Gareth Lightfoot

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council approved an alcohol and music licence for The Commercial, a planned 42-room hotel in South Bank opposite the Teesworks freeport. Applicant Chris Hankinson said the hotel would primarily serve Teesworks contractors and that its bar and restaurant were needed to provide guests with food and a place to relax. The venue will be permitted to sell alcohol and play music from 11:00 to 23:00, and is expected to create 13 initial jobs.

A court order has been served on a group occupying caravans beside Redcar Athletic’s junior football pitches in Teesside. The club cancelled matches and holiday activities after reporting disruption and possible damage to the pitches. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council gave the occupants until noon on Thursday to leave, warning of further enforcement action, while Cleveland Police confirmed that the eviction process was ongoing.

Plans to replace the derelict Golden Eagle hotel in Thornaby with two drive-through restaurants were rejected after Stockton Borough Council and Cleveland Police warned the development could increase crime and anti-social behaviour. Police cited rising drug‑related incidents around similar venues, while councillors and the local Liberal Democrats raised concerns about traffic and impacts on existing businesses. Planning officers deemed the proposal unacceptable and potentially harmful to wider regeneration projects backed by government funding.

Stockton has been shortlisted for the first UK Town of Culture competition, receiving £60,000 to prepare its final bid for the £3m award. Local officials highlight the town’s cultural events, history and community engagement, including recent festivals and heritage celebrations. Cultural groups and partners contributed to the bid, which has received supportive comments from political representatives and the culture secretary.

The government declined to intervene in Stockton Council’s rejection of TCC Land’s proposal to build 179 homes on fields near Sandy Lane West in Billingham after significant community opposition over traffic and loss of green space. Conservative councillors Marcus Vickers and David Reynard welcomed the decision as a victory for local democracy, while the developer maintained the site remained suitable for housing and may appeal within six months.

Flooding at the University Hospital of North Tees submerged seven of its eight operating theatres, forcing the postponement of more than 400 planned surgeries. Four theatres have reopened, but full capacity is not expected until August. Chief executive Stacey Hunter warned of repair costs adding pressure to existing financial challenges as University Hospitals Tees prepares for major job cuts. Urgent cases were accommodated using other facilities across the trust.

A £14.5m accessibility upgrade to Eaglescliffe Station in Stockton-on-Tees has been officially opened by Paralympian Tanni Grey-Thompson. The project features a new bridge with lifts, improved access routes, expanded parking and upgraded indoor facilities. Funded by the Tees Valley Combined Authority with contributions from Network Rail and the Department for Transport, the improvements aim to eliminate barriers faced by disabled passengers. Grey-Thompson and Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen praised the upgrade as a major step toward a more inclusive transport network.