North Ormesby to Park End - TS3

No going back to black...

2009-11-09T11:49:56Z

AN ISSUE about the colour of bricks for a Building Schools for the Future project in Middlesbrough has been resolved.

Middlesbrough Council's planning committee was unhappy with the proposed use of black bricks for the new Ashdale Pupil Referral Unit on land to the west of Parkwood School in Sulby Avenue. Now the committee has approved a new proposal to use Staffordshire blue brindle bricks in the development. Councillor Peter Purvis said: "This is a vast improvement on the previous proposed colour for the bricks."

Swoop a wake-up call for suspects

2009-11-09T10:50:43Z

SUSPECTED drug dealers were given a rude early morning wake-up call and a Sunday to remember when police swooped on their homes.

Police officers descended on properties in the Pallister Park and North Ormesby areas of Middlesbrough yesterday as a number of suspected street level dealers were arrested and drugs were seized.

Neighbours, most still in pyjamas and slippers, gathered on the streets and hung out of bedroom windows as officers bashed down doors, searched homes and led suspects out in handcuffs.

Thirteen suspected dealers were taken into custody during the operation, of which nine were charged with offences of possession with intent to supply and conspiracy to supply. Two were released without charge, one was given a caution and one was bailed.

Seven of the arrested were due to appear at Teesside Magistrates Court today.

Further raids also took place across the North Ormesby and Pallister Park areas earlier today.

At the time of going to print, seven people had been arrested.

The raids were conducted as part of Operation Sabre and targeted those believed to be involved in the supply of Class A drugs from street level upwards.

Speaking to officers before the raids yesterday, Detective Inspector Dave Lamplough said: "Today is remembrance Sunday and these drug dealers are going to have something to remember you by. These people cause misery to those living nearby."

Quantities of heroin and cannabis were seized during the raids which involved about 100 police officers.

Assistant Chief Constable Sean White was on hand to oversee the operation yesterday.

He said: "We are responding to public concern over the supply of drugs in the Middlesbrough area.

"It brings absolute misery day and night.

"The street level of dealing causes the most amount of misery and distress to local communities.

"It's deeply unpleasant having somebody dealing in drugs in your street."

Yesterday's raids were in response to information provided both by members of the public and that gathered by police officers.

And Mr White urged the people of Teesside to continue coming forward and helping the police in their fight against the drugs on our streets.

He added: "For these raids we have acted on a mixture of community information and covert police operations.

"We obviously urge anybody who has information about the supply of drugs to contact us or Crimestoppers, or even their local authority."

Toys go on sale

2009-11-07T11:33:04Z

THE Church of Ascension, Berwick Hills, Middlesbrough is holding a secondhand toy sale on Wednesday from 10.15am.

Works on the roads in Middlesbrough

2009-11-06T09:37:45Z

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

2009-11-05T16:01:37Z

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.

Debt nightmare dad speaks out

2009-11-05T10:38:33Z

FOR a man who came close to losing everything, including his kids, wife, house and job, Graeme McIntosh is upbeat.

Very different from the man left devastated after his wife, a gambling addict, walked out in December 2007, leaving him with £30,000 debt and only months away from having his house repossessed.

The 40-year-old dad spoke to the Evening Gazette after his wife Michelle escaped a prison sentence earlier this week.

Michelle McIntosh, 33, a former dinner lady, of Greenhow Road, Middlesbrough, appeared at Teesside Crown Court after she forged her husband's signature to take out loans after getting addicted to bingo and slot machines.

Graeme was totally oblivious to the debt until he was stopped by police and told he had no motor insurance because of missed payments.

He confronted his wife and it was only after she walked out, taking the children with her, that he discovered the true extent of what was going on from letters hidden around the house. The worst find confirmed that his wife had dealt with repossession proceedings on his home. She returned only to sign a statement owning up to her deception before moving out permanently and taking her three children, including Graeme's now seven-year-old daughter Victoria, with her.

