefit from this project. It also comes just weeks after a full meeting of Hartlepool Borough Council approved a revised funding strategy for the development to allow the project to commence in combination with significant external funding from the Tees Valley Combined Authority and Sport England. Councillor Mike Young, Leader of the Council, said: “It is so exciting to be in the position where we have now started work on Highlight, the biggest single investment to be made in Hartlepool for decades. It further demonstrates how we are delivering on our ambitious regeneration plans for the borough. “A lot of hard work has been required over a lengthy period of time to reach this point, but the Council has never wavered in its determination to proceed with this scheme and make it happen. “It is going to be a truly eye-catching building with a range of fantastic facilities. There will
be a real focus on enabling families to lead fun, active and healthy lives - providing so many benefits for residents of Hartlepool, whilst also attracting visitors from further afield.” The active wellbeing hub’s facilities will include three pools – one incorporating water play features; a gym; fitness, dance and activity studios; soft play and children’s party space; dedicated NHS consultation suites and a café, in addition to significant outdoor event and activity spaces which will make use of the stunning and unique setting, Highlight will also include externally accessible changing and storage facilities, alongside a connection to the marina, to support a wide range of outdoor water sports. Councillor Bob Buchan, Chair of the Council’s Adult and Community Based Services Committee, said: “I am delighted that work is underway, and it demonstrates how the Council is determined to provide high-quality services and facilities for the benefit of local people.” David Wingfield, regional director for Construction Yorkshire & North East at Wates, said: “This project will have a huge impact on Hartlepool and we’re honoured to be working on such an ambitious, exciting build. We’re committed to ensuring benefits are felt by the wider region beyond the fantastic new facilities that are being created, and we’re working in close partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council and our supply chain to create new jobs and education opportunities, as well as supporting community initiatives throughout construction.” Designed by GT3 Architects in collaboration with the Council’s own in-house expertise, Highlight grows in height from west to east to provide panoramic views of The Waterfront site, Hartlepool marina and out to sea. The building’s strong linear lines are inspired by the railway tracks which ran from local timber and coal yards into the former dockland site during the 19th and early 20th centuries and will once again reanimate a site that has remained dormant for a number of years.
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£12.5m boost to Hartlepool’s economy from the Tall Ships Event The Tall Ships Races Hartlepool 2023 delivered a £12.5m boost to Hartlepool’s economy, according to data released as part of the events impact assessment report. Cllr Mike Young, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council said: ‘‘The Tall Ships Races Hartlepool 2023 was an event which will live long in the memory for many people. For four days Hartlepool took centre stage hosting this prestigious international event that was covered on The One Show, BBC Breakfast and local news programmes. The feedback we received from event visitors was simply incredible. ‘‘What has now become clear in the independent impact assessment report from the event is the huge £12.5m boost it has given to Hartlepool’s local economy.’’
Engaging young people in the event was a key aspiration for the organiser, Hartlepool Borough Council, and 83 young people from Hartlepool and the surrounding area took part in the ‘sail trainee’ programme. This provides a life changing opportunity to enjoy the thrills of life on board one of the tall ships during the Tall Ships Race while learning new skills. The event’s school engagement programme worked with over 30 local schools and supported 2,343 local school children to learn more about the event and the tall ships and provided significant opportunities for young people to get involved.
Other key findings of the impact assessment report include:
Over 400 volunteers were involved in the planning and delivery of the event, with 203 of these from Hartlepool.
The event was supported by 117 stall holders.
lighthouse
1,153 local people were impacted by the community engagement programme which saw 22 activities delivered during over 70 sessions.
300,000 event visitors, 118,000 from outside of the Tees Valley.
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Hartlepool’s Family Hubs invest further in children's wellbeing Families in Hartlepool can now tap into a comprehensive range of FREE online courses to help them help their children grow up with good emotional health. It has been made possible thanks to a new partnership between Hartlepool Borough Council’s Family Hubs and Solihull Approach, a trusted provider of online courses for children's emotional health and wellbeing. The Solihull Approach is a not-for-profit, NHS organisation for parents to support emotional health and wellbeing in children, families and adults. Designed to support parents at every stage of their journey from pregnancy to adolescence, these courses empower parents to better understand their child's brain development, understand and manage their child’s behaviours, and develop nurturing relationships. The aim is to foster kindness, confidence and emotional awareness in children, laying the foundation for them to thrive throughout their lives. Hartlepool’s Family Hubs recognise the importance of nurturing emotionally-resilient and socially-aware children, and the partnership with Solihull Approach strengthens the Hubs’ online offer, providing a range of digital resources to support families from the comfort of their own home, or any other location, to help them with any issues they may face.
Key highlights of the online courses include: y Understanding your child's emotional health and brain development - giving parents an understanding of the science behind their child's brain development, helping them make informed decisions that support healthy cognitive growth. y Reading your child's behaviours – giving parents the tools to interpret and respond effectively to their child's behaviours, fostering positive interactions and reducing stress for both parents and children. y Developing communication – helping parents learn strategies for open and effective communication that will strengthen the parent-child bond and promote emotional wellbeing. The courses are also available in audio-only versions and also in Polish, Urdu, Chinese and other languages. Councillor Jim Lindridge, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Children’s Services Committee, said: “We are delighted to forge this new partnership - investing in our children's emotional health is an investment in the future of our community. “By providing free access to Solihull Approach's courses, we are giving parents the tools they need to support their children's wellbeing and growth.” Hartlepool residents can access the courses at www.inourplace.co.uk - follow the simple registration using the access code LIGHTHOUSE. The online courses can be accessed anytime, anywhere and are completely private and personal to you. For more on the Solihull Approach visit www.solihullapproachparenting.com
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Your one stop shop for free support for children 0-19 (0-25 with SEND), offering emotional wellbeing, early language, infant feeding, perinatal mental health, advice and guidance, stay and play and much more!
www.hartlepoolnow.co.uk
01429 292444
Your one stop shop for free support for children 0-19 (0-25 with SEND), for parents, young people, emotional wellbeing, early language, infant feeding, perinatal mental health, advice and guidance, stay and play and much more!
Making Hartlepool a breastfeeding-friendly town! Hartlepool Borough Council has been awarded a Certificate of Commitment. This is the first step towards gaining recognition from the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) Baby Friendly Initiative. “This award from the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative is a reflection of our ongoing commitment at Hartlepool Borough Council to increase breastfeeding rates and improve care for all mothers,” said Lisa Adams, Head of Service for Early Help. “Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious illnesses, including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy, as well as cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes and obesity later in life. We also know that breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of some cancers, and that it supports the mental health of both mother and baby,” said Michelle Readhead, Specialist Nurse Infant Feeding and Healthy Weight. At Hartlepool Borough Council we set out to ensure that all mothers and babies are supported to form a close and loving relationship – whatever their choice of feeding method – as this is the best start for every baby.
