Saltburn Agora Partnership Chairwoman represented Saltburn at an all Party Parliamentary Committee meeting at the House of Commons on Tuesday “6th July.

The two hour meeting was attended by 6 MP’s looking for feedback on how Saltburn’s participation in the Agora pilot scheme run by Manchester Metropolitan University had progressed, and what lessons could be learnt by other small towns, both nationally and internationally.

Saltburn’s parliamentary representation came at the end of an 18 month successful pilot study to improve the local economy in Saltburn. “Saltburn has created a strong partnership with businesses, community groups and important local stakeholders such as Cleveland Police and the Parish Council.” Says Diana “this has made our town very effective when addressing decisions that affect our future”.

The meeting involved presentations to the MP’s about the effectiveness of the pilot studies in the individual towns. The meeting gave an opportunity for the representatives from the pilot towns to express the real life concerns of high streets that need economic support to survive to MP’s formulating future strategies that will have a significant impact on our high streets.

“I asked the MP’s why the large Supermarket Chains were allowed to build such large stores on the outskirts of towns, killing off the independent retailer in the high street. In Saltburn this has been highlighted by retailers as a significant threat to business.”

In the light of recent government research into the sever decline of British coastal towns it is particularly important to see that improvements in the fortunes of seaside towns are possible. Although the pilot study has come to an end, the Agora partnership is planning for a long and strong future to build on their success to date.

For the last 18 months Saltburn has been one of eight pilot communities selected by Manchester Metropolitan University and the Association of Town Centre Management as part of the Agora project, which is part funded by the European Social Fund’s Equal Programme. This project aims to reverse economic decline on the high street by ensuring town centers are run to serve the needs of their local communities.

Councillor Marion Jefferson, left, of Saltburn, wears her new chain of office as chairman of Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council. Outgoing chairman Councillor Vera Rider, of New Marske, holds a memento plaque presented to her as a thank-you for her year.

Marion Jefferson, a Labour councillor, has lived in Saltburn since 1980 and used to run Marion's Plaice, a fish-and-chip shop in Woodrow Avenue. A grandmother, she has worked in several care homes in Saltburn.

Councillor Joan Guy, also of Saltburn, is Mrs Jefferson's escort for the year.

The Alliance & Leicester have made a planning application for a cash machine to be installed at Somerfield supermarket. You can view the proposed application here

Hosts are being sought for 20 "Chernobyl kids" who are to spend a fortnight's break from Ukraine in Saltburn this summer.
Organiser Martin Bell, of Saltburn said the visit would help to prolong the lives of youngsters aged 10-16 from Kiev, where people are still being affected by nuclear fallout from the Chernobyl works explosion of April 26 1986. For full story see the March Edition of
Talk of the Town - page 31

Two "firsts" for Saltburn took place at the town's community centre when a Saltburn couple Gerald Heasley and Peggy Moore were married there - the first wedding to take place in the building since it became a community hall. For full story see the March Edition of
Talk of the Town - page 28

The new Childrens Centre on the Huncliffe site ill be oficially opened on 14th December by BBC Radio's Stuart McFarlane and 2-year old Chariss Savory at 1.30pm.

The new centre, which cost £1.3m to build, has proved very popular with young families not only from Saltburn, but from the surounding villages of Guisborough, Lingdale, Boosbeck & Skelton.

Rosedene Nurseries run th 45-place nursery for under 5's, but the centre also includes daycare, health clinics, training courses and councelling.

December sees the start of 3 new business ventures in Saltburn. The Kings Grill a modern brasserie, Saltburn Electrical light fittings and Be All You Can gifts & well being.

The Kings Grill is located above the Victoria Public House, serving locally sourced produce in a warm and friendly atmosphere every evening from 5pm (except Thursday) and for Sunday lunch from 12pm till 5pm (no evening service).

Saltburn Electrical in Dundas Street has expanded to offer a full light
fitting service. Providing friendly, helpful, advice on choosing electrical fittings for all the rooms in your home, as well as supplying 100’s of different styles of light fittings, electrical accessories and light bulbs.

