Tyne Tees Council

Labour members at Hartlepool Council have praised last night's result which saw the party take a 61 percent share of the majority seats.

Due to boundary changes, Labour actually lost eight seats. But still claimed 21 of the 33 positions.

Councillor Ged Hall, Leader of Hartlepool Labour group, said the result shows there is disillusionment with the coalition Government, but that the party also has some hard-working representatives who have won over voters.

Lib Dem councillors say national issues are the main reason why the party no longer hold any seats at Hartlepool Council.

The Lib Dem's lost both seats in last night's result.

The Chairman of Hartlepool Lib Dem's, Jim Tighe, says the new boundary changes hindered his party's chances of success.

But Mr Tighe says the welfare issues the coalition Government are implementing after Labour's "13 years of messing about" have influenced voters.

It was a good night at the polls for Labour in Hartlepool as the party held onto a 61 percent majority of seats.

All parties suffered losses as boundary changes meant there were fewer positions available.

But Labour faired best, despite losing eight seats to claim 21 of the 33.

Conservatives lost one seat, taking their total to three. But it was a bad night for the Liberal Democrats, who lost both their seats.

All other parties lost three seats, leaving them with nine overall.

Labour have gained nine seats to maintain control of South Tyneside Council.

The Tories held onto one seat, as did UKIP. But the Liberal Democrats lost their only seat. All other parties lost eight seats in total.

The result means Labour now hold 48 of the 54 council seats; Others 4; Conservative 1; UKIP 1; Lib Dem 0.

Newcastle Council says it's dealing with Government cuts by trying to offer its own commercial services to the public to make money.

It says there is a place for full private contracts, but that it is looking at voluntary partnerships and its own business ventures as "another way".

Northumberland County Council says its goal is to safeguard jobs.

Northumberland County Council has sent out hundreds of letters to its staff and councillors to begin discussions on whether to allow more private companies to run its services.

The council has to save another £70m over the next three to four years.

Business owners in Cannon Park are angry at council plans to redevelop the area and turn it into a shopping complex. They could be forced to move their premises to another part of town. A council meeting will take place today and proposals are expected to be put out to public consultation.