Hartbeat Magazine March 2026

Should you consider a Family Trust?

We are often asked by clients whether setting up a Family Trust would be a good idea for them. The answer is often yes, as there are lots of advantages to setting up a Family Trust.

A Trust ensures security and protection for your assets and can make things as simple as possible for your family to deal with when you die. In fact, the need for Probate is often avoided altogether, which may help keep the costs of dealing with your estate down.

A Family Trust provides protection for your beneficiaries, even if circumstances have changed. An example would be where your spouse or children (including adult children) have disabilities or lose capacity to deal with their own affairs.

It protects against your children being disinherited as a result of your spouse remarrying after your death. Your Trustees can deal with the property in the Trust in the same way as Attorneys would under a Power of Attorney.

If you are considering setting up a Family Trust, it is important to take advice from solicitors specialising in this area of law.

Tilly Bailey & Irvine have a team of legal experts and offer free initial advice regarding Property Trusts and Wills, all to help you decide what is best for you.

How much will it cost? We charge a fixed fee, so there are no hidden surprises. Contact us on 01429 264101 or visit our offices in Barnard Castle, Hartlepool, Stockton, Sunderland, or Wynyard for the best support, and start feeling more secure.

Your local solicitors specialising in:

Conveyancing & Property

Criminal Defence

Family Law & Children

Wills, Trusts & Probate

Personal Injury

Divorce & Private Family Law

Commercial Disputes

Commercial Property

Corporate & Commercial

Employment Law

Welcome to our March edition of Hartbeat

Hartlepool is seeing lots of positive changes at the moment and our Pride in Place programme is helping to make our borough cleaner, safer and more welcoming.

Across our neighbourhoods, people can already spot improvements. Extra street cleansing teams are out every day, removing litter, weeds and graffiti. New plants, refreshed road markings, repaired railings and upgraded paths are on the way soon to make our streets look brighter and easier to use.

Parks and play areas are also being improved, with new equipment being added so that children and families have better places to enjoy. This is only the start. Over the coming months and years, even more investment will be made, with £20 million planned to support neighbourhoods right across Hartlepool.

A major part of our future is Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub. This fantastic new centre will give people of all ages a great place to swim, exercise, learn new skills and have fun. It is a huge investment for our borough and will help us all live healthier, happier and more active lives. When Highlight opens, let’s make the most of it and show what an active place Hartlepool can be.

Inside this magazine, you can read about the exciting changes happening

in our town centre, including the work at Middleton Grange Shopping Centre and the progress at Wesley Chapel as it gets ready to reopen. You can also find out what’s coming up at our Community Hubs, with lots of fun activities, learning opportunities and support for all ages.

There’s news about our youth services, including new chances for young people to learn, build skills and explore STEM through our partnership with Cummins.

We’re also sharing information about our Hartlepool Technology Enabled Care service, which offers simple technology that helps people stay safe and independent at home, giving peace of mind to both residents and their families.

Hartlepool is full of proud, caring people. By working together, we are building a brighter future for everyone.

Councillor Pamela Hargreaves Leader of the Council

in Place update - P4 / 5

Hartbeat is available in Braille and articles can be translated into other languages. For information please call (01429) 523578 or email communications@hartlepool.gov.uk

To advertise in Hartbeat please call (01429) 523578 or email communications@hartlepool.gov.uk

Is your business interested in bidding for work with Hartlepool Borough Council or other north-east local authorities? Open is the Council’s new procurement platform. It has replaced the NEPO ProContract Portal and has become the sole platform to find and compete for competitive opportunities. You can sign up for free at www.open-uk.org

Pride in Place

Making Hartlepool better for everyone

Hartlepool’s Pride in Place programme is continuing to bring new energy and improvements to neighbourhoods across the borough. The programme has two parts.

The first part is being delivered by Hartlepool Borough Council, which is investing £1 million this year and £750,000 next year to deliver quick, high-impact improvements. This includes tidying up public spaces, upgrading community buildings and helping neighbourhoods feel cleaner, safer and more welcoming.

This work is funded by Hartlepool Borough Council and the UK Government through the £1.5m Pride in Place Impact Fund.

The second part is much larger and will take place over the next ten years, bringing £20 million of investment into Hartlepool’s neighbourhoods. This long-term programme is being led by the Hartlepool Board – a group of local residents, community organisations, businesses and partners working together to drive forward exciting projects shaped by the community itself. These priorities were identified through last summer’s engagement activities, where people shared what matters most to them. The Board’s role is to ensure local voices guide how the funding is used over the ten years so that improvements benefit everyone.

Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “Pride in Place is about making Hartlepool a place we can all be proud of. By listening to our communities and working together, we can create real, positive changes that will make a difference for many years. This progress is happening right now, and we are already seeing the benefits of our Weeks of Action and the additional street cleansing squads across the borough.”

Here are some of the improvements being delivered this year through the £1 million neighbourhood investment…

Improving our parks

We’re delivering upgrades to some of our parks and play areas across Hartlepool, with new play equipment to make them more enjoyable for our families.

New play equipment is planned for:

• Burn Valley Gardens

• King Oswy Play Area

• Rossmere Park

• Greatham Play Area, Clavering Play Area, Ward Jackson Park and Seaton Carew Park, with the hope of securing further investment in the future to improve these further.

Grants available to improve community assets

We are now accepting applications for our Community Asset Capital Improvement Grant scheme which will help local community organisations upgrade and modernise their community buildings.

The scheme supports improvements to make spaces more welcoming, accessible and fit for the future. To find out more about the grants and eligibility criteria please visit:

www.hartlepool.gov.uk/communityassetgrant

Street cleansing squads Enhancing our CCTV network

We have recruited additional street cleansing squads to provide more capacity which is on top of our existing neighbourhood teams.

Their work is focused on key areas including:

• Litter picking

• Weed removal

• Grass verge edging

• Graffiti removal

• Dog waste removal

We are investing in our CCTV network to enhance our current CCTV coverage across the borough. We are also purchasing a number of mobile CCTV cameras which will be installed in areas where flytipping incidents have been reported.

Boosting our neighbourhoods

We’re also investing in our neighbourhoods to make everyday spaces cleaner, safer and easier to use.

This work includes:

• Refreshing road markings

• Replacing damaged signs

• Adding new plants to flowerbeds

• Creating a number of off-road parking areas

• Repairing damaged railings

• Traffic calming measures

• Resurfacing footpaths

• Installing extra bins

• Adding new picnic benches to parks and coastal spots.