Need an unusual gift? Some Christmas inspirations? Then visit Be All You Can and take a look at their lovely selection of candles, oils, books, CD’s and games. Perfect gifts for all ages.

So avoid the hectic hustle and bustle of the city, come and do your last minute Christmas shopping in beautiful Saltburn and discover the hidden treasures for sale on your doorstep.

The Agora partnership invite you take a look around Saltburn this Christmas and discover the many hidden treasures on offer. Saltburn offers a mix of traditional and contemporary independent shops as well as a wide selection of services.

Come to Saltburn for your Christmas shopping and discover treats for all the family as well as Christmas essentials. Saltburn is number one when it comes to customer service and excellent local produce.

Saltburn continues to be a thriving Spa town with many new and traditional forms of therapies on offer. Combine a day at the shops with a walk along Saltburn’s beautiful beaches and through the award winning Valley Gardens with a visit to Saltburn’s selection of coffee shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs. Discover a great day out in Saltburn!

Local resident Ian Bedford has recently finished his book, Behind the Names. This is a biography on the names on Saltburn War Memorial.

He has provided, where possible, the background details of the men, and also in many cases details from war diaries of the battle that they died in.

The book is being promoted through talks and local publicity, and can be purchased from the Tourist Information Office in Saltburn.

Santa arrived in style this year in a Fire Engine to mark the switch on of the Christmas Tree lights.

The wet weather held off enough to make the speciality market held in the Station Precinct very popular to visitors and residents alike, and continued until after dark.

Brass Bands were playing throughout the day, and Punch & Judy was held outside the Station Buildings.

Santa was able to greet all the children eagerly waiting, and gave out free gifts throughout.

A cheque was handed over today for £261.67 from Norman Dodds and friends of The Marine for decoration of the fire engine to be used in the Santa Parade when the Chrismas Tree lights get switched on.

Drinkers at the Marine started raising cash at the beginning of the year, and collecting boxes were placed on both bars. The cash raised was the sum of customers depositing the odd coppers throughout the year.

Pictured Back Row is Kev, Mike Steere (Ex Station Officer), Rob Jones, Dave Clarkson, Mandy Berrysford, Adian Berrysford, George Robinson as Santa, Barbara Harpham (Councillor) and Paul Thompson (Station Officer)
Pictured Front Row are Firemen Ken Wales, Andy Wilson, Sol Hurstwood and Gavin Pigeon.

This years remembrance parade started at Somerfield car park at 9.30. The procession marched via Milton Street and Hilda Place to Emmanuel Church, where the service was held.

After the service, the procession, together with the ex-servicemen and women, Saltburn Army Cadets, Saltburn Cubs and Scouts, and Saltburn Brownies marched along Windsor Road and Albion Terrace to the cenotaph, where an open air service was held by Guy Donovan-Cross.

The Last Post was played by Saltburn resident Crawford Hall.

Two minutes silence was held, after which wreaths were laid by the Church, together with the local council, police and fire service, along with many local groups and societies.

Local author Richard Thomas has been very busy since his retirement. He has just had published his latest book, "Not Without Honour". This is the seventh book he has written.

Richard, now aged 86, has plans for a further 3 books. Not Without Honour tells the story of four families in the turbulent days of the English Civil Wars (1642-1661).

In three sections; Against the King,To Rue the Victory and None That Cried But Dogs, it tells of the effect of the wars upon the lives and livelihoods of these families. Of the bitterness caused by divided allegiance; a tale of love and emotion, intrigue and treachery, witchcraft and murder. In 18 years the face of England and the way of life of its people were changed.

This is the story of that change expressed through the hopes, aspirations and fears of those who lived at that troubled time.

The book is available from Richard Thomas, 36 Diamond Street, Saltburn, TS12 1EB, and is priced at £9.95 + 1.75 p&p

The Cricket Club held the annual bonfire night celebrations with a large display of fireworks and a bonfire.

This year, there was the addition of a fair on one side of the car park in front of the leisure centre.

