Up close April 2009

Upclose The magazine for NorthTyneside

John

April 2009

is our Young Mayor

Use your vote

ELECTION SPECIAL

Budget 2009/10

how your money is spent Keeping you informed | www.northtyneside.gov.uk

Working closer with communities

Bank holiday

refuse collection and recycling There will be no collection of refuse and grey recycling wheeled bins on the bank holidays:

Monday, May 4 Monday, May 25 Revised collection dates are set out alongside.

Residents are reminded wheeled bins should not be put out for collection any earlier than the evening before your collection day.

Normal day:

Revised day:

Monday, May 4

Tuesday, May 5

Wednesday, May 6

Thursday, May 7

Tuesday, May 5

Thursday, May 7 Friday, May 8

Wednesday, May 6 Friday, May 8

Sunday, May 10

Monday, May 25

Tuesday, May 26

Wednesday, May 27

Thursday, May 28

Tuesday, May 26

Thursday, May 28 Friday, May 29

Wednesday, May 27 Friday, May 29

Sunday, May 31

There will be no change to the collection of recycling black boxes over the bank holiday periods.

For more information, or if you need extra cleansing services, phone Envirolink - 0845 2000 103

Upclose April 2009

Up Close is produced by North Tyneside Council.

Marketing & Communications (3rd floor right) Quadrant The Silverlink North Cobalt Business Park North Tyneside NE27 OBY To discuss news, contact: Steve Forshaw (at the above address) email: steve.forshaw@northtyneside.gov.uk To discuss advertising or distribution, contact: Claire Edge (at the above address) Phone: 643 2111 email: claire.edge@northtyneside.gov.uk

The next issue of Up Close will be distributed from June 22.

North Tyneside Council wants to make it easier for you to get hold of the information you may need about the services it provides.We are able to provide our documents in alternative formats including large print and community languages.

Audio tapes are available at libraries. Please call 0191 643 5080.

Inside this issue Mayor’s message

5

Bridging the gap

8

Setting the standard

13

Election briefing

14

More to do

20

Budget update

31

Beating the credit crunch

42

On the beat

54

John Harrison keeps residents up-to-date with the latest initiatives taking place in the borough.

The borough’s newest bridge opens three months ahead of schedule – and on budget.

A new booklet, setting out delivery standards for the council and its partners, is published.

Your questions answered about the forthcoming Mayoral election.

The council unveils wide-ranging plans to provide more youth facilities across the borough.

What you will pay in council tax – and where your money goes.

A five-page update on how the council and its partners are helping people and businesses hit by the recession.

A round-up of the latest news from Northumbria Police.

To contact the council: For more information regarding our services, or to discuss your leaflet distribution requirements, please contact us on the number above, or send us an email.

Front page picture: Young Mayor John Akinropo - see page 19

Customer services Housing repairs Envirolink Council tax and benefits Racial harassment Payments Families Information Service

0845 2000 101 0845 2000 102 0845 2000 103 0845 2000 104 0845 2000 105 0845 2000 107 0845 2000 108 NTC Design April 09 | 2032

3

Do you care?

It’s a staggering fact but 22,000 people in North Tyneside, including a significant number of children, are providing unpaid care for someone they know or love.

Many of them don’t know there are organisations in the community willing and able to offer support.

One organisation that does care is the North Tyneside Carers’ Centre, a network member of the Princess Royal Trust for Carers. Just a few days after settling into their new offices in the YMCA building, North Shields, Up Close caught up with centre manager Claire Easton.

Up Close 22,000 carers – that’s around one in every 10 people living in North Tyneside!

Claire Yes, hard to believe but no one sets out in life to become a carer. In some cases it’s thrust on you without warning, with others it’s a gradual process. One day your household is just like Pat and Bill’s next door, the next an accident, ill-health or an addiction rocks your family to the core and life bares little resemblance to your neighbour’s.There’s no norm, every carer’s story is different.

Up Close What’s it like being a carer?

Claire Carers are often physically and emotionally drained. In many cases as they frantically try to find enough hours in a day to juggle work with their caring role, their own health is compromised.

Life is very tough but the commitment that people are prepared to give is remarkable.

Up Close What services can you offer?

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Upclose • April 2009

Claire Carers need practical and emotional support, relief from their caring role and information and training. Our dedicated and professionally trained staff provides all this. One thing that many carers really appreciate is

meeting with other carers and we make this happen by offering a full programme of events and activities.

Up Close Does moving bring with it new opportunities?

Claire Yes. Although we’ve moved into a new centre, we are also moving out! North Tyneside covers a big area and in order to ‘reach out’ to as many people as possible, we’ve set up surgeries throughout the borough. Our new premises in North Shields bring us closer to organisations we may want to work closely with in the future. More importantly, we are a centre and we want people to feel they can just pop in and see us. Our new location makes that more possible for more people.

Up Close How can people find out more about your services?

Claire The best thing to do is give us a ring on 0191 200 1111, email us at enquiries@ntcarers.co.uk or call in and see us - Third Floor,YMCA building, Church Way, North Shields NE29 OAB. We’re warm and friendly, everything is confidential and we try really hard to provide the support that people need. Finally we’re holding an open day on Monday June 8 between 10am and 6.30pm. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Elected mayor

We’re making a difference Dear Resident,

Welcome to the April edition of Up Close.

Being so close to a Mayoral Election means that I have now been the Elected Mayor of North Tyneside for just under four years.

I believe I was elected mayor in 2005 first and foremost because I promised to sort out the finances of North Tyneside Council. I am happy to say we have done that.

New playsites and bus routes; our garden care scheme; the big spring clean and litter blitz; improved roads and pavements; a new learning campus and more than ÂŁ100m being invested in new schools across the borough; the opening of Waves; 1,000 new affordable homes in Wallsend and falling crime.

And we have even more ambitious plans for the future. Further regeneration, more new schools and housing, more jobs and new businesses,

a young North Tynesider card giving real benefits to young people, a transformed Playhouse, a cleaner and greener borough, better roads and pavements, better care for older people and even more facilities for our young people.

It has been a very busy and productive four years, and a real privilege to be your elected mayor.

The council is now in the best financial position it has ever been in. We have record reserves, record investment, record government funding and a fully resourced five-year plan to further improve the borough.

But I have always said that sorting out the finances was not an end in itself.

Sound finances allow us, as a council, to make a difference.

To invest in better services for everybody.To regenerate the borough.

To build new affordable housing.To look after our older and more vulnerable people.To invest in our young people and their future.To create and protect new jobs and businesses, even in difficult economic times.

I believe we have done all of that and more.

Throughout this magazine you will see examples of that.

Please feel free to contact me directly by email: john.harrison@northtyneside.gov.uk or by fax: (0191) 643 2431.

Ground force: The garden care scheme is one of the council’s successful initiatives.

5

If you haven’t got involved in a clean-up event yet, there are more scheduled to take place.

Hundreds pledge their support December

The launch of this year’s Big Spring Clean has proved a huge success.

Hundreds of people pledged their support for the environment campaign at the event, which was held outside the Forum Shopping Centre in Wallsend.

The launch featured a huge pile of rubbish to illustrate the 15 tonnes of discarded litter that the council removes from the borough’s streets every day.

It also included Lord of the Bins street performers and the council’s environmental mascot,Waldo the Wonderdog.

Around 300 people registered their support for the campaign by taking the Big Spring Clean pledge, while people were also able to report a grot spot or enter North Tyneside in Bloom.

In return they received free giveaways, which included a Big Spring Clean jute bag, pen made from recycling cardboard and a Big Spring Clean slinky spring.

Several clean-up events have taken place since the Big Spring Clean launch.

These include community clean-ups in Wallsend, Howdon, Marden Quarry and Cullercoats beach. Meanwhile, Northumbria University students also organised their own clean-up of Tynemouth Longsands.

Launch event: The Lord of the Bins street performers.

They all start at 10.30am.

Volunteers are advised to wear warm outdoor clothing. Gloves, litter picks, hi-vis vests and black bags will be provided.

Saturday,April 25 Northumberland Park. (Meet at the north entrance to the park, adjacent to the Park Lodge.

Pedestrian access off King Edward Road.)

Sunday,April 26 Tynemouth Longsands beach.

(Meet at Tynemouth beach lifeguard station, south end of Tynemouth Longsands beach behind Crusoe’s café.)

Friday, May 8 Killingworth. (Meet at White Swan Centre, Citadel East.)

Saturday, May 9 Silverlink Park. (Meet in the car park, opposite the Village Hotel.)

Sunday, May 31 Whitley Bay beach. (Meet at Whitley Bay beach lifeguard station, central lower promenade, opposite Brook Street Gardens.)

7

New era: Transport secretary Geoff Hoon cuts the ribbon to declare the new Burn Closes Bridge open.

(Inset) The old bridge is demolished.

is now open

New bridge A historic link between two Wallsend communities has been restored with the opening of the new £4.6m Burn Closes Bridge three months ahead of schedule.

Transport secretary Geoff Hoon joined elected mayor John Harrison and young mayor John Akinropo to formally cut a ribbon and allow traffic to cross the bridge, which carries the B1315.

Mr Hoon said:“Burn Closes Bridge provided a vital link between two Wallsend communities, which is why

8

Upclose • April 2009

my department awarded the council a £4.1m exceptional maintenance grant to rebuild it. I am delighted to open the new bridge.”

The communities on either side of Wallsend Dene have been connected since 1912 but the Grade Two listed bridge had to be closed to pedestrians and traffic in 2005. English Heritage agreed the repair of the bridge was unrealistic.

Contractors, Balfour Beatty Regional Civil Engineering, consultants Atkins and project managers Scott Wilson worked with the council on the project.

Neil Barnes, regional marketing director of Balfour Beatty, said: ”Effective teamwork has culminated in the delivery of a worthy replacement for the old bridge – ahead of schedule, within budget and using local resources.”

The three-span single-carriageway bridge includes both pedestrian footpaths and a cycleway.

Some work will continue around the site for about a month, including the demolition of the temporary footbridge and landscaping.

The TaxiCard scheme can provide convenient and affordable transport to and from your home.

TaxiCard is a smartcard – the same size as a credit card – that can be used to pay for part of your journey by taxi.

There are two opportunities to join the scheme, in April and October. If you join in October, your TaxiCard will have £100 worth of taxi fares on when you receive it, which can be used between October 1 and March 31.

You pay the first £1.50 of any journey, the next £2.50 will be deducted from your card, and then you pay the rest of the fare.

You can obtain an application form from the Nexus TaxiCard team on (0191) 203 3460.

You will automatically qualify for the scheme if: You receive the high rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance.

You receive Attendance Allowance.

You are registered as severely visually impaired or blind.

Views sought on road priorities Residents of North Tyneside are to be given a say in how £1m is spent to improve local roads and pavements.

The council’s cabinet has agreed to implement a participatory budgeting scheme – giving local people a chance to express their views on priorities for spending.

The money is in addition to routine spending on road and pavement repairs.

Residents, ward councillors and other organisations will be asked for their views on schemes that may be considered.

A reply slip is enclosed in this issue of Up Close and more consultation will take place with the Residents Panel and at engagement events across the borough.

This will result in a package of potential schemes being put out for local public consultation to decide how the money should be spent in more detail.

The anticipated timeline for the project is:

May to June – analysis of feedback.A list of priority schemes will be drawn up and fed back to ward councillors.

June to September – Detailed engagement with residents and other organisations on the first phase of schemes.

September to December – Design of first phase schemes.

Engagement starts on second phase.

December to March 2010 – Construction of the first phase schemes. Design of second phase and engagement on third phase.

Transport update

Shopper bus services

A new community bus scheme, funded jointly by the council and Nexus, will make sure elderly residents can get to the shops.

The buses will provide weekly ‘shopper’ services for five residential homes in the borough – taking residents direct to local shopping centres and picking them up again later in the day.

Elected mayor John Harrison met residents at Emerson Court, Holystone, to launch the new service.

He said:“The new shopper bus will use vehicles that usually transport children to and from school. Rather than remaining unused during the day, they will enable our older residents to retain their independence and visit their local shopping centres.”

The five residential homes to benefit from the service are Clifton Court,Whitley Bay;Victoria Court, Whitley Bay; Emmerson Court, Holystone;Wallington Court, Marden, and Ferndene Court, Howdon.

The buses are provided through Connect Community Transport Ltd and residents can choose supermarkets and other local destinations.A door-to-door fare is £1.50 single.

Nexus and partners now provide more than 30,000 journeys a year for elderly people using community bus services.

9

New bins help break record Record amounts of household waste are being recycled in areas that have received the new wheeled bins.

Latest figures show that in the first two rounds, we have collected over 100 per cent more recycling compared to a like-for-like collection period last year.

The 240-litre grey bin comes with a separate caddy inside the top of the bin.The caddy is for glass bottles, jars and batteries while the main section of the bin is for cardboard, paper, drinks and food cans, plastic bottles and bagged textiles.

Around 87,000 homes will have received the bins by the start of June.

The Greenwell family in West Moor are among the thousands of residents already using them to recycle.

Deborah Greenwell (left) said:“There’s no comparison really between the bin and the black box – it’s made such a difference.

“We have the new bin where we used to have the black box, next to our patio door outside the kitchen.

“I just open the door, lift the bin lid and drop the recycling straight in.The black box always used to get too full and if it was windy things would blow around the garden.”

Residents will receive a leaflet a few weeks before receiving their new bin.

When the bin arrives, residents will also get a calendar containing some handy hints, how to use the bin and collection dates.

Collections are once a fortnight – on the same day as rubbish is collected – although not at the same time. The collection day may change from previously. Rubbish bins will continue to be collected weekly.

For more details, contact the recycling hotline – 0845 2000 112, log onto www.northtyneside.gov.uk or email: recycle@northtyneside.gov.uk

You can also visit our recycling roadshows (from 10am to 4pm) on May 1/2 at Tesco, Norham Road, North Shields and May 22/23 at Wallsend Labour Club car park,Windsor Drive, Wallsend.

Contrary to some media reports, the council is not recruiting ‘bin police’ to fine residents who incorrectly use the new wheeled bins. In fact, the council is recruiting five kerbside collection team members.These staff are essential if we are to continue the roll-out of the bins to the rest of the borough.

