horizons widening
March 2011
!
ion t c e l l Bindcaoys are ng i g n a ch
Also inside... Budget update
What’s on
Big Spring Clean Area forums
In Bloom entry form
www.northtyneside.gov.uk twitter.com/NTCouncilTeam
Refuse and recycling collections UPDATE
!
n o i t c e l l o c Bindays are g n i g chan
From April 4, refuse and recycling will be collected over four days instead of five to improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.
We will collect Tuesday to Friday with crews working later into the day – a move that will save the council around £200,000 a year.
And because there will be no collections on Mondays, there will be no disruption to residents caused by bank holiday rescheduling.
Before the new timetable is introduced, you will receive a calendar explaining your collection day. The day may be unchanged but you may find your bin is emptied at a different time each week.
Please note: The introduction of the new system means there will be NO changes to your collection day at Easter or the following weekend of the Royal Wedding and May Day bank holidays.
Garden waste collections
From April 4, Friday collections will change to Monday. We will NOT be collecting garden waste in December, January or February – saving around £30,000 a year.
Read more on page 9...
If you have any queries about our refuse or recycling collections, please call 0345 2000 103 or email recycle@northtyneside.gov.uk
horizons widening
March 2011
The council produces Widening Horizons four times a year for the residents of North Tyneside. Our aim is to keep you informed about what the council and its partners are doing to improve life for people in the borough. The magazine is delivered to more than 90,000 households across the borough. Copies are also available at council facilities, including libraries, leisure centres and community centres. Every effort is made to ensure that all information is correct at the time of publication.
Inside this issue Mayor’s message
5
Budget 2011/12
6
What’s on in the borough
10
Area forums
16
Your group
20
North Tyneside in Bloom
24
Local election update
32
A day in the life . . .
44
Chairman’s Commendations
59
Keep it local
61
Elected Mayor Linda Arkley talks about the council’s budget and other issues. A three-page update of what the new budget will mean for you. From fun fairs to book fairs – what’s happening and where.
If you would like to contact the council, the general enquiries number is 0345 2000 101 (between 7.30am and 8pm, Monday to Friday).You can also email contact.us@northtyneside.go.uk or visit the council website – www.northtyneside.gov.uk
Find out what’s going on and the date of the next forum.
For more ways of getting in touch with the council, including in person or by letter, please see page 4.
How community spirit helped to transform an overgrown dene into a wildlife haven.
If you know of a friend or neighbour who does not receive a copy of Widening Horizons, please contact Steve Forshaw on (0191) 643 5080 or email steve.forshaw@northtyneside.gov.uk
The next issue of Widening Horizons will be distributed from Monday, June 20.
North Tyneside Council wants to make it easier for you to obtain the information you need. We can provide Widening Horizons in Braille, audiotape, large print and other languages. For information on other formats, please call (0191) 643 5080. Please recycle this magazine when you have finished with it. Front cover: Ethan Christensen and Evie Ward, from King Edward Primary School, North Shields, prepare for the Big Spring Clean. For more details about this year’s campaign, see page 22.
Details about this year’s contest – and that all-important application form! Make sure you are able to vote on Thursday, May 5. Fostering services manager Paula Gibbons talks about a typical day. How you can nominate a group or individual for this year’s awards. Three pages of classified adverts featuring local businesses.
NTC GRAPHICS 02/11 3747JWI
3
How to get in touch with the council
We want to make it easy for you to contact the council – and that includes in person, by phone, by letter, online or by email. In person
You can call in at one of our customer service centres, located throughout the borough. Staff can provide advice and information on a range of council services, including housing and benefits. Our centres are based at:
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White Swan Centre, Killingworth Unicorn House, Suez Street, North Shields Park Road,Wallsend
Victoria Terrace,Whitley Bay
By phone If you have a general enquiry, you can phone the council’s contact centre on 0345 2000 101 between 7.30am and 8pm, Monday to Friday. (Please note: the centre takes a high volume of calls each day and can be very busy at peak times.) Other main numbers are:
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Housing and Kier repairs 0345 2000 102
Environmental matters 0345 2000 103
Council tax and benefits 0345 2000 104
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Families Information Service 0345 2000 108 Emergencies (24hrs) (0191) 200 6800
Social care (out-of-hours) 0300 123 0812
By letter You can write to:
North Tyneside Council, Quadrant, The Silverlink North, Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside NE27 0BY.
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 flytipping. Page after page is available at the click of a mouse.
Email You can also contact the council via: contact.us@northtyneside.gov.uk
For environmental issues: envirolink@northtyneside.gov.uk
For housing repairs: nt.repairs@kier.co.uk
For the Families Information Service: fis@northtyneside.gov.uk
Racial incidents 0345 2000 105
Payments 0345 2000 107
widening horizons • March 2011
How to contact your councillor
North Tyneside Council is made up of 20 geographic areas called wards. Each ward has three elected councillors who represent you and your views.
If you would like to meet your local ward councillor, their contact details, and the dates and times of their ward surgeries, are available on the council website. (Click on ‘council and democracy’ then ‘councillors’).
You can also phone the Customer and Member Liaison Office on (0191) 643 2280.
How to report a hate crime
The ARCH network allows people living or working in North Tyneside – or just visiting the borough – to report incidents of hate crime.
You can report an incident if you are the victim; reporting on behalf of the victim; a witness or an agency worker who feels the incident needs to be reported.
The victim decides what happens next – they may want advice from Victim Support but not want the police involved.
ARCH allows supporting agencies to work together to ensure the right support is offered as quickly as possible.
The 24-hour freephone number is 08000 32 32 88.
You can also report an incident at any North Tyneside customer service centre (see list opposite), the Refugee Integration Service (Town Hall,Wallsend), Victim Support (Albion House, North Shields), Wallsend People’s Centre (Frank Street, Wallsend), UniversalYouth and Connexions Services (Wooley Street,Wallsend and Russell Street, North Shields) and Amanda Nicole School of Dance (Bewicke Road, Willington Quay).
Mayor’s message management structure has achieved savings of £800,000.
I am pleased we have been able to protect our schools, libraries, leisure centres and children’s centres and keep weekly bin collections.
Dear resident, This is an important time of the year for North Tyneside Council. We have set our budget for the next 12 months and agreed an historic council tax freeze. In addition, we have agreed our
main areas of work for the next four years in a new Strategic Council Plan. Feedback from residents through extensive engagement over the last six months, as well as with a range of other partners, has helped us to identify the priorities for the council as it moves forward. I hope this edition of Widening Horizons will help you understand some of those decisions we have taken.
This year the council has had to face particular challenges in the current economic climate, including the lower levels of grants national government has available to give local authorities. As an organisation, we are responding to these challenges in a number of ways.
During the budget process, all service areas were scrutinised to examine what they do, how they spend money and how they perform.This has helped the council to achieve £24m efficiencies for this year – for example, a review of the senior
You will see in the magazine that we are launching a new plan - the ‘New Direction: Delivering Change, Improvement and Efficiency Plan’ - that will help us do that.
This will help us to take that work further by looking in depth at what we do and finding more efficient and effective ways of working. It will include considering how we use our buildings and transport and ensuring we cut the cost of supplies and contracts we have.
It will examine how we deliver services and whether we could both improve and deliver efficiencies by doing them differently, such as sharing services with other councils. It is also important that we look at how we use our workforce and the talents of our employees to improve the service we provide to customers. I am committed to ensuring that, as we go through this period of change and improvement, we continue to engage with residents to get their views on what we are doing and how we are spending our money. A new section of the magazine feeds back to you on the work of the area forums, which are helping the public to get involved in our decision making. I hope you find it useful. These meetings are held regularly throughout the year in the four areas of the borough. Sometimes we hold special
events, such as the ones in North Shields and Wallsend, to discuss plans for the town centres. Any resident of the area is welcome to pop along and get involved.
It is clear from the events we have already held that residents appreciate our frontline services.
In this edition, you can find out about some changes we are making to our refuse collection service that will enable us to continue to have weekly collections.You can also find out about some of the other work to keep the borough clean and tidy.
As the magazine goes to press, I have heard that our Environmental Services team has just achieved national recognition for the high standards they deliver.
The Clean Britain Awards involve cities, district councils and towns from across the country.The scheme involves a tough judging process, with anonymous inspections and 13 key criteria, including litter, chewing gum, smoking-related litter, dog fouling, fly-tipping, gritting, provision of litter bins and general grounds maintenance.
Points are awarded on each of the criteria, and we are delighted that we have been awarded the highest possible grading of five stars, which is a fantastic achievement.
As a council, we are committed to continuing to work hard to deliver improved services that deliver good value for money for our residents and council-tax payers.
Linda Arkley 5
No council tax increase and key services protected
The government has set the council – along with other public sector bodies – a challenge to reduce the public debt and continue to live within its means. As a result, the council has worked to achieve £24m of efficiencies this year.
This takes account of the £12m less in government grants the council will receive in the next year. All aspects of the council’s work have been examined to cut unnecessary spending and make efficiencies wherever possible. Significant savings are being achieved in the first year – such as restructuring senior
management, which will save £800,000, and reviewing how the council delivers services, including waste collection, to make them more efficient.
Taking these steps has resulted in around 90 redundancies by the end of March with around another 50 in the next financial year.
Despite the challenges of working within a very tight financial framework, the council has not increased council tax and is confident it has set a stable budget, which takes account of increased costs, such as higher landfill taxes.
For the 2011/12 financial year, the council has a net budget of £175m with
Staying healthy: Under the measures agreed in the budget, leisure centres – along with schools, libraries and children’s centres – will stay open.
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widening horizons • March 2011
a 10-year capital investment plan of £237m.
By the end of the budget period, it will have £6.6m in balances and £6m in the strategic reserves.
This is in line with the level recommended in the reserves and balances policy and ensures the council will be well prepared for any challenges that lie ahead.
The contingency budget has increased and annual borrowing will be lower.
Investment in services The budget agreed by the council retains weekly bin collections and there will be no closures of schools, leisure centres, libraries or children’s centres.
It also allows some additional investment in the priority areas that matter most to the public: ●
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Extra money for safeguarding vulnerable children and adults.
£3.4m for additional youth facilities.
Investment in town centres, including £150,000 for Wallsend, £100,000 for Forest Hall and £25,000 for Whitley Lodge.
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And a new £100,000 Big Society Investment Fund is being established to help local people take responsibility and get involved in local issues.This is separate from the £700,000 currently given to civil society organisations.
government in 2002 as a way of
providing a consistent approach to setting social housing rents.
In North Tyneside, tenants will face
an average increase of 8.12 per cent
facing this increase as the council
catches up with other authorities
that already charge higher rents.
The council would not have been able to deliver a programme of
improvements to its homes if it had not accepted the guidance and
applied the recommended increase. Sixty per cent of our tenants receive
Where residents have a number
and charges to cover increased costs for
of small items, such as bicycles,
some services.This includes:
dining chairs and a car tyre, they
will be able to have up to eight
The cost of school meals will increase
items collected at the same time
by 20p a day – from £1.60 to £1.80 –
for £10. For larger items,
which is still among the lowest in
housing benefit so will not have to
pay the increase. For the others, the
council will be doing everything it can to minimise the impact,
including stepping up the support, benefit and debt advice available.
including beds, armchairs and
the region.
cookers, the cost will be £10 per item. Items such as a bathroom
Residents will still be able to qualify for
suite, a dismantled greenhouse or
two free residents parking permits, if
a large number of tree cuttings
these operate in their neighbourhood.
will cost £40.
However, further permits will cost
bulky waste collections.
which was introduced by the
traditionally kept low, tenants are
There will be a need to change some fees
There is a new scale of charges for
national Rent Restructuring Policy,
Because rents in the borough were
Fees and charges
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country – are determined by the
some neighbouring areas.
Investment in improving frontline customer services, including £150,000 for the telephone contact centre in 2011/12 and another £200,000 the following year.
£20 each.
North Tyneside – as across the
Unfortunately, this is higher than
An extra £50,000 in dementia care in 2011/12 with major increases in funding planned for the following years.
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Rent levels for council tenants in
– or £4.72 per week.
An additional £1m for each of the next three years for improvements to roads and pavements.
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Council house rents
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A replacement bin will cost £20 and a replacement caddy £5.
➜ 7
Stride out Lighthouse
ORIZONS WIDENING H neside Sport North Ty
TO THE
10km family walk to St. Mary’s Lighthouse
Saturday 4 June 2011 10.30am start at The Parks Sports Centre For registration on the day please arrive no later than 10am
! Bin collections Weekly collections are being retained but we are making changes to improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. From April 4, the council will collect refuse and recycling over four days instead of five – saving around £200,000 a year and
reducing the mileage travelled by our vehicles.
And because there will be no collections
on Mondays, there will be no disruption to residents caused by bank holiday rescheduling.
Waste collection vehicles are fitted with tracking devices and the data has been
used to reorganise routes, with vehicles working together in a particular area.
Crews will collect Tuesday to Friday, and
will work later into the day.This will
reduce the non-working period when the
crews leave and return to the depot.
Garden waste collections
The garden waste collection service
has gone from strength to strength since it started six years ago.
In its first year, the scheme covered
almost 60,000 households and
In the run-up to the introduction of the
collected just over 7,500 tonnes of
calendar showing their collection day.
Now, almost 70,000 households are
new system, residents will receive a
You can also find out your collection day
by using a new postcode search facility on
our website.
(Please note: Even if your collection day
remains unchanged, you may find your bin is emptied at a different time each week. Collections will take place between
garden waste for composting.
included, with more than 9,000 tonnes being collected.
Following a review of the service,
some changes are on the way to make
it more efficient.
We will stop collections in the winter
– between December and February –
6.30am and 5pm, so please make sure
saving around £30,000 a year. This was
relevant day.)
they supported when we asked for
your bins are out by 6.30am on the
a proposal that many residents told us
feedback in Widening Horizons.
Only a very small amount of garden
waste is put out for collection in
winter and it is often frozen solid and
cannot be emptied out of the bins. Collection days will also change.
At the moment we collect on a Friday
afternoon and Saturday but from the
week beginning April 4, Friday
collections will change to Monday.
9
n o
’s t a h W
Spring is finally here and there’s plenty happening over the next few weeks to put a spring in your step! Whether it’s walking, running or cycling – or maybe all three – there are some great opportunities to step outside your front door and enjoy the fresh air.
Spanish City Easter Fun Fair Thursday, April 21 to Monday, May 2
Enjoy all the fun of the fair at this Spanish City-themed event on the Links in Whitley Bay. For more information, contact 01429 824 014.
Storm to Siege
Thursday, April 21 Wallsend Library (10am to 2pm)
Go back in time to the Civil War – and find out all about Cavaliers and Roundheads, suits of armour, cooking and medicine. Children will be able to dress up and have their
portrait taken. At midday, families will visit Segedunum for an afternoon of sword and pike drills.
Suitable for over-5s, please bring a packed lunch. For more details, or to book a place, phone Wallsend Library on (0191) 643 5835.
North Tyneside 10K Road Race
Easter Sunday, April 24 From North Shields to Whitley Bay
The race begins at The Parks Sports Centre in North Shields and takes in the Fish Quay, Tynemouth Priory and a stunning stretch of coastline before finishing at St Mary’s Lighthouse.
The annual event is a contender for one of the UK’s most scenic road races, and plays host to elite athletes and club runners alike.