More investment to come....

The improvements happening in our neighbourhoods this year are only the beginning, they represent the biggest investment in our neighbourhoods for more than a decade.

A further £750,000 is set to be invested next year through the Pride In Place Impact Fund, with an incredible £20 million to follow over the next ten years through the wider Pride in Place programme.

The long-term investment plan is being shaped by the Hartlepool Board and built on the voices of over 1,400 residents who shared their ideas over the past 12 months.

Stay up to date and follow the journey at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/prideinplace

Take a peek inside Highlight!

With Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub preparing to open its doors, here’s a chance to see inside.

To whet your appetite for what’s in store, these photos aim to take you on a whistlestop internal tour.

They show the main pool filled with water, the completed leisure pool – including race slide, and the quality of the changing village facilities.

Highlight, funded by Hartlepool Borough Council, Tees Valley Combined Authority and Sport England and built by main contractor Wates, will replace Mill House Leisure Centre. It will be run by the Council’s Active Hartlepool service.

The opening date is currently being finalised and will be annouced as soon as it is confirmed.

Councillor Karen Oliver, Chair of the Housing, Growth and Communities Committee, said: “It is so exciting when you realise just how close Highlight is to opening.

“The range and quality of facilities is second-to-none, and Highlight is going to be a tremendous asset for the borough.”

Highlight will be open seven days a week – from 6.30am-10pm Monday-Thursday, 6.30am-9pm on Fridays and 8am-6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. To help people access it easily and conveniently, customers will be able to park for free for up to three hours in the car park.

Here’s some useful information to help you to plan your visit. For more exciting updates on Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub, follow Active Hartlepool on Facebook, Instagram and X.

Membership prices

The membership prices for Active Hartlepool, which will include Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub when it opens, are listed below. These prices will come into effect from 1 April 2026 and apply to all Active Hartlepool venues.

To ensure that being active and healthy is both value for money and accessible to everyone, the Active Wellbeing membership works out at less than £1 per day. Membership will provide access to Mill House Leisure Centre (until it closes), Brierton Sports Centre, Headland Sports Centre and Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub, when the venue opens, offering opportunities to enjoy swimming, gym and fitness classes.

If you’d like to become an Active Hartlepool member, please go to: activehartlepool.gladstonego.cloud/site-finder

Pool programme

Activities are planned across all three of the pools - the 25m x 8 lane pool, the 25m x 4 lane pool and the leisure pool.

For dedicated lane swimmers, a minimum of four lanes will be available for public swimming sessions during pool opening hours. Other opportunities in the pool will include swimming lessons, aquatic fitness classes, parent and baby activities and much more.

View the full pool programme by scanning the QR code above.

Management Team

Meet Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub’s management team. Natasha Livingstone is Assistant Manager - Health & Fitness, David Grainge is Facilities Manager, Simon Almond is Assistant Manager - Aquatics and Philip Storer is Assistant Manager - Quality & Compliance.

Between them they have over 75 years of experience working within the leisure sector in a wide range of roles in and beyond Hartlepool.

Highlight is being funded by:

Wesley Chapel renovation in final phase

The renovation of Hartlepool’s iconic Wesley Chapel continues to make significant progress, with the internal fit-out rapidly taking shape.

The once-derelict building is being transformed into a 35-bedroom boutique venue for weddings and other large events. Work is due to be completed by the end of April, with the building opening later this year.

The bedrooms are currently being fitted out, including the bridal suite with its impressive stand-alone bath, and the kitchen for the function suite is fully installed.

Work is also underway to improve external areas surrounding the building.

The £3.8m project - £1.4 million is being provided through the Government’s Local Regeneration Fund with the remainder being invested by owner Jomast –continues to create job and training opportunities for local people.

Trainee joiner Kristian Emmerson from Hartlepool College of Further Education is the latest apprentice to benefit, and he said he was delighted to be learning on such a high-profile project.

Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “This is an example of public money being used to attract private investment to help transform our borough and, in turn, provide training and job opportunities for local residents. It was great to meet Kristian and see first hand how he is benefiting.

“The Wesley Chapel is one of a range of capital projects across the borough on which we are spending £160m, and it is so exciting to think it will soon be open.”

Gary Wright, Hartlepool Town Deal Board member, added: “I’m delighted to see the progress being made and the impact of the Local Regeneration Fund investment in this beautiful building.”

Breathing new life into town centre

This year will see the start of the first phase of redevelopment work to revitalise Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.

Hartlepool Borough Council and Hartlepool Development Corporation are working in partnership to restore the historic Grade II listed former Binns Building for exciting new uses and create a new entrance way into the shopping centre.

Funded by the UK Government’s Local Regeneration Fund, it forms part of the impressive range of regeneration projects transforming Hartlepool, including the Wesley Chapel redevelopment and the forthcoming

Hartlepool Carers supporting

those who care

Are you caring for a loved one, friend or neighbour?

Caring can be rewarding, but also very challenging — that’s why we offer a wide range of free services to help make your life a little easier.

We provide practical advice, emotional support, and social activities for carers of all ages. Our team is here to help you feel heard, valued and supported.

From benefits guidance and respite breaks to training workshops and wellbeing sessions, we help you find balance and stay connected. We also run peer support groups where you can meet others who truly understand what you’re going through.

Our centre offers a warm, welcoming space where carers can drop in for a chat, a cuppa, or expert advice. We work closely with other community groups to ensure carers get the recognition and support they deserve.

Screen Industries Production Village. Construction work is expected to start later this year.

Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council and Chair of Hartlepool Development Corporation, said: “This is the latest chapter in the incredible success story that is the on-going transformation of Hartlepool.

“These are exciting times for Hartlepool as we plough £160 million into a range of high-profile regeneration and redevelopment projects, and this particular scheme to bring the iconic former Binns building back into use and create an eye-catching new entrance to the shopping centre will be a massive boost for both the town centre and the wider borough.”

At Hartlepool Carers, you’re never alone. Let us help you care for yourself as well as others.

01429 283095

www.hartlepoolcarers.org.uk

19 Lowthian Road, Hartlepool

Keep moving, keep smiling, keep healthy!

People across Hartlepool are discovering that staying active doesn’t have to be hard work – it can be great fun!