Althogh it was quite windy, and a little chilly, the event was very well attended.

The Saltburn Agora partnership is pleased to announce the appointment of the Business Development Manager for Saltburn.

Stephanie French, a Saltburn resident, has been appointed to the post that is funded by the Tees Valley Partnership with offices at Groundwork, 26 Station Street, Saltburn. Stephanie’s background is 15 years of marketing, primarily within large organisations. Starting as a graduate trainee with Dalgety Spillers where she pursued a successful career in brand management within pet foods and then as senior brand manager for Kleenex. She spent several years in Switzerland working as the Managing Director of a marketing communications agency where she worked with ABB to coordinate and produce their global corporate communications campaigns. In November 2001 she moved to Saltburn, to be with her partner Phil Bedford. They have a young son called Cameron. Over the last few years Stephanie has built her own successful website business selling baby and toddler footwear.

“I am delighted to be appointed to this post and make a contribution to my local community. Saltburn is a very special place with enormous potential.”

Saltburn is one of eight pilot communities selected by Manchester Metropolitan University and the Association of Town Centre Management as part of the Agora project, which is part funded by the European Social Fund’s Equal Programme. This project aims to reverse economic decline on the high street by ensuring town centres are run to serve the needs of all their local communities.

Stephanie’s role will be to coordinate and promote retailers, community groups and local publicity material to attract visitors and shoppers to Saltburn. This will help to help fulfil the aim of Agora, which is to create a booming vibrant town that is attractive to both local people and tourists, where tourists shop and locals enjoy the facilities of the town. She says “Saltburn is full of hidden treasure, it’s time to rediscover it and for all to enjoy it.”

The first Agora activity will be the Christmas speciality market, organised by Real Meals, on Saturday November 25th at the Station Square in Saltburn, starting at 10am and continuing throughout the day and early evening as the town gets ready to switch on the Christmas lights. Please contact Real Meals if you would like your business to get involved.

To date the Agora committee has formed a partnership with 40 local businesses to promote Saltburn and its’ business community. The number of businesses in the partnership will expand over the coming months.

Saltburn. Treasure it!

The Agora Committee would like to invite all businesses in Saltburn to an open meeting on Tuesday 7th November 2006 at The Spa Hotel

Presentation times are 5.30pm and repeated at 8pm

Tuesday’s meeting will introduce Stephanie French as the new Business Development manager for Saltburn. She will give a presentation about current and future Agora initiatives. It will be an opportunity to meet Stephanie as she starts her role and discuss any ideas you may have.

Stephanie is based at the Groundwork office, 26 Station Street, Saltburn, next to the old Talk Mobile shop. (01287) 625326. Office hours are Tuesday morning, all day Wednesday and Thursday.

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday!

The Agora Committee

The annual parade and service at Saltburn cenotaph on Sunday November 12 will be changed a little this year to reflect the age of ex-servicemen and women taking part.

Instead of marching from Somerfield's car park to Emmanuel Church and then on to the cenotaph in Glenside, the parade will march from the church after a service there. It will disperse after the open-air service at the cenotaph.

"The ex-service people involved are getting a bit older and have decided to cut the distance for the march," said Mr Atkinson, 78. He said several of the 10 or so ex-service people involved were in their 80s.

Marchers include Army cadets. members of the local Scout and Guide groups and community members. The public is also invited to join the 300 yard march. The parade will assemble outside Emmanuel Church at 9.45am with the service starting at 10am.

The timing of the cenotaph service will depend on the length of the church event, but it is expected to be at around 11am.

Last year nearly 200 people took part. Wreaths were laid at the cenotaph by 17 community groups.

Mr Atkinson has been campaigning for the past five years for improvements to be made to the infrastructure round the cenotaph. Redcar and Cleveland Council officials said they were making progress about seeking grants for work.

Meanwhile, Armistace Day on Saturday November 11 will be marked by two minutes' silence in Saltburn town centre.

A whistle will be blown just before the hour by Ned Atkinson, of Saltburn and District Royal British Legion, to invite passers-by to pause for the traditional two minutes.

