Widening Horizons December 2009 by North Tyneside Council

horizons widening

Dec 2009

Student shines a new light on North Tyneside

All the festive fun around the borough Keeping you informed | www.northtyneside.gov.uk

Christmas and New Year -

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

Friday, December 25 Friday, January 1 Revised collection dates are set out below. 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, December 21 Tuesday, December 22 Wednesday, December 23 Thursday, December 24 Friday, December 25

As normal As normal As normal As normal Sunday, December 27

Monday, December 28 Tuesday, December 29 Wednesday, December 30 Thursday, January 31 Friday, January 1

As normal As normal As normal As normal Saturday, January 2

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

National Fraud Initiative – data matching exercise 2009/10

By law, North Tyneside Council has to protect the public funds it administers.

It is required to share information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds, in order to prevent and detect fraud.

horizons widening

Under section 6 of the Audit Commission Act 1998, the council is required to take part in the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) data matching exercise. Data will be provided by the council to the Audit Commission for the NFI and will be used for cross-system and cross-authority comparison for the prevention and detection of fraud. The NFI takes place each year and during 2006/07 identified £140m of fraud and error across the UK. Data included in data matching has been expanded by the Audit Commission and for the 2009/10 exercise, the council is required to submit data to the commission relating to: • •

Council Tax Register of electors

Where data matches raise anomalies, these will be sent back to the council for further investigation. More information is available on the council’s website: www.northtyneside.gov.uk/nfi or the Audit Commission website: www.audit-commission.gov.uk/nfi

horizons widening

December 2009

North Tyneside Council produces Widening Horizons for the residents of the borough. The magazine is printed five times a year and distributed to every home in the borough. Our aim is to keep you informed about what the council and its partners are doing to improve life for people in North Tyneside.

If you would like to comment on any of the articles in Widening Horizons, please write or send an email to: Steve Forshaw Marketing & Communications (3rd floor right) Quadrant The Silverlink North Cobalt Business Park North Tyneside NE27 0BY Email: steve.forshaw@northtyneside.gov.uk

Having problems getting your copy of Widening Horizons? Ring (0191) 643 5080. The next issue of Widening Horizons will be distributed from February 8.

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

Regeneration update

Sport for all

Ease EXTRA is now available

First class treatment

What’s on at Christmas

On the beat

Annual report 2008/09

Keep it local

Linda Arkley talks about the prospects for the borough in 2010. Find out what’s happening with the Whitley Bay and Battle Hill schemes. Read about a new initiative that will improve sporting opportunities for everyone. A new young people’s card that offers a host of discounts is launched in North Tyneside. See how Northumbria Healthcare is providing the best possible care for stroke patients. Your eight-page guide to all the festive fun taking place across the borough. Find out about some of the policing initiatives taking place in North Tyneside. What the council spends your money on – and how it’s making a difference to the borough. A page of classified adverts featuring small businesses from around the borough.

Please recycle this magazine when you have finished with it. Cover picture: Christian Wade, aged 13, has won a council competition to design a new Christmas light for the borough.To see Christian’s winning design, see page 31.

NTC GRAPHICS 11/09 2647JWO

Get EXTRA Get active Get smart Get about

Available from leisure centres and selected libraries

Call 0845 2000 101 or visit www.northtyneside.gov.uk

Mayor’s message Waves are now up and running and both are proving to be a major success. The Playhouse has secured an exciting array of performers, shows and community events while the feedback from users of Waves has been excellent.

Dear residents, Welcome to the December edition of Widening Horizons. Since my election in June, I have been working hard on the promises I made to you and on the issues that you told me are important. One of my key election promises was to stop the Mayor’s newsletter and to use that money to support our town centres. We have done that and very soon you will see a marketing campaign, town centre leaflets and a series of events and initiatives that we believe will help make our town centres the vibrant places we all want them to be. We have also received good news in relation to the local economy with the announcement that Tesco Bank will be creating 1,000 jobs in the borough. Securing these jobs has been a team effort involving the council, One North East and the Tyne and Wear Development Company and I am delighted our partnership has been able to secure an investor of such high calibre.

At the same time, we are continuing to regenerate other areas of the borough. We have recently opened a new library and walk-in health centre in Battle Hill, with the support and involvement of the local community, and work on the North Bank of the Tyne continues apace. It is that time of year when we all start to think about Christmas – reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the New Year. The last 18 months have been difficult for many people.The economy has been in recession, house prices have been unstable and access to mortgages

and finance difficult. Individuals and businesses have had a hard time. I believe we can now start to look to the future. North Tyneside is well placed to take advantage of an upturn in the economy – we have a programme of investments and regeneration, excellent educational opportunities and an attractive borough in which to live. In my view, the measures we have put in place to support local businesses, our town centres and individuals will add to the upturn and ensure that North Tyneside remains an attractive and prosperous borough. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a successful and prosperous New Year.

Linda Arkley

High standards: The new Monkseaton High School is a fine example of the borough’s excellent educational facilities. See article on pages 44 and 45.

The regeneration of Whitley Bay continues – both the Playhouse and

Battle Hill

In recent months, Battle Hill has thrown off its old image and relaunched itself as a vibrant community.

The new library and health centre have opened their doors, delivering extra services for local residents, while a new Tesco Express will compliment the Lidl food store, which began trading earlier in the year. And soon the parade of new shops will be ready to welcome customers – offering a mix of long-standing businesses, including Greggs, Mills, Battle Hill Taxis and an NHS dental practice, and new firms such as Subway and Clark Butchers. For people like hairdresser Jen Allan, who has worked on the estate for more than 20 years, the transformation is particularly welcome. Jen, who is co-owner of the Cutting Crew, said:“There is no comparison with where we are moving to and where we have come from.

“The other site had rapidly deteriorated and problems such as vandalism were getting worse.We were never going to attract people from outside the area but now things are different and that’s down to the new shopping centre.”

It is five years since the transformation of Battle Hill began and the demolition of the hard-to let maisonettes provided swathes of development land. Haslam Homes has built 65 two and three-bedroomed homes and apartments while Nomad E5 Housing Group is providing affordable homes through its shared ownership scheme. The site of the existing shopping centre, which is due to be cleared once the shops are all vacated, will provide further opportunities for housing. Feedback from residents has been important in shaping the redevelopment, which when complete will have attracted around £25m in private and public sector investment to the area.

widening horizons • December 2009

The new library features a full range of services, including 16 computers providing access to the Internet, and areas for teenage and younger children.

Local police officers will be using the building as a rest facility and an opportunity to provide a visible presence in the community. Meanwhile, the GP-led health centre is already proving its worth for local residents. Hundreds have registered as new patients at the centre, which includes a walk-in facility open 365 days of the year and a range of services, including x-ray, ultrasound and heart checks. For further information on regeneration issues, contact Kate Lovelock on (0191) 643 6426.

Regeneration update

- a new era dawns Whitley Bay plans on show at library

Exciting new plans to deliver the next phase of the regeneration of Whitley Bay are still available for public inspection.

Drawings and information about the proposals, previously displayed at the PLAYHOUSE, can be seen at Whitley Bay library during normal opening hours.They can also be inspected on the council’s website at www.northtyneside.gov.uk The wider Spanish City site is earmarked for a mix of uses that

could include a high quality hotel, leisure and entertainment activities and housing.

The re-routing of the road behind the Spanish City site could allow the creation of a pedestrianised piazza – complete with fountains – at the front of the Dome. This cultural and leisure hub could be lit at night and used as an attractive water play area during the day.The fountains could be switched off to create an events area. It will complement the future use of the Dome, which is now the subject of a European advertising process to canvass potential future uses for the building. And the proposals recommend the improvements are extended into Whitley Park with proposals including the introduction of a multi use sports area, a water play facility, a BMX track

Great move: Co-owners Jen Allan (left) and Joanne Douglass outside their new premises.

to complement the town’s popular skate/BMX park at Panama Dip, and a state of the art green-roofed café with toilet facilities

“Whitley Bay is set to regain its reputation as a place for visitors and residents to enjoy family-friendly fun,” said Mayor Linda Arkley. “These plans set out the scale of our ambition to transform our seafront once again into a public space that can be enjoyed by everyone – from the fountains on the piazza, to the waterplay area and new leisure activities in Whitley Park, to the visitor attractions of The Dome. It will benefit residents, visitors and local businesses. “The comments we receive from the public are essential and will help us when we consider the expressions of interests for the site.”

Show takes root The council’s Health and Horticulture Show has taken root in Finland, thanks to a keen gardener.

After reading about the annual event on the internet, Joppe Ranta contacted organisers for advice on staging his own show. Following guidance from council staff and a show judge, Joppe has now held his own harvest party in Vantaa, Finland’s fourth largest city.

washed down by Newcastle Brown Ale and followed by a traditional pub quiz.

Cllr Glynis Barrie, cabinet member for Community Services, said:“We are delighted to have been able to help and it’s amazing the interest in our show has travelled so far.” Joppe, a 45 year-old journalist, is eager to expand his event along the lines of the North Tyneside show.

“In Finland, we have no contests like this,” he said.“We use leeks only in soup and it’s unpopular as it’s seen as being fairly boring.

“As well as the vegetable competition, we are thinking of introducing flower arranging and cookery contests, which would be really exciting.”

“The information provided by the council has been very useful,” said Joppe.“They also put me in touch with one of the judges, who explained the rules and regulations. “The harvest party was only a small affair this time around, with 25 people taking part. But I’m hopeful next year I will be able to attract a great deal more.” As well as the contest to grow the biggest leeks and carrots, the harvest party had a strong British flavour.

British flavour: Joppe Ranta looks on as a judge announces the winners of the harvest party in Finland.

Visitors were able to sample fish and chips, scones and ginger biscuits,

1,000 jobs set for borough

Tesco Bank is to create 1,000 jobs at a new customer service centre in North Tyneside.

The centre – based at Quorum Business Park – will handle customer sales and service for Tesco Bank’s home and motor insurance customers. The council, One North East and the Tyne and Wear Development Company have worked closely with Tesco Bank to secure finance, scout locations and start a recruitment drive for the centre.

Elected mayor Linda Arkley said:“I am delighted this strong partnership has once again helped to secure a high calibre investor.

“This support will continue as we help to embed the company in the borough and ensure it has a successful future.” Tesco Bank plans to start recruiting next year and open the centre by the end of 2010. It hopes to create 1,000 jobs over the next five years. The council is to establish and

widening horizons • December 2009

co-ordinate a public sector ‘response group’ specifically for the company.

It will work with One North East, the Learning and Skills Council, Business Link and JobCentre Plus to provide a single point of contact for recruitment and training tailored to meet the requirements of Tesco Bank. Alan Clarke, the chief executive of One North East, said:“This is an extremely exciting and important project. It’s a real vote of confidence in the North East economy.”

Residents shape

road improvements

The first programme of road and pavement repairs, identified by the public as among their top priorities, are due to be completed by Christmas.

The 10 schemes, spread across the borough, range from tackling uneven pavements and potholes to the complete resurfacing of neighbourhood roads.

Elected Mayor Linda Arkley has made the road and pavement improvement scheme a top priority in the new Council Plan – and pledged that residents will be fully involved in the improvements being delivered.

An additional £1m will be spent on road and pavement projects each year, agreed through the area forums.

Before and after: Highbury Place in North Shields has already benefited from the improvement programme.

And in a change to previous council practice, the additional funding will be targeted at neighbourhood and estate roads, rather than the main network of distributor roads.

To kick-start the programme, 10 projects identified by residents were started in September.

Mrs Arkley said:“Our residents have told me the state of our roads and pavements is not good enough – that’s why I have taken action immediately to begin a programme of improvements.

“In the future, residents will have an opportunity to shape those improvements, funded by an improved budget, through the area forums in each part of the borough.

“I know how important this is to local people and have given the go-ahead to an interim scheme of repairs, based on feedback already received from residents.”

The streets in the initial improvement programme are:

Cranwell Drive,Wideopen Canterbury Way,Wideopen Bromley Avenue, Monkseaton Highbury Place, North Shields Battle Hill Drive,Wallsend Verne Road, North Shields Warwick Road,Wallsend Avondale Ave / Weardale Ave, Forest Hall Richmond Road,Whitley Bay Links Avenue,Whitley Bay

It’s time to get in From aerobics to zumba, the borough’s six leisure centres offer a range of fitness sessions to suit you.

shape!

The Parks;Tynemouth Pool;The Lakeside Centre and Waves all boast fully equipped Contours gyms with trained staff available to provide help and guidance.

If you prefer getting fit in the pool, there are plenty of opportunities – ranging from aquafit at Waves to hydrodeep at The Lakeside.