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Upclose • April 2009

Environment update

Gardening scheme blossoms Hundreds of residents across the borough have benefited from the Garden Care scheme for older people.

The initiative makes gardens more manageable and sustainable so older residents can continue to take pride in them for years to come.

The service is provided by Key Enterprises, a local registered charity providing support, training and employment opportunities for individuals with mental health problems.

Since the Garden Care scheme was launched last year, more than 850 people have registered for the service and almost 400 sessions have been carried out so far.

“They did an excellent job in lowering the hedge and now it is far more manageable. I think the scheme is a really good idea. I would definitely recommend it to other people.”

“As you get older there are things you can’t do on your own,” said Mary.

Residents who are in receipt of benefits may be applicable to receive the service at a reduced rate. For more information ring Envirolink on 0845 2000 103.

Mary and George Lacey (above), of Howdon, needed the height of the hedge in their back garden reduced so George could continue to maintain it without the need to climb stepladders.

There is a standard charge of £7.50 per hour, excluding the cost of materials. Each session is up to a maximum of four hours.

North Tyneside reaches for the stars The council has earned national praise for helping to keep the borough clean and green.

This year, for the first time, the authority entered the Clean Britain Awards, which are run by the British Cleaning Council.

And at a prestigious awards ceremony held at the NEC Birmingham, the council was awarded four out of five stars.

The council’s entry featured some of its

recent environmental initiatives, which include:

bridleways and cycle routes now benefits from a 33 per increase in cutting levels.

Clean neighbourhood patrol officers Since September they have carried out 570 litter picks and dealt with 170 incidents reported to Envirolink.

Waldo the Wonderdog Since the introduction of the council’s first-ever environmental mascot, more than 13,000 children have learned how to be energy efficient and become more litter conscious.

Grass cutting service standards Set out how and when grass will be cut at different locations in North Tyneside.

There has already been a 44 per cent increase in the frequency of normal grass cuts while the network of waggonways,

Autumn environment campaign This new initiative was launched last year and featured the introduction of ‘leaf buster’ cleaning vehicles, community clean-ups and composting initiatives.

11

NOR

DE

I

N

TYNE

SI

TH

BLOOM

North Tyneside

In Bloom 2009

Every entrant will be acknowledged for making their own special contribution to the borough.

Name of entrant

Name of contact (if different) Address

Just enter your details and tick the appropriate category box. If you would like to get involved in another way, such as helping out with judging, please contact the hotline number below.

Judging takes place throughout July, you will be notified of your date.

Don’t forget the judges will need access to your garden! Please return this entry form to: Dave Murphy, Project Co-ordinator, Community Services, Clean Neighbourhoods, North Tyneside Council, Block ‘C’, Harvey Combe, Killingworth, Newcastle Upon Tyne. NE12 6UB. Closing date for entries Friday June 12, 2009

HOTLINE 643 7279 Email: dave.murphy@northtyneside.gov.uk

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Upclose • April 2009

Post Code

Individual Allotment Plot No.

Tel No

Community Effort

Allotment Site

Residential Care / Sheltered Accommodation

New Allotment Tenant

Pub / Hotel

Plot No.

Allotment Community Effort New Garden Small Garden Medium Garden

Church Grounds Business Display Conservation / Wildlife Garden School Grounds Young Gardener

Large Garden Back Yard & Container / Hanging Basket Display If you have entered the small, medium or large garden categories and are also a tenant of North Tyneside Homes, please tick this box.

Setting the standard A new booklet, entitled Your Neighbourhood Agreement, is being distributed to every home in the borough.

The booklet sets out clear standards for delivery against a range of services provided by the council and its partners.

These include grass cutting, street lighting, removal of graffiti and waste and recycling collections.

The booklet also includes standards the public can expect from the police, fire and rescue service and the local primary care trust.

Elected mayor John Harrison said:“The neighbourhood agreement includes services that people access simply by living in North Tyneside and outlines the standard that everyone, no matter where they live within the borough, can expect.”

Your Neighbourhood Agreement was drawn up after widespread consultations involving more than 3,000 people.

Views were sought from as many people as possible, including ward councillors, the residents’ panel, community groups, the youth council and residents who attended a series of area futures events.

“This standard is what you, your family, friends and neighbours think is important about the place you live,” said Mr Harrison.

“Together, we can make every neighbourhood in North Tyneside a better place to live.”

Following the publication of the booklet, individual agreements can be requested by local communities as more tailored versions to reflect the priorities in their neighbourhood.These will be developed with the full involvement of residents and subject to regular reviews.

For more details, email: neighbourhoods@northtyneside.gov.uk

Friends scoop community award

The Friends of Brierdene are celebrating after being honoured at the Evening Chronicle’s Environment Awards.

The Friends are a local group of Whitley Bay residents who are trying to restore and improve the Brierdene area.The council supports their work and nominated them for the award.

The efforts of the Friends have led to a number of achievements, including the area having the highest density of birds in the UK and the quadrupling of visitors.

Award winners: Friends of Brierdene, represented by Steve Stone, Des Bustard and Tony Lister are pictured with William Thompson (far right) of Graphite Resources, who presented the award.

Picture courtesy of the Evening Chronicle.

They won the Community Group award at the ceremony, held at the Centre for Life in Newcastle.

13

vote Use your right to

If you are a resident of North Tyneside, and eligible to vote, you will have the opportunity on Thursday, June 4 to decide who you want as your Elected Mayor for the next four years.

X

Elections to the European Parliament are also being held on the same day. These are separate elections with different candidates.

Polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm.

Remember, if you want to vote you must be on the Electoral Register.

14

Upclose • April 2009

X

Important dates

X

Election 09

All the information on this page relates to both the Mayoral and European elections.

Last day for delivery of nomination papers – 4pm on Thursday, May 7.

Last day to submit a registration application form to be included on the register of electors, in

order to be able to vote in the election – Tuesday, May 19.

Deadline to submit a new application for a postal vote – 5pm on Tuesday, May 19.

Deadline to submit any changes to existing postal or proxy votes – 5pm on Tuesday, May 19.

Deadline to submit a new application for a proxy vote – 5pm on Wednesday, May 27.

Deadline to apply for a proxy vote on grounds of a medical emergency – 5pm on election day.

Poll cards

We will send poll cards to all voters who are voting in person. These will be delivered between May 7 and 9.

Your poll card will tell you where your polling station is. Remember, you do not need your poll card in order to vote.

Voting in person

On election day, the staff inside the polling station will ask you your name and address and check you are on the electoral register.

You can show them your poll card but you don’t need this to vote.

All polling stations should have disabled access. If you need assistance with voting, ask staff at the polling station to help you.

If you need help filling in your ballot papers, or are unsure what to do, ask the polling station staff for help.

Voting by post

You will receive a postal voter poll card between May 7 and 9. This is to remind you that you have applied for a postal vote.

Applications to vote by post will be accepted up until 5pm on Tuesday, May 19.

Anyone aged 18 or over can apply for a postal vote. You do not need a reason to vote by post.

A postal vote can be sent to your home address or any other address that you give. Postal votes can be sent overseas but you need to consider whether there will be enough time to receive and return your ballot papers by election day.

When will you get your postal voting papers?

Postal votes will be sent out between May 26 and 29. If they don’t arrive, you can get replacement ballot papers in person from your electoral registration officer up until 5pm on election day.

Please remember to send back your postal vote as early as possible.

I’ve spoilt/lost my ballot papers/postal voting statement.

What do I do?

You can get a replacement up until 5pm on election day. You must pick it up in person from your electoral registration officer. If you have spoilt your ballot papers, you need to return the whole pack that was sent to you.

A form of identification is required before a replacement ballot pack can be issued.

Remember, if you have applied to vote by post, you cannot vote in person at the polling station.

If you no longer wish to vote by post, you can cancel your postal vote by writing to us at the address below by 5pm on May 19.

Voting by proxy

Applications to vote by proxy will be accepted up until 5pm on May 27.

Applications for an emergency proxy vote, if you become incapacitated after May 27, will be accepted up until 5pm on election day.

How to contact us: Helpline: (0191) 643 2270 Fax: (0191) 643 2433 Email:

elections@northtyneside.gov.uk

Web: www.northtyneside.gov.uk Write or visit:

Electoral Services North Tyneside Council Quadrant The Silverlink North Cobalt Business Park North Tyneside NE27 0BY

15

Voting for the Mayor of North Tyneside In the election for the Mayor you have two votes – a first choice and a second choice vote.

If you cast your first and second choice votes for the same candidate, the second choice will not be counted.

If you only vote for your first choice, that vote will be counted.

If you only make a second choice vote and not a first choice vote, your second choice vote will not be counted.

If you only make a first choice, your vote will be counted - you do not have to cast your second choice vote. Making a second choice cannot reduce the chance of your first choice candidate being successful. (Only the second choice votes of eliminated candidates will be counted.)

How the Mayoral results are calculated

If there are only two candidates, the Mayor of North Tyneside is elected using the ‘first past the post’ system. The candidate with the most votes wins.

If there are three or more candidates, the supplementary vote system is used.

This voting system is used to ensure the candidate with the broadest amount of support is elected.

In the supplementary vote system, voters can cast a first choice and second choice vote. A voter does not have to cast a second choice vote but must cast a first choice vote or it will not be counted.

If a candidate receives more than half of the first choice votes, they are elected.

If this does not happen, the top two candidates with the most first choice votes go through to a second round. All the other candidates are eliminated but the second choice votes on the eliminated ballot papers are looked at.

If they are for either of the top two candidates, these second choices are added to their totals.

In these circumstances, the candidate with the highest total of first and second choice votes wins. If there is a tie, the returning officer draws lots to decide the winner.

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Upclose • April 2009

X

Election 09 Column one

How to complete the Mayoral ballot paper You have two votes in the Mayoral Election - a first and second choice.

Vote ONCE (X) in column one for your first choice Vote ONCE (X) in column two for your second choice

Please note: in the European election you have one vote for either a party or an individual candidate.

1 2 3 4 5 6

1st choice

Candidate 1 Candidate 1 address Candidate party

Column two 2nd choice

Candidate 2 Candidate 2 address Candidate party

Candidate 3 Candidate 3 address Candidate party

Candidate 4 Candidate 4 address Candidate party

Candidate 5 Candidate 5 address Candidate party

Candidate 6 Candidate 6 address Candidate party

Did one candidate get over 50% of the 1st choice votes?

yes

The candidate with over 50% of the votes is the winner

no

The top two candidates remain and the 2nd choice votes from the eliminated candidates are added to their totals The candidate with the most 1st and 2nd choice votes is the winner

17

Make

your life

work Are you a lone parent looking for flexible work?

Are you claiming incapacity benefit?

Do you lack the skills to find the job you want?

Start 2 Earn can help find a job for you 0191 200 7198 www.northtyneside.gov.uk

Young Mayorpoll Record turn-out in

North Tyneside has its first Young Mayor – 15 year-old John Akinropo.

John, a student at Burnside Business and Enterprise College, was elected after a poll involving thousands of the borough’s young people.

His job will be to represent young people in North Tyneside, giving them a voice to influence decisions made by the council.

He’ll also have a say on how £25,000 per year is spent on initiatives that will benefit children and young people.

Elected mayor John Harrison said: “I wish John a wonderful term in office and congratulate him on running such a successful campaign.

“Every single one of the candidates can feel proud that they have contributed to such a fantastic election.

“I have been extremely impressed by the tremendous enthusiasm of the

candidates and the young electorate and I hope this has encouraged many more of our young people to take an active part in the borough’s decision-making process and the future of their local communities.”

Fifty two candidates from local schools and colleges entered the contest to elect the Young Mayor – the first such poll in the region.

More than 8,500 11-19 year-olds used their vote – equivalent to a 59 per cent turn-out and the highest ever recorded for a youth or young mayoral election in the country.

Under the supplementary voting system, John received 822 first preference votes and 260 second preference votes, giving him an overall winning total of 1,082 votes.

Kyle Myers, also 15, from St Thomas More High School, received 719 first preference votes, and 298 second preference votes, making him runner-up with a total of 1,017 votes.

In his manifesto, John – who has an 18-month term of office – pledged to make the borough a safer place and to make a difference to the lives of young people. He also promised to ‘make prudence his watchword.’

More information is available on the Young Mayor pages on the council website: www.northtyneside.gov.uk

Mayoral get-together: John Akinropo with John Harrison.

19

Plenty of places to

play The council has ambitious plans to provide 100 additional youth and play facilities over the next four years.

These proposals will create ‘100 places to go and 1,000 things to do’ for young people – providing a positive focus and outlet for their energy, within a safe environment that’s been specifically created for them.

Since the council agreed its Play Investment Plan in 2006, it has completed three new skateparks, seven new multi-use games areas and nine new playsites – and refurbished 15 playsites.

And there is more to come during the next 12 months, including the borough’s first fully-staffed adventure playground.

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Upclose • April 2009

Shiremoor Trim Track Due for completion - August Holycross, Howdon New playsite Due for completion - October Earsdon New playsite Due for completion - November Bamburgh Drive, Palmersville New playsite Due for completion - December Alexander Scott Park, North Shields New playsite Due for completion - February 2010

Having fun: Youngsters try out the new playsite at Norham.

But elected mayor John Harrison and his Cabinet understand there is much more still to do. Future plans include: A youth centre or adventure playground for each of the four areas in the borough - able to offer a full range of activities and youth support.

Youth and Play Ranger teams for each area.

Specialist activities in a particular sport or art.

A transport system that will ensure facilities are accessible to all young people, regardless of where they live.

The council is developing a strategy to deliver these ambitions for youth and play provision across the borough, including identifying potential sites and venues for youth facilities and sources of funding.

The Parks Leisure Centre New skatepark and multi-use games area Due for completion - March 2010

Work underway on new playsites

Work has been completed on a raft of new and refurbished playsites across the borough, all in time for the Easter break, and work is now underway on even more!

New sites have been constructed at Killingworth Lake, Hadrian Park and Tynemouth Park and a new skatepark, multi-use games area and refurbished playsite has opened at Howdon Park.

Refurbishments have been carried out to playsites at Benton Quarry, Springfield Park, Howdon Community Centre, Killingworth Park, Northumberland Park, Pool Park Tynemouth, South Wellfield, Rockcliffe Park and Churchill playing fields.