Infant Feeding Team - From left to right: Michelle Readhead, Specialist Nurse Infant Feeding and Healthy Weight; Mel Calvert, Healthy Early Years Coordina tor; Caroline Ord, Community Nursery Nurse
If you want to start your breastfeeding journey or want face-to-face ongoing support throughout this journey, get in touch with our Family Hubs and ask for our Infant Feeding Team, who provide sensitive and effective support, run breastfeeding and feeding groups, facilitate peer support groups, aid with complex feeding issues and much more.
Do you want to have your say in the way we run our Family Hubs? We are looking for parents or carers expecting a baby or with a child under two to join our parent and carer panel. www.hartlepoolnow.co.uk 01429 292444 As a panel member you will play a key role in designing and continuously improving Family Hub services and have the opportunity to meet and be Your one stop shop for free support for children 0-19 (0-25 with SEND), for involved in engaging activities with other parents and carers. parents, young people, emotional wellbeing, early language, infant feeding, perinatal mental health, and guidance, stay and andofmuch more! Drop-in meetings willadvice take place every 4-6 weeks at aplay range venues around Hartlepool to ensure we can hear from as many families as possible. You can also access the meetings online.
To sign up to our panel visit www.hartlepoolcarers.org.uk/ family-hub-panel/ Or scan here:
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Broaden your horizons with Jobs & Skills @ the Hub Our friendly team can help you whether you want to gain new skills, socialise with other people, study for a qualification, become a volunteer or move into work. You can come and speak to us in the Community Hubs: Community Hub Central York Road Monday to Friday 10am-4pm
Community Hub South Wynyard Road Tuesday and Thursday 10am-4pm
If you’re aged 19 or over, you could access a level 3 qualification for free* through the Government’s Free Courses for Jobs (FCFJ). This will help you to gain the skills you need – whatever your stage of life. Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools Health & Social Care Understanding Mental Health Understanding Autism Management
Call 01429 868616 or email jobs.skills@hartlepool.gov.uk for more information.
* Speak to a member of our team to discuss your eligibility for Free Courses For Jobs (FCFJ).
Course
Date & Time
Venue
Functional Skills English Entry 3 to Level 2
Wednesday and Thursday 12.30pm to 3pm 10/01/2024 – 21/03/2024
Community Hub Central York Road
Functional Skills English Entry 1 to Entry 2
Thursday 12.30pm to 3pm 29/02/2024 – 04/07/2024
Community Hub South Wynyard Road
Functional Skills Maths Entry 3 to Level 2
Tuesday 6pm to 8.30pm 27/02/2024 – 09/07/2024
Hartlepool People’s Centre Raby Road
Digital Functional Skills Entry 3 to Level 1
Tuesday and Friday 9.30am to 12pm 09/01/2024 – 22/03/2024
Community Hub South Wynyard Road
Enhance Your Digital Skills
Monday 10am to 12pm or 12.30pm to 2.30pm 22/01/2024 – 18/03/2024
Community Hub South Wynyard Road
Discover Volunteering
Wednesday 9.30am to 11.30am 10/01/2024 – 07/02/2024
Waverley Community Allotment
Discover Volunteering
Thursday 9.30am to 11.30am 29/02/2024 – 28/03/2024
Waverley Community Allotment
ICT for Jobs & Work
Tuesday 12.30pm to 2.30pm 23/01/2024 – 13/02/2024
Community Hub South Wynyard Road
Business Administration
You can find out more by visiting any of the Community Hubs or by:
01429 868616
www.hartlepooljobsandskills.com
jobs.skills@hartlepool.gov.uk
/HartlepoolJobsandSkills
@HartlepoolJS
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It’s Christmas panto time! Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a family trip to the pantomime and you’ll need to move swiftly if you don’t want to miss this year’s Hartlepool spectacular! The last remaining tickets are flying away fast for Peter Pan and the Lost Boys, which is set to enchant audiences at the Town Hall Theatre from Sunday 10th to Thursday 28th December. It’s the fifth family panto produced in the town by AJ Theatrical Productions and in this magical re-imagining of the classic tale, we join Peter some years later as he embarks on a new adventure.
Left to right: Anthony Turner as Captain Hook, Gary Martin Davis as Mrs Smee, Ruff Diamon d as the Lost Boys and Dan ny Posthill as Starkey, pictured on boa rd HMS Trincomalee.
The dastardly Captain Hook is back and ready for revenge, so Peter and his friends are in for a wild ride in a show which features a sparkling cast of Hartlepool panto favourites. There’ll be side-splitting comedy from local legend and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Danny Posthill as deckhand Starkey and the irrepressible Gary Martin Davis - the North’s favourite dame - as Mrs Smee. Great British Pantomime Award nominee Luke Adamson takes the title role of Peter Pan, while Hartlepool’s favourite baddy Anthony Turner – boo! hiss! - is back as Hook and Ruff Diamond are in dazzling form as The Lost Boys. Add to this AJ Productions’ trademark spectacular scenery and costumes and magical special effects plus some of the
biggest musical numbers in panto land and lots of audience participation, and this is one show not to be missed. Tickets start from £18.
Buy online at www.creativehartlepool.co.uk
Buy from the Box Office on 01429 890000 (Tuesdays to Fridays 10am – 4.30pm and Saturdays 10am – 4pm)
Buy in person at Hartlepool Art Gallery in Church Square (Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am – 5pm).
THEATRE GIFTS
Gift someone an unforgettable theatre experience for Christmas!
THE HISTORY OF ROCK
THE DAZZLING DIAMONDS
THE QUEEN STORY
THE MAKINGS OF A MURDERER
FOREVER ELVIS
THE ELTON JOHN SHOW
www.creativehartlepool.co.uk Box office, 10am - 5pm (Tues-Sat) , Hartlepool Art Gallery , 01429 890000
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Historic Places Panel visits Hartlepool A team of national experts has visited Hartlepool to investigate regeneration opportunities and provide advice on developing the town’s creative, cultural and tourism industries. The Historic Places Panel, assembled by Historic England - the public body that helps people care for, enjoy and celebrate England’s spectacular historic environment, was invited by Hartlepool Borough Council. The panel is a multi-disciplinary group of experts who visit historic towns and cities around the country, hear from stakeholders about the issues those places are facing and provide ideas and insights about shaping their future.
