How football academy helps shape young lives
It’s time to dig out those Baggy Trousers as Boro prepares to play host to pop royalty
Are you ready to take the next step to change your life with a new career but don’t have the right qualifications?
An Access to Higher Education (HE) course is the perfect FREE* route back into education, and to a degree.
Studied part-time across one year, our career focused FREE* courses prepare students who do not have traditional academic qualifications to study at University. Delivered with busy lifestyles in mind, our courses provide family friendly learning hours so you can get the qualifications you need to access the career you want, and the life you want.
Ellie is now a qualified Midwife.
“
If you are thinking about returning to education, do it. The Access course is one year and I managed to do it with a husband and three kids! Not only did it make a difference to me but it made a difference to my family.”
*Your Access to HE Diploma will be FREE once you complete your degree as your Advanced Learner Loan will be written off.
Aiman was a refugee fleeing worn-torn Iraq. He is now studying for a degree in Pharmacy at the University of Sunderland, thanks to the support from Middlesbrough College.
“My advice to anyone who wants to return to education or needs to because of situations that are out of their control is to go for it and ask for help - nothing is impossible!”
Aiman Aziz Access to HE Diploma
Ellie Young Access to HE Diploma in Health
Ellie
We’re counting down to May’s local elections and there are significant changes that voters need to be aware of.
Middlesbrough’s next elected mayor will be chosen, along with councillors for all 20 wards and parish councillors for Nunthorpe and Stainton and Thornton.
The law now requires that for the first time, voters on May 4 must show photo ID at polling stations when casting their vote.
This is a major change and, as a council, we don’t want to see it reduce the number of people who vote.
When voting in person, you will need to show ID such as a passport, driving licence, bus pass or Blue Badge. If you do not have any of these, you must apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.
The deadlines for registering to vote or to register for a postal vote are looming and full details can be found on pages 22 and 23.
We will be getting the message out far and wide to as many different communities as we can.
You can help spread the word too by making sure as many of your friends and family are aware of the changes.
It would be brilliant if we could get a strong turnout. These elections only come round once every four years – it’s vital your voice is heard.
Before we get to the elections, we will have the chance to enjoy a major milestone for Middlesbrough.
Reinventing our town centre is critical to our future and it’s hugely exciting that Level X, the first of several new leisure destinations that will transform Captain Cook Square, is opening in time for spring. You can read more about it on pages 6 and 7.
The enormous family entertainment complex will help us attract thousands of visitors that will support other businesses and help keep people in work.
Level X certainly has the ‘wow’ factor. I’m convinced that the new food and drink venues, e-sports arena and cinema that follow will help transform the look and feel of our town.
We have an exciting and busy few months ahead.
Tony Parkinson Chief executive, Middlesbrough Council
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Time to dig out those Baggy Trousers as Boro prepares to host pop royalty
Middlesbrough town centre is going to the next level
School bids farewell to Cath
6
19
17 10
Respect, pride and the beautiful game
How football academy helps shape young lives
Help with Council Tax, keeping warm, food and money
A desire to help drives benefits manager Kellie’s approach
The 67,000 print run of Love Middlesbrough is delivered to every Middlesbrough home and many businesses. An electronic version of Love Middlesbrough magazine is available at middlesbrough.gov.uk/ magazine
Middlesbrough Council contact numbers: (all prefixed 01642)
General Enquiries: 245432
Street wardens: 228500
After Hours – All enquiries: 726050
Environment: 726001
Noise Nuisance: 726001
Needles Hotline: 726001
Social Services: 726004
Housing Benefit: 726006
Parking Services: 726003
Council Tax/Business Rates: 726006
Planning Queries: 729377
For further information about Middlesbrough Council, visit middlesbrough.gov.uk | wearemiddlesbrough.com
Teesside is a high-performing global university, proud to be anchored in the Tees Valley. We provide aspiration to our community and learning opportunities for all, and work with individuals and businesses to develop solutions that deliver ambition today.
Over the last five years we’ve invested over £275m in our award-winning town centre campus in the heart of Middlesbrough – but our campus masterplan doesn’t stop there. Our high-quality campus rivals any in the sector to further enhance the experience of all our students, staff, partners, businesses and the community to transform lives and economies.
Campus masterplan
Recent developments include a Student Life building for all student-facing services, new central library facilities, and the £22.3m National Horizons Centre – a biomedical teaching and research facility at our Darlington campus.
New for September 2023 is BIOS, our stateof-the-art £36.9m facility on our Middlesbrough campus, offering high-quality, leading-edge labs for the sciences and clinical subjects
including anatomy, pharmacy, microbiology, chemistry, Earth sciences and food sciences. Ongoing projects also include the £13.1m Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre, putting Teesside at the heart of the UK’s green industrial revolution. The Centre brings together expert insight, resources and partnerships to grow net zero capabilities and opportunities, placing the region at the forefront of the clean energy agenda and helping to create hundreds more clean energy jobs. The Centre is a part of a £16.1m total funding package approved by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Developed in consultation with our students, the Waterhouse, which sits at the top of Albert Road, has undergone a £5m transformation to become The Buttery – a contemporary and innovative space exclusively for postgraduate students and researchers to study, collaborate and relax.
On Victoria Road we have repurposed the Victoria building to provide business enterprise space for graduates and local entrepreneurs. It’s part of the creation of a
£5.6m University Enterprise Zone on our Middlesbrough campus. It is also home to Teesside Launchpad (a business incubator facility for growing local skills, enterprise and entrepreneurship), and plays a vital part in the enterprise ecosystem of the Tees Valley, particularly among the digital industries. Working with the University’s DigitalCity and Middlesbrough Council, it provides a seamless pathway for digital businesses to grow into Middlesbrough’s Boho tech hub.
Global-looking university
Malcolm Page, Chief Operating Officer said, ‘Our multimillion-pound campus masterplan is transformative. It underpins our commitment to delivering the best possible student and learning experience.
‘It also reinforces our position as an ambitious, global-looking university which is committed to investing in our region and establishing Teesside as a thriving hub for skills development, creativity and inspiration.’
Find out more tees.ac.uk/campusmasterplan
You don’t have to be a pop aficionado to appreciate the mark that Madness have made on the music scene.
Decades after they burst onto our TV screens and into our hearts with their bowler hats, mastery of the 2 Tone sound and catchy tunes such as My Girl, Embarrassment and the glorious House of Fun, their songs remain guaranteed dancefloor fillers.
As much a part of British culture as fish ‘n’ chips or a cup of tea, the original Nutty Boys from London’s Camden Town are celebrating almost half a century as national treasures, so it seems fitting that Suggs (real name Graham McPherson) received a knighthood in January 2022 –or did he?
