Fossil Garden Project completed

Work on Saltburn's Top Promenade was celebrated yesterday as organisers cut the ribbon to mark the completion of the environmental improvements at the site. The project, headed by community group Saltburn Forward, has increased access to the Cliff Lift for users with mobility difficulties. The top prom now has an access ramp to the lift, an improved flight of steps, railings and benches. Two sculptures, two telescopes and lighting are still to come. Saltburn Forward was set up in partnership with Groundwork South Tees, which secured funding over a number of years to improve the area. And with funds provided by Impetus Waste Management, a fossil garden has also been created. Local artist Andrew McKeown worked with pupils from Huntcliff School to design the garden, in a new landscaped area on the site. Ashok Kumar, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said: "I am really pleased to see the plans have become a reality. In the past, I have had a lot of representation about the need for disabled access in Saltburn. This project will provide full mobility to residents and visitors to the area and is a great example of partnership working."
Many local residents remain skeptical about the development of the site as other access pathways to the Lower Promenade remain closed and continue to deteriorate. The Cliff Lift has seen an increase in usage and council revenue following the closure of cliff paths following storm damage and landslip and the local authority continues to come under criticism about the apparent neglect of Saltburn's prime assest - the sea front.

Previous articles - Harry speaks out... and Clifftop access blocked.

Raising Funds for a Quiet Room

A book sale and coffee morning at Saltburn library raised £335 for a £15,000 quiet room project in the library's garden. The sale, which was held outside the library, attracted large crowds on Saturday. Sandra Hall, committee member, said the money would go towards money needed to rent and fit out a portable building for three years. Public liability insurance would also be needed. An application has been made to the Big Lottery Fund. Mrs Hall said a quiet room was planned so groups or a few friends could hold meetings away from computers in the main library. "We welcome people suggesting uses to either the library staff or the Friends, who number more than 30." Plans include meetings to organise flower and produce shows, chess, meetings for Agora, the new community and business marketing project, and an art group. Mrs Hall said among events already held at the library were regular exhibitions, computer classes, surgeries for the MP and local councillors, a borough council advice-drop-in facility, a homework club, computer club and a toy library. More information can be obtained from Mrs Hall on 01287-623895.

It's a blooming success!

Two proud Teesside towns are today toasting success in the finals of Britain in Bloom 2006. Stockton and Saltburn both scooped silver achievement awards at a prestigious ceremony in Scotland last night for their dazzling floral displays. For Saltburn it was a silver hat-trick, having won the award three years running, but for Stockton it was a first. The 65 finalists were judged by RHS judges who looked at floral displays, permanent landscaping, sustainable development, local environmental quality and public awareness. Few communities can have achieved such sustained Britain in Bloom success as Saltburn over the years and this year the town was praised for its "Victorian charm" when awarded the coastal town category in its eighth appearance in the national finals. RHS Judge Carolyn Wilson said: "Saltburn-by-the-Sea still retains much of its Victorian charm. The railway still remains at the heart of this resort, adorned in floral displays and baskets that are replicated throughout the town." Aberdeen was the overall winner for the city category, with Scarborough overall coastal winner at last night's ceremony in Perth. Earlier this month Stockton and Saltburn were both honoured in the Northumbria in Bloom's 2006 Awards.

Plans are afoot!

Major overhauls and improvements to Saltburn's environment are to be celebrated with the granting of planning permission for the following developments :

Saltburn's seafront is to be given a much needed facelift - the demolition of the beach cafe at Cat Nab and permission for rebuilding has been granted. The exisiting buiding is in a poor state of repair (think '1950's seaside town in the rain?!') and it's air of neglect has done little to enhance the prominent position it enjoys on the seafront. (View Plan-1 & Plan-2 here.)

Part of the Valley Gardens are also to enjoy refurbishment and restoration work which will help restore some of their former glory including some landscaping and the introduction of new facilities. The demolition of the bungalow and victorian greenhouses in the Valley Gardens to be replaced with picnic area, amphitheatre and hedge maze has also been approved. (View Before & After plans here.)

Planning permission for the demolition of the old miniature railway shed in the Valley Gardens is pending approval, and discussions are underway regarding the tea rooms in the Valley Gardens in conjunction with Upsall Hall, including the provision of a disabled toilet.

Blooming Great!