"We'll say the epitaph to mark those who died in wars in the past 100 years. Then I'll blow the whistle to mark the end of the pause at 11.02," he said. Army cadets and local shop staff are expected to join in the annual mark of respect.

John Wilby, manager of Somerfield's, supermarket, will stop trading for the two minutes. "We've never encountered a problem about observing the silence in the four years I've been here. All customers are really respectful," he said.

Summary of some of the planning decisions by the parish council at their last meeting :

• The demolition of the bungalow and victorian greenhouses in the valley gardens & to be replaced with picnic area, amphitheatre and hedge maze - Approved (Click here for view Before & After)
• The demolition of the beach cafe at Cat Nab and permission for rebuilding - Approved (Click here for Plan-1 & Plan-2)
• Extension of Camfields cafe (old ticket office for miniature railway) - Rejected (Click here for plans)

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.

Coordinator John Pearson, who will stay until the end of October, said: “It’s very sad indeed.” He promised to continue searching for funding – running costs are £5,000 a month – and to offer help to local young people up until his departure.

Mr Pearson, who left a job in industry early last year to join DoorWays said the management committee had decided to give staff notice of redundancy as required by law. He said the planned “residential” week in Scotland for 12 youngsters had been cancelled.

“It will be difficult to keep going the drop-in facility, where kids spend time and play games, after the end of September unless volunteers came forward. “This is a possibility.”

The Station Square drop-in has been used by an average of nearly 30 young people daily during the summer holidays.

DoorWays was started by local churches because of a need to help two groups of young people – 11-16’s and 16-25’s. A month ago a “Friends of DoorWays” group was started to help with fund-raising.

Mr Pearson said he had made 60 requests for funding, but in the past year only 11 had made positive replies.

The project holds workshops on alcohol, drugs and relationships. It runs swimming, bowling and football and offers help with advice on issues like housing, benefits, jobs and “risk-taking behaviour.”

Mr Pearson said: “DoorWays makes no judgements regarding the young people. They are accepted where they are and help is given where needed.”

It recently started an on-the-street outreach on Friday nights. Mr Pearson said this had been “of benefit” to the town.

The group now has around 400 members and new courses being offered for the coming season are belly dancing, painting for pleasure, needlecraft and country dancing.

Group leaders for any new activity are welcome, especially for a group in Spanish or Italian.

Go along and join if you are over 50 and not in full time employment.

Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council has backed an idea to erect 10in diameter steel plaques on special buildings.

Three sites have been identified, but more suggestions are needed.

The first three sites selected are:

The site of Saltburn's Halfpenny Bridge, where the first phone call in the UK is said to have been made across the valley.

Saltburn beach, to mark the world land speed record broken there.

Winkies Castle, Marske, said to be the oldest building still in use in Marske.

The council wants suggestions for seven more sites. Send your ideas to Mrs S Preston, clerk to the council, Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council, Leisure Centre, Marske Mill Lane, Saltburn, TS12 1HJ.

Plans are in place to help Saltburn to become a "booming, vibrant town" through a business development manager. The newly-formed business and community marketing group Agora has received funding for a Saltburn-based manager.

The money is coming from the Tees Valley Partnership and the post will be advertised in the next few weeks.

The aim of the partnership is to create a booming, vibrant town, which is attractive to both local people and visitors. Over 40 businesses and community groups have pledged their support and the pledges are now to be redeemed.

Saltburn is one of 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 pilot scheme has been looking at different ways to regenerate town centres, especially retail outlets as the small local shop is a dying breed due to changes in people's shopping habits.

Agora ran a stall at the speciality foods' fair in the town centre on August 12 when members asked the public to fill in a questionnaire about the town.

David Donnelly, 22, of Hob Hill, completed the survey with members Garry Stonehouse, left, and Philip Laughton.

Garry runs the local computer shop on Cleveland Street, "Garry.biz", while Philip, an accountant, is treasurer of the 500 Club.

David said: "To the question about what gifts I buy in Saltburn I put chocolates and flowers. And my last major purchase outside the town was a coffee table."