Hartlepool Borough Council’s Support Hub invites you to come along to its friendly, free Chairobics and Dancercise sessions for men and women, designed to help people keep moving, feel well and enjoy time together.

Chairobics takes place every Wednesday from 12pm to 1pm in Community Hub South in Wynyard Road, offering gentle, seated exercises that help improve strength, mobility and confidence. There’s music, singalongs, pompom-waving and plenty of smiles.

On Fridays at Community Hub Central in York Road, Friday Fun brings even more energy with 1.30pm Chairobics followed by 2.30pm Dancercise — both low impact, sociable sessions that everyone enjoys at their own pace. Tea and coffee are available too.

These sessions have also helped spark something special. In 2023, after seeing how much her group loved to move, Support Hub health and exercise activator Kari Ferry encouraged them to take part in a charity flash mob. They gave it their all — and Kari On Dancing was born.

Since then, the group of women aged from their 50s to 90s has performed three flash mobs a year and has raised an incredible £9,190 for local good causes, including its most recent £800 donation to Pansies Breast Cancer Support.

To find out more about the Support Hub’s wellbeing activities, call 01429 272905 or email helping@hartlepool.gov.uk

That’s handy!

Did you know that Hartlepool Borough Council’s Handyperson Service has helped hundreds of residents to live safely, confidently and independently in their own home?

One of only three local authority adult social care services in England to be nominated for the recent Handyperson Service of the Year Award, it carries out small DIY jobs, repairs and minor adaptations.

To be eligible for the service, you must be a Hartlepool resident and must be aged 60 or over or have a disability, chronic illness or sensory impairment which restricts your day-to-day living.

The service is free, but any material costs to undertake the work is the responsibility of the resident (excluding grab and bannister rails and door security).

The type of work that can be done includes fitting grab rails and bannister rails, small joinery repairs, eliminating tripping hazards, hanging pictures and mirrors, moving furniture and fitting doorbells, door chains, curtain poles, smoke alarms and solar security lights.

Angela Cusworth has long-term disabilities and has had lots of help from the service.

She said: “It’s an excellent, trustworthy service and you can’t fault the quality of work. It allows me to remain more independent.”

Councillor Gary Allen, Chair of the Council’s Adult Services and Public Health Committee, said: “The Handyperson Service was praised recently by the Care Quality Commission, which said it was making a real difference to older and disabled people in Hartlepool, sometimes making the difference between them living at home or having to move into care.”

For more information, call 01429 272905

Helping you to stay safe, secure and independent

Feeling safe at home is really important — especially if you live alone, have health concerns, or just want extra peace of mind for yourself or a loved one.

Hartlepool Technology-Enabled Care (HTEC) is here to help.

HTEC is Hartlepool Borough Council’s telecare service in conjunction with the provider Taking Care. It’s available to anyone aged 18 or over who lives in Hartlepool. It provides 24hour support using simple, reliable technology that helps you stay independent — with help always close by if you need it.

With HTEC, you can live your life with confidence, knowing support is available at the touch of a button. HTEC offers:

• independence when you want it – help when you need it

• peace of mind for you and for family or carers

• easy-to-use technology that helps you stay safe at home

• personal alarms and monitoring systems that can raise the alert if something goes wrong, such as a fall or sudden illness

Option 1: Alarm with nominated contacts

You’ll receive a base unit and pendant alarm linked directly to our response team. If you press the alarm:

• the operator will know who you are and where you are, even if you can’t speak

• they will speak to you through the device

• they will contact up to five people you nominate, such as family, friends or neighbours

Cost from 1 April 2026: £6.30 per week (including VAT)

Option 2: Alarm with carer response

This option includes the same equipment as Option 1, with extra reassurance. If you need help:

• a trained carer from our Direct Care and Support Team will come to your home to help you

Cost from 1 April 2026: £15.12 per week (including VAT) One-off setup fee: £63 (including VAT)

Wondering about the cost?

If you’re wondering about affording HTEC, help may be available.

Ready to feel more confident at home?

HTEC is a simple, affordable way to stay safe, supported and independent - and to give loved ones valuable peace of mind.

Find out more and sign up today: www.hartlepool.gov.uk/htec-apply 01429 242906

You can check if you’re entitled to financial support or benefits using the free, confidential EntitledTo online benefits checker at hartlepool.entitledto.co.uk

You can also contact us if you’d like help understanding your options or need support to complete the check. 01429 242906

Oliver Huermann and Councillor Melanie Morley

Celebrating a champion of Hartlepool’s young people

Hartlepool is preparing to say a heartfelt thank you to Oliver Huermann as his two-year term as the town’s Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) comes to an end.

Elections to choose his successor will take place in schools across Hartlepool in mid-March, but before passing on the baton, he’s taken a moment to reflect on this exciting chapter in his life – one that has made a real difference to the lives of young people.

Oliver was elected on a promise to champion employment opportunities for young people.

Early in his term he launched a survey, speaking directly with young people across Hartlepool about the barriers they face when looking for work. What he heard shaped one of his biggest achievements – Canny CV, a brandnew resource created in partnership with the Hartlepool Youth Service Youth Voice Group.

Packed with practical advice, Canny CV guides young people on writing CVs and covering letters, developing soft skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving, and gaining confidence through volunteering.

Hard copies can be found in local youth centres, or email Hartlepool Youth Service at hartlepoolyouthoffer@hartlepool.gov.uk.

Listening to young people has been central to Oliver’s time in office. Last year he led a large town-wide consultation to understand the issues that matter most to them.

The findings were brought together in the Our Town report, which has been shared with senior leaders and is now helping shape Youth Service priorities.

Oliver has also represented Hartlepool’s young people at key forums including the Hartlepool Board, the Transport Forum and the Poverty Truth Commission, and has met with Hartlepool Borough Councillors, Hartlepool’s MP and the Police and Crime Commissioner, ensuring young people’s voices are heard where decisions are made.

Oliver was elected to be part of the Youth Select Committee as the North East representative. It’s a vital platform for young people to investigate issues and topics affecting their lives. Oliver has been exploring the topic of personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education in schools.

Although he’s retiring as MYP, he still plans to be a strong advocate for the borough’s young people on the national stage - Hartlepool Youth Service is a founding member of the new UK Youth Council and Oliver has applied to join its Executive Board.

To find out more about the UK Youth Council, visit nya.org.uk/youth-council-uk

Oliver said: “Serving as Hartlepool’s Member of Youth Parliament has been an honour.

