Hemlington & Coulby Newham -TS8

How Abbie's love is living on

2009-11-09T11:12:53Z

A SPECIAL trust fund inspired by the tragic death of 10-year-old Abbie Clarke has made a real impact in helping young epilepsy patients.

Last October, staff from the paediatric department at The James Cook University Hospital received a massive £30,000 from Abbie's parents, Tracy and Richard, of Coulby Newham.

Abbie, pictured, who was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of five, died in her sleep from sudden unexpected death in epilepsy in December 2006.

Since her death, hundreds of family, friends and staff and pupils from Rose Wood Primary School, have organised scores of events for Abbie's Love - the charity set up by the family.

Gazette readers are also busy collecting Wish tokens from the Evening Gazette for Abbie's Love, which has already received more than 6,000 tokens in a bid to secure a share of the £30,000 available to charities and community groups.

Mum Tracy said: "It is wonderful to see - after just over two years of hard work raising money with the support of our 14 charity trustees, family, friends, work mates, Abbie's school and local people, this money being put to good use in helping other children with epilepsy."

Tracy and Richard set up the Abbie Clarke Epilepsy Trust Fund through the hospital to help local young people with the condition.

Thanks to cash raised, a support group for Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland families has been set up.

Video equipment which allows parents to film seizures has also been purchased which can later be viewed by medics to help clinical diagnosis of the condition.

A regional research project looking at sudden unexpected death in epilepsy is also ongoing. The trust has also almost completed a child eplilepsy patient database - thought to be one of the first of its kind in the country.

Children's services manager Jane Wiles said: "Abbie's trust fund is certainly helping us to make a difference to children with epilepsy."

For further information about the charity, visit www.abbieslove.com

All welcome to fair

2009-11-07T11:27:34Z

CAMPHILL Village Trust Larchfield Community would like to welcome visitors to their Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 14, at 10am-3pm, on Stokesley Road, Hemlington. Home-made cakes, shortbread, jams and chutneys will be on sale, as well as a selection of meat from The Butchery. The Salvation Army Band will play Christmas carols at 1.30pm. For further details call 01642 579800.

OAP's scooter torched next to gas mains

2009-11-06T10:54:33Z

THE charred remains of a vulnerable OAP's mobility scooter, torched dangerously close to gas mains, lie in the garden where arsonists struck.

Michael Holmes, 66, pictured, has been left shivering and stranded in his own home after yobs set fire to his uninsured £3,500 scooter and left him without heating.

His main means of transport was chained to a gas pipe outside his flat in Sunnyside, Coulby Newham.

The retired accountant got up in the early hours of yesterday, after hearing a loud bang outside, to find his home filled with smoke and flames coming through the back door into the kitchen.

He said: "All I did was throw a lot of water at it. I wasn't scared I was just acting on impulse.

"It must have been blazing well before I heard anything."

But the blackened gas meter in his back garden shows that the damage could have been devastating.

"I try not to think what could have happened," added Mr Holmes.

"I haven't had any sleep at all. It had turned 6am when I went to bed. I've only just stopped shivering.

"Someone from the fire brigade said there's been five lads between 12 and 15 who have started fires in the area over the past few weeks.

"I didn't see anyone but apparently they climbed over next door's fence."

Mr Holmes, who moved from Leeds to live near his two sons three years ago, says he will not be intimidated by the thugs and has no intention of moving out of the area.

He said: "This estate's not bad but this gang is hanging around day in day out. You have to keep your eye on them.

"It doesn't really upset me. I wasn't happy, I was annoyed but it doesn't intimidate me. It's just one of those things."

This is not the first time someone has attempted to torch the scooter he uses to get around the local area.

"It's my transport. I can only walk 50 yards without it. It's important to me and expensive," added Mr Holmes, whose two sons David, 40, and Kevin, 36, live in Middlesbrough.

But the pensioner is down to earth about the future: "There's a heck of a lot of work to do but it could have been worse couldn't it?

"I'll battle on. I'm pretty cool like that, I don't let things panic me."

The fire brigade were called to the house just after 4.45am yesterday morning and the gas has now been turned off and the area made safe.

Ray Pyne, watch manager at the Coulby Newham station, said the fire had been started deliberately and that his officers had been called to similar arson attacks.