“Arise Sir Mad Ass!” he laughs. “You wouldn’t believe how many people fell for that. Truth be told, it was a video I did to promote a Madness gig in Brixton on Jubilee Day. I was actually sat in a field in Highgate Woods!’
Becoming a ‘Sir’ isn’t something that interests Suggs. His aim is solely to give fans a gig to remember – something Madness will be doing when they hit Albert Park in June.
“I love seeing people having a good time,” he admits.
“I see four generations of one family singing along to It Must Be Love and you can feel the emotion. God love the great
British public!”
Suggs puts the Madness appeal down to them being “just normal blokes”.
“I get stopped in the street a lot and I’m always happy to say hello. Making music is a privilege, but it’s also my job and I don’t get carried away.”
Now 62, Suggs is as full of life and vigour as a man half his age.
“Well, me knees are going,” he laughs. “But I’m happy and I never get stressed out. I still get joy from music – and yeah, I never get bored with playing the hits.”
Though Madness have spent years touring, Suggs admits they are buzzing at the thought of coming to Teesside.
“I can’t recall playing Middlesbrough before, but I’ve heard it’s a cool place –well freezing actually!” he roars.
“I took my grandkids to see Chelsea play against Liverpool recently. They were wearing T-shirts. I said ‘We’re going up north, put a coat on!’ They wouldn’t have it and by half-time they were begging to go home.”
Speaking of the beautiful game, Suggs has had a few run-ins with Boro devotee and local celeb Bob Mortimer over the years.
“Me and Bob both had songs out when Chelsea played Boro in the FA Cup final in 1997.
“I wrote a song about Zola and Vialli (Blue Day) and he did a song with the Boro team (Chris Rea’s Let’s Dance). I met him again recently on Would I Lie To You and couldn’t get a word in edgeways – I just sat back and laughed. He’s nuts,” he says affectionately.
So as south prepares to meet north, is Suggs willing to forgo pie and mash in favour of a parmo?
“A what?” he laughs, as I explain the Teesside delicacy.
“Oh yeah, now I know, I’m gonna try one. Central Park – I’ll be putting my order in!”
And as he packs his case in preparation for the Madness 2023 European tour, it seems there’s no stopping Suggs.
“I’ll keep going as long as I can. It’s revitalising, seeing that crowd go wild –unbridled joy someone once said, and isn’t that what life is all about?”
Madness play Middlesbrough, Albert Park on Friday, June 9, 2023 - myticket.co.uk/artists/madness
It’s time to dig out those Baggy Trousers as Boro prepares to play host to pop royalty, Madness. Julie Burniston caught up with the band’s indomitable frontman, Suggs …Frontman – Suggs is up for trying a parmo.
Level X, a huge family entertainment centre at Captain Cook Square, is the first in a string of exciting developments set to open in Middlesbrough this year.
Families can enjoy the first electric karting experience of its style in the UK – with a 250m-long indoor track incorporating interactive elements like speed boosts and ‘missiles’ to slow down other racers. Think Mario Kart, but in real life!
It’s the centrepiece of the state-of-theart entertainment centre, which will open inside the former TJ Hughes store this spring.
Decorated with trendy neon lights and graffiti art, the huge venue also offers crazy golf with electronic scoring, 12 lanes of bowling, pool tables, virtual reality zones, arcades, dodgems, karaoke and a wide range of food and drink.
Graeme Smith, chief operating officer of Level X, said: “We’ve been all around the world for the last two years looking at different concepts, looking for the best gaming experiences we can bring to the UK.
“We opened our first Level X site in Glasgow just before Christmas and now we’re taking our second site – which is our biggest – to the next level, with the first interactive go-kart track of its style in the UK.
“We’re excited to be the first venue to open at Captain Cook Square in Middlesbrough, and we can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve got to offer.”
Level X is a new concept from the Lane 7 group, the company which previously ran a bowling alley in a much smaller site on Albert Road.
Since its launch in 2013, the Darlingtonbased firm has operated venues in Newcastle, Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh.
Speaking to Business Live last year,
chief executive Tim Wilks said the idea behind Level X was to put the customer in control of their experience.
He said: “Level X is all about merging the games you loved as a kid with cool tech elements to elevate the experience.
“The venues themselves are bigger than we’ve ever launched before and the fitouts will be fantastic – with loads of colour, different zones and huge attention to the detail.”
While Level X is the first to open and will be the biggest venue at Captain Cook Square, the coming months will see the area transformed from a shopping centre into a major regional leisure hub.
The Wired Lobby, which will become the North-east’s biggest e-sports arena, will soon welcome spectators to watch top gamers – and give customers a chance to try their hand behind the wheel of a fullsize racing car simulator.
A cocktail bar and restaurant will open over two floors and feature Middlesbrough’s first rooftop terrace. The venue will also offer a high-tech golf simulator which allows players to try their hand at professional courses like St Andrew’s or Pebble Beach.
Two more food and drink venues will also be brought into the square, alongside a boutique cinema, to encourage people of all ages to try something new in Middlesbrough.
It’s part of Middlesbrough Council’s vision to transform the town centre into a place to live, work, play and learn.
More than 800,000 people live within a 30-minute drive of Middlesbrough town centre, while we’re home to more than 20,000 students at Teesside University, Middlesbrough College and the new Northern School of Art.
Due to a national decline in high street retail, Middlesbrough Council has aimed to rebalance the town centre economy to attract more people to live, work, learn
and spend their leisure time here. And with extra visitors comes new jobs. More than 200 new roles were advertised in the hospitality sector at a recent jobs fair, with more to come over the next year. The town centre is already home to thriving bars and restaurants in our independent quarter around Baker and Bedford Street, and on Linthorpe Road.
And a new leisure hub is already springing up in our historic quarter around Exchange Square.
Late in 2022, cabaret cocktail bar and restaurant Bloom opened at Exchange Square close to Middlesbrough Railway Station, which itself is set to be completely revamped in a £34m project to add a new platform and secure more services.
Subject to planning permission, renowned restaurant The Muddler will move into another historic Middlesbrough building opposite the railway station while national food and drink operator STACK wants to open its trendy shipping container development nearby.
Middlesbrough Council bought Captain Cook Square in 2020 as part of its efforts to transform the town centre, as retail continued to decline nationally.
Separately, the council was successful in bidding for £14.1m from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.
Around £9.1m of that funding is being used to transform Captain Cook Square with a host of leisure developments.
The rest of the funding has been allocated to town centre housing, improvements to pavements and cycleways and town centre events.