See below r and opposite fo at our what’s on offer leisure centres. The choice is yours!

gyem ning op rs hou

9am 6pm

9am 10pm

Tynemouth Pool

7.15am 9.30pm

10.30am - 8.30am 7pm 4pm

8.30am 3pm

The Lakeside Centre

7.15am 9.45pm

7.15am 8.45pm

8.15am 6pm

7am 9.30pm

7.30am 9.30pm

7am 9.30pm

8am 5.30pm

Waves

Last admission times apply

(health suites ready half hour after centre opens)

GP Referral Session Only (gym closed for casual use)

Friday

Sunday

Tuesday

The Parks

Wednesday Thursday

Saturday

Monday

The Lakeside Centre Waves The Parks Tynemouth Pool

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Friday

1pm - 3.30pm 12.45pm - 2.45pm 8.30am - 11am 7.45am - 10.30am

The Parks - (0191) 200 6364 Howdon Road, North Shields, NE29 6TL

Tynemouth Pool - (0191) 643 2900 Beach Road, North Shields, NE29 9PZ

The Lakeside Centre - (0191) 643 4177 Southgate, Killingworth, NE12 6SA

Sport & Leisure @ Burnside - (0191) 643 2025 Burnside Business and Enterprise College, St. Peter’s Road,Wallsend, NE28 7LQ

horizons widening

Marden Bridge Sports Centre - (0191) 643 2929 Hillheads Road,Whitley Bay, NE25 8RW

Waves - (0191) 643 2600 The Links,Whitley Bay, NE26 1TQ

The Parks AEROBICS AEROSCULPT AEROTONE AQUAFIT (A) AQUABOXING (B) AQUACIRCUITS (C) AQUAJOGGING (J) SPEEDO DEEP (S)

BODY PUMP SAT 9.30am – 10.30am SUN 4.30pm – 5.30pm

TECHNIQUE CLASS SUN 4pm – 4pm BODY COMBAT TUES 7pm – 8pm THURS 6pm – 7pm

TECHNIQUE CLASS

MON 9.30am -10.30am MON 6.30pm – 7.30pm TUES 9.30am – 10.30am WED 9.30am – 10.30am WED 6pm – 7pm

CIRCUITS TUES 6.30pm – 7.30pm SKIPPING CIRCUITS WED, 12.15pm – 1.15pm WED, 7.15pm – 8pm THURS 5.15pm – 6.15pm FRI 12.15pm – 1.15pm SUN 10.30am – 11.30am LOW IMPACT CIRCUITS MON 7.30pm – 8.30pm SPINNING SPIN & ABS SPIN & BOX ENERGY CYCLING

Waves

Marden Bridge

Tynemouth Pool

in the borough

Burnside

MON 9.30am – 10.30am

MON 6.00pm – 6.45pm (aerobics)

MON 7pm – 7.45pm (A) MON 8pm – 8.45pm (A) TUES 11.30am – 12.15pm (A) THURS 7pm – 7.45pm (A)

MON 9.30am – 10.15am (A) MON 8.10pm – 8.50pm (C) TUES 9.30am – 10.15am (J) TUES 8.10pm – 8.50pm (A) WED 12.15pm – 1pm (A) WED 8.10pm – 8.50pm (B) THURS 8.10pm – 8.50pm (A) FRI 1.45pm – 2.30pm (B)

MON 7.15pm – 8.15pm TUES 6pm – 7pm WED 6pm – 7pm FRI 5.30pm – 6.30pm SAT 10.30am – 11.30am SAT 10am – 10.30am

MON 7pm – 8pm THURS 10.45am – 11.45am THURS 5.45pm – 6.45pm SUN 11.15am – 12.15pm

FRI 6.45pm – 7.45pm

THURS 5.30pm – 6.30pm SAT 11.45am – 12.45pm SUN 10.30am – 11.30am

WED 5.45pm – 6.45pm THURS 9.30am – 10.30am THURS 8pm – 9pm SAT 9.30am – 10.30am

THUR 7.45pm – 8.45pm SAT 11am – noon

WED 6pm- 7pm

FRI 5.30pm – 6.30pm SUN 10am – 11am

MON, 6.30pm – 7.30pm FRI 6.30pm – 7.30pm

MON 6pm – 7pm TUES 9.30am – 10.15am TUES 6pm – 7pm TUES 8pm – 9pm WED 9.30am – 10.30am THURS 6.15pm – 7.15pm FRI 9.30am – 10.30am

MON 9.30am – 10.30am TUES 9.30am – 10.30am TUES 5pm – 5.45pm WED 9.30am – 10.30am

Sports Centre

MON 8pm – 8.45pm (S) MON 8.45pm – 9.30pm (S) TUES 8pm – 8.45pm (A) TUES 8.45pm – 9.30pm (A) THUR 12.15pm – 1pm(A) THUR 6.30pm – 7.15pm (S)

MON 11am – 11.45am MON 5.15pm – 6.15pm MON 6.30pm – 7.15pm THURS 9.30am – 10.30am THURS 10.45am – 11.45am THURS 6pm – 6.45pm SAT 10.45am – 11.30am

TUES 6pm – 7pm THURS 6.15pm – 7.15pm

THUR 6pm – 7pm

MON 7.30am – 8.15am TUES 7.15pm – 8pm WED 7.30am – 8.15am WED 5.30pm – 6.30pm WED 6.30pm – 7.30pm THURS 5.15pm – 6pm FRI 7.30am – 8.15am FRI 5.30pm – 6.30pm (spin & box) SUN 9.30am – 10.30am (spin & box)

HYDRODEEP

THURS 7.45pm – 8.30pm FRI 6pm – 6.45pm

NIFTY FIFTIES MON 10.30am– 11.30am 5-0 CLUB FRI 10.30am – 11.30am

TUES 1.30pm – 2.30pm THURS 11am – noon

WED noon – 1.pm

TUES 7pm – 8pm WED 6.45pm – 7.30pm (Beginners) WED 7.30pm – 8.30pm

WED 7pm – 8pm (pilates) THURS 4.30pm –5.30pm (pilates) MON 8pm – 9pm (body balance) FRI 9.30am –10.30am (body balance) FRI noon – 1pm (body balance)

MON 6.30pm – 8pm

MON noon – 1.30pm TUES 8pm – 9.30pm WED 1.15pm – 2.45pm FRI 6.45pm – 7.45pm

TUES 7pm – 8pm (salsa) SAT 11am – noon (salsa) SUN 10.15am – 11.15am (urban)

TUES 7pm – 8pm(salsa) WED 8pm – 9pm (zumba) SAT 12.30pm – 1.15pm (kids dance) SAT 1.15pm – 2pm ( kids dance) SUN 12.30pm – 1.15pm (kids dance) SUN 1.15pm – 2pm (kids dance)

PILATES MON 6pm – 7pm BODY BALANCE MON 7pm – 8pm WED 6pm – 7pm SAT 9.30am – 10.30am

YOGA

SALSAFIT SALSACIZE DANCE AEROBICS URBAN BOUNCE ZUMBA

Sport & Leisure @

THURS 5pm – 5.30pm

BOXERCISE MON 5.30pm – 6.30pm BOXERFIT FRI 5.30pm – 6.30pm BUMS, LEGS & TUMS TOP TO TOE TONING TOTAL BODY BODY SCULPT

The Lakeside Centre

MON 7.30pm – 8.30pm (urban) WED 7pm – 8pm (dance) WED 12.15pm – 1.15pm (zumba) THURS 7pm – 8pm (salsa) FRI 7pm – 8pm (zumba)

STEP FRI 12.15pm – 1.15pm STEP & TONE

CORE STABILITY TUES 6.30pm – 7.30pm ABS BLAST

THURS 9.30am – 10.30am SAT 10am – 10.45am

TUES 10.30am – 11.30am TUES 5.45pm – 6.45pm THURS 7pm – 8pm SAT 10.45pm – 11.45pm (step & core)

WED 7pm – 8pm THURS 7.15pm – 8.15pm

MON 5.30pm – 6pm (abs) FRI 5pm – 5.30pm (abs) SUN 9.30am – 10am (abs)

MON 7pm – 8pm

TUES 6.30pm –8.30pm

WED 7pm – 8pm

Classes are subject to chan Please check v ge. enue for availability. 11

Widening Horizons

The borough has lots of great places to go and things to do.

Now an initiative from Mayor Linda Arkley will help improve sporting experiences and widen opportunities for people to enjoy them.

Widening Horizons 4 Sport will offer residents, and in particular young people, the chance to make the most of their lives by trying new things and learning new skills. And it could ultimately improve people’s health and well-being as well as strengthen the communities we live in.

The council already holds a lot of information but wants to build on that and enrich its understanding, which will help it map out the range of sporting experiences currently available in the borough.

Representatives of sports clubs and voluntary organisations are also invited to one of the launch events at the council’s HQ, Quadrant West,The Silverlink North, Cobalt Business Park, to find out more.

The events will be an opportunity to shape the initiative and tell the council what support they would need to deliver new and improved opportunities for residents.This could include help accessing funding opportunities or leasing new premises.

The council will work with and support sports clubs, groups and voluntary organisations to create an environment of new and enhanced cultural opportunities right across the borough.

There will be two events on Friday, December 4 (2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm) and one on Saturday, December 5 (10am to noon).

And there will be a number of other initiatives as part of the Widening Horizons programme, including Widening Horizons 4 Culture.

If you fancy getting fit and healthy – check out the Sport North Tyneside website.

Sport North Tyneside (see next column), which offers improved access to sporting opportunities, is one of the first schemes to form part of the Widening Horizons 4 Sport initiative.

Mrs Arkley said:“We’re not interested in simply fulfilling residents’ aspirations, we want to exceed them.

“Widening Horizons 4 Sport will provide the opportunity for everyone, and in particular young people, to take part in a sporting experience that could change their lives. “Over the next few months we’ll be working closely with our partners and the community and voluntary sector to create an environment where this can happen.”

As a first step, the council wants to hear from sports clubs and voluntary organisations in North Tyneside to find out what they currently provide.

For more information about Widening Horizons 4 Sport or to sign up for one of the launch events, please contact Jo Topping on (0191) 643 7444, or email: jo.topping@northtyneside.org.uk

The website which can be found at www.sportnorthtyneside.gov.uk is jam-packed with ways to get active.

Sport North Tyneside is a partnership between the council, North Tyneside Primary Care Trust, Sport England and local sporting groups.

The website will include leagues and competitions for newcomers to sports such as swimming, tennis, athletics, badminton, bowls and golf.

And if you are already part of a sports club, Sport North Tyneside can help you gain accreditation and recognition, access

widening horizons • December 2009

funding and training and assist coaches to pick up new ideas and gain further qualifications. To celebrate the launch of the Sport North Tyneside website, a series of community events will be taking place. These include:

Learn Latino – Saturday, November 28 (6pm to 11pm) at Wallsend Civic Hall. Beginner and intermediate dance classes for the Argentine Tango and Salsa, performances from professional dancers and a Latin party dance. Free spaces available for the first 50 beginners, £2.50 for ease cardholders and £5 non-ease cardholders. Take Aim – Sunday, November 29, (noon to 3pm) at The Parks Sports Centre, North Shields.Target activity tasters including, archery, fencing, boccia, bowls and trampolining. Free event for families, any age welcome.

Meanwhile,‘sport club and coach’ roadshows will be starting in January. And if you sign up to the Sport North Tyneside newsletter, you will be entered into a free prize draw to win sports equipment for your club.

For further information, contact community sport network manager Jo Topping on (0191) 643 7444 or email: sport@northtyneside.gov.uk

Sport

Help to honour our sporting stars

Nominations are now being sought for the second North Tyneside Sports Awards. The scheme aims to celebrate the commitment and achievements of coaches, volunteers and sports performers throughout 2009.

The categories are: sports personality; disabled sports personality; junior sports personality; junior disabled sports personality; senior team; junior team; senior sports volunteer; junior sports volunteer; sports coach; sports development; and services to sport.

All individual and team nominees should live in North Tyneside, attend a school in North Tyneside or pursue their sport within the borough.

The deadline for applications is January 31, 2010 and the awards ceremony will be held at the councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HQ, Quadrant, on March 25.

Application forms are available on the Sport North Tyneside website www. sportnorthtyneside.org.uk You can also email: sport@northtyneside.gov.uk or call (0191) 643 7447.

Inspiring

Re-vamped school lunches are proving a big hit with secondary pupils across the borough.

The council has been working with students and staff at Monkseaton High, George Stephenson High and Churchill Community College to pilot a new lunchtime experience – aimed at encouraging students to remain on campus at lunchtime. Essential ingredients include simple fresh food, easier ways to pay, more choice, less queuing and better, brighter dining areas.

Food on offer now includes ‘Rice N Spice’ – a mix of international dishes using fresh herbs and spices;‘ Deli-Xpress’ – a ‘Subway-style’ sandwich counter where students chose their own bread and fillings, and ‘Pasta-Xpress’ with daily hot pasta specials. All are offered at under £2 including a drink.

Clear displays and improved promotional materials help students understand what they’re buying, its nutritional content and whether it’s value for money. Re-vamped and vibrant new dining areas at all three schools are also proving to be a big hit.

An American-themed diner at George Stephenson High School is new for this term. Featuring seating booths, polished stainless steel, framed artwork, retro lighting and even a Wurlitzer jukebox, the diner, which can seat around 40 pupils, is full within minutes of the lunch bell sounding.

The school is now in the process of transforming its former dance studio into a bistro-style outlet. At Churchill, students can now buy a healthy lunch from take-away style service points that face out into the school’s quadrangle outdoor area. And the new Monkseaton High School has an ultra-modern café area, fitted out with bistro-style seating and snacking areas with high-level stools. More service points have also been the order of the day at all three schools, as well as healthy vending machines. The innovative changes have been made in line with new rigorous food standards for secondary schools.The guidelines mean schools must make it easier for students to make healthier choices at lunchtime. Barbara Patterson, the council’s catering services manager, said:“Our students told us what they wanted and we listened.

widening horizons • December 2009

Retro chic: (Left) Pupils in the American-themed diner at George Stephenson High. (Right) Students sample the new lunchtime menu.

dining! “We’ve removed queues, we’ve increased choice, we’ve improved our communications and we’ve brought the dining areas bang up-to-date.