The race is organised by the council, in partnership with Start Fitness and North Shields Polytechnic, and supported by Hadrian Spring Water. Entry fee is £14 for a UK Athletics Club member and £16 for a non-club member.There is a range of prizes for individuals and teams. (Runners must be over 15.)
Sign up for the lowdown You can keep up-to-date with what’s happening in the borough by signing up for our new events e-newsletter.
From music festivals and surfing competitions to road races and firework displays, the regular electronic newsletter is an easy way of keeping in touch. Pete Warne, the council’s tourism and events manager, said:“With a bumper programme of events taking place in 2011,
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we want as many people as possible to know what’s happening and when.
“Signing up for the e-newsletter is an easy and convenient way of finding out what’s on.”
To sign up, simply email events@northtyneside.gov.uk or phone (0191) 643 7409.
widening horizons • March 2011
For more details, call (0191) 643 7409, email events@northtyneside.gov.uk or visit www.northtyneside.gov.uk
Book Fair
Sunday, May 1 Tynemouth Station
Come along and browse through a wide range of books. Up to 50 stalls will be selling books to suit all tastes and pockets – from antiquarian and specialist leatherbound volumes to second-hand books and paperbacks and from local history and novels to children's books and printed ephemera. The book fair runs from 10am to 4pm and entry is free. For more details, contact Ylana First on (0191) 257 2180.
Reggae and Ska Festival
Friday, May 20 to Saturday, May 21 Trojan Rooms, South Parade, Whitley Bay
The Trojan Rooms is set to welcome musicians from across the UK as it holds its second reggae and ska festival.
Each night’s entertainment starts at 8pm and runs until late.Tickets are £15 per night and discounts apply when all three nights are booked.
For further information, call (0191) 251 0080, email mick@thetrojanrooms.co.uk or visit www.thetrojanrooms.co.uk
Stride out to the Lighthouse
Saturday, June 4 From North Shields to Whitley Bay
The annual walk starts at The Parks Sports Centre and takes in the Fish Quay and Tynemouth Priory before finishing at St Mary’s Lighthouse.
The entry fee is £10 for a family or group of four; £3 per person and a child under four is free. (All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.) Closing date is Friday, May 27 or when the limit of 1,000 is reached.
Application forms are available from The Parks Sports Centre, the Lakeside Centre, Hadrian Leisure Centre and Tynemouth Pool (where you can also pay) and Waves (only payment via cheque); libraries, children’s centres and the council website.
Armed Forces Day Monday, June 20 Quadrant
Local war veterans are being invited to a special event to mark Armed Forces Day.
The ceremony will feature a presentation of lapel badges to ex-service personnel or to the families of those who are currently serving.
Anyone who has served in the armed forces, including the volunteer and regular reserves and who currently lives in North Tyneside, is entitled to apply for the badge.The council will send applications to the Ministry of Defence.Those approved will be invited to the presentation ceremony. The event is organised by the council, with the support of the North Tyneside War Veterans Committee.
Veterans who would like to be presented with one of the badges at the Armed Forces Day event should contact Malcolm Henderson by emailing malcolm.henderson@northtyneside.gov.uk, phoning (0191) 643 7409 or writing to Malcolm Henderson, Events Officer, North Tyneside Council, Quadrant West, Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside, NE27 0BY.
Northern Rock Cyclone
Friday, June 24 to Sunday, June 26 Newcastle and Northumberland
For the first time, cycling’s national road race championships will be staged in the North East – in conjunction with the Northern Rock Cyclone cycling weekend. The action starts on Friday evening with the Leazes Criteriums – a series of thrilling races around Leazes Park in Newcastle featuring amateur, children’s and elite races. Saturday sees the Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge, involving 5,000 riders, which starts at the Newcastle Falcons ground at Kingston Park and heads out into the Northumberland countryside.The challenge includes 33, 63 and 104-mile routes. The weekend closes on the Sunday with the elite men and women’s races – the biggest day on the British cycling calendar – starting and finishing in the village of Stamfordham, near Newcastle. Last year’s races featured Olympic stars such as Mark Cavendish and Nicole Cooke. For more details, visit www.northernrockcyclone.co.uk
Mouth of the Tyne Festival Friday, July 8 to Sunday, July 10 Tynemouth
Over the last seven years, the Mouth of the Tyne Festival has grown into one of the region’s favourite summer events. Featuring three days of world-class street theatre, live music and special one-off performances in Tynemouth and across the river in South Shields, the festival is sure to attract thousands of people from across Tyneside and beyond.
You can keep up-to-date with developments, including the eagerly-awaited announcement of the Saturday night concert headliners, by emailing events@northtyneside.gov.uk, visiting www.mouthofthetynefestival.com or calling (0191) 643 7409. Details correct at time of going to print
National accolade for walking scheme
A council-run fitness programme has been officially declared good for your health.
The North Tyneside Health Walks scheme has been awarded national accreditation by Natural England’s Walking for Health initiative, which means it meets high standards for safety, insurance and health monitoring.
The programme offers six different weekly walks and aims to get people of all ages and fitness levels out walking locally.
It’s a great way for people who may normally take little exercise to improve their fitness for free – and meet other walkers and take in the local landscape at the same time.
Research has shown that walking is one of the best – and easiest – ways of preserving mental and physical health.
Gillian Adam, of North Tyneside Health Walks, said:“We’re always keen to welcome new walkers, so why not come along and give it a try?”
All the walks are free and all you need are a pair of comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing.
For more information, contact Gillian Adam on (0191) 643 7441 or email gillian.adam@northtyneside.gov.uk
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Something for everyone
Some old favourites will be treading the boards at the PLAYHOUSE Whitley Bay during the next few weeks. Folk singer Tom Paxton, acclaimed
songstress Kate Rusby and local legend
Alan Price are just some of the highlights of
One of the leading lights of contemporary
folk music, Kate Rusby (right) returns to
the PLAYHOUSE on Friday, April 22. Tickets, £21.50, £20 (conc).
Alan Price, who played with the Animals in
the 60s before launching a successful solo
career, appears on Thursday, April 28.
the theatre’s spring season.
Tickets, £18.50.
Throw in several top tribute acts and local
Tynemouth Gilbert & Sullivan Society
productions of Oliver and Iolanthe and there’s something for everyone.
Award-winning folkie Tom Paxton, whose songs include Rambling Boy and The Last Thing On My Mind, takes the stage on
Monday, March 28.Tickets, £20.
Whitley Bay Operatic Society celebrates its centenary with a week-long run of
Oliver, starting on Tuesday, April 5.Tickets
£12, £10 for children and £38 for a family ticket.
stages a four-night run of Iolanthe on
Wednesday, May 18.Tickets, £12.
Booking information
Tyneside Children’s Choir, the Vermont
In person: Monday to Friday (10am to 4pm) and Saturday (10.30am to 2.30pm) Online: www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk Booking hotline: 0844 277 2771 Accessibility bookings: (0191) 251 5484 Group bookings: (0191) 260 6006
Band.Tickets, £6, £5 (conc) and £4
All information correct at time of going to print
The Rotary Club of North Shields stages
its 25th anniversary charity concert,
celebrating youth music in the borough,
on Sunday, May 22. It features the North Tyneside Youth Training Band, the North
Big Band and the North Tyneside Concert
(under-16).
Life is tweet in North Tyneside Twitter is a social networking and micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read messages known as ‘tweets’.
Why not become part of the wider Council Community and follow our official tweets by going to twitter.com/NTCouncilTeam
Our communications team will publish short snippets of information, news and links to interesting articles and resources. We will also use this as a way of posting reminders so you won’t miss any key events, meetings or activities across the borough!
twitter.com/NTCouncilTeam 12
widening horizons • March 2011
What’s on in our town centres There’s plenty happening in Whitley Bay, North Shields and Wallsend during the next few weeks. Come along and be entertained!
Saturday, May 14 The award-winning North Tyneside Steel
Band will be performing in Whitley Road
(10.30am to noon) and the bandstand
outside the Forum Shopping Centre (1 to
2.30pm). Del Boy’s car will be on display in
Saturday,April 2
Bedford Street (10.30am to 3.30pm).
Musical performances at Park View
Saturday, May 21
and noon to 1pm); Beacon Shopping
Del Boy’s motor will be on display in
Shopping Centre,Whitley Bay (10 to 11am
Whitley Road (10.30am to 3.30pm).
Centre, North Shields (10 to 11am and 2
Arts, crafts and badge making at the
to 3pm); Forum Shopping Centre,
Wallsend (noon to 1pm and 2 to 3pm).
Saturday,April 9 Mini Mansell’s Circus will be performing
along Whitley Road,Whitley Bay (10am to noon) and Bedford Street, North Shields
entertaining shoppers in both town
centres.The Hall of Mirrors and face painters – Forum Shopping Centre (10.30am to 3.30pm).
(1pm to 3pm). Shoppers can get creative
Saturday,April 30
Easter-themed arts and crafts and
Park View Shopping Centre (10.30am to
in the Forum Shopping Centre with badge-making (11am to 2pm).
Saturday,April 16 ‘Mr Merlin’ will be performing his giant
rabbit illusion in the centre of Wallsend
(10am to noon) and Whitley Bay
(1 to 3pm).The Hall of Mirrors will be
The Hall of Mirrors and face painters –
3.30pm).Traditional wood-turning display
along Bedford Street (11am to 2pm). Chinese lion dancing, performed by a martial arts school, at the bandstand
outside the Forum Shopping Centre (11am to 3pm).
Beacon Shopping Centre (11am to 2pm).
Traditional wood-turning display at the
bandstand, Forum Shopping Centre (11am
to 2pm).
Saturday, May 28 Highland dancers and a pipe band will be entertaining the crowds along Bedford
Street (10 to 11am); Forum Shopping
Centre (noon to 1pm) and Whitley Road (2 to 3pm).
Shoppers can enjoy musical performances by local pupils throughout June.
transforming shoppers into all shapes and
Saturday, May 7
(10.30am to 3.30pm).
Shopping Centre (11am to 2pm). Classic
to change or cancellation. For more
Saturday,April 23
Street (11am to 1pm).The original car of
events, or to be added to the mailing
sizes, plus face painters – Bedford Street
Tyne Bridge Morris will be performing their
Arts and crafts, badge-making – Park View
American 4x4s on display along Bedford Del Boy (Only Fools and Horses) on
traditional clog dance along Whitley Road
display outside the Forum Shopping Centre
(1pm to 3pm). Buskers will also be
deal and have a photo.
(11am to 12.30pm) and Bedford Street
(10.30am to 3.30pm) Check out the real
Please note: All events are subject
information about town centre
list, call (0191) 643 7409 or email events@northtyneside.gov.uk
13
Local bus services are changing
Nexus is making big changes to the local bus services it provides in North Tyneside using funds from local authorities. A number of routes in the borough are changing from Sunday, March 27.
The changes are being made following a consultation with local people last year, in which hundreds gave their views at community meetings and through online information pages.
Tobyn Hughes, Director of Customer Services for Nexus, said:“We set out to address the two main concerns for bus users – they want buses that get passengers where they want to go, at the right times for them.
but made sure our plans fit in with the other 90 per cent of services which are provided commercially by private operators to their own routes and timetables.
“Our plans have been revised in response to the feedback we received during the consultation.We would like to thank everyone who took the time and effort to provide us with their views on how bus services could be improved.”
Bus routes which Nexus funds at all times will also get a new livery, so they are easy to identify, and a new simple fare structure to make them more convenient for local people to use.
“We concentrated our changes on the 10 per cent of bus services subsidised by Nexus using funds from local authorities, New services: Passengers will benefit from changes to local bus routes.
The key changes are: ●
●
●
●
●
●
A new service 3 from Battle Hill to the Freeman Hospital via Wallsend,Walkergate and High Heaton, extending to Regent Centre via South Gosforth Metro at peak times (in part replacing 399) A new service 335 from Four Lane Ends to Cobalt Business Park via High Farm, Battle Hill and Hadrian Park
A new service 353 to replace Arriva services 3 and 350/351 between Four Lane Ends and Kingston Park via Forest Hall, Killingworth, Burradon, Dudley, Seaton Burn,Wideopen and Newcastle Airport Improved local services W1/W1A,W2 and W3 in Whitley Bay to replace the existing ‘W’ routes.
Improvements to existing services including additional evening and weekend journeys on service 85A/86A (to also replace service 1/2 journeys at these times between North Shields and Whitley Bay) and W1/W2.
Some timetable and/or route revisions for services 1/2, 18, 32/32A, 59, 319, 333 (incorporating,TB300), K1 and K2.
For full details of the changes and timetables for the new routes, go to www.nexus.org.uk or visit your nearest Nexus Travelshop.
14
widening horizons • March 2011
What is the Big Society?
The Big Society is about helping people to come together to improve their own lives and, at the same time, moving power from the government to local communities. It’s about everyone doing their bit. Putting out a neighbour’s bin, going along to a residents meeting or forming a group to run a local facility are all examples of a Big Society in action. It’s a society where individuals feel big – big enough to create real change in their neighbourhoods.
The Big Society has three strands:
●
●
●
You just have to look at the range of
community groups and organisations that play such a vital role in daily life.
It is a question of who is best placed to provide what. It could be the council,
the voluntary and community sector or local business.
It means the council responding to
change – both at a national and local
level – and working in partnership with
●
Encouraging and supporting people to get involved in their local community through giving time, effort or money.
Putting more power at a local level and opening up how public services are run to new and different providers.
●
Providing more opportunities for people to shape and deliver local services.
●
What’s happening in our borough In North Tyneside, the Big Society is real and is happening now – local people taking responsibility and developing local solutions to local issues.
The Big Society in action
people and communities and finding
out which solution is best.
The council is introducing a new
investment fund of £100,000 to help to build a Big Society in North Tyneside, where everyone can do their bit and
play their part.
More information will be available on
our website when the fund is launched
●
●
Our Widening Horizons 4 All project enables people to play a full part in the community and we support, train and mentor volunteers to deliver projects which they have designed.
The annual Big Spring Clean and autumn environment campaigns let individuals, schools and groups organise clean-up events in their area. Part of the Rising Sun Country Park is managed by a social enterprise. The Good Neighbour awards encourage people to take an active role in their local community.
The four area forums allow people to have a direct say in how the council spends some of its budget.
See pages 16 to 19 to find out what your local area forum is doing and pages 20 and 21 to see how a local community group transformed a derelict spot into a haven for wildlife.
in the coming months..
We are also working with local
businesses to see how we can provide
more access to support and advise local communities who want to devise their own solutions to local issues.
a wider range of organisations. It also
means working more closely with local
15
Area forums
Benton • Longbenton • S West Allotment • Backworth • Mon Willington Quay • Holy Cross • B Chirton • Riverside • Cullercoats •
As a resident of North Tyneside, you can have your say in council decision-making. We hold regular public meetings, called area forums. Each forum has its own budget to support area-based projects, including roads and pavements improvements. You can find out more about your area forum over the next few pages.
More details are available on the council website – www.northtyneside.gov.uk To get in touch with the area forums team, phone (0191) 643 2828 or email areaforums@northtyneside.gov.uk
You can also write to: Freepost RRSS-UJSB-UGKZ, North Tyneside Council, Quadrant,The Silverlink North, Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside, NE27 0BY.
North West Area Forum
Including Hazlerigg, Holystone, Killingworth, Benton, Longbenton, Seaton Burn, Dudley, Forest Hall.