Middlesbrough town centre is going to the next level
Thank you to all our foster carers for everything you do. Middlesbrough foster carers make children’s lives better every day.
If you have thought about fostering, now is the time to join our team of amazing foster carers and make a difference to children in your council’s care.
At Fostering for Middlesbrough, we value our carers. We know that it can be challenging but also one of the most rewarding roles you will ever do. When you join us, you will receive:
Dedicated, bespoke support, including ‘out of hours’ support. Potential opportunity to join Mockingbird – a new project joining foster carers together in a ‘hub’ giving carers additional practical and pastoral support. A fostering ‘buddy’ scheme to support you when you start your fostering journey.
Specialist therapeutic care for you and the children you look after.
Regular support groups with other carers and staff.
A highly competitive financial allowance for you and the children in your care which recognises your commitment to providing the best care for our children.
A bespoke training programme tailored to your needs, increasing your skills, knowledge and confidence.
Form new friendships with other foster carers through a range of activities and events.
Giving you and the children in your care savings on attractions and events.
Middlesbrough Council is a Fostering Friendly employer and supports other employers to be Fostering Friendly – offering a range of benefits including flexible working and additional leave to carers.
We urgently need experienced foster carers and new carers who are just starting out on their fostering journey to contact us.
Talk to us today on 01642 201962 or find out more at fosteringformiddlesbrough.org.uk
“My foster carers are always there for me – I am really lucky to have them.”
A young person looked after by Fostering for Middlesbrough carers.
The funding follows a successful bid to CURV - Cleveland’s violence reduction partnership – to help boost the town’s night-time economy.
Against a backdrop of an overall rise in serious violent crime, incidents related to the night-time economy have seen a 66.5% rise since 2018-19.
The £57,000 grant through CURV includes £10,000 to provide and replace knife wands at licensed premises.
The money will be spent on a range of initiatives with a focus on tackling knife and alcohol-related crime.
This will be through awareness raising, crime prevention messages and measures to reduce the harm caused by incidents of serious violence and knife crime.
Pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants, takeaways and taxis will also benefit from a potential increase in customers. This is as a result of a reduction in the fear of crime among the public and a decreased chance of them becoming victims of crime.
The new cash will help to extend the Boro Angels’ crackdown on drink spiking, promote the Night Time Economy Safety Campaign and provide training for licensees and door staff.
The team at the town’s CCTV control room will be increased at key times, while all of the town’s licensed premises will be issued with at least two knife wands.
Funding for CURV was secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) in 2022.
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner said: “Middlesbrough is well known for its lively nightlife – and everyone wants that reputation to continue and grow.
“However, we also want the town centre to be safe for all visitors. We want people to spread the message that Middlesbrough is not just a good night out, but that they felt protected when they used its businesses.
“With similar investments being made in the other three areas of Cleveland, I’m confident we can significantly improve safety for those enjoying a night on the town.”
Councillor Tony Grainge, MiddlesbroughCouncil’s Executive member for neighbourhood safety, said: “The town centre is Middlesbrough’s engine room, and our night-time economy is vital to our future growth and prosperity.
“Visitors – and the staff who serve them – must have absolute confidence that they’ll be safe on a night out, and we work closely with all our licensed premises and a range of partners to make sure that’s the case.
“This welcome funding will further boost those efforts, and ensure Middlesbrough remains a major regional destination for leisure and recreation.”
A key cash injection will help boost safety and reduce violence in central Middlesbrough.Safety – Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner, Flares general manager Mark Warrilow and acting chair of Boro Angels, Alma Dennison.
There’s one part of the T6 Football Academy that Hugh Hegarty seems particularly keen to show off as he leads Love Middlesbrough on a tour of the facility – the boot room.
He taps at the sign excitedly as we get there. It clearly means something.
Despite many of the academy’s players wearing the red of Middlesbrough, you can’t help but think about how the ‘Boot Room’ became a word synonymous with footballing success at Liverpool Football Club’s Anfield stadium.
It was the unofficial nerve centre of the club, which bred strong values into the four managers who helped it embark on two decades of dominance over English and European football.
It engrained a culture of success, expectations of high standards – the way to behave, the pride in the shirt.
Hugh – a Belfast native, in charge of Catholic education in Middlesbrough and across Teesside – makes it clear that the Academy is not just about winning trophies or creating professional footballers.
For Hugh, the T6 Academy is itself about culture and identity.
Just like all famous footballing dynasties, it’s about standards.
“If there’s not one player that turns professional, that’s fine as
it’s not the point,” Hugh replies when asked if the Academy is aiming to get players into the big time.
“But we’ve a lot of talented boys and girls here, so I’m sure some will go on to have a lot of success in the game.
“We’re about instilling pride in our area, in our schools, and in the Academy.
“Education is paramount. They’re here to train and they have the best of facilities to help them be excellent footballers, but they study hard too.
“We’re creating young men and women who have learned to respect themselves, respect each other. They’ll leave here ready to go out into the world.”
State of the art
Hugh is CEO at the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust, which runs Catholic schools in Middlesbrough and across Teesside.
The T6 Academy was launched last summer. Investment has seen the installation of a floodlit, state-ofthe-art 4G pitch, dedicated strength and conditioning and fitness suites, a video analysis room and revamped changing rooms.
There’s a cafeteria serving healthy, nutritionally balanced food to give players the best chance of sporting and educational success.
The academy is based inside the long-empty St Mary’s sixth form college building in Saltersgill, and each area inside is adorned with the academy badge.
“A phoenix rising from the flames,” Hugh points out.
It’s next door to Trinity Catholic College where A-Level and BTEC courses are delivered to players.
“We’ve invested in all of our schools, across Middlesbrough and
the region,” continued Hugh.
“We’re completely committed to our schools and the families at the centre of them. We know our schools and we know this approach here is the right one.”
Hugh points to a patch of land adjacent to the new all-weather pitch – it’s where there are plans to build a 200-seater stand for spectators.
Some teams from large local youth football club Boro Rangers have already started playing games at the T6 site, with talks ongoing about bringing its men’s team back to Middlesbrough.
Hugh surveys the brand-new playing surface alongside head of football and sporting academy Dave McTiernan.
“This is aspirational. We have our school tournaments so boys and girls from our schools will have the chance to play on here, score a goal up there,” Hugh continues.
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far.”
Tapping into what we love The Academy has a partnership with Middlesbrough Football Club – which
sees its teams represent the club in the National Football Youth League.
They’ve already taken on teams representing Premier League clubs like Liverpool, Everton and Leeds United.