Ben Derbyshire, Chair of the Historic Places Panel
Tom Frater, Regional Director for Historic England in the North East and Yorkshire, said: “We are grateful to the Council for inviting us to meet with them and putting together such a comprehensive and interesting itinerary. We will be working on a report with a number of ideas and recommendations which we hope to share with the Council in the next few months.”
Members of the panel met officers and councillors from Hartlepool Borough Council, along with representatives of the Tees Valley Combined Authority and Hartlepool Town Deal Board which is overseeing five key regeneration projects that have received £25m of Government funding.
Ben Derbyshire, Chair of the Historic Places Panel, said: “The panel were hugely impressed by extraordinary range of historic sites in close proximity to the centre of Hartlepool, as well as the energy and commitment in the Borough Council and Mayoral Development Corporation to progress regeneration based on these. We will focus in our report on ways to support the delivery of positive outcomes.”
Their visit took in a number of locations, including the historic Town Wall on the Headland, the town centre, Church Street, Hartlepool Art Gallery and The Waterfront where they saw the National Museum of the Royal Navy, the Museum of Hartlepool and the site of Highlight.
Councillor Mike Young, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “It was a real coup for the borough to attract a group of experts of the calibre of the Historic Places Panel and I think their visit reflects the ambitious regeneration and development plans that we have for the borough.
The panel discussed regeneration opportunities that could help restore and build on Hartlepool’s special historic character and grow the creative and visitor economies.
“We were delighted to show them around the town and to outline some of our plans, and we look forward to receiving their feedback in due course.”
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CREATING A NEW HEART FOR HARTLEPOOL! Change is sweeping Hartlepool as a raft of regeneration works transform the centre of the town. At the forefront of this renaissance is Hartlepool Borough Council’s development of a Screen Industries Production Village in the Whitby Street/Lynn Street/Scarborough Street area to complement the world-class facilities on offer at the Northern Film and TV Studios on the nearby Northern School of Art campus. It will also build on the success of The BIS, the Council’s award-winning centre for creative sector companies.
The project involves the purchase, redevelopment and restoration of existing buildings - including the historic Shades Hotel in Church Street - to create a range of new, flexible spaces that will provide postproduction, back office and wider support services to screen industries. In addition, a new urban park/square will transform the look and feel of the area and attract further new investment. The area has already seen significant private sector investment with the opening of bars No 8, The Owl, 7ven and The Bank, and with business owners and investors working alongside the Council it is hoped the project will accelerate this trend. Councillor Mike Young, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “This is a significant investment in the future of Hartlepool which will offer a range of opportunities with the potential to create high-quality jobs for local residents.
The BIS
Following a successful bid to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, £18.6 million is being invested in the project which is being delivered in partnership with Tees Valley Combined Authority, The Northern School of Art and North East Screen. The investment is intended to act as a catalyst for the further development of Hartlepool’s fledgling screen industries sector.
“We want to keep talented people in our town, and one of the key metrics of the project is that it will lead to a 5% increase in the retention locally of Northern School of Art graduates. We see these young people as being future employees and owners of businesses operating in a thriving Hartlepool creative sector.” To date, around £2m has been spent on the project and the completion of an asset acquisition strategy means that a number of premises crucial to its overall success are now in the Council’s control.
The project is expected to: •
Create 2,750 square metres of new commercial floor space.
•
Create 2,000 square metres of new public realm.
•
Support 369 construction jobs.
•
Lead to the longer-term creation of 131 new jobs.
•
Generate £52.7 million of additional economic benefit.
Some remediation work to the acquired buildings is already underway and, subject to Government approval of a revised timescale, the project is scheduled for completion by March 2026. For more information about the Screen Industries Production Village and other regeneration projects in Hartlepool go to https://yoursay.hartlepool.gov.uk/hubpage/town-deal Further details of investment opportunities in Hartlepool are available at: www.investinhartlepool.co.uk
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H O M E E N E R G Y E F F I C I E N C Y T E E S VA L L E Y
HEET, a partnership of local authorities, has been awarded funding to upgrade the energy efficiency of homes without gas central heating.* You could QUALIFY by POSTCODE. Many postcodes in this area qualify without needing any further financial checks. FREE energy efficiency measures include insulation, efficient or low carbon heating systems, and solar panels. * subject to eligibility and property surveys
www.hartlepool.gov.uk/HEET A Partnership of
0300 373 5807
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Join the Big Conversation A major public consultation and engagement exercise has been launched by Hartlepool Borough Council.
The toolkit is available on request by emailing yoursay@hartlepool.gov.uk
The Big Conversation – Your Say, Our Future is running for 10 weeks until the end of January 2024. The Council is seeking to hear from residents and partners from the public, private and voluntary and community sectors to find out how they feel about Hartlepool. The Council also wants to hear their thoughts and ideas about the type of place they want Hartlepool to be in the future.
Views are being sought in a variety of ways, including:
Councillor Mike Young, Leader of the Council, said: “We want to ensure that as many people as possible get involved in the Big Conversation so rather than holding events and expecting people to come to us, we will be taking the Big Conversation to them. We will do this by hosting sessions in our Community Hubs and through a range of groups and activities that the Council is already involved in.”
y Other online tools such as discussion forums; y Workshops with stakeholders; and y Face-to-face chats with residents at places such as the Council’s Community Hubs and other Council venues. The survey can be accessed online at www.hartlepool. gov.uk/big-conversation and paper copies are available from Council buildings across the borough, including the Civic Centre, Community Hubs, branch libraries and sports centres.
Denise McGuckin, Managing Director of the Council, added: “We are also keen for residents, community groups and other partners to host their own conversations and share their feedback with us. A toolkit has been prepared to help them take the Big Conversation out into their own communities.”