Graeme, a care worker from Beresford Crescent, Thorntree, said: "The fact that I could be losing my house, I might have to declare myself bankrupt and then to actually find out that it was my wife's fault and that she was leaving was totally and utterly emotionally draining. It was devastating and it hit me hard."

In February 2008 things got worse when Graeme was made redundant from his job at Games Workshop in Darlington. But he fought on and has turned his life around with the help and support of his friends and family.

He said: "If it wasn't for their financial and moral support I don't know where I would have ended up.

"It's taken pretty much 18 months to come to the point where I've actually got closure. She's admitted it and I can start getting back on with my life."

Speaking of Michelle, pictured on their wedding day, Graeme said: "She left me with nothing, in fact less than nothing. Overall I'm glad I've washed my hands of her and I've taken a step back."

Graeme is still waiting to find out whether creditors GE Money will drop the money owed on his property.

He said: "It's taken me time to get my life back on track and I've still got a lot of financial problems.

"I currently have a credit rating that's so low that I don't think I could borrow a paper bag on it."

But losing his family hit Graeme hardest. Although father to only one of Michelle's children, Victoria, he was also close to Connor, 10, and Sarah, 12. He is grateful Michelle has allowed him to continue seeing the children.

He said: "The only thing I miss is that my children aren't here all the time. Every night when I came home my daughter would always rush out the door, even before I got out the car, she'd be out there.

"For the kids' sake I'm glad Michelle's not going to prison and that she's got the opportunity to get her life sorted."

Michelle McIntosh admitted five counts of forgery dating to April, September and November 2006.

She was given a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for a year, with 18 months' supervision.

North Ormesby blaze family's warning over dryer dangers

2009-11-04T10:57:36Z

A DISTRAUGHT family today flashed a warning over the potential dangers of tumble dryers after a blaze at their Middlesbrough home.

John and Eileen Cairnes had to move out after the fire in the dryer caused serious damage throughout their house in Kings Road, North Ormesby, Eileen Cairnes pictured below.

The couple lost valuable belongings stored in the kitchen and the whole property was smoke-logged.

"Other people need to be aware of this," said Mr Cairnes, 51. "My wife dries clothes on a night so this could have been a lot worse. We have it regularly serviced and I've no idea why it caught fire."

Mr Cairnes had set off to take wife Eileen, 46, to work. Son Richard, 22, put a couple of shirts in the dryer for work at McDonald's

"It was on fire within two minutes. He just heard a bang and the whole lot was ablaze," said Mr Cairnes.

Firefighters attended the incident on Friday. "The kitchen units are made of MDF and all the plastic coating has melted," said Mr Cairnes. "The whole downstairs is covered in soot. We couldn't stay there. My other son lives four doors away so we stayed with him. My wife hasn't stopped crying. She's lost a cuckoo clock from her mother who died last year, her model teapots and I had a collection of fridge magnets from all over the world, which are ruined."

Tumble dryers are one of the biggest causes of house fires. Just the day before a fault in one caused severe damage to the kitchen of a flat in Saltburn. Middlesbrough fire station watch manager Colin Gilchrist urged people to ensure appliances are turned off when leaving the house or going to bed. "Make sure smoke alarms are fitted," he added.

Danger signs

Some tell-tale signs dryers are not properly ventilated:

Clothes take a long time to dry, especially heavy articles such as towels or jeans;

Clothes feel hotter than usual at the end of the cycle, and

The flapper on the vent hood remains closed when the dryer is on.

Beware risks

Don't leave tumble dryers running overnight or when out;

Remove the lint from the trap after every load;

Don't cover the vent or any other opening;

Ensure the vent pipe is free of kinks and vented outside, and

Don't put in rags used to soak up flammable liquids.

Middlesbrough couple tell of firebomb terror

2009-11-04T10:28:55Z

A TERRIFIED Teesside couple had a lucky escape after arsonists petrol bombed their home.

Keith Murphy, 49, of Roworth Road, Thorntree, Middlesbrough, was watching TV with partner Debra, 45, at around 7pm last night when their window shattered and a petrol bomb landed in the lounge where they were sitting.