But during the day, the players are students – studying for A Levels and other qualifications.
Fran Ward, a 16-year-old central midfielder in the girls’ team, said having a balance between football and studies helps her achieve more in both areas.
“During the day I’m concentrating on my work, and you need to because I want to stay in the team,” she said.
“We’ve got everything we need, it’s really good.”
The boys’ first team had beaten Accrington Stanley 3-0 in a cup game on the day of Love Middlesbrough’s visit to the Academy, but strength and conditioning coach Connor Simpson still wasn’t happy. Standards hadn’t quite been met.
“First half, we just didn’t start,” he tells me as I ask how the team had played.
Some of the players stood around near the changing rooms smile modestly.
“Second half we were good,” one tells me.
Dave McTiernan grins and uses a football manager’s typical understatement when I speak to him back in his office: “I had to say a few words at half-time.”
He continued: “But they’re good lads. We have a cracking group of boys and girls here.
“Obviously, the age they are, they’re going to have ups and downs, but we try and teach them the right things.”
Dave played – and later coached – at Middlesbrough FC’s Academy and played for a number of top semi-professional clubs.
“Football is massive in Middlesbrough. Look at the size of the TJFA (The Teesside Junior Football Alliance, where thousands of young players turn out every weekend).
“I think that’s one of the biggest youth leagues in Europe.
“Having the academy here, what it
stands for, is massive.
“Middlesbrough needed something like this – having the facilities, the coaching, being treated as elite footballers gives them that confidence they need to continue with their studies as well.
“That love of football is the hook – and we’re set up to help them succeed.”
Applications for next year are already open. Find out more by visiting: t6footballacademy.npcat.org.uk
I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far.
Friday 3 March, 7.30pm Howerd’s End
Saturday 4 March, 7.30pm Jimmy Cricket: 50 Golden Years
Wednesday 8 - Sat 11 March, 7.30pm
The Woman Who Cooked Her Husband
Friday 17 March, 7.30pm Some Guys Have All the Luck
Wednesday 22 –Saturday 25 March
Everyone’s Talking about Jamie (Teen Edition)
A much-acclaimed play packed with laughter and all the other things that make life worth living.
Here’s the ticket! Celebrate 50 years of comedian Jimmy Cricket and his showbiz journey.
A hilarious and gruesome tale presented by Middlesbrough Little Theatre.
The Rod Stewart Story is back for 2023 with a brand-new show. Featuring a new set list and even bigger light show!
Presented by Middlesbrough Youth Theatre, 16 year old Jamie knows one thing for sure - he’s going to be a sensation!
Thursday 30 March, 11.30am, 1.30pm & 5pm Ugly Duckling Northern Ballet’s productions are 40 minutes long and the perfect way to introduce little ones to the magic of live music and theatre.
Saturday 8 April, 7.30pm Romeo and Juliet A passionate and innovative recreation of the world’s greatest love story from Ballet Theatre UK.
Thursday 13 April, 7.30pm Where is Mrs Christie? The mysterious 11 day disappearance of Agatha Christie in 1926 is worthy of one of her own detective thrillers.
Friday 21 April, 7.30pm A Beautiful Noise Undeniably one of the best Neil Diamond impersonators you will ever see, with a fantastic cast of musicians and singers.
Wednesday 26 April, 7.30pm Tales from a Thousand and One Nights
Dragonboy Productions present some of the funniest and most entertaining folk tales found in the Arabian Nights.
Saturday 29 April, 3pm Goldilocks and the Three Bears Roll up, roll up for a hilarious pantomime spectacular including top performers and circus and speciality acts.
Tuesday 16 –Saturday 20 May Sister Act
Presented by Teesside Musical Theatre Company. The smash-hit musical will “Spread the Love” on Teesside!
Thursday 25 May, 7.30pm Twice Nightly Featuring original songs, this homemade comedy will leave you wanting second helpings.
Saturday 4 March, 8pm Big Mouth Comedy Club Featuring MC Matt Reed, Roger Monkhouse and Dave Johns. Line-ups are subject to change, not for the easily offended.
Saturday 11 March, 8-11pm 90s Silent Disco
Thursday 23 March, 7.30pm RNS: Schnittke, Haydn and Mendelssohn
Friday 24 March, 7.30pm Middlesbrough’s Class of ‘86
Some of the UK’s best 90s DJs playing all your favourites in the stunning, illuminated surroundings of the Town Hall!
Feel the sunshine for a concert filled with fantasy and fun including pieces from Schnittke, Haydn and Mendelssohn.
Boro’s class of 86 squad will all be turning up in support of former teammate Gary ‘Parky’ Parkinson.
Saturday 1 April, 8pm Big Mouth Comedy Club Featuring MC Danny McLoughlin, Julian Deane and MC Hammersmith. Line-ups are subject to change, not for the easily offended.
Thursday 13 April, 7.30pm The Hallé Pounding with emotion and bursting with unforgettable tunes, don’t miss the sounds of the latest international orchestra
Sunday 16 April, 3pm Pinocchio Puppetry, shadows, illusion and especially composed music combine to create a magical show. Best for age 4+
Friday 28 April, 8pm Simon Brodkin: Screwed Up
Saturday 6 May, 7.30pm From the Jam: Beat Surrender 40th Anniversary
The world-famous prankster and Lee Nelson creator is back with an outrageous new stand-up show.
Featuring very special guests: Buzzcocks! Celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Jam’s 1982 farewell tour, Beat Surrender.
Tuesday 9 May, 8pm John Cooper Clarke The original people’s poet and one of the most prolific artists of the Punk years.
Saturday 13 May, 7.30pm Calling Planet Earth A New Romantic symphony that takes you on a journey through the electrifying 80s.
Friday 19 May, 7.30pm Rock Goddess An epic night of classic rock anthems! The best back-to-back bangers from the 70s, 80s and 90s from the fierce female trio.
Saturday 20 May, 8pm Brutus Gold’s Love Train Get ready to ‘get down’ with the greatest disco party in the world for an immersive evening, complete with all-star cast and the best music from the grooviest decade.
Thursday 25 May, 7.30pm RNS: Nordic Symphonies
Power, pride and untamed inspiration – this should be quite a ride!
Saturday 27 May, 8pm Undr the Cosh Bringing the cult heroes of football directly to the fans.
Sunday 28 May, 7.30pm Northern Live –Do I Love You Bringing the original sounds of the underground movement that started on the dancefloors in the north.