Cutting the cost of school lunches

From November 2, the council has reduced the cost of a pre-paid school meal from £1.70 to £1.60 per day – to help local families with school-age children.

“Feedback so far has been extremely positive and we’re looking forward to working with the rest of our secondary schools.”

Success for local supply teacher agency

In the current economic climate, it’s great to hear of local businesses going from strength to strength.

First Class Supply & Training Ltd of Whitley Bay, a recruitment agency specialising in the placement of teachers and teaching assistants throughout the North East, are one such success story.

With their excellent reputation for partnering schools, they have become the preferred supplier for many schools throughout the region and particularly in North Tyneside. They offer an exceptionally cost effective service to schools, and are able to ensure their teachers and assistants are of a very high calibre.

In the past year, they have taken on three new staff which has helped maintain their reputation as a highly professional team with a personal and friendly touch. It has also ensured they are able to stay one step ahead of the legislation relating to Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education.

Supply Teachers Teaching Assistants Nursery Nurses Do you want to work in North Tyneside? We can keep you busy!

● Higher rates of pay ● Immediate work ● Professional, friendly team with local expertise Our teachers and support staff are always in demand!

Call us now on (0191) 251 5566 or email: enquiries@1stclassteachers.co.uk

Mavis Lowery, retired deputy headteacher of Marden High School, is a valued member of the team. She conducts interviews as part of the registration process and can offer help and advice to NQTs and experienced teachers new to supply.

She said:“I am proud to be a part of the First Class team and am delighted with the support we receive from our local schools. We look forward to continuing our partnerships throughout the following academic year.”

Ready to help: The First Class team.

widening horizons • December 2009

ease EXTRA is now available! A new young people’s card that provides easy access to services and a host of discounts in North Tyneside is now available.

The council has teamed up with Nexus and a group of retail partners to launch ease EXTRA. The card, which is for people under 25, offers combined membership of libraries and leisure facilities, exclusive discounts, proof of age and concessionary travel (under-17s only). It was launched at Quadrant, the council’s HQ, by Elected Mayor Linda Arkley, who launched the original ease card in 2004,Young Mayor John Akinropo and partners in the scheme. Mrs Arkley said:“Thousands of young people in North Tyneside currently enjoy sport and leisure discounts thanks to their ease card.

It’s easy: Elected Mayor Linda Arkley and Young Mayor John Akinropo join our ease EXTRA partners to launch the scheme.

“The new ease EXTRA provides some great additional benefits including retail discounts, joint library membership, and proof of age. It’s all about making it easier for our young people to access services and save money, at a time when incomes are being squeezed.”

Young Mayor John Akinropo said: “Every young person should get themselves an ease EXTRA card I’m definitely never going to leave the house without mine.”

The card is free if you’re aged under 17 or have priority status and costs £5 if you’re aged between 17 and 24. It is available from all the council’s leisure centres plus Dudley, Killingworth and Longbenton libraries.

For further details about ease EXTRA, visit the council website – www.northtyneside.gov.uk

Awareness campaign

Health promotion staff will be manning stalls at libraries, community centres and other venues during November to raise awareness of sensible drinking. Between November 23 and 27, NHS staff will be providing advice and information as part of the national Know Your Limits campaign. North Tyneside has one of the highest rates of hospital admissions in England due to high levels of drinking.

Matt Hornsby, alcohol strategy manager for the NHS in North Tyneside, said: “Alcohol is one of the leading causes of health problems in the borough. “It’s so easy to get into a routine of regular drinking without realising you might be putting your health at risk.”

You can check how much you are drinking by visiting: www.drinkcheck.nhs.uk For further information on sensible drinking, go to: www.nhs.uk/units

We’re backing business!

The council is backing the borough’s retail businesses and local services with a drive to bring more shoppers into the town centres.

A £55,000 marketing campaign, funded by the council, gets underway this month to remind people across the region of the benefits of shopping in North Tyneside. It will turn the spotlight on the three main town centres – Whitley Bay, Wallsend and North Shields – and in particular the mix of high street and independent businesses offered by each. A campaign bus – the Coaster service which travels from Whitley Bay to Byker in Newcastle, taking in the three town centres – will be a visible reminder to shoppers across Tyneside. New guides are also being produced for the three towns – the first for Wallsend is published this month.You can get your copy, which includes

The marketing campaign is part of a wider initiative by the council to support local businesses, particularly those within the town centres.

Two hours free parking is being introduced in the following public car parks: Whitley Bay – the Whitley Road car park (near the health centre) and Park Road car park (near the library). Wallsend – Alexandra Street car park; Coronation Street car

money-off vouchers, from the Town Hall, Battle Hill library, Howdon Children’s Centre, Sport and Leisure @ Burnside or Wallsend library.

They will include the latest information about the towns, including entertainment and eating out suggestions, places to shop and park, public transport information and details about the specific culture and leisure offer for each of the towns. And events in each town centre, supported by Metro Radio, will be part of a series of initiatives to get more people backing local businesses. Metro Radio will be giving away £100 every hour between 11am and 1pm and free re-usable shopping bags at the following locations:

November 21 - outside the Forum Shopping Centre,Wallsend. November 28 - North Shields town centre. December 5 - Whitley Bay town centre. park and John Street car park. North Shields – Norfolk Street car park.

The council has commissioned an independent retail centre study that is identifying the solutions for each of the town centres within future regeneration projects.The retail and town centre business property/improvement scheme, developed by the council’s Retail Centres Task Group, is aimed at helping businesses meet current challenges. £400,000 is available to

Widening horizons • December 2009

Elected mayor Linda Arkley, who cut the council’s budget for newsletters to invest in the borough’s town centres, said:“This campaign is about reminding people both in North Tyneside and in the wider region that there are great town centres here on their doorstep that can meet all their shopping and service needs. “We need to get more people back in the town centres and shopping on our high streets – particularly at this time when many high street businesses are finding it difficult. “We are paying for the campaign to encourage people to come here, but are also implementing a raft of other initiatives – such as grants to make shop fronts more attractive, free car parking and longer-term investment in the regeneration and improvement of our retail centres to ensure they are vibrant hubs for our local communities.” fund projects to cut energy bills, enhance accessibility and improve shops or office frontages with grants of up to 70 per cent.

So far, 27 businesses have received grant funding, totalling £103,225. This has brought in an additional £153,696 of private sector investment in local businesses. The investment in town centres is also focusing on improving the shopping environment with cultural initiatives to improve the appearance of vacant shops.

Business leaders from across the borough have issued a rallying cry to shoppers to support their local town centres.

Ernie Nolan, of Acorn Computer Recycling (CIC) in Wallsend, said: “Without doubt, this is one of the worst recessions we have seen and no one seems to have escaped its clutches but I believe that if we all work and stay together, (residents and traders), as a community, we will see it through. Maggie Richardson, chairman of North Shields Chamber of Trade, said: “Shoppers need to use their local retail centres or risk losing them. “The council and the Chamber of Trade need your help and

support. It is your town too. Please continue to shop in our town and bring your friends along too!” Bill Midgley, chairman of Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade, said:“One of the town’s problems has been an inability to sell itself, particularly to

the residents who, far too often, ignore what is on their own doorstep. “The campaign is a start in reminding residents to ‘shop locally first’ – an experience that will surprise and delight many.This is our town, let’s use it!”

Do you qualify Cash-strapped parents and pensioners could have extra money in time for Christmas thanks to important changes being made to the benefit system.

From November 2, more people than ever are entitled to help to reduce their rent and Council Tax bills. Under the new rules, Child Benefit will now be ignored when assessing Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit.

More pensioners with savings of less than £16,000 will also be eligible for

for help?

help with rent and council tax because of a change in the assessment rules.

Some households with two children that are not currently getting maximum benefit could be as much as £28.22 a week (or almost £1,500 a year) better off. If you are receiving Child Benefit and have not claimed Housing or Council Tax Benefit or weren’t entitled in the past, it’s important to find out if you qualify now, so that you don’t lose out. Even people who are employed can still claim.

Name

For independent advice, contact the North Tyneside Citizens Advice Bureau on 08444 991 198 (weekdays, 1pm to 4pm) or call in at the offices at 51 Bedford Street, North Shields or St Luke’s Church House, Hugh Street, Wallsend.

Please return to: North Tyneside Council PO Box 695 North Shields NE27 9AG

Address

Post Code

If you want to make a claim for Housing and Council Tax Benefit, or need advice, please call in at any of our Customer Service Centres (see page 62); telephone our Contact Centre on 0845 2000 104 or fill in the tear-off slip below and return to the address on the slip.

Telephone No.

widening horizons • December 2009

benefits

Make sure you claim your

If your take home pay or household income has been reduced, you may be entitled to claim benefits.

The Citizens Advice Bureau has provided a summary of what help is available but the rules are complicated. For further advice, please see the panel below.

Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit

Working Tax Credit is a payment to top up earnings of people working on low incomes, including those that do not have children. Extra amounts are payable if you have a disability, if you work 30 hours or more a week, and if you have childcare costs.The credit is paid directly into a nominated bank account. Payments made for childcare costs are paid direct to the main carer.

Child Tax Credit is available to people responsible for a child or young person, who have income below a certain amount.The amount you get will depend on how many children you have, and whether they have any disabilities.The credit is available whether or not you are in work and is paid to the main carer in a household, usually straight into a nominated bank account. Tax credits are usually paid for a year, from April to April. If you’re making a new claim for tax credits, your payments will usually run from the date of your claim to the end of the tax year. For example, if you make a claim on

November 10, 2009, your payments will be worked out from that date until April 5, 2010.

Housing Benefit

You can claim Housing Benefit if you are working.You do not have to be unemployed or getting Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance to get Housing Benefit.You may be entitled to some help with your rent if you are on low income, or if you get a pension.You cannot get Housing Benefit if you have more than £16,000 in savings, stocks and shares or other capital unless you receive Guaranteed Pension Credit.

Local Housing Allowance

Local Housing Allowance has replaced Housing Benefit for some private tenants. (This change does not affect your council tax benefit.)

People under 25

Housing Benefit for single people under the age of 25 and living in private rented accommodation is restricted to the ‘market rent’ for a single room, with shared use of kitchen and bathroom.

Council Tax Benefit

Council Tax Benefit helps people pay their council tax if they are on a low income or get some state benefits. People on low incomes will have their bills reduced. In some cases, you can have your bill reduced regardless of your own circumstances (including earnings and savings) if someone else who lives with you gets certain benefits or is on a low income. This is called Second Adult Rebate. You cannot normally get main Council Tax Benefit if you have savings of £16,000 or more but some pensioners are excluded from this rule.

Employment Support Allowance

This allowance helps people with an illness or disability move into work, rather than stay on benefits.

Further help

North Tyneside Citizens Advice Bureau – 08444 991 198 or call in to 51 Bedford Street, North Shields or St Luke’s Church House,Wallsend.

For information on Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit, call in to any of the council’s customer service centres (see page 62). To claim Employment Support Allowance or for more information, contact Job Centre Plus.

For information on tax credits, visit the HM Revenue and Customs website at: www.hmrc.gov.uk

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD Would you like help with your job application, coaching for an interview or advice on education and training? Come along between 11am and 3pm and find out more. December 10

Forum Shopping Centre, Wallsend

December 15

Park View Shopping Centre, Whitley Bay

January 14

Beacon Centre, North Shields

January 26

Killingworth Centre, Killingworth

January 28

Forum Shopping Centre, Wallsend

(0191) 293 6510 www.northtyneside.gov.uk

North Tyneside Strategic Partnership

Multi-million pound bid to improve park Northumberland Park in North Shields could be set for a multi-million pound revamp as part of plans to regenerate the borough’s four main parks. The council expects to hear in December whether it has been successful in its bid for more than £1m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The money would be used to support the park’s restoration and regeneration in a scheme worth around £3.5m. Local people and park users helped draw up the draft masterplan for the improvement scheme.The proposals include:

Providing new visitor facilities

Did you know?

Northumberland Park was officially opened on August 11, 1885 by the Duke of Northumberland who donated the land to create the park for the people of North Shields.

The opening ceremony was marked by the duke planting a Turkey Oak tree, which survives today.

The park contains the ruins of a medieval leper hospital, St Leonard’s, which is believed to date from around the 13th Century. It served as Tynemouth Priory’s pastureland and, during the Civil War as an alternative burial ground.

In the 18th Century, the adjacent House of Corrections used part of the site for formal gardens and to provide outdoor space for prisoners. A pet cemetery is located in the north west corner of the park and contains two graves dedicated to dogs commended for their service in World War II.

(such as toilets, cafe and pavilion).

Improving management and

maintenance of the park (including more staff based at the park). Restoring historic features and explaining the park's history through guidebooks and interpretation panels. Improving footpaths and better access to and within the park. Restoring the lake and watercourses. Excavating St. Leonard's Hospital ruins. Improving sport and play facilities.

There are also plans to improve Wallsend Parks, Churchill Playing Fields and Killingworth Lake Park.