Hundreds of people have backed a campaign to keep adverts off a town centre roundabout.

Redcar and Cleveland Council runs a scheme for firms to sponsor signs on roundabouts, with the sponsorship helping to fund aesthetic improvements.

But people in Saltburn are calling for the council not to place such adverts on the roundabout near Saltburn station.

Campaigner Marjorie Wieland, who organised a 1,350-name petition which has been handed over to the council, said: "We feel it would be a traffic hazard as it would distract motorists.

"We also feel visitors would rather see the colourful flowers on the roundabout, not advertisements."

She added: "I don't think the area should be commercialised in this way, we are bombarded with advertisements as it is already."

Councillor Eric Empson, cabinet member for strategic planning and development, said there were no adverts on the Saltburn roundabout at present and no immediate plans to install any.

He said: "There are none there. If anyone asks to have one, we would look into it.

"When we heard of the concerns about this particular roundabout, we spoke to a former Northumbria In Bloom judge who was of the opinion they were a good thing.

"The reason the former judge gave was that the sponsorship generates money towards improving the area."

Nearby resident Dr Bill Kelly said he had not noticed the board, but thought the figure was a “blue cock.”

Another passer-by said he thought it was a hen and was puzzled as he thought the community association’s logo was a seagull. A third passer-by guessed it was a cockerel, but didn’t not know why the board had been put up over the front door in Albion Terrace.

Philip Thomson, community association chairman, solved the mystery by saying: “It’s a blue cock after Le Coq Bleu nightclub which features in our production The Blue Bird.

“We put up the board, without comment, to generate interest. It is part of our promotion exercise. We hope it will whet people’s appetite for the production, which is set in Paris in the 1920s.” Mr Thomson has spent five months researching the story and three months writing the scrip for the 30-strong cast.

“I enjoy preparing these musicals. It is therapeutic. I’ve done them for the past five summers, all based in different cities and countries including the US, Italy and London.

“There is no theme. They are musicals with intrigue.” Mr Thomson said the productions usually attracted audiences of 120 in the 150-seat theatre and he hoped more might come this year. The shows will be run nightly from Wednesday August 16 to Saturday August 19.

“We always try to run them round August 17, which is the date in 1861 when the first recorded passenger steam train arrived in Saltburn. The Saltburn heritage weekends started on August 17, 1986.”

Mr Thomson said the promotion board would be taken down after the last show on August 19. Dr Kelly said he hopes to attend. “Anything which will attract people to the local theatre is welcome. I support the theatre.”

Tickets cost £5 (£4 concessions) and are available from Saltburn’s health food shop. The doors and bar open at 7pm for 7.30 curtain up.

The production is being supported for the first time with funding from the National Lottery through Awards for All, and Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council.

Mr Thomson said talks were continuing with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council about problems over the building’s lease. “The matter is with their legal department. There should be more information available in a few weeks.”

Michael Morrisey

Saltburn's Fire Brigade had to rescue 7 people from the flats above Chocolini's in Milton Street in the early hours of Thursday morning (6th July) after a suspected arson attack.

The fire broke out in the staircase, blocking the only exit for the occupants of the flats. One man was rescued from a top floor window by the Fire Brigades 10m ladder. The fire crew then had to break down the door before tackling the blaze on the staircase. During this time, some of the occupants smashed rear windows to try to escape the smoke and fumes. As a result, one man had to be treated for cuts to his arms and wrists.

Only after the staircase had been ventilated could the other 6 occupants and a dog be led to safety. Five of those rescued were taken to James Cook Hospital, where four were admitted after suffering from smoke inhalation.

Paul Thompson, Station Watch Manager at Saltburn, stressed the importance of having smoke detectors fitted to give early warning of a fire, and having an escape plan. Everyone is Saltburn is entitled to FREE smoke detectors, fitted FREE by qualified fire fighters, who will also give a FREE fire safety check of your property, and an escape plan. Even though this only takes 15 minutes, staggeringly only 360 households in Saltburn have taken advantage of this life saving initiative.