Enjoy cake and refreshments and discover classical music in informal surroundings
Sunday 5 March The Story of Babar the Elephant
Sunday 2 April Solar Winds
Sunday 7 May Dyad
www.middlesbroughtownhall.co.uk or 01642 729 729
From managing hotels to helping people with their benefits – it’s been something of a career shift for Kellie Appleyard.
But Middlesbrough Council’s benefits operations manager says that at the heart of both roles is a desire to help people – and rarely has that been more needed than during a cost-of-living crisis affecting so many.
Middlesbrough-born mum-of-two Kellie spent several years as a hotel manager in the likes of Manchester, High Wycombe, Oxford and Hereford.
But on returning to Teesside in 2020, initially joining the council as a council tax advisor, she’s now part of a senior team that devises how the authority operates its various systems of support.
Explaining her role, she said: “I oversee the benefits team who are looking at people from a housing benefit point of view – council tax reductions, discretionary housing payments and welfare rights. It’s about maximising people’s benefits and making sure they’re getting the right levels of entitlement, especially if their circumstances change.”
Most recently, that’s meant allocating the £1.653m Middlesbrough received from the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) – extra post-Covid funding to help those who need it most with such things as energy costs, utility bills, council tax and food.
And in the New Year, for the first time, it will be open to people who don’t automatically receive a payment through their benefits status.
Kellie said: “We give a lot of support to people who receive benefits, because they have the lowest income. But we’ve found there’s a lot of people just over the threshold for receiving benefits but who are also struggling financially now and
could even end up losing their homes because of spiking costs of mortgages and fuel.”
Kellie feels the council takes an enlightened approach to how the HSF money is allocated.
She explained: “Some councils will look at people on benefits or council tax reduction and just make payment direct to them, and that’s it. We take a different approach in Middlesbrough –we do a bit of that but have combined it with application processes to hopefully allow more people to qualify or apply for support.
“The government guidelines on the last HSF scheme concentrated on pensioners and families. Pensioners don’t traditionally engage with us through online forms and so we wrote to several thousand to advise them that they may qualify and tried to get them to respond, and about 50% did.
“Money then went to families in receipt of income based free school meals, which applies to more than 9,000 children in Middlesbrough or people in receipt of council tax reduction – that could be single people, couples or families.
“There’ll be another HSF scheme starting in April so as we’re going through this one, we can collate data and review the feedback of who we’ve paid or couldn’t pay, so that if someone has
applied and has been refused, we can look at why and see if we can build that into the next scheme.”
Kellie says her department works with other council departments and partner organisations – foodbanks, warm spaces, housing providers, even a financial inclusion group – to ensure benefit recipients get as much help and advice as possible.
And at the heart of it all, she says, is a desire to ensure no one misses out on what they’re entitled to.
She said: “We are trying to provide support to as many people as we can. A criticism of some councils can be that they tend to give money to the same people and don’t look at how to support others, but that’s not the case with Middlesbrough.
“Working in hotel management was all about looking after people and making sure they had a good experience – this is similar, looking after the residents of Middlesbrough.
“I enjoy looking at how we can help people – looking at different ways, different strategies, and just trying to get the residents of Middlesbrough as much support as possible.
“As a mum and resident of Middlesbrough I understand the impact the current price rises are having and I’m not immune to them. I want to use my personal experiences and what I see with friends and family, as well as the feedback received from customers in general to ensure support can be provided to everyone that needs it.”
For more information on the HSF visit middlesbrough.gov.uk/household-support-fund
Introducing another key role within the council
I enjoy looking at how we can help people "Support - benefits operations manager Kellie Appleyard. WORDS: DAVE ROBSON PICTURE: TOM BANKS
Cath Dixon smiled, then wiped away a tear, when asked how she felt to be leaving her second home, Acklam Grange School, after 25 years.
It was an emotional time for Cath and her colleagues as she reflected on “an incredibly special” two and a half decades working at the school.
“It’s never been anything but a privilege to work with our young people. Their resilience never ceases to amaze me,” said Cath, 66.
“I feel very lucky and blessed to have been here and overwhelmed at everyone’s kindness.”
Joining Acklam Grange in 1997 as a teaching assistant, Cath worked with children with special educational needs before moving into a safeguarding role.
“I’ve seen a lot of changes over my time here, but the main positive is that safeguarding is the first concern for every member of staff now.
“Our job is to make sure our children
have everything they need to succeed in their education.”
Cath is now looking forward to being a “good granny” to grandson Noah, who’s 18 months old, and seeing more of her son, who lives locally, and her daughter in Australia.
“While I’m still relatively healthy and able, I want to make sure I go and spend some time with my family and see some more of the world.”
She’s worked with hundreds – probably thousands – of young people over the years, each with their own place in Cath’s heart.
“I love it when I see a former student after they’ve left school and learn about their life.
“It’s amazing even to simply hear about someone’s success.”
Acklam Grange’s ethos is that the entire school is a family – it’s adorned on posters and pictures all over the building.
“It’s what the headteacher always says,” continues Cath. “You will always be part of the Acklam Grange family no matter where you go in life. Hopefully I will stay in touch.”
Deputy headteacher Lucy Gowland jokes that Cath “won’t have a choice” in that.
“She is going to be a huge, huge loss to our team. We’ve relied on her professionally, and personally. She’s the person who people go and see when they need someone.”
do in blue bin? visit middlesbrough.gov.uk/recycling
Make sure you put your waste in the right bin. Putting the wrong things in the wrong bins can contaminate all of the ‘good’ recycling you and your neighbours have collected wasting all of your hard work. Plastic bags of any kind should never be placed in your blue bin or clear sack –this is for loose recycling only. Use the guide below to help you get your recycling right or visit Middlesbrough. gov.uk/recycling for guidance on specific items.
Please place items loose (unbagged) in your blue lid recycling bin:
cartons
food tins & drink cans
plastic food containers & bottles
mixed glass bottles & jars
newspapers & magazines
paper & cardboard
Please use your black refuse bin for these items:
plastic film, wrapping, carrier bags, black sacks, sweet wrappers or crisp packets
1 2 3
food waste takeaway pizza boxes
takeaway food containers
textiles
nappies
If you have any questions, or you are unsure about any aspect of the service, visit middlesbrough.gov.uk/recycling or telephone 01642 726001
Don’t forget to ‘Keep it loose’
Council Tax bills for 2023-24 will be delivered in the middle of March.
Each year we deliver hundreds of services and projects to Middlesbrough residents and visitors. Council Tax makes up around a quarter of our income and is incredibly important to the town.
We understand that household budgets are under pressure as food costs and bills increase.
People who have to pay Council Tax and are on a low income, including those in work, can apply for Council Tax Reduction.