The future of Forest Hall A special North West Area Forum in
A follow-up event will take place on
Forest Hall in November saw around 100
Tuesday, May 24 (6.30 to 8pm) at St
would like to see the area develop.
local people in the development of
residents give their views on how they
People put forward their ideas on a wide
Andrew’s Church, Benton to involve Forest Hall.
range of local issues, including roads,
pavements, parking, signage, shops and the appearance of local streets.
A number of residents expressed their
desire to see more specialist shops in the
village, and a wider range of places to eat and drink; particularly coffee shops and
cafes. Many also favoured the idea of a
new village sign, as well as improved parking.
16
widening horizons • March 2011
We need your ideas The area forum has around £50,000 to spend during 2011/12 to improve the local environment and we need your ideas and support.
Last year, you asked the area forum to use its budget for a range of projects, including creating a sensory garden, developing community storage facilities, installing binoculars at a local beauty spot and providing extra litter bins, grit bins, and planters.
We have already received suggestions this year for school bike sheds, rockeries, trees and using sustainable energy in community buildings. As we would like to hear more of your creative ideas, the deadline for getting in touch has been extended until Friday, May 20.You can either fill in the Ideas Form on the forum’s web pages or contact us using one of the ways mentioned above.
Roads and pavements You said the repair of roads and pavements was your top priority. During 2010/11 the North West Area Forum has funded and completed works in Studley Villas, parts of Westcroft, Brunswick Green cul-de-sacs, Great Lime Road, Glenfield Road, Agincourt and Bannockburn.
The next meeting is on Tuesday, June 21 at the John Willie Sams Centre, Dudley. (Refreshments will be served at 5.30pm and the meeting starts at 6pm.)
eaton Burn • Forest Hall • Killingworth nkseaton • Shiremoor • Whitley Bay attle Hill • Howdon • Wallsend Tynemouth • North Shields
Roads and pavements Each area forum has been given £250,000 of additional funding to spend on roads and pavement improvements. People attending the forum can give their views on which schemes should be funded. Last year, the area forum budget paid for improvements on Otterburn Avenue, Kenilworth Road, Paignton Avenue, Churchill Avenue,Turner Street, Madeira Avenue, Park Road, Hillcrest, Hartside,Woodburn Square and Brantwood Avenue.
The next meeting is on Monday, June 20 at Livingstone Hall. Refreshments will be served at 5.30pm and the meeting starts at 6pm.
Local updates
Residents who attended the area forum at Livingstone Hall in January were given an update on the council’s response to the severe winter weather, including the gritting or roads and pavements.
Your m Your oney choic e!
Whitley Bay Area Forum
Including Monkseaton, Shiremoor, Earsdon,West Allotment, Wellfield and Backworth.
The Station Master’s Community Wildlife Garden The wildlife garden is an initiative of the Clarence and Waterford Crescent Residents Association (CAWCRA) in Whitley Bay.
In May, residents suggested creating a community garden on a Nexus-owned piece of land (including the former station master’s garden) next to Whitley Bay Metro station, after repeated anti-social behaviour in the area.
The station master’s garden, previously fertile woodland, had been partially cleared to stop people hiding in the area. Residents then protested at the loss of plant life, wildlife habitat and local amenity.
This led to a public meeting about the legitimate use of the space as a community garden.With co-operation from the council, police and Nexus, the residents established an enthusiastic group to develop the project.
CAWCRA has 65 members from 23 households in the two principal streets and a number of associate members from adjoining areas.
A grant from the Whitley Bay environmental budget has helped buy tools and other items to help with this project and a survey of members revealed a shared concern for the promotion of biodiversity and landscape value within urban areas.
The aim of CAWCRA is to protect and enhance local wildlife, promote integrated horticulture and food growing, and reinvigorate historic and landscape values.
People also heard about the latest work taking place at the Dome, including the link road, a possible visitor centre at St Mary’s headland and the water play scheme at Whitley Park.
Whitley Bay Area Forum has £47,000 annually to spend on environmental projects. Last year, it supported projects including the development of Brierdene and a project to increase the numbers of bumblebees.
17
Area forums
Benton • Longbenton • S West Allotment • Backworth • Mon Willington Quay • Holy Cross • B Chirton • Riverside • Cullercoats •
Wallsend Area Forum
We need your ideas
Special area forum
Last year, you asked the area forum to use its budget to provide a range of items including extra litter bins, grit bins, planters, wall/fence repairs and clean-up days.
Including Willington Quay, Battle Hill, Howdon, Holy Cross, Hadrian Park, Bewick Park, High Farm,Westmorland and Northumberland.
As Widening Horizons went to print, plans were well advanced for a special area forum meeting to bring residents up to date with proposals to regenerate the Forum Shopping Centre.
The special meeting is on Tuesday, March 22 (6.30 to 8.30pm) at the shopping centre. For details of the next regular meeting, see below.
What’s on in your area? Here are some of the events in the Wallsend area you can come along to the next few weeks: ●
Census advice drop-ins – if you need help with your Census form, please visit Wallsend Children’s Centre, North Road (Monday, March 28 or Wednesday, March 30, from 9am to 5pm) or Howdon Children’s Centre, Howdon Lane (Tuesday, March 29, from noon to 7pm or Wednesday, March 30, from 4pm to 7pm).
●
●
Persian Picnic in the Park – Richardson Dees Park, Saturday, April 2 (11am to 3pm).
Friends of Wallsend Parks Spring Fair – Richardson Dees Park, Saturday, May 7 (11am to 3pm).
The next meeting is on Wednesday, June 1 at the Civic Hall,Wallsend. (Refreshments will be served at 5.30pm and the meeting starts at 6pm.)
The area forum has around £44,000 to spend during 2011/12 to improve the local environment and we need your ideas and support.
This year, we have already received suggestions for creating allotments, planting a memorial garden, installing a sculpture and buying trees as part of a guided, educational walk.We would like to hear more of your creative ideas, so the deadline for getting in touch with us has been extended until Tuesday, May 3. You can either fill in the Ideas Form on the forum’s web pages or contact us using one of the ways mentioned on p16.
Roads and pavements You said the repair of roads and
pavements was your top priority.
This year, the area forum has funded and completed works in High View,
Stead Street, part of Boyd Road, Cross
Avenue,Windsor Drive, Rae Avenue,
Derby Gardens, Somerset Gardens, Lincoln Avenue, Bedford Avenue, Cheshire Gardens, Belshill Close,
Barton Close, Birkdale Close, Bowness
Avenue, Eskdale Avenue, Dinsdale Avenue, Lauderdale Avenue.
18
widening horizons • March 2011
Your m Your oney choic e!
eaton Burn • Forest Hall • Killingworth nkseaton • Shiremoor • Whitley Bay attle Hill • Howdon • Wallsend Tynemouth • North Shields
We need your ideas
Your suggestions on how the area forum can improve your area are always welcome – whether it’s something to brighten up the street or a pavement that needs repairing.
You can either fill in the Ideas Form on the forum’s web pages or contact us using one of the ways mentioned on p16.
You can also get an Ideas Form from your local customer service centre or library.You can also pick up a form by contacting your ward councillor or attending their surgery.
Ideas need to be submitted six weeks before each meeting. Please note, issues should be community focused and not relate to personal matters that concern you as an individual.
North Shields Area Forum
Including Tynemouth, Cullercoats, Preston, Collingwood, Chirton and Riverside.
Role of the forum The North Shields Area Forum, like the others in the borough, provides an opportunity for people who live in the area to discuss matters of common concern.
It gives local people the chance to understand and influence the way in which services are provided in their area.
At each area forum, the ward councillors and local residents come together to discuss topics of local concern.This includes making recommendations on how to spend area forum funding on improving roads and pavements and the environment.
For details of a special meeting to discuss plans to revamp the Beacon Shopping Centre, see page 39.
Roads and pavements Each area forum has had £250,000 of additional funding to spend on roads and pavements improvements. People attending the forum get the chance to give their views on which schemes should be funded.
Last year, the North Shields area forum budget paid for improvements on the following roads – Howdon Road, Malvern Road, Preston Avenue,Verne Road, Sunlea Avenue and Lindisfarne Terrace.
The next meeting is on Wednesday, June 29 at the Saville Exchange. Refreshments will be served at 5.30pm and the meeting starts at 6pm.
Environmental budget The area forum allocated its environmental budget so that each ward received equal amounts. People identified improvements they wanted to see in their area, including the purchase of bird boxes around Chirton Dene Park. Residents’ groups undertook planting to brighten up their community.
19
r u ygoroup A dingy dene has been turned into a heavenly haven, thanks to some good old-fashioned community spirit. In October 2006, the Friends of
Brierdene began to restore and improve
the biodiversity in the overgrown dene,
which had been neglected for more than 20 years.
With support and advice from council staff
– and help from local residents and schools – the team of volunteers cleared brambles
and litter.
They also planted grass, flowers and trees, laid footpaths and replaced bridges in
You can rely on these friends! order to attract more visitors to the spot on the northern edge of Whitley Bay.
this far.
And their hard work has certainly paid off.
“It just goes to show what a community
Not only have the numbers of rare birds,
mammals and wildflowers increased but
more than four times as many people now use the space.
Steve Stone, of the Friends of Brierdene,
said:“The amount of work that has been
achieved during the last four years was not
even considered possible when we first put
a spade into the ground.
“What we have achieved is fantastic but
without the help of the local community,
including residents, schools and especially
Community spirit: Brierdene in Whitley Bay has been transformed by the efforts of local residents.
20
the council, we would not have got
Widening horizons • March 2011
can accomplish when it comes together to achieve something good.”
For more details about the group, visit: www.friendsofbrierdene.org.uk
Cup-winning effort
The Friends of Brierdene’s hard work was recognised when the group was awarded this year's Whitley Bay Town Cup. Tony Lister, Chairman of Friends of
Brierdene, said:“It’s a great honour,
especially as it follows the ‘outstanding’
rating given by the Royal Horticultural Society in Northumbria in Bloom.
“Everyone has put in a great deal of time and effort to turn the dene into an
attractive area for people to visit but our
hard work won’t stop.
“We’ll continue to improve the area so it
organisation that has given outstanding
service to the community or achieved an The Chairman of the Council, Cllr Duncan
worthy winners of this year’s cup.
supplying some of the trees, seeds and
work and determination, the dene would
not look as spectacular as it does now.”
●
Previous winners of the cup, which dates
North Sea Volunteer Lifeguards. Only
every year to a local resident or
●
equipment but without the group’s hard
area of natural beauty for future
The Whitley Bay Town Cup is awarded
●
“The Friends of Brierdene are certainly
“The council has supported the group by
Club, the Royal British Legion and the
individuals or organisations from the
former borough of Whitley Bay can be
considered for the award.
More than 100 species of bird and well over 200 plant species
have been recorded in the dene.
McLellan, who presented the trophy, said:
back to 1954, include Whitley Bay Football
generations to enjoy.”
●
outstanding feat.
keeps its Site of Nature Conservation
Interest status, and ensure it remains an
Factfile
●
These include sparrowhawks breeding in the woodland, gatekeeper butterflies, 22-spot ladybirds and tree bumblebees. An elected committee meets monthly to discuss and plan the Friends of Brierdene’s conservation work. Volunteers meet every Wednesday and Saturday, from 10am to noon, to carry out various tasks. The group works with various local schools to arrange conservation activities – from hands-on work to bug hunts.
Your group
If you know of a group or charity that is working hard to improve the community, why not tell Widening Horizons? Contact editor Steve Forshaw on (0191) 643 5080 or email: steve.forshaw@northtyneside. gov.uk
Worthy winners: Cllr McLellan presents the cup to Steve Stone, of the Friends of Brierdene.
your group
21
Get involved in the Big Spring Clean!
Communities and schools are invited to help make a difference to North Tyneside’s environment by getting involved in this year’s Big Spring Clean.
The annual initiative, now in its fourth year,
is organised by the council and aims to
make the borough a cleaner and greener place to live.
Residents, businesses, community groups
and schools are being encouraged to
organise a clean-up event and register it
with the council.
The local authority will give support by
providing high visibility vests, bags and
litter pickers as well as helping to
promote it.
B G SPRIIN G C LEAN
Alternatively, you can get involved in one
of the clean-up events organised by the
council.
Two have already been held but two more
are scheduled, which will take place from 11am to 1pm as follows: ●
Thursday, April 21: Churchill Playing
Fields – meet at the Adult Learning Alliance building.
●
Saturday, May 21: Marden Quarry – meet at the warden cabin near the car park.
The Big Spring Clean runs until May 27.
To register a clean-up event or to find out if one is happening in your area, visit the
Big Clean section of the council’s website, at www.northtyneside.gov.uk
You can also email
bigspringclean@northtyneside.gov.uk or
phone 0345 2000 103.
Get composting The council has teamed up with Straight Recycling to offer residents home composting bins at bargain prices. The composters quickly and easily recycle organic and kitchen waste into a rich, nutritious compost that is ideal for retaining moisture in the garden. Composting turns waste into valuable food for your garden and can help reduce carbon emissions. Most garden waste can be composted, as well as uncooked vegetable peelings.
22
Fitted with an extra wide hatch for easy access to finished compost, the bin needs no assembly and is easy to use.
Made from recycled plastic and supplied with black side hatch, the converters are available in two sizes – the Compact 220 litre (£12) and the Giant 330 litre (£15).
To order your bin, phone 0844 571 4444 between 8am and 8pm (Monday to Friday); 9am and 7pm (Saturday) or 9am and 5pm (Sunday).You can also visit www.nt.getcomposting.com
widening horizons • March 2011
Big Spring Clean factfile Since the first Big Spring Clean in 2008, there have been 81 clean-up events.
They have ranged from the unusual, such as an abseiled litter pick down
the banksides of King Edward’s Bay, to more traditional clean-ups like
litter picks in the borough’s parks.
Environment NEWS...
ING NEWS... BREAKING NEWS... BREAKING NEWS... BREAKING NE
Five-star success!
The council has received five stars – the highest possible rating – in this year’s Clean Britain Awards.
schemes, including North Tyneside in Bloom, the Big Spring Clean and the autumn environment campaign.
The rating is based on a mixture of unannounced inspections of random locations in the borough and a submission from the council that highlighted various
Elected Mayor Linda Arkley said:“This award recognises the strides we have made to make this a cleaner and greener borough.We’ve introduced new initiatives and enabled residents to have a greater say in the appearance of their neighbourhoods through the area forums.”
North Tyneside was the only authority in the region to be awarded five stars for levels of cleanliness.
Garden of Remembrance
New proposals have been drawn up to improve the Garden of Remembrance in Whitley Bay Cemetery.
From the late 1960s until the end of the 1980s, the garden was an area where bereaved relatives could have a rose planted as part of a Memorial Rose Scheme.
Subsequently, many of these roses died or became diseased and various attempts to improve the growing conditions in the rose beds have proved unsuccessful. We are now proposing to redesign the area and introduce alternative displays, which are sensitive to this very important area.
If you have any queries or concerns regarding the proposed work, please get in touch with Brenda Chambers, Bereavement Services Manager, on (0191) 200 5862 or email brenda.chambers@northtyneside.gov.uk
Brightening up the coast
A new floral feature is lighting up North Tyneside’s coast.
The St Mary’s Lighthouse floral display takes pride of place on the Hillheads roundabout in Whitley Bay.
The 12ft metal imitation lighthouse, which includes a solar powered light to illuminate the feature at night, will contain white hanging lobelia, surrounded by blue lobelia representing the sea – when it’s in full bloom this summer.