He told the Gazette locals reported seeing a gang of youngsters hanging round the area.

Mr Pyne said: "What people need to realise is that deliberate fire starting can cause loss of life and damage to property.

"What may start as a stupid prank can have very serious consequences."

Works on the roads in Middlesbrough

2009-11-06T09:42:51Z

RESPECT OUR ROAD WORKERS

Roadworks are a place of work, and the people there deserve just as much respect as you would expect at work. When you are approaching roadworks:
• Keep within the speed limit - it is there for your safety
• Keep a safe distance - there could be queues in front
• Get into the correct lane in good time - don't keep switching
• Observe all signs - they are there to help you
• Be alert for works' traffic leaving or entering the roadworks
• Concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks

A66 ROADWORKS

NORTH MIDDLESBROUGH ACCESSIBILITY SCHEME

Although resurfacing works of the main carriageway of the A66 between Newport Interchange and the A19 are now complete, works are still in place to improve the drainage system on the westbound carriageway across Newport Interchange. Two lanes should continue to be maintained throughout the duration of this work, which are expected to be complete by 13/11/09.

The new traffic signals on Newport Roundabout are now operational, improving safety for motorists and pedestrians alike. All road users are asked to take care as they get used to the new layout and lane designation at this junction.

The new link road is expected to be open on 25/11/09.

Further information is available on www.northmiddlesbroughaccessibility.com

A66 MAINTENANCE WORKS

Lane closures are necessary each Sunday at various locations on the A66 for detailed inspection works, gully cleaning, and repairs to street lighting etc.

Maintenance works involving near-side lane closures are programmed on Sunday 15/11/09 on the westbound main carriageway from Hartington Interchange entry slip to the A19 Interchange, also Hartington entry slip and Cannon park exit and entry slips.

TOWN CENTRE - GAS MAIN RENEWAL WORKS

LINTHORPE ROAD

Major works to renew gas mains on Linthorpe Road are nearing completion and all further works within the town centre will be postponed from 09/11/09. The works will recommence on 18/01/2010.

LINTHORPE ROAD/CORPORATION ROAD/NEWPORT ROAD JUNCTION

NGN works outside House of Fraser are now complete, however excavation works outside Debenhams are continuing until 09/11/09.

NEWPORT ROAD

NGN works are continuing to facilitate pipe insertion from the junction of Linthorpe Road, westbound to the junction with Wilson Street (near the Bus Station), until 09/11/09.

TEMPORARY CLOSURES/ MAJOR WORKS

THE AVENUE AND ORCHARD ROAD, LINTHORPE: RECONSTRUCTION

Full carriageway reconstruction and footpath renewal works commenced on The Avenue and Orchard Road (see plan) on 20th July 2009. The works are being carried out in five phases in order to minimise disruption to residents who are directly affected, with phases 4 and 5 combined in order to achieve an early finish. Works commenced on Phases 4 and 5 on 15th October 2009, and the programmed completion date for the full scheme is 28th November 2009.

During each phase of work the carriageway will be closed to all traffic, with signed diversion routes in place. As with all construction works some disruption is inevitable, although every effort will be made to keep this to a minimum.

As part of the scheme, the opportunity is being taken to introduce a mini-roundabout at the junction of The Avenue and Orchard Road in order to address the poor accident record at this location. The new roundabout will become operational when both roads reopen to traffic at the end of November.

HIGH STREET, ORMESBY

Resurfacing works are scheduled to take place on the High Street, Ormesby, between the junction with Church Lane (near the Ormesby Club and Institute) and the roundabout junction with Cargo Fleet Lane/ Ormesby Bank.

The works were postponed last weekend due to poor weather conditions and will now be carried out in 3 phases over 3 weekends, commencing at 06.00pm on Saturday 07/10/09 and continuing on Sunday 08/11/09. The works will recommence on 14/11/09 and 15/011/09 and then the following weekend, 21/11/09 and 22/11/09.
Lane closures will be in place and temporary traffic lights will be in operation as the works progress.

