Category Archives: Middlesbrough

Teesworks review criticises freeport project’s secrecy and value for money

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Government-backed scheme overseen by Tory mayor cleared of cronyism and corruption, but transparency found wanting

Taxpayers are not being guaranteed value for money or transparency at a regeneration project overseen by the Conservative Tees Valley mayor, Ben Houchen, according to a review that cleared it of cronyism and corruption.

An independent review of Teesworks, one of the highest-profile, government-backed regeneration schemes in Britain, found the project was excessively secretive and could not ensure public money was being well spent.

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Michael Gove orders review into corruption allegations at Teesside freeport

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Investigation of Teesworks project to be led by independent panel of his choosing, not National Audit Office

Michael Gove has ordered an “independent review” into allegations of “corruption wrongdoing and illegality” surrounding a Teesside redevelopment project that is part of Rishi Sunak’s freeports plans.

But there was anger as Gove declined to act on calls for the National Audit Office (NAO) to lead the investigation, instead announcing it will undertaken by an independent panel that he will appoint, while the watchdog will have some limited role.

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‘Michelangelo of Middlesbrough’ hailed for 27,000-hour model project

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Lockdown hobbyist painted 1m tiny cobbles for scale model of Yorkshire town’s demolished St Hilda’s district

Lockdown has inspired many of us to take up new hobbies, but for one Middlesbrough man, the pandemic just meant more time to devote to a mammoth project already nine years in the making.

“It was business as usual,” says Steve Waller, 61, a model artist and historian known affectionately as the “Michelangelo of Middlesbrough” who has spent almost a decade recreating the town’s historical St Hilda’s district in his bedroom.

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UK coronavirus live: indoor mixing ban extended to Merseyside, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough

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Government recommends no social mixing between people from different households in these areas; NHS Test and Trace going backwards

Council leaders and MPs from Merseyside have issued a joint statement describing today’s new restrictions as “a step in the right direction”.

But they are also saying the government should publish the scientific evidence showing why the government thinks these measures will be enough.

The measures announced today are a step toward restricting the spread but we need to understand if they are enough to arrest the rise cases across our region.

We're asking for Government to share their scientific evidence and provide us with more substantial financial support. pic.twitter.com/8gV1uJs87n

Graham Morgan, the leader of Knowsley council, says the new restrictions announced for Merseyside this morning may not be enough.

I'm still concerned that these new COVID-19 restrictions won't be enough to stop the spread of the virus here. We're at a critical point & need swift, effective solutions to protect our residents. Our conversations with Government will continue. https://t.co/Z5DZ8azYDl

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US Air Force jet crashes into North Sea during training mission

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Search and rescue teams deployed after F-15 crashes off English coast near Middlesbrough

A US Air Force F-15 aircraft based in the UK crashed into the North Sea off the coast near Middlesbrough on Monday morning while it was on a training mission.

The status of the pilot onboard is unknown following the crash, which happened on a routine training mission at around 9.40am. UK search and rescue teams were being deployed to try to locate the pilot.

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Murder inquiry launched in case of missing Middlesbrough woman

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Mother appeals for help finding Natalie Jenkins, 32, who was last seen on 10 December

A woman has appealed to the public for help finding her daughter as detectives launched a murder inquiry.

Natalie Jenkins, 32, was last seen in Middlesbrough on 10 December and although she was close to her family, they have not heard from her since. At a news conference in Middlesbrough, DCI Mark Dimelow said the force was treating her disappearance as a suspected murder.

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Cleveland police branded ‘failing’ in all areas by inspectors

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Force effectively plunges into special measures after being rated inadequate overall

Scandal-hit Cleveland police has become the first force to be branded “failing” in all areas by inspectors.

It has been rated inadequate overall and in three key areas by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), which scrutinised its ability to reduce crime and keep people safe, operate efficiently, as well as the way it treats the public and its workforce.

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Police search Middlesbrough properties after arrest of terror suspect

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Bomb disposal experts called to Teesville address after man, 21, arrested in operation in north London

Bomb disposal experts were called to a home in Middlesbrough on Saturday after the arrest of a man in north London on suspicion of terrorism offences.

The 21-year-old, from the Middlesbrough area, is suspected of involvement in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism contrary to section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

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