Keith, who was visibly shaken, said: "Debra was laid on the settee and I was sat on the settee with her. And the next minute there was a bang and seconds after flames were everywhere."

The culprits are believed to have hurled an iron cobbler's last to smash the window before throwing the petrol bomb.

The petrol flames landed on both Keith and partner Debra Readshaw, but thanks to the rapid reactions of Keith both were unhurt.

Keith said: "It came through like I don't know what. It's hit me, where I was sitting on the settee, under my legs, and my legs were on fire."

Keith ran into the kitchen and managed to douse the flames on Debra with bowls of water.

He said: "I ran back for another one but I was still on fire so I thought it's either the house or me so I threw the water on myself."

Debra added: "If it hadn't been for Keith being as quick, I'd have been no good because I can't move much anyway because I've got a bad back. So if it wasn't for him I'd still have been in there."

Smoke filled the house and the fire also damaged the couple's coffee table, three-piece suite and rug, pictured a police officer stands outside the house.

But they have no idea why anyone would target them.

Debra who has lived in the area all her life said: "We get on with everybody. We keep ourselves to ourselves and we have done for along time.

"I've lived here all my life and it's never been like this.

"It's shocking. I can't believe it. To throw fire through someone's window it's had to have been meant."

The couple believe there had been a threat of a firebomb on the road and whoever did it got the wrong house.

Debra said: "Whoever's done it, I'd like to know why.

"It's a sad world. I can't believe how sick in the head they must be to do that."

Keith, who saw someone dressed in black running away from the house with their hood up, said: "I've got a car outside. Why didn't they set fire to the car? Why do the house? We could have been killed."

Keith and Debra only recently redecorated the entire house in time for Christmas, and they don't have any house insurance.

Keith, a full-time carer, said: "We were thinking about getting house insurance only last week.

"The three-piece suite is only three months old. We saved up over a year for it."

Debra said: "We've worked for every penny we've put into that house and whoever's done it has taken it away from us like that.

"It's just gone up in a puff of smoke. Where do you get the money to put it right, where do you start?"

Despite their ordeal, the couple are determined to stay in the area they have called home for so long.

Keith, pictured above, said: "I thought it was getting quieter. Up here in this part of the estate it's lovely.
"We are all oldish or mature people."

Debra added: "I wont move out of the area. I've just got my house as I want it. I'm not moving, I've put too much money into it.

"It's hard to believe. I didn't ever, ever think in all the time I've lived here that anything like this would happen."

Two appliances from Grangetown fire station attended the incident just after 7pm.

The living room was 100% smoke damaged and 10% fire damaged.

Crew manager Mark Poulsen said he hadn't attended a petrol bombing in a long time.

They left the scene at around 7.20pm.

Police are investigating the incident, but believe the attack was unprovoked.

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said today: "We take incidents like this extremely seriously."
They are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact Detective Sergeant Patricia Fenby on 01624 303126.

Bingo addict mum forged signatures

2009-11-03T10:26:29Z

A FORMER school dinner lady forged her husband's signature to take out more than £30,000 in loans after getting addicted to bingo and slot machines.

Mum-of-two Michelle McIntosh's fraudulent borrowings may leave a "toxic debt" of at least £31,000, Teesside Crown Court heard yesterday.

She repeatedly forged the signature of her care worker husband Graeme - among others - to take out loans against his home without his knowledge.

She borrowed amounts of £11,000, £3,900 then £19,000 - plus almost £10,000 in fees, payment protection and commission - in seven months.

The third and final sum was used to pay back the first two, said prosecutor Ian West.

This committed her oblivious husband to a 20-year re-mortgage with 240 payments.

She used the smallest loan to clear an overdraft on the couple's joint account.

Mrs McIntosh, 33, of Greenhow Road, Middlesbrough, admitted five counts of forgery dating to April, September and November 2006.

Matters only came to light in December 2007 when a shocked Mr McIntosh was stopped by police and told he had no motor insurance, because of missed payments.