★★★★★
Cutting-edge approach
The task of maintaining around seven million square metres of grass in North Tyneside is underway for this year.
We cut grass from March through to December with the main growing season in April, May and June.The rate at which grass grows depends on many factors, such as rainfall, sunshine and soil quality. We often get asked why grass cuttings cannot be removed.To collect all cuttings in the borough would be extremely labour intensive and increase the cost of grass-cutting five fold. Over the past few years we have increased the frequency of grass cutting and brought in new machines which cut more finely to reduce the amount of cuttings generated.
23
Community spirit blossoms
When Mike Kelley laid out some flowers in pots on the drive of his home, he never thought it would lead to the entire street becoming a local beauty spot.
But that’s what happened in Rockcliffe Avenue,Whitley Bay, because when Mike’s efforts grew, it planted a seed among fellow residents also keen to make the area look its best. And their joint work led to the avenue winning the new “Street effort” category in last year’s North Tyneside in Bloom. “It’s been a big success,” said Mike.“What we’ve done has enhanced the quality of our lives because we enjoy where we live a lot more.”
It was one day in late 2007 that Mike, as a surprise gesture to his wife Christine, decided to arrange flowers in pots and candles on their drive.
He caught the green-fingered bug and later, as the number of flowers in pots grew, Mike moved some onto the footpath – a trend that caught on among neighbours.
more graffiti. And we’ve have seen loads of bees, butterflies and birds that we didn’t see before.
As well as adding flower pots, they shared responsibility to water them and tidy up the avenue and worked harder to enhance their own gardens.
“It’s also brought the neighbours together – we know each other very well and help each other a lot. I would definitely encourage other residents to work together to improve where they live.”
Mike said:“People go out of their way to walk down the avenue, including the local nursery.
Flower power to the people
During the summer, a passer-by can count upwards of 300 flower pots.
“We hide ornaments among some of the flower pots as the children like looking for them. It’s worth a million dollars to see their faces.
“There are other benefits too.We’ve noticed people pick up litter, dog walkers tend to respect the area and there is no
The council is getting smarter about where and how it plants floral displays to ensure better value for money.
We will be focusing on less but better quality planting in high profile areas across the borough, such as town centres, parks, cemeteries and the coast.
This will be based on our own careful assessment of locations plus feedback from Area Forums where residents told us where they felt displays were lacking.
We recognise that the borough would not look as good without the contribution of many residents, who have enhanced their own neighbourhoods by planting flowers every year.
There are some great examples across the borough and it’s something we’re keen to encourage.
Streetwise: Christine Kelley holds the ‘street effort’ trophy. Looking on (left to right) are Kathryn Wakeman, Mike Kelley, Jean Trotter, Marian Dunbar and Jenny Craig. Picture courtesy of The Journal.
24
widening horizons • March 2011
If you would like to get involved in brightening up your neighbourhood, please give us a call on 0345 2000 103.We can provide flowers free of charge for use in your local area.
North Tyneside in Bloom 2011 Does your garden have what it takes to win?
To enter, complete and return this form to: Kathryn Waugh, North Tyneside Council, Quadrant West, Silverlink North, Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside, NE27 0BY.
Entries close Friday June 10
Name of entrant:
Name of contact (if different): Address:
Tel No:
Email:
Categories
Nursery, school or college
Please tick which category you would like to enter.You can enter more than one category.
Individual allotment
Plot no. For established allotment holders of over two years.
Allotment site
Allotment holders with plots on the same site can nominate their site as a whole.
New allotment tenant
Allotment holders of less than two years.
Postcode:
Plot no.
Business premises
Any business not eligible for “Pub, hotel or restaurant� can enter their grounds, gardens or baskets in this category
Community effort
This category is most suited to areas where more than one street is involved. It recognises community spirit where groups or residents work together to improve and make beautiful the area.
Conservation and wildlife garden
Gardens tended to with the wider environment in mind. Bird boxes, hedgehog houses, butterfly enticing plants and wildflowers might all feature in this type of garden.
Container and hanging basket display
Gardens and yards using pots and baskets for decoration rather than your traditional planted garden.
Grow your own*
Allotment gardens, hanging baskets, wildlife gardens and any looked after area within the grounds of schools, nurseries or colleges.
Places of worship
Beautiful grounds, gardens and basket displays at places of worship.
Pub, hotel or restaurant
Pubs, hotels or restaurants can enter gardens, pub gardens or basket displays of any size.
Residential care or sheltered accommodation Grounds and gardens of residential care or sheltered accommodation that are tended to by staff or residents.
Street effort *
This category aims to recognise when residents in a street come together to make the area in which they live more beautiful.This could be anything from ensuring all the gardens reach a good standard to helping a neighbour who cannot look after their own garden. Additionally, you may choose to work together to improve the communal areas in your street.
Young gardener
This category aims to highlight commitment and effort shown by young people under-18.You do not have to have your own garden; it may be that you help out with a garden that belongs to a relative, community group, or school.You can nominate yourself or someone else.
Judging
North Tyneside in Bloom judging takes place throughout July. You will be notified of your date.
This category reflects the growing popularity of growing your own fruit and vegetables.
Two judges will judge each category and at least one will be qualified in the field of gardening or horticulture. An ecologist will judge the wildlife and conservation category.
Front, side or back gardens under 100sq metres.
Everyone who enters this year’s contest will also receive a feedback form setting out what the judges liked about the entry and how they feel improvements could be made.
Small garden
Medium garden
Front, side or back gardens between 100 and 250sq metres.
Large garden
Front, side or back gardens over 250sq metres.
If you have any questions about North Tyneside in Bloom, please call 0345 2000 103 or email bloom@northtyneside.gov.uk
* Flowers can be provided free of charge to support entries in this category. For further information, telephone 0345 2000 103.
25
Teamwork helps people find jobs
Case history Florence, originally from the Congo but now a British citizen, is a lone parent with one child.
She wanted to find a job but had been unemployed for three years and needed help with her CV and application forms.
Dianne, a member of the Working Homes team, had a chat about her previous work experience, looked at available childcare and helped her to fill in the applications.
Florence is now working as a receptionist at the Meadows Centre in North Shields and is really enjoying her job. Her daughter goes to an after-school club and Florence has more money to support herself and her daughter.
“Dianne was very helpful,” she said.“I am grateful for all the support she has provided in helping me to find a job.”
Carole Bell, the manager of the Meadows, said:“Florence is the first point of contact for visitors and is always cheerful and professional. I am delighted to have her as a member of staff.”
A joint project between the
council and Jobcentre Plus has
helped more than 150 people find a job since June.
The Working Homes Outreach Team works with a range of partners and agencies to tackle deep-rooted
unemployment in the borough. Although the team’s main role is to help residents in the Chirton and Riverside wards, staff also work with people
registered at Wallsend or North Shields jobcentres.
Target priority groups include: ● ●
26
Single parents People with disabilities
● ●
Ex-offenders
People with problems of drug or alcohol misuse
Advisors work on a one-to-one basis with customers to identify and remove barriers that may be preventing them from starting work.
This includes providing advice and information on a range of issues, such as housing, benefits, childcare or training opportunities. The team can also provide advice on looking for a job, help with filling in application forms and coaching for an interview.
The pilot scheme aims to help 320 local people find work.
widening horizons • March 2011
Get in touch If you live in either the Chirton or Riverside wards and you think the Working Homes team can help you, phone (0191) 295 2355 for an informal chat.
If you register with the project before May 11, you will be entered into a prize draw to win an 8gb iPod Nano!
Did you know? Don’t miss any key events, meetings or activities across the borough – you can follow our official tweets by going to twitter.com/NTCouncilTeam
Celebrate your coast! An ambitious project is inviting local people to capture the spirit of the region’s coastline – through photographs, drawings or poems.
Newcastle University has launched the
year-long project, called Sea Change NE, to mark the Year of Sustainability 2011.
The aims are to highlight the rich diversity
of the North East coastline and encourage people, especially the young, to explore their local environment.
“We’re inviting everyone to capture what
the environment means to them
personally,” said Dr Jane Delany, of the
university’s Dove Marine Laboratory in Cullercoats.
“Have you noticed something special
happening at a particular time of year or is there a unique location that you want the
rest of the region to know about?”
Submitted pieces can represent any aspect
of the environment (natural or man-made)
along the coast, estuaries or tidal stretches
of our local rivers – anywhere from
Berwick to the Tees estuary.
The pieces can explore seasonal changes –
in animals, plants and habitats – views of
nature and landscapes (above or below the waterline), or how people use and enjoy
Formats Photos can be colour, or black and white, and taken with any standard of digital camera or mobile phone. Drawings and paintings should be of a high enough resolution to be scanned and saved at 300dpi. Poems should be up to 100 words. It is not possible to return any submissions.
the coast.
How to send your work
“All members of the public are invited to
●
take part, but we are particularly keen to
hear from young people,” said Dr Delany.
“If schools would like to make this a special
●
project, we can provide support and advice.”
Selected entries will be published in a book
●
All profits will go to an environmental
●
that will be on sale throughout the region.
charity nominated by schools taking part in
the project.
●
Save the image (JPEG or TIF) on a CD disk, memory stick or as a computer file.
Save as: month_yourname_description (for example: Feb_MrJones_Tynefish) Send the image by post, email or mailbigfile to the addresses below. Please include contact details – name, phone number, email or postal address.
If your entry is chosen, you will be asked to contribute a few sentences outlining your work and what it means to you.
Addresses
Post: Sea Change NE, Newcastle University, Dove Marine Laboratory, Front Street, Cullercoats,Tyne and Wear, NE30 4PZ. (0191) 222 3058. Email: photoproject@ncl.ac.uk
Mailbigfile: www.mailbigfile.com/free (to above email address).
For more information, visit: www.ncl.ac.uk/marine/learning/seachange This article was written by AndrewYounger, a student at Churchill Community College, while on work experience.
27
Primary Care Trusts are the local part of your such as those provided by GPs, district nurses,
New movie is good for your health North Tyneside Primary Care Trust (PCT) and partners have launched a new DVD that showcases how local families can make the change to healthy living.
To celebrate, children who’ve changed their lifestyles thanks to North Tyneside Change4Life programmes were given the red carpet treatment when the film was premiered at the Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle. The PCT commissioned the movie as part of a package of measures to help families cut childhood obesity by getting
involved with Change4Life support services.
Dr Dawn Scott, public health consultant for childhood obesity at North Tyneside PCT, said:“We know that children, young people and their families need to hear and learn about local Change4Life programmes through the experiences of those who’ve been there and done it. “Hearing how children and families have changed their lifestyles can be very powerful. It helps to dispel some of the myths and fears people have when they consider joining one of the programmes.”
Change4Life is a lifestyle revolution involving thousands of local organisations and charities to help mums, dads and families eat well, move more and live longer.
In North Tyneside, there are a range of exciting opportunities for families and children to change their lives. Anyone who wants to get involved with Change4Life should register at www.nhs.uk/change4life. Screen stars: Dr Dawn Scott and Dr Meng Khaw, acting director of public health, with some of the young people involved in the Change4Life film.
Approval for local pharmacies
A poll of North Tyneside residents about the quality of local pharmacy services concluded that the majority believe them to be either ‘very good’ or ‘quite good’.
●
●
Some of the other key findings were: ●
28
Extended opening hours, having stocks of the medications required and clearly displayed information on opening times were all given as things that could make a visit to the pharmacy easier.
Late evening and Sunday opening were the most popular of the options for extending hours. The most popular suggestion for services that would attract residents to pharmacies was for a general health check (to include blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol checks and testing for diabetes).
The questionnaire was part of a formal consultation around a document called a draft Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA).
widening horizons • March 2011
The PNAs (one each for Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland) will be used to judge applications to open new pharmacies and to help primary care organisations commission the right services from pharmacies. Dr Mike Guy, Medical Director at North Tyneside PCT, said:“The feedback is very important in helping us to assess current services and to plan for the future.” The PNA and consultation report are available to download from www.northtynesidepct.nhs.uk
NHS and run community healthcare services, health visitors and specialist therapists.
Students welcome having their say
Pupils are helping North Tyneside nurses learn what suits them when it comes to staying healthy. Members of the borough’s Public
Health School Nursing Team have been asking students at Norham
Community College in North Shields
and Churchill Community College in Wallsend about the services they’d
like to see.
Review of children’s heart services
A national review into the future of children’s heart services in England has proposed four options to reduce the number of hospitals providing children’s heart surgery from 11 to six or seven.
would provide children’s cardiology services – they will not close.The Freeman Hospital in Newcastle is one of the 11 hospitals currently providing children’s heart surgery services.
Under the new proposals, hospitals carrying out children’s heart surgery would need to meet tough new quality standards. It is envisaged that surgical centres that do not provide children’s heart surgery
A four-month consultation on the proposals began at the end of February. For information on the four options, and how you can give your views, visit: www.specialisedservices.nhs.uk
The aim is to use the lessons learned from the 11 to 18 year-olds to shape general and sexual health services in
schools – and to win a Department of Health “You’re welcome” accreditation.
Fact finders: Members of the nursing team involved in the school survey.
29
Repairs are underway Highways staff have repaired more than 1,700 potholes across North Tyneside since the beginning of December.
Along with many parts of the country, the
borough’s roads were badly affected by the severe weather, which included heavy falls of snow and prolonged sub-zero temperatures.
Highways maintenance staff will normally
inspect potholes within a day of them
being reported.
The aim is to carry out repairs within
24 hours if the pothole is considered an immediate danger to the public – otherwise, within 10 days.
You can report a pothole by phoning
(0191) 643 6130, emailing
A team of inspectors are assessing more
highways.environment@northtyneside.gov.uk
reports from residents, drivers, councillors
www.northtyneside.gov.uk – using the
than 500 miles of road and responding to
or online at the council website,
and cyclists.
‘report it’ tab on the home page.
The council has allocated £150,000 to
A major scheme is underway to improve
work but some roads need a longer-term
It includes introducing a maximum parking
carry out minor patching and resurfacing
solution and these will be considered as
part of the annual programme of work.
parking in Tynemouth Front Street.
stay of four hours during the day; dedicated loading bays and extra parking for taxis.
We need your views
Residents can now provide feedback to the council after highway maintenance work has been carried out in their street.
Questionnaires are posted through the doors of householders, asking for their views on various matters, such as the level of disruption, the quality of the work carried out and the attitude of staff.
Residents can also comment online at the council website. Click on ‘parking, roads and transport’ on the home page, then ‘roads, highways and pavements’ – the customer satisfaction survey is on the right-hand side. The feedback will help the council to monitor performance and improve its highway maintenance service.
Silverlink work starts Work has started on a £2.8m improvement scheme at the A19/A1058 Silverlink roundabout.
The work, which is due to finish in the summer, will increase the roundabout’s capacity by 1,200 vehicles per hour.
Parts of the carriageway will be widened from three lanes to four and new traffic signals will be installed.
The A19 approaches will be widened from two lanes to four while the Coast Road eastbound exit slip road will be widened from two lanes to three.
Making good: Highways staff are carrying out the painstaking job of filling in the borough’s potholes.
The work will reduce congestion and improve safety ahead of the planned opening of both Tyne tunnels in December.