Over the next 12 months, brand new facilities will be created at: Lockey Park New multi-use games area and refurbished playsite Due for completion - July

Castle Square New playsite and multi-use games area Due for completion - March 2010 Sites will be refurbished at: Marmion Terrace, Whitley Bay Due for completion - August Nelson Terrace, Percy Main Due for completion - August Stonelea, West Allotment Due for completion - August Winfred Gardens, Wallsend Due for completion - August Wallsend Parks (formerly Richardson Dees) Due for completion - November Links Road, Cullercoats Due for completion - January 2010 Park Grove Due for completion - March 2010 Council staff are also busy working towards the development of a new playsite and multi-use games area in Collingwood Ward and a new playsite and a multi-use games area in Station Road, Wallsend. All of these new places to play are part of the council’s two-year, £5.5m investment in play and urban games.

21

Work starts on

learning campus Work has started on a £15m state-of-the-art primary learning campus in Longbenton.

The pioneering scheme will bring together Glebe Special School and Goathland Primary School in one integrated location on a site alongside Longbenton Community College.

The campus will include specialist classrooms, sports and health areas, a nursery and after-school and community facilities.

It will also be home to a dedicated centre for borough-wide language, communication and therapeutic services.

The scheme is part of North Tyneside's investment in primary education across the borough. The council is one of only 23 Primary Pathfinder authorities in the

22

Upclose • April 2009

country, which recognises its vision and successful track record in delivering excellent education and learning facilities.

Cllr Norma Redfearn, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: "North Tyneside has a commitment to deliver leading-edge school buildings for the future that inspire learning and provide a wide range of community support amenities and services within the reach of every family.

“Bringing together these two schools in this way places learning and extended school facilities at the heart of the community."

The work is being carried out by the council’s Construction Group and is scheduled for completion in Spring 2010.

Glebe Special School is currently located in Whitley Bay and offers a borough-wide educational base for children with moderate learning difficulties and autism spectrum disorder needs.

Glebe and Goathland will share resources and pupils of both schools will be educated in an environment dedicated to their age range and peer group.

The move has the full support of the schools' head teachers.

Jill Forster, head teacher at Goathland, said: "This new school building will ensure that the outstanding work of both Glebe and Goathland schools will continue to take place in an inspiring and inclusive building fit for the 21st Century.”

Learning campus: Pupils from Glebe and Goathland join elected mayor John Harrison and Gill Alexander, strategic director for Children,Young People and Learning, at the new site.

Speed limits set to improve safety

0 2

Children in North Tyneside are helping to make their journeys to school safer and healthier.

Travel surveys conducted in schools found that very few children in the borough want to be taken to school in a car and most would prefer to walk or cycle.

Following the surveys and other consultations, local pupils have joined forces with parents, carers, staff, governors, the council and the police to create an individual travel plan for each school.

The plans suggest a range of solutions to make journeys safe, healthy and sustainable and encourage children, school staff and parents to travel to school on foot, by bike or on public transport wherever possible.

They also focus on safety awareness and aim to increase children’s independence.

Alongside the plans, a programme to introduce enforced no-parking outside schools and 20mph speed limits is also in place.

Forty two schools in North Tyneside now have travel plans, which have been approved by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), and the rest will be completed by 2010.

Existing plans will also be updated.

Cllr Norma Redfearn, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: “Figures show that 60 per cent of our pupils already walk to school, and only 25 per cent arrive by car, but we aim to reduce that even further.

“Cycling or walking to school is a practical way to achieving a greener,

cleaner borough and encouraging our children to stay healthy. Parents often drive their children to school because they are concerned about the danger of traffic, so our plans look to address that too."

School travel plans are just one element of the council’s Sustainable Modes of School Travel Strategy, which has been approved by cabinet.

The strategy outlines a mix of provisions, services and plans which aim to promote and foster sustainable travel in local schools, including: 20mph speed limits introduced on the approaches to all schools Enforced ‘no parking’ yellow zig-zags outside every school

100 school crossing patrol points – every school has a patrolled

point within a half a mile

The promotion of cycling and education on the benefits of cycling Cycle training in schools

Road safety training for all ages

Independent travel training for students aged 16 –19 who have

special educational needs or behavioural difficulties.

Walk to School Week – held annually in May Free bus passes for eligible children

Working with partners to help ensure buses are punctual,

good value, frequent, reliable, safe and clean

23

North Tyneside Strategic Partnership

Building cohesive communities

In 2007, the North Tyneside Strategic Partnership developed a vision for the borough in 2030.

One of its themes was the commitment to increasing the size and diversity of the borough’s population, where differences in age, race, faith, gender, ability and sexuality are accepted and valued.

NTSP is now launching its Community Cohesion Strategy, which sets out what needs to be done to achieve and maintain a strong, cohesive community as part of a diverse borough.

A cohesive community is one where people: Have a sense of belonging and trust each other.

Have similar opportunities and shared goals.

Can develop positive relationships with others from different backgrounds.

Accept and value diversity and Know their rights and responsibilities.

Trust local organisations to act fairly.

According to recent research, 76 per cent of people in North Tyneside agree their local area is a place where people from different backgrounds get on well

24

Upclose • April 2009

together. This is close to the national average but the NTSP wants to improve this.

Elected mayor John Harrison, who is also chair of the NTSP Executive, said: “We want everyone who lives here young and old, newcomers and those whose families have lived here for generations - to feel they belong and are able to contribute.”

The Community Cohesion Strategy outlines the current challenges and actions NTSP intends to take. These include:

Welcoming new residents and providing information on services and facilities.

Helping new and established communities integrate.

Building understanding of what

causes tensions between different groups, and how to tackle them.

Combating all forms of harassment and bullying.

Improving relationships between younger and older people.

The Community Cohesion Strategy will be available at libraries and on the NTSP website in May. If you would like to order a copy, please contact:

Telephone: 643 5608 Email: ntsp@northtyneside.gov.uk www: www.ntsp-online.org.uk

The NTSP includes representatives from North Tyneside Council, Northumbria Police, Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service, the Primary Care Trust, learning organisations, and the voluntary and community sector.

North Tyneside’s population: By 2030, 25 per cent will be aged over 65* 78 per cent state they are Christian# The lesbian, gay and bisexual population is estimated at between 5 and 7 per cent 22 per cent describe themselves as having a long-term limiting illness or disability# By 2030, 5 per cent will be from black and minority ethnic groups* Gypsies and travellers visit the borough every year * estimated figures

# from 2001 Census

Teenz joins the magazine stable A new magazine has been launched for 15-19 year-olds (Key Stages 4 and 5) in the borough.

Teenz is written and produced by members of the North Tyneside Young Voices Group, supported by staff from the council.

The first edition highlights health and includes articles on weight issues, taking risks, teenage pregnancy and living with a disability.

It also includes interviews with Chief Supt Steve Storey and Wallsend-born Amy Wilkinson, of pop band Irresistible.

Teenz is the latest publication by young people for young people in North Tyneside.

Tag Mag, aimed at 8-11 year-olds (Key Stage 2), and Mag4U, for 12-14 year-olds (Key Stage 3), were launched last year.

Inspired by the children and young people of the borough, the magazines aim to provide a forum for pupils to write about subjects that are important to them and connect young people in a fun and interesting way.

The students are involved in every aspect of the magazine – from deciding on the subject matter, to writing reports and choosing photos to illustrate their stories.

The spring editions of Tag Mag and Mag4U were published last month. Tag Mag has been written and produced by pupils from Hadrian Park Primary and Mag4U by students at Seaton Burn College.

Other schools and youth groups will take their turn to be writers and editors on future issues.

Drop-in sessions planned The Families Information Service is holding a series of drop-in sessions across the borough during the next couple of months.

Information and advice is being provided on a range of issues, including childcare services, health and well-being, parenting and family learning, family support, and working with children and young people.

The sessions are on: Wednesday, April 29 – John Willie Sams Centre, Dudley (1pm to 3pm)

Tuesday, May 5 – Whitley Bay Library (9am to 11am) Thursday, May 14 – Wideopen Library (2.30pm to 4.30pm)

Monday, May 18 – Riverside Children’s Centre (9.30am to 11.30am)

Thursday, May 28 – Central Library, North Shields (1.30pm to 3.30pm)

Tuesday, June 2 – Oxford Centre, Longbenton (11am to 1pm) Tuesday, June 9 – Killingworth Shopping Centre (3pm to 6pm)

Friday, June 19 – Battle Hill Library (2.30pm to 4.30pm) Wednesday, June 24 – The Parks, North Shields (4pm to 6pm)

Tuesday, June 30 – Shiremoor Library (2.30pm to 4.30pm)

These sessions may change – please check details on the council’s website www.northtyneside.gov.uk or ring the Families Information Service on 0845 2000 108.

FIS will be holding a recruitment event in June for people who live in the borough and want to work with children and young people.

Specialist advisers will provide free and impartial advice on a range of issues, including employment and training opportunities, relevant qualifications, returning to work and childcare.

For more details, contact FIS or email: fis@northtyneside.gov.uk

25

All you need to know about the

North Tyneside 14-19 area prospectus What is it?

The area prospectus is a one-stop shop that provides course and career information, advice and guidance. You can find it at www.get-it-sorted.org.uk

Who is it for?

The advice and guidance is aimed mainly at young people between 14 and 19. However, there will be something there for children from the age of 11 who are thinking about their future options. It also provides a wealth of information that parents, carers and all guidance professionals can use in their critical support role.

What will I find on it?

You can search for any type of course across any type of provider, whether a school, FE college or training provider.

You can expand your search from North Tyneside to include surrounding boroughs.

26

Upclose • April 2009

You will also find links to careers pathways and other specialist information young people can use to make informed choices. But it’s not just about learning. Our Youth Matters section ensures that you don’t miss out on what’s going on in your area.

So what makes this website different?

We want our area prospectus to communicate in ways that appeal to all young people and parents. Therefore, through our Guidance section, we are developing Sorted TV – a series of videos that are designed to be interesting, sometimes amusing, as well as informative. Why not watch our apprenticeship or diploma videos? Or try our Top Tips section delivered by young people themselves. And the Sole Mates video is, well, weird, but informative!

Does it help all young people?

Yes, we have sections specifically for those at 14 starting their Key Stage 4 options; for those at 16 who are considering what to do next; while an 18-plus section supports those who are considering higher education or employment.

What next?

This is just the start. Over the next year or two, our prospectus will grow and expand in importance. We welcome the feedback of young people, parents and educational professionals to shape its future development. If you have any comments or suggestions, please email the get it sorted team at: getitsorted@northtyneside.org.uk

Get It Sorted

Music Service update

In tune Students across the borough are hitting the right note thanks to a series of musical initiatives.

Whether it’s a vocal group or choir, string section or youth orchestra, the council’s Music Service is helping young people develop a love of Bach, Beethoven and the Beatles.

Pioneering music hubs are now up and running at Marden Bridge Middle School and Longbenton Community College, with another due to start shortly at Carville Primary School, where young musicians can come together and play instruments or sing as a group – free of charge – with guidance from local music tutors.

Any child from 7 to 12 is welcome to come along on a Saturday morning to learn not only how to play or sing as part of a group but also to improvise and even compose their own music.

Pupils are encouraged to work towards joining the various ensembles and choirs that rehearse at the Langdale Centre in Wallsend.

The service also runs a vocal competition that showcases the high standard of singing talent in our local schools.

The contest is split into three categories – younger soloist, older soloist and school choir – and any soloist, group or choir is welcome to compete.

After battling it out for three rounds, the finalists are due to perform in front of the judges at a concert open to parents on Saturday, May 16.

with success

And for the first time, the service has offered the chance for up-and-coming musicians to join the Rock School.

Following auditions and several workshops, the students will compete in a ‘battle of the bands’ on Saturday, June 6.

The vocal competition, Rock School and charity concert are all annual events. If you’ve missed out this year what about 2010?

Students will learn the essentials of arrangement, songwriting and harmony, as well as the practical know-how of setting up equipment for a live show, stage presence and performance.

Ian Colthart, the teacher organising the Rock School, said: “This is a new departure for the Music Service. The judges will be looking for solo improvisations and the ability to work together to produce a unique sound.”

The service also stages an annual concert to raise money for charity.

Performers from schools across North Tyneside took to the stage of the City Hall in November and raised more than £2,000 for St Oswald’s Hospice.

Budding stars: Students at Seaton Burn College go through their paces.

The Music Service also provides advice to parents and young people wishing to buy instruments or find high quality musical tuition.

For more details about the service, contact 643 8518/8520.

27

Council fulfils

Fairtrade pledge Fairtrade is an international organisation that helps producers and workers in developing countries receive a fair price for their products.

North Tyneside has been declared a Fairtrade borough.

of fr ch ee ar ge

Elected mayor John Harrison made the announcement as he hosted a special breakfast where members of the local business community met two Ghanaian farmers who have been helped by the Fairtrade movement.

The council made the pledge to become a Fairtrade borough when it launched the 5-50-500 environmental campaign last year.

To fulfil its pledge, North Tyneside needed to achieve five goals laid down by the Fairtrade Foundation, including supporting Fairtrade and raising awareness of its products.

the o t t u o e d i r t s

e s u o h t h g li walk 10km family

2009 e n u J 7 2 y a d r Satu t 10.30am star Route: Starting from The Parks Sports Centre down to the Fish Quay up past Tynemouth Priory and along the coastline to finish at St. Mary's Lighthouse.

28

Year of

sport For more details contact the Physical Activity Team on (0191) 643 7442/7441

Upclose • April 2009

Hannah Reed, of the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “We were very impressed by what has been happening in North Tyneside. A great deal of work has obviously been put in during the past year.”

An estimated one million farmers and workers around the world are directly involved in Fairtrade. In addition, millions more benefit indirectly from the investment in communities.

Win a hamper of Divine chocolate – page 63.

The Fairtrade goals

The council must pass a resolution to support Fairtrade and agree to serve Fairtrade tea and coffee at meetings and in its offices and restaurant.

A range of at least two Fairtrade products should be readily available in shops, local cafes and other catering establishments.

Fairtrade products should be used by a number of local workplaces and community groups, including churches and schools.