Wallsend Parks is set for a £7m regeneration starting in Spring 2010. Meanwhile, people have been asked to give their views on how Churchill Playing Fields and Killingworth Lake Park could be improved.

We’re always here for you... Giving the best care after a stroke

Every five seconds someone in the UK will have a stroke. It is the country’s third biggest killer and is the leading cause of severe disability in adults. Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust provides an awardwinning service to patients who suffer a stroke. The teams at our three general hospitals, Wansbeck, North Tyneside and Hexham, are recognised nationally for the work they do with patients to reduce symptoms and help them lead a normal life after a stroke.

Care delivered by a specialist team is the single biggest factor that can improve a person’s recovery. Dedicated stroke units provide this level of specialist care, with rapid assessment and rehabilitation at North Tyneside, Wansbeck and Hexham hospitals and rehabilitation also provided at Alnwick and Berwick Infirmaries. Dr Stuart Huntley, Consultant Head of Stroke Service, explains: “Our dedicated stroke units provide acute care and rehabilitation in one place with highly skilled specialist teams of nurses, doctors and therapists. We are also able to support patients who we feel would benefit from going home early with a unique discharge service which provides intensive support and rehabilitation seven-days-a-week in their own homes. It has halved the length of time patients need to stay in hospital.”

Proud to be ‘Excellent’ – rated in the top 10% of trusts in the country

NORTHUMBRIA’S STROKE SERVICES ARE RATED IN THE TOP 15% IN THE COUNTRY, WITH WANSBECK GENERAL HOSPITAL’S STROKE SERVICES RATED TOP IN THE REGION.*

*Source: The Royal College of Physicians

+ Fast treatment

+ Rehabilitation

+ Patient support

For a proportion of patients, fast access to clot-busting drugs – known as thrombolysis – can provide huge benefits by avoiding longer term disability.

A patient’s treatment doesn’t stop when they leave hospital. Ian Craigs, 54, from Morpeth suffered a stroke in May and has benefitted from first-class care and rehabilitation at home.

84-year-old John Young from Cramlington experienced this first hand when he suffered a stroke in May.

Ian said: “It meant a great deal to me to get home early where I was looked after by the discharge team who came twice a day for three weeks then once a day for a further three weeks. I felt much better being at home and the team coming in made me feel like I hadn’t been forgotten about at all. They became my friends. The care I received was fantastic.

Becki Sowerby, from Blyth, was just 29 when she had a stroke. Twelve years on, she wants to help people who are going through the same thing and has completed the Trust’s training programme to become a stroke support worker.

John said: “I had been in the shower and when I came out I had lost all speech. When I got to Wansbeck hospital the doctor advised I should have thrombolysis. “My speech came back after about five hours and within 24 hours I was pretty much back to normal. I made a full recovery. To me my life never changed. It was all due to speed and attention. The team at Wansbeck hospital were first class. You couldn’t get a better team anywhere.”

“When I had my stroke I was seen by the team at Wansbeck hospital within an hour. From the moment I arrived I knew I was in good hands. I had physiotherapy on the ward and was looked after extremely well by everybody. I maybe wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for them.“

She said: “I had my stroke during a heart operation in London and when I woke up I couldn’t use my left side. It would have been fantastic if I could have talked to someone my age who was going through the same thing. I felt that my stroke would have been a complete waste of time if I couldn’t give something back. My role involves speaking to people on the wards who, like myself, have had a stroke and want to talk to someone who has been through the same thing.“ Main picture and above middle: Ian Craigs with wife Joanna. Above left: John Young and wife Pat. Above right: Becki Sowerby and patient Alan Miller.

Have your say – join us as a member Northumbria Healthcare is a top performing trust, providing healthcare for over half a million people through our ten hospitals in Northumberland and North Tyneside. As a Foundation Trust we can involve the local community in the planning and development of our services. Join us and you’ll get the opportunity to give your views and suggestions, stand for election to be a governor, vote for governors and attend meetings. It’s completely free to become a member, you just have to live in Northumberland or North Tyneside.

To find out more contact our team: Foundation Membership & Community Engagement Team Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Unit 7– 8 Silver Fox Way, Cobalt Business Park North Tyneside NE27 0QJ E: foundation@northumbria.nhs.uk T: 0191 2031296 www.northumbria.nhs.uk

We will: G

Let you know who is in your local Neighbourhood Policing Team

Tell you how you can get in touch with them

Give you the chance to meet with us regularly

Involve you in deciding the policing priorities for your community

Respond promptly to any report of poor service and agree how it will be handled

To find out more visit www.northumbria.police.uk

NORTHUMBRIA POLICE

Going green

Local authorities in Tyne & Wear have come together to promote recycling, environmental awareness and good waste practice for businesses.

As part of the Green Business Partnership, firms of all sizes across North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Newcastle are being encouraged to take part in the new scheme.

By signing up to take part, companies will get a flexible recycling service at competitive rates, a range of guidance on waste management and business support and may qualify for a free environmental assessment.

is good for business

Businesses can make a big difference to the environment and save themselves money at the same time: In 2007, the total waste in the UK

was 272 million tonnes but of this just nine per cent was household waste. An average small to medium-sized business can make savings amounting to more than ÂŁ1,000 per employee by taking simple steps to minimise waste.

Newcastle can take part in the trial scheme so local businesses are urged to sign up quickly to take advantage of the benefits.

To find out more about the scheme and how your business can be involved, contact Amy Short on (0191) 427 2668 or email: amy.short@southtyneside.gov.uk

Only a limited number of companies in North Tyneside, South Tyneside and

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let your rubbish go to waste

The Household Waste Recycling Centre on Station Road, North Shields can now take hard plastic items such as children's toys and garden furniture.

It can also take books, pre-recorded videos, CDs, DVDs, computer games, plus textiles and shoes. These are taken by local charities for either reuse or recycling.

If you have any items of IT equipment, for example computers, monitors, printers or games consoles that you want to dispose of, you can take them to Acorn Computer Recycling (near Wallsend Metro station), Station Road,Wallsend. Acorn, a Community Interest Company, will guarantee the safe removal of data and then either refurbish the equipment for distribution to local groups free or at lowcost, or use the parts for spares and repairs.

For further information, contact Acorn Computer Recycling on (0191) 263 5010 or visit www.acorncr.co.uk

North Tyneside Strategic Partnership NTSP wants North Tyneside to be a borough where everyone can take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives, and play their part in building strong, inclusive communities where people want to live and work.

There are similar partnerships all across the country. All have Sustainable Community Strategies setting out a long-term vision for the economic, social and environmental well-being of the area. In 2007, NTSP members agreed a vision of what the borough should look like in 2030. This followed wide-ranging consultation with the public. This vision formed the basis of our Sustainable Community Strategy for 2007-10. Work is now underway to update the vision and strategy for the years 2010-13. Our vision for 2030 and the longer-term objectives outlined in the current strategy are still relevant, so our aim for updating them is more to refresh than make wholesale changes. NTSP members have taken into account the current economic situation and resident priorities (gathered through processes such as the council’s annual Residents’ Survey).

Contact NTSP Telephone: (0191) 643 5608 Email: ntsp@northtyneside.gov.uk www: www.ntsp-online.org.uk

NTSP brings together representatives from the council, local primary care trust, police and emergency services,Tyne Met College, Jobcentre Plus, voluntary and community groups, and the private sector. Partners work together to improve the quality of life for people living and working in North Tyneside.

Following this, it was agreed that: The refreshed vision should be distinctive to North Tyneside, building on our heritage and plans for the future. We want people to be proud of their area, so the language used needs to be positive. There should be a stronger focus on the North Bank of the Tyne, as this will be a driving force in the future.

We are carrying out consultation and asking if local organisations and residents agree with our proposed priorities for the new Sustainable Community Strategy 2010-13 and our proposed amendments to the vision for 2030.

If you would like to take part, the consultation document can be viewed on the NTSP website at www.ntsp-online.org.uk Please phone (0191) 643 5608 for a paper copy. The closing date for comments is December 11, 2009.

Get the facts for your area

Have you ever wondered what the crime figures are for your area, or how many people are in work, or how many are the same age as you? Now North Tyneside residents can check the latest statistics for the borough with a new internet-based service. The council has developed an ‘information observatory’, on behalf of NTSP. It has a range of fact cards covering subjects such as population, housing, travel, employment, health, crime, income and ethnicity. To view the observatory, go to www.ntsp-online.org.uk and click on the ‘information observatory’ button at the top of the page. For more information, or to give feedback on the site, contact: information.observatory@northtyneside.gov.uk or call (0191) 643 5608.

widening horizons • December 2009

Christmas!

Have yourself a merry North Tyneside is set for some glad tidings this Christmas. That’s because the borough will feature its best-ever festive displays and a packed programme of events, including a switch-on ceremony co-hosted by Metro Radio.

In Whitley Bay town centre, there will be 93 lights plus new lighting for the trees at St Paul’s Church while St Mary’s Lighthouse will be illuminated in a variety of colours.

Wallsend town centre doesn’t miss out and will feature an entirely new display of 56 lights along the High Street and the junction with Station Road.

North Shields town centre’s 85 lights return, while there will be lighting on the trees in Northumberland Square. Look out for the special light designed by St Thomas More RC High School pupil Christian Wade (see p31). Christian will proudly switch on the lights on Friday, November 20 at 6.30pm in Northumberland Square.

Co-hosted by Metro Radio’s Anna Foster, the event promises to be our most exciting switch-on yet and will feature entertainment from 6pm.

Nearby, the windows of North Shields Central Library will showcase a display of community memories and images from bygone Christmases.

Each town centre will also feature festive floral planters, containing ivy and conifers, and an illuminated Christmas tree.

Meanwhile, following some great feedback over the past two years, nine of the borough’s major roundabouts will also host illuminated Christmas trees.

Finally, there will be a variety of fun events, ranging from the Santa Specials at Stephenson Railway Museum to Santa’s Grotto at St Mary’s Lighthouse. Have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! See pages 30 to 35 for what’s on in North Tyneside during the festive season.

Please note: Times may be subject to change.

Saturday, November 21

Santa opens his grotto at St Mary’s Lighthouse, Whitley Bay. From 10.30am to 3pm. Admission is £4, which includes a gift for every child. The grotto is also open on Sunday, November 22 (10.30am to 3.30pm); Saturday, December 5 (10.30am to 2pm); Sunday, December 6 (10.30am to 3pm); Saturday, December 19 (10.30am to 2pm); Sunday, December 20 (10.30am to 2.30pm); Monday, December 21 (10.30am to 3.30pm); Tuesday, December 22 (10.30am to 3.30pm);Wednesday, December 23 (10.30am to 3.30pm);Thursday, December 24 (11am to 3.30pm).

Saturday, November 28 and Sunday, November 29

Ride the Santa Special at the Stephenson Railway Museum. A fantastic day out for the whole family. Tickets are £8 and pre-booking is advisable. For more details and departure times, phone (0191) 200 7146.The Santa Specials will also run on the first three weekends in December.

Sunday, November 29

Christmas Crafts Fair at the Rising Sun Country Park (11am to 3pm). Come along to the Countryside Centre and join in a mixture of children’s crafts, including a creative recycling activity in the House of Objects. Pick up some unusual presents, from wooden toys to jewellery. Entry is free but there will be a small charge for each craft activity. Suitable for all ages.You can also visit Santa’s Grotto (see immediately below for booking details).

Sunday, November 29 to Friday, December 4

Visit Santa’s Grotto and Winter Wonderland at the Rising Sun Country Park (Open Sunday 11am to 3pm; Monday to Friday, 3.15pm to 5.30pm). Children and adults can enjoy a magical woodland quarry walk and visit Santa at his green grotto in the Celtic Village. See the amazing full-size recycled Christmas trees made by local schoolchildren using materials from the House of Objects. Cost £5 (includes Santa’s Grotto, Winter Wonderland walk and craft activity). Pre-booking essential as places are limited – call (0191) 643 2241.

Tuesday, December 1 to Tuesday, December 22

Enjoy a Christmas lunch during the week (Monday to Friday only) at the Rising Sun Country Park. Lunches are served from noon and pre-booking is essential. Book early to avoid disappointment – (0191) 643 2242.

Tuesday, December 1 to Sunday, December 13

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the PLAYHOUSE Whitley Bay. Starring Craig Chalmers from BBC TV’s Any Dream Will Do, the show is full of non-stop action, fun and laughter. (Various times, contact box office on 0844 277 2771 or see advert on page 42.)

widening horizons • December 2009

Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5

St Nicholas Festival,Whitley Bay town centre. French and Northumbrian stallholders will be offering a wide range of traditional food to celebrate the feast of St Nicholas. Local children will be taking part in the lamplit procession from St Paul’s Church. Fairground rides and street entertainment. The Calling of St Nicholas gets underway at 4pm on Friday. Craig Chalmers, starring at the PLAYHOUSE in Joseph, will make a personal appearance at 1pm on Saturday.

Friday, December 4 to Sunday, December 6

Christmas Tree Festival at St Peter’s Church,Woodleigh Road, Monkseaton. Local schools and organisations have been invited to be part of the celebrations by providing a decorated Christmas tree on a theme of their choice. Friday (10am to 4pm) Come and meet St Nicholas. Saturday (10am to 4pm) Christmas fayre. (7pm) Carol concert. Sunday (noon to 4pm) Church services. For more details, contact Canon Jim Robertson on (0191) 252 1991 or Olive Redfern on (0191) 252 7370.