REMEMBRANCE PARADE - LINTHORPE ROAD

The Remembrance Parade will take place on Sunday 08/11/09. Linthorpe Road will be closed between the junctions of Albert Terrace and Park Road South, from 10.30am until 11.00am and from 12 noon until 12.30pm. The event will be Policed for it's duration with "rolling closures" in effect as each parade passes. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

REINDEER PARADE - CORPORATION ROAD/ ALBERT ROAD

The parade will commence in Hill Street Centre at 12.45pm on Sunday 15/11/09 and proceed eastwards along Corporation Road to the Town Hall, then southwards along Albert Road to Centre Square for 1.30pm. The roads will be closed for the duration of the parade, however pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

TRANSPORTER BRIDGE - TEMPORARY CLOSURE

The Transporter Bridge is closed for essential maintenance works, which are expected to continue for a further week. However, the bridge will be opened earlier, if the works are completed ahead of schedule.

ALBERT MEWS, TOWN CENTRE

A temporary closure will be in place from 08.00 hrs for approximately 4 hours on Sunday 08/11/2009, to ensure the safe operation of a crane lift at the above location.

OLIVE STREET, ST. HILDA'S

A temporary road closure is in place between the junctions with Bridge Street West and Princess Street, to allow demolition/ refurbishment works at the Hostel for the Homeless.
It will take 2 years to complete all phases of the development (approximately April, 2011).

PUBLIC UTILITY WORKS

ORMESBY ROAD/ LONGLANDS ROAD JUNCTION, NORTH ORMESBY

NGN are continuing with major works to renew gas mains at the above location. Lane restrictions and traffic management will be in operation and delays are expected. Traffic management and lane restrictions are expected to be in place until Sunday 08/11/09.

NORMANBY ROAD, ORMESBY

Work will take place during the week commencing 16/11/09, to install gas and electric connections to the new Ormesby and Priory Woods School. Temporary traffic lights will be in operation for part of the week near the works access road.

LADGATE LANE, ORMESBY

NWL works, between the entrance to Ormesby Hall and the railway bridge are expected to be complete by 30/10/09.

CAMBRIDGE AVENUE, MARTON

Works will continue to renew gas mains on Cambridge Avenue, from Grange Crescent to outside no.80, until 08/11/09.

GUNNERGATE LANE, MARTON

NGN are renewing the gas mains at the above location from 12/10/09 to 4/12/09. The work will take place between 9am and 4pm, working on 80m sections and moving along from Tollesby Lane towards Stokesley Road. Temporary traffic signals will be in operation for the duration of the works.

MINOR WORKS

MARTON ROAD

Lane restrictions will be in place on Sunday 08/11/09, to allow the construction of an access road into the Taylor Wimpey development at the former Prissick Base.

LINTHORPE ROAD WEST AREA

Loop cutting will take place at various locations within the 20mph zone during November.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS - TOWN CENTRE AND INDUSTRIAL AREAS

The Respect Squad will continue with environmental improvements and enhancements, at various locations in throughout the area, until further notice.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

The installation of new directional signs will continue at various locations throughout Middlesbrough until further notice.

STREET LIGHTING MAINTENANCE WORKS

The general maintenance of street lighting columns is continuously ongoing at various locations in Middlesbrough.

FOOTPATH WORKS

HUTTON ROAD, LONGLANDS

Works will continue until further notice at the above location, to replace grass verges with Bitmac.

QUEENS SQUARE, MIDDLEHAVEN

Refurbishment work will continue until further notice at the junction with Queens Square/ Bridge Street West/ Bridge Street East.

MARTON ROAD - OTTAWA ROAD TO BELLE VUE ROUNDABOUT

Footpath improvement works will continue until further notice.

TEMPORARY FOOTPATH CLOSURE - NORMANBY ROAD TO ORMESBY SCHOOL

Works commenced in January 2009 on the demolition and subsequent construction of Ormesby and Priory Woods School. The footpath will be closed throughout the work to ensure public safety and work is programmed for completion by July 2010.

DALEVILLE CLOSE & KEITHWOOD CLOSE, BEECHWOOD

A new development by Frank Haslam Milan will continue at the above location until March 2010 and will include the reconstruction of footpaths.

Win tickets to two of the best events this Christmas

2009-11-05T16:13:39Z

VisitTeesvalley is offering you the chance to win tickets to the Living North Christmas Fair and this year's must see pantomime, Aladdin at the Darlington Civic.