We want to hear from you
Happy Christmas from Hartlepool Holiday Fun! There’s another fun-packed line-up of activities for eligible school-aged children and young people in Hartlepool over the school Christmas Holidays – and they are all free! It’s all part of Hartlepool Holiday Fun – a project run by Hartlepool Borough Council in partnership with different organisations across the town and funded by the Department for Education under its Holiday Activities and Food programme – providing activities for children and young people over the main school holidays throughout the year. They also get a tasty meal into the bargain. Forest school activities, swimming, Christmas parties, Pokemon and Harry Potter clubs, trips to the Hartlepool pantomime, multi-sports, arts and performing arts workshops and mindfulness sessions are just some of the activities on offer. Under the terms of the Government funding, the programme is open to children who receive benefits-related free school meals. All parents/carers whose children are eligible to take part will be sent a voucher by email or text, which will enable them to register and book places for the activities. Councillor Jim Lindridge, Chair of the Council’s Children’s Services Committee, said: “We’re set for another packed programme of festive holiday fun, with lots to keep children and young people entertained, help them make new friends and discover new hobbies. Plus don’t forget – as well as having a fantastic time they’ll get tasty, nutritious meals.” For more information visit www.hartlepool.gov.uk/hartlepool-holiday-fun and in case of queries email HAF@hartlepool.gov.uk
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>
What the Council hears through the Big Conversation will help inform the development of a new Council Plan which will set out the Council’s priorities for the next 5 years.
y A survey - online and in paper form;
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Working to protect residents Community safety officials in Hartlepool say they will continue to target properties at the centre of crime and anti-social behaviour to protect law-abiding residents. The Hartlepool Community Safety Team which comprises staff from Hartlepool Borough Council, Cleveland Police and Cleveland Fire Brigade, has in recent months successfully applied to magistrates for a series of Closure Orders on properties in the town. The orders which have a duration of three months, prevent the occupants/tenants from entering the property. Recent orders have been secured against 3 and 7 Keswick Street and 14 and 16 Stephen Street. One of the properties belongs to Thirteen Group which worked closely with the Hartlepool Community Safety Team to obtain the order. Issues in Stephen Street were linked to county lines drug dealing, organised crime, other drug dealing and anti-social behaviour, whilst problems in Keswick Street included drug dealing – including supplying drugs to young people, violence with weapons, threats involving petrol bombs and damage to residents’ properties and cars. Councillor Mike Young, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council and Chair of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, said: “I would like to congratulate the Hartlepool Community Safety Team on its excellent work to secure these Closure Orders. “The orders are a perfect example of why the team was established in the first place – to provide an effective, multiagency response to crime and disorder issues affecting local communities.
“We want to send out a clear message to law-abiding residents that we have their backs, and that wherever possible we will take strong action to clampdown on the behaviour of those who seem to think it is perfectly acceptable to make other people’s lives a misery through their criminal actions. “I also like to thank those residents who have had the courage to come forward and provide information that has enabled the team to put together the Closure Order applications.” The maximum penalty for a breach of an order is six months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. Anyone who witnesses an order being breached should call the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Residents experiencing problems of crime and anti-social behaviour are asked to report the issues so that they can be acted upon. This can be done quickly and easily using the Cleveland Online Policing App (COPA) which can be downloaded to mobile phones. They can also call the Hartlepool Community Safety Team on (01429) 523100 or email community.safety@hartlepool. gov.uk
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Hardship Advice and Support for Residents Hartlepool Borough Council’s “Hardship Advice and Support for Residents” webpage provides detailed up-to-date information at hartlepool.gov.uk/ hardship-support (or scan the QR code):
Key Contacts
Energy
Hartlepool Borough Council 01429 266522, Civic Centre, Victoria Road, TS24 8AY. Advice Services: Citizens Advice Drop in Mon/Wed/Fri 9:30am-3pm at 87 Park Road, TS26 9HP, telephone advice line 0808 278 7967 West View Advice and Resource Centre 01429 271294 Advice@Hart 01429 748010 Age UK 01642 805 500 (Please note these services can be very busy/subject to change.)
Money Matters
The advice services above provide a range of support and are also available at Big Advice Drop-ins on 23rd January (Kilmarnock Road Family Resource Centre 9:30am-2:30pm) and 30th April (Headland Baptist Church 10am-3pm). There is also a Food Network cookery demonstration (12-2pm), food sampling and 30 ingredients bags. Hartlepool Borough Council’s Welfare Support is a limited discretionary fund to ensure financially vulnerable residents are getting the help they are entitled to or support them settling back into the community. Some people can also get help paying for their rent through housing benefit. In some cases the council can help people with shortfalls in their rent or other related housing costs. This is a grant from the government called Discretionary Housing Payments and once it’s spent no more help can be provided in that year. Some people may also be eligible for reduced Council Tax. For difficulties paying Council Tax please call 01429 284166. Anglian Water may be able to provide help and advice to residents with their water bills. Community centres, including West View, Belle Vue and Kilmarnock Road, offer warm clothing.
Housing Support
Hartlepool Borough Council provides a wide range of housing related services including housing advice (tenant and landlord), advice on homelessness, what to do about property disrepair and how to access social housing. If your landlord is a Registered Provider (e.g. Thirteen, Accent, Karbon, Believe, Home Group) then make sure you speak to your Housing or Tenancy Support Adviser. They should keep you up-to-date with any help available and are there to discuss problems with money. If you are struggling to pay your mortgage, speaking to your mortgage lender is key. Local advice services (see key contacts above) can also help you navigate your way through help with housing costs.
Struggling with your energy bills? Your energy company has a duty to explore options with you. Also ask about the Priority Services Register which is there to help vulnerable customers. Some advice services have access to Household Support Fund (a limited government grant) to help eligible people with energy top ups after the necessary checks. If you are cold at home for any reason, the Fire Brigade’s Stay Safe and Warm service can provide heaters, blankets and other advice/support and are available 24/7 (between Oct and Mar) on 01429 874063. The council can also provide information on energy efficiency schemes and home improvement grants to save energy, reduce heating costs and make homes warmer.
Food
(Subject to change as dependent on supply and volunteers. May be disruption over Christmas.) No cost to you food options include: Hartlepool United Community Foodbank (07497 204 960), Food Cycle 3-course meal Mondays 6:30pm (Community Hub South, Wynyard Road, TS25 3LQ), Poolie Time Exchange grocery bags & hot meals (07973 528 631), Wharton Trust donated groceries Wed/Fri 9:30am (The Annexe, Wharton Terrace, TS24 8NS), St Aidan’s Kitchen groceries Thurs 9:30am (St Aidan’s Church, Oxford Road, TS25 1SN), Nite Light CIC Free market stall first 2 Tuesdays of the month 11am-1pm (Outside LilyAnne’s, 5 Victoria Road, Hartlepool, TS24 7SE). Holy Trinity Church groceries Friday 10am (Davison Drive West View, TS24 9BX). Kilmarnock Road Centre Community Fridge with frozen/fresh foods/food parcels MondaysFridays 9:00am-3:00pm (Kilmarnock Road Centre, 44 Kilmarnock Rd, TS25 3NU). Note many supplies are limited or first come, first served. Low cost food options include: Belle Vue Sports Community Youth Centre grocery bags £3 worth estimated £30 Wed 12pm (Kendal Road, TS25 1QU). Poolie Time Exchange Community Shop (50-90% cheaper) Tues/ Thur 10am-2pm (81 York Road, Hartlepool, TS26 8AH). Discounted groceries for parents of Stranton School (01429 275 595). The Bread & Butter Thing £35 of groceries for £8.50: text your name, postcode and a nearby collection hub (Headland Baptist Church Wed 2pm, Community Hub Central 12noon, Community Hub South Tues 2pm, West View Community Centre Mon 2pm, Burbank Community Centre Fri 1:30pm) to 07860 063 304 to become a member. To access the Trussell Trust Foodbank contact the Council Welfare Support Team on 01429 806895. The Healthy Start scheme can also help buy healthy foods like milk or fruit or get free vitamins if you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 and claiming certain benefits or under 18. Free School Meals may be available if you are in receipt of a qualifying benefit and your child is a registered pupil at a school, or receiving nursery school education before and after the lunch break. Call 01429 284188 to apply.