Claiming Council Tax Reduction helps reduce the amount of Council Tax you need to pay.
Both working-age people and
The council’s Staying Put Agency can help vulnerable, older and disabled people.
Help available includes blankets, fleeces, boiler servicing and emergency loan heaters. Call 0800 5875 184 or visit middlesbrough.gov.uk/spa
pensioners can claim Council Tax Reduction. The discount you'll get will depend on your income and how many people live in your household.
For Council Tax payers of pensionable age, a second adult rebate could be claimed. This is based on the circumstances of any other adult who lives with you, regardless of your own financial position. This can't be a partner or someone who pays rent to you.
Call us on 01642 726006 and one of our caseworkers will carry out a 'health check' on your account to help us understand how we can support you. This may include discounts like Single Person Discount.
You can find out more online via Middlesbrough.gov.uk/counciltax
We can offer friendly advice on benefits and how to make your money go further. We can also let you know if you’re claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to.
If you find yourself in a financial emergency, you may be entitled to crisis support - call 0808 1789 278.
Visit middlesbrough.gov.uk/ support for details of unclaimed benefits sessions taking place near you.
The council can put you in touch with organisations that provide emergency food from Monday to Friday - call 0808 1789 278.
The White Feather Project offers emergency food help seven days a week, from 9am to 10pm - call 07552 830185.
Middlesbrough also has a network of eco shops which anyone can use. They help prevent food waste and can also help you manage your spending. For just £2-£3 you can get 10 food items.
Visit ecoshop.co.uk for details.
It all comes down to two days in May – but planning for the forthcoming mayoral and local elections has been going on for months.
On May 4, thousands of Middlesbrough residents will go the polls. And by the end of May 5, once all the votes are counted, the name of the mayor and composition of the council should be known.
And for people like electoral services officer Bruce Holloway, it will mark the climax of around 10 months of planning.
Bruce has been with Middlesbrough Council for 14 years, with the last nine in his current role.
He’s part of a four-strong team that constantly works on maintaining and updating the electoral register and, since last August, has been meticulously planning for May 4.
With a mayoral election, 20 local ward elections to return 46 councillors and parish council elections in Nunthorpe and Stainton and Thornton to organise, it’s quite a task anyway – and this year, a change in legislation had to be factored in too.
Bruce explained: “A law was passed in April 2022 meaning that voter ID must be used from this May. In other words, you need to show some form of acceptable photo ID to vote.”
Bruce says the first planning meetings for the 2023 elections began last August – “then by the end of October, we’re in full election mode, with colleagues from the democratic services team drafted in to help.
“We have 68 polling stations, so sites need to be identified, buildings booked, ballot boxes supplied, all the basics really. And by the time the last votes are counted, something like 600 people will have worked on the election in Middlesbrough. It’s amazing how many people it involves – going from a team of four in September to 600 by the time we reach two days in May.”
On polling day, Bruce admits it’s all hands to the pump. “We’ll be in the office from 6.30am, firefighting any snags. No matter how much you've prepared over the previous 10 months, you can’t account for everything.”
And after 10pm, the focus moves from the polling stations to the Middlesbrough Sports Village, where more than 100 people will be working at the count.
Bruce said: “I love the buzz of the count – it’s hard work but it’s good to see your 10 months of work come to fruition. There are massive sighs of relief when you nail another one.”
In his nine years, Bruce says he’s probably been involved in up to 20 counts, but one in particular sticks in his mind.
“The EU referendum count in 2016 was memorable, mainly because of how much interest there was in it. It was frantic in the office and the phone didn’t stop ringing.”
Bruce, who plays tuba for Marske Brass Band in his spare time, admits there’ll be little time to reflect on a job well done once the final result is announced on May 5.
He explained: “My stepson Jack marries
Stacey on May 6 – AND it’s the King’s Coronation Day! But hopefully I’ll be able to put my feet up briefly on May 7.”
And urging people to vote – or register to vote – Bruce said: “It’s your chance to influence how your town and public services are run for the following four years.”
The town’s 68 polling stations will be open from 7am-10pm
The mayoral result is expected early on May 5, with the council results later that day.
Each voter must have acceptable photo ID. These include: passport, driving licence (including provisional licence), blue badge, concessionary travel cards, identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme), biometric immigration document, defence identity card or certain national identity cards.
Around 16,000 people – 20% - are expected to use a postal vote.
The deadline to register in order to vote is April 17.
Turnout for the last combined election in 2019 was 31.7%.
On May 4 this year, the town will go to the polls to decide its next elected mayor, its 46 ward councillors and parish councillors for Nunthorpe and Stainton and Thornton.
Middlesbrough residents are being urged to make sure they are registered to vote ahead of the local and mayoral elections scheduled for Thursday, May 4. All residents are responsible for registering themselves to vote; you must be registered to vote by midnight on Monday, April 17.
For more information and online registration, please visit: gov.uk/register-to-vote
Alternatively, for all enquiries or for support with applications, you can contact the Electoral Services team via:
Phone: 01642 729771
Email: elections@middlesbrough.gov.uk or
Write to: Electoral Services, Middlesbrough Council, PO Box 503, Town Hall, Middlesbrough TS1 9FX
Why vote by post?
> It could save you time.
> If you cannot attend the polling station to vote in person on polling day.
> It is quick and simple.
You can request to vote by post if you are already registered (ie you are already on the electoral register) by filling in a postal vote application form. These are available by contacting the Electoral Services team or downloading from the council’s websitemiddlesbrough.gov.uk/votebypost
If you are not yet registered, you can register and select the option to vote by post. The deadline for postal vote registration is 5pm on Tuesday, April 18. It is important that your completed postal vote is returned in good time, ideally one week prior to the election.
Voting by Proxy
Proxy voting means that if you are not able to cast your vote in person, you can have someone you trust cast your vote for you. Please note that the person who you choose to vote on your behalf will need to go to your registered polling station (the address will be on your polling letter) and show their own ID to cast your vote, or they can opt to vote by post. For more information and the necessary links for registration, please contact the Electoral Services Team or visit: middlesbrough.gov.uk/elections/ways-vote
The deadline for voting by proxy registration is 5pm on Tuesday, April 25.
Help the Presiding Officer run a polling station by setting up equipment, issuing papers to the public, marking the electoral register and accurately completing paperwork. Hours of work: May 4, 6.30am-10pm.
Middlesbrough Council needs different kinds of people willing to stand for election - councillors who are capable, vibrant, energetic and engaged, with a commitment to local people and a passion for change.