“I’ve learned so much from the young people I’ve worked with and represented. Their determination and ideas have inspired me every day.

“I want every young person to know that their voice matters, so please get involved in your community. Even the smallest action can help make a better Hartlepool.”

Councillor Melanie Morley, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Children’s Services Committee, said: “Oliver has been an incredible advocate for the young people of Hartlepool. His energy, empathy and dedication have left a lasting impact on our town.

“From championing employment support to ensuring young voices are heard at the highest levels, he has shown exactly what youth leadership can achieve.

“We are extremely proud of everything he has accomplished.”

Balancing the Council’s Budget

Every year the Council sets a budget to show how it will spend money received from a combination of council tax, business rates and the government. The Council delivers lots of different services - some we do ourselves, some we do with others and some we pay other people to do for us. Some services we have to do by law, others we choose to offer our residents.

One of the services we have to provide is looking after our children. We have over 350 children in our care. We try to keep them with local foster carers or in our own children’s homes. However, some children have such complex needs that they cannot be supported in local provision. These are often children who require specialist therapeutic support, highly trained staff, and very intensive supervision to keep them safe. Because of this, their placements are only

What are we doing?

available through independent and specialist providers. A place in a specialist children’s home can exceed £7,000 per week. These placements are supporting 25 children with the highest levels of need. In total, £20 million more is spent on children’s social care than four years ago because of increasing levels of need. This is the equivalent of a 40% council tax increase.

Other budgets are also under pressure from increased demand and costs.

Despite an increase in funding from government, the council has a budget gap – we are forecast to spend more than the income we receive. We are legally required to set a balanced budget.

As our transformation programme gathers pace, the following are some examples of the measures we are taking to balance the budget for 2026/27. We aim to save £4.5m, with more to come.

Addressing demand and cost pressures in children’s social care

We are progressing a number of measures to reduce the cost of children’s social care to try to save £3m in 2026/27. These include:

• Investing in early help and prevention

• Increased edge of care support for those at risk of family breakdown

• Promoting and investing in fostering within the town, increasing local and family-based placements

• Reunification of children with their families where it is safe to do so

• Reducing reliance on expensive out of town placements

Innovating with new technology

We are introducing in-home digital solutions for some of the people we support to allow adult social care teams to better understand behaviours and needs. We hope to save £250,000 in 2026/27.

Improving recycling and reducing contamination

We aim to save £100,000 with a targeted awareness campaign to improve recycling rates and reduce recycling contamination.

Improving efficiency of back-office services

We are reviewing all IT software and looking to introduce new IT solutions where efficiencies can be achieved. We expect to save £140,000 in 2026/27.

Ensuring that those who can contribute, do so

We will roll out accuracy reviews across our Council Tax Support caseload to ensure only those entitled to support receive it. We hope to save £383,000. We are reviewing adult social care financial assessments and making changes to our Adult Social Care Charging Policy to save £250,000 in 2026/27.

Reviewing fees and charges

We have reviewed fees and benchmarked them against neighbouring local authorities, identifying £377,000 of potential additional income.

As Hartbeat went to print, a meeting of the Council to agree a budget and council tax levels was still to take place. Scan the QR code to find out more.

Communities at heart of “active” drive

A new initiative aims to increase physical activity amongst Hartlepool residents thanks to funding from Sport England, which has awarded the town around £309,000 through its national Place Expansion programme.

It is part of Sport England’s wider £250 million investment across 90 areas to tackle long-standing inequalities in activity levels and help people be more active.

The funding — secured by a consortium of partners including Hartlepool Borough Council — will support a development phase running until September, during which a long-term vision and delivery plan will be developed directly with local communities.

Ten trusted community organisations have been commissioned to gather in-depth insight from residents to try to understand:

• What matters most to local people

• The barriers that prevent people from being active

• What could help communities move more

By listening to residents directly, the aim is to build a long-term approach that enables everyone to be active in ways that matter to them.

This work will initially take place in the Burn Valley, Foggy Furze, Headland, Central Estate, Manor House and Victoria areas, with a particular focus on families, disabled people, older adults, and residents with longterm conditions.

Organisations gathering the insight include Belle Vue Community Sports and Youth Centre, Community Led Inclusion Partnership, Hartlepool Community Trust, Hartlepool Rovers RFC, Hartlepool Sport, Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation, Kilmarnock Road Children & Young People Family Resource Centre, New Perspectives, Play Out Hartlepool and The Big League CIC.

To get involved in the project or for more information email hartlepoolplacepartner@gmail.com

Are you up for a sporting challenge in 2026?

Entries are now being taken for Hartlepool’s 2026 Big Lime Triathlon.

Organised by specialist company Wild Deer Events in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council, it will take place on Sunday 9 August.

There is a range of competitive options, including a standard distance triathlon and aqua bike (swim/cycle) event, a sprint distance triathlon and aqua bike event and open water swims of 750 metres and 1,500 metres.

The events are open to competitors of all abilities, and people are being urged to book early to secure their places.

The standard distance triathlon will comprise a 1,500 metre swim, 40km cycle and 10km run and the sprint distance triathlon will be made up of a 750 metre swim, 20km cycle and 5km run.

Relay options are available for both triathlons.

The standard aqua bike event will comprise a 1,500 metre swim and 40km cycle whilst the sprint aqua bike event will consist of a 750 metre swim and 20km cycle.

All competitors will receive an event medal and merchandise, along with a snack and drink on the day.

To enter, or for more information, scan the QR code

Your food waste recycling collection service

All councils in England must offer weekly food waste collections from homes in their area from April 2026 as part of the Government’s plan to improve recycling rates and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Hartlepool Borough Council is currently rolling out the service ahead of the deadline. The Council is pleased to be able to offer weekly collections of food waste which is often blamed for making existing bins smell.

Homes are receiving two new caddies together with one roll of liners. All you will need to do is empty any food waste you have, such as plate scrapings, peelings and tea bags into the smaller kitchen caddy. When this is full, it should be emptied into the larger outside caddy ready for collection.

The Government is funding the new caddies and collection vehicles required, so this initiative comes at no cost to Hartlepool residents.

How collections work

What

cannot recycle

Thanks for your support… and please keep it up!

Around two tonnes of small electrical items have been recycled since the launch of a scheme last summer.