When confronted, Mrs McIntosh argued with her husband, signed a statement owning up to her deception and left taking the two children with her.

Mr McIntosh found his wife had dealt with repossession proceedings on his home.

The full effect on him, and how far he has managed to resolve the financial situation, was still unclear to the court.

In police interviews Mrs McIntosh claimed, falsely, she signed the documents at her spouse's request because he had a "bad wrist".

Peter Wishlade, defending, said Mrs McIntosh, who had no previous convictions, took up gambling with gaming machines and bingo - "a particularly fatuous pursuit" - after the family finances "got on top of her".

He said: "To get herself out of debt hatched the plan which she carried out. She is utterly remorseful."

He added she had now stopped gambling and drinking, was dependent on the state but led a responsible and honest life.

The judge, Recorder Paul Isaacs, told her: "There is no doubt in my view you got into financial difficulties, but they were financial difficulties of your own making.

He said in real terms she obtained £10,000 to £15,000. Considering her pleas, good character, children and more than a year's delay in the case, he did not jail her.

He passed a 26-week prison sentence suspended for a year with 18 months' supervision.

The court heard how confiscation or compensation proceedings could follow to seize cash or assets from Mrs McIntosh, and remaining creditors GE Money may sue her.

The judge said the one outstanding loan might become a "toxic debt". He noted there was "no disincentive" for those arranging the loans to look into what was happening.

"One wonders what must have been said about the ability to repay," he added.

Drugs factory duo locked up for 10 years

2009-10-31T11:05:58Z

A JUDGE spoke of the misery and suffering caused by heroin as he jailed two men for their part in a £100,000 drugs plot.

Andrew Woodier, 29, and Michael Anthony Robson, 18, both pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply a Class A drug after being caught in a heroin "factory" in June.

Wails were heard from relatives in the public gallery as the judge, Recorder Jonathan Sandiford, sentenced Woodier to seven years' imprisonment and Robson three years in a young offenders' institution.

He told the two that while he accepted the effect the sentence would have on their families, "heroin is an evil substance and when dealers become involved in it they must expect custodial sentences".

Police uncovered the operation after raiding Woodier's home on Roworth Road, Thorntree, Middlesbrough, on June 5. Prosecutor Jolyon Perks told Teesside Crown Court yesterday that when officers attended, Woodier braced himself against the door and Robson gathered up bags and a box of heroin before fleeing into the back garden.

"He was pursued across a field, leaving a trail of brown dust and powder coming from the box and bags which had dropped as he ran," said Mr Perks.

"He threw it into a brook where it was later recovered."

He said the kitchen was being used a "drugs factory" and police found several items of paraphernalia.

At the time of their involvement, Woodier was still on licence for offences of wounding with intent and aggravated burglary. He was jailed in October 2003 for eight years for his part in a Yardie-style gang attack at a Middlesbrough crack house but was released in September last year. He must also serve the year-and-a-half sentence remaining from that conviction.

He and Robson both admitted conspiring to supply the Class A drug heroin.

Duncan McReddie, defending Robson, also of Roworth Road, said it was a "lapse of judgment" and the teen had no knowledge of the drug activities until he was told to pick up the drugs and run. He said: "If he had stopped and thought, he wouldn't be in the position he's in now."

The judge told Robson: "I accept it was not your heroin but you were prepared to involve yourself in trying to keep this substantial amount of drugs our of the hand of the authorities and if you hadn't been caught, would have caused more misery and suffering in other people's lives."

Woodier's barrister, Peter Sabiston, said Woodier had lost his job and was trying to pay off drug debts by taking on the consignment. He was concerned about the impact on his partner, daughter, 10, and mother, who is unwell.

But the judge told the men: "I can't eliminate from my mind the effects this malicious drug has on the lives of other people and their parents and their children.

"It causes so much misery in communities as more people commit crime to try to fund their addictions."

DC Phil Morris of Cleveland Police's drugs unit today welcomed the result of the court case. He said: "These sentences send out a message to those involved in the supply of Class A drugs that Cleveland Police will continue to target criminals who traffic in such drugs."

