Sustrans Rangers Saltburn work day.

Anyone walking into Saltburn along the black path beside the railway will have seen a transformation on the land just before the allotments. A result of two years volunteer work, this week has seen the final clearance of the asbestos fly tipping which had lain hidden in a heap for twenty years until found overgrown and matted in briers.

Sustrans hired a JCB team in cooperation with the Council to clear the site returning it to nature. This weekend saw the Rangers surface pick the soil to clear away bottles, old bricks, fence posts, lumps of concrete and years of hand dropped litter including hundreds of drink cans to uncover a beautiful fertile top soil.

This will be left fallow for six-eight weeks then sprayed off and planted with Poppy as a tribute in remembrance of the WWI fallen.

The Wild Flower Meadow planted with £250 worth of seed last Autumn is starting to grow. Enjoy it and thank you to all the volunteers that have helped create it.

Pictures show the Sustrans Redcar & Cleveland Rangers planting Bluebells and clearing the site.







Philip Chisholm, Ranger Coordinator, wishes to thank the seventeen Rangers that have given a total of 810 voluntary hours so far to this project and also to the Neighbourhood Council Team that have supported our efforts.







Anyone wishing to go on short training cycle rides get in touch, we are also organising fitness walks.

Sustrans.
Helping to make sustainable transport a beautiful and enjoyable opportunity, after all, life is all about the journey.

Philip Chisholm
Sustrans Redcar & Cleveland Ranger Volunteer Coordinator.
T:01642 485322
M:07802 936 414

Dog Foul and Fly Tipping.
The Sustrans Volunteers restart their by-weekly dog foul and horse dung clearance of the black path from Marske to Saltburn this April. This path is currently in a disgusting state after a winter without the volunteers cleaning it.
A warning to those that do not pick up their dog's foul. The new £1000 fines are now in force with up to 10 years in prison for fly tipping.

Saltburn Ward Newsletter March 2014

Councillor Stuart Smith
stuart.smith@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk Contact no. 07557 540628

PURCHASE OF CHILDREN BOOKS FOR SALTBURN LIBRARY The three Saltburn Ward Councilors’ have agreed to fund the purchase of 70 new children’s books for ages 0 – 5 for Saltburn Library from their Ward Councilors’ fund .

RESUMPTION OF GARDEN WASTE COLLECTIONS The collection of garden waste has resumed from the 1st March. This waste is collected together with the blue recycling waste bin.

BIG STEP TOWARDS CLEANING UP THE SALTBURN GILL
The Coal Authority working in close partnership with the Saltburn Gill Action Group and the Environment Agency has successfully halted the worst of three flows of polluted water from the abandoned ironstone mines of East Cleveland. Mine water has flowed from old mine workings to the south of Saltburn since 1999 causing severe pollution of the Saltburn Gill and Skelton Beck. The unsightly orange stream flowed over the beach and into the North Sea. The Saltburn Gill Action Group was set up by concerned local residents with help from the Environment Agency to raise the profile of the problem; The Coal Authority became involved initially in an advisory capacity in 2008 to guide the group through a feasibility study. During the summer of 2013 the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) funded the Coal Authority to pump water from the mines to halt the polluting outflows. This water is partially cleaned up as it passes through the first stage of a treatment scheme built by the Coal Authority. The treatment works are clearly visible on the opposite side of the Skelton –by-pass road opposite the new Asda store. Due to the Coal Authority treatment scheme the worst of the polluting flows has been halted. It will continue to pump in order to dry up all the mine water pollution. In 2014, a large wetland will be added to the treatment scheme to remove iron from the water using natural processes before the treated water is returned to the Gill. These reed beds will provide both filtration of the mine water to remove iron particles and a new environment for wildlife in the area and will restore the Gill into a place where nature can thrive once again.