The Living Christmas Fair takes place at Wynyard Hall from the 13th to 15th November and visitTeesvalley has ten pairs of tickets up for grabs.

Alternatively, if you're a fan of the pantomime season then visitTeesvalley is giving you the chance to win a family ticket to the enchanting adventure of Aladdin at the Darlington Civic Theatre, which is running from the 5th December to 17th January.

For more on how to enter either competition then visit www.visitteesvalley.co.uk.

First Class: Sunnyside Primary School, Coulby Newham

2009-11-05T14:51:26Z

New starters at Sunnyside Primary School, Coulby Newham, with teachers Mrs Gilfoyle, Mrs
Cooksey and Miss Whitehead.

To purchase your childs school photograph call 01642 234224 or you can log on to Evening Gazette Photosales

Scooter set alight in Coulby Newham

2009-11-05T10:25:46Z

YOUTHS who set fire to a mobility scooter chained to a gas main have been condemned by fire services. The fire brigade were called to a house at Sunnyside, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, just after 4.45am today after reports that the scooter had been set on fire. Ray Pyne, Watch Manager at the Coulby Newham station said the cause of the fire was deliberate.

Join the 'country' club

2009-11-04T11:11:59Z

FAMILIES are invited to the Saturday Club that meets every second Saturday of the month at Newham Grange Country Farm, Coulby Newham.

The club runs from 10am to noon and provides the opportunity to enjoy indoor and outdoor crafts and some country walks.

The next meeting of the club is on November 14. There is no need to register, just turn up for 10am.

MP's call to find arsonists who burned down kids' play house

2009-10-31T11:38:12Z

A TEESSIDE MP is urging a local community to shop the arsonists who burned down a nursery playhouse.

As reported in the Gazette, the mindless yobs scaled a security fence to wreak havoc at the Parkway Day Nursery in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough.

The children's brand new £1,000 playhouse was reduced to a pile of burning embers - before they even had chance to play in it.

The blaze last Friday night was the second vandal attack in seven days on the 89-place day nursery.

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP, Ashok Kumar, said he had not seen an incident "as bad as this in Coulby Newham" in all his time in the area.

"This has upset everyone - the young children at the nursery, the staff and the police themselves," he said.

"The playhouse will be replaced, but this will take a long time, and means that an extra bit of fun over the Christmas holidays will be denied to the toddlers.

"I am sure there are people in the local community who know who was responsible for this hooliganism.

"As the arsonists had to scale a high security fence, it is possible that they have torn or muddy clothes or may have cut themselves.

"Can I ask anyone who has any suspicions - even if they are family or friends - to report those suspicions to the police.

"It is important that such wanton vandalism does not go unpunished."

In the week previous to the arson the play hut had suffered smashed windows and a kicked in door.

Cleveland Police are appealing for anyone with any information related to the arson on Friday, October 23, at the nursery on Cropton Way at about 7.30pm to contact PC Ailsa Scoby of Middlesbrough Police on 01642 303126.

Man brandished knives at his ex's boyfriend

2009-10-31T11:16:45Z

A SPURNED lover who threatened his ex's boyfriend with knives has been jailed.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Paul Robinson began seeing the 17-year-old girl after she had split up with her boyfriend.

But the teenager then left the 21-year-old to get back with her ex, said prosecutor Gale Gilchrist.

The court was told Robinson began plaguing the other man with abusive texts and phone calls threatening to kill him.

Miss Gilchrist added that the abuse usually coincided with the times when Robinson had been drinking. Things came to a head in the early hours of Sunday, June 28, when the young couple, along with a male and female friend, decided to go to confront Robinson.

The four drove to Low Lane in Acklam and the two girls got out of the car to look for Robinson.

When they couldn't find him they sent a text message saying where they were.

The defendant immediately rang back and said: "I'm on my way - phone an ambulance."

He soon arrived on the scene and went to the car where the two men had locked themselves inside.

Brandishing two knives Robinson shouted: "Get out of the car you *****, I'm going to kill you."

Police were called to the scene and found two knives in the vicinity, one measuring 10ins and one 9ins.