To book yours, simply call brigade HQ on 01429 874063 anytime, or call Saltburn Fire Station on (01287) 622076 on Tuesdays between 6pm and 9pm.

A paraglider who crashed into the cliff lift had to be airlifted to hospital in a joint operation between the Fire Brigade, the Coastguard and the Ambulance service.

The 52-year old Redcar man crashed around 1.30pm on Monday (26th June), and suffered spinal and pelvic injuries.

The coastguards, fire crews and ambulance crews secured the man to a spinal board, but were unable to safely remove him from the steep cliff face due to his injuries. A Sea King helicopter was called from RAF Kinloss which safely lifted him off the cliff face, and took him to James Cook Hospital.

The cliff lift was closed during the course of the rescue, which was made all the more difficult due to blustery winds.

Saltburns' local magazine, Talk of the Town, has won category of Best Community Newsletter in the Redcar & Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency's annual award ceremony.

The award was presented to the editor, Ian Tyas, who has been running the magazine for the past 4 years. The ceremony took place on Friday 16th June.

Ian Tyas said he was delighted to win the award, after missing out on it in previous years.

Sarah Ferry, a singing student in Saltburn has dedicated her year out before university to helping children in Ethiopia. Sarah will help with a school scholarship scheme for underprivileged girls and work as a teaching assistant in and out of lessons.

Sarah is a student with Jeanette Wainwright, Saltburn's leading singing teacher. Jeanette tutors groups of teenagers and junior groups of singers and a men's vocal ensemble. As soon as they heard of Sarah's mission to Ethiopia they immediately rallied round and suggested a fund raising concert to help with the cost of the year long scheme.

The concert features the Saltburn Junior Choir, accompanied by a puppet show operated by the teenage singers, dance routines from the film 'Chicago' and live music. Highlight of the concert will be the twenty-strong teen choir singing close harmony gospel music that features in the film 'Sister Act'.

"The girls harmony singing is of an exceptional, professional standard, quite an achievement for young people," said Jeanette, with obvious pride in her young prodigies.

The concert will take place on Saturday 1st July at 2.00 p.m. at The Emmanuel Church, Saltburn, (doors open a 1:30 p.m.). Tickets cost £4 adults and £3 concessions and are available at Saltburn Health Food Shop, Station Street, Saltburn. "This is a once in a life chance to experience the problems facing the children of Ethiopia. My generation has everything handed to them on a plate. This is my opportunity to help children who are a lot less fortunate than those of us who enjoy all the comforts of a western lifestyle," said 17 year old Sarah Ferry.

Garry.biz has expanded into new premises on Cleveland Street. The new computer workshop offers a convenient place to drop off and collect computer systems and laptops for repair.

Garry said "We are an authorised dealer of Print-Rite inks, and have a large selection available for purchase" Garry is still offering his call out service, and see's the workshop as a natural progression to the business.

Planning permission has been granted for the lighting of The Zetland from dusk until 11pm. Permission is pending for the lighting of the Station Buildings and clock on the roundabout.

You can download a copy of the proposed lighting schemes here

Zetland-Lights

Station-Lights

You will need Acrobat Reader to view the downloads

The council is investing £170,000 on upgrading it's public toilets within Saltburn, Marske & Guisborough.

New disabled facilities will be installed at the Saltburn Lower Promenade conveniences when work, costing £54,000, to last seven to eight weeks, starts on Monday, May 15. The nearby Cat Nab toilets will remain open.

The Nostalgia Coast - 10 Miles of Golden Sands. A new free book packed with old photographs is available from the Tourist Information Centre.

The Council's Tourism Section hopes to appeal to all ages with the 16-page free brochure, with eight sections, including the railways, beach activities, motorsports, entertainments, lifeboats and shipwrecks.

Old photographs, dating back over a century, including Malcolm Campbell's world land speed record attempt in The Sunbeam at Saltburn in 1924, Newsomes helter skelter lighthouse in Redcar from 1907 and a sand castle-building competition from 1902 in Saltburn, organised by hot drink maker, Bovril.