31
X
UK ParliamentaryVoting System Refere
● ● ● ● ●
Make sure nothing stops You should contact us if you have recently moved, changed your na
Importa
Last day to submit a registration application form to be included on the Regi Deadline to submit a new application for a postal vote – 5pm on Thursday, A Deadline to submit any changes to, or cancel existing postal or proxy votes – Deadline to submit a new application for a proxy vote – 5pm on Thursday, A Deadline to apply for a proxy vote on grounds of a medical emergency – 5p
Poll cards for Electors voting in person
We will send a poll card/notice to all voters who are voting in person.These will be delivered during the last week of Ma polling station is. You do not need your poll card/notice in order to vote but it is helpful to take it along.
Voting in person
Polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm on Thursday, May 5. Staff inside the polling station will ask for your name a You can show them your poll card/notice if you have taken it, but you don’t need it to vote. All polling stations should have disabled access. If you need assistance with access, help filling in your ballot papers, or are to assist you.
Voting by post
Postal voter poll cards will be delivered during the last week of March.This is to remind you that you have applied for a p Applications to vote by post will be accepted up until 5pm on Thursday, April 14. Anyone aged 18 or over can apply for a postal vote.You do not need a reason to vote by post. A postal vote can be sent to your home address or any other address that you give. Postal votes can be sent overseas but you need to consider whether there will be enough time to receive and return you If you no longer wish to vote by post, you can cancel your postal vote by writing to the electoral registration officer by 5p
When will you get your postal voting papers?
Postal votes will be sent out from Tuesday April 19. Please remember to send back your postal vote as early as possible. If you haven’t received your posta you are registered to receive a postal vote and issue a replacement if necessary, up until 5pm on electi
I’ve spoilt/lost my ballot papers/postal voting statement.What do I do?
You can get a replacement up until 5pm on election day. You must pick it up in person. If you have spoilt your ballot papers, you need to return the whole pack that was sent to you. A form of identification is r Remember, if you have applied to vote by post, you cannot vote in person at the polling station.
Voting by proxy
Applications to vote by proxy will be accepted up until 5pm on Thursday, April 21. If you become incapacitated after Apri accepted up until 5pm on election day, subject to support by a prescribed relevant person. Contact us for further inform 32
widening horizons • March 2011
endum and Local Election – Thursday, May 5 2011
s you from voting – register now
me, or your circumstances have changed in another way that may affect how you vote.
ant dates
ster of Electors (in order to be able to vote in the May election) – Thursday, April 14. April 14. – 5pm on Thursday, April 14. April 21. pm on election day.
rch. Your poll card/notice will tell you where your
nd address and check you are on the electoral register.
unsure what to do, the polling station staff will be able
ostal vote.
ur ballot papers by election day. pm on Thursday, April 14.
al vote by April 27, contact us - we can check on day.
required before a replacement ballot pack can be issued.
l 21, applications for an emergency proxy vote will be ation.
CONTACT US Helpline: (0191) 643 2270 Fax: (0191) 643 2430
Email: elections@northtyneside.gov.uk
Web: www.northtyneside.gov.uk Write or visit: Electoral Services NorthTyneside Council Quadrant The Silverlink North Cobalt Business Park NorthTyneside NE27 0BY
33
It’s time to get active!
From aerobics to zumba – there’s always something new or different to try out at your local leisure centre.
Here are just some of the sessions currently available. For a full list of what’s happening, ring your local centre or visit the council website – www.northtyneside.gov.uk
Free swims Hadrian Leisure Centre – 3.30 to 4.30pm (Friday); 11am to 1pm (Saturday); 1 to 3pm (Sunday). Lakeside Centre – 5 to 6pm (Thursday); 10.30am to 12.30pm (Saturday and Sunday). Tynemouth Pool – 4.30 to 5.30pm (Friday); 10.30am to 12.30pm (Saturday and Sunday). Waves – 4.30 to 5.30pm (Monday); 10.30am to 12.30pm (Saturday); 3 to 4.15pm (Sunday)
Healthy4Life A free healthy lifestyle programme to help children and families make positive changes to maintain a healthy weight.
The clubs run at sports centres across North Tyneside and children take part in fun sports and activity sessions. Families can learn about healthy eating and how to make a healthier lifestyle choice.
For children aged between 7 and 14. (Children must attend with a parent or guardian.)
To find out more, contact the Children’s Health and Activity Team (CHAT) on (0191) 643 6454 or email CHAT@northtyneside.gov.uk
Aqua natal classes Expectant mums looking to keep fit can try out the sessions at Tynemouth Pool – every Wednesday from 9.15 to 10am and from 5 to 5.45pm.
IZONS R O H G WIDENIN e r th Tynesid o N t r o p S The water-based activity uses resistance work without straining joints. Classes are £3.50 with a standard ease card and £2.50 with a priority ease card. For more details, contact the pool on (0191) 643 2900.
Hadrian Leisure Centre Junior dance mats (Saturday) – 1 to 2pm for 6 to 8 year-olds;
2 to 3pm for 9 to 15 year-olds. £1.90 with ease card. Advanced circuits (Sunday) – 1.30 to 2.30pm.Try this boot camp circuits class. You’ll be put through your paces! £4.30, £3.50 (with ease card) and £2.50 (Priority ease card). Free for Contours members. For more details, phone the centre on (0191) 643 2025.
Keep up to date with our new electronic newsletter!
Signing up to receive the e-newsletter is an easy way of finding out what’s happening at all our leisure centres.
Just visit the council website – go to ‘leisure centres’, see ‘promotions and offers’ and register online.
Burradon Community Centre
has a programme of activities – for children and adults – every day except Sunday.
Sessions include street dance, karate, dance mats, zumba and street soccer. Contact Donna Scott or Hannah Turnbull on (0191) 643 7040 for times and prices.
34
widening horizons • December 2010
It’s time to get bowled over!
Would you like to try your hand at playing bowls? Well now you can!
A series of taster sessions are taking place across the borough during May and club members and coaches will be on hand to welcome anyone who wants to give it a go or just find out more.
The sessions will be held on Saturdays – May 7, 14, 21 and 28 – between 10am and noon at: ●
●
●
Innisfree BC – the Oxford Centre, Longbenton.
Tynemouth Men’s BC – Tynemouth Park. Collingwood – The Parks Sports Centre, North Shields.
Similar sessions are also planned for Cowpen and Croften BC, Ponteland BC and Benfield. In addition, the Widening Horizons 4 Sport initiative will be supporting a
number of extra sessions at local bowling clubs across North Tyneside.
If you would like to find out about your local bowling club and book a free ‘come and try session’, please contact Sport North Tyneside on (0191) 643 7444.
Further information about the clubs in your area can be found on the www.sportnorthtyneside.org.uk website.
Raising awareness
Bowls North of the Tyne, in partnership with the council’s Widening Horizons 4 Sport initiative, is planning a series of events to help raise awareness of bowls across the borough and increase participation.
Bowls North of the Tyne has secured a grant from the Bowls Alliance which will allow a year-long calendar of events to take place across North Tyneside, Newcastle and Northumberland.
The health and social benefits of bowling can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
S
por ts SHO RTS Plans for a new sports complex for Seaton Burn have been given the green light by the Secretary of State.
Detailed discussions can now start on developing the site, which will be located on and alongside Seaton Burn recreation ground.
The new complex will include 10 all-weather sports pitches, pitch and putt course, driving range and children’s play area.The existing bowling green and cricket pitch will be retained. A new indoor tennis centre has opened at Churchill Community College,Wallsend.
It is hoped Tennis @ Churchill – which has four courts – will encourage more people to take up the game.
Students from the college will use the centre during the day and it will be available for tennis clubs and the public during evenings and weekends. A new £1.2m sports pavilion is providing up-to-date facilities in Forest Hall.
East Palmersville Sports Pavilion, off Great Lime Road, has replaced a dilapidated 40 year-old timber community centre.
It features a multi-purpose activity hall, meeting room, changing rooms, kitchen, first-aid room and storage areas. Outside, there’s a floodlit multi-use games area, football pitches and car park.
35
Changes to ease EXTRA card scheme
It’s now easier for a young person to get a 0-16 ease EXTRA card and start reaping the benefits. Since ease EXTRA’s launch in October
However, many young people who want a 0-16 card told us the PASS proof of age
element prevented them applying because
it meant they had to provide a passport.
2009, more than 2,000 residents have
We have now removed the PASS hologram
combined library and leisure centre
longer required. Existing cards will still
signed up to the scheme, which offers membership plus exclusive deals from a host of organisations.
There has been low demand for 17-24
ease EXTRA cards so we’ve stopped
issuing them but the 0-16 card has proved popular.
from the card, meaning a passport is no
provide valid proof of age.
Meanwhile, although the concessionary
travel element of the card has been quite
well used, Nexus is introducing new smart
card technology to its travel passes, which is
incompatible with ease EXTRA cards.
Initiative continues to grow Businesswoman Melanie Torgersen is helping the ease EXTRA 60+ scheme to flourish. Her flower shop, Bloomingdays, is the latest business to support the initiative, which provides a range of discounts for local people aged over 60.
The shop in Front Street, Monkseaton, joins the like of O2, Blue Reef Aquarium and DFDS Seaways as members of the council scheme.
“I’m delighted to be able to offer 10 per cent off all flowers for cardholders,” she said.“I’d encourage anyone who’s eligible for a card to get one.
36
“The benefits, such as special rates at the council’s leisure facilities, are excellent.
“Why pay more when you don’t have to?”
Having an ease EXTRA 60+ card entitles you to a variety of great benefits, including: ● ●
Exclusive retail discounts and offers.
Money off council services, including gyms, exercise classes and allotments.
And combined membership of the council’s libraries and leisure facilities means there’s no need to carry two separate cards.
widening horizons • March 2011
As a result, new cards no longer include
concessionary travel. Existing ease EXTRA cards cannot be used as a concessionary travel pass after July 31, 2011.
The 0-16 ease EXTRA card and ease EXTRA 60+ card (for residents aged 60 and over) are available from all leisure centres and libraries.
For further information, visit
www.northtyneside.gov.uk
Take the pain out of planning your street party
The Royal Wedding takes place on Friday,April 29, and some residents may wish to celebrate the marriage of PrinceWilliam and Kate Middleton by organising their own street party. Street parties can be an enjoyable way for
neighbours to meet one another and build
community spirit.
Organising an event is usually very
straightforward and, if it’s classed as a ‘small scale community event’, only requires filling in a simple form.
Please get in touch with our events team as soon as possible to discuss your plans.
They will confirm if it’s a small scale
community event – organised by and for
residents in one or two small streets – and
then ask you to complete the form.
Remember to consult your neighbours and
other local residents who may be affected
by the street party.
Centre opens a window on past
This historic image of residents in the Bull Ring, North Shields, having a Victory Tea to mark the end of the First World War, was provided by the council’s Local Studies Centre.
Whether researching your village, the
If it’s a larger event, the team can advise if
history of your house, local industry
needed and liaise with other council
Central Library in Northumberland
some form of insurance policy may be
departments such as highways and licensing
where necessary.
For further information, contact the events
team on (0191) 643 7409 or email events@northtyneside.gov.uk
or your family tree, the service at the Square, North Shields, is the place
to start.
The centre collects and makes
available material relating to the
people and places that make up the borough, including census returns,
more than 50,000 photographs, maps and newspapers dating back to 1854, as well as a vast amount of cuttings
and other materials.
If you would like to get in touch with
the team, phone (0191) 643 5270
or email
local.studies@northtyneside.gov.uk
Royal occasion: Prince William and Kate Middleton are due to marry on April 29.
37
Project aims to curb under-age drinking A new initiative aims to reduce the number of young people drinking alcohol and make communities safer for local residents. The multi-agency 'Off Watch' project is designed to reduce kerbside drinking by young people and provide them with a range of activities on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The locations of the sessions were agreed after consultations with various groups of young people.
In addition to the activities, youth workers are working with young people in the south east of the borough who have been affected by drinking and other risky behaviour.
The initiative also aims to raise awareness that risky behaviour can have a negative impact on personal health and wellbeing.
More than 20 retailers in the North Shields area have signed up to ‘Off Watch’ by agreeing to mark cheaper alcohol – often bought by under-age drinkers – with a special code.
If found in the possession of young people, police and council staff can then track any bottles and cans back to the source and take the necessary action.
Police in North Shields are working closely with the council’s trading standards team to offer support to off-licence staff and remind them of the need to remain vigilant so that alcohol does not get into the hands of children.
If you would like more information on ‘Off Watch’, please visit the council website: www.northtyneside.gov.uk
How you can help
You can help to reduce the amount of alcohol being passed on to younger people. If you find a bottle in the street labelled ‘Safer North Tyneside’ please: ●
●
Make a note of the code on the bottle, the type of alcohol it contained and where you found it. Call North Shields Neighbourhood Police Team on 03456 043 043 and give the code on the bottle.
It is important that shops which may be selling alcohol to young people, or have a problem with proxy sales, are identified.
Any person over 18 found to be buying alcohol for younger people will be prosecuted and banned from entering shops supporting the scheme.
(Please note: Residents over 18 should not report bottles bought for their own use – as this is not illegal.)
Joining forces
The ‘Off Watch’ initiative involves
the council, police, local primary care trust, Norham Community
Technology College (full service
extended school),YMCA North
Tyneside and Phoenix Detached
Youth Project .
The aims are to provide a wide
range of opportunities for young
people and to benefit residents by creating safer communities.
38
widening horizons • March 2011
Exciting plans for town centres
Ne w
BRIEs in F Elected Mayor Linda Arkley and other civic leaders were among the first to travel through the new Tyne Tunnel when it opened to motorists last month.
“This is a fantastic milestone,” said Mrs Arkley.“It will strengthen the region’s transport network and make us increasingly attractive for business and further investment.”
The new tunnel is operating with one lane in each direction while the original tunnel is closed for refurbishment. Both tunnels are expected to be open to traffic by the beginning of 2012.
Developers have confirmed plans to revamp North Shields and Wallsend shopping centres.
And the public have a chance to give their views on the proposals at two special area forums, organised by the council.
In North Shields, Baronsgate Estates proposes to increase retail space at the Beacon Centre by 10,000ft and reconfigure the existing layout to accommodate a new internal second mall with 10 new shops.
The town is already the focus of major investment by Nexus, which is carrying out a £3m rebuild of the station as part of its Metro:all change programme.
When completed, the station will provide a new gateway to the shopping centre with a bright new entrance concourse with shops and lifts to platforms for the first time. In Wallsend, the Forum shopping centre has recently been acquired by NewRiver.
The council has confirmed its commitment to work with the new owners by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with
NewRiver to significantly invest in and regenerate the shopping centre and surrounding area.
Elected Mayor Linda Arkley said: “The shopping centres of North Shields and Wallsend are at the heart of our regeneration plans for both towns.
“These proposals mark a commitment by the developers to invest in their growth and future success.The special area forums are providing the public with an opportunity to see what is planned, and ask any questions they may have.” ●
●
The proposals for North Shields will be displayed at a special area forum at the Saville Exchange, Saville Street, on Monday, March 21 (6.30 to 8.30pm).
The plans for Wallsend will be displayed at a special area forum in The Forum Shopping Centre,Wallsend on Tuesday, March 22 (6.30 to 8.30pm).
A new book, detailing the history of the Spanish City Dome, is on sale for £12.99 at local libraries, tourist information centres and St Mary’s Lighthouse.
The Dome of Memories is based on last year’s successful exhibition, which attracted more than 15,000 visitors, and includes previously unpublished plans and photographs.
