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I have been delighted to spend time out in the community this month, sharing the festive period with some of our wonderful groups.

One of my highlights was the annual civic carol concert at the start of the month. It was wonderful to see children from across the borough providing some excellent singing and fantastic performances to make us feel festive.

I welcomed the Northumbria Police Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth to South Shields as we took a walk around the seafront and town centre areas. We talked about tackling anti-social behaviour across South Tyneside, I was reassured about the progress partners are making.

Our winter parade was the perfect finale to our festive events programme, and I want to thank all the performers who put on a brilliant show for those who braved the weather.

Storm Darragh did cause some disruption across the Borough but teams from across the Council and our contractors responded to incidents swiftly. The storm saw high wind speeds, prolonged over the storm weekend of up to 69mph across the North East. 

I am pleased to say that Haven Point is now fully open following some remedial work caused by storm damage and I thank leisure members and users for their patience during the short temporary closure.

I wanted to reassure you that the Council's Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is active throughout the winter period, when temperatures drop (including 'feels like' temperature), high winds or other severe weather conditions we activate the SWEP. It makes sure that all rough sleepers can have access to shelter during severe weather. If you see someone in South Tyneside sleeping outside, please report it through

Our network of over 70 Welcoming Places  are open across the festive season. Anyone can use the Borough's welcoming places as a free, warm, and friendly space to avoid social isolation and receive support and advice on anything from heating costs to benefits and debt support.

We're continuing free activities and nutritious meals for children and young people in South Tyneside over the winter period through the programme. 

In the new year we'll be building on the work we've been doing to helping local families and those on the lowest incomes through the Housing Support Fund by providing some additional financial support to pensioners who just miss out on pension credit and therefore Winter Fuel Allowance. We'll also be working with schools to provide discretionary free school meals for some of the families who are not eligible, and we will be working with our food bank and Welcoming Places to distribute 'warm packs' for those who could benefit from them.

I offer my personal thanks to the many volunteers who continue to step forward and contribute across the borough. That kind-heartedness and solidarity is vital all year round - but it is especially important at this time of year.

As we look to spend time with loved ones over the festive period, I want to take the time to thank everyone who continues to work to provide vital services that our communities rely on.

For more information about Christmas and New Year closures and signposting to services take a look at the Council's website.

Finally, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year on behalf of myself and everyone at Â鶹ÊÓƵ.

Councillor Tracey Dixon
Leader of Â鶹ÊÓƵ