A long time on Long Lane

Despite being reported by a local councillor,a badly damaged car remained stuck in the hedge, for three weeks,on an East Cleveland Lane.

The VW Golf protruded on to the carriageway with its front and near-side wing severely damaged, and the bumper panel completely detached. No warning signs, or lights were erected. Long Lane, also known as North Lane, is used by drivers as a shortcut from Moorsholm to Liverton and Loftus.

It’s also a popular route for dog walkers.

Around a decade ago, the council carried out major works at Liverton Mill Bank to reopen the Lane,after it had been closed for three years following a landslip.

More recently, three passing places were provided and, only last year, following soil creep, the carriageway was restored to its original width at the worst bends.

Councillor Steve Kay, who reported the crashed vehicle said: “Long Lane is narrow and winding, so the abandoned Golf, sitting mainly on the carriageway, created a safety issue for both motorists and pedestrians. Mysteriously, the damage to the vehicle seemed greater than anything likely to be caused by the collision with the hawthorn hedge, where the vehicle ended up.

“Although the police put a notice on the windscreen and the car was obstructing the highway, nobody was in any hurry to remove it or to take effective responsibility. Until I reported it,I do not believe that the council even knew it was there. Be that as it may, the vehicle remained in situ for far too long, with nothing to warn drivers of its presence.

“For Moorsholm people, it’s essential that Long Lane is not only kept open but kept safe. It’s a useful short-cut because it knocks three miles off the alternative route to Loftus, via the Moor Road and Liverton Road. In winter, however, it’s advisable to take the longer route, because the council’s gritter does not operate along Long Lane.

“Whatever the season, it’s important to remember that Long Lane, with its narrowness, bends and two steep hills, must ALWAYS be negotiated with care. None of us wants to finish up in the hedge, or even worse!”

Oneof the Tees Valley’s leading public servants has spent a day on the frontline as a bin man –and ended up having even more respect for the hard work of our refuse workers.

Brian Archer, the Council’s new Executive Director for Growth, Enterprise and Environment, has previously worked as a director in a FTSE 100 company, dealing with multi-million pound budgets and thousands of staff in countries around the world.

But after taking on his role in Redcar and Cleveland he decided to find out all aspects of what his staff are asked to day in and day out, no matter how dirty the work. He is also urging people to recycle and was using the day to both publicise the issue investigate ways to encourage more people to recycle correctly.

Brian, who has also previously worked as Director of Economy for Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin, a former Coronation Street TV star, said the bin crews should be appreciated by the public. He said: “Spare a thought for your hard working refuse collectors. They work hard and long hours in all weathers and deserve huge respect for the fantastic work they do.”

Below is Brian’s account of his day on the bins: 4am Wake up for breakfast

5am Leave home and drive to Redcar depot

6am Meet the crews at the depot for a briefing and the start of the round. Lorries and PPE checked over – two pairs of gloves worn today. Temperature -5C. Out on the round- covering over 20,000 steps today. Typical