Copies are also on sale at local bookshops or by phoning Chris Bishop at North Tyneside Council on (0191) 643 7413 or emailing chris.bishop@northtyneside.gov.uk
A long-established restaurant – among the first to benefit from a council grants scheme – has won a national award.
Pantrini’s in Whitley Bay picked up the staff training and development category at the annual National Fish & Chip Awards.
The restaurant received a £5,000 grant in 2009 to improve its shop frontage. The grants scheme is part of the council’s response to helping local businesses in the current economic climate.
39
The Business Factory puts the spark into enterprise! Flying Sparks is an exciting new competition to discover enterprising local people and put them firmly in the spotlight. The team at The Business Factory are
looking for the most enterprising people in North Tyneside – Flying Sparks is
open to anyone living in the borough
(aged over 16) with a spark of an idea for a business.
All you have to do is pitch your
business idea to a panel of entrepreneurs, who will choose three winners to receive intensive start-up support
packages to develop their idea.
The awards include: ●
Youth Award for Under-25s
●
Best Social Enterprise Idea
●
Overall Flying Spark Award
The competition will take place on
Thursday, March 24, between 10am and
7pm, at the Saville Exchange in North
Shields.
The winners, or ‘Brightest Sparks’, will
Everyone who enters Flying
Sparks will receive free one-to-one
support from the Enterprise
Coaching Team at The Business
Factory – so no-one will be leaving empty-handed.
To take part in the Flying Sparks
competition, please call
(0191) 263 6092 or email
info@businessfactorynt.co.uk
get a Business in a Box from TEDCO
containing all the information needed to
start up in business, including free business
cards and sales contacts.They will also
receive marketing and research support
from TEDCO and a brand new NetBook.
Need a business idea?
The Business Factory’s ‘Ideas Bank’ is a database of business ideas and opportunities specific to North Tyneside. It is an online service that clients can log into and browse at their leisure.
40
It covers a range of different sectors
from manufacturing, retail and beauty
therapy to online ventures such as setting up an eBay store.
The Ideas Bank now has nearly 400
opportunities for potential businesses, including everything from online
ventures to franchises.Visit:
www.businessfactorynt.co.uk.
widening horizons • March 2011
Workshops
If you’d prefer a more personal service, the Ideas Team will be delivering the following workshops to help you develop your ideas and start making some money!
Healthy eating is on the cards Two entrepreneurs are bringing fresh fruit and veg to the doors of local residents with their joint venture, Harvest2Home. Craig Thompson, 31, and Graeme Cansdale, 39, both from Wallsend, have set up a service that allows customers to order fruit and vegetables that are delivered to the door.
The idea to set up Harvest2Home came to Craig after he began researching his family history and discovered that his greatgreat-grandfather ran Atkinsons, a popular local grocery shop where coincidentally, Graeme’s mother had been an employee. With their idea ready and even a name for the business in mind, Craig and Graeme contacted The Business Factory to find out how they could develop their business. The Business Factory, on High Street West in Wallsend, is the council’s one-stop shop for budding entrepreneurs.
Craig said:“I’d worked on a previous idea with our business adviser, George Wafer, so I was keen to seek his advice when Graeme and I decided to go for it and start Harvest2Home.”
By offering new and traditional recipes that use the ingredients they deliver, Craig and Graeme hope their customers will enjoy seasonal food, produce less waste and save money.
George provided practical advice on starting up, such as conducting market research and clarifying the logistics of running a business.
As the business progresses, the pair hope to start working in schools to promote healthy eating to students.
“We took his advice on board,” said Graeme.“We’ve been delivering fresh produce direct to people’s doors now for several months and things are looking great as we head into 2011.” Harvest2Home buys fresh fruit and vegetables daily from local traders and delivers pre-ordered selections direct to the customer in recyclable boxes.They also include herbs, spices and recipe cards specific to the ingredients the customers purchase.
●
Sales – Thursday, March 24 (9.30am to 11am) at the Bradbury Centre, North Shields.
●
Market research – Monday,April 4 (1pm to 2.30pm) at Howdon Community Centre.
●
●
●
For more information about Harvest2Home, or to place an order, visit www.harvest-2-home.co.uk or call 0797 444 5113.
The Business Factory is based at 86 High Street West, Wallsend NE28 8HY. You can also call (0191) 263 6092 or email: info@businessfactorynt.co.uk
Networking – Monday,April 11 (1pm to 2.30pm) at Howdon Community Centre.
Should I take on a franchise? – Wednesday,April 13 (6pm to 8pm) at Newcastle Business Village, Benton.
Marketing – Monday,April 18 (1pm to 2.30pm) at Howdon Community Centre.
41
Ne w
BRIEs in F Solar panels could be installed on homes and buildings across the borough. The initiative would cut the council’s carbon footprint, reduce fuel bills for tenants and other householders, and generate income for the authority. Under the government-backed scheme, installers would fit and maintain the solar panels on suitable buildings at no cost to council tenants or homeowners. Richardson Dees Park – which forms part of Wallsend Parks – has opened an outdoor gym. The gym includes stretching points, sit-up benches and a ski stepper and is situated next to the south gate on Kings Road South. The outdoor gym is one of the first projects planned for Wallsend Parks as part of a £7m regeneration scheme. Howdon Children’s Centre is staging a day of fun activities on Saturday, March 26 to mark its 10th anniversary. The event will be opened at 11am by Newcastle Falcons star Micky Ward and there will be guest appearances by favourite TV characters. Other activities include face painting, balloon modelling, arts and crafts, and a fancy dress parade. North Tyneside Steel Band and the Sea Cadets Display Band will be performing.
42
widening horizons
Rebecca is the new Young Mayor Young people in the borough have elected Rebecca Leighton as their new Young Mayor. Rebecca, a student at St Thomas More High School, polled 2,836 of the 5,993 votes cast.
She took over from the previous holder of the post, John Akinropo, at the beginning of December. The ballot was combined with elections for
North Tyneside’s Youth Council and around 14,500 young people were eligible to vote. Rebecca said:“I’m really overwhelmed to have won and very grateful for the votes and support. My family and school have been especially supportive.” Her manifesto included a promise to improve perceptions of young people and that’s now her priority.
“I’d like to improve the image of young
people, especially among older people and I definitely want to carry on with
the intergenerational work that my
predecessor, John Akinropo, began,”
she added.
Elected Mayor Linda Arkley presented
Rebecca with her medal of office (below)
and witnessed the signing of the Young
Mayor’s pledge.
She said:“I am looking forward to working
with Rebecca over the coming year and
together I hope we can make some real
improvements for young people.”
The Young Mayor and Youth Cabinet act
as representatives for the borough’s young people and play an active role in the
development of services for them.
Think before you flush
We all take for granted the fact that our toilets flush but flushing away other items can be dangerous and damaging to the environment.
Our sewerage systems were only designed to deal with three things – urine, faeces and toilet tissue. Anything else can cause real problems.
It may be a case of ‘out of sight, out of mind’ but items such as tampons, sanitary towels, nappies, wet wipes and cotton buds can all cause blockages in the drains, the sewers or at the treatment works. Unblocking the sewerage system is expensive for Northumbrian Water and if you block your household drain it could cost you a lot of money to get someone to clear it.
It’s possible that some items, such as condoms or used needles, can end up on beaches or riverbanks. Not only do they look unsightly but they can cause harm to a young child or wildlife.
Please make sure that you dispose of your personal waste in a responsible way. Items such as disposable nappies, sanitary towels, tampons and condoms should be wrapped well and put in the bin along with other household waste. Unwanted oil, paint and chemicals should be taken to the council’s recycling centre for safe disposal. (If the material reaches the sewage treatment works, it will kill the natural bugs that clean the sewage.)
Put your sink on a fat-free diet! Grease and cooking fat should never be poured down the sink because it will cool, solidify and gradually block the pipe. Instead, let it solidify and put it into a container in your bin or mix it with seeds and make fat balls for the birds in your garden!
Used cooking oil should be allowed
to cool, poured into an old
container and put in the bin.
Small amounts can be mopped up
with kitchen towels and binned.
Factfile
Around 75 per cent of blocked
Help keep it clean: The wrong items flushed down the toilet can end up on the beach. They look unsightly and could be harmful to children or wildlife.
drains are caused by sanitary
protection products.
An estimated 9,000 tonnes of
sanitary plastics and flushed waste
items are removed from sewage by Northumbrian Water every year. Tampons can take six months to
biodegrade in the sea while plastics can remain in the environment almost indefinitely.
Nationally, the clean-up bill is around £14bn every year.
To find out more, visit the Northumbrian Water website – www.nwl.co.uk 43
A day in the life of . . . fostering service manager Paula Gibbons Paula has been with the council since 1994 and has managed the Fostering Service for eight years.
Her job is to make sure children and young people from North Tyneside, who can’t live at home with their parents, are found a loving and supportive foster family that’s right for them. There are 11 social workers in her team, supported by one fostering recruiter and trainer and three administrators. 9am I call into our offices at Wallsend Town Hall to pick up some files before I head out to a ‘second opinion’ visit with a couple who’ve applied to be foster carers.
They’ve already been assessed by one of our social workers, and now I’m going to see them for myself. I’ve read the social worker’s report and I need to make sure our judgments are the same.
I do this with each and every one of our prospective foster carers, so I know we’re getting the right people for the job. I also enjoy meeting them and putting a face to a form. 11.30am I’m back at the office to write up my report on the visit.The couple seem very capable and have all the qualities we’re looking for.
My report is detailed and takes me around two hours. I file it with their fostering assessment, and they’ll both be presented when the couple’s application goes to our fostering panel for a final decision, later in the month.
44
1.30pm I wander along Wallsend High Street to buy a sandwich for my lunch. I bring it back to the office, and make time to catch up with some of the team who are also having lunch. 2.15pm I catch up on some paperwork, which includes verifying some Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks. All our carers go through rigorous checks – and the CRB check is repeated every three years, for as long as the carer remains approved by us.
I also look through some post-placement questionnaires which have just arrived. The questionnaires are completed by everyone involved in a fostering placement – including the child, the carer, the birth parent and the social worker. It’s great when they’re all positive and the child is
widening horizons • March 2011
doing well. It’s one of the best parts of the job. 3.30pm I’m off to a meeting of the North Tyneside Fostering Network.This is a group of foster carers who meet regularly as a committee, to represent all our carers. The committee are elected, and carers can take issues to the network if they don’t feel comfortable bringing them to me or my team.
There are no issues to raise today so the group are discussing their next social event – an Easter party. Our carers find regular social events really valuable and it also means the children they look after, and their own children, get a chance to socialise with each other.
Have you got the skills to foster? Are you? ● ● ● ●
Energetic and enthusiastic Resilient and positive Firm and fair
Consistent and caring
Do you? ● ●
Have experience with children Have room in your home
What you get in return ●
5pm I’m back at Wallsend Town Hall for the monthly Children Who Foster group.This is for birth children whose parents have chosen to foster, to help them with their experiences of sharing their home with a foster child.
The sessions give the kids some space and attention of their own, and they’re really good fun.We tuck into some drinks and snacks before the group start looking at a new web area they’re helping to develop. They’re also designing a new logo for their group as they think the old one is a bit out of date! 7pm
I arrive home a bit later than normal, so my son is just finishing his homework. We watch some TV together and I find out what he’s been up to. However, I’m still on
call until 8.30am tomorrow morning, which means I’m available to offer telephone support to foster carers who might need extra help. I can also organise emergency foster care if it’s needed. 11pm I get a call from a foster carer about a young lad who hasn't returned home to his placement after going out with friends.The lad has just been placed with this carer, and this isn’t the first time he’s been late. As we’re talking, he arrives back, which is a relief but we agree that her supervising social worker will get in touch tomorrow and offer help and support in dealing with this behaviour. 11.30pm I head to bed, although my mobile will stay switched on and right next to me all night.
● ● ● ●
Fees of up to £500 a week, paid for 52 weeks a year An allowance per child 24-hour support
Full and ongoing training
14 days paid holiday a year
We urgently need more foster carers in North Tyneside. If you’d like to find out more about fostering with us, call (0191) 643 2540 or visit www.northtyneside.gov.uk
Did you know? You can apply directly for council or social housing in North Tyneside at www.nthomefinder.co.uk
45
Schemes look picture perfect These designs give an exciting glimpse into the future of sheltered accommodation in North Tyneside.
They show how the council’s Quality Homes for Older People initiative is set to transform housing for older people, delivering more than 900 new and refurbished homes in the borough.
It will involve extensively refurbishing 16 existing sheltered schemes and building 10 new ones.The works will also include communal facilities, landscaped gardens and energy efficiency measures. The council has been awarded £112.5m in PFI credits towards the project. Elected Mayor Linda Arkley lobbied ministers last year for the continued support of the initiative, which has been confirmed. North Tyneside is currently in discussions with two bidders, Solutions for North
Tyneside and TyneCare, over which will carry out the refurbishment and construction work.
The successful company will also be responsible for the repair and maintenance of the buildings and their gardens for 30 years. As part of the process, the bidders have been gathering views, preferences and ideas from tenants regarding the designs for their buildings. Feedback has also helped demonstrate the importance of other elements such as better security, improved heating control in individual apartments and buggy stores for mobility scooters. Once the final bidder is chosen, tenants will be able to have their say about the decorative finish within their homes and the communal facilities.
Praise for stroke services The care received by stroke survivors in North Tyneside is among the best in the country.
A national review by the Care Quality
●
●
Commission into how patients are
supported with life after stroke rated the borough as “best performing” –
●
Areas that were highlighted for
●
the highest category available. particular praise included:
●
46
Managing a smooth transfer home from hospital.
Artist’s impressions: Top – Crummock Court (TyneCare); Bottom – Victoria Court (Solutions for North Tyneside).
Early discharge from hospital supported by good community care packages.
Good support carers, enabling family members to care for people at home following a stroke.
Reviewing progress and checking up on how people were doing. Helping people to choose the right services.
More than 5,000 North Tyneside residents have had a stroke. Providing better stroke
widening horizons • March 2011
services and working to prevent strokes in those at risk is a joint priority for the council and NHS services in the borough.
Stroke service development is included in the joint commissioning strategy between the council’s adult social care service and NHS North of Tyne. It also forms part of the work for a new joint commissioning structure, which includes GP consortia.
Benefit can provide a big helping hand
If you are over 65 and have extra costs because of long-term health problems or disability, you may be entitled to claim Attendance Allowance. You could be eligible if you find it difficult
to manage some personal care tasks – like getting in and out of bed, dressing, bathing or eating – or if you need someone to keep you safe.
Lesley Crawford, welfare benefits
co-ordinator with the council, said people
could qualify for the allowance even if they didn’t have a package of care from social services.
“It doesn’t matter how much pension or savings you have,” she added.“These will
“You can even qualify if you live alone
and can only manage to do things by
yourself with a struggle.”
Attendance Allowance is currently paid
at two weekly rates – £47.80 or £71.40
and is based on the help someone needs, not the condition of their health.
It is a tax-free benefit and will not reduce other benefits, such as Pension Credit,
Housing or Council Tax Benefit.
In some cases, it can actually lead to a
substantial increase in those benefits, so make sure you let the people who pay
your benefits know about your award. Changes to Housing and Council Tax
Benefit - see page 57.
not be taken into consideration in assessing
Better quality of life
George and Gillian Charman, of North Shields, were surprised and delighted when George was awarded Attendance Allowance. “We’d always been used to providing for ourselves,” said Gillian.“It never
crossed my mind we might be eligible for any benefits.
