Luke John Frost

There has been a lot of Social Media talk about the proposed hotel that has been granted permission to be constructed in Stockton using public funds. I am not against a hotel, what I am against is using public funds to part invest into the scheme, which will see Stockton Council own and operate the hotel. There has been previous applications to construct hotels within the Borough and they had been refused by the council due to "detrimental impact to the High Street" Now whether we like their decision or not, it has been granted permission and we have to live with it, hoping that it will attract businesses and tourists who come into the area. Whilst also hoping that the local authority has its figures right. But what will attract people to use the hotel? The Council claim to have a strong business case after a consultation with some of the biggest companies in the area and believe that this is a sound investment plan that should be supported, but faili...

I recently pointed out that the Keep Clear boxes at the new traffic lights on Lanehouse Road where in the wrong place and causing traffic to cover the entrance to the old Mandale Pub. I was told on Social Media by a local councillor that the boxes where for residents to reverse off their drive and not for the entrance to the site.  If that's the case why isn't there boxes all down the road allowing other residents to reverse off their drives?  However I remember that not that long ago I sat in an Area Transport Strategy meeting where I pointed out that these boxes where in the wrong location on the officers diagram. Obviously my advice and my drawing on the officers paperwork was overlooked.

I recently read an article in the local paper that highlighted the increase in Childhood Obesity on Teesside and this is an issue that has been on my mind quite a bit over the last couple of years. I have spent many hours campaigning against takeaway applications and this year started an adult cooking programme to teach parents how to cook healthy meals on a budget. Unfortunately Obesity and Poverty go hand in hand and in the more deprived areas around the country what you will see is a larger presence of fast food outlets and takeaways. Here in Thornaby we have our fair share of takeaways and drive thru's and whilst I am against the high fat, high sugar and low nutrient food that is served, I am always aware of the investment and job creation that comes with these establishments. However I do have the view that these places should not be developed near Schools, yet my last campaign to stop the local authorities giving permission to two new units to be converted to...

I recently spent 10 days in my favourite of all places, Barcelona and I have come back feeling re-energised and ready for a new challenge. It has been a difficult few months and this is what was needed to help me unwind. I now have a clear vision on what I want to achieve and I have learnt a few lessons over the past few months, but with my family behind me and great friends joining the new Organisation that I have set up we are gearing up for another very busy year ahead creating activities and events for young people in the town. I have also spent time with the family and have very recently started a health drive to get myself in shape and my mind focused on creating healthy meals which in turn adds to the creativity in planning events for all to enjoy. Now where did I put that Asparagus! Image took in the Centre of Barcelona ( Placa de Catalunya)

So I have decided to go back to basics and I am happy to report that I will be coordinating the Youth Zone once again. Some big decisions have been made and I feel that the young people of the town will miss out on the opportunities and experiences that the Partnership once offered.  Since January 2016 the Youth Zone has engaged with 996 young people who have took part in the activities and events on offer and it would be wrong to let the young people of the town down, especially since there is not much youth provision in the town to start off with.  There is over 3,500 under 16's that live in Thornaby and very little provision for young people and families throughout the School summer holidays and half term breaks. With 7 events already under the Youth Zone banner, I firmly believe we can connect with more families and young people and grow the Youth Zone to be the best it can be. I have submitted applications for funding for the Summer Holidays and the October...

So the Tees Valley has decided on the person who they want to be in control of limited devolution from Central Government and Surprisingly to the rest of the Country we voted in a Conservative. Now there is one major factor in all of this, that being the local labour party is up to its neck in slurry fighting for their lives to be taken seriously. Hard to do after destroying a generation and setting us back, so much so that the words "Backwater of Britain" is now readily being used. Wouldn't surprise me if our local councillors use this to try and promote it as a positive.  So we have a Conservative Tees Mayor who is promising to buy the airport and fight to get the Parmo protected, by the EU. The Same EU that his party hates and hopes to ditch (Brexit) and let's face it his party hasn't got a good record on supporting local industry with the closure of the Steel Works and the pittance they're giving us as part of the devolution deal.  A deal tha...