The council is currently in the process of delivering a series of briefing sessions for candidates, agents and people who are interested in standing for election. The next session will provide information regarding the nominations process and will take place at 10am on Friday, March 17 (venue TBC). There is no need to register in advance.
For the first time, new legislation (Elections Act 2022) requires that from Thursday, May 4, 2023, voters in England must show photo ID in order to vote at polling stations in some elections. This will apply to local elections, Police and Crime Commissioner elections, UK parliamentary by-elections, and Recall petitions. From October 2023, it will also apply to UK general elections.
Acceptable forms of photo ID include:
> A passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country;
> A driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence;
> A blue badge; or
> A bus pass (older person’s or disabled person’s).
There is also extensive and easy to follow information for candidates and agents available on the Electoral Commission website –electoralcommission.org.uk
Please visit the Middlesbrough Council website for further local information. Details of persons standing for election will appear on the council’s website once the nominations process has closed. Following the elections, the results will be made available on the council’s websitemiddlesbrough.gov.uk/elections/ election-results
Count assistant
Count staff open ballot boxes, verify that the number of votes in the boxes matches the number of ballot papers issued and then count the votes for each candidate. Hours of work (approx.): May 4, 9.30pm2am, May 5, 9.30am-4pm.
All dates/times are correct at time of going to print but may be subject to change. All rates of pay are to be confirmed.
APPLY NOW
All applications to work on elections are through MEA – our secure online portal Please email recruitelections@middlesbrough.gov.uk with your name and home address (including post code)
You will only need to show one form of photo ID. However, this must be the original version and not a photocopy. You can still use your photo ID if it is out of date, as long as it looks like you. The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote.
If you do NOT have an acceptable form of photo ID, you are unsure as to whether your photo ID still looks like you, or you are worried about using an existing form of ID for any other reason, such as the use of a gender marker, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate on the government website gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voterauthority-certificate
The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for the elections on Thursday, May 4 is 5pm on Tuesday, April 25. You must be registered to vote before you apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.
We will then send you a link and login details for MEA so you can indicate your availability and select your preferred role.
In addition to those changes already identified, the Elections Act 2022 will introduce a number of other changes, including:
> Changes to the voting system for mayoral and PCC elections.
> Improving the accessibility of elections.
> Preventing undue influence.
> Changes for EU Citizens.
> Changes to overseas voting.
Further information regarding these changes, as well as a useful booklet entitled ‘Voter ID – Your Guide’, can be found on the council websitemiddlesbrough.gov.uk/elections-act-22
Information is also available on the Electoral Commission websiteelectoralcommission.org.uk
PD Ports is one of the largest private employers in the Tees Valley and, as owner and operator of Teesport, a business of national significance.
During 2022, as with the majority of other industries, the maritime sector was affected by the economic headwinds in the UK, as well as the ongoing impact of the war in Ukraine, Covid-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruption.
Despite this, Teesport remains a vital piece of national infrastructure, handling 27m tonnes of cargo in 2021 as the sixth largest port by volume in the UK.
In the past year, PD Ports was named Business of the Year at the prestigious Maritime UK Awards for demonstrating a real understanding of its target market while also showing impressive growth and sustainability across a number of factors, including job creation and national and international impact.
The port operator has continued to build on this success, receiving eight further industry awards in the time since, recognising achievements in areas including sustainability, safety, people development and innovation.
Teesport is not, however, just a critical gateway for international trade, says CEO Frans Calje - it also has an essential role in supporting the UK’s net zero ambitions.
“We have a responsibility to facilitate new renewable and green technologies,” said Frans, who was awarded an OBE in the late Queen’s last birthday honours for his services to international trade.
“In May, we strengthened the River Tees’ position as a global leader in offshore wind by entering a new long-term deal with Seajacks, a world-leader in offshore solutions, to bring their UK marine base to the Tees Valley. And in November, we followed this by securing a deal with Green
Lithium that will see Teesport become home to the UK’s first green lithium refinery.”
PD Ports’ enduring commitment to levelling up is also reflected in its ongoing support for young people and communities across the region. As the UK’s leading port operator for supporting young people, during 2022 the port operator maintained its industry-leading apprenticeship programme, welcoming 13 new apprentices into the business.
Frans continued: “It is fantastic to see our apprentices achieve recognition for their achievements and in September, I was delighted that Emily Clark, an apprentice civil engineer, received the ‘Best Newcomer’ Award at the Fifth Annual Tees Businesswomen Awards.
“It is also great to see so many apprentices and colleagues stay with the business as we continue to make PD Ports a great place to work.”
Another continuing focus for PD Ports is helping companies achieve more sustainable, efficient and resilient supply chains and, in the space of the last two months, it has already boosted its weekly vessel calls with two additional services.
The first, a brand new, dedicated
service from Spain and Portugal into Teesport, is now running weekly as of the start of 2023, demonstrating the growing demand for global shippers to use Teesport as the gateway into the UK.
The second, announced in January, is an additional weekly sailing between Rotterdam, Botlek and Teesport, in collaboration with shipping line A2B-online.
The expansion of the service will increase sailings to four times per week and increase the total number of containers handled on the route to 40,000 per year, highlighting key opportunities for continued growth at the port.
Geoff Lippitt, chief commercial officer at PD Ports, said: “We’re delighted to be building on our relationships with both A2B-online and Ellerman City Liners to deliver these additional services into Teesport.
“The expansion of our roster means that we can now provide even more opportunities for shippers to import and export their goods to and from Europe while also taking advantage of our extensive service offering as a reliable trading partner.”
Throughout the course of 2023, the port operator remains wholly committed to continued promotion of the unique strengths of the River Tees and the wider region. And although it appears as though economic headwinds will continue during the year ahead, Frans is confident that PD Ports is forecast for a strong 2023.
“We will continue to work hard to drive growth and seize new opportunities. Our uncompromising ambition is that PD Ports remains a catalyst for a stronger economy, a more sustainable future, and a thriving Tees Valley.”
Our uncompromising ambition is that PD Ports remains a catalyst for a stronger economy, a more sustainable future, and a thriving Tees Valley.”Confident – PD Ports CEO Frans Calje OBE.
Professionals involved in supporting children and young people across Middlesbrough came together at a special event.
The Middlesbrough Children Matter conference saw council staff and those from partner organisations hear from guest speakers and celebrate the improvements being made in children’s social care.
A focus of the event was how the power of partnership working is helping to improve children’s lives for the better.
The conference at Middlesbrough Town Hall was sponsored by Digiwise, Durata and Teesside University.
The audience was inspired by special guests Lisa Cherry, former Britain’s Got Talent winner ‘Lost Voice Guy’ Lee Ridley, and Richard McCann.