The Hartlepool Electricals Recycling Initiative is run by Hartlepool Borough Council with funding from Material Focus, a not-for-profit organisation. It enables people to dispose of a range of items, including laptops and handheld devices, hairdryers, toasters and kettles.

Although funding will end later this year, the Council is to keep the initiative going as part of its on-going commitment to increase recycling rates.

Councillor Owen Riddle, Chair of the Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services Committee, said: “It’s fantastic that so many items have been dropped off at collection points across the borough, and I would like to thank everyone who has supported the initiative.

“Unwanted electricals are one of the fastest growing sources of waste in the UK, and it is important that people are able to dispose of their items responsibly and sustainably.”

Collection points are located at Community Hub Central, Community Hub South, Seaton Carew Community Hub in Station Lane, Headland Sports Centre, Throston Library, West View Advice and Resource Centre, Brierton Sports Centre, Mill House Leisure Centre, Hartlepool Civic Centre and the Household Waste Recycling Centre.

Live your best life with Hartlepool Community Hubs

Hartlepool Community Hubs are important places in the community.

We bring together different services in one building, but hubs are more than just buildings.

We work together with other organisations to give people advice and support and learning and social opportunities. Our goal is to help everyone reach their potential, live well and improve their lives.

Libraries are at the heart of this, acting as gateways to knowledge, digital access and connecting our communities.

We aim to help people live their best lives by offering:

• Safe, friendly spaces for everyone – with libraries open to all

• Helpful staff who listen and give support

• Support that looks at the whole person and what matters to them

• Easy ways to join in activities and find what you need

• Places where communities and partners can share ideas and shape what happens

• Clear information and help to stay healthy

• Special programmes to close health gaps

• Learning opportunities that are fun and inspiring

• Help with jobs and skills to reduce inequalities

• Easy access to books and digital tools for reading, learning and staying connected

What can you do at your local Community Hub and library?

Join the library today and get free access to:

Thousands of books

Browse our online catalogue and order to collect from your most convenient branch.

No late fees - as long as you bring the book back!

Large print, easy-read and quick-read books.

Self-serve kiosks

ebooks, eaudiobooks and epress straight to your phone, tablet or device on the Borrowbox app

Printing and photocopying (charges apply)

Print from one of our computers, or if you are at Community Hub Central you can print straight from your device with Wi-Fi print!

Plus social and reading groups and children’s activities and lots more every week! Find out more at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/communityhubs or call in and see us.

It’s the National Year of Reading!

This exciting new campaign is all about inspiring people to read more, and public libraries will be at the heart of it!

We’ll be welcoming new visitors, hosting creative events and celebrating the joy of reading in every community.

Whatever your passion, our community hubs and libraries have something for it. If you visit us for the café, to use a computer or to find a quiet space, why not explore our shelves too? We have books for every age and interest.

You can also join in from home with our ebooks, eaudiobooks, enewspapers and emagazines. Explore, discover and read into what you love at your library.

There are seven community hubs and libraries across Hartlepool – find out about everything they offer on our new website

www.hartlepool.gov.uk/communityhubs

From Rags to Richies

Join Teesside Archives for the latest of our Local History CHAT events – From Rags To Richies - as we explore our Richardsons, Westgarth and Co. records.

We’ll be delving deep to explore stories about this iconic engineering company, from its humble roots to its global reputation as a maker of engines that powered ships across the world.

We’ll also be looking at the lives and losses of the people behind it - the dedicated workforce and the Richardson family who steered the company through recessions and boom times.

Friday 13 March 2pm - 3.30pm

Community Hub Central

£1 entry - pay on the day in cash

Booking required CHAT events take place on the second Friday of each month and some Saturdays. To book a place, or to find out more about exploring local and family history, visit:

www.hartlepool.gov.uk/local-family-history or call Community Hub Central on 01429 242909

New centre marks the future of drug and alcohol support in Hartlepool

Start Hartlepool’s new Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centre officially opened its doors in January, welcoming patients, staff and partners into a modern, purpose-built space where high quality drug and alcohol treatment will be delivered to give residents the best chance of recovery.

The £3.7 million state of the art facility, funded by Hartlepool Borough Council, is located in Whitby Street, and will be home to Hartlepool’s drug and alcohol support service, Start. Construction of the new building began in 2025 using modern methods of construction (MMC) by modular experts, Portakabin. The new building was officially opened by the Chair of the Adult Services and Public Health Committee at Hartlepool Borough Council, Councillor Gary Allen.

The opening marks a significant step forward in improving access to specialist treatment in Hartlepool. The centre has been designed to create a calm, safe and welcoming environment for everyone who walks through its doors — whether they are beginning treatment, supporting a loved one, delivering care or partnering with the service.

Councillor Gary Allen, Chair of the Adult Services and Public Health Committee, said: “I’m delighted to see the opening of the new Start Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centre.

“This facility will make a real difference to people in our community who are struggling with drug or alcohol use.

“By bringing a range of specialist support under one roof, the centre will help people access the right care and give them the best possible chance of recovery. It’s not just about treatment, it’s about offering hope, stability and a pathway to a healthier future.

“For individuals and families affected by drugs or alcohol, this centre represents a safe, welcoming place where people can take those first steps towards rebuilding their lives. The opening marks an important milestone for Hartlepool, and I’m proud of the partnership work that has made this possible.”

Start provides free and confidential treatment and support to help individuals regain control of their lives, whatever level of help they need. If attending the service in person is a challenge, flexible arrangements can be made, with staff able to meet people in various community settings across Hartlepool.

The new centre includes:

• 18 consultation and clinical rooms

• A dedicated waiting area

• Multiple meeting rooms

• Modern office space

Sowing the seeds of Hartlepool’s future scientists and engineers

An exciting new initiative is inspiring young people in Hartlepool to explore science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) as a potential future career.

Hartlepool Borough Council has forged a STEM Partnership with Cummins, giving students from primary through to college age the chance to experience learning days at the engineering company’s state-of-the-art Darlington site.

Launching the partnership, Councillor Melanie Morley, Chair of the Council’s Children’s Services Committee, said: “Education isn’t just about learning facts and figures – it’s about being creative and inspirational, opening young minds to what’s possible and what’s out there for them.

“We’re delighted to form this partnership with Cummins, to inspire the next generation of the Hartlepool workforce by giving our young people the chance to discover the many amazing careers available in STEM.”