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Have your say on budget proposals The Council is currently engaging with residents to seek their views on its 2024/25 budget. Hartlepool Borough Council – like most other local authorities – is facing a range of severe financial pressures. This year, we have continued to see large increases in costs as things have become more expensive to buy, and we are also facing higher costs due to more people needing our services, particularly in adult and children’s social care. We would encourage as many people as possible to complete a survey which should take around five minutes. What you tell us will be reported back to January’s meeting of the Finance and Policy Committee where the latest budget position for 2024/25 will be considered by councillors. The feedback will also help to inform final budget decisions. The survey will remain open until 1st January 2024. It can be accessed at https://yoursay. hartlepool.gov.uk/balancing-the-budget-2024-25 or by scanning the QR code below. The 2024/25 budget will be set by Full Council in February.
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Scan the QR code to have your say
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A job like no other Have you considered a career in adult social care? It’s a career like no other – the difference care staff make to people’s lives is incredible and the sense of reward is second-to-none. It’s also a job which offers flexibility around hours and shift patterns – which can help many people fit in work around their family and other commitments – as well as career progression into a number of other areas like social work, nursing, leadership and management. As a care staff member, you receive regular, in-depth training to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to provide high-quality care and support, and management are always on hand to provide advice and guidance. You play a big part in helping people to live their best lives. One such example is West Villas, a supported living accommodation in Hartlepool run by Voyage Care which supports up to six people with learning disabilities, helping them develop their independence, grow their confidence and encouraging them to live happy and fulfilling lives. The people they support have dreams and aspirations and the dedicated team at West Villas help them achieve them – which could be something as simple but meaningful as making their own bed or tidying their own room.
Adult social care is an ess ential service which many people rely on for both physical and emotional support.
Care providers in Hartlepool strive to ensure that colleagues feel valued and part of the wider team and offer a number of benefits, which can range from paid training and pay enhancements for unsociable hours to a Blue Light discount card and life assurance schemes.
What do Hartlepool’s carers say about their work? “The career doesn’t suit everybody – you have to have a caring side and I certainly don’t do it for the money – I could earn more working in other sectors,” says Mary. “But it is the most amazing thing I have ever done.” “Knowing you are making a big difference gives you a lot of satisfaction and you go home from a shift with a really good feeling,” says Caroline.
So could adult social care be the career for you? le with learning West Villas helps peop best lives. disabilities to live their
For details of the latest care vacancies visit www.hartlepoolnow.co.uk/opportunities and www.northeastjobs.org.uk or search for ‘care careers’ online
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You are not alone Although Christmas is meant to be full of festive cheer, it can also be a major strain on people’s mental wellbeing if they are facing loneliness, financial pressures, family friction or other worries. Please remember that you are not alone. There are many organisations in Hartlepool where you can find help and support. Here are just a few of those.
LilyAnne’s Wellbeing
Women’s Health Hub
LilyAnne’s Wellbeing in Victoria Road is an everyday coffee shop but also offers support to those experiencing loneliness, worries about their mental wellbeing or homelessness, who feel they have no place to turn or are struggling to start a conversation to get help and support.
Based in The Arches Shopping Village in Park Road, the Women’s Health Hub is a safe space for all women+ to receive peer support and signposting to support for their mental health and wellbeing.
www.lilyannes.co.uk
01429 728041
hello@lilyannes.co.uk
postpartummatters.podia.com/womenshealthhubtimetable
www.facebook.com/womenshealthhartlepool
07494 598349
zoe@postpartummatters.co.uk
Hartlepool Carers
Advice@Hart
If you look after someone, Hartlepool Carers are here for you. They provide support for people who look after others – not professional carers but people who care for their husband, wife, mam, dad, son, daughter, sibling, friend or other relative. They offer information, advice and guidance and it’s all confidential, non-judgemental and impartial.
For all types of benefit advice, including disputes and claims, talk to Advice@Hart. Based at 81 Stranton, TS24 7QT, they can also help you with issues such as energy, food support, income and form-filling not exclusive to benefits, and can offer both office and home-based appointments.
The Carers Hub at 19A Lowthian Road, TS24 8BH (open Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm and Friday 9am-3pm) is a centrepoint for carers in the town.
www.hartlepoolcarers.org.uk
01429 283095
www.advice-at-hart.co.uk
01429 748010
info@advice-at-hart.co.uk
www.facebook.com/adviceathart
Something Positive
Togetherall
Based at 81 Stranton, TS24 7QT, Something Positive works with people (mainly but not exclusively women) who have experienced emotional, physical and financial abuse – at the hands of their carers when children and/or partners as adults.
Don’t forget that Togetherall – the confidential, anonymous online mental health support community available 24/7 - is here to support you too.
It also offers 1:1 talking therapies and holistic treatments and supports people to build social connections to help with isolation and explore options for training, voluntary work and employment.
