Cllr Lupton My News

Councillors will represent you regardless of political persuasion. This site has been provided to the Councillor by the Local Authority. It has been provided subject to an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) that this Councillor has agreed to. If you think that this site is not being used according to the AUP, please inform the Local Authority.

In Touch Newsletter
As you will be aware I regularly produce our In Touch News Letter which is delivered to every house in the Ward. If you wish to advertise a local event or have an issue that you would like to raise or notify other residents about please let me know.

Celebrate the Olympics in Stockton
On 17 June the Olympic Torch Relay will go through Billingham and Stockton during its nationwide tour. Part of the route goes the Hartburn. To find out more details please visit www.personalpodium.co.uk/a-great-olympic-year-ahead/

Renew Your Postal Vote
All postal votes must be renewed after 5 years. If yours needs renewing, you will receive a form and clear instructions on what to do. Its an easy process but you must return the completed renewal form or you will lose your postal vote.

If you haven't already got a postal vote but would like one or you wish to register to vote, please contact the Council's Electoral Services on (01642) 526196, or by emailing electoral@stockton.gov.uk, or by printing off an application form from www.stockton.gov.uk/yourcouncil/electoralregistration

Neighbourhood Policing
I have a close working relationship with our neighbourhood policing team and meet regularly at our ward surgeries and their 'Drop In' session. The new policing arrangements are working well and we appreciate the excellent work that these officers do in our ward. I also regularly receive the crime statistics for our ward and residents should be assured that all types of crime and ant-social behaviour are at a very low rate.

For the latest news in the Hartburn area and to find out who your local neighbourhood team are, please visit the 'My Neighbourhood' link on the Cleveland Police website.

You can contact them on 01642 302930 but if there is no reply call 01642 326326 or 0800 555111 (Crimestoppers)

Tees Valley Green Infrastructure Strategy
A project is being developed to undertake environmental enhancements adjacent to the South East of Hartburn Village and to link this area with the Brick Ponds, to enable greater local access in the area. Improvements to the entranceway onto the Brick Ponds are also proposed.

Recycling - Cardboard & Plastics
Further information can be obtained by calling 391959 or by visiting www.recycleforstockton.co.uk

The Cabin - Advice Centre for Under 25's
A new advice service solely for those between 13 and 25 has opened it's doors at 4 Nelson Terrace, Stockton. The cabin provides a service, whereby issues are diagnosed immediately and advice and support are provided in a less formal and friendly environment.

Contact for the service can be by telephone on 01642 649723, by email to advice@stockton-yas.co.uk or just drop in to the office which is open from 9am - 5pm Monday - Friday, and until 7pm on Thursdays.

Upsall Grove - Parking
Can I continue to appeal to all car owners to adhere to the parking regulations alongside the two schools. A parking legislation order has been raised to extend the no waiting restrictions to the north of the puffin crossing. Yellow lines will be placed where the old zigzag signs from the old crossing were removed but still visible. Until this order is executed please can I appeal to all car owners not to park in close proximity of the crossing for the safety of children and in respect for local residents.

Surbiton Road - Pavement Crossings
Following several complaints from residents regarding the severity and condition of the pavement crossing on the western side of Surbiton Road a meeting was held with residents and a representative from the Highways Department. It was agreed that a renewal scheme would be prepared and submitted for consideration as funding becomes available.

Elmwood Community Centre
Planning permission is being sought to erect a fence between the buildings and the grassed area at the Elmwood and to provide a pedestrian gate from Darlington Road. This will allow the 'filed' to be used more widely by the community although the land will be retained primarily by the community centre for it's activities. The funding is available and if approved it would be hoped to complete this work in the New Year. The pedestrian gate will be locked each evening at dusk.

New Planning Law - permitted development
The Government has introduced new regulations on permitted development rights for householders removing the need to apply for planning permission for relatively small scale and un-contentious types of home improvement and alteration. The new rules are quite complicated and we would suggest that before undertaking any work or even when first considering any extension or improvement to your property you should seek advice from the Council's Planning Department. This could save householders considerable expense on planning and building control fees, which will no longer apply!

Paving over front gardens
Previously paving over your garden didn't require planning permission - It Does Now! Don't be caught out - any new or replacement drive or hard standing over five square metres may need planning consent. If in doubt further details can be found on this council website.

I am Leader of the Conservative Group on Stockton Borough Council. I represent ALL residents living in Hartburn Ward, irrespective of political allegiance. Local issues are considered on merit and not political party views. It is imperative that individuals make their views known and participate in local debate and register their opinions by voting at local and National elections, you can make a difference!

Residents living in the Hartburn Ward are currently represented in the UK Parliament by James Wharton MP. There is a link to the UK Parliament web site below.