Bespoke topical workshops were facilitated by North East Young Dads & Lads project, Antser and Cleveland Police.
The council was hugely grateful to the sponsors for their support.
Digiwise is the council’s Nominet-funded project to help young people protect themselves in the digital world.
The programme worked with care experienced young people to develop materials around staying safe online.
Ralph Jordinson, the council’s risk and resilience coordinator, said: “The ethos of Middlesbrough Children Matter is that we should always listen to young people, build relationships with them and be focused on what they tell us they want services to look like.
“The conference was the perfect fit for Digiwise.”
Middlesbrough Rugby Union Football Club is celebrating its 150th season with a series of events across the town and beyond.
The community-based club played its first game in November 1872 against Northumberland RFC.
Celebrations for the anniversary year got under way with a family event in September, and visits to schools across the town are lined up over the coming months.
The club became the first English rugby union club to be successful in obtaining a grant for their sport from the National Heritage Lottery Fund.
The grant has allowed club members to visit local schools, producing pop-up boards on the club’s heritage and development of the sport.
The Lottery Fund also supported an anniversary brochure and the making of a film – a project managed by club stalwart Andy Murray.
For more information visit www. bororugby.co.uk
Andy Preston (Ind) mayor@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Middlesbrough Council, PO Box 500, Middlesbrough, TS1 9FT
Middlesbrough
Andy McDonald MP (Lab) 01642 246574 andy.mcdonald.2nd@parliament.uk andymcdonaldmp.org
Unite the Union building, Fry Street, Middlesbrough, TS1 1HA Monthly surgeries held via telephone and Zoom.
February 27 Budget Meeting
Ben Houchen (Con) Teesvalley-ca.gov.uk or 01325 792600
Teesside Airport
Business Suite, Teesside International Airport, Darlington DL2 1NJ
Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland
Simon Clarke MP (Con) 01287 204709 or simon-clarke.org.uk
South Tees Conservatives, 11 Rectory Lane, Guisborough TS14 7DJ
Steve Turner (Con) pcc@cleveland.pnn.police.uk 01642 301861
Shared Services, c/o St Mark's House, St Mark's Court, Thornaby, Stockton, TS17 6QW
Lab: Labour
Con: Conservative
Ind: Independent
MICA: Middlesbrough Independent Councillors’ Association
MIG: Middlesbrough Independent Group
All taking place in the Council Chamber and starting at 7pm:
March 8 (Provisional date in case the budget is not agreed on February 27)
May 24 Council AGM
Acklam
Councillor Sheila Dean (Lab) 07849 8557493 or sheila_dean@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Eric Polano (MICA) 07398 830643 or eric_polano@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Ayresome
Councillor Antony High (Lab) antony_high@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Denise Rooney (Lab) denise_rooney@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Berwick Hills & Pallister
Councillor Donna Jones (MIG) donna_jones@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Raymond Sands (MICA) 07862 829060 or raymond_sands@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Ian Blades (Lab) 07908 498604 or ian_blades@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Brambles & Thorntree
Councillor Geraldine Purvis (Lab) 01642 291472 or geraldine_purvis@middlesbrough.gov.uk
All meetings can be viewed online. For more information visit: middlesbrough.gov.uk/council-meetings
Councillor Janet Thompson (Lab) 01642 824801 or janet_thompson@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Graham Wilson (MICA) 07833 505436 or graham_wilson@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Central
Councillor Linda Lewis (Lab) 01642 646652 & 07531931548 or linda_lewis@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Matthew Storey (Lab) 07793 274203 or matthew_storey@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Local elections are taking place on May 4, so the information on these pages is likely to change after that date. See p22/23 for information about the elections – and for the latest councillor information, visit Middlesbrough.gov.uk/councillors
Councillor Zafar Uddin (Lab) 01642 820613 & 07891345201 or zafar_uddin@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Coulby Newham
Councillor David Branson (Lab) 07724 045998 or david_branson@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Luke Mason (Con) 07519 095149 or luke_mason@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Stefan Walker (MIG) stefan_walker@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Hemlington
Councillor Allan Bell (MICA) 07507 349535 or allan_bell@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Jeanette Walker (Lab) 01642 276732 or jeanette_walker@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Kader
Councillor Ron Arundale (MIG) 01642 288504 or ronald_arundale@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Jim Platt (MICA) jim_platt@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Ladgate
Councillor Craig Wright (Lab) 07889 266415 or craig_wright@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Tony Grainge (Ind) tony_grainge@middlesbrough.gov.uk.
Linthorpe
Councillor Naweed Hussain (Lab) 07766 252524 or naweed_hussain@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Philippa Storey (Lab) 07590 640900 or philippa_storey@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Longlands & Beechwood
Councillor Teresa Higgins (Lab) 01642 824135 or teresa_higgins@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Joan McTigue (Ind) 01642 441154 or joan_mctigue@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Mary Nugent (Lab) mary_nugent@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Marton East
Councillor Dorothy Davison (MIG) 01642 275489 dorothy_davison@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Tom Mawston (MIG) 01642 274054 or tom_mawston@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Marton West
Councillor Chris Hobson (MIG) 01642 313154 or chris_hobson@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor John Hobson (MIG) 01642 313154 or john_hobson@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Newport
Councillor Chris Cooke (Lab) 07925 534023 chris_cooke@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Barrie Cooper (MICA) 07866 061733 or barrie_cooper@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Alma Hellaoui (Lab) 07980 921071 or alma_hellaoui@middlesbrough.gov.uk
North Ormesby
Councillor Nicola Gascoigne (Lab) 07393449602 or nicola_gascoigne@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Nunthorpe
Councillor Jon Rathmell (Ind) 07929 661771 or jon_rathmell@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Mieka Smiles (Con) 01642 728250 & 07938 119858 or mieka_smiles@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Park
Councillor Theo Furness (Lab) 07436137602 or theo_furness@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Chris McIntyre (MICA) 01642 290397 & 07504 712643 or chris_mcintyre@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Julia Rostron (Lab) julia_rostron@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Park End & Beckfield
Councillor Stephen Hill (MICA) 07840 673863 or stephen_hill@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Brian Hubbard (MICA) 01642 500419 & 07701 350696 or brian_hubbard@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Michael Saunders (MICA) 01642 984289 & 07505 473922 or michael_saunders@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Stainton & Thornton
Councillor David Coupe (Con) david_coupe@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Trimdon
Councillor Carolyn Dodds (MIG) carolyn_dodds@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Councillor Dennis McCabe (MIG) dennis_mccabe@middlesbrough.gov.uk
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