“Now we can be much more
independent. It gives us more to
look forward to and a better quality
of life.”
For more information
your entitlement.
More independence: Gillian and George Charman.
To find out more about Attendance Allowance, please visit www.direct.gov.uk or call the Department for Work and Pensions helpline on 0800 882200. You may also be able to get more details from your local North Tyneside Citizens Advice Bureau or Age UK (formerly Age Concern).
Did you know? You can request special or bulky waste collections at www.northtyneside.gov.uk – a quick link is available under the ‘Request or apply for it’ tab.
47
Autism strategy developed Spotlight on autism
Autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) are lifelong, developmental disabilities that affect the way a person communicates and relates to people around them. People with autism have difficulties in developing relationships, understanding the feelings of other people and the social norms around communication.
Last year, the government published a national strategy for autism, called ‘Towards Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives’.
It gives guidance for councils to publish
their own local strategy around autism –
North Tyneside’s draft strategy will be
agreed in March and then published on the council’s website.
The local authority provides funds for
North Tyneside Carers’ Centre to host a
monthly support group for carers of adults with autism.
carers centre – Third Floor,YMCA Building,
Church Way, North Shields.
If you would like to know more, please
telephone the carers centre on 643 2298
or email enquiries@ntcarers.co.uk
Meanwhile, Pam Lawrence from the
North East Autism Consortium is working
with councils in the region to involve
people with autism and their families in
developing their plans.
If you would like to know more, please
telephone Pam on 0776 042 0251 or
email pamjlawrence1@googlemail.com
The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month (10am to noon) at the
Special event
Several groups – Education and Services for People with Autism (ESPA), Main Project, Daisy Chain and the North East Autism Consortium – are organising a two-day event to mark World Autism Day on April 2. Friday, April 1 sees a conference – free to all members of families with autism – at Middlesbrough Teaching and Learning Centre, Cargo Fleet Lane, Middlesbrough. The following day sees a family fun-day at Daisy Chain's Centre, Middlesbrough. If you would like more details, please contact Gill Linfoot on (0191) 516 5080 or email gill.linfoot@espa.org.uk
49
Help us to improve services
North Tyneside LINk gives individuals, groups and organisations in the borough a stronger voice on health and social care issues.
Your local involvement network is currently seeking more volunteers to ‘enter and view’ care services in North Tyneside. Volunteers visit health and care facilities to look at the services they provide and listen to the views of users, carers and staff. Their feedback will help the council make sure residents are getting the best quality of care.
What would I have to do? If you are visiting a care home, you look at how welcoming and comfortable it is and whether it is clean and well maintained.
Mary’s story
Mary Ayre joined North Tyneside LINk’s team of ‘enter and view’ volunteers last year and, along with her colleagues, has been talking to patients about the quality of care at North Tyneside General Hospital.
Mary said:“Being approached by strangers who want to ask questions can be alarming so we put the patient at their ease by explaining why we are there. Some patients are reluctant at first but soon are happy to tell us their hospital experiences.”
The volunteers have to relay the information to hospital managers in a way that doesn’t come across as criticism but does get over the views of the patients. They also make sure they include the many positive things that patients have to say about hospital staff and the care they received.
You listen to service users’ views on the quality and choice of food, the activities on offer and the support they get.
You find out if they have choice and control over their lives, such as when they go to bed or wake up in the morning and whether they can have a say about how the service is run.
Who can become an ‘enter and view’ volunteer? You can become a volunteer if you have an interest and some personal experience, or knowledge, of health and care services. You need to be a good listener, able to communicate with people and write up what you have seen and heard on your visit. You need to have the time to carry out the visits, and meet and train with other volunteers and the LINk team.
on the patient’s words,” added Mary. “We are the patient’s messengers rather than giving our personal opinions on the services.”
Mary found the ‘enter and view’ training sessions interesting and comprehensive.
She said:“I have learnt such a lot, met so many people with various skills who also want to offer their time but, most of all, I am pleased to be able, in a small way, to contribute something to the community.”
“It is important the hospital staff understand the ‘enter and view’ volunteers are passing
50
Widening horizons • March 2011
Will I get any training? Yes. All ‘enter and view’ volunteers must attend our training before they do any visiting.You will meet other volunteers and find out more about what is expected.
For more information, contact Johanne Mears or Alison Chalmers at LINk on (0191) 200 1429 or email link@voda.org.uk
Got something to say about health and social care services in North Tyneside? Join LINk, your local involvement network, and have a stronger voice. Through LINk you can keep
up-to-date on health and social care
changes, give your views at events
and by completing surveys, represent LINk at partnership meetings or join the LINk Board.
Find out more about LINk –
call us on (0191) 200 1429, email link@voda.org.uk or visit
www.linknorthtyneside.org.uk
It’s time for change! Life never stands still and we should embrace new opportunities where we can. At Age UK North Tyneside, we’re all about ‘Making more of life’. And that is exactly what we are doing. Making more of life at Cedar Grove
The centre in Wallsend is now open longer and at weekends – Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm; Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 4pm. There is so much happening you don’t want to miss. (Cedar Grove is for people supported to access daytime activities.)
Making more of life by receiving information and advice
Our team gives free, confidential and impartial advice to older people and their carers.We can help with welfare benefits, pension, tax and other financial matters, housing and property, health & social care, your rights, local services and so much more!
Making more of life through employment, learning and personal development
Making more of life in Jarretts’ Coffee Shop at the Bradbury Centre
Nothing beats a coffee and a chat, so pop along and enjoy the delights that our coffee shop can offer. There is always a friendly face and someone to talk too! We are open Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm.
Making more of life with insurance and other products
Age UK Enterprises offers a wide range of products and services which are designed with the over-50s in mind. Give us a call to see what we can offer.
Making more of life across the borough
There is always something happening on a street near you! Our community team is everywhere, offering Tai Chi, line dancing, walking, strength and balance classes, knitting, lunch clubs and much more.
Making more of life with OPEN (Older People’s EngAGEment Network)
OPEN is our way to hear what older people think and give them a voice to have a greater influence over the services and issues that affect them in their community.
Come on and make more of life with Age UK North Tyneside
Back on Board (BOB) offers professional guidance to people looking for employment and how to develop skills, knowledge, talents and potential. There is one-to-one guidance, group activities and a weekly jobs club helping job seekers to look for work, share skills and experience.
Making more of life with IT for All
At the Bradbury Centre, we offer short computer courses and our team will guide you through a course to meet your needs. We take IT into the community, too. Using laptops, the team will visit sheltered housing, community centres and other venues to help those less mobile to use computers and access the internet with confidence.
Age UK North Tyneside Bradbury Centre, 13 Saville Street West, North Shields
Telephone: (0191) 280 8484
enquiries@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk
51
Your council
New direction for public services
The council has unveiled a four-year plan that will establish a new direction for public services in the borough. North Tyneside’s ‘New Direction: Delivering Change, Efficiency and Improvement Plan’ will help the council become more efficient and its services more effective to local needs.
It will also prepare the authority for a radical and comprehensive reform to meet future challenges and provide more choice and diversity in public services, in line with central government guidance.
However, the council’s core principle – to
deliver services to the public that meet local needs – will remain.
Elected Mayor Linda Arkley said:“If the
council is to protect frontline services and
focus on improving outcomes for people, then a radical and comprehensive reform of how we do things is needed.
“We have already carried out an initial
review of the cost of all our services –
taking account of the views of our
“The Change, Efficiency and
Improvement Plan sets us on a new
direction that will enable us to meet the
challenges, take on board the
opportunities and become a responsive
organisation that puts residents and
taxpayers first.”
A report on the new four-year plan was submitted to a meeting of the council’s Cabinet on Monday, March 7.
Its programme will aim to deliver £40m
residents, staff, businesses, community and
of efficiencies, improve service quality,
authorities.
organisation, improve customer
voluntary sector and neighbouring
strengthen the resilience of the
experience and protect jobs locally. This will be achieved through a
programme of 21 projects under four themes: ● ● ● ●
Service reform and rationalisation Reducing overheads Putting customers first Releasing the potential of the
workforce.
A key aspect of delivering service reform
and rationalisation will be sharing services
with other organisations.
Initial discussions are already being held
with Northumberland County Council and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust around five service areas.
52
Widening horizons • March 2011
Efficiency drive To reduce its overheads, the council will be focusing on achieving efficiencies in its £154m budget for purchasing supplies and services; £11.5m of spending on its property portfolio and £7.2m spending on transport and vehicle requirements for its services. Cutting the council’s £13m annual energy and waste management bill will also be a priority.
By achieving efficiencies, the programme will be able to invest in improving the experience of its customers, including updating its technology and management of knowledge, rolling out a network of joint service centres and customer ‘touch points’ and establishing a consistent and improved approach to customer service.
Council staff are a key part of the project, which will be delivered through internal expertise and within existing resources.
The focus of this aspect of the project will be to develop leadership and equip staff to rise to challenges; better workforce planning and harnessing the expertise of employees, who have already identified potential savings of £500,000.
Business plans will be produced by the summer and these will form the basis of the Council Plan and budget proposals for 2012/13 and beyond.
Strategic Plan will deliver key priorities In these changing and challenging times, the council must make sure it is using its resources to deliver the key priorities for the borough.
It has developed a plan to set out how this will be done over the next four years, called the Widening Horizons Strategic Plan. The plan takes on board feedback from residents on what is most important to them and what they want to see happening in the borough. It sets out five key priorities: ● ● ● ● ●
Our people Our businesses Our resources Our environment Our place
The plan highlights what the council will do to make sure it is delivering what the people of North Tyneside need – both now and in the future – as well as ensuring that every penny spent of local taxpayers’ money provides excellent value for money. It is based on four core principles, which are at the heart of everything the council does – ensuring residents have access to excellent services; promoting the borough as the first choice for businesses; widening horizons for all our residents and visitors; recognising the needs of a growing, and changing, population.
➜ 53
Your council Here are some examples of what the council is doing on each of the five priorities in the Strategic Plan.
We will make sure that suitable housing is
available for everyone.This will include: ●
This priority will deliver new learning opportunities, through apprenticeships and work-based learning, including more skills and enterprise centres. There will be targeted support for children and young people who are underperforming and specialist support for families with specific needs or living in deprived neighbourhoods. The initiatives offered by the council will support residents to take independent decisions to access health, social care and other support they need, such as help to tackle debt.
housing with new UPVC doors,
windows and double glazing for all properties by the end of 2011/12.
Our people – giving every family
the opportunity to have an excellent quality of life and supporting all children to achieve their potential.
Nearly £15m being invested in council
●
Improved homes for older people –
the Quality Homes for Older People project – which will see 10 new
sheltered schemes and another 16
refurbished. ●
Working in partnership with developers, housing associations, private landlords
and housebuilders to deliver a mix of
2012 has been designated Year of the
Games and North Tyneside’s residents will
be asked to celebrate the London
Olympics and Paralympics in a boroughwide programme of events.
housing for the borough – from executive to affordable homes.
Our businesses – creating a
Our Widening Horizons 4 All programme
strong framework to support all businesses
activities and opportunities. It has already
economic opportunities.
will continue to involve people in new
been a major success with more than
25,000 children and young people getting
involved in sports and arts activities.
and enterprises to flourish and to improve This will include:
●
Work to regenerate the North Bank of
the Tyne.The potential growth of North
Sea wind farms could create 17,000
jobs in the North East, in areas
including the manufacture of wind
turbine equipment, fabrication, installation, management and
maintenance.The council is working
with public and private sector partners to bring new investment to the area -
and deliver a new Learning Village
where local people can develop the skills needed by new employers.
●
The council will support business and
enterprise through its Business Forum – with the aim of expanding the
borough’s economy and providing
more jobs. Businesses will be helped to
access Business Rate relief.
54
widening horizons • March 2011
Our resources – responding to
the reduction in public expenditure by changing what the council does, and how it does it, to cut costs and inefficiency and ensure services provide the best possible value. As across all areas of the country, the council is facing a cut in spending over the next four years.The Strategic Plan puts in place a programme to reduce waste, drive out inefficiencies and eradicate duplication.
The programme will look at how the council provides all its services, ensuring they are based on need and can deliver the best value for money. Where it can provide better value for money, the council will consider sharing services with other local authorities, as well as looking at different ways to deliver services. As part of this, the council will improve its customer services – enabling residents to have their queries dealt with speedily and accurately, whether in person, by phone or online.
● ●
●
This will include: ●
●
● ●
Providing high quality facilities and places to go – parks, sports and leisure facilities, and places for children and young people.
Reducing the council’s energy consumption and waste. Improving the environment.
Working with partners to tackle alcohol-related crime and reducing offending behaviour.
Encouraging tourism – helped by a programme of festivals and events.
Developing the borough’s retail centres,
not just Wallsend, North Shields,
Our place – encouraging residents
to have a greater say and take responsibility in their communities through a Big Society approach. There are three key elements:
Whitley Bay and Killingworth but also
●
Battle Hill, Collingwood Centre, Forest
●
the seven district centres at Tynemouth,
Our environment – to make
living and visiting North Tyneside a great experience, where the quality of life is good, communities are safe and neighbourhoods clean and green.
Improving roads and pavements.
Hall, Longbenton, Monkseaton and Whitley Lodge. ●
Regenerating the North Bank of the
Tyne and delivering the regeneration of Wallsend town centre.
●
Encouraging individuals to give time, effort or money.
Strengthening community and voluntary sector organisations so they can support different ways of public service delivery.
Empowering people to become more involved in decisions and their communities.The council is creating a Big Society Investment Fund of £100,000 to support this work.
This will build on the structures already in place, such as the council’s area forums and area housing forums.
Visit the council website – www.northtyneside.gov.uk – to find out more about the Strategic Plan. For more information about the Big Society in North Tyneside, see p15.
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Move on – move up! Gain a City & Guilds qualification in English or maths
You can study at one of our adult learning centres:
Level One is equivalent to GCSE grade D to G Level Two is equivalent to GCSE grade A to C
• • • •
White Swan, Killingworth Wallsend People’s Centre Norham Community Technology College Churchill Pavilion, Monkseaton
We can help you prepare for the qualification, whether you need just a few hours practice or up to 72 hours worth of tuition – and it’s all free!
These qualifications will improve your job prospects, help you to access other training courses and improve your spelling and punctuation.
You can begin at any point during the year, with flexible study times to fit around your lifestyle.
They can also help you to keep better track of your finances and even enable you to help your children or grandchildren with their homework! To find out more, ring (0191) 643 2288 to book an assessment at your preferred centre.
North Tyneside Council Adult Learning Alliance
www.northtyneside.gov.uk twitter.com/NTCouncilTeam
Changes to Housing and Council Tax benefit A number of changes to Housing and Council Tax benefit come into force on April 1. If you claim either or both of these benefits, the changes may affect you. The main changes are: ●
●
●
Increases to non-dependant deductions.
Legal changes if you live in a privatelyrented property and you need, and are provided with, overnight care. Legal changes if you live in a privatelyrented property and have moved or claimed benefit since April 1, 2008.
Non-dependant deductions If you have an adult living with you who is not your partner, and you are in receipt of Housing or Council Tax benefit, your entitlement is generally reduced because we have to make a non-dependant deduction from your entitlement for the adult living with you.