There needs to be popular support for the campaign.

A local Fairtrade steering group should be set up to ensure continued commitment to the Fairtrade status of the borough.

Work starts on care schemes

News round-up

Purpose-built: An artist’s impression of Linskill Park.

Work has started on an extra care scheme at the Linskill Centre in North Shields.

Linskill Park will benefit from an on-site restaurant, hairdressing salon and shop. Older people will also enjoy living in a purpose-built, secure environment that will enable them to maintain their independence.

Meanwhile, work is also underway on Rowan Croft, the extra care scheme on the site of the former Sir James Bowman House residential home in Killingworth.

Both projects, worth a total of £14.8m, are the result of a partnership between Housing 21, the council and Frank Haslam Milan (FHm). They are due for completion early next year.

More choice and control

Adults who require additional support from the council are being given more choice and control over the care packages they receive.

The council’s cabinet has approved the introduction of Personalisation of Adult Social Care, in line with the government’s ‘putting people first’ proposals.

It gives people much greater control – and a budget – to tailor the care they receive to better meet their needs and wishes.

Residents can choose to use the budget allocation available to them to access

either a council-operated service or a service commissioned by the council.

Subject to certain safeguards, they can also ask to receive the funding directly and manage the services themselves.

It is expected that all service users will receive a personal budget by April 2011.

“I can reassure residents that no one will be forced to take up the option if they do not wish to,” said elected mayor John Harrison.

“And anyone who wants to take up the choice will be well supported each step of the way.”

Regulations banning dogs from parts of the borough’s beaches during the summer come into force on May 1.

The ban includes all of Cullercoats Bay and King Edward’s Bay; the south end of Tynemouth Longsands (opposite Beach Road South to the old pool) and the south end at Whitley Bay (opposite the skatepark to the bottom of South Parade opposite the Rex Hotel).

The ban will remain in force until September 30.

29

Healthy Community Awards More than 30 groups have been honoured for their efforts in helping to make North Tyneside a healthier borough.

Fifteen organisations were described as outstanding in this year’s Healthy Community Awards while another 19 were highly commended or commended.

The awards – organised by the Community and Health Care Forum – took place at the Linskill Centre, North Shields.

Jean Fife, acting chair of the Health and Well Being Partnership, and elected mayor John Harrison presented the awards. The council and North Tyneside Primary Care Trust are partners in the Health and Well Being Partnership.

Outstanding Age Concern North Tyneside – life choices befriending scheme (for providing a person-centred befriending service reducing isolation and improving quality of life).

Age Concern North Tyneside – ‘we’re worth it’ healthy eating and food hygiene project (for its delivery of nutritional information to older people).

Barnardo’s – the BASE young people’s centre (for enhancing the quality of life of disadvantaged, unemployed young people).

Chirton Lodge Residents (for improving the quality of life for tenants through outings, keep-fit sessions and craft classes).

Chris Lucas Trust (for fundraising for childhood cancer research).

Forest Hall out-of-school club (for providing safe, reliable and quality low-cost childcare).

Homeside Lodge and Edith Moffat/Rosella Place (for enabling and motivating tenants to participate in a range of social, leisure and healthy living activities).

Learning Disabilities Federation – confidential counselling service (for providing a service to people with learning disabilities).

Mental Health Matters – The Phoenix Centre, Healthier Lifestyles (for supporting and encouraging those with mental health needs and for challenging stigma).

North Tyneside Art Studio Ltd (for its arts and health support work).

Stroke North North Shields (For its activities to increase confidence and social integration).

Tynemouth Cricket Club (for promoting opportunities for young people from all types of backgrounds).

The award – part of the council’s annual Star Awards evening – is voted for by residents of the borough and recognises people who provide an excellent service to the council’s customers.

The citation said: “As well as her time on duty, Mary spends a lot of her spare time caring for those at Beadnell Court.

“She regularly organises meetings of the residents to discuss subjects and problems.

Upclose • April 2009

Whitley Bay Explorer Scout Unit (for offering a wide range of physical activities to younger people).

YMCA North Tyneside (for providing health and well-being programmes for youth and adult members).

Highly commended Alzheimer’s Society; Cullercoats Methodist Church community art group; Forest Hall Young People’s Club; Longbenton Community Allotment; Nite Bite; North Tyneside African Group; North Tyneside Carers’ Centre allotment group; North Tyneside Disability Forum health and well being club; North Tyneside Disability Forum prime time at the older people’s project; North Tyneside Disability Forum tinnitus support group; North Tyneside Healthy Communities Collaborative; St Aidan’s Community Partnership.

Commended Key Enterprises; Learning Disabilities Federation cancer awareness sessions; Learning Disabilities Federation health information group; Learning Disabilities Federation sing out loud; Same Rights, Same Choices; Special Mothers in North Tyneside (SMINT); St Paul’s after-school club.

Mary is a real star

Mary Taylor, warden at Beadnell Court in Battle Hill, is the winner of the Community Award for 2009.

30

Walking With in North Tyneside (for its support and encouragement to asylum seekers and refugees).

Mary will also arrange entertainment evenings and visits to the theatre, which takes up much of her off-duty time.”

The Star Awards evening is held every year to reward staff for their hard work and commitment.

Thanks to all the residents who nominated a council employee by filling in the form in the December issue of Up Close.

Well deserved: Cllr Carole Gambling, cabinet member for Closing the Gap, presents the Community Award to Mary Taylor (right).

Spending linked to

your Setting North Tyneside’s budget for the future is about deciding much more than just the level of council tax – although we know that is important to residents.

The council is a £700m organisation and it has a legal responsibility to manage its money effectively to meet the needs of the borough and its residents.

It also recognises the need to allocate money to the projects and services which residents have identified as important.

This means that during the budget process it looks not just at how it spends its money over the next 12 months but also plans how its finances will be allocated over a much longer period – 10 years in the case of its £1bn strategic investment plan that identifies major projects, including new schools, and older people’s housing.

North Tyneside’s Council Plan – a document that identifies priorities and projects, and their specific milestones over five years – guides the financial decisions the council makes.

Financial spending is linked to the plan’s strategic priorities including better roads and pavements, new youth facilities in every part of the borough, improvements to council housing, new schools, better services for older and vulnerable residents, support for businesses and a programme to deliver a cleaner, greener and safer borough.

Budget 2009/10

priorities

Not all of the council’s funding comes from council tax. Money also comes from a share of business rates that are decided at a national level, from government funding, and sometimes from partners who are working with us on key projects.

This year, the council has been able to bring in a record £0.7billion of benefit, through government grants and partnership working, for the residents of the borough.

We have also been able to spend more than ever before – an extra £77m on previous years – because of the success of our ‘transformation’ programme, which looks at how we operate and makes changes that make us more efficient and able to deliver a better service to the public.

The first phase of the programme is projected to achieve £54m of efficiency savings since 2006 – beating its target of £46m. It is aiming to increase the level of efficiencies by £104m over the next five years.

These successes have helped the council maintain its sound financial position and make key financial decisions.

This year the council has agreed to use £8m of its strategic reserves to support businesses and residents in the current global economic climate. The general fund balance remains at £6.5m, with the total reserves and balances projected to be £40m at the end of 2009/10.

31 . . .

Your council tax is spent on many things, including cutting the grass . . . emptying the bins

North Tyneside has set the lowest council tax increase in Tyne & Wear at 2.5 per cent. The increase – also lower than the national average – means a rise equivalent to 45 pence per week for people living in a Band A property or 68 pence for a Band D property.

During 2009/10, the council’s total general fund net revenue budget will total £169m, excluding schools.

This represents an increase of £3.4m or 2.1 per cent.

The Housing Revenue Account, money generated from council house rents and other sources, will ensure all council homes meet the national Decent Homes Standard by the end of December 2010, and will support the multi-million pound programme to invest in new and refurbished sheltered accommodation across the borough. Additional funding is also being provided to embark on a programme of doors and windows replacement, in addition to the Decent Homes work.

The council’s strategic investment plan with deliver record levels of capital spending this year, totalling £122m to support major construction schemes. Over the 10-year plan, £680m will be spent, with a further £112m for new sheltered housing for older people.

This includes: Putting learning and skills at the centre of a ‘world class’ education programme, including delivery of five new skills and enterprise centres for 14-19 year-olds and adults, and a ‘multiversity’ – helping people to access improved skills and higher education.

Providing new primary and secondary school buildings through the multi-million pound Building Schools for the Future programme.

Providing free broadband connection for every resident in the borough.

Improving the housing choices and quality of homes available for residents – including expanding the affordable housing choices with a housing PFI scheme delivering 1,000 affordable homes in Wallsend.

Improving existing council housing with an additional replacement doors and windows programme to improve properties above the Decent Homes standard.

Modernising all the borough’s sheltered housing accommodation as well as developing a state-of-the-art extra care scheme.

Overall spending will be focused on five new Council Plan themes with ambitious five-year programmes.

Ambition

This theme focuses on delivering opportunities for everyone to have a great future.

It is one of the largest themes with £895m due to be spent over the next five years, including £185m in 2009/10.

. . . keeping our streets clean . . . providing a recycling service . . . planting trees and plants . .

Budget 2009/10

Growth

This theme focuses on economic growth and developing employment opportunities with £93m allocated over five years (£38.2m in 2009/10).

Key projects include: Delivering a co-ordinated strategy supporting the growth of the borough’s retail centres – including North Shields, Wallsend, Forest Hall and Killingworth, Whitley Bay and Whitley Lodge.

Attracting inward investment particularly along the A19 highway and the development of the North Bank of the Tyne.

Investment in better public transport, including innovative community-based bus services.

Working with partners to deliver master plans that will co-ordinate the regeneration of the coastal zone including initiatives for St Mary’s Island and improving the public realm along the sea-front at Cullercoats, Tynemouth and the Fish Quay.

Quality of life

Money is allocated within this theme to improve council services and make the daily experience of living in North Tyneside the best in the country.

Spending totalling £212.9m of net resources in 2009/10 and £1,090m over the five-year period, will provide cleaner, greener, safer neighbourhoods with plenty of places to go and things to do. Specific projects include: Improving the environment with the roll-out of the borough’s new recycling scheme, a ‘Litter Blitz ‘ campaign to reduce the level of litter, the planting of 2,000 trees in 2,000 days and supporting the development of zero carbon homes for North Tyneside by 2014.

Providing four new youth facilities offering open access activities – one for each area of the borough - and up to 100 additional new youth and play facilities.

Making streets safer by introducing 20mph zones in residential streets, particularly around schools.

Investing in leisure - including a multi-million pound scheme to ensure all four areas of the borough have excellent parks and delivering the new swimming pool for Wallsend.

Value for money

Getting the best value for North Tyneside by delivering the best quality and performance is the focus of this theme.

It includes working to achieve efficiencies from within the organisation, ensuring we are delivering the best quality and performance at the optimum cost – the second phase of the council’s successful transformation programme will secure £104m efficiencies over the next five years.

Other key projects include:

Giving adults who require additional support from the council more control over the care packages they receive.

33 . . . operating top-class leisure centres . . . repairing our roads . . . maintaining council houses

Budget 2009/10 Introducing the Young North Tynesider Card, which delivers additional benefits for young people and makes it easier to access council services.

Closer

The key focus of this theme is to support the council to be the best local authority working with its communities.

Projects include: Introducing participatory budgeting, which allows residents to decide the allocation of an extra £1m spending on roads and pavements.

Delivering a new business engagement programme, including setting up a Business Network Group, specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises, to complement existing links with external bodies.

Delivering a more inclusive approach to decision making, including the election of a Young Mayor and Cabinet and the involvement of community representatives in the regular Cabinet.

Establishing neighbourhood agreements that give communities more control over the services and standards they receive.

What you will pay this year Tax Band A B C D E F G H

Value Range

Council Tax £

Single Adult Council Tax (25% Discount) £

up to £40,000 £ 40,001 - £ 52,000 £ 52,001 - £ 68,000 £ 68,001 - £ 88,000 £ 88,001 - £120,000 £120,001 - £160,000 £160,001 - £320,000 Over £320,000

966.73 1,127.86 1,288.97 1,450.10 1,772.35 2,094.59 2,416.83 2,900.21

725.05 845.90 966.73 1,087.58 1,329.26 1,570.94 1,812.62 2,175.16

. . . providing modern schools . . . operating libraries and customer service centres . . .

WAVES makes a splash

Waves, North Tyneside’s new leisure pool, is now open following an investment worth more than £6m.

The original Whitley Bay Leisure Pool, which cost £500,000, was opened by Alderman Jim Toft in March 1974.

It closed in June 2007 to be transformed into a state-of-the-art leisure facility guaranteed to become a major attraction for visitors to the coast.

At the official launch, elected mayor John Harrison unveiled a plaque before cutting a ribbon to the new water slides.

Among those present at the event were Monskeaton Middle School pupil Owen Greenwell, who won the competition to find a new name for the pool.

Owen and his classmates were invited to play in the pool during the ceremony.

Waves, which is situated on The Links, is part of the council’s £22.5m investment in a £64m regeneration programme for Whitley Bay.

And it forms part of a wider investment in sports and leisure facilities across the borough worth around £30m.

The features of the leisure pool include:

A fully refurbished pool and wave machine.

Three water slides with racing traffic lights leading into a splash pool.

A kids’ pirate ship – action-packed with slides and water pumps.

New ground floor soft play area and coffee shop.

State-of-the-art Contours gym.

Fully air conditioned dance studio with sprung floor and mirrored walls.

Luxurious spa area, including spa pool, sauna cabins, steam rooms, foot spa, heated relaxation beds and hydrotherapy baths.

New changing village.

Mr Harrison said: “Waves is one of the best leisure facilities in the region.

“The old leisure pool has been completely transformed into a modern, high quality attraction that people are going really enjoy.

“And it forms a key element in the ongoing regeneration of Whitley Bay which will deliver a vibrant and successful future for the area.”

For more details about what’s on at Waves - phone 643 2600

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Spotlight

on our sporting stars

The top sports personalities in the borough have been honoured at a special ceremony.

As part of the Year of Sport, the council hosted the inaugural North Tyneside Sports Awards at its Quadrant HQ.

Around 100 guests attended the event, which recognised 29 sports performers, coaches and volunteers.