Saturday, December 5

Winter Wonderland Event at the Silverlink Biodiversity Park. (11am to 3pm). Join the Christmas walk through the park before meeting Santa! (Tickets, price £2 per child, are available from November 23. Phone (0191) 257 6457). Other events taking place free within the park include falconry displays, children’s activities, arts & crafts, face painters and much more.

Saturday, December 5

St Andrew’s Church, Benton (near to Benton Metro) stages its annual Festival of Christmas Trees, from 10am to 3.30pm. Come along and enjoy the exhibition of decorated Christmas trees and join in the carol singing.There will be craft activities for children and a variety of stalls and refreshments. Continues on page 33

Christian’s star attraction Tis the season to be jolly – and for one talented North Tyneside pupil, it will be even jollier than usual this Christmas.

That’s because Christian Wade, 13, from Wallsend, will be turning on the Christmas lights in Northumberland Square, North Shields, after winning a council competition to design a light.

The Year Nine pupil at St Thomas More RC High School, North Shields, will be lighting up the borough on November 20 at 6.30pm at a special event hosted by Metro Radio’s Anna Foster. After finding out his drawing of a star dressed as Santa Claus had been chosen, Christian said:“I was really pleased when I found out my drawing had won. “I’ve never won anything before so I was surprised when I heard the news.

“The idea came to me during a technology class when we were researching our designs. I saw the star of Jerusalem, then I saw a picture of Santa, and I thought I’d merge them together.”

The switch-on will also feature guest appearances by Jake Hendriks (Hollyoaks), Gareth Oliver (Britain’s Got Talent) and Damar Martin (Gladiators) – all starring in the Christmas panto at the PLAYHOUSE. The borough’s Christmas lights are manufactured by Blachere and leased as part of the council’s PFI street lighting arrangements with energy giant Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). Because they are LEDs (light emitting diodes) they have very low energy consumption, emit little or no heat and have long life expectancy.

Northumberland Square

North Shields Saturday 12 December 10am - 5pm Sunday 13 December 10am - 4pm Carol Service - 10am (Saturday only) CRAFT, GIFT AND FOOD STALLS, TRADITIONAL ENTERTAINMENT, FESTIVE MUSIC TELEPHONE: (0191) 643 6419 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR VISIT: WWW.VICTORIANMARKET.CO.UK

Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6

Enjoy a unique Christmas shopping experience at Tynemouth Priory and Castle. Pick up a few unusual presents not available on the high street while enjoying hot chocolate and mulled wine and being serenaded by carol singers in the grounds of the priory. On December 5 only, there will be an extra 20 per cent off all gifts. Open all day with carol sessions starting at 1.30pm and 3pm. Normal admission charges apply.

Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13

Victorian Christmas Market at Northumberland Square, North Shields. Now in its 11th year, the market features around 100 stalls selling seasonal gifts, crafts and food. It also features appearances by Jake Hendriks (Hollyoaks), Gareth Oliver (Britain’s Got Talent) and Damar Martin (Gladiators) – all starring in the Christmas panto at the PLAYHOUSE. There will also be street performers, carol singers and a small children’s fairground. For more details, contact 643 6419.

Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13

‘Stranding’ event at St Mary’s Lighthouse. (Saturday – 10am to 1.30pm; Sunday – 10.30am to 3pm). While stranded on the island, children will be able to enjoy games, crafts and stories – as well as a visit to Santa!

£10 per child, please provide packed lunch. Booking essential – phone (0191) 200 8650 or email: stmaryslighthouse@northtyneside.gov.uk

Saturday, December 19 to Sunday, January 3

Christmas Pantomime – Jack and the Beanstalk at the PLAYHOUSE Whitley Bay. Starring Jake Hendriks from Hollyoaks and Damar Martin from Gladiators.The show is packed with great songs, superb dance routines and plenty of laughter. (Various times, contact box office on 0844 277 2771 or see advert on page 42.)

Saturday, December 19

Something Amazing – the Salvation Army Christmas Spectacular takes place at Kings School,Tynemouth. (Starts 6.30pm) A festive concert featuring Salvation Army musicians, a mini musical staged by local children and special guests Ashley Stirling and the Harmony singers. Proceeds to local charity – Sara’s Hope Foundation. Tickets, price £5, are available from the Salvation Army Hall in Howard Street, North Shields (every Thursday, 10.30am to 12.30pm) and the charity shops in Bedford

Street, North Shields and Whitley Road,Whitley Bay.

Saturday, December 19

The Ravenswood Singers stage their annual Christmas concert at the Saville Exchange in Howard Street, North Shields. For more details or to buy tickets, contact the box office on 643 7093.

Saturday, December 26

The annual Xmas Pudding Fun Run starts at 10.30am at the War Memorial on the Links opposite Spanish City in Whitley Bay. The 3.5 mile run is a traditional fundraiser for Woodlawn School in West Monkseaton and is jointly organised by the school’s Parents and Friends Association and North Shields Polytechnic Running Club. Entry fees are £6 for adults and £3 for under-16s. Phone Woodlawn School on (0191) 200 8729 or email: woodlawn@northtyneside.gov.uk for an entry form. Entries will also be accepted on the day.

Tuesday, January 12 to Saturday, January 16

Whitley Bay Pantomime Society present Sleeping Beauty at the PLAYHOUSE Whitley Bay. (Various times, contact box office on 0844 277 2771 or see advert on page 42.)

Send us your

winter snaps

Last year’s contest to find the best winter photographs of North Tyneside proved a real success – so we’re running it again.

Just like last time, we will turn the top four photographs into limited edition postcards available free from libraries and tourist information centres.

All entries will also be showcased on the council’s website.The closing date

for entries is Friday, January 30 at 4pm. Photographs can be emailed to competition@northtyneside.gov.uk

Prints should be sent to: Winter Snaps Competition, Marketing & Communications, (3rd floor right) Quadrant, Silverlink North, Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside, NE27 0BY

Terms and conditions: The photograph must have been taken in North Tyneside during 2009/10.Your entry should include your name, address and telephone number. It must also include a brief description of what the photograph shows.

All digital entries should be in a JPEG format.When using a digital camera, we suggest you have your camera set to the highest possible quality setting. The same applies to using a mobile phone camera, however it is advised that you use a phone with a camera above five megapixels. Prints must be high quality, preferably an 8”x6” print.They cannot be returned.We cannot accept slides or negatives.

Window display competition

Town centre businesses are invited to get into the festive spirit by competing for the best Christmas window display.

Each business judged to have the best display in North Shields,Wallsend and Whitley Bay will receive a first prize of £50 while there will be runners-up prizes of £30 and third placed prizes of £20. For further information, contact town centre manager John Fleet on (0191) 643 6419 or email: john.fleet@northtyneside.gov.uk

widening horizons • December 2009

Visit Santa

in his grotto!

The grotto at St Mary’s Lighthouse will be open at the following times:

Saturday, November 21 (10.30am to 3pm) Sunday, November 22 (10.30am to 3.30pm) Saturday, December 5 (10.30am to 2pm) Sunday, December 6 (10.30am to 3pm) Saturday, December 19 (10.30am to 2pm) Sunday, December 20 (10.30am to 2.30pm) Monday, December 21 (10.30am to 3.30pm) Tuesday, December 22 (10.30am to 3.30pm) Wednesday, December 23 (10.30am to 3.30pm) Thursday, December 24 (11am to 3.30pm) Admission is £4, which includes a gift for every child.

vents at e ’ g in d n a r t Special ‘s se the lighthou pm)

.30 2 (10am to 1 1 r e b m e c e to 3pm). Saturday, D 3 (10.30am 1 r e b m e c e D and Sunday, dren land, the chil is e th n o d e rafts and While strand joy games, c n e to le b a will be to Santa! ell as a visit w s a – s e ri sto ed lunch. bring a pack se a le p , d il h essential £10 per c ing’ events is d n a tr ‘s e th Booking for – phone : 650 or email uk (0191) 200 8 tyneside.gov. th r o n @ se u o stmaryslighth

Festive safety Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to stay safe and protect their homes over the Christmas period by following the 12 tips for festive fire safety.

According to government research, people are 50 per cent more likely to die in an accidental house fire during the Christmas period than at any other time of the year.

On the 1st day of Christmas – Check your Christmas lights conform to the British Standard and always use an RCD (a safety device that instantly switches off the power) on outdoor electrical equipment. On the 2nd day . . . Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings. Do not leave them burning unattended. On the 3rd . . . Make sure your family and any visitors staying for the festive period know what to do in an emergency. Practise a fire escape plan.

On the 4th . . . Decorations can burn easily – don’t attach them to lights and heaters. On the 5th . . . Switch off electrical appliances when not in use, unless they’re designed to stay on. Always switch off and unplug Christmas lights before you go to bed. On the 6th . . . Celebrate the festive period safely. The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed. On the 7th . . . Most fires start in the kitchen – never leave cooking unattended. On the 8th . . . If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks, store them in a metal box, read the instructions and never go back to a lit firework. On the 9th . . . Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished. On the 10th . . . Check the battery in your smoke alarm every week and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust. On the 11th . . . Keep candles, lighters and matches out of reach of children.

For more festive fire safety advice, visit: www.twfire.gov.uk 36

widening horizons • December 2009

On the 12th . . . Take the time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas – make sure they are safe from the risk of fire.

Council achieves Level 3

The council has achieved Level 3 of the Equality Standard for Local Government for its work in promoting equality and eliminating discrimination. North Tyneside reached Level 2 in 2007 and since then has worked hard to improve further.

Under the criteria for Level 3, the council had to provide evidence that equality and diversity objectives are taken into consideration in all service areas and at all levels of the organisation.

External assessors, made up of representatives from other councils, reviewed our evidence of good practice and interviewed staff, elected members, partners and residents to find out about some of the projects that have helped to improve standards.

Cllr Glynis Barrie, whose Cabinet portfolio includes equality and diversity, said:“Central to the improvements has been getting to know our residents and staff better, understanding their needs and adapting how we work to meet those different needs. “Achieving Level 3 has been the culmination of months of hard work by all our service areas, to make sure we are providing the most inclusive service possible.”

The council’s next step is to update and combine its Corporate Equality Plan and equality schemes to make its commitments and actions on equality and diversity clearer and more accessible.

If you would like to contribute to this, more information is available on the council website or by phoning (0191) 643 5608 for a paper copy. The deadline for comments is December 7.

Celebrating diversity The council has joined other organisations in the borough to mark Celebrate Diversity Week – a co-ordinated series of activities to raise awareness of equality issues and celebrate diversity.

The idea for the week – held at the beginning of November – came at a meeting of equality representatives from the council, local primary care trust, VODA/Community Network, police,Tyne Met College, Learning and Skills Council and fire service. All the organisations are members of North Tyneside Strategic Partnership (see page 28) and have a responsibility to incorporate equality, diversity and cohesion into its work. Those that took part tailored activities to their own organisation and staff. The next issue of Widening Horizons will include a full round-up of the week.

Northumbria Police

Drink drivers face extra police patrols Extra police will be on duty over the festive period – looking out for drink drivers.

Anyone who fails a drink or drug test faces a minimum one-year driving ban, a fine and a huge increase in insurance premiums for the 10 years the conviction stays on their licence. North Tyneside Operations Inspector Milan Kupusarevic said:“Anyone who has a drink and gets behind the wheel could be risking their life and the lives of others.” He pointed out that motorists should be aware they can still be affected by alcohol the following day, despite sleeping or having something to eat. “Our advice is to plan ahead and make sensible arrangements to get home. Don’t be tempted to drink and drive.”

widening horizons • December 2009

Do your bit to cut car crime Motorists are being urged to help cut car crime at Christmas by keeping their vehicles secure.

Expensive items, such as sat navs, mobile phones and iPods, should always be removed or kept out of sight when your car is parked. Officers will be paying special attention to car parks in busy shopping areas during the Christmas period. Det Chief Insp Mick Paterson, of North Tyneside Area Command, said: “Car crime is continuing to fall in the

borough but we want to make sure this downward trend continues, especially over Christmas. “Never leave shopping on display in your car – it’s an open invitation to thieves.”

You can keep your possessions safe by: •

•

Think about where you park – use a well-lit place or a secure car park if possible. Keep valuable items in the boot. Remove detachable radios and CD players. Keep doors and windows locked while driving.

local news Joint effort on child safety

North Tyneside operates a Local Safeguarding Children Board to promote child welfare across the borough.

The LSCB agrees how the relevant agencies will work together to safeguard children, including those who are at risk of suffering significant harm. Among the organisations involved are the council, police, primary care trust, probation service and the NSPCC.

North Tyneside Area Command works with the LSCB at both strategic and operational levels.

Community meetings

At the strategic level, Supt Ralph Logan attends the LSCB meetings chaired by Gill Alexander, the council’s Strategic Director for Children,Young People and Learning. He said:“Working together with our partners in the LSCB is a primary objective of the area command. It’s an effective way of setting strategies to ensure the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people.”

Operationally, Det Insp Neil Brotherton sits on a number of LSCB sub-groups and works closely with other agencies, including children’s services.

Be on your guard Private landlords are being warned to be on their guard for criminals who pose as respectable tenants to rent property.

Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meetings take place regularly across the borough. Residents can meet their local officers and discuss any concerns. Representatives from the council are also present to deal with any queries.

