Skippers Lane Industrial Estate - Security Improvement Consultation September 2026

Following a review of the security situation across Skippers Lane Industrial Estate, undertaken in partnership with Cleveland Police in response to recent crime trends, a number of proportionate and cost-effective measures have been identified to enhance security across the estate while maintaining access for businesses, customers and the wider public.

As the local authority, we recognise the significant contribution that businesses on Skippers Lane Industrial Estate make to the local economy. The estate generates approximately £3.8 million in business rates annually and provides a vital source of employment, particularly within the TS6 postcode area.

Throughout the summer, we have worked closely with private landlords, businesses, Cleveland Police and relevant Council departments to develop a coordinated security improvement proposal. The aim is to introduce visible, practical and cost-effective measures that help deter crime and improve the overall security of the estate.

We are now preparing to submit the proposal to the TS6 Together Pride in Place Programme in early October. Before doing so, we are seeking the views of businesses operating on the estate. A summary of the proposed measures is provided below, and the full proposal can be found at the bottom f this message which includes additional detail and crime statistics covering the last 26 months across the estate.

We would welcome your feedback and support as we work together to deliver meaningful security improvements for Skippers Lane Industrial Estate. 

To ensure your views are considered as part of our submission to the TS6 Together Pride in Place Board, please complete the survey by 10:00am on Monday 21 September.

 Proposed capital improvement costs 

• Install five ANPR cameras with dot matrix LED screens at five entry points to record vehicle movements and support investigations while maintaining open access. Estimated cost: £25,000

• Reinstate three CCTV cameras on existing infrastructure, two along Wallis Road and one on Sotheby Road. Estimated cost: £5,000.

• Install additional CCTV coverage around the black path and Cleveland Retail Park. Estimated cost: £9,000

• Introduce locking barriers/gates at two vulnerable court entrances to secure overnight access to the units. Subject to further feasibility discussions with the private landlord and tenants. Estimated cost: £7,000

• Install rear access gates at Newcomen Road and Commerce Way to reduce unauthorised access. Estimated cost: £4,000.

• Install new deterrence signage throughout the estate, specifically signage focused on ANPR, fly tipping and CCTV.

• Planning application for ANPR system and new signage. Estimated cost: £2,600

Total capital costs proposed to date: £52,600


 Proposed revenue costs

• Ongoing monitoring and operational responsibility for ANPR system, detailed quote to be collected from contractor pre-submission. Estimates online range from £20,000 per annum.

• Ongoing ANPR maintenance costs, estimate to be collected from contractor.

• Ongoing CCTV and light column maintenance costs, estimate to be collected from contractor.

Location overview

Black path area (Commerce Way, Stephenson Court, Fleming Road)

• Targeted fencing upgrades to prison grade fencing and retrospective strengthening along vulnerable sections of the Black Path boundary palisade fencing were explored with a contractor. However, these works are not being progressed at this time due to costs and concerns it would not wholly prevent access.

• Works are underway through the RCBC Streetscene team to improve sightlines for the two existing CCTV cameras. Brambles and vegetation away from the main path will be retained to strengthen natural barriers, canopies will be opened up where possible to encourage new growth.

• RCBC tree specialists will cut back overhanging branches and use the resulting cuttings to create natural hedging, helping to restrict access to rear fencing lines near Stephenson Court and the former Restore unit.

• Within the proposal we're asking for funding for the installation of two additional CCTV cameras covering rear fencelines and sections of the Black Path. To maximise effectiveness, overhanging trees along the privately owned side of the boundary fencing will be cut back as part of these measures.

Dormor Way

• Proposal to install a CCTV camera on Cargo Fleet Offices, subject to a wayleave agreement.

• One of the five proposed ANPR cameras would be installed near the entrance to Dormor Way.

Cleveland Retail Park

• Proposal to install four CCTV cameras on existing lighting columns along Trunk Road, providing broad surveillance coverage across the retail park.

Wallis Road

• Proposal to install two CCTV cameras on existing security columns along Wallis Road.

• Installation of a rear access gate serving the rear of the Newcomen Road's units accessed via Wallis Road, subject to landowner consent.

View the full proposal online by visiting the link below, if you have difficulty viewing the contents of the proposal or have any questions on what has been proposed and how it may impact your business please don't hesitate to contact our team directly at Business@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk 

Skippers_Lane_Security_Deck (GOLD).pptx