07481 535859
kathy@somethingpositive.me
Thanks to Hartlepool Borough Council partnering with Togetherall, if you live in Hartlepool and you’re 16 or over, you can join Togetherall today for free. It provides support to millions of people throughout the UK and globally and is proven to help people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, isolation and other issues.
www.togetherall.com
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At the heart of our community
High Tunstall College of Science educates 1,400 students by day, by night, from 4pm, it welcomes individuals, groups and clubs to Tunstall Active. Tunstall Active focuses on the external booking of college facilities. We are passionate about providing facilities of the highest standard to support both physical activity and artistic pursuits. From football matches to theatre productions, we can cater for your needs. One of our most popular facilities is the state-of-the-art 3G pitch funded by the Football Foundation. Other available facilities include a sports hall, swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool and a floodlit multi-usegames-area - perfect for the dark winter nights. We are proud of our newly renovated gym. The gym is used MondaySaturday and hosts a range of popular fitness classes. In addition, we have a large 200-seat performance theatre, a versatile space suitable for shows, productions, dance competitions, lectures, seminars... or anything you want it to be! This is backed up by great rehearsal spaces including an activity studio with a barre and mirrors and a performance studio with excellent acoustics. Tunstall Active is proud to be serving the local community and bringing people together in positive, healthy and fulfilling ways. Contact us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter – @TunstallActive – or visit https://htcs.org.uk/tunstallactive Alternatively, call (01429) 261446 or email atebbett@hightunstall.hartlepool.sch.uk
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At the ready! Meet the team that keeps Hartlepool moving through the long, dark winter months. These are the Hartlepool Borough Council employees who stand ready to deploy at short notice to help keep key roads across the borough free of ice and snow. Available 24/7 on a rota basis from mid-October until mid-April, their role is to implement the authority’s Winter Service which involves treating 184 miles of First and Second Priority routes (National Highways treats the A19). The Council’s response to adverse weather is spearheaded by five HGV “gritters” – three dedicated vehicles and two de-mountable wagons suitable for other uses too. In turn, these are maintained by the Fleet Services team which has them back on the road promptly whenever they require repair. A decision to begin treatment of roads is taken by one of four Duty Supervisors based on supplied weather forecast information and ice prediction data received via road-side sensors across the borough. The types of treatment include: y Pre–treatment or precautionary salting to prevent ice from forming - the first stage of the Winter Service and by far the most frequent activity. y Post–treatment – salting to melt ice and snow already formed. This is the second stage response. Should the first stage precautionary salting fail to deal with the conditions, post-salting is carried out continuously until conditions ease.
y Snow clearance - removal of snow more than 30mm deep. This, the third stage response, is implemented only in exceptional conditions. Post-salting will be carried out alongside snow clearance operations. On average, 74 treatments are carried out every season, using approximately 2,200 tonnes of salt. But those numbers soon soar when extreme bad weather hits – as demonstrated by the infamous Beast from the East in February/March 2018. During that particular season, a total of 91 treatments were carried out and 3,300 tonnes of salt used. Kieran Bostock, Assistant Director for Neighbourhood Services, commented: “The entire workforce from supervisors through to drivers operate the winter maintenance in addition to their day job. It is testament to their dedication that they are willing to work unsociable hours in order to keep the roads of Hartlepool as clear as possible. A lot of the work is undertaken whilst residents are in bed and so it is not always obvious that a treatment has been undertaken. I want to thank all those involved for keeping Hartlepool’s roads safe.” Given the extent of the local road network, it is simply not possible for the Council to treat all roads. That’s why it provides grit bins in residential areas and in locations where adverse weather can cause problems. In all, the Council is responsible for refilling 170 grit bins on the public highway, as well as other HBC bins and those of private customers. This salt is for use on the public highways only and should not be used to treat private driveways.
Residents can request a new grit bin or a re-fill of an existing bin at https://online.hartlepool.gov.uk/ service/Winter_gritting and any new requests are assessed against a set criteria including the presence of gradients or bends, and the level of use of the road in question.
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Boost for fight against crime and anti-social behaviour Hartlepool is to receive a share of almost £1 million of Government funding for measures to tackle neighbourhood crime and anti-social behaviour. A total of £999,999.84 has been awarded to the Office of Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner as part of the Home Office’s £43 million Safer Streets Fund. Up to £333,333 will be spent in the Victoria ward, covering part of Hartlepool town centre. Projects to be funded include improvements to alley gates, burglary reduction initiatives and the appointment of a Community Cohesion Officer whose primary focus will be to engage with local residents. It is also proposed to appoint an Environmental Project Officer to gather intelligence and investigate environmental crime and anti-social behaviour. Councillor Mike Young, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council and Chair of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, said: “To receive such a large sum of money to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in the town centre area of Hartlepool is great news.
“We have plans for a series of projects that will improve the lives of residents living in this area and we look forward to implementing them in the months ahead.”
Councillor Mike Young
Communities in Middlesbrough and Stockton will also benefit from similar levels of funding. Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner said: “I am delighted that we have once again been successful in securing additional national funding to make Cleveland’s streets safer.
“These projects will deliver significant results in the communities that need them the most.” “The Safer Streets project demonstrates the power of agencies working together to reduce crime in hot-spot areas.” This is the fifth time that additional Safer Streets funding has been successfully secured by the Cleveland PCC’s office and partners, and it brings the total to £3.44 million since 2020. Steve Turner
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Reconnecting with our roots Hartlepool’s history of supporting our Armed Forces is second-to-none, and the town now has triple the reason to feel proud. Not just one but three Reserve units have moved back into the Army Reserve Centre in Easington Road, laying to rest fears that the centre – which had stood dormant for years – might be closed down. The Army has traditionally recruited heavily from Hartlepool and the North-East and so for the three units – Support Company 8 Rifles, 103 Field Squadron 71 Royal Engineers and 216 Transport Squadron 150 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps – the move to the town is very much seen as “reconnecting with our roots.” The units – all part of the Army’s First Division, known affectionately as Team Rhino – complement each other and this rare ‘triple offer’ in one town offers exciting opportunities for the community. Being in the Reserves offers you the opportunity to get paid for broadening your horizons, developing your personal abilities, acquiring qualifications and gaining skills not otherwise available. Adventure training – scuba diving, climbing and skiing – plays a big part, as does the opportunity to travel and serve overseas such as as part of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus.
Left to right: SSgt Simon Bampton 71 RE, Councillor Brian Cowie, Lt. Col. Pete Bull CO 8 Rifles and Capt. Dave Ridley, ROSO 8 Rifles, at the Easington Road Army Reserve Centre.
You get paid to train, with financial incentives on completion of initial training, an annual bonus and a range of perks such as discounts on rail travel. You could also get paid leave if your employer is part of the Armed Forces Covenant. “We arm people for life,” says Lt. Col. Pete Bull, Commanding Officer of 8 Rifles. “Our training gently builds confidence, team working, leadership, planning skills and qualifications which our people take back into the civilian workplace.” Councillor Brian Cowie, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion, served as a Reservist with 118 Field Squadron Royal Engineers and was among those who lobbied hard for the return of Reserve units to Hartlepool. He said: “Reservists are also a vital part of their community, helping with a wide range of local projects and providing support in natural emergencies, and the benefits which they bring to their employers in terms of their training and qualifications is second-to-none.”
Reservists in action in Cyprus.