The next PACT meetings are on: • Thursday, December 3 (11am to 2pm) – High View Residents’ Association, High Farm,Wallsend. • Saturday, December 5 (3.45pm to 4.45pm) – Percy Main Primary School, Nelson Terrace, North Shields. • Tuesday, December 15 (7pm to 8pm) – Brierdene scout hut, Whitley Bay. • Wednesday, December 16 (6pm to 7pm) – Oxford Centre,West Farm Avenue, Longbenton.

Once they have the keys, the criminals – usually part of an organised gang – turn the premises into a cannabis farm. Officers are issuing a guide to make landlords aware of the problem and how they can stop criminals getting a foot in the door. If you have concerns there could be a cannabis farm operating in your area, contact the neighbourhood policing team on 03456 043 043 ext 69191.

Helpful advice: Det Chief Insp Mick Paterson with the new guide.

Joint approach: Community support officer Marc Hopkins and council staff clear up land at Trinity Terrace, North Shields.

Operation Iron shows its mettle Operation Iron is showing no sign of running out of steam in North Shields.

Ten people were arrested in the town during October for offences including theft, assault, criminal damage and possessing cannabis. Patrols also focused on the Fish Quay and Low Lights car park to deal with speeding motorists and inconsiderate drivers. The operation ties in with the forcewide ‘It’s good to know’ campaign

to reassure communities that their concerns are being listened to and acted on.

Sgt Clare Russell said:“This operation has had a big impact. By focusing the efforts of officers and council staff in these areas, we’ve made a real difference.” Operation Iron has also involved officers and council staff in: • Speaking to a number of young people about cycling on footpaths. • Clearing a drinking den in Trinity Terrace.

widening horizons • December 2009

• Holding crime prevention events. • Removing several dumped sofas from Seymour Street. • Seizing counterfeit alcohol and cigarettes. • Clearing litter in Tennyson Terrace, Borough Road and Little Bedford Street.

Cllr Glynis Barrie, cabinet member for Safer Neighbourhoods, said: “We are working in close partnership with Northumbria Police to ensure our communities are safe and attractive places to live, work and visit.”

Northumbria Police local news

It’s just child’s play! Officers recently dropped into a Whitley Bay nursery to talk to the children about keeping safe.

Members of the local neighbourhood policing team called in to the Children’s Choice Nursery on Norham Road at the request of staff. PCs Paul Mckenzie and Caroline Brown explained to the children how they could identify a police officer and make sure they stay safe. PC Mckenzie said:“They were very interested in trying on my helmet and looking at the equipment I carry. “Once we explained what we did to help them and their families, they started talking to us with lots of enthusiasm.” Meanwhile, police have been back to school to help educate pupils about the effects of anti-social behaviour. Officers from Killingworth Neighbourhood Policing Team and the council’s Safer Estates Team made joint visits to local primary schools in the run-up to Halloween and Bonfire Night. The youngsters, aged eight and nine, were encouraged to think about their behaviour and the effects it can have on others. They also designed posters about anti-social behaviour with the best in each school winning a prize. Special visit: PCs Paul Mckenzie and Caroline Brown with some of the children at the nursery.

Respect in Wallsend Officers involved in Operation Respect have been busy in Wallsend during October. The scheme, a joint venture between the police and council, is designed to curb anti-social behaviour and tackle troublesome tenants. Officers visited homes in Burn Closes Crescent,Willington Terrace and Shafto Street to give tenants

the opportunity to discuss any concerns. Six tenants were warned about tenancy breaches following reports of anti-social behaviour and cleansing staff removed three waggonloads of rubbish. Neighbourhood Inspector Pam Bridges said effective partnership working had helped to reduce recorded crime by 44 per cent and anti-social behaviour by nine per cent in Wallsend during the last year.

Forthcoming Events 26 Nov 09

Jeremy Hardy

8pm

28 Nov 09

Joe Longthorne

7.30pm

£22.50 & £19.50

29 Nov 09

Alan Fox & Sue Sweeney

7.30pm

£12

Tuesday 1st December to Sunday 13th December 2009

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

£15

Time: Various

From £13 to £24.50

Time: Various

Saturday 19th December 2009 to Sunday 10th January 2010

Jack and the Beanstalk Starring Jake Hendriks (Hollyoaks)

From £8.50 to £13

12-16 Jan 10

Whitley Bay Pantomime Society - Sleeping Beauty

Various

£10, £12 and £40 family

22 Jan 10

Magic - a Kind of Queen

7.30pm

£16.50, £15 conc.

28 Jan 10

Count Arthur Strong “The Man Behind the Smile”

7.30pm

£14, £12 conc.

6 Feb 10

The Day of the Dead - Circus of Horrors

7.30pm

£12-£26

11 Feb 10

Chris Addison

8pm

£15

13 Feb 10

John Hylton - “Real Diamond”

7.30pm

£16

28 Feb 10

In the flesh - The Pink Floyd Show

7.30pm

£17.50 & £16.50

8 – 13 Mar 10

Tynemouth Amateur Operatic Society. - Beauty and the Beast

7.15pm & Sat 1.15pm

19 Mar 10

ABBA Forever

8pm

20 & 21 Mar 10

Love Letters - starring Edward Woodward & Michelle Dotrice

7.30pm

£17-£22

23 Mar 10

An Evening with Pam Ayers

7.30pm

£17.50 & £16.50 conc.

Booking Information:

In person: Mon-Fri 10am to 4pm & Sat 10.30am to 2.30pm Online: www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk

0844 277 2771

Booking Hotline: Accessibility Bookings: (0191) 251 5484 Group Bookings: (0191) 260 6006

£15, £13 conc (exc Sat eve) £17

Playhouse Curtain up at the Two special gala concerts celebrated the multi-million pound refurbishment of the PLAYHOUSE Whitley Bay, sponsored by the Evening Chronicle.

The events showcased the very best of local talent and featured schools and community groups. Organised by the council’s Music Service, the first concert featured around 200 children and adults in routines showcasing musical excellence, talent and entertainment. Acts include the popular North Tyneside Concert, North Tyneside Steel

and Vermont Big Bands, flute group Tutti Flutey and TALENT Musical Theatre Group as well as various choirs and soloists.

The second concert was co-ordinated on the council’s behalf by Whitley Bay’s arts and culture organisation, Culture Quarter. More than 100 performers from organisations including Tynemouth Operatic Society,Whitley Bay Operatic Society and Imperiya Stage School (above) took part, supported by a nine-piece live band. The refurbishment of the PLAYHOUSE,

sponsored by Evening Chronicle, has been funded by the council and a contribution of up to £700,000 from the European Regional Development Fund. It boasts an elegant new glass foyer, front-of-house facilities, box office and bar facilities with a sea view. It also has a re-designed auditorium with new seating, corporate facility, new green room and chorus rooms. The venue, situated in Marine Avenue, is owned by the council and managed by SMG Europe, which also owns and manages the Metro Radio Arena and The Journal Tyne Theatre.

High school high standards

The new £20m Monkseaton High School has opened its doors to staff and students.

And as they settle in to their new surroundings, Widening Horizons highlights some of the innovative features that have already made the building a local landmark. The school’s structure includes more than 7,000 pieces of steel, weighing a total of 950 tonnes. The roof incorporates 30 wind catchers, which are designed to reduce reliance on air conditioning and stabilise temperatures. Solar panels and high levels of insulation on external walls help energy saving.

The ventilation system improves the circulation of fresh air and helps to boost attention levels. A sports hall and two gyms have been placed in the centre of the building to enable convenient access to physical activity during the day. The school’s design avoids square classrooms, which cuts down on noise. Other facilities include a drama studio, music suite, recording studio, ICT rooms and several open-plan areas where students can either work together or by themselves.

widening horizons • December 2009

Number one for reactive maintenance in the north east

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To find out more about the services we provide, contact us on:

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Widening horizons â&#x20AC;˘ December 2009

Email: enquiries@actionlimited.co.uk Visit: www.actionlimited.co.uk

Domestic abuse

Are you concerned that you or someone you know might be trapped in an abusive relationship?

The Freedom Programme – run by North Tyneside Domestic Abuse Partnership – is designed to support women who are or have been in an abusive relationship.

Run in an informal and friendly environment, the weekly sessions look at different aspects of domestic violence, including talking about the signs to spot as well as the different personalities that a bullying or controlling partner can adopt.

The sessions also focus on what a good relationship might look like and encourage people to think positively about their future.

Susan Wilson has been running Freedom Programme sessions at Howdon Children’s Centre for the past five years.

She said:“For many users, these sessions have been lifesaving. Many come with low self-esteem or are worried they’re imagining things – beliefs which are often

being re-enforced by a controlling partner at home.

“The sessions help them to come to their own conclusions at their own pace, and enable them to develop the strength to address the problem or leave the relationship. “Users regularly tell me that they’ve become more confident, more able to spot the signs, know more about themselves, or have felt supported and understood.

“I see people making real changes to their lives – starting afresh, building new lives, and entering into the kind of new and positive relationships which they’d lost all hope of ever finding.” The Freedom Programme sessions are held in a number of community venues. For details on the nearest session, call domestic abuse co-ordinator Lesley Pyle on (0191) 643 7383 or email: lesley.pyle@northtyneside.gov.uk

Spotting the early signs:

Being belittled, criticised and put down Being stopped from seeing family and friends Not being allowed to have money or other essentials Violence or threats of violence Threats to hurt your children or family Intimidation Sexual assault Being blamed for their anger

Useful numbers Victim Support – (0191) 257 9079 SAINT – 07552 164 256 Acorns – (0191) 200 6302 Northumbria Police domestic abuse helpline – 0800 066 5555

You can get help and support whatever your circumstances. Contact North Tyneside Women’s Aid on (0191) 251 3305 or visit www.northtyyneside.gov.uk for more details.

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

C-Card – no judgements, no problems A health scheme offering sexual health advice and free condoms to young people has been relaunched in the borough.

NHS North of Tyne has rebranded its C-Card (condom card) scheme – which gives young people access to advice and free contraception – following input from youngsters on how to improve the design. Under the C-Card scheme, anyone under 25 can register for a card – similar in size to a credit card – to

Head lice? Think Pharmacy First

A campaign launched to enable people who receive free prescriptions to go straight to their pharmacy for treatment is helping to treat head lice.

Around three million people in the UK catch head lice every year and according to independent research, around one in five children are affected.

access confidential sexual health and relationships advice, a chlamydia screening test and free condoms.

The plastic card can be used at venues across the borough wherever young people see the C-Card logo. For more information on the C-Card scheme, visit www.northoftyne.nhs.uk. Free advice: TonyLee Jamieson (left) and Jamie Redgrave, members of The Posse at the Meadow Well Centre youth club, wearing their C-Card T-shirts.

patients across the North of Tyne area who receive free prescriptions, due to low income, greater choice and faster access to treatment for minor conditions. And the scheme is proving a useful tool to tackle the condition. Pharmacist Hayley McDonald of Davison the Chemist in Burradon, which is contracted by NHS North of Tyne to provide pharmacy services to the local population, said:“We generally see a rise in head lice as children go back to school. Kids have a lot of headto-head contact and that is how it spreads. “We have had people come through the doors for treatment of head lice under the Think Pharmacy First scheme.

Think Pharmacy First aims to give

widening horizons • December 2009

They know they can come straight to us.” Under Think Pharmacy First, parents can be given a plastic comb to check for head lice.The treatment is a lotion which you apply to dry hair and leave over night then wash off with shampoo in the morning.This is repeated seven days later. Look out for the bright yellow posters and window stickers displayed in participating pharmacies, urging you to Think Pharmacy First. For more information, go to any pharmacy that shows a Think Pharmacy First window sticker.You can also get a list of these pharmacies from www.northoftyne.nhs.uk.

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

Don’t forget to get the jab!

People who are most at risk of developing serious complications from flu are being urged to get their free jab as the winter months approach.

People aged 65 and over, and those of any age with a long-term condition, are encouraged to have the jab to protect themselves against seasonal flu.

‘At risk’ residents can simply contact their GP surgery to make an appointment to get their free flu vaccine.

To find out more about flu and getting the jab, please talk to your local GP, nurse or pharmacist or visit www.nhs.uk/flu.

Injured or unwell? Choose well

The NHS has launched a regional campaign to provide local people with clear information about what different services are available to them and when they are most appropriate to be used. This campaign is called Choose well.

Using a colour-coded thermometer as its logo, the Choose well campaign aims to help people to associate the severity of their symptoms with a particular NHS service: Self-care - a well-stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest can help you take care of very minor ailments. NHS Direct - for the answers to any health questions – around the clock – and to find local services, choose NHS Direct, 0845 46 47 or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.

Pharmacist - for common colds, sickly stomachs and everything between, choose a pharmacist. GP - make an appointment with your GP for medical advice, examinations and prescriptions for illnesses you just can’t shake off.

If you become unwell or are injured, make sure you choose the right NHS service

NHS walk-in centre or NHS minor injuries units - for treatment of minor injuries or illness without an appointment, choose an NHS walk-in centre or minor injuries unit.

A&E or 999 - for symptoms of serious illnesses and major accidents, choose A&E or 999.This includes choking, chest pain, blacking-out and blood loss.

For more information on the Choose well campaign, please visit: www.northoftyne.nhs.uk.

New name new service!

