FOCUS on Thornaby

31/08/2026

With improvements you would expect that improvements would occur across the project. This bus stop does not protect you from the rain or the wind and has less space to cover than the previous one.

But at least we have a bench and in Lib Dem colours too 😂

29/08/2026

We have submitted an objection to proposal to relocate the Post Office, we believe that the new location (next to the Dentist) will not make it easier for residents to access. It is further from bus stops, not as safe and on a busy road.

29/08/2026

Cleveland Police has faced enormous pressure for more than a decade.

Since 2010, officer numbers have fallen by around 12%, leaving Cleveland with roughly 200 fewer officers than it had then.

At the same time, Cleveland has some of the highest levels of crime in the country.

In the year to March 2025, Cleveland recorded 122.1 crimes per 1,000 people, compared with a national average of 87.2.

And the funding system still doesn't properly reflect that demand.

For 2026/27, Cleveland received the lowest funding increase of any force in England and Wales. After inflation and pay pressures, the PCC says this leaves a £2.4m shortfall — equivalent to around 40 police officers.

Cleveland also has some of the country's most deprived communities, yet Government funding is largely based on population rather than crime, deprivation and demand.

This isn't about blaming individual officers.

It's about recognising that our police are being asked to deal with metropolitan levels of crime with a relatively small force and limited resources.

Cleveland deserves better.

We need a fairer funding formula, sustained investment in frontline policing and the resources our officers need to keep our communities safe.

Invest in Cleveland Police. Invest in Cleveland.

29/08/2026

Last night we were out delivering our most recent focus to homes around Atlantic Cresent and Diamond Road. We will be out delivering to other areas around the Mandale and Victoria Ward in the coming days.

29/08/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of two of Clevelands bravest, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough were highly respected both in and out of uniform. Two of the areas "good men" sadly taken by mindless thugs who should have never been free to walk amongst us.

We have a response to the situation that has plagued Cleveland for over a decade, but will post separately. We would like to thank all of our emergency services for the work they do day in and day out to help keep us all safe.

24/08/2026

Following on from our communication with the Chief Fire Officer Simon Weastell at Cleveland Fire Brigade in relation to proposed changes at Thornaby Fire Station.

We outlined our concern about the potential removal of a second pump at the Station, the CFO has responded saying that this will not be the case and that the second pump will remain but the hours in which it will be manned will change.

The second appliance has the lowest utilisation but higher costs for the Brigade. Roughly £1,500 each time. This along with the increase costs across the force is leading the Fire Brigade to reposition itself with cuts to services on the horizon.

A 12 week consultation period has begun today with all stakeholders and we have further submitted our stance to stand by our Fire Personnel and calling for the Government to fund the Fire and Rescue Services correctly. We hope that members of the Fire Authority join our call for better funding to keep as many appliances online in the country's number 1 region for Arson.

24/08/2026

Residents in North Thornaby deserve to live in homes that are of a higher standard and are fit for purpose, free from mould, damp and pests.

Your local Liberal Democrats here in Thornaby are calling for a stricter licencing scheme that goes beyond 2029, more unannounced home inspections and will call for an additional HMO licensing scheme that looks into current small HMOs that will fall into the grey area when the new Article 4 Direction comes into force next year.

We are committed to improving the lives of residents in Thornaby and will ensure that people have a safe home over their head and a higher quality of living standards.

22/08/2026

Our thoughts are with all those affected.

Cleveland Police can confirm that seven people have died as a result of a collision in South Bank at 3.39am this morning (Saturday 22 August).

This includes two serving Cleveland Police officers who were in a marked police vehicle and five members of the public who were travelling in a Volkswagen Passat.

The Passat was travelling the wrong way along the A66 and collided with a police vehicle that was travelling on the same road in the right direction.

Sadly, all occupants of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene. The families of those identified have been informed and are being offered specialist support.

Chief Constable Victoria Fuller said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the families of everyone involved in today’s incident.

“No one should leave their home and not return safely, including police officers serving their communities and protecting the people of Cleveland.

“This tragic incident will be felt across Cleveland, within our communities and throughout the entire policing family.

“We are providing specialist support to all families involved at this extremely difficult time.

“The investigation has been referred to the IOPC, which is the standard approach when a death occurs following police contact. We will cooperate fully with their investigation.

"While this investigation takes place, we strongly urge people to avoid speculation."

A referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), as is mandatory in these circumstances.

We are still working to formally identify all occupants of the Volkswagen Passat.

20/08/2026

Wishing all those collecting their results today the very best.

19/08/2026

Disabled accessibility improved ✅️
Bus fare cap reduced to £2 ✅️
A single route to North Tees Hospital ❌️

Thornaby needs a direct service to North Tees Hospital. Our Route to better Care campaign is still ongoing and we are hopeful that Arriva may one day add the extra stop needed to make getting to and from Hospital easier for all residents in Thornaby.