To find out more about Hartlepool’s Reserve units, scan this code:
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Primary school place applications open
January 2024 15th Closing date for all applications,
Applications for school places for children due to start primary school next September are now being taken. The closing date for all applications, both online and on paper – is 15th January 2024. Letters providing more information have been sent to parents via their children’s nursery schools. Where a child does not attend a private or mainstream nursery, or if a letter was not received by the end of November, parents need to register their children with Hartlepool Borough Council’s School Admissions Team at the Hartlepool Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) in Brierton Lane. The team can be contacted by telephoning (01429) 523765 or emailing admissionsteam@hartlepool.gov.uk The team is also able to provide more information about the schools admission process. The easiest way to apply for a school place is online at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/schooladmissions Alternatively, parents can fill in a paper form which is available from all primary schools or the School Admissions Team. Parents will learn the outcome of their applications on 16th April 2024 (National Offer Day) and any appeals will be heard during June and July 2024.
Check out the new fostering hub In Hartlepool we urgently need more foster carers from all walks of life to open their hearts and homes to children and young people who have often had a difficult start to life. In an exciting new development, Hartlepool Borough Council is now part of a new partnership with the other North-East local authorities to collectively recruit foster carers. For the first time, anyone considering a career in fostering in our region can now benefit from a united, single support hub, Foster with North East, which is backed by the Department for Education. The new hub acts as the first point of contact for anyone interested in fostering to help them make an informed choice about how fostering could work for them. Whilst we know that many people are inspired to change a child’s life through fostering, many don’t realise they can and as a result they don’t make the initial enquiry. Foster with North East aims to bridge this knowledge gap and dispel the myths to recruit foster carers whether they are single, retired, LGBTQ+, a tenant or a homeowner, and from any religious or ethnic background. To find out more or start your fostering journey today, head over to www.fosterwithnortheast.org.uk or call 0800 917 7771.
both online and on paper.
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Progress on the SeAH Wind facility, on the Teesworks site on the south bank of the River Tees
Lisa Molloy speaks to pupils at St Cuthbert’s Primary School about the opportunities in the construction industry
Record year at our airport as building gathers pace It’s been a busy few months at Teesside Airport as the dust settles on a terrific summer season – and one eye turns to what’s in store for 2024.
The airport enjoyed its busiest period since returning to public ownership in 2019, and is firmly on course to record its busiest year since 2011.
The airport clocked its highest passenger numbers for 11 years during the summer months.
Holiday hotspots with airline Ryanair to Alicante, Faro in Portugal, Majorca, and Corfu have proved popular while Dalaman, in Turkey, is set to join the roster of sunny destinations in 2024.
Teesside was also one of just six of 35 UK airports to exceed its prepandemic figures and bucked the national trend which has seen a 6% drop in overall air travel.
Major progress has also been made in developing the airport as a key location for businesses as part of its ten-year plan to return to profit. Work is all but complete on its link road and the first unit on the £200million Business Park South on the airport’s southside, which is set to create 4,400 jobs when fully operational.
Teesside Airport departures lounge
info@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk
Work over the river on the Teesworks site is also continuing apace, with steel constructions at the vast SeAH Wind offshore monopile manufacturing facilities now marking the region’s skyline.
teesvalley-ca.gov.uk
British Steel also announced an Electric Arc Furnace will come to the site – heralding a return of basic steelmaking to Teesside with the promise of an extra 250 jobs. Ensuring youngsters have the skills to construct big projects coming to the Tees Valley was the focus of Lisa Molloy, Construction and Commercial Manager at Seymour Civil Engineering, during a recent visit to St Cuthbert’s Primary School, off Stratford Road in Hartlepool. Schoolchildren got the chance to hear what Lisa did for a living, learn more about construction, and plan and build a costed project. They delved into Lisa’s educational book Molly in Construction which will be received by every primary school in the Tees Valley. It all comes as part of a push to upskill the region’s workforce and bridge the skills gap as game-changing major projects are developed over the next 15 to 20 years.
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Do you, or someone you know, need help with drug or alcohol addiction this festive season? START, Hartlepool’s substance misuse service, offers confidential advice and support.
Call (01429) 285000, email substancemisuse@hartlepool.gov.uk or simply drop in to our Whitby Street base.
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Hartlepool leads the way! A road resurfacing scheme in the Borough of Hartlepool has become one of the lowest carbon projects of its type in the UK.
while a number of other vehicles were powered by a sustainable fuel made of vegetable oil as an alternative to diesel.
Hartlepool Borough Council joined forces with Tarmac to resurface a stretch of the A689 at Wynyard, using the latest technology to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional methods.
Councillor Mike Young, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “The Tees Valley is an area renowned for innovation, and I’m delighted and proud that we are leading the way with this low-carbon road resurfacing scheme.
Tarmac’s project team looked at every source of carbon emissions involved in a road project and how they could be reduced.
“It reflects the Council’s determination to reduce its carbon footprint to help tackle the causes of climate change. We are committed to becoming a “Net Zero” emissions authority by working in partnership with a range of stakeholders. To help us achieve this, we are currently developing a strategy and action plan. This is building on work we are already delivering in a number of key areas such as home energy efficiency and renewables.”
The asphalt used was mixed at lower temperatures and included significant quantities of recycled materials. It also included a special bitumen – the ‘glue’ that sticks the asphalt together – developed by Shell using bio-genic materials that create a technical carbon sink in the road to prevent carbon being released into the atmosphere. The manufacturing plant that made the asphalt is powered by an alternative to fossil fuels. A number of electric vehicles and prototypes, supplied from across Europe by partners such as Wirtgen and Volvo, were used to carry out the work. These included electric and hybrid road rollers and an electric bond coat sprayer,
Brian Kent, technical director at Tarmac, said: “Against the backdrop of the climate emergency at a time when everyone is focused on how we can be cutting emissions, we are incredibly proud to have delivered a project here in the north east of England that shines a light on the extraordinary potential for low carbon road building in the UK.”