Students from St Helen’s Primary School and Hartlepool Sixth Form College have been the first to take part, enjoying guided tours of the Cummins plant and doing fun, hands-on activities such as bridge-building, involving design, development, problem-solving and team-working.

They also met Cummins apprentices, who shared their experiences of working in areas ranging from engineering to marketing.

David Hodgson, Cummins UK’s Bus and Coach Territory Manager and Volunteer Education Lead for its Darlington Campus, said: “We’re really delighted to be part of the

STEM Partnership and it has been a pleasure to welcome the first students to our Darlington site.

“As well as the hands-on activities – which they really enjoyed - we also talked to them about our amazing apprenticeship schemes – both standard Level 3 and advanced degree level apprenticeships – as well as the student placement opportunities we offer.

“We look forward to welcoming more Hartlepool schools and colleges to learning days in the future.”

Speaking during the Cummins visit, Jane Reed, the then Executive Head of Hartlepool Sixth Form College, said her students had been really inspired, adding: “Our T Level students study at college every day, but to come on a site visit like this really puts everything into perspective and makes everything that they are studying really come to life.”

The learning days are also being supported by the Future Ready Foundation charity.

Could youth work be for you?

There’s never been a more exciting time to be involved in youth work in Hartlepool.

Hartlepool Borough Council has received £633,000 from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport’s Local Youth Transformation Pilot scheme – one of just 12 councils around the country chosen to take part.

It will enable the Council to reshape and enhance its Youth Service so that it’s best placed to meet the needs of young people in the borough and help them flourish.

As part of that, we’re looking for more youth workers and volunteers. Would you like to join us on this exciting journey?

Councillor Melanie Morley, Chair of the Council’s Children’s Services Committee, said: “Youth work isn’t just about young people playing pool and table tennis.

“It’s about trusted adults supporting young people to enjoy fulfilling activities, giving them a sense of belonging and helping them navigate challenges, understand their rights, build their life skills and confidence and reach their full potential.

“Youth services in Hartlepool have a long, proud history - Throston Youth Project’s origins can be traced back almost 100 years - and there is a rich legacy of growing our own youth workers from the local community.

“Local youth workers who understand the town, its culture, challenges and strengths are perfectly placed to support the young people who live there. Could you join them?”

Could you support young people to help them get the best start in life?

Youth Support Worker Rachael Garlick added: “One of the things I love about youth work is the fun of working with young people.

“Each individual with their own challenges, perspectives and journey means that no two days are the same. They give you the opportunity to learn and consider issues just as much as you support them to do.”

Do you have passion and motivation to want to make a difference to young people’s lives?

Did you feel inspired by a youth worker in your younger years?

Do you have what it takes to be part of a team that supports young people to build their resilience, feel motivated and live a happy and healthy life?

Do you have a hobby or interest that you could connect with and inspire young people?

If you answered yes to these questions, youth work could be for you.

To find out more, email hartlepoolyouthoffer@hartlepool.gov.uk

Some of the Council’s youth workers at the recent reopening of the refurbished Rossmere Youth Centre

Hatching Easter holiday fun

It’s set to be a cracking Easter as Hartlepool Holiday Fun gears up for another action-packed programme of activities for eligible school-aged children – and there’s a new system for booking places.

Performing arts, multi-sports, mindfulness, life skills, football, a forest school, arts and crafts and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) are just some of the fun-packed sessions for young people over the school holidays - plus they’ll get a tasty, nutritious meal at each session too.

Under the terms of the Government funding, the programme is open to children who receive benefitsrelated free school meals and some additional children.

Some activity providers may also offer payable spaces for non-eligible children at reduced cost.

How will the new booking system work?

Booking for all the Easter activities will open on Wednesday 11 March at 4pm on the new booking system at eequ.org/hartlepoolholidayfun

There’s no need to create an account – just book and your account will be created as part of the booking process. You can now book for multiple children in one go.

Using Eequ, you’ll be able to check your children’s activity schedule, receive reminders and message the activity provider if you have a query – all from your account.

Councillor Melanie Morley, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Children’s Services Committee, said: “Hartlepool Holiday Fun has been an outstanding success and just keeps going from strength to strength.

“Last year, a total of 13,592 session places were taken up, with each of them including a healthy meal.

“And what an amazing range of activities to choose from - from sports to help maintain and boost their fitness, to arts and crafts to explore their creativity and STEM sessions to help them continue their learning in a fun way over the school holidays.

“Hartlepool Holiday Fun has helped thousands of young people in Hartlepool to broaden their horizons, discover new hobbies, make new friends and build their confidence – all the while being able to tuck into tasty, nutritious meals as well.”

How is the information you give us used?

• Our partner organisations may share information to help decide what support or protection a child may need

If you are concerned about a child in Hartlepool, contact the Hartlepool Children’s Hub.

Anyone can contact the Children’s Hub if:

• you are concerned about a child’s safety or welfare

• you think a child might need extra help or support

You can also contact the Children’s Hub if:

• you want to discuss whether your own child might benefit from support

• your child has a disability or additional needs and may need an assessment

• All information is handled securely and in line with the Data Protection Act 1998

• Unless there is a concern about harm to a child, parental consent is required before any further action is taken

New Year, New You?

Are you homeless or at risk of losing your home?

You don’t need to be sleeping rough to be considered homeless. You may be legally homeless if:

• You have no home of your own

• You’re staying temporarily with friends or family

• Your current home is unsafe or unsuitable

• You’ve been asked to leave your home

If you are homeless or think you may soon be homeless, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Housing Advice Team can advise on your rights and the housing options available.

Only certain people qualify for priority housing. However, even if a homeless application cannot be accepted, advice and support to help you stay in your home or find somewhere new will still be provided.

The Housing Advice Team can also provide advice and support if you are sleeping rough or know someone who is. It works closely with the local homelessness charity Cornerstone who are commissioned to provide an assertive outreach service for rough sleepers. You

can contact Cornerstone at their local office in Park Road or ring them on 01429 266703

Alternatively, contact Streetlink at https:// thestreetlink.org.uk or on 0300 500 0914. The charity helpline connects rough sleepers with local support services.

Contact the Housing Advice Team:

Call 01429 266522 for general enquiries or to speak to your Housing Advice Officer

Out of hours, call the same number and explain it’s an emergency.

To make a new homeless application

please call our first contact enquiry line on 01429 401813 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 1-4pm

For more homelessness and housing advice scan the QR code

Living with a disability or health condition, or facing other challenges? We’ll help you find and stay in work that suits you.