They arrested Robinson, of Arkendale, Hemlington, who admitted having the knives but said he wouldn't use them.

He pleaded guilty to putting a person in fear of violence, affray, and possession of a bladed instrument.

Defence barrister Peter Kilgour said: "He is not the type of person who would repeat this sort of behaviour."

Judge Brian Forster QC jailed Robinson for 16 weeks.

Middlesbrough roadworks report

2009-10-30T14:08:42Z

RESPECT OUR ROAD WORKERS

A66 ROADWORKS

NORTH MIDDLESBROUGH ACCESSIBILITY SCHEME

A66 MAINTENANCE WORKS

Lane closures are necessary each Sunday at various locations on the A66 for detailed inspection works, gully cleaning, and repairs to street lighting etc.

Maintenance works involving near-side lane closures are programmed on Sunday 08/11/09 on the westbound main carriageway from Middlehaven Interchange to Hartington Interchange entry slip, also Marton Road exit and entry slips and Hartington entry slip.

A66/ A172 MARTON ROAD INTERCHANGE

Lane closures will be in place on Monday 02/11/09, on the roundabout and all slip roads at the A66/ Marton Road Interchange, to allow the safe removal of street lighting columns.

The work will continue on Tuesday 03/11/09, with lane closures on the slip roads only.

The closures will be in place during off-peak periods to minimise disruption to traffic.

TOWN CENTRE - GAS MAIN RENEWAL WORKS

LINTHORPE ROAD

Major works to renew gas mains on Linthorpe Road are nearing completion and all further works within the town centre will be postponed from 09/11/09 until 18/01/2010.

LINTHORPE ROAD/CORPORATION ROAD/NEWPORT ROAD JUNCTION

NGN works outside House of Fraser are now complete, however excavation works outside Debenhams are continuing until 09/11/09.

NEWPORT ROAD

NGN works are continuing to facilitate pipe insertion from the junction of Linthorpe Road, westbound to the junction with Wilson Street (near the Bus Station), until 09/11/09.

WILSON STREET/ NEWPORT ROAD JUNCTION (NEAR SAINSBURY'S)

NGN are continuing gas mains renewal at the junction of Wilson Street/ Newport Road. Possible lane restrictions may be in place at various times if necessary, from the exit of Sainsbury's supermarket southbound on Wilson Street (between Sainsbury's and Newport junction). Pedestrian routes will be maintained throughout the works, which are expected to be complete by mid November 2009.

TEMPORARY CLOSURES/ MAJOR WORKS

THE AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION

Full carriageway reconstruction and footpath renewal works commenced on The Avenue and Orchard Road (see plan) on 20th July 2009. The works were to be carried out in 5 phases in order to minimise disruption to residents who are directly affected. However, phases 4 and 5 will now be combined in order to achieve an early finish. Programmed completion is now 28th November 2009.

During each phase of work the carriageway will be closed to all traffic. However, diversion routes will be in place for the duration of the works. As with all construction works some disruption is inevitable, however every effort will be made to keep this to a minimum.

Phase 3 of the works has been completed and works commenced on phase 4 and 5 on 15/10/09.

REMEMBRANCE PARADE - LINTHORPE ROAD

HIGH STREET, ORMESBY

The works will be carried out in 3 phases over 3 weekends, commencing at 06.00pm on Saturday 31/10/09 and continuing on Sunday 01/11/09. The works will recommence on 07/11/09 and 08/011/09 and then the following weekend, 14/11/09 and 15/11/09.
Lane closures will be in place and temporary traffic lights will be in operation as the works progress.

TRANSPORTER BRIDGE - TEMPORARY CLOSURE

The Transporter Bridge has been closed for essential maintenance works. The works are expected to continue for a further week, however an extension may be required due to unforeseen problems.

ALBERT MEWS, TOWN CENTRE

A temporary closure will be in place from 08.00 hrs for approximately 4 hours on Sunday 08/11/2009, to ensure the safe operation of a crane lift at the above location.

OLIVE STREET, ST. HILDA'S

MINOR WORKS

VARIOUS LOCATIONS - TOWN CENTRE AND INDUSTRIAL AREAS

The Respect Squad will continue with environmental improvements and enhancements, at various locations in throughout the area, until further notice.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

The installation of new directional signs will continue at various locations throughout Middlesbrough until further notice.