Carlton Adventure goes from strength to strength Hartlepool Borough Council has reaffirmed its commitment to a popular outdoor activities centre. The Council’s Adult and Community-Based Services Committee has agreed to take a new 10-year lease on Carlton Adventure at Carlton-in-Cleveland when the Council’s existing lease on the premises ends next March. Founded in 1932 as Carlton Camp, Carlton Adventure provides a range of high quality residential and nonresidential activities for schools and other community groups from across Hartlepool, the Tees Valley and North Yorkshire. Activities include climbing, canoeing, high ropes, forest schools, night line, orienteering and team-based challenges. The centre holds a range of quality standards from the Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority, the Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres, Learning Outside the Classroom and Adventure Mark. Since 2019 a lot of work has been done to enhance the quality of the services to better meet the needs of new and existing customers. The centre’s improved, broader offer – including residential outdoor education for schools, colleges and community
Hartlepool Borough Councillo rs, Carlton Adventure staff, the Carlton Trustees and mem bers of The Friends of Carlt on Camp pictured at a recent open day at Carlton Adventure .
groups, curriculum-based day visits for educational establishments and bespoke day visits for other community groups, self-catering accommodation, a campsite for group bookings, team-building days, birthday parties and school holiday provision – puts it in a very positive position in relation to its competitors. In recent years the centre has seen an increased number of repeat visits, with over 11,000 customers anticipated for 2023/24 – up more than a quarter on 2019/20. Councillor Bob Buchan, Chair of the Council’s Adult and Community-Based Services Committee, said: “Continuing our excellent partnership with the Carlton Trustees and The Friends of Carlton Camp, we look forward to welcoming many more children and young people to Carlton Adventure for exciting and life-enhancing adventures.”
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Upcoming Councillors’ Ward Surgeries BURN VALLEY Ward Surgeries to be arranged Councillors: David Nicholson (Conservative), Jonathan Brash (Labour), Ged Hall (Labour) DE BRUCE 09 January 2024 4pm - 5pm West View Community Centre, Miers Avenue 13 February 2024 4pm - 5pm West View Community Centre, Miers Avenue Councillors: Veronica Nicholson (Conservative), Rachel Creevy (Labour), Brenda Harrison (*LCO) FENS & GREATHAM 16 January 2024 5-45pm - 6.30pm The Heron Room, Fens Primary School Councillors: Jim Lindridge (Independent), Bob Buchan (Conservative), Philip Holbrook (*LCO) FOGGY FURZE 20 January 2024 11am - 12 noon Belle Vue Sports & Community Centre, Kendal Road 17 February 2024 11am - 12 noon Belle Vue Sports & Community Centre, Kendal Road Councillors: Melanie Morley (Labour), Carole Thompson (Labour), Martin Dunbar (*LCO)
For details of your local Councillor(s) or to check Ward Surgery dates please contact Hartlepool Council on (01429) 523702/523704.
HART See Councillor webpage Councillors: Tom Cassidy (Conservative), John Leedham (Conservative), Rob Darby (Conservative) HEADLAND & HARBOUR 10 January 2024 5pm - 6pm The Annexe, Wharton Terrace 14 February 2024 5pm - 6pm Constables Bar, Borough Hall Councillors: Brian Cowie (Conservative), Shane Moore (Hartlepool Independent Union), Matthew Dodds (*LCO) MANOR HOUSE 06 February 2024 6pm - 7pm Community Hub South, Wynyard Road Councillors: Henry Ashton (Conservative), Pamela Hargreaves (Labour), Ben Clayton (*LCO) ROSSMERE 20 January 2024 11am - 12 noon Community Hub South, Wynyard Road 24 February 2024 11am - 12 noon Community Hub South, Wynyard Road Councillors: Christopher Groves (Conservative), Moss Boddy (Labour), Tom Feeney (*LCO) RURAL WEST 31 January 2024 6pm – 7pm Hartlepool Cricket Club, Park Drive Councillors: Scott Reeve (Conservative), Andrew Martin-Wells (Conservative), Mike Young (Conservative)
SEATON 09 January 2024 5.30pm - 6.30pm Seaton Carew Branch Library, Station Lane 03 February 2024 10.30am - 11.30am Seaton Carew Branch Library, Station Lane Councillors: Sue Little (Independent), Leisa Smith (Independent) THROSTON 17 January 2024 5pm - 6pm Gus Robinson Centre, Wiltshire Way 21 February 2024 5pm - 6pm Throston Community Centre, Glamorgan Grove Councillors: Paddy Brown (Independent), Cameron Sharp (Labour), Steve Wallace (Independent) VICTORIA 06 January 2024 11am - 12 noon Raglan Quoit & Social Club, Stuart Street 08 February 2024 5.30pm - 6.30pm Salaam Centre, St Paul’s Hall, Murray Street Councillors: Helen Howson (Labour), Gary Allen (*LCO), Karen Oliver (*LCO) For an appointment with the Leader, contact Leader@hartlepool.gov.uk or telephone 01429 523702/523704 Anyone wanting to speak to MP Jill Mortimer please telephone her office 01429 226457 and an appointment can be made. Email: jill.mortimer.mp@parliament.uk *Labour and Co-Operative Party
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Help shape adult safeguarding priorities The Teeswide Safeguarding Adults Board (TSAB) has launched its Annual Consultation Survey for 2023/24 and is urging people to have their say! The board is responsible for setting the strategic direction for safeguarding adults in the Boroughs of Hartlepool, Redcar and Cleveland, Middlesbrough and Stocktonon-Tees. It works in partnership with a wide range of organisations to protect and promote the well-being and independence of adults at risk of abuse or neglect. Information received via the consultation will help it to plan its work for the coming year.
Darren Best, the Independent Chair of TSAB, said: “Through the surveys we aim to gauge people’s level of understanding of the different types of abuse that exist. We are also keen to find out whether they feel safe and know how to report abuse or neglect and how to get help and support. “The survey is anonymous and should take only a few minutes to complete. What people tell us will help us to determine our priorities moving forward.” The surveys will remain open until 31st January 2024
Scan the QR code or visit www.tsab.org.uk > Campaigns
General Public Survey
General Public Survey (Easy Read)
Professionals Survey
Supporting the principles of Fairtrade Individuals, businesses and community groups are being urged to get involved in the Fairtrade campaign in Hartlepool. An open invitation has been issued by the Hartlepool Fairtrade Town Steering Group which is currently in the process of applying to the Fairtrade Foundation for renewal of Hartlepool’s status as a Fairtrade Town. The steering group, run by dedicated volunteers, has worked hard over many years to support the Fairtrade campaign. By promoting Fairtrade certified goods, it aims to raise awareness of the plight of food growers in some of the world’s poorest countries who are often exploited and badly paid. Buying Fairtrade goods guarantees the growers a fair price. So, please look out for the Fairtrade Mark when shopping. Chair Martin Green said: “It is important to remember that Hartlepool was the first town in the Tees Valley to achieve
Fairtrade Town status back in 2005, so we have a strong track record of supporting the campaign. “We are always on the lookout for new people and organisations to join the steering group and anyone who is interested will be warmly welcomed.” To join the Hartlepool Steering Group, please email magreenbq@aol.com or call 07773 113321. For more information about Fairtrade go to www.fairtrade.org or follow Hartlepool Fairtrade Town on Facebook at /hpoolfairtrade
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