Well, yes, Christmas is here again, and it's a time of joy, peace and happiness, but don't forget, when you're out spending your hard earned cash on those special gifts be very careful when you are splashing your money about because you never know who's watching you.
Spread your money around your person. Don't keep it all in your purse or wallet. Try and go to the shops with a friend. If you are in a car make sure you cover your goods up if you put them on the back seat or lock them in the boot.
I'm sure you've heard this many times before but it is better to be safe than sorry. Make things as difficult as possible for the thief and remember, don't rely on that saying, 'It won't happen to me! ' You never know what's round the next corner.

Still, Have a lovely time and let's hope that all your wishes come true..... 'and may all...... you're... Christmases... be white... Nice one Bing.

Well, what's in store for us on the development front this time? Talking about Stores, Safeway's have now got their planning application in for a new store with car parking space. This will take up some of the already car parking spaces opposite Iceland, but further car parking spaces will be provided on that grassed area near to the Chinese Restaurant continuing towards the Fire Station. When this is done, plans for the old Safeway store are for them to be turned into smaller non-food units.
Of the three shop units and the Health & Fitness Centre to be developed near Great Mills and Macdonald's, I have not heard anything further on these yet, though I did read in a 1ocal newspaper that Ballantynes were proposing to build a number of Health & Fitness Centres throughout the region. The Health Centre (New Doctor's Surgery) seems to be making progress. I've seen all the usual building clutter around the site and the bulldozer moving around. The construction is now up to roof.
The Health Centre (New Doctor's Surgery) seems to be making progress. I've seen all the usual building clutter around the site and the bulldozer moving around. The construction is now up to roof level so perhaps early next year we will see it open. And, as the Doctors, Nurses and Staff would say, 'Thanks for being patient.'

A number of planning applications for masts, monopoles and microwave dishes for the Coulby Newham and neighbouring areas have been turned down recently. The Community Council has made a request to the Middlesbrough Council asking if they would defer any further planning a applications of this kind for at least 3 years until there is a better clarification on the health risk they may posses. According to the company, the masts pose no health risk to anyone, but we all thought that about cigarettes didn't we.
Anyway, let's wait and see what the future holds.

Good News down at Newham Grange Leisure Farm. After the last issue of the Coulby News a number of people came forward who were interested in getting involved with the work and development on the farm. A meeting was held to look at ways to gain grants and promote the projected work that we propose to set ourselves for the future. All seems promising. If you are interested then give Tracy Farbridge a ring on 515601.

The Community Council 'Dog Fouling' Campaign seems to be making progress. One reader tells me that a lot of dog owners do clean up now after their dogs, but the problem is some of them are throwing the bags of poops in the becks. Defeating the objective isn't it. Perhaps we should try and get some Doggy Bins set up. Keep up the good work folks.

Recently the Coulby News Team provided a Cabaret Evening for all volunteers and families of the Coulby News as a Thank you for the hard work they give. It was a good evening, thanks to the entertainment of Paul Ryker. I'm sure everyone enjoyed themselves. Thank you all. We are still looking for extra help to fold the Coulby News, so if you have a couple of hours to spare, please give us a call on 599723.

Well, that's it for now, but do please write if you have any comments to make: This is your paper too. On behalf of all at the Community Council, have a Very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. Your Sec Geoff Wishart

Bye for now, Your Sec,
Geoff Wishart