Our MP is local resident Ian Swales

See his website at www.IanSwales.com.

At around 4am on Friday 7th May 2010, the counting of the votes had finished at Eston Sports Academy and Liberal Democrat Ian Swales was elected as MP for Redcar, the first MP in the area from the party for 86 years.

Ian overturned Labour MP Vera Baird’s 12,116 majority with a huge swing of 21.8%. This was England’s largest swing and the largest swing between any of the three major parties at the 2010 general election and is a significant result in what has long been considered a Labour stronghold.

Result:
Ian Swales (Liberal Democrats) 18,955 (45.17%)
Vera Baird (Labour) 13,741 (32.75%)
Steve Mastin (Conservative) 5,790 (13.8%)
Martin Bulmer (UKIP) 1,875 (4.47%)
Kevin Broughton (BNP) 1,475 (3.52%)
Hannah Walter (TUSC) 127 (0.3%)
Lib Dem gain from Labour
Majority: 5,214 (12.42%)

Ian Swales and Redcar Liberal Democrats have started a petition to try and get a new pier out to sea at Redcar.

The Council have announced major expenditure for Redcar sea front but no pier is included.

Ian Swales said "it's clear from talking to people around the town that the majority would like to have a proper pier again. Historically there were two piers. One at Coatham and one at Redcar. A new pier would be a fantastic asset that would bring anglers and many other visitors to the town. The report on the Council's "Love it, Hate it" sea front consultation with residents includes the statement "many people suggested a breakwater or pier".

It's not just local residents who feel this way. Within 10 minutes of starting to collect signatures on the High Street we met a visitor from Australia who said that Redcar beach was a perfect place for a pier.

We know there would be limitations on siting but there are possible locations close to the Regent cinema."

Chris Abbott, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Redcar and Cleveland Council, backs the idea as do ward Councillors Irene Curr and Josie Crawford. Chris said "we need a whole series of attractions to bring people to the town and a pier, costing around £3m, would be an exciting addition."

You can sign the petition on-line or download paper copies to gather signatures at www.tinyurl.com/yeczm7a

The constituency covers: Eston, Grangetown, Kirkleatham, Lazenby, Marske, New Marske, Normanby, part of Nunthorpe, Ormesby, Redcar, South Bank, Teesville, Wilton and Yearby. There are 38 Redcar and Cleveland Council seats in the constituency split 16 Labour, 16 Liberal Democrat, 3 Conservative, 3 Independent.

Here you will find details of Ian Swales, who is our MP, Fiona Hall, who is our MEP, and our councillors, and can read about the activities they are undertaking on your behalf.

Contact Ian Swales at ian@redcarlibdems.org.uk. Let him know what you think. He's fighting for you!

If you would like further details about Redcar and Cleveland Council, please see their website www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk.

If you have any suggestions about other information you would like to see here email us at contact@redcarlibdems.org.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.

The local party team