STREET LIGHTING MAINTENANCE WORKS

The general maintenance of street lighting columns is continuously ongoing at various locations in Middlesbrough.

PUBLIC UTILITY WORKS

ORMESBY ROAD/ LONGLANDS ROAD JUNCTION, NORTH ORMESBY

NGN are continuing with major works to renew gas mains at the above location. Lane restrictions and traffic management will be in operation and delays are expected, especially on Saturday 31/10/09, with a scheduled football match at the Riverside Stadium. The traffic management is expected to be removed by Monday 02/11/09.

LADGATE LANE, ORMESBY

NWL works, between the entrance to Ormesby Hall and the railway bridge are expected to be complete by 30/10/09.

CAMBRIDGE AVENUE, MARTON

Major works will continue until 30/11/09, to renew gas mains on Cambridge Avenue, from Grange Crescent to outside no.80.

RAYLTON AVENUE, MARTON

NGN will continue to renew gas mains at the above location until 09/11/09.

GUNNERGATE LANE, MARTON

FOOTPATH WORKS

HEMLINGTON LANE, HEMLINGTON

Footpath resurfacing works along various sections near the A174 Parkway have been postponed until further notice.

KENILWORTH AVENUE, PARK END

Footpath reconstruction works will continue until further notice.

QUEENS SQUARE, MIDDLEHAVEN

Refurbishment work will continue until further notice at the junction with Queens Square/ Bridge Street West/ Bridge Street East.

MARTON ROAD - OTTAWA ROAD TO BELLE VUE ROUNDABOUT

Footpath improvement works will continue until further notice.

TEMPORARY FOOTPATH CLOSURE - NORMANBY ROAD TO ORMESBY SCHOOL

DALEVILLE CLOSE & KEITHWOOD CLOSE, BEECHWOOD

A new development by Frank Haslam Milan will continue at the above location until March 2010 and will include the reconstruction of footpaths.

Young Lisa is double champion

2009-10-30T09:18:16Z

LISA Dickinson riding My Mate Marley is the double champion of the Summer Dressage series hosted by The Riding for the Disabled Association's Unicorn Centre based at Hemlington, near Middlesbrough.

Lisa fought off stiff competition to win both the Prelim and Novice competitions in the series which has been running monthly since April.

Last year's series also finished with a double champion when Joanne Tate won both classes. Champion of the new Walk Trot class this season was Charlotte Cooney on Tidkin Mini Soldier.

The Unicorn Centre runs Summer and Winter dressage competitions to raise funds for the Centre.

Centre Manager Claire Pitt said: "The series attract a large number of competitors from across the region. They appreciate the superb facilities we have on offer, particularly the excellent riding surface. It gives riders a chance to compete with their novice horses in a top-class environment."

The Winter series started last Tuesday.

Results:
Walk Trot Junior D1 - 1st Danielle Burnip on BJ, 2nd Danielle Burnip on Pinky, 3rd Phoebe Borrowdale on Gerry
Walk Trot Senior D1 - 1st Fiona Durham, 2nd Andrew Parvin on Chocky, 3rd Charlotte Martin on Poppy
Prelim D2 - 1st Danielle Burnip on Jamie, 2nd Victoria Robinson on Marble, 3rd Fiona Durham on Finley
Novice D3 - 1st Samantha Elliot on Poppy, 2nd Kristi Hodgson on Libby, 3rd Jennifer Wilson on Harley

CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS:
Walk Trot D1 - Champion Charlotte Cooney on Tidkin Mini Solider, = Reserve Champion Fiona Bennet on Blaze and Lyndsey Swales on Charlie
Prelim D3 - Champion Lisa Dickinson on My Mate Marley, Reserve Champion Shelly Neesam on Ollie
Novice D4 - Champion Lisa Dickinson on My Mate Marley, =Reserve Champion Charlotte Robinson on Lottie, and Vereena Dissman on Dylan

For further information contact Claire Pitt on 01642 576222.

Me and My Pet

2009-10-30T08:31:52Z

DAVE BROWNLESS is head chef at Chadwicks Inn, Maltby. Here he tells us about his pet.