Work might feel out of reach – but the right support changes everything.

Get strength on your side...

You may be entitled to compensation.

People who have had intense or long-term exposure to asbestos are particularly at risk of getting asbestos-related diseases such as pleural thickening, asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma.

Due to the legacy of shipbuilding and heavy industry in the North-East, Mark Ellis and the team at Tilly Bailey & Irvine have successfully handled a great deal of asbestos claims and have extensive experience in handling claims of this nature.

We offer all Personal Injury clients an initial FREE interview and if we consider you have a viable claim we will offer you a NO WIN -NO FEE arrangement.

To find out more about how we can advise you on an asbestos-related disease claim, please give us a call on 01429 225200 to talk to one of our asbestos claims solicitors or visit www.tbilaw.co.uk for more information.

Private renting is changing – how new law will affect landlords

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is set to usher in a new era for private renting and represents the most significant change to the sector in almost 40 years.

The new law aims to provide renters with stronger rights and better protections, and the changes will directly affect how landlords must manage their tenancies.

Landlords will be directly responsible for sticking to the new rules, and councils are being given more powers to crackdown on those that don’t.

They key changes affecting landlords which take effect on 1 May 2026, include:

Abolition

of Section 21 “no fault” evictions

Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a specific, legally-valid reason. This will provide greater security for tenants, empowering them to challenge poor practice and unfair rent increases without fear of eviction.

A ban on fixed-term assured tenancies

Tenancies will roll over until either party chooses to end it. Renters will be able to end a tenancy at any point by giving two months’ notice. Landlords will be able to end a tenancy by using a specific, legallydefined reason, known as a “possession ground”.

Introduction of a 12-month protected period at the beginning of a tenancy

During this time, landlords will not be able to evict tenants to enable them to move in or sell a property.

An

end to discrimination against prospective renters who have children or receive benefits

This will make it illegal for landlords to act in such a way.

Putting an end to rental bidding wars

Landlords will be prevented from asking for, encouraging or accepting bids above the advertised rent prices.

Restrictions on upfront rent payments

Landlords will be able to request a maximum of one month’s rent upfront.

A

limit on the frequency of rent rises

Landlords will only be able to increase rents once per year.

Landlords should familiarise themselves with the changes by reading guidance issued by the government. This can be accessed by scanning the QR code below.

Later phases of changes, also part of the new law, will include a Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database of all landlords and rental properties in England so that a tenant can check who they are renting from. There will also be a PRS Ombudsman to help renters sort complaints against landlords quickly and fairly without needing to go to court.

Upcoming May Elections

On Thursday 7 May 2026 elections will be taking place in Hartlepool, in all 12 Hartlepool Borough Council wards and in the parishes of Dalton Piercy, Elwick, Hart and Wynyard (Hartlepool).

Registration, postal votes and proxy votes

You must be registered if you wish to vote in the elections. If you are not already registered you have until Monday 20 April 2026 to do so. You can do this online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

You can also vote by post or appoint someone else to vote on your behalf (by proxy). The deadline for postal vote applications is 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026, and for a proxy to vote it is 5pm Tuesday 28 April 2026. You can apply online at www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote or you can use the application form on the next page.

If you miss the post, you can hand in your postal vote and/or postal votes for up to five others at any polling station in the ward before 10pm on Thursday 7 May 2026. When handing in postal votes you will need to complete a form before they can be accepted.

More information can be found at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/elections or by emailing elections@hartlepool.gov.uk or calling 01429 523088

Your community needs YOU!

If you’re passionate about your local area and want to make a difference, why not consider becoming a councillor?

Candidates are needed for the Local Elections on 7 May 2026. Find out more at an event at Hartlepool Civic Centre at 10am on Saturday 21 March 2026.

If you are interested in attending or want more information call the Elections Team on (01429) 523088 or email elections@hartlepool.gov.uk Alternatively, visit www.local. gov.uk/be-councillor or www.electoralcommission.org.uk

Support is available for disabled residents interested in becoming a Councillor. More information can be found at: www.local.gov.uk/our-support/councillor-and-officerdevelopment/councillor-development/support-disabledcouncillors

Councillors come from all walks of life and represent residents of the ward for which they are elected. They are also involved in decisions affecting the entire Borough.

Duties include attending meetings of Hartlepool Borough Council every six-eight weeks and, where chosen, being a member of other committees. Employers must allow councillors reasonable time off work to undertake duties.

Councillors are not paid a salary but receive an allowance. Training, support and equipment is provided. You do not need to be a member of a political party as you can be independent.

You must be at least 18-years-old, and either registered to vote in Hartlepool or have lived, worked or owned a property here for at least 12 months prior to the election.

Key dates for the upcoming May elections

Application to vote by post in England

Voting by post

This form applies only in England.

You must be eligible to vote, and registered, to get a postal vote.

You can use this form to apply to vote by post for a particular election, for a set period of time or for a maximum period of three years.

Your local electoral registration office will confirm the duration of your postal vote. When your postal vote expires you will need to apply for a new one to continue voting by post.

For more information on postal voting and other ways to apply, visit electoralcommission.org.uk/postalvote

Postal votes can be sent to addresses in the UK and abroad.

How do I apply to vote by post?

• Fill in the postal vote application form.

• Make sure you complete all required sections of the form and provide your date of birth and signature.

• This information is needed to prevent fraud. If you are unable to sign this form, please contact your local electoral registration office.

• If your application has missing or incorrect information, your local electoral registration office will contact you. You may need to provide supporting documents and it may take longer to process your application.

• Return your form to your local electoral registration office . You can find their details and more information at electoralcommission.org.uk/voter

Please do not return your form to The Electoral Commission.

The deadline for returning your postal vote application is 5pm, 11 working days before the poll

If you are not registered to vote, you must apply to register before applying for a postal vote.

The deadline to register to vote is midnight, 12 working days before the poll. Register to vote online at gov.uk/register-to-vote

What happens after I have returned this form?

• Your local electoral registration office will confirm if your application has been accepted or rejected.

• When an election is going to be held, your ballot paper will be sent to you in the post. For more information on the delivery of the postal ballot pack, you can contact the elections office at your local council.

• Your postal ballot pack will contain instructions for voting by post and returning your postal vote.