It was hosted by sports presenter Roger Tames and included a demonstration by British fencing champions as well as a street cheer display by young people from the Positive Futures project.

A huge video screen also showed a message of support from former Prime Minister Tony Blair. The council is working closely with the Tony Blair Sports Foundation on a variety of sports initiatives.

Junior Disabled Sports Personality

Winner: Abigail Batey Fifteen-year-old Abigail is a national performer within athletics and a regional performer in gymnastics. During 2008 she won gold medals in the discus and 200m at the DSE National Athletics Championships and silver in the 100m.

Runners-up: Jonathan Gregson and Ellen Law

Junior Sport Personality Winner: Katie Firth

In only her third season, Katie is currently playing with five ice hockey teams and most recently signed for Kingston Diamonds who play in the premier division. She received a Talented Sports Performer Grant from the council to help support her performance in the future.

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Upclose • April 2009

Runners-up: Lee Storey and Abigail Lemberger

Junior Sports Volunteer Winner: Lauren Jones

Lauren is dedicated to becoming a tennis coach. In 2007 she was named national young volunteer and by 2008 had clocked up 800 hours of voluntary coaching.

Runners-up: Chelsea Cairns, Rebecca Napier and Matty Rayson

Disabled Sport Personality Winner: Faye Stevenson

Faye not only participates in two sports but she is in the England squad for both.

She finished second in the CP National Boccia competition in 2008 and was a member of the England Powerchair football squad that competed in the FIPFA World Cup in Japan.

Runners-up: Rob Thompson and Phil Logan

Junior Team

Winner: Tynemouth Junior Golf Team

The team won the Northumbria junior golf league title for the first time in 2008 and were runners up in the team championships.

They also came fifth in the north eastern regional finals of the national junior golf team championship.

Runners-up: Woodlawn Gymnastics Team and St Bartholomew’s Under 11 Netball Team.

Senior Team

Winner: Northern Thunder (Powerchair football team)

Founded in 2006, Northern Thunder finished second in the national league and sixth in the European Club

Championships. Five of the team’s players feature among the top 15 goal scorers for the national league.

Runners-up: Backworth Welfare Bowls and Seatonians Netball ‘A’ Team

Sports Coach

Winner: Brenda Vail

Brenda set up Seatonians Netball Club in 1978 and coached both senior and juniors to success. During 2008, the youth side’s achievements included winning the Tyne and Wear Division One summer league for the 10th time; the under-19 team winning the national championship for a third consecutive year and 12 juniors representing the county.

Runners-up: Gavin Fell and Stephen Sharp

Sports Personality Winner: Ross Murray

Ross is a dedicated runner who gained three Great Britain vests in 2008. He finished third in an International Cross-country match, 54th in the World cross-country championships and 14th in the European cross-country championships. He is currently ranked sixth and fourth in the 1500m and 3000m respectively.

Runners-up: Sarah Renton and Micky Ward

Senior Sports Volunteer Winner: Russell Perry

Russell has a number of roles within cricket at a national, regional, county and local level, ranging from fundraising to coaching. In his spare time Russell he helps his wife coach badminton and run junior tournaments.

Runners-up: Steve Beaty and Mike Waterfield

Action clubs . . . where the action is!

Service to Sport

Winner: Margaret Watson

Margaret has been involved in athletics since the 1950s when she was a young member of Heaton Harriers. She helped develop Wallsend Harriers when it reformed in the late 70s and coached male and female sprinters. Margaret has since been a member of the club’s management committee for many years.

In the 90s she became a UK Athletics qualified technical official and continues to volunteer as track and field judge or road and cross country official.

Only 25p for an hour of activity, including football, trampolining, badminton, volleyball, team games and so much more.

Try it out at your nearest centre . . .

The Lakeside, Killingworth (223 4177) Monday – ages 8 to 12 (4.30pm to 5.30pm), ages 13 to 16 (5.30pm to 6.30pm) The Parks, North Shields (200 6364) Tuesday – ages 8 to 12 (5pm to 6pm), ages 13 to 16 (6pm to 7pm)

Sport and Leisure@Burnside, Wallsend (643 2025) Wednesday – ages 8 to 12 (5pm to 6pm), ages 13 to 16 (6pm to 7pm) Marden Bridge (200 8844) Friday – ages 8 to 12 (5.30pm to 6.30pm), ages 13 to 16 (6.30pm to 7.30pm)

Winners: (Top) Faye Stevenson receives her award from Paul Gowans, head of Cultural Services for the council. (Bottom) Katie Firth.

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e e Fr

s m i Sw for the young and not-so-young

Juniors can join in the fun and keep active at: Tynemouth Pool (200 6192) Friday (4.30 to 5.30pm), Saturday (10.30 to 12.30pm) Sunday (10.30 to 12.30pm) The Lakeside Centre, Killingworth (223 4177) Thursday (5.30 to 6.30pm) Saturday (10.30 to 12.30pm) Sunday (10.30 to 12.30pm)

Waves, Whitley Bay (643 2600) Monday (4.30 to 5.30pm) Saturday (10.30 to 12.30pm) Sunday (3 to 5pm) All sessions are fun and cater for all abilities. All children must have an Easecard to gain entry – these can be obtained on arrival and are free for all North Tyneside residents.

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Upclose • April 2009

And if your childhood days are long gone . . . don’t worry!

As part of a government initiative, the council’s leisure centre pools are also offering the chance for over-60s to get active at Tynemouth Pool; the Lakeside Centre, Killingworth and Waves, Whitley Bay.

It’ll be all white on the night!

The work to the outside of Whitley Bay’s iconic Dome is progressing to the next phase.

The building has been covered in scaffolding during extensive structural investigations and repair work being carried out as part of the £64m regeneration scheme for Whitley Bay.

The council’s project team has worked closely with experts from English Heritage to ensure the building is restored in keeping with its history.

An important part of the project has involved a careful examination of every part of the listed white rotunda – a concrete shell with a render covering.

This includes keeping a patch of the original paintwork for future reference.

The lantern feature on the top of the building is being restored on site and the ‘dancing ladies’ – correctly termed ‘terpsichorean figures’ from Terpsichore, the Greek muse of dancing – are currently being restored off-site and will be returned to the towers as part of the restoration work.

The repainting of the dome to its original pristine white – previously delayed to ensure all work has been completed to the satisfaction of English Heritage – is now planned to take place during the next few weeks.

As part of the restoration work, council officers and conservation experts have been collecting photographs and memorabilia from each phase of the building’s history, which will form part of a display to mark next year’s centenary of the Dome.

If you have any photographs or memories of the Dome, please send them to: Julie Bews (2nd floor left), Investment and Regeneration, Quadrant, Silverlink North, Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside, NE27 0BY, or email: julie.bews@northtyneside.gov.uk

Picture courtesy of scenicphotos.com

Community art groups have been invited to a series of meetings to find out how they can use the improved facilities at the Playhouse theatre, Whitley Bay. The council began an £8m refurbishment programme in April 2008 and behind the hoardings and scaffolding work has continued to deliver a highquality theatre.

Improvements include a glass entrance; new front-of-house facilities including box office, sales area and two bars; a new raked auditorium with improved seating, and updated backstage facilities including two new chorus rooms.

All the work is due to be completed next month and the Playhouse theatre is scheduled to reopen to the public in the autumn, following a period of familiarisation by the new operator.

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Tourism update what’s happening in the borough

This year, visitors to North Tyneside will have more choice than ever when deciding where to go and what to do. Here are just a handful of the recent developments.

Tynemouth Priory and Castle

From this month, the priory and castle will unveil a representation of the site’s 2,000-year history, including Anglo Saxon settlement, monastery, artillery fort and modern coastal battery.

New interpretation panels will explain how the entrance to the river was defended and what life was like on the headland during key points in history. Various characters, including a monk and a Civil War soldier, will bring the stories to life.

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Upclose • April 2009

English Heritage is also refurbishing the gun battery at the castle and the battery should re-open to the public in early summer.

For more details, call 257 1090 or visit: www.english-heritage.org.uk

What will you Discover?

After a successful launch in 2008, the Discover Pass is back to give you discounts at dozens of attractions in Tyne and Wear.

You can save pounds at places such as St Mary’s Lighthouse, Wet’n’Wild and the Blue Reef Aquarium. Further afield, there’s money-off visits to Bamburgh Castle and the Centre for Life.

A Discover Pass costs £1 and you can get one from your local tourist information centre or online at: www.visitnewcastlegateshead.co.uk

Odeon goes 3D

The Odeon Cinema at Silverlink is among the first in the country to install a digital 3D screen.

Armed with a pair of hi-tech polarised glasses, audiences will now be able to get up close and personal with a range of 3D releases in 2009, including Monsters vs Aliens and Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs.

The state-of-the-art screen will also show sports events, music concerts, opera and ballet.

For further information, call 0871 22 44 007 or visit: www.odeon.co.uk

Cullercoats art trail

The history of the village is being brought to life with the publication of an art trail.

It looks at a number of artists who lived and worked in Cullercoats during the 19th Century, including the American artist Winslow Homer. The trail shows works painted in the village and buildings with an interesting history.

Plans are underway to place a series of interpretation signs around Cullercoats to complement the trail. The booklet is available from libraries and tourist information centres.

For more details, phone 643 7420.

Seafood – and cook it!

The Seafood Training Centre in North Shields is offering courses in fish filleting.

In just two hours, you can learn from an expert and then try for yourself.

You can learn about the Fish Quay, fillet your fish and even cook it in the kitchen. A range of courses are available and you can go on your own or as part of a group. All equipment is provided.

For more details, call 296 1925 or visit: www.seafoodtrainingcentre.co.uk

The June issue of Up Close will contain a full listings guide to what’s on in the borough during the summer.

Members of Tynemouth Pageant are staging a community play at the priory in June to mark the group’s 20th anniversary.

Woden’s Day 547: Battle for Northumbria is a specially written drama that recounts the arrival of the Anglo Saxons on the North East coast in 547AD. The play, written by Lesley Turner, is a spectacular mix of history, legend, folklore and fantasy with newly commissioned songs and music.

“There will be giant puppets of Woden and his ravens,” said Eleanor Wingate, “We’ll also have beautiful nymphs, masks and flags, music and dancing, performed by around 100 local people.”

Woden’s Day 547: Battle for Northumbria will be performed in the open air, in the ruins of the priory, each night between Wednesday, June 17 and Saturday, June 20.

Performances start at 7.30pm (Doors open 7pm).

Tickets – £8 and £6 for concessions – are available from: ‘enjoymuzic’, 22a John Road, Cullercoats, NE30 4PL. Phone 252 3331.

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Council seeks action on business rate The council is seeking government backing to enable it to support the local economy and businesses in the borough.

It has asked to use the business rate mechanism as a way of providing a financial stimulus to small and medium sized enterprises in North Tyneside by allowing wider business rate hardship relief.

The letter to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government complements the campaign by the North East Chamber of Trade on the application of business rates on vacant properties.

It is just one of a number of initiatives implemented by the council to assist residents and businesses affected by the current economic downturn.

Working as part of the Regional Skills and Employment Response Group, it is taking action under four themes – resilience, redundancy/redeployment, recruitment/retention and readiness for the upturn.

Other key moves by the council have included:

Establishing two task groups – one for business and the other for retail centres.

Informing every business of the contact numbers for help and information.

Supporting house builders, in partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency, to let registered social landlords buy 22 unsold new homes, which will become affordable rented homes.

Residents in North Tyneside are £1m better off – thanks to a project to tackle fuel poverty and cut energy bills.

Warmzone – a government-backed partnership involving the council and two major energy suppliers – was launched in the borough 12 months ago.

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Upclose • April 2009

Staff are visiting homes across the borough to provide energy-saving

Bringing forward a package to stimulate more jobs and businesses.

This will be complemented by a £750,000 grant from One North East through the European Regional Development Fund.

The council’s strategic investment plans are continuing to drive forward key schemes including the River Tyne North Bank project, which will build on the skills and expertise of existing marine industries and help to regenerate Wallsend, and the Coastal Zone and Retail Centres programme, which includes initiatives to enhance tourism, business and the retail sector.

The next phase of its response will include a ‘shop local’ campaign to promote retail centres in the borough.

advice and help householders take advantage of loft and cavity wall insulation schemes.

But they are also helping people access benefits they are entitled to – and so far this totals more than £1m.

The Warmzone project is non-profit making and designed to benefit all households, including council tenants, owner-occupiers, private sector tenants and people in housing association properties.

The team are visiting each part of the borough on a ward-by-ward basis. If you want to know more, contact 223 4199 or email: enquiries@warmzones.co.uk

Centre staff

Economic update

provide helping hand Wallsend People’s Centre is among many organisations helping local residents get back into work.

The Start 2 Earn programme, funded by the North Tyneside Strategic Partnership and managed by the council, is delivered by the centre and aims to help people out of work for a long time, due to illness or disability, and lone parents struggling to find work.

More recently, the centre has begun to work closely with people made redundant due to the economic downturn.

Rob Lackenby, contracts manager at the centre, said: “We are very keen to help both the long-term unemployed and those people suffering as a result of the recession. We have a great deal of information and support available for people to draw upon.”

Michelle Kennedy, from Killingworth, has been helped by Wallsend People’s Centre after being made redundant

by Findus.

The Start 2 Earn team provided Michelle with basic training in IT and office work, one-to-one support and helped with her CV – enabling her to get a job with Gregg’s.

“A lot of my ex-colleagues from Findus have used the centre for support and training,” said Michelle. “Everyone is very positive about the work the team does.”

The Start 2 Earn programme aims to tackle barriers that may prevent individuals from returning to work, such as lack of confidence or knowledge of how to find a job.

From September to December 2008, Start 2 Earn has provided advice and guidance to 525 people in North Tyneside, 116 people have secured jobs and 92 people have completed training.

The centre is one of more than 40 organisations listed in the City Region Employment Consortium’s Directory of Employment, which was developed to help the unemployed and those facing redundancy. It lists many of the public, private and voluntary sector agencies that can offer practical advice and support.

Shona Duncan, manager of the City Region Employment Consortium, said: “We want to enable people across the Tyne & Wear City Region to become more financially secure by helping them find long-term employment.

