Monday, September 08, 2008

New Huntcliff School building opens.

500 pupils were making themselves at home in Saltburn's new Huntcliff School, which opened today.
Head Teacher, Ruth Headdon said, "We've got excellent facilities for our students and the wider community. We asked the students what they would like and they're going to be delighted. All their major requests have been met - wide corridors, light, airy classrooms, all equipped with interactive white boards and computers.There is a superb atrium with a massive exhibition space, leading to a sports hall and a main hall, plus a resource centre as well as external seating areas, some sheltered."
Ms Headdon added: "We're thrilled with our drama and music facilities which include an outdoor amphitheatre and we're looking forward to developing performing arts within the school."
The return of the 500 pupils represents the first part of creating the Government-funded £16million Saltburn Learning Campus, which will also see the relocation of Saltburn Primary School, with its new build ready for opening next September.
Huntcliff students will get a new look, too, with new sweatshirts - the old ones are going to The Smiles Foundation, a charity which support orphanages in Romania.
Parents will be given a special Huntcliff bookmark, with contact information and term dates.
The Campus will also open the Saltburn Youth Club later this month and there will be a series of adult education classes, with courses in cake decorating for beginners, pilates, crystal therapy, card-making and free adult literacy and numeracy classes. Call community co-ordinator Heather Ollerenshaw on 01287 621010 for details.An open evening for prospective parents and children has been arranged for Tuesday, September 30, from 6pm-8pm.

Friday, September 05, 2008

PC stays put.

Saltburn residents are celebrating following the news that their favourite community policeman - who was due to move at the end of August - is no longer being transferred.
PC Smith was placed in Saltburn five years ago and developed close links with local people and businesses, including Scott Hill, owner of Windsor's Bar - who along with his manager Doreen Hawkins - formed petitions requesting PC Smith be allowed to continue to serve the local community.
Reactions were so strong in the community that police bosses have allowed him to stay.
Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, Sean Price said: "I fully understand the reasoning behind the proposed move and desire to spread his expertise and skills to other parts of the Cleveland Police area. However, having balanced this against his contribution in Saltburn, and the high regard in which he is held by so many of its residents, I felt he should stay. If we are serious about neighbourhood policing, we have to listen to our communities. I look forward to seeing him continue to do an excellent job in Saltburn."
PC Smith said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be staying in Saltburn and am grateful to the local community for all their support. I feel privileged to be able to continue serving such a great town."