Welcome to the July edition of Stockton-on-Tees News – our first digital edition!


The coronavirus pandemic meant we were unable to bring you the usual May edition and as you can see, we have decided to make the July magazine a digital version.


SIRF20 At Home | 06 Stockton Town Centre | 30


It’s not just Stockton-on-Tees News that has had to adapt to these unusual circumstances, the Council and its partners have been reshaping a number of its activities to make sure we continue to do our best to support our residents and businesses. On pages 24 to 29, we share Our COVID Diary – a snapshot of some of the ways that people, residents, staff and businesses have been coming together to help each other through this challenging time and take a look at some of the experiences people have had.


Let’s not forget that it isn’t just in times of crisis that people across our Borough do extraordinary things for others. We are very lucky to live in a community where there are lots of residents and groups doing their bit all year round. The Mayor has acknowledged some of their amazing contributions in this year’s Civic Awards. Find out about this year’s winners on pages 34-35.


And there’s still lots to look forward to and celebrate too. Our Covid Diary | 28 Contents


News Round Up Our Places Our People


Our Covid Diary Our Economy Our Council What’s On


Stockton-on-Tees News is published by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and distributed free of charge. The July edition has been produced as a digital version due to the Coronavirus pandemic. However, there are a small number of print copies available for anyone who may have difficulty accessing the internet. If you know someone who would like a copy please email snews@stockton.gov.uk or call 01642 524581.


Alternatively, if you need to contact Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, please call 01642 393939.


Stockton-on-Tees News aims to provide information about the Council, its partner organisations, local community groups and


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businesses. Every effort is made to ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date at the time of publication. We always welcome your views, comments and feedback about the magazine.


Stockton-on-Tees News is produced by Stockton- on-Tees Borough Council’s Communications Team and designed by Twentyseven Design. Pictures and videos are courtesy of Stuart Boulton, Dave Charnley, Andrew Heptinstall, Gilbert Johnston, Ithica Films, Dawn McNamara, Ian Paine, Gary Walsh, 3 Point Media and others.


There is an audio version of Stockton-on-Tees News. Email snews@stockton.gov.uk or call 01642 524581 to order a copy.


New Mayor | 33


Later this month SIRF is back, but not as you know it. We are unable to bring the world class performances and the popular community carnival to Stockton Town Centre so instead we are bringing them to your home. Turn to pages 6 and 7 to learn how you can get involved in the virtual festival – it’s not our usual festival but it’s still going to be great!


In other news, the finishing touches are being made to the new leisure facility in Ingleby Barwick. IB Leisure will be opening mid-August. Operated by Tees Active, it will offer two swimming pools, a fitness suite, gym, library and customer service centre. On page 9 you can read all about it.


It’s not just in Ingleby Barwick where there has been lots going on.


It will not be long before we are welcoming some of the


biggest names in music and comedy to play at the Globe in Stockton, you can learn more about how plans are shaping up on page 8.


In March we unveiled our exciting plans for the future of Stockton Town Centre – on page 30 you can find out how they are progressing and also hear what retail expert Bill Grimsey thinks of the plans for the town. Meanwhile on page 33 we feed back what you told us you would like for the Borough’s other five town centres as we begin developing plans for each of them.


We hope you enjoy this digital edition of Stockton-on-Tees News, particularly the additional features we’ve been able to include like the videos to help bring some of our stories to life. We are aware that some of our residents don’t have access to the internet though so we have printed a small number of copies in case they are needed. If you know of anyone who would like a printed edition please email snews@stockton.gov.uk or call 01642 524581.


Julie Danks


Managing Director Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council


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