Saltburn and Stockton were both honoured today in a prestigious regional floral competition. In Northumbria in Bloom's 2006 Awards, Stockton has won a silver gilt medal - and the title of best city. Saltburn, which also won a silver gilt medal, was named best coastal resort. A Stockton school and shopping centre were also honoured, along with Saltburn's railway station. The awards were announced today in Alnwick, where the Duchess of Northumberland welcomed more than 200 representatives from communities across the region, from Teesside to the Scottish borders. For the first time, contestants were awarded gold, silver gilt, silver or bronze medals in recognition of the horticultural standard they achieved. The best in each class won a trophy. Earsdon village in North Tyneside was named overall competition winner and the only entrant to be awarded gold medal standard. A number of awards were also given to smaller groups and individuals. Among them was Hartburn Primary School in Stockton, which earned the title of best school horticulture project, while Saltburn Railway Station was named best rail bus or metro station. Best shopping precinct or retail park was named as Wellington Square Centre in Stockton. Other major winners were Durham as best small city and Sunderland as best large city. Best small town was won by Prudhoe, best town was Morpeth and best large town was Whickham. For the first time, Northumbria in Bloom also this year awarded Certificates of Improvement, Merit or Achievement to small groups of beginners starting new projects. Nineteen local groups who pioneered schemes received awards. Eileen Burn, Northumbria in Bloom chairman, said: "The rewards for participating in the competition reach far beyond the awards themselves. Out of all that hard work, communities benefit from improving the local environment, strengthening community spirit, developing local pride, encouraging tourism and business and have a lot of fun in the process." Northumbria in Bloom started 40 years ago with the aim of encouraging people to take care of their local environment by brightening it up with trees, shrubs and flowers.

Tennis Ace Opens Refurbished Courts

Saturday saw Wimbledon contender Sarah Borwell return to her roots to promote tennis in the region. Curently ranked third in the UK, Middlesbrough-born Sarah opened Saltburn Tennis Club's newly refurbished courts. Giving up time between international competitions, Sarah also passed on skills to junior members at the club, in Marske Mill Lane. Project manager Jon Garvey said: "It was a real honour to have Sarah come back to Teesside and open the new courts. A lot of time and effort has gone into providing these courts, which also has disabled access. We would like to see more disabled players progress in the sport and use our facitlites." After the ribbon-cutting the day's activities included an exhibition wheelchair match by local players.The club provides junior and senior coaching, with sessions for all levels and ages of players. New members are welcome.

Agora Partnership - Business Development Manager Needed

A business development manager is being sought to help Saltburn to become a 'booming, vibrant town'. That's the aim of the newly-formed business and community marketing group Agora, which has received funding for a Saltburn-based manager. The post is to be advertised both locally and on the internet in order to recruit the right person to drive the Saltburn Agora partnership forward to create a thriving town which is attractive to both local people and visitors. Saltburn is one of the eight towns in England which have won places on the Agora project. It is being funded by the European Social Fund and run by Manchester Metropolitan University and the Association of Town Centre Managers. The Saltburn group is to host a national meeting of Agora towns in Saltburn on September 11th and 12th.

Business Development Manager £27,000 pro-rata, part-time 3 days per week.
Saltburn Agora Partnership's vision is to create a 'booming, vibrant town which is attractive to both local people and visitors'. Saltburn is planning investment in the future of it's town centre. The Partnership is now recruiting a Business Development Manager to deliver this exciting and innovative project. This role will allow you to be part of the partnership exploring new opportunities to achieve the vision. Delivering fresh, exciting projects that will bring clear, measurable benefits and pioneering a new wave of business development and activity within the town are all key responsibilities in this role.
You will bring a successful track record in building and developing partnerships, have proven leadership qualities and excellent communication and presentation skills alongside experience in project management. You will be an enthusiastic professional who will play a key role in promoting and developing the town centre for the benefit of it's employers, residents, visitors, shoppers and employees.
In return Agora offers a generous contributory pension, attractive working environment, performance development and flexible working arrangements. The full support of the Agora partnership is determined to bring about sustained improvement. For an application pack please telephone 01642 815663 or e-mail southtees@groundwork.org.uk. A pdf version of the application pack can be downloaded from here.

For an informal discussion please contact Diana Parker (Chairwoman of the Saltburn Agora Partnership) on 01287 626997/203155 Closing date: 12th September 2006

Coastal Forum

The fifth annual meeting of the North Yorkshire and Cleveland Coastal Forum will take place on Wednesday, September 20, at Rushpool Hall, Saltburn.
The forum, which is open to anyone with an interest in coastal issues, has a number of key organisations involved, including the Yorkshire Tourist Board, National Farmers' Union, fisheries, parish, town, borough and county councils, North Yorkshire Moors National Park Association, and others.
The meeting, which begins at 10am, will hear from speakers on a range of subjects, including integrated coastal zone management, the natural coastline, and the Defence of Britain project.
Forum officer Stewart Rowe said: "The talks will be followed by a thought-provoking "what if" scenario session, for example, "what if wind farms were to be proposed off the North Yorkshire and Cleveland Coast'."
The meeting includes lunch and is expected to last until about 3pm. More details are available at http://www.coastalforum.org.uk