“The expertise offered at Wallsend People’s Centre as part of the Start 2 Earn campaign is invaluable and we would urge people to get in touch with community-based centres such as Wallsend to tap into this support.”

Supporting role: Carol Tregidga (left), from the Wallsend People’s Centre, with Michelle Kennedy.

otline - 200 h e th n o d te c ta n am can be co te n r a E 2 t r a t S The

7198 43

Enterprising move

Could it be you? A new team will help people start their own business.

The council is creating a Neighbourhood Enterprise Team that will target 1,500 potential entrepreneurs in the most deprived parts of the borough.

The team will hold drop-in sessions and workshops in community centres to help people overcome the barriers to starting their own business.

“We will be targeting activity at the four most deprived wards in the borough – Riverside, Wallsend, Chirton and Howdon,” said elected mayor John Harrison.

An emergency fund has been launched to help people at risk of redundancy.

The Emergency Retention Fund, which is backed by One Nor th East, will help people who, with minimum assistance and providing they meet cer tain criteria, could

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Upclose • April 2009

“We need to create, promote and support a new culture of enterprise in these communities and the surrounding areas.

“The aim of the project is to turn people’s interest in self-employment into viable business opportunities, as well as giving them the confidence and know-how to start up.”

Meanwhile, the Business Opportunity Sourcing Service will operate in tandem by focusing on local openings for those looking to start up in business, including franchises.

It will assist fledgling entrepreneurs, who want to be self-employed but lack the business ideas to progress further, guiding them at the pre-start up stage

maintain their job and avoid joining the ranks of the unemployed.

The Tyne & Wear City Region Employment Consortium – a partnership including seven local authorities, administered by North Tyneside Council – is running the pilot scheme.

and referring them to Business Link when they are ready.

Half of the cost of the £1.5m Raising Enterprise North Tyneside project will come from European funding via One North East.

Lesley Calder, of One North East, said: “Start-up rates have dropped in North Tyneside and statistics also show the self-employment rate is well below the national average.

“This is a crucial intervention, underpinned by substantial investment from the European Union.”

For more details about the Raising Enterprise North Tyneside project, contact 643 6409.

People can seek financial support, providing they are either within the first 26 weeks of employment or are at risk of having to leave their jobs due to exceptional or personal circumstances.

It is anticipated that the more disadvantaged, such as lone parents or people with disabilities, are most likely to qualify.

Economic update

Northern Oak has strong roots Credit union is safe alternative

As the recession deepens and money gets tighter by the day, more and more people are turning to the flexibility offered by credit unions.

Amid a rise in ‘bad debts’, such groups provide a safer alternative – and much lower rates of interest – than loan sharks and illegal moneylenders.

The Northern Oak Credit Union was formed six years ago by the merger of six smaller groups already operating in the area.

Open to anyone who lives or works within North Tyneside, its goals include tackling poverty and financial exclusion and providing an attractive alternative to the high street financial institutions.

The members of Northern Oak can obtain loans at competitive rates (12.7% APR) and get the benefit of flexible savings schemes – saving as much, or as little, as they like.

Northern Oak can also provide instant loans, for any purpose, without the previous requirement of having to save with the credit union for 13 weeks.

“This means we can provide an immediate alternative to storecards or illegal moneylenders, who charge high

interest and can cause financial hardship,” said chief officer David Hall.

Members can also sleep easy at nights – knowing their money is safe.

“We are members of the Financial Services compensation scheme, which means all our members’ savings are safe up to £50,000,” he added.

Northern Oak is based in Howard Street, North Shields and has a network of 13 service points across the borough where members can pay in, apply for loans and arrange a withdrawal from their savings.

Members can also pay in using the Paypoint system at post offices, local shops and garages or by standing order from their bank account.

A board of directors are elected from, and by, the membership and each director has to stand for re-election at least once every three years.

A team of eight staff, supplemented by 25 volunteers, carry out day-to-day activities.

Northern Oak is registered with the Financial Services Authority and has to maintain the high quality standards required by the authority.

The FSA has the right to inspect or audit the books and can suspend or close down the business if necessary.

How to contact Northern Oak

Head office – 72 Howard Street, North Shields. Opening hours – Monday to Thursday (9.30 to 4.30pm), Friday (9.30 to 4pm).

By phone – 296 2611

Email – enquiries@nocu.org.uk

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Economic update

Healthy way to do business Danny Ponton and Ross Gladwin from North Tyneside think they have the perfect remedy to beat the credit crunch.

Run your own business and get fit and stay fit.

Both the lads are personal trainers and have been keeping people fit and healthy for more than five years.

Danny said: “Ross and I had worked for other people for a number of years but a couple of years ago we decided to go it alone and formed Apex Training.

“We wanted to deliver a really friendly personal service and help people achieve their goals and we felt that working on our own would help us do that better.”

46

Ross added: “Research shows that exercise, getting fit and staying fit helps people feel more confident, boosts energy and improves your mood. And going to the gym is certainly cheaper than going to the pub.”

Both lads agree that working for yourself is hard and there is a lot to learn, however both believe that it’s the most satisfying thing they have ever done.

Ross said: “Being a personal trainer is one thing but running a business is another. There is so much to do and learn – from accounts, to advertising to client management. But it’s a great learning experience and very rewarding. There is nothing better than seeing a client achieve their goals.”

The pair train a wide range of clients, ranging from complete beginners to

Discount on your first session

£5 APEX Upclose • April 2009

INVEST IN YOUR BODY

competitive athletes. And with hundreds of satisfied clients they have big plans for the future.

“People think personal training is expensive,” said Danny. “But with us you can train together with your partner or friend for no additional cost.

So for just over a tenner a session, you get all the benefits of one-to-one training.

“In fact, our latest idea for a credit crunch cracker is the new boot camp at Tynemouth beach. Running on Tuesday nights at 6.30pm and Friday morning at 6.45am, this jam-packed hour of circuits, kettlebells and boxing is a fun and fantastic way of achieving those goals.

“At only £5 per session, and the added bonus of nutritional advice and guidance, it’s an opportunity not to be missed.”

For more information, contact Danny on 0778 868 1113 or Ross on 07891 299 394.

Cut out this coupon and get £5 discount on your first session*.

* Personal training sessions, not boot camp. Offer applies to new clients only.

Update on Battle Hill A multi-million pound project to put the heart back into Battle Hill has reached a milestone with the opening of a new supermarket.

The new Lidl store complements existing retailers and is helping local people to put behind them images of a declining community with 60s-built maisonettes.

Battle Hill has reached an important point in the regeneration programme that began three years ago.

New housing

Haslam Homes were the first to join the council’s plans for the rebirth of Battle Hill when the company built 65 new homes on the site of the former Bristol Drive maisonettes.

Work has also been completed on 23 purpose-built apartments at Cherry Tree Mews – a replacement for the former Bournemouth Court sheltered scheme – providing affordable homes for people over 55.

Community facilities

The council’s regeneration plans recognise that there is more to building a community than homes and shops.

The new library, which will be one of 15 units based in the shopping centre, is due to open in May.

It will form part of the customer service centre network, which will ensure no North Tyneside resident is more than two miles from a point at which they can access excellent customer services from the council. It will feature:

A full range of community library facilities, including a variety of books and other items for loan, including adult fiction, non-fiction and children's stock.

16 People’s Network PCs providing free access to the Internet and popular software.

A teenage area, with a 'breakfast bar' PC area.

A designated children's area, with a full range of picture books, fiction and reference books.

'Fast track' customer services information and interview room so that appointments can be made with other services for more in-depth consultations.

Three local artists have each been commissioned to produce a piece of artwork for the library.

A new GP-led health centre off Battle Hill Drive will include a GP practice and walk-in services for minor injuries and illnesses. (More details, see page 52.)

A new community garden is currently being created in the Bingley Close area.

The homes have been funded in partnership with the council, registered social landlord Nomad E5 and the Homes and Communities Agencies.

Improved shopping

Better shopping was a priority for Battle Hill residents – now it has a new supermarket in a purpose-built complex.

It also includes space for retailers currently based in the outdated Battle Hill shopping centre, which will be razed to the ground to make way for more new housing.

New chapter: An artist’s impression of the new library.

47

On site: Elected mayor John Harrison with officials of NomadE5 at Kingsbridge Close.

We’re ready to

start!

Go-ahead sought for 1,000 homes North Tyneside is leading the way in delivering more affordable housing to meet local need.

The council has submitted an expression of interest to the government for an ambitious development of 1,000 new homes in Wallsend.

The proposals would deliver up to 800 new council homes, 200 low-cost affordable private homes, including a mix of two and three-bedroom homes to meet the needs of young families, and an extra care scheme for older people.

And the aim would be that all properties are designed with a strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainability.

No sites have yet been decided and if the government gives approval, the council will work closely with local residents to identify details of the scheme.

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Upclose • April 2009

In the meantime, the council is working closely with a range of partners to meet the shortfall in affordable housing across the borough.

It has been awarded £12m by the Homes and Communities Agency to help provide more than 200 new affordable homes. Through its work with partners, this has increased to a total investment of £30m – the highest level of funding in Tyne and Wear.

The latest scheme is at Kingsbridge Close, Meadow Well, North Shields, where NomadE5 - part of the Isos Group and one of the region’s largest home-grown social housing providers – is working in partnership with the council.

The site is currently under construction and its 13 two-bedroom bungalows will be available for rent later in the year.

Roy Ashton, Chair of NomadE5, said: “The start of this next phase of redevelopment is further evidence of our strong partnership with North Tyneside Council and the Homes and Communities Agency.”

Council tenants are benefiting from better homes as North Tyneside’s Decent Homes programme reaches its final phase.

Improvements to the council’s housing stock began three years ago and so far 6,450 homes have been improved.

During 2008/09 this has included 1,634 new kitchens, 1,774 new bathrooms, 2,603 electrical upgrades, 2,210 heating replacements, 2,000 new doors and window packages and 2,000 additional loft insulation schemes.

During 2009/10, work to a further 1,738 homes will be carried out, including 1,976 new kitchens, 1,976 new bathrooms, more than 2,500 electrical upgrades, 1,574 new heating systems as well as roofing work, extra insulation in 2,000 homes and a programme to fit UPVC doors and windows to 2,150 homes.

Housing update

Help us to help you

Around 8,000 households in North Tyneside will be receiving a housing questionnaire during May. The aim of the survey is to help the council plan for the future and ensure that housing is of the right type, size and tenure.

David Couttie Associates (DCA) – an independent company specialising in housing research – has been commissioned to carry out the survey.

All responses will be confidential and the council will not be able to identify individual people or properties from the data collected.

If you receive a questionnaire, please complete and return it by the deadline

on the form. Your help is appreciated.

The results will be posted on the council website in the autumn.

For more details, contact the DCA research team on freephone

0800 169 7865.

You can also contact the council’s housing strategy team on 643 6214 or email: housingstrategy@northtyneside.gov.uk

Scheme helps housebuyers Three developers working in North Tyneside have secured government funding to help people get a foot on the property ladder.

HomeBuy Direct is a new shared-equity scheme in which households earning less than £60,000 - who cannot afford to buy a suitable property on the open market without assistance - can purchase newly-built properties in the area where they live or work.

Although targeted at first-time buyers, HomeBuy Direct can also help those who have previously owned properties but who are now unable to buy without assistance.

Buyers will be offered an equity loan of up to 30 per cent of the purchase price, co-funded by the Homes and Communities Agency and the developer. The purchaser must pay the

remaining equity (a minimum of 70 per cent), through their mortgage and any deposit.

The equity loan of up to 30 per cent will be free of charge to the buyer for the first five years.

Buyers can increase their equity in the home so that they can eventually own outright. Applicants will be assessed to make sure they can afford and sustain the payments needed for their share of the property.

The three developers operating the scheme in North Tyneside are: Bellway Homes – at Holyfields and Hadrian Mews.

Dunelm Homes – at Bailey Grange, Killingworth.

Persimmon Homes – at Rosehill.

The scheme is being run by the local Homebuy agent – NomadE5 Housing Association. For more information, contact the Home Ownership Team at

NomadE5 on 292 2749 or visit: www.nomade5.co.uk

You can also contact the developers direct.

Bellway Homes: For Holyfields - Kim Maynes on 215 0076 For Hadrian Mews - Victoria Hawley on 263 1946

Both site sales offices are open Thursday through to Monday, 11am to 5.30pm, with late night opening on Thursdays to 8pm Dunelm Homes: Sales director Colin Willetts on 01325 372 720 or visit the site sales office between 10am and 5pm (Thursday to Monday).

Persimmon Homes: Stella Riverside on 07712 794 700 or visit the site sales office between 11am and 6pm (Thursday to Monday).

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“People of all ages and from all areas of the borough have benefited.”

Since the funds were launched in 2006, there have been 628 successful grant applications worth more than £1.5m.

There are three main funds: the Children and Young People’s Well-being Fund; the Community and Voluntary Sector Well-being Fund and the Older People’s Well-being Fund.

The Children and Young People’s Well-being Fund has enabled a host of young people to engage in a vast range of activities and events.

Meanwhile, a wide range of both new and established groups and organisations have been supported through the Community and Voluntary Sector Well-being Fund. In particular, the panel has supported projects that help residents from hard-to-reach groups and promote social cohesion.

Thank you: The elected mayor with the Thanks For The Memory drama group.

Event celebrates well-being funds A special celebration has marked three years of the Elected Mayor’s Well-being Funds.

Some of the thousands of individuals, communities and organisations to benefit from the funds attended the event at Quadrant.

It was an opportunity to celebrate the wide range of projects that have

Young at Heart

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Upclose • April 2009

benefited and the difference they have made to residents’ well-being.

Some of the grant recipients demonstrated what they had achieved with their funding through display boards, photo galleries and even demonstrations such as a practice session by Tynemouth Cricket Club.

Elected mayor John Harrison said: “I’m delighted that the Well-being Fund has made such a difference to so many lives.

The Thanks For The Memory drama group received £7,500 from the Community and Voluntary Sector Well-Being Fund to develop a play based on the memories of older people in the borough.

In addition to performing at the celebration event, the group has also taken it to various sheltered or residential schemes in North Tyneside.