A new company that will provide a better repairs and maintenance service for council tenants is now up and running. Kier North Tyneside is a joint venture between the council and support services specialist Kier Building Maintenance. More than 500 council employees – including construction, housing repairs and admin staff – have transferred to the new company, which is based at the existing depot at Killingworth. Elected mayor Linda Arkley said:“This is great news for all our tenants. “The repairs and maintenance service was an area that needed to be significantly improved. I believe this partnership with Kier will achieve that and ensure value for money for local taxpayers.” Kier North Tyneside will carry out repairs and improvements to the borough’s 16,000 council homes and all council-owned buildings. Staff will be responsible for completing all work on the government’s Decent Homes programme, carrying out major construction projects and providing a building design service. John Norton, regional director for Kier Building Maintenance, said:“We’re excited to be making a start.

“Not only are we aiming to provide a service with which the residents of North Tyneside will be delighted but we’ll be offering education, training and employment opportunities for local people.” Council staff and their colleagues in Kier worked together to make sure the transition to the new service went as smoothly as possible. For example, staff in gas servicing were issued with newly-branded vehicles, tools and equipment and were tackling jobs by 11.30am on the morning of the changeover.

Kier is a leading construction, development and services group with a strong background of working with councils and other social housing agencies to deliver high quality services. The new venture brings the number of public sector homes maintained by Kier to more than 240,000 across the country.

For all enquiries about council housing or repairs, contact 0845 2000 102

Highlights of It gives me great pleasure to present the North Tyneside Council Annual Report for 2008/09.

Linda Arkley Mayor of North Tyneside

The North Tyneside Strategic Partnership, which includes the council and other organisations, has developed a vision for 2030 that sets out what we want the borough to be like in 21 years time.

A Diverse Borough

The vision for 2030 aims to develop:

Developed new customer service standards.

A Diverse Borough

An Enterprising Borough

A Learning Borough

Invested £31m in making 1,726 homes decent and reducing the number of non-decent homes from 35 per cent of the housing stock to 24 per cent.

An Enterprising Borough

Supported approximately 150 new business start-ups.

A Healthy Borough

Secured £5.2m funding over three years to support economic inclusion.

A Borough of Sustainable

Established a North Tyneside Business Support Task Force.

An Accessible Borough Neighbourhoods

During 2008/09, as part of the process of working towards our 2030 vision, the council:

Completed refurbishment of the Dock Masters House on the Fish Quay. Established a Landlords’ Forum and carried out fire safety training for landlords. Progressed our major regeneration project at North Bank of the Tyne.

A Learning Borough

Achieved another record year for exam results.

Widening horizons • December 2009

the year Elected our first Young Mayor.

Won a Local Government Association award for the design of the new playsite in Whitley Park. Completed a new skatepark in Whitley Bay.

A Healthy Borough

Completed the refurbishment of Whitley Bay Leisure Pool, which has reopened as Waves. Started on-site development work for Wallsend Pool. Exceeded targets for attendance at our leisure facilities in Wallsend.

An Accessible Borough

Completed the new shopping centre in Battle Hill. Opened three new service centres at Unicorn House, North Shields; White Swan Centre, Killingworth and John Willie Sams Centre, Dudley.

What the inspectors said

During 2008/09, we received our last assessment under the old inspection process.We were rated as three-star and improving well. The inspectors said:“The council continues to consolidate its record of significant achievement. It is performing well across a wide range of activities. Adult social care services are rated highly, as are children's services. Regeneration schemes are delivering outcomes for the people of North Tyneside and progress continues despite the recent recession. “The council has made progress in reducing the numbers of houses which do not meet the decent homes criteria, but more remains to be done. More also needs to be done to speed up the time taken to process new Housing Benefit claims.”

% of overall carbon emissions 8 14

Introduced dedicated teams to remove litter from hotspots across the borough and completing 575 litter picks.

A Borough of Sustainable Neighbourhoods

Started the roll-out of our new recycling scheme, with more than 35,000 new recycling bins delivered by March 2009.

Annual Report 2008/09

Emissions from buildings: Electricity

Emissions from buildings: Gas and Oil Street Lighting

Fleet

Staff business miles

Sustainability

As part of our commitment to sustainability, we’ve calculated our total carbon emissions.We’ve worked out last year we emitted a total of 36,021 tonnes of carbon.We’ve now set a target to reduce our carbon emissions by 34 per cent by 2015.

Completed projects at East Howdon including traffic calming, new CCTV, community allotment and multi-use games area. Helped more than 20,000 properties to receive energy efficiency assessments through WarmZone.

Income & Expenditure Account for the year ending March 31, 2009 Revenue Expenditure is spending on the day-to-day running expenses of the council. It includes expenses such as salaries and wages, heating, lighting, rent, rates and stationery. The income & expenditure account below represents the cost of running council services between April 2008 and March 2009, identifying where the money came from to finance these costs. Net expenditure

Central Services

Court Services

Cultural, Environmental, Regulatory and Planning Services

1,411 360

68,958

Children's and Education Services

66,255

Adult Social Care

56,215

Highways and Transport Services Housing Services

9,561 -743

HRA Housing Services

113,241

Non Distributed Costs

676

Corporate & Democratic Core Net Cost of Services

Precepts & Levies

Interest Received & Investment Income Interest Payable & Similar Charges

Appropriations & Other Internal Accounting

7,403

323,337 12,679

-4,836

16,598

9,658

Net Operating Expenditure

357,436

Council Tax

-79,876

Financed by:

Revenue Support Grant

-10,410

Net General Fund Deficit

191,847

Non Domestic Rates

Other Accounting Treatments

Net Increase in General Fund Balance for the Year

£000’s

widening horizons • December 2009

-75,303

-192,469 -622

The net cost of services is the cost of the services provided by the Council e.g. schools, waste collection, social care etc. after taking account of any income or grants received.

Net operating expenditure is the amount that is left to be funded after taking account of our contribution to the Passenger Transport Authority, Environment Agency,Tyne Port Health Authority and Northumbria Sea Fisheries, along with interest paid and received and other costs related to capital expenditure.This is the amount which needs to be funded from either Council Tax, National Non Domestic Rates or Government Grants.

The Financed by elements show the sources of funding that are used to pay for the expenditure.

The Net Increase in General Fund Balances for the year.

Full explanations of the terms used can be obtained from the Statement of Accounts. A copy of the accounts is available on the council's website or on request.

Annual Report 2008/09 Capital Expenditure

Capital expenditure generally is money spent by the Council on purchasing, improving and upgrading assets such as council houses, roads and other buildings.The Council and its residents receive the benefit from this expenditure over a long period of time.The following table outlines the capital expenditure during 2008/09.

Key achievements include:

Opening of Waves leisure pool Opening of Whitley Bay Skatepark Opening of Skills & Enterprise Centre at Norham Community Technology College Opening of Youth Village Opening of Marden Bridge Middle School kitchen Opening of Norham Playsite Continued school improvements Started building work for Wallsend Pool Major investment towards the Decent Homes Standard of £31m Major works to Burn Closes Bridge Investment on improved kerbside recycling

Capital expenditure (£000’s) Total £110,858,000 13,071

32,632

30,450

8,697

26,008

Sources of capital funding (£000’s) 15,227

1,891

625

17,315 41,237

26,250

8,278

Central Services Cultural, Environmental, Regulatory & Planning Services

Children’s & Education Services

Highways & Transport Housing

Unsupported (Prudential) Borrowing Supported Borrowing Government Grants

Capital Receipts

Capital Grants & Contributions

Direct Revenue Financing ERDF

Finance Lease

Annual Report feedback North Tyneside Council is continually aiming to improve its services. As part of this process, we would like your views on how useful this year’s Annual Report has been. Please spare a few minutes to provide your comments. In particular, we are interested in your views on the following questions: Send your comments to Janice Gillespie by Friday, December 18.

Email: janice.gillespie@northtyneside.gov.uk Phone: (0191) 643 5701 Post: Quadrant,The Silverlink North, Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside, NE27 0BY.

1 Did you find the Annual Report useful? 2 Is the level of detail in the Annual Report: Too much About right

Yes

Needs more

3 Is the balance of words, numbers and graphics appropriate? Yes

4 If your answer to Q3 was no, what would you like to see changed? Please add any other comments about the Annual Report. (Please use extra paper if needed.)

Summary Balance Sheet - what we own and what we owe

Annual Report 2008/09 As at March 31, 2009 Fixed and other long-term assets Cash in bank Money owed to the council Money owed by the council Other short-term assets Pension Fund Deficit Council Net Worth Financed by: Distributable Reserves Non Distributable Reserve Pension and Equal Pay Reserve

Housing Revenue Account

£000’s

1,094,957 38,020 37,198 -439,317 972 -303,964 427,866

677,976 53,854 -303,964 427,866

The Housing Revenue Account is a statement, for council housing, which includes expenditure such as the repairs and maintenance of council houses, as well as recording income such as rents. It is a legal requirement to keep this expenditure/income in a separate account.

Fixed assets and other long-term assets are assets which have value to the council for more than one year e.g. land, buildings and equipment. Money owed to the council includes debtors and payments made in advance.

Money owed by the council includes long and short-term borrowing, trade creditors and income in advance.

The Non Distributable Reserve is a reserve earmarked for specific accounting treatments which is not available to fund general expenditure. Housing Revenue Account - Income & Expenditure Capital costs

Supervision & management Repairs & maintenance Other costs

The costs and income relating to the authority's council housing provision are shown above.

The council owned 15,686 houses and flats as at March 31, 2009.

Financial review

Other income Council house rents

-50000

-40000

-30000

-20000

-10000

10000

20000

30000

The following is my personal statement, in my role as the council’s Chief Finance Officer, to describe some of the key points on the council’s stewardship of public funds.

to account for spend as capital expenditure. During 2008/09, we spent a total of £110,858m, of which £32.632m was on council housing.

Financial Performance: The revenue budget has been monitored closely during the financial year and spent on target for the year, after a net contribution to reserves. The General Fund Balance, excluding schools, remained unchanged at £6.476m and schools balances are £4.447m.

Chief Finance Officer’s Statement: The council’s Statement of Accounts was prepared in accordance with statutory/regulatory timetables, relevant accounting and reporting standards and the council’s agreed accounting policies. The figures in this summary were originally compiled having regard to proper accounting practice, but for the purpose of this summary some modifications have been made to provide more meaningful information.

Council Housing: The council charges rent on the 15,686 homes that it owns. The council is required by law to account for all of its income and expenditure relating to those dwellings in a separate account, called the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). At March 31, 2009, the balance on the HRA was £4.559m. Capital Expenditure: Capital expenditure is money spent on the purchasing, upgrading or improving of assets such as buildings, information technology equipment and roads. Capital expenditure differs from day-to-day expenditure as the council receives the benefit from the assets for longer than one year. It also includes expenditure on structural changes to the council, where we have express permission from central government

widening horizons • December 2009

The Audit Commission has audited the Statement of Accounts and agreed that they present fairly the council’s financial position for 2008/09. A full copy of these accounts is available on request and is also on the council’s website. Please contact (0191) 643 5724 for further details.

Fiona Rooney CPFA, Quadrant,The Silverlink North, Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside, NE27 0BY

Be part of it Regular exercise triggers your happy hormones and reduces stress. There are many ways for you to get active in North Tyneside â&#x20AC;&#x201C; go surfing, go for a bike ride or go dancing!

www.sportnorthtyneside.org.uk

councillors

Guide to

North Tyneside Council has an elected mayor and cabinet, who have the authority to take important decisions about council policy and services. The elected mayor is Mrs Linda Arkley and her cabinet includes:

Cllr Judith Wallace (deputy mayor and Organisational Improvement)

Cllr Glynis Barrie (Community Services and Safer Neighbourhoods)

Cllr Nigel Clothier (Finance)

Cllr Leslie Miller (Adult Social Care)

Cllr Ed Hodson (Environment)

Cllr Ian Macaulay (Housing)

Cllr Jon Jo MacNamara (Regeneration)

Cllr Pam McIntyre (Community Engagement)

Cllr George Westwater (Children,Young People and Learning).