The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick, said: "We're promoting the ten miles of golden sands that stretch from the South Gare at the mouth of the Tees to Hummersea near Loftus - that hasn't changed much.

There are 10,000 copies of the brochure, co-written by local historians Tony Lynn and Jo Faulkner, which will be available from the Tourist Information Centres at Redcar, Saltburn and Guisborough.

It has been reported that the Council are considering the demolition of the valley garden tea rooms, together with the bungalow. The tea rooms have always been very popular, and have until this year, been leased by Virgos.

This decision has sparked a great deal of controversy within the town, and Real Meals have voiced their concern, stating that they are trying to create a co-operative, with a view to purchasing the tea rooms from the council. Reals Meals say that they have not been able to contact anyone at the council yet regarding their intentions.

The pier has been voted runner-up to Worthing in the National Piers Society's annual Pier of the Year awards, following its recent success for the lighting.

Chairman of the Friends of Saltburn Pier Tony Lynn, who will travel to the Society's annual meeting in Weston-super-Mare next month, said: "We've never won Pier of the Year, this is the closest we've got.

"I think it shows what an attraction it is and how highly-regarded it is by members of the Society and I'm sure the spectacular lighting has helped."

It is a poignant success for the Friends, whose founder member and former chairman Norman Bainbridge succeeded in bringing the Pier Society annual meeting to Saltburn four years ago. Tony said: "Norman would have been really pleased about this year's result."

Visitors will find it even more difficult to reach the beach with the installation of additional fencing to block their path.

The path and steps opposite the bottom of Emerald Street has been fenced, with additional fences being erected at the top and bottom of all the other paths.

After many years of closure, this problem remains ongoing.

The only routes down to the beach remaining open are the path at Hazelgrove, (not accessible to buggies and wheelchairs), the steps near the cliff lift, and the cliff lift itself.

The fences chosen are a modern design in a natural galvanised finish, and are higher than the existing fencing, which presently runs from the railway bridge at Hazelgrove right round Marine Parade to the cliff lift.

The schools are being designed to enable some of the facilities to be jointly used. This will provide both economic and educational benefits to both schools.

Extended public use of the Campus is envisaged by forming stronger links with the adjacent Leisure Centre. It is also envisaged that there will be extended community use of the new facilities.

The public toilets at the end of the tea lawn in the valley gardens have been demolished.

The closest public toilets to the tea lawn is now the sea front car park at th other end of the miniature railway.

The meeting, which starts at 6pm, includes an hour-long Public Open Forum set aside for question time, specific topics of discussion and the submission of petitions and ideas for future decisions.

Written questions can be posted to the Council's Head of Community Services Ged Demoily at Fairway House, Limerick Road, Dormanstown, TS10 5JU or by e-mail to ged_demoily@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk.

East Cleveland (Marske, New Marske, Saltburn, Skelton): Wed 26 April at St Germain's Grange, Vicarage Drive, Marske.

The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick said: "I'm absolutely delighted the scheme has won. This scheme has been at virtually no cost to the Council taxpayer and has been very, very popular. Dozens of people have told me what an attractive job's been done."

“Really effective lighting using simple fittings,” said the judges of a scheme which uses a blue light to illuminate the track as a visual reference to the water that drives the cliff lift power mechanism. The pier buildings and beach huts are lit to emphasise their heritage.

The Council's Mayor Councillor Peter Spencer collected the award - a metal certificate - along with lighting design consultant Michael Phillips at London's Royal Lancaster Hotel in a ceremony organised by Lighting Equipment News and the Institution of Lighting Engineers.

The scheme's £380,000 funding package included contributions from the Government's regional development agency, One North East, Tees Valley Coastal Arc, the Tees Valley Partnership, the Council, Saltburn Pier Entertainments and Friends of Saltburn Pier.

More lighting has also been installed on the lower promenade and Cat Nab car parks. Design work on a potential Phase 2 including the town's community theatre and railway station portico, is also complete, with funding and planning applications to come.