The Older People’s Well-Being Fund has helped dozens of individuals, aged 75 or over, and organisations that support older people. The fund has supported projects that require one-off funding ranging from the purchase of an electric lawnmower to restoring a bowling green.

And last year, a new Neighbourhood Well-being Fund was launched, which invited organisations or communities to apply for funding to help improve their local area.

For further information about any of the well-being funds, contact Felicity Shoesmith on 643 7071 or email: felicity.shoesmith@northtyneside.gov.uk

Advertisement

Young at Heart is a social group for single, widowed and divorced people of all ages.

The group meets once a month to talk about social events, which can include meals out, theatre outings, concerts or weekends away. Many single people may find these things difficult to do on their own and can feel socially isolated – Young at Heart is here to help.

For more details, contact Jennifer Fidler on 07745 382 699.

Primary Care Trust news

Scheme tackles under-age drinking

A national pilot study is being launched to tackle under-age drinking on the streets of Wallsend, Howdon and Battle Hill.

Called Sub 21, it brings together trading standards, off licences, the police, local schools, the council, the primary care trust (PCT), youth services and Wallsend Boys Club, in an effort to crackdown on alcohol sales to young and under-age people – and offer alternative activities to those who are drinking on the streets.

“Our research shows that kerbside drinking among under-18s in these areas is a problem for all concerned,” said Jan Thompson, public health specialist for North Tyneside PCT.

“We spoke to young people drinking on the streets, and it became apparent that the lack of alternative activities meant that many felt there isn’t anything else for them to do.

“Drinking alcohol is viewed as a leisure activity. It’s a cheap, simple and easy option – less than a third of the price of a trip to the cinema.

“As a result, we’re working with a range of partners to trial a rolling programme of activities from April to June, the kind of things young people told us they want to do, so that there is a viable and interesting alternative to putting themselves at risk by drinking on the streets.”

The scheme also includes a temporary ban on the sale of alcohol to under-21s during Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and bank holidays.

Insp Mick Todd, of Northumbria Police, said work was taking place with other organisations in the area to look at under-age drinking.

Pilot scheme: Insp Mick Todd and Jan Thompson outside one of the off-licences that has signed up to Sub 21.

“The voluntary ban on alcohol sales is vital to the success of this scheme and more than a dozen off-licences have already signed up.”

He said he was pleased that so many organisations were supporting the pilot scheme.

“We have excellent relationships with the schools in Wallsend and I will be using those links to promote this initiative,” he added.

If you are a retailer and would like to find out more about joining the scheme, please contact Joanne Lee on 643 2175.

For more information about the Sub 21 initiative, please contact Louise Pinkney at: louise.pinkney@lamertonswales.co.uk.

More PCT news - pages 52-53

“Providing the young people of Wallsend, Howdon and Battle Hill with useful and enjoyable activities will help prevent anti-social behaviour, which is good news for the local community.”

51

Primary Care Trusts are the local part of your such as those provided by GPs, district nurses,

Get fit and have fun – join a Carnegie Club today!

Children and their families are being invited to join the club – and get fit and healthy.

Carnegie Clubs are FREE weight management clubs for children and their families aged 7-12.

Your child can: Take part in fun, exciting activities and games

Make lots of new friends and boost their confidence Learn how to make healthy food choices

Make simple, small changes for lifelong success

The 12-week programme of activities and games takes place on Saturday mornings in North Tyneside and aims to help overweight children and their families make changes in their lifestyle so that they become fit, healthy and happy.

New Carnegie Club sessions are due to start soon. To book your free place, call (0191) 643 7454 or ring Jan Ogle, specialist nurse/team leader on 07990 513739.

New health centre for Battle Hill A GP-led health centre will open in Battle Hill, off Battle Hill Drive, in the early summer.

It will include a GP practice (open normal working hours) and a walk-in service (open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week) to treat minor injuries and illnesses.

The centre will also include a range of services including x-ray, ultrasound and echocardiography (heart tests) along with services to help people live healthier lifestyles.

The decision to have a new health centre in North Tyneside came as a result of Lord Darzi’s report to improve access to primary care services across the country.

Members of the public and local organisations provided their views on

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Upclose • April 2009

Sporting chance: Six year-old Liam Bestford, his dad Mick (left) and Carnegie Clubs health and activity co-ordinator Jamie Andrewartha.

where the health centre should be located, the kind of services people wanted and how they should be provided.

The new centre will be developed and run by Norprime Wallsend, which comprises Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Norprime Ltd, representing three GP practices in North Tyneside.

Chris Reed, chief executive of North Tyneside Primary Care Trust, said: “This new health centre is great news for local people – it will provide better access to a range of GP and community health services and will mean many people can receive treatment in centres closer to their home, rather than in hospital.”

More information about how patients can use the centre will be published in future editions of Up Close.

NHS Direct

You can ring 0845 46 47 day or night, including bank holidays, for general health information or advice on what to do if you are feeling ill.

NHS and run community healthcare services, health visitors and specialist therapists.

PALS can help you

If you need advice, have a concern or would like general information about the NHS, there is a team of PALS who can help.

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service can assist with information and advice about hospitals, GPs, dentists, the ambulance service and community and specialist services including mental health.

The team acts independently when handling patient and family concerns, liaising with NHS staff, managers and, where appropriate, relevant organisations to negotiate prompt solutions.

If necessary, officers can also refer patients and families to specific local or national-based support agencies.

Leaflets and posters with details on how to contact PALS are available in GP surgeries, libraries, community centres and other local venues.

The service can be contacted between 9am and 5pm on freephone 0800 032 02 02.

Members of the team can meet people in various places, including hospitals, GP surgeries or community venues, to discuss their concerns.

Join the LINk and have your say

Local involvement networks – or LINks – are giving people a stronger voice to bring about changes they think are needed in health and social care services.

Bridging the gap between a community and its health and social care providers, LINks have the power to carry out spot checks on services to see if they are running well and report any findings or recommendations to the local council for action.

Shaw said: “We all use health and social care services at some point in our lives, or know someone who does, so it is important that these services reflect what the public and patients want from them.

Anyone can join a LINk – individuals, patients, carers, volunteers and also

voluntary and community groups that are active in their local area. Members can decide how much or how little they want to be involved.

You can find out more about your local LINk, and how you can have your say, by visiting the North Tyneside LINk website: www.linknorthtyneside.org.uk

The groups can also talk directly to health and social care professionals about a service currently unavailable or provide suggestions about how to improve existing services.

In North Tyneside, the LINk is hosted

by VODA. LINk co-ordinator Dave

53

Northumbria Police As the new area commander for North Tyneside, I am confident my team can continue to deliver one of the best policing services in the country.

Year after year, policing in the borough has delivered a reduction in the number of crimes committed and an increase in the number of crimes solved.

However, we are not complacent.

My team and I know our greatest challenge is providing a service that you want and which increases your feeling of safety and confidence.

We have invested more resources into our neighbourhood policing teams and with our many partners, particularly in the council, are continuing to develop the principles of neighbourhood management, whereby all service deliverers work together to make where you live a better place.

We will continue to concentrate on what we’re good at – arresting criminals and putting them before the courts, providing victims and witnesses with help and support, and working with individuals, communities and business to help prevent crime.

Finally, can I offer my thanks on behalf of the policing team in North Tyneside for your invaluable support and encouragement.

Chief Supt Ralph Logan

Update on drugs misuse

North Tyneside Area Command is working with partner agencies to tackle drugs misuse, target suppliers and help families affected by drugs.

Detective Chief Insp Mick Paterson said: “Our aim is to reduce harm by enforcing the law and stopping the supply of drugs. We work closely with partners, who help those dependent on drugs seek help.

“Many drugs users turn to crime to get money to pay for drugs, so we arrest these offenders and work with Project ANSWER to provide treatment and help them break their addiction.”

Oonagh Mallon, drugs strategy manager for the North Tyneside Crime

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Upclose • April 2009

local news Partnership: DCI Mick Paterson and Oonagh Mallon.

Sneak-in thieves

Spring sunshine can lead to easy pickings for burglars, warn police.

Chief Insp Max Black said: “Don’t be tempted to leave your doors and windows open or unlocked. This can be an open invitation to a thief.

“Make sure your doors and windows are secure at all times and call the police if you see someone acting suspiciously. It’s what we’re here for.

“Thieves will try handles and sneak into unlocked homes to steal items

and Disorder Reduction and Misuse of Drugs Partnership, said families of drug users also suffer and often need support.

“They need practical help, support and reassurance, which is what we provide.

Many issues are health-related and we give advice to help drugs misusers stay safe while they break their addiction.”

North Tyneside Area Command recently carried out a drugs operation – targeting drugs supply linked to local licensed premises. This has resulted in custodial sentences from the court.

For further information about getting help for drugs misuse, contact: • Project ANSWER (for over-18s) Tel: 240 8122 • N2L (for under-18s) Tel: 643 8802 • North Tyneside PROPS (family support service) – 296 2277

left in the hall, such as house and car keys, handbags and wallets.”

Simple crime prevention measures include: • Keeping front and rear doors locked at all times.

• Securing garage doors and garden sheds.

• Removing valuable items from windowsills.

• Closing windows in unoccupied rooms.

• Making sure fences and boundaries are secure and wel repaired.

Vehicle crackdown

Police in North Tyneside have made 24 arrests in a series of operations to tackle dangerous vehicles.

Motor patrols officers have worked with the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA), the Driver Vehicles Licensing Agency (DVLA) and HM Revenue and Customs during the last 12 months to stop and deal with defective and untaxed vehicles.

• 132 summonses for not having insurance or driving licence.

Insp Milan Kupusarevic said: “Motorists who drive around in defective vehicles pose a serious threat to other road users. We will continue to run this operation.”

This has resulted in: • 24 arrests for driving offences, including drink driving and driving while disqualified.

• 430 vehicles clamped for having no vehicle excise licence.

• 265 vehicle prohibition notices issued for dangerous defects, including illegal tyres and brakes.

55

Upgrade aids crime fight

North Tyneside’s CCTV control room in Killingworth has gone digital.

The council currently monitors around 350 CCTV cameras – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Previously, all footage was recorded onto hundreds of tapes but now, following a £50,000 upgrade, it is saved onto a computer hard drive.

It means that images are easier to recover and are reproduced at a higher resolution, making it easier to identify offenders.

Over the past year, the borough’s network of cameras caught 759 incidents on camera – directly leading to 367 arrests.

The cameras have also been used as evidence to help detect crimes in countless more cases.

George Davison, CCTV control room co-ordinator, said: “Using a digital system provides lots of benefits.

“One of the key improvements is that during an ongoing incident, the operator can search back through footage to see if they have missed anything but the data is still being recorded.’ ’

Arresting evidence: Staff study the bank of screens at the CCTV control room in Killingworth.

Focus group plays its part

The Safer Estates Team has made further improvements in how it tackles anti-social behaviour – thanks to the help of residents.

The six-strong team has received national recognition for its work, which has helped the borough become the safest place to live in Tyne and Wear.

However, the team is continually looking at ways in which it can further improve its service. This is achieved

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Upclose • April 2009

with the help of the Respect Focus Group, which meets with the team to monitor and review its procedures.

Recent developments have included: A support package for private landlords tackling anti-social behaviour in their properties.

Updated procedures in tackling neighbour nuisance and anti-social behaviour on housing estates.

A new mediation service.

A new anti-social behaviour database to improve identification of anti-social behaviour trends.

Respect Focus Group member Joyce Hayley said: "Our views are listened to and I feel we are making a difference.

It’s great to see how we compare to other councils."

The Respect Focus Group is seeking new members. If you are interested, please contact the Safer Estates Team on 643 7710 or email: getinvolved@northtyneside.gov.uk

Anti-social behaviour update

Allotment Watch

The council, in partnership with Northumbria Police and tenants of the Springfield Park allotment site in Forest Hall, has set up an Allotment Watch scheme.

It has been introduced following local concerns about youth disorder and damage to plots.

Springfield Park allotment holders have posted leaflets to neighbouring homes, informing them the scheme is in operation and asking them to report any suspicious incidents.

North Tyneside Crime and Disorder Reduction and Misuse of Drugs Partnership has funded Allotment Watch signs and Northumbria Police is providing crime prevention advice to allotment holders.

It is the fourth scheme of its kind in North Tyneside. The initiative has been recognised nationally as an example of best practice.

Police chiefs in Wallsend have arranged a drop-in session at The Town Hall on May 1, between 10am and 7pm.

The day provides an opportunity for local residents to highlight policing issues in their area.

Local neighbourhood beat managers will be available throughout the day to speak to residents, in confidence, on any subject.

The beat areas include Wallsend town centre, the Groves, Laurel Avenue and Vine Street, The Green, Queens Crescent, Dorset Avenue and Albert Avenue.

ASBIs prove their worth

Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions (ASBIs) are being successfully used to tackle nuisance residents on North Tyneside.

Since January 2008, the council’s Safer Estates Team, with the support of Northumbria Police, has obtained 10 ASBIs. ASBIs curb an individual’s behaviour by imposing conditions that can range from banning them from an area to restricting the number of visitors to their home.

Most of the injunctions have the power of arrest attached, which means that if a breach of one of the prohibitions is suspected the individual can be arrested and brought before a judge within 24 hours.

Four of the people subject to ASBIs have been jailed for breaching them.

Colin Boxshall, Safer Estates manager, said: “These injunctions are proving a really effective way of dealing with those who persistently make life a misery for others.

“Once they’re in force we work with the police to monitor them closely. If the individual breaches the injunction we will always take swift enforcement action.”

Since January 2008, other work to tackle anti-social behaviour has included:

7,020 letters issued in partnership with the police to reassure residents that anti-social behaviour in their street was being addressed.

315 people signed up to Acceptable Behaviour Agreements.

21 notices of seeking possession served on council tenants who caused nuisance and annoyance to their neighbours.

12 legal action notices on owner-occupiers who were engaging in anti-social behaviour.

10 joint 'Respect' initiatives with police aimed at tackling anti-social neighbour nuisance and anti-social behaviour on housing estates.

57

Council retains three star status The improvement in council services has received further endorsement from the Audit Commission.

“We recognise the areas identified for further improvement and already have clear, well-developed plans to address these.”

The publication of the council’s annual Comprehensive Performance Assessment says North Tyneside is “improving well” and has retained its three star status.