A mayoral election takes place every four years and the next will be held in 2013. North Tyneside has 60 councillors for 20 wards.The next council elections are scheduled for May 2010. The Chairman of the Council is Cllr Michael Huscroft and the Deputy Chairman is Cllr Barbara Stevens. Please note: Some councillors prefer to have their correspondence sent to the council HQ at Quadrant – the full address is Quadrant, Silverlink North, Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside NE27 0BY. Full details of councillors’ surgeries and email addresses are available on the council website – www.northtyneside.gov.uk

Widening horizons • December 2009

Battle Hill Dorothy Bradley Quadrant 07968 250 895

Mary Glindon 2, Allendale Ave, Wallsend NE28 9NA 263 7517

Chris Croft 12, Stamfordham Close, Wallsend NE28 8ER 07890 261 871

Liberal Democrat

Labour

Liberal Democrat

Pat Greenwell 5, Northumberland Ave, Benton NE12 9NR 259 9921

John Goodfellow 15, Glebe Villas, Forest Hall NE12 7PS 200 8403

Leslie Birkenfield 6, Eastwood Court, Midhurst Rd, Benton NE12 9NZ 266 1968

Conservative

Jayne Shotton Quadrant 643 5352

Ray Glindon 2, Allendale Ave, Wallsend NE28 9NA 263 7517

Jim Allan 11, Bannockburn, Killingworth NE12 6QJ 07967 140 961

Labour

Amanda Normand Quadrant 07855 461 677

David Corkey 7, Lovaine Ave, North Shields NE29 0BX 07714 099 668

John Stirling 39, Lansdowne Tce West, North Shields NE29 0RZ 257 6188

Labour

Charles Hobkirk 6, Amble Ave, Whitley Bay NE25 8PT 200 8554

Julia Macaulay 41, King Edward Rd, North Shields NE30 2RW 296 3289

Barbara Stevens 43, Hotspur St, Tynemouth NE30 4EN 259 6057

Conservative

Jon Jo MacNamara 19, Billy Mill Ave, North Shields NE29 0QY 296 0991

Lawrence Goveas MBE 41, Hatherton Ave, North Shields NE30 3LG 252 9128

Shirley Mortimer 46 Kirkstone Ave, North Shields NE30 3BD 253 3071

Conservative

Benton

Camperdown

Chirton

Collingwood

Cullercoats

Howdon

Maureen Madden 103 Park Rd, Wallsend NE28 7LP 263 5317

David Charlton Quadrant 250 2484

John Hunter 98,Tynemouth Rd, Wallsend NE28 0LQ 263 6169

Labour

Killingworth Linda Darke 152 West Farm Ave, Longbenton NE12 8RX 270 9279

Nigel Clothier 17, Alderley Drive, Killingworth NE12 6FS 200 8142

Norma Peggs 19, Alderley Drive, Killingworth NE12 6FS 268 8952

Labour

Conservative

Longbenton Joan Walker 28, Greenhaugh West Moor NE12 7WA 07967 246 540

Kevin Conroy 21,Tenbury Cres, Longbenton NE12 8BY 200 7411

Eddie Darke 152 West Farm Ave, Longbenton NE12 8RX 270 9279

Labour

Monkseaton North Leslie Miller Quadrant 259 2790

Bill Prendergast 4,Woodburn Way, Whitley Bay NE26 3DX 252 6182

Joan Bell 8,Westfield Ave, Whitley Bay NE25 8NW 200 8686

Conservative

Monkseaton South Frank Austin 5, Park View Crt, Whitley Bay NE26 3LJ 253 2572

Ken Mewett 24, Hawthorn Grds, Whitley Bay NE26 3PQ 252 5888

George Partis 49, Athol Grds, Whitley Bay NE25 9DN 253 0883

Conservative

Northumberland Marian Huscroft 104 Kings Rd North, Wallsend NE28 9JQ 200 7200

David Ord Quadrant 200 7082

Graeme Brett Quadrant 643 5344

Liberal Democrat

Preston

Simon Button 20a Burnfoot Tce, Whitley Bay NE26 2ED 252 9570

David Sarin 12, Hawthorn Grds, North Shields NE29 9BY

Glynis Barrie 8, Campville, North Shields NE29 0NR 07779 997 413

Conservative

Riverside Bruce Pickard 44, Sunlea Ave, North Shields NE30 3DT 200 8514

Norma Redfearn Quadrant 643 5349

Frank Lott 112 Dolphin Quay, Clive St North Shields NE29 6HJ 07974 568 197

Labour

Pam McIntyre 58, Holywell Ave, Whitley Bay NE26 3AD 253 7672

Ed Hodson 76, Monkseaton Drive, Whitley Bay NE26 3DG 252 4513

Judith Wallace 91,Village Crt, Whitley Bay NE26 3QB 253 7169

Conservative

Ian Macaulay 41, King Edward Rd, Tynemouth NE30 2RW 296 3289

Ken Jordan 19, Hastings Drive, Tynemouth NE30 2LN 257 0862

David Lilly 15, Fairfield Drive, Cullercoats NE30 3AF 07974 569 838

Conservative

Brian Burdis 14, Peebles Close, North Shields NE29 8DN 200 5354

Carole Gambling Quadrant 200 1418

Tommy Mulvenna 53, Benton Rd, West Allotment NE27 0EP 266 6212

Labour

Margaret Finlay 69 Laburnum Ave, Wallsend NE28 8HG 200 6543

Nigel Huscroft 146 St Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rd, Wallsend NE28 7HH 263 8019

Michael Huscroft 104 Kings Rd North, Wallsend NE28 9JQ 200 7200

Liberal Democrat

George Westwater 15,West View, Wideopen NE13 6EG 217 1626

Muriel Green 36, Links Ave, Whitley Bay NE26 1TG 253 3761

Duncan McLellan 49, Melness Rd, Hazlerigg NE13 7BJ 236 6293

Conservative

Labour

Conservative

Margaret Marshall 23, Grosvenor Drive, Whitley Bay NE26 2JP 253 7571

Alison Austin 3,Ventnor Grds, Whitley Bay NE26 1QB 200 1424

Michael McIntyre 58, Holywell Ave, Whitley Bay NE26 3AD 253 7672

Conservative

St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Tynemouth

Valley

Wallsend

Weetslade

Whitley Bay

Views sought on coastal plan

The council is in the process of shaping its Area Action Plan (AAP) for the coast.

The plan will set out ways in which the coastal area could be improved – socially, economically and environmentally.

It will also take into consideration the special status of North Tyneside's coastline as a wildlife area of international importance.

We are keen to gather residents' views and ideas and would especially like to hear your thoughts on: How the coastal area could maximise its potential for tourism What could be done to improve existing facilities? What improvements could be made to Whitley Bay, Cullercoats and Tynemouth?

A planning officer will be available to discuss the Area Action Plan at the following times:

November 25 – Whitley Bay Library (9.30am to 12:30pm)

November 26 – Tynemouth Library (4.30pm – 7pm)

November 27 – Cullercoats Library (10am – 1pm) November 30 – Waves (4pm – 6.30pm)

December 1 – Monkseaton Library (4pm – 6pm)

Have your say:

Email: planning.policy@northtyneside.gov.uk

Phone: Peter Slegg on (0191) 643 6308.

The latest plan can be viewed at any local library. More information is available at: www.northtyneside.gov.uk/planning

Write to: Planning Policy, North Tyneside Council, Quadrant East, The Silverlink North, Cobalt Business Park, NE27 0BY.

would be gradually replaced by more efficient LEDs, which produce the same lighting levels with a saving of up to 65 per cent in energy consumption and carbon emissions.

“If the pilot scheme is successful, it could lead to the roll out of LED lighting across the borough over the next few years.”

Scheme to reduce carbon emissions in the spotlight

A trial of LED street lights, which could save money and cut carbon emissions, is being considered by the council.

The borough’s street lights are maintained on the council’s behalf by SEC Lighting Services as part of a Private Finance Initiative contract. If the pilot scheme goes ahead, bulbs

Cllr Ed Hodson, cabinet member for Environment, said:“Using LEDs could substantially reduce our carbon footprint while, at the same time, save taxpayers’ money.

The council is setting up a Carbon Management Programme Board to co-ordinate a range of initiatives that will help to cut carbon emissions across the authority.

Keep it local

www.northtyneside.gov.uk Old, new, borrowed and blue Ltd

Just To Sayâ&#x20AC;Ś

Your one stop wedding and celebration shop. 264 Whitley Road, Whitley Bay NE26 2TG

We can decorate most venues in colours to match your theme. Also a huge range of helium-filled foil balloons and party items

The Balloon Decorators at the coast

www.somethingoldnewborrowedblue.co.uk Tel: (0191) 251 6911

107 Park View,Whitley Bay

Tel: (0191) 253 2755

The Melrose Guesthouse

Rickard - estate agents

A warm and friendly welcome to all. www.themelroseguesthouse.co.uk 45 Esplanade,Whitley Bay

Whether you need a survey, valuation, mortgage or property management service, we have the experience and local knowledge. 1 Park View, Whitley Bay NE26 2TP

Email: contactus@themelroseguesthouse.co.uk

Tel (0191) 251 4037

Email: whitleybay@rickard.uk.com

The new home for live music 26-32 South Parade, Whitley Bay NE26 2RG

Supply teachers...

Email: mick@thetrojanrooms.co.uk

We offer higher pay!

www.thetrojanrooms.co.uk

Tel: (0191) 251 0080

Tel: (0191) 252 2920

do you want to work in North Tyneside?

www.1stclassteachers.co.uk

Tel: (0191) 251 5566

F E Maughan PROPERTY LETTINGS: RE LOC ATIO N & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

We are always looking for apartments and houses in North Tyneside Protection House, Albion Road, North Shields NE30 2RH - Tel: (0191) 258 7340 105 Park View, Whitley Bay NE26 3RJ - Tel: (0191) 251 8010

info@propertyquarters.co.uk

Mother Nature Health Shop Est 1986 2 Railway Street, North Shields

10 % on off of p all th rod pu is u rc ad cti ha ve on se s rt

www.propertyquarters.co.uk

Tel: (0191) 296 3853

Christmas gifts for all the family www.femaughan.co.uk 40 Park Avenue, Whitley Bay

Deakin Printers Ltd Stationery, thermography, brochures, folders and point of sale, digital and wide format printing, office supplies and furniture 3 Earsdon Road, Monkseaton, Whitley Bay NE25 9SX

Email:deakinprinters@btinternet.com

Maxine Wallace-Winter BSc (Hons) Podiatry. M.Ch.S Podiatry & chiropody care

Our Health Professions Council registered practitioners offer a range of foot care treatments and advice, all at competitive rates.

32 Ilfracombe Gardens, Whitley Bay NE26 3SJ Tel: (0191) 252 5159

Tel: (0191) 252 1660

Tel: (0191) 297 0111

SHUTTERSPEED Digital photoprinting, posters, canvas wraps, VHS to DVD 83-85 Park View Whitley Bay

www.shutterspeed.org.uk

Tel: (0191) 251 0185

Finlay's Decor

Sunholme Guest House

The best selection of wallpapers, paints and fabrics at the coast. Professional help and advice from our friendly staff. 28 Park View, Whitley Bay

A well-established, family run business offering high quality, value for money, B&B accommodation. Open all year round - group bookings welcome. 53 North Parade, Whitley Bay NE26 1NX

www.finlaysdecor.co.uk

Tel: (0191) 252 5011

www.sunholme.co.uk

Tel: (0191) 251 1186

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free to advertise on this page Contact (0191) 643 2111 or email: marketing@northtyneside.gov.uk Terms and conditions apply

How to get in touch with the council We want to make it easy for you to contact us – and that includes in person, by phone, online or email.

In person

You can call in at one of our customer service centres, located across the borough. Staff can provide advice and information on a range of council services, including housing and benefit matters.

Our centres are based at: White Swan Centre, Killingworth. Unicorn House, Suez Street, North Shields. Park Road, Wallsend. Victoria Terrace, Whitley Bay

By phone

You can contact our main Contact Centre on the following numbers: 0845 2000 101 (general enquiries) 0845 2000 102 (housing repairs) 0845 2000 103 (environment) 0845 2000 104 (benefits and council tax) 0845 2000 105 (reporting racial harassment) 0845 2000 107 (payments) 0845 2000 108 (Families Information Service)

Online

The council website – www.northtyneside.gov.uk - contains plenty of information on a wide range of subjects.

You can apply for planning permission, pay your council tax or report an incident of graffiti. Page after page is available at the click of a mouse.

You can also contact the council via: contact.us@northtyneside.gov.uk

Launch Dixerit and listen to our pages

The council website is now speech enabled – thanks to a new service called Dixerit.

It does not require visitors to the site to download or install any software or browser plug-ins.

Dixerit works on any computer with an internet connection and sound capability, so can be accessed in many locations, including schools, libraries and internet cafes.

When you launch Dixerit, there are useful tools and a help guide within the browser screen to enable you to get the best out of the system. You can find Dixerit by clicking on the rolling icon at the top of the home page.

Win This month’s prize will make a really great Christmas present for one lucky family.

We’re giving away a family ticket (for four people) to see Jack and the Beanstalk – the Christmas spectacular at the PLAYHOUSE Whitley Bay, sponsored by the Evening Chronicle, courtesy of SMG Europe.

tickets for

Jack and the Beanstalk!

And you’ll also have the chance to meet the show’s star, Jake Hendriks (Father Keiron Hobbs from Hollyoaks).

Jack and the Beanstalk, which also features Damar Martin (Destroyer in Gladiators), is packed with great songs, fantastic dances and plenty of fun and laughter.

A trip to the panto is an essential part of Christmas and you and your family could be joining in the fun at the PLAYHOUSE Whitley Bay if you answer the following question correctly.

Question: What is the name of Damar Martin’s character in Gladiators?

Entries should be marked Widening Horizons 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.)

Jack and the Beanstalk runs from December 19 to January 3. Individual tickets are priced from £11 to £13. Group bookings are available. You can ring the box office on 0844 277 2771, visit www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk or call in to the PLAYHOUSE on Marine Avenue – Monday to Friday (10am to 4pm), Saturday (10.30am to 2.30pm).

October’s winner

Congratulations to Mr R Stephenson, of North Shields, who won a pair of tickets for the opening night of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Terms and conditions

Closing date for entries – December 7. 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 phone. Entrants must be prepared to take part in post-competition publicity. The editor’s decision is final.

North Shields

Wallsend

Whitley Bay

Shops, parking and entertainment on your doorstep

horizons widening