• Make sure you return your postal vote so that it arrives by the deadline, otherwise it will not be counted.

Privacy statement

This privacy notice tells you what will happen to the personal information you supply with this application form.

The Electoral Registration Officer is the Data Controller for the purposes of data protection legislation. Their lawful basis for collecting the personal information is that the processing is necessary in order to perform a task in the public interest as set out in the Representation of the People Act 1983 and related regulations.

The Electoral Registration Officer is legally required to process your personal information securely and comply with data protection legislation. For further information you should refer to their privacy notice. You can find their website address and contact details at electoralcommission.org.uk/voter

Application to vote by post in England

Only one person can apply to vote by post using this form

Please write in black ink and use CAPITAL LETTERS. When you have completed the form, send it to your local electoral registration office. You can find their address at electoralcommission.org.uk/voter

1 About you

3

Address for ballot paper (only required if different from the address where you are registered to vote) Surname

First name(s) (in full)

Middle name(s) (in full)

Your address (where you are registered to vote)

Postcode

National Insurance number (you can find this on your payslip, P60, or on letters about tax, pensions or benefits)

If you cannot provide a National Insurance number, please tell us why.

Phone number (optional)

Email (optional)

2 How long do you want a postal vote for?

I want to vote by post in all elections I am entitled to vote in (tick one box only): for the maximum period (up to three years) to be held on

for the period

Please send my ballot paper to (address):

Postcode

The reason I would like my ballot paper sent to this address, rather than my registered address, is:

4 Your date of birth and declaration

Declaration: As far as I know, the details on this form are true and accurate.

I understand that to provide false information on this form is an offence, punishable on conviction by imprisonment of up to six months and/or a fine.

Date of birth: Please write your date of birth in the boxes below using black ink.

Signature: Sign below using black ink, keeping within the grey border.

If you are unable to sign this form, please contact your local electoral registration office.

5 Date of application

Voter photo ID requirement

Important: Voters in England need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations.

Acceptable forms of photo ID include:

• A passport

• A driving licence (including a provisional driving licence)

• A Blue Badge

• An older person’s bus pass

• A disabled person’s bus pass

• An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)

*NB. Employment ID cards are not accepted

You will only need to show one form of photo ID, but it must be the original version and not a photocopy.

You can still use your photo ID if it’s out of date, as long as it looks like you, and the name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote.

If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate. However, you need to register to vote before applying.

Apply at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voterauthority-certificate or simply Google “Apply for Voter Authority Certificate”

Please note that the only acceptable forms of digital ID are a Veterans’ Card or an E-Visa.

For more information visit

www.hartlepool.gov.uk/elections

Upcoming Councillors’ ward surgeries

BURN VALLEY

03 March 2026 6pm – 7pm

St Matthew’s Community Centre, Elwick Road

28 April 2026 6pm – 7pm

St Matthew’s Community Centre, Elwick Road

Councillors: Ged Hall (Labour), Corinne Male (*LCO) Owen Riddle (*LCO)

DE BRUCE

18 March 2026 4pm – 5pm

West View Community Centre, Miers Avenue

11 April 2026 12 noon – 1pm

Hartlepool Working Mens Club, King Oswy Drive

Councillors: Rachel Creevy (Labour), Brenda Harrison (*LCO), Michael Jorgeson (Labour)

FENS & GREATHAM

10 March 2026 5.45pm – 6.30pm

The Fens Public House, Catcote Road

21 April 2026 5.45pm – 6.30pm

The Fens Public House, Catcote Road

Councillors: Bob Buchan (Conservative), Philip Holbrook (*LCO), Jim Lindridge (Independent)

FOGGY FURZE

21 March 2026 11am – 12 noon

Oxford Road Baptist Church, Caledonian Road

23 April 2026 6pm – 7pm

Belle Vue Sports & Youth Centre, Kendal Road

Councillors: Melanie Morley (Labour), Martin Dunbar (*LCO), Carole Thompson (Labour)

HART

07 March 2026 10am – 11am

Hartfields Retirement Village, Bishop Cuthbert

04 April 2026 10am – 11am

Hart Village Hall, Front Street, Hart

Councillors: Rob Darby (Reform UK), Aaron Roy (*LCO)

HEADLAND & HARBOUR

18 March 2026 5pm – 6pm

The Annexe, Wharton Terrace

18 April 2026 11am – 12 noon

Heugh Battery Museum, Moor Terrace Councillors: Shane Moore (Hartlepool Independent Union), Matthew Dodds (*LCO), John Nelson (*LCO)

MANOR HOUSE

Ward surgeries to be arranged

Councillors: Pamela Hargreaves (Labour), Ben Clayton (*LCO), Fiona Cook (*LCO)

ROSSMERE

06 March 2026 6.30pm – 7.30pm

Community Hub South, Wynyard Road

03 April 2026 6.30pm – 7.30pm

Community Hub South, Wynyard Road

Councillors: Moss Boddy (Labour), Tom Feeney (Independent), Quewone Bailey-Fleet (*LCO)

RURAL WEST

Ward surgeries to be arranged

Councillors: Andrew Martin-Wells (Independent), Mike Young (Reform UK), Scott Reeve (Independent)

SEATON

05 March 2026 6pm – 7pm

Seaton Community Hub, Station Lane

Councillors: Leisa Smith (Independent), Sue Little (Independent)

THROSTON

11 March 2026 7pm – 8pm

Throston Primary School, Flint Walk

Councillors: Amanda Napper (Reform UK), Ed Doyle (Reform UK), Martin Scarborough (*LCO)

VICTORIA

07 March 2026 11am – 12 noon

Grange Road Methodist Community Centre 04 April 2026 11am – 12 noon

Raglan Quoit & Social Club, Stuart Street

Councillors: Gary Allen (*LCO), Karen Oliver (*LCO), Christopher Wallace (*LCO)

*Labour and Co-operative Party

For an appointment with the Leader, contact memsec@hartlepool.gov.uk or telephone 01429 523702/523704

For an appointment with Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash please ring 01249 801424, email Jonathan.brash.mp@parliament.uk or visit 206 York Road, Hartlepool TS26 9EB.

For details of your local Councillor(s) or to check ward surgery dates please visit www.hartlepool.gov.uk/ leadership

Recycling in Hartlepool

Household

Cardboard

Food

Drink

Aerosols

Glass bottles/jars

Household Waste Recycling Centre

Waste Removal Service