What pets do you have?

A Labrador retriever and chickens.

What are they called and why?

The Labrador is called Nero after Robert de Niro.

What does your pet do that makes you laugh?

Nero has a habit, even though he is only very young, of fetching his lead so he can go for a walk!

Any bad habits?

Eating fruit that has fallen from the trees.

If your pet could speak what would he say?

For sure: "I'm hungry!"

What do you remember about your first ever pet?

Her name was Lady and she was a cat who could climb a tree.
If you could keep any animal in the world what would it be and why?

A dolphin so I could take it fishing to the Gulf of Mexico and it could find where the fish were for me!

Tell us about your pets. Send your answers and contact details (including a daytime phone number) to Marie Turbill, Features Desk, Evening Gazette, Borough Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 3AZ or call 01642 234668 or email: marie.turbill@eveninggazette.co.uk

Bid to stop arson in Hemlington after rise in nuisance fires

2009-10-29T11:31:56Z

A CRACKDOWN on nuisance fires is being mounted on a Teesside housing estate.

A drastic rise in the amount of fires being set alight in the run up to November 5 has been seen in Hemlington during September and October.

Action has already been taken to curb the problem, including the identification of 11 perpetrators, who are due to sign acceptable behaviour contracts soon.

Erimus Housing's initiative to cut the number of wheelie bin fires by locking the bins to posts to avoid them being stolen and set on fire has also proved to be a success.

Now more moves are due to be made by Erimus in partnership with Cleveland Fire Brigade, Cleveland Police, Safe in Tees Valley and Middlesbrough Council's Neighbourhood Management team on the estate.

Susie Thompson, group director of operations for Fabrick Housing Group, the parent company of Erimus Housing, pictured, said: "This issue is one we and our partner agencies take very seriously and we will work together to deal with it, including getting out and about to meet people and educate them.

"We want to divert young people away from fire- setting and provide advice and support to residents to reduce the amount of nuisance fires."

Hemlington is the worst ward in Cleveland Fire Brigade's area for deliberate fire-setting. In the first two weeks of this month there were 12 nuisance fires - double that of the same period last year - and in September there were 20 deliberate fires almost trebling last year's figure of seven.

CCTV has been increased in the area and the fire brigade has been out with its community education vehicle, while Cleveland Police has had its forward command vehicle on the streets of Hemlington.

The Neighbourhood Safety Team will be using its neighbourhood safety trailer to speak to local people and the Safe in Tees Valley youth inclusion bus will also be hitting the road.

Andy Witham, station manager at Coulby Newham Fire Station, said: "The high level of deliberately set fires is totally unacceptable.

"This multi-agency approach shows the benefits of working together with a common purpose."

Vandals burn down playhouse at Coulby Newham nursery

2009-10-29T11:06:26Z

VANDALS left youngsters at a day nursery devastated after burning down their brand new playhouse - before they even had chance to play in it.

The mindless yobs scaled a security fence to wreak havoc at the Parkway Day Nursery in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough.

Friday night's arson was the second vandal attack in seven days on the 89-place day nursery.

After the first attack on Saturday, October 17, the £1,000 play hut suffered smashed windows and a kicked in door.

When they came back a week later they finished the hut off, leaving it a charred wreck.

The young children - aged six weeks to five years old - have been left just as upset by police having to attend their nursery, say staff.

Rebecca Small, from the nursery, said: "The children were quite shaken by it. The younger ones don't realise what's happened. The older ones have noticed the police being around.

"One little girl got quite upset by the police being here. Her dad had to explain what had happened and say it was all right, that she was going to be okay.

"The staff are all disgusted by the vandalism. It has upset everyone and now we are worried are they going to come back."

Rebecca said the play hut and garden had been planned and built especially for the children's enjoyment.

"The children haven't even had the chance to play in this garden and play hut," she said.

"It's brand new.

"We are insured but it will have to be rebuilt, and the children won't be allowed in that area for months."

Cleveland Police are appealing for anyone with any information related to the arson attack at the nursery on Cropton Way at around 7.30pm on Friday, October 23, to contact PC Aisla Scoby of Middlesbrough Police on 01642 303126.