SALTBURN LEISURE CENTRE IMPROVED VISITOR NUMBERS The numbers of visitors to Saltburn Leisure Centre are at a record high under the new operators ‘Everyone Active’. To date from the 1st April 2013 there have been 266,000 visits, an increase of 33,000. Everyone Active have invested over 400K in Saltburn Leisure Centre creating a new fitness suite, a larger dance studio, completely refurbished dry-side changing rooms, redecorated reception, improvements to the external appearance and undertaken the refurbishment of the Parish Council office and chamber which are located in this building. They have also increased the choice and numbers of fitness classes available at the centre.

CUT THROUGH FROM THE CRESCENT TO PIG ALLEY
The three Saltburn Ward Councillors lobbied hard for the reopening of this popular used walkway between The Crescent and Marske Mill Lane after the owners Coast and Country Housing closed it on safety grounds. This resulted in the resurfacing of the cut and the replacing of new safety bollards.

UPDATE ON REFURBISHMENT OF DRIVERS STATION CLIFF LIFT
Work commenced on the 24 February and will take 6 weeks to complete.

Saltburn surfer knocked unconscious whilst surfing off Staithes.

A 56-year-old surfer from Saltburn was taken to hospital this morning (Monday) after being knocked unconscious while surfing off Staithes.




Saltburn's Gary Rogers, (pictured in the background) proprietor of the Saltburn Surf Shop and described as a “surf legend” by the website Surf Nation, is a highly experienced surfer with more than 40 years of surfing history. He was surfing at a spot known as The Cove, near Staithes when he hit his head on the scar/scaur at low tide and was left unconscious as two sets of waves broke over him.

Fellow surfers carried him to Staithes and Runswick RNLI boathouse where he regained full consciousness. The RNLI station doctor Graham Croft treated him for knee and minor head injuries. He was also attended by paramedics from the Air Ambulance service whose helicopter landed at Cowbar and by the North East Ambulance service who took him to James Cook Hospital, Middlesbrough.

The Cove is a highly favoured location for its big break but is regarded as suitable only for experienced surfers. A Staithes RNLI spokesperson said: “Anyone in trouble on the foreshore should always carry a mobile phone and call the Coastguard. Ideally, any casualty should be kept on the foreshore until help arrives.”

Saltburn Ward Councillors Newsletter February 2014

COUNCILLOR STUART SMITH
stuart.smith@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk Contact no. 07557 540628

REFURBISHMENT OF THE CLIFF LIFT DRIVERS CABIN
Listed building consent has been submitted to dismantle and undertake refurbishment work on the Saltburn Cliff Lift Drivers Cabin located on Marine Parade. The main timber structure of the Driver`s Cabin has been affected by decay, due to age, wear and tear and the exposed location of the building. Previous patch repairs and splicing of timbers have not been successful and are showing signs of extensive deterioration. The Cliff Lift is a Grade 2 listed building and authorization had to be sought from English Heritage to carry out the required work. Once complete residents and visitors will notice no difference in appearance to the cabin because its replacement will be an exact replica. Works should be complete for the season opening of the lift in April.

REINSTATEMENT OF PLAY EQUIPMENT SEESAW GLENSIDE PLAY PARK
The seesaw located in the play park Albion Terrace had to be removed in the summer due to this equipment becoming a hazard. Replacement was unlikely under the financial restraints. At my request Councillor Thomson and Guy have agreed to fund the replacement from Saltburn Ward Councillors Community fund.

CLOSURE OF ‘THE WORKS’ BY SCAA MARSKE MILL LANE BASE SCHOOL
Due to the financial difficulties that Saltburn Community Arts Association are facing at this present moment, the trustees of this organization have decided that the running of The Works @ Marske Mill in the former Saltburn Primary School at Marske Mill Lane as a community are no longer viable. Negotiations are underway with the Council to return the lease which was acquired under a community asset transfer back to the control of the local authority. The building will now be advertised either as a separate entity for community use or jointly with the available playing field as a residential development opportunity.