A range of initiatives is increasing take-up by residents and has seen public satisfaction increase from 56 per cent to 64 per cent in the last 12 months, says the report.

It confirms the council is well run and financially well managed, with efficiency embedded across the organisation.

Chief executive Andrew Kerr said: “We are very happy with the assessment, however we are not complacent and realise there is still work to do. We have put in place a fully financed plan to achieve that.

The transformation programme is recognised as enhancing the council’s capacity to improve.

A record £350m of external funding has been achieved by the authority to help deliver improvements across the borough, in addition to the £115m capital programme for the year.

And it is working well with its communities and partners. Successful results include a fall in already-low crime figures while the borough’s economy is continuing to improve, despite the current economic climate.

WELL Within individual services, the report highlights:

All children’s services are good – with exam results at GCSE improving above regional and national standards.

Adult Social Care has improved for the second year running and is now a threestar service recognised as increasing the opportunity for independent living for older people.

The ‘in-the-round’ approach to regeneration is praised for “increasing employment opportunities, reducing inequalities, and supporting wider community outcomes such as better health”.

Improvements to waste management are reducing the amount of refuse sent to landfill and increasing recycling take-up.

New clean neighbourhood services are driving forward improvement – including delivering improvements to the borough’s open spaces.

Investment in leisure services has increased public usage and satisfaction.

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Upclose • April 2009

Happy customers: The report says that investment in leisure services has increased public satisfaction.

Council noticeboard

We need your suggestions Overview and scrutiny is about improving services for the people of North Tyneside by influencing decision-makers.

One of the ways the council’s overview and scrutiny committees achieve this is by investigating issues of concern to local people and making recommendations on how things can be improved.

Over the last year, councillors have looked into a range of topics including: Flooding incidents in the borough Next year’s budget allocation Webcasting of council meetings Support for looked-after children Sport and leisure services

Councillors are currently thinking about the areas and services to review over the coming year and need your help to identify issues that are important to you.

Cllr Marian Huscroft, the chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said: “Overview and scrutiny can make a difference by examining areas where there may be concerns and recommending action. “ We want to focus our efforts on matters that are important to residents,

and would welcome suggestions from members of the public.”

Please send your ideas to the Scrutiny Team at the address below. You should include an explanation of the issue, why you want it to be reviewed, and how you think a scrutiny investigation could lead to improvements.

Please include your name and address if you would like a response.

All suggestions will be considered.

Sometimes, there may be a better way to address the issue than a formal review by an overview and scrutiny committee.

In this case the suggestion will be forwarded to an officer within the council for attention.

Overview and scrutiny is unable to deal with individual problems or complaints.

Democratic Services (Floor 3R) North Tyneside Council Quadrant The Silverlink North Cobalt Business Park North Tyneside NE27 0BY Email: scrutiny@northtyneside.gov.uk.

Emergency service: Last year’s flooding was among the subjects looked at by Overview and Scrutiny.

Chairman’s Commendation Awards

Nominations are being sought for this year’s Chairman’s Commendation Awards.

The awards recognise the valuable work undertaken by volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to their local community.

The closing date for nominations is May 22 and this year’s ceremony will be held on June 8 to mark National Volunteers’ Week.

Nominees do not have to live in North Tyneside but the activities for which they are nominated must take place within the borough.

All types of volunteering will be considered for an award – ranging from fundraising activities and caring for the sick to organising events and driving patients to hospital appointments.

If you would like to nominate an individual or group (not an established charity or organisation), you can download a form from the chairman’s pages on the council website – access via council and democracy/your representatives/chairman of the council/commendation scheme/guidelines.

You can also collect a form from reception at Quadrant (see page 3 for full address); the Town Hall, Wallsend; North Shields library or the White Swan Centre, Killingworth. If you would like a form posted out to you, please phone Carol Girvan in the chairman’s office on 643 5347.

More information about overview and scrutiny, including copies of scrutiny reports, is available on the council’s website.

59

Work with us and help us achieve our goals

Council vacancies

We are committed to transforming the way we deliver services, work with our partners and relate to local communities.

We have a range of jobs to suit people with varying skills and experience and are looking for staff who will help us to achieve our goals.

You can apply online at www.sector1.net or www.northtyneside.gov.uk You can also obtain an application form by phone (0845 2000 101), minicom (0191 219 2440) or email: recruitment@northtyneside.gov.uk Please quote relevant reference number.

Development

School crossing patrol officers

£11,995 - £12,334 pa pro rata, various hours Ref no: DE000103 You will assist people to cross the road at prescribed points. Holidays must not be taken during the school term.

Cleaners

£11,577 - £11,907 pa pro rata, various hours and locations (up to 25hpw) Ref no: DE000843 You will provide a clean working environment. Full training will be given.

Children,Young People & Learning Catering assistants

10hpw, £12,629 - £13,421 pa pro rata Ref no: DE001117 We are currently recruiting enthusiastic, dedicated and hard-working staff to assist with catering in schools throughout the borough.

You will be expected to carry out a range of duties, including serving food and drinks to pupils, and cleaning tasks.

Previous experience in catering is not essential.

These posts are ‘open’ posts and do not have a closing date. Reference numbers preceded by DE require an enhanced disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau.

North Tyneside Council

Standards Committee - Independent member required

North Tyneside Council has a Standards Committee to oversee the delivery of high standards of behaviour by its councillors and to promote good practice in relation to ethics and probity.

The full committee is currently scheduled to meet four times a year and will meet on an ad-hoc basis to consider any additional business. Furthermore, the sub-committees of the full committee meet on a monthly basis. Attendance at the sub-committees is based on a rota of the members of the full committee.

The full committee comprises six independent members and 6 councillors.

The independent members are not elected and are appointed by the council from the local community.

The committee advises on good practice and procedures, as well as dealing with

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Upclose • April 2009

complaints against councillors. The role of the independent members is critical to the work of the Standards Committee in reflecting the views and expectations of local people about the standards of behaviour adopted by local councillors.

Independent members are eligible for an annual allowance of £789.

To be considered for this position, you must be experienced in matters of ethics and probity and have demonstrated the highest level of integrity in some other capacity. You must live or work in the North Tyneside area and have knowledge of the locality and its communities.

Applications cannot be considered from anyone who:

is a local authority officer or member has been a member or officer of the council within the last five years. is a relative or a close friend of a member or officer of the council.

is currently actively engaged in politics.

The work will be challenging, innovative and provides a real opportunity for you to make an active contribution to standards in public life.

If you feel you have the experience and personal qualities to undertake this role, an application form and information pack are available from The Monitoring Officer, North Tyneside Council, Quadrant, Cobalt Business Park, The Silverlink North, North Tyneside, NE27 0BY

or by contacting Yvonne Harrison (0191) 643 5320 or Stephen Ballantyne (0191) 643 5329.

Applications must be received

by May 1, 2009.

Interviews will be held week commencing May 18, 2009.

House of Objects is launched

A creative recycling centre, based at the Rising Sun Country Park, is now open for business.

The House of Objects lets visitors work with waste materials – allowing them to reinvent their use and meaning.

Pupils from Forest Hall Out-of-School Club, based at Ivy Road Primary, took part in a variety of creative activities during the official launch of the centre.

The opening means the council has fulfilled another of its 50 promises, as part of its 5-50-500 environmental campaign.

Staff at the House of Objects believe the centre will allow visitors to have fun and be creative, while thinking about ways to protect the environment.

Free cycle maps available

Free cycle maps containing details of routes across the borough are currently available from the council.

Adult Learners’ Week May 9 to May 15 Adult Learners’ Week is the UK’s largest and longest-running learning campaign.

It encourages thousands of adults – whatever their age and background – to give learning a go.

Whether it’s learning for pleasure or catching up on skills, come along and celebrate Adult Learners’ Week in North Tyneside. Events are being held between 10am and 2pm on: Tuesday, May 12 – at the Beacon shopping centre and North Shields library.

Wednesday, May 13 – at the White Swan Centre and Killingworth shopping centre.

Thursday, May 14 – at the Forum shopping centre and Wallsend People’s Centre, Frank Street (mobile library in attendance).

Advisors will be on hand to discuss employment opportunities and there will be a range of information available about learning and training.

During Adult Learners’ Week, there will also be taster sessions available across the borough, including crafts, health and beauty, tai chi, using the Internet and email, and many more.

For your copy, please write to Graeme Clark, cycle projects officer, engineering, (1L 53), The Silverlink North, Quadrant, Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside NE27 0BY. (Please provide your full name and address.)

You can also phone 643 6086, fax 643 2420 or email graeme.clark@northtyneside.gov.uk

Meanwhile, a family cycle ride and fun day – in aid of the Chris Lucas Trust – is taking place on Saturday, June 20.

The nine-mile ride starts at Cobalt Business Park and ends at Blyth Beach, taking in the waggonways network.

For more details, or an entry form, contact Mrs Lynn Lucas (Chris Lucas Trust), 95, Lancaster Drive, Hadrian Park, Wallsend NE28 9TF or ring (0191) 263 2884.

Adult Learners’ Week 9 - 15 May 2009

For more information, contact the Adult Learning Alliance on 200 1627/8.

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Better information for carers Hospital discharge Access to counselling services The ‘personalisation’ of adult social services Urgent care services North Tyneside Local Involvement Network (LINk) is formed from local people and local voluntary organisations who have come together to give us all a stronger voice about health and adult social care issues. LINk members have identified five concerns that will be the focus of their activities over the next six months.

More details about these projects are available on our website, by email or by ringing the LINk staff team.

To carry out these projects and achieve real change, LINk needs your help. Firstly we need to hear about your experiences and your ideas for improvement. Secondly we need your time to help us research issues, help with surveys and question service providers. We’ll offer you training and support and make sure that, as volunteers, you aren’t out of pocket as a result of working with us.

The LINk Team can be contacted on 0191 200 1429, by email at link@voda.org.uk or through our website www.linknorthtyneside.org.uk

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To book or to order a brochure, please CALL FREEPHONE 0800 1 388 399 or Quote visit www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk/phc HC874 *Save up to 25% offer excludes Bank Holidays, Christmas and New Year, Premier Starbreaks and Spa Breaks.

Offers are off the current Warner Leisure Hotels 2009 brochure prices and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, and apply to new bookings only. All bookings are subject to availability and terms and conditions in the current Warner Leisure Hotels 2009 brochure. All persons in your booking must be over 21 years of age. Supplements apply for room upgrades and Experiences. Warner Leisure Hotels reserve the right to change or reduce these offers at anytime without prior notice. Bourne Holidays (trading as Warner Leisure Hotels) is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 01854900 whose registered office is 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL.

62

Upclose • April 2009

*TERMS & CONDITIONS 1. Homebase Spend & Save points will not be awarded against purchases made with this 15% discount voucher. 2. The discount is valid only on Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th May 2009 and will be retained by the Homebase cashier after use. 3. Only this original voucher will be accepted. 4.

This voucher is not valid against purchases made on www.homebase.co.uk, over the telephone, on national 10% off days or preview events, or on any Store Manager’s locally price reduced items, concessions in store, against the Homebase Trade card or Hire Station items. 5. Not valid against delivery charges, gift vouchers, installation and assembly services or against the Homebase ideas magazine. 6. One voucher per transaction and cannot be used with any other promotional voucher or coupon or with the Homebase or Argos Staff Discount Card. 7. This voucher is not transferrable and is not for resale. It cannot be sold over the internet. 8. Homebase reserve the right to withdraw, alter or decline this offer without prior notice.

To the cashier: Scan the barcode to activate 15% discount on all eligible purchases. Retain this voucher.

Cash Office: Process as a % discount voucher and return in the weekly envelope.

Promoter is Homebase Limited.

489-499 Avebury Boulevard, Saxon Gate West, Milton Keynes, MK9 2NW

Win

a hamper packed full of Divine treats!

The Divine story began in 1998 when a co-operative of cocoa farmers in Ghana decided to start their own company in the UK – benefiting from receiving a Fairtrade price for their cocoa and sharing in the profits from the company.

Since then, Divine – made with the best Ghanaian cocoa, natural cocoa butter and vanilla – has grown into a gorgeous Fairtrade range with something to tempt everyone.

And as the popularity of the range grows, so do the benefits for the farmers.

Their co-operative, called Kuapa Kokoo, now has 45,000 members and their Fairtrade income and share of the Divine profits is empowering them to improve their living conditions and prospects for the future.

Ghanaian cocoa farmers James Adiyiah and Anane Mensah – both members of Kuapa Kokoo – recently

visited North Tyneside during Fairtrade Fortnight.

They called in at local schools, church groups and businesses and gave an account of how Fairtrade had transformed their lives over the past decade.

For your chance to win a hamper of Divine chocolate, made using cocoa beans picked by farmers like James and Anane, simply answer the following question: What are the ingredients of Divine chocolate?

Completed entries should be marked Up Close competition and sent to: Communications Team, (3rd floor right) Quadrant, Silverlink North, Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside, NE27 0BY

(Please include your full address and a daytime telephone number.)

Divine is available at Tesco, Co-op, Sainsbury, Waitrose, Asda, Oxfam and independent stores nationwide. Find out more at: www.divinechocolate.com

February winners Sandra Brydon of Forest Hall won a 12-month Contours membership.

Gordon Lowery of Wideopen, Rachel Cartwright of Forest Hall and Liam McStay of Marden Estate, North Shields, won runner-up prizes of 3-month Contours memberships.

Terms and conditions: Closing date for entries: May 15, 2009. Open to North Tyneside residents only. One entry per person. The winner will be the first correct entry drawn at random after the closing date and will be notified by telephone. Entrants must be prepared to take part in post-competition publicity. The editor’s decision is final.

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WAVES T H E N E W W HI T L E Y B AY L E I S UR E P OO L The Links | Whitley Bay | NE26 1TQ

(0191) 643 2600

N E P O NOW

£ 6 m investe

for youd

Get your Contours membership now Part of a

£64m investment in Whitley Bay, Waves boasts: Fully refurbished pool and wave machine Three fast and furious water slides with racing traffic lights A kids’ pirate ship action-packed with slides and water pumps Cutting edge Contours gym with personal TV screens Luxurious spa with steam rooms and hydrotherapy baths

Working closer with communities www.northtyneside.gov.uk