From April, the amount of deductions is increasing. Claimants in receipt of Housing benefit or Council Tax benefit who have their entitlements reduced because of a non-dependant deduction will receive less benefit from April.
or your partner must need overnight care which is provided by someone who does not live with you, and a bedroom must be available for the carer to use. Legal changes if you live in a privately-rented property and have moved or claimed benefit since April 1, 2008
The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rules have changed. This is the scheme we use to work out how much help you get towards your rent, based on how many bedrooms your household needs.
The changes will mean people in receipt of Housing benefit under the LHA rules will receive less benefit.The changes are: ●
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The LHA rates are reduced.This is because the way they are assessed has changed.
If you need any information about these changes, please telephone our contact centre on 0345 2000 104 or visit any customer service centre (see list on p4).
Did you know? You can now report, request or pay for many council services with one click from the www.northtyneside.gov.uk homepage.
The maximum amount of help you can receive will be the four bedroom rate.
Where your rent is less than the current LHA rate, you are presently allowed to keep up to £15 over and above your rent (an excess). This will stop.
Legal changes if you live in a privately-rented property and you need, and are provided with, overnight care People who need, and are provided with, overnight care and live in a home which they rent from a private landlord may be entitled to more housing benefit.
To qualify, you must be living in a home rented from a private landlord; either you
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Need help with your census form?
The council’s Safer Estates Team is providing greater support for victims of anti-social behaviour.
Kirsty Sproat has taken on the new role of victim support officer – created following suggestions from members of the public. She will assist victims and witnesses by keeping them up-to-date with the progress of individual cases and solving any problems that may occur. She will also accompany witnesses to court and liaise with the police.
A new water park is to be built next to Whitley Park in Whitley Bay. Work on the park is expected to be underway shortly and it is hoped it will be open by the summer. The ambitious scheme forms part of the continuing regeneration of the seafront and promenade area of the town.
An exhibition showcasing the history of British surfing is running at the Spanish City Dome until Sunday, April 10.
‘An Art History of British Surfing’ features prints, artwork, memorabilia and a collection of surfboards spanning the last eight decades.
The exhibition is open between 10am and 5pm,Thursday to Sundays only. Entry is £2 per adult, with free admission for children. For more details, contact the events unit on (0191) 643 7409.
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widening horizons
In the run-up to Census Day – March 27 – you will receive a questionnaire asking for details about your household and the people living or staying there.
The census, which takes place every 10 years, provides a valuable source of information and enables government departments and other organisations to plan for the years ahead. You are required by law to complete the form but the personal information you provide is kept confidential for 100 years. The questionnaire, which takes about 10 minutes to complete, can be returned using the pre-paid envelope or completed online at www.census.gov.uk If you need help filling in the form, the council is holding a series of drop-in sessions on:
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Saturday, March 26 – Whitley Bay Library (9am to noon).
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Saturday, March 26 – Wallsend Library (2 to 5pm).
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Saturday, April 2 – White Swan Centre, Killingworth (9am to noon).
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Saturday, April 2 – North Shields Library (2 to 5pm).
Census collectors will visit households that have not returned their forms by Wednesday, April 6. They can answer questions and help you fill it in. More information about the 2011 Census can be found at www.census.gov.uk or by phoning 0300 0201 101.
Awards honour our unsung heroes
Do you know someone who gives up their time to help others? If you do, the Chairman of the Council, Cllr Duncan McLellan, would like to hear from you. Cllr McLellan, assisted by a special panel, is seeking nominations for this year’s Chairman’s Commendation Awards.
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Creating a clean and pleasant environment. Creating a safe and crime-free neighbourhood. Increasing training and working opportunities for residents of the borough.
The scheme aims to recognise individuals or groups who voluntarily give up their
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All types of volunteering will be considered for an award. It could be visiting the sick and lonely, driving patients to hospital appointments or helping to organise activities or special events.
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Improving health and health care for members of the community.
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Making a significant difference to their local community or an individual.
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Improving the quality of life of their local community or an individual.
time for the benefit of others.
Cllr McLellan said:“North Tyneside is committed to building strong, active communities and at the heart of any such community is voluntary activity.”
leisure, cultural activities, religious and community affairs, social welfare or educational services.
Nominees should have contributed their time, kindness and effort to one or more of the following:
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Supporting the local community/individual through the provision of, or influence on, sport,
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Helping others to reach their potential. Responding to an immediate need, significantly affecting the life or lives of others.
How to nominate
Nomination forms are available on the council website (see chairman’s pages) or from the Civic Office, phone (0191) 643 5347. The closing date is Friday, May 6.
Nominations must be for voluntary activity, wholly outside of paid employment, where individuals or groups have volunteered for a substantial amount of time.
All nominations will be considered by the panel, which will determine whether they are worthy of commendation.
The successful nominees and their nominators will be invited to a ceremony and reception at the council’s headquarters, Quadrant, hosted by the chairman.
Did you know?
Seeking nominations: Cllr McLellan with his consort, wife Judy.
You can pay your Council Tax online at www.northtyneside.gov.uk – a quick link is available under the ‘Pay for it’ tab.
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ABUSEHURTS At any age
It is everyone’s responsibility to recognise abuse, respond and refer
REME MBER RECO RESP GNISE OND REFE R R ecog
nise Look out fo har m know r the s i them s being tre igns - If yo u a unhap t py it ed in a wa or someo might n y Resp be ab that mak e you es yo use. ond u or Talk t o som and s eone u y away. ppor t - if y ou tr ust a nd ou ign ore a ask for th buse it will eir help Refer n ot g o The c to Nor t h ounc T yn il safe f rom h can suppo eside C ou r t you arm. in kee ncil ping y our se lf
Call (0191) 643 2777 to report abuse
Keep it local North Tyneside Council is committed to helping small businesses.
If your company is based in the borough, you can advertise in this section free of charge.
So far, around 150 local businesses have included their details in Widening Horizons, which is distributed to more than 90,000 homes across North Tyneside. Just send us the following details and we’ll put your entry in the next available issue:
Barkes Associates
Delivering professional, high quality, affordable and remote secretarial services to small, medium and large organisations worldwide. Tel: (0191) 262 1299. Email: lesleyann@barkesassociates www.barkesassociates.com
Killingworth Decorators & Building Services
• Name of company or shop • Brief (20 words maximum) description of your business • Phone, email or web address Please note: Space is allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Adverts not used in one edition will receive priority for the next. The next issue of Widening Horizons will be published in June. The deadline for adverts is May 9. Send your details to: steve.forshaw@northtyneside.gov.uk
SlimmingSolutions.co.uk
North Shields-based online retailer of slimming, health and beauty products. Recent winner of the council’s Small Business Award. Tel: 0845 874 0200.
Email: enquiries@slimmingsolutions.co.uk www.slimmingsolutions.co.uk
Northumbrian Tiling Contractors
Family-run business, offering all aspects of interior and exterior work. Also building projects, garage conversions, roofing and repairs.
Tel: Paul and Trudy on (0191) 268 6880 or 0788 165 1905
HelpQuick Ltd
PC and laptop repair. Business and residential customers welcome. Tel: 0800 3800 661.
Email: help@helpquick.co.uk www.helpquick.co.uk
John McAndrew Plumbing
Time-served tradesman. Approved local authority contractor. Free estimates. Fully insured. 138, Park Road,Wallsend.Tel: (0191) 209 2010 or 0777 937 6422
www.johnmcandrewplumbing.co.uk
Geordie Geek Computer Services
We provide PC repairs, virus removals and upgrades at your home or business for a fixed cost. No fix – no fee.
Tel: (0191) 289 3083 www.geordiegeek.com
Wall and floor tiling in ceramic, stone, marble or slate. Complete bathroom renovations a speciality. Free advice and estimates.
Tel: (0191) 296 5710 Email: enquiries@northumbriantiling.co.uk
Physio Room
Based at Whitley Lodge shopping centre.We offer acupuncture, electrotherapy, manual therapy, injection therapy and massage therapy.
Tel: (0191) 251 5944 www.physioroom.biz
enjoymuzic
Musical instruments and accessories, sheet music and songbooks, classical CDs, musical gifts and toys. Music for schools. Shop online or instore – 22a John Street, Cullercoats.Tel: (0191) 252 3331.
Email: shop@enjoymuzic.com
www.enjoymuzic.com
I Do Cheap Wedding Photography
Full service. Professional wedding photography to the highest quality for an incredibly affordable price. Tel: 0798 841 7179 www.idocheapweddingphotography.co.uk
North Tyneside Council does not accept any responsibility for the businesses listed above.
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Keep it local Zee Clothing
We have handpicked some of the latest fashions from the US and brought them back to Tyneside. (Green Ginger shopping arcade, Front Street,Tynemouth.)
Tel: (0191) 447 6659
Gas 2 Plumbing
Installation, servicing and repairs to gas appliances. Landlord CP12 certificates. Domestic plumbing from tap washers to bathroom suites. Gas Safe registered.
Tel: Ray Wilthew on 07875 356 971 Email: raywilthew@yahoo.co.uk
Camden Clothing Alterations 19, Nile Street, North Shields. Specialist in ladies and gents casuals, bridal alterations, corporate uniforms, curtains and soft furnishings.
Tel: (0191) 296 0304
Tyneside Speakers’ Club
Lose your fear by practising public speaking in an atmosphere of friendly encouragement.Two evenings a month at The Kittiwake.
Tel: (0191) 252 9187 Email: kencreen@talktalk.net
Zerodrytime
Dry carpet and upholstery cleaners to the commercial and domestic markets. Zero water – zero smell – zero shrinkage – zero fuss.
Tel: (0191) 257 4282 www.zerodrytime.com
Cambridge Weight Plan
Are you worried about your weight? The Cambridge Weight Plan could be the answer. Contact Ally, your local Cambridge consultant. Tel: (0191) 257 8918 or 0798 338 6985 Email: ally.diets@hotmail.co.uk
Mala Web Design
Professional quality web design from a reliable and competent Whitley Bay company, specialising in giving small businesses an Internet presence.
Tel: 07794 771 734 www.malawebdesign.co.uk
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widening horizons • March 2011
Little Diamonds Childcare Centre
We provide childcare in Wallsend and Howdon for children aged from six months to 12 years. Pre-school care, wraparound care and out-ofschool care.
Tel: (0191) 263 4022
The Pure Gallery
151 Park View,Whitley Bay.The Pure Gallery is an alternative art gallery and shop displaying affordable art and gifts.
Tel: (0191) 251 3520 www.thepuregallery.co.uk
Gina Gorvett Nutrition
Public health nutritionist providing advice and support on all aspects of diet and nutrition.
Email: gina@ggnutrition.com www.ggnutrition.com
Southcliff Holiday Apartments
High ceilings, marble fireplaces, outstanding sea views. Elegant four star award-winning apartments in Cullercoats – ideal for visiting relatives. From £325 weekly.
Tel: (0191) 251 3121 www.southcliffapartments.com
Badge Boys Inc
For quality badges, photo ID, holders, lanyards, keyrings and promotional items at competitive prices. No minimum order. Free artwork design and quote.Tel: 07988 171 056.
Email: chris@badgeboysinc.com
www.badgeboysinc.com
MGL Plumbing and Heating
Combi boiler installations, gas appliance fitting and repairs, servicing, radiators fitted, power flushing, CP12 Landlord certificates, all types of plumbing. Tel: (0191) 289 9931 or 0796 266 4388
Email: mglplumbing@blueyonder.co.uk
Hearn Electrical Services
24/7 call out. Any electrical work undertaken – from full rewire to replacing a single light. Friendly and reliable – contact Geoff Hearn.
Tel: 0787 981 2260 Email: geoffkh@aol.com
Keep it local Neil Muir Gardening Services
Landscape gardening services, based in North Shields. Services include general garden maintenance, turfing, fencing, tree stump removal, patios, decking and driveways. Tel: (0191) 296 5470 or 07843 995 593
Email: jobezeus3@blueyonder.co.uk
Crafty Little Devils
‘Paint your own pottery’ studio on Wallsend High Street.We also do personalised ceramic gifts and parties.
Tel: (0191) 240 1181 www.craftylittledevils.org.uk
Michael Atkinson – Architecture & Heritage
Full architectural and design services for residential, commercial and heritage clients. RIBA chartered architect. Reasonable rates and friendly service. Tel: 07800 593 347 Email: michaelatkinson1976@yahoo.co.uk
IQ Electrical
Carrying out electrical installation work and inspection & testing across the North. 24-hour, 7-day emergency call-out service.
Tel: (0191) 262 5618 www.iqelectrical.co
Penumbra Music
The best and most affordable tuition in guitar, bass guitar composition. Friendly, relaxed tuition allows students to learn at their own pace. All styles, ages and abilities welcome.
Tel: 0751 864 8992 Email: lessons@penumbramusic.co.uk
Mulberry Counselling and Training Mulberry is a warm, supportive counselling service that is offering a free initial consultation to local people.
Tel: 07778 123 236
www.mulberrycounselling.co.uk
KIS Lettings
We specialise in providing quality, affordable rental accommodation throughout the North East.We offer a unique management service to landlords at five per cent plus VAT. Albion Road, North Shields.
Tel: (0191) 640 8374
www.KISlettings.co.uk
UK-Safety
Training providers in food hygiene, health & safety and first aid in the workplace, home and schools. Courses held locally. Tel: (0191) 252 1575.
Email: info@uk-safety.com
www.uk-safety.com
Featheredge Plastering
All aspects of plastering undertaken. Insurance work welcome. Clean, tidy and reliable service. Free estimates and advice given.
Tel: Craig on (0191) 268 2805 or 0779 247 1982
Learner One Driving Instruction A local driving school offering quality, low-cost tuition in the North Tyneside area. Super start-up offers available.
www.learnerone.co.uk
Forest Hall Community Tennis Club We are a small friendly club that offers junior and adult coaching – all abilities welcome. Contact Dave on 0780 359 7005 or (0191) 259 9862 (4 to 6pm weekdays).
www.foresthalltennisclub.co.uk
Colourcoats Decorators
All aspects of interior and exterior painting and decorating undertaken. Friendly, reliable and tidy. More than 30 years experience. Tel: (0191) 287 2036 or 07711 669 069
Email: morrisonk1@sky.com
www.xooocomputing.co.uk Mobile computing repairs for homes and small businesses. No fix – no fee. Contact Karl on 0797 037 8260.
Email: karl@xooo.co.uk
The Greenkeeper
All aspects of garden maintenance and design at affordable rates, including decking, garden walls, block paving, fencing and city gardens. Tel: 07538 995 700 Email: greenkeepergardens@gmail.com www.greenkeepergardens.co.uk
North Tyneside Council does not accept any responsibility for the businesses listed above.
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Pay your bills by Direct Debit . . .
. . . it does exactly what it says on the tin Itʼs the easiest, most convenient way to make payments – once you sign up you donʼt have to worry about queues or travelling to make a payment.
The council offers a choice of payment dates, making it easier to track your finances.
And the Direct Debit Guarantee covers all payments, so they can only be taken where the amount and date have already been agreed by yourself. Council departments that take payment by Direct Debit are: • Council Tax – (0191) 643 2355
• Business Rates – (0191) 643 2365
• Council Housing Rents – 0345 2000 102
• Customer Accounts (such as allotment rents, commercial rents, residential fees, homecare fees, nursery fees) – (0191) 643 2370
www.northtyneside.gov.uk
If you have a query, please contact the relevant department listed alongside or view details of all our Direct Debit schemes on the council website – widening www.northtyneside.gov.uk/ directdebit
horizons