UPDATE: STORM DAMAGE LOWER PROMENADE AND PIER
Stonemasons have started work replacing the sandstone blocks which make up the construction of the sea wall and slip ways. Damaged railings will not be re installed until this work is complete. The Council has also employed a civil engineer to assess the necessary work required to repair the pier amusement arcade building.

NEW SIGNAGE: DOG DIRT OFFENDING
To try and counter the continuous problem of irresponsible dog owners not picking up after their own dogs, which appears to affect all parts of the town, the Ward Councilors have funded the purchase of 20 Dog Watch signs. The signs will clamp around lampposts in dog fouling hotspots. 2 of the sides will indicate a Dog Watch area with telephone numbers to report sighted offenders. The remaining side will have a different design to profile the winning painting from a competition on the subject by a local school pupil.

ROAD LINE MARKING
The local authority is drawing up a list of works required for road line marking in the town which will be undertaken in the spring. At present the list is quite substantial but if you feel that a particular area should be added for re-lining, please do not hesitate to contact me and the area will be inspected for suitability for the scheme. The lining is for the renewing of old road lines only.

News and views from the Valley

What a relief! Flushed with success! Okay, we are a bit euphoric about the fact that the Woodland Centre now has a toilet! It is very significant though. It really is the final piece in the jigsaw that makes the centre fit for hire. So please consider The Woodland Centre as a venue for family and group activities and celebrations. Days are beginning to get longer again. Where better for your children’s party? Tutus and wellies are a fabulous combination and I know this first hand.

The Christmas tree selling venture: well, sadly we are not awash with profit and the committee will not be holidaying in the Caribbean this year. We worked very hard and have just about broken even on our outlay. Lots of people said “If only we had known,” or “There wasn’t enough publicity.” Other people were put off because we could not unwrap all the trees for inspection and we realise
that was an important issue. We had very good feedback from people who did buy from us. Many emailed to say their tree was the best they had ever bought and hope we do it again. So thank you to all who did support us and we are having a big think about whether we should do it again and where or how etc. Any thoughts or opinions: contact our web site.

The Task group has continued to meet every Friday. New undergrowth clearing work has been done in the community orchard and paths opened up for the enjoyment of the public. We are also pleased to report that Millfield Meadow which has been the focus of a lot of our work has now obtained the status of a People’s Meadow in the Coronation Meadow scheme. This is a national initiative to revive Britain’s lost and endangered wild flower meadow sites (Google Coronation Meadows). Thanks to Katie for all her hard work on this.

This time last year the disabled access path was a churned up building site. One year on and it is looking attractive and full of creative possibility. More work has recently been done in digging up the old ramp which was a slip hazard and putting in some more steps. We are planning to make the top grassed area into a mini meadow and we have the continuing help of the Community Payback Team on projects around the site.

I really hope that we are not facing more onslaughts of extreme weather in the near future. Bring on the spring flowers and new life in the Valley. I can’t wait!
www.saltburnwoodlandcentre.co.uk

Valley Adventures still have an operational base at the centre.
Here is their latest message:

"We will be launching our new website in February and offering even more activities this year, such as gorge walking, rock climbing, abseiling, hill walking and stand up paddling. We have also applied for accreditation by the Adventure Activity Licensing Authority (AALA) to offer these activities to youngsters. Further, we are proud to be working closely with Hunley Golf Course to support their corporate clients and outdoor enthusiasts.

Thanks to all of you for supporting Valley Adventures in 2013 and we look forward to sharing great outdoor experiences with you this year.”

Miniature ponies visit Hazelgrove Court Care Home.

The tiniest ponies imaginable have visited Saltburn's Hazelgrove Court Care Home, on Randolph Street, to give the elderly residents there a start to the New Year they’ll never forget.

Star of the show was American miniature pony Blondie, at just 26 inches high and making her first appearance for K and L Pony Therapy, of Darlington.
Although it was Blondie’s first time on duty she was a natural, with a very placid temperament, going to each resident in turn to nuzzle them and get lots of fuss in return.