Middlesbrough roadworks report

2009-10-30T14:00:01Z

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.

First Class: Pallister Park Primary School, Middlesbrough

2009-10-30T11:59:27Z

Reception class children at Pallister Park Primary School, Middlesbrough smile for the camera with Chris Drury, Michelle Roberts and Fran Price.

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

Delays warning to supporters

2009-10-30T10:46:08Z

BORO fans are being warned of heavy delays which could be seen ahead of tomorrow's game.

Northern Gas Networks are due to carry out work on gas mains on the junction of Longlands Road and Ormesby Road, in North Ormesby. Lane restrictions and traffic management will be in operation and motorists are advised to use alternative routes where possible. The work will be completed by Sunday evening.

No jail for Middlesbrough woman who stabbed partner's brother

2009-10-30T10:43:04Z

A YOUNG woman who assaulted her girlfriend and stabbed her brother has been spared jail.

Jenna Horner, 24, appeared at Teesside Crown Court yesterday for sentencing after being found guilty by a jury of wounding Mark Spence on March 6 this year.

The court heard how Horner had been in a relationship with Mr Spence's sister Emma before the trouble started.

On March 5 Horner and Miss Spence had an argument, the court was told, and Horner assaulted her partner.

Miss Spence then went to Newcastle and returned with family members to confront her girlfriend.

Judge Les Spittle was told how Horner, of Midville Walk, Middlesbrough, armed herself with a camping knife before coming to the door.

In the ensuing melee Mr Spence was stabbed by Horner.

Defence barrister Caroline Goodwin said: "She is not a risk to society - this was an isolated incident. She has a chance for a positive future and to put this dreadful mistake behind her."

Miss Goodwin added that Horner was volunteering with the Prince's Trust and was mentoring youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds to discourage them from a life of crime.

Judge Spittle gave Horner a nine-month jail sentence suspended for two years with a supervision requirement. He also ordered her to complete 150 hours' unpaid work.

Don't take fright on Halloween night

2009-10-30T10:27:25Z

A HOUSE of horrors in Middlesbrough, a spooky shopping centre and a deaf children's project are all getting in the Halloween spirit.

From the outside, Linda Gamble's three-bed terrace in Cottonwood, Thorntree, looks like any other home.

But step inside and you're transported into a terrifying world of ghosts and ghouls.

Last year, Linda and partner Roy Robertson marked Halloween in a fun way by transforming their downstairs into a spook-filled dungeon.

It proved a real talking point locally, so this year they've done it again - and how!

For the past four weeks, they've been putting up dungeon-style wallpaper, installing creepy UV lighting and sound effects and putting in place all manner of spooks and monsters, including Frankenstein, a wolf and even skeletons called Ant and Dec.

The ghoulish attraction will raise money for the Zoe's Place baby hospice, with visitors asked to give a donation.

Linda said: "We've papered all the walls to make it look like the inside of a dungeon.

"We did it for the first time last year as a bit of fun for friends and family, but so many people popped around to see it, we thought we'd really go for it this year.

"It's just me, I guess. I like to be artistic and have some fun."

One little lady who takes it all in her stride is Linda's granddaughter Kalli Wilson, three, who happily sits among the spookiness, watching TV.

But some of the other kids in the neighbourhood aren't quite so brave.

Meanwhile, little horrors can win a prize at the Middlesbrough Mall as part of the shopping centre's Halloween celebrations.

Mini-monsters can register at the Mall's Ask Me point - outside Newboulds - for a spooky march on Saturday, with prizes at stake for the best costume.

Little devils and demons aged three to six will march at 10am tomorrow with the bigger scary monsters, aged seven to 10, stepping out at 11am.

Also getting ready to go "Halloweening" are youngsters from the Child Deaf Youth Project which is based in Middlesbrough.

The voluntary service on Park Road South, for young people hard of hearing and deaf, has been putting a little time aside in the last couple of weeks for their younger members to get their pumpkins ready for the big night.