The cute little stunner was just one of four similar tiny ponies that owner Kate Smith brought to the home for residents to pet.

The organiser of this unusual, but very popular, event was Joanne Burdett, the activities co-ordinator at the home which houses 48 residents aged from their late fifties to late ninties.




Joanne said: “K and L provide miniature ponies to visit care homes on Teesside and further afield."

“They bring them in one at a time, while the other three wait in a trailer outside. The residents have absolutely loved them and are very fond of the ponies - stroking them and petting them - and it does them the world of good and they have a photo taken with them."

Owner Kate said: “We visit lots of care homes, hospitals and schools. People all over Teesside absolutely love them.”

Kate said the tiny charmers live up to 55 years old and are bred as pets in America. They can even be used as guide horses to look after the blind and disabled in the same way as guide dogs.

Kate said: “They are very intelligent and easy to train. I’m currently trying to breed mine and a foal is due next summer which will be so tiny when it’s born, it will gamble about like a little lamb!"

“Obviously, they can’t be ridden, but they are such little characters and all are different.”

One thing seems to be certain - the cute foursome proved to be so popular that they will be riding on back into town again on another visit some time in the future.

January Newsletter, Saltburn Ward

from COUNCILLOR STUART SMITH
stuart.smith@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk Contact no. 07557540628



IMPROVED ARRIVA BUS SERVICE FOR SALTBURN

Saltburn will receive an improved bus service under the changes proposed by Arriva to their bus network across Redcar and Cleveland which will commence on the 16th February. The town will be served by 2 routes - X3 and X4 - which will run alternatively every 15 minutes to Middlesbrough and Loftus with the X3 operating once again via Hob Hill to Skelton. Arriva have also notified us this week of their fare changes which will come into effect from 5th January 2014: all child and adult fares below £3.00 are frozen, fares above £3.00 will be increased by 10p, fares above £5.00 will be increased by 20p, day tickets will be increased by 20p per day and 50p weekly and Teesside Tripper Day Ticket prices are frozen.

STORM DAMAGE INFORMATION AND PROPOSED PLAN OF REPAIR WORKS LOWER PROMENADE.

1. LOSS OF SLIPWAYS AND PART OF SEA WALL - A stonemason will undertake repair work starting in early January. The sandstone blocks will be stored on the lower prom next to the life guard station. The repair work will take up to 8 weeks and each stone will have to be reset in a similar way as a jigsaw. The slipway will have a concrete base where prior to the storm it was compact shingle. Sea wall railings will be replaced.

2. DAMAGE TO ROAD SURFACE - Work underway to repair by Carillion.

3. DAMAGE TO PIER - The pier structure itself appears to be undamaged but will remain closed until access can be gained to the pier head from the beach when tidal flows allow. The main building amusements have suffered extensive damage to the interior due to sea water entering the building. We were told water damage had even occurred to the ceiling. Of concern are that two major supporting beams under the pier head have snapped however the engineer states they should be easily removed and replaced. Time scale on this is unknown but will be carried out a.s.a.p.

4. VICTORIAN SHELTER - The shelter supports were found to be rotten and this has been demolished. It is hoped that funding will be found to replace this shelter.

5. STEPS FROM PIER CAR PARK TO BEACH CLOSE TO CCTV POLE - reset by Carillion.

6. DAMAGED FOOTBRIDGE OVER BECK - Wooden boards repaired and non slip surface applied. Shingle under the road bridge which was pushed in with the high tide was removed lowering the beck level from the bridge span. Long term goal is to replace bridge and construct it closer to the height of the road bridge.

7. EROSION OF BANKSIDE OPPOSITE CAMFIELDS - Armour rock (Gabion baskets would not be permitted by environmental agency) to be placed in various sections to stabilise area. Long term goal is to stabilise whole area with concrete bankside similar to section at picnic area. In addition we were informed that over the past year the sand level on the beach had dropped over one and half feet which if it had been in place would have had a dragging effect on the sea level and wave impact.