Our City Issue 01

Western Edition

Our City ISSUE 1: OCTOBER 2007

Traditional Potteries

Oat-cuisine WIN a year’s supply of oatcakes

LOCAL MATTERS

For top tips on tasty and healthy fillings SEE PAGE FOUR

News and issues that MATTER in Burslem South, Northwood & Birches Head, Hanley West and Shelton PAGES 7, 10, 15 & 16

Carnival rhythms put city centre on the map PAGE 7

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Our City O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7

ur City

Partnership deal set to transform repairs services WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A COMMON GOAL: the leaders of the key strategic partners in the city, left to right, Ralph Matthew, Area Commander of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue; Mark Meredith, Stoke-on-Trent City Council Elected Mayor; Chief Superintendent Jane Sawyers, Staffordshire Police; and Graham Urwin, Chief Executive of Stoke-on-Trent Primary Care Trust.

United to make our proud city even stronger

VIS Unita Fortior – united strength is stronger! So says the motto on Stoke-on-Trent’s city crest. And that’s just what we’ve done – united to bring you this new magazine, Our City.

The City Council, Stoke-on-Trent Primary Care Trust, Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue work together every day in a spirit of co-operation to provide the best service possible for the people of the Potteries. It makes sense to unite and produce one publication promoting the best of Stoke-on-Trent and providing all the public information you need.

So, a very warm welcome to our first issue! We have news and features. We have five editions – one for each neighbourhood management area based on the city’s electoral wards.

We have competitions. And we have an insight into what makes the city’s heart beat.

One of the city’s most famous

sons, pop megastar Robbie Williams, recently said that Stoke-on-Trent is one of the UK’s best-kept secrets. It’s time the secret was revealed! There are great things going on in this city and we want to shout them from the rooftops.

As a city we have faced and overcome challenges in the past, and by uniting now we can tackle those we will face in the future.

Stoke-on-Trent is a city of great tradition and heritage. Its people are renowned for their friendliness. It’s a city to be proud of, and Our City will reflect that pride and the aspirations we all have to lift the city to greater heights.

Our City is for everyone in Stoke-on-Trent – it is your publication – so do give us your feedback and ideas.

The Christmas issue is out on December 10th.

Please write to: FREEPOST Our City or email ourcity@stoke.gov.uk.

Our City is printed on 100 per cent recycled paper.

When you have finished with this publication please help the environment by passing it on to a friend or put it in your recycle blue bag.

STOKE-ON-TRENT City Council is signing up to a massive ten year deal to transform the system for housing repairs and bring a cash bonanza for city services.

It is intended that a new company will be formed in partnership with national construction firm Kier Group, to take over repairs and maintenance of city council housing and public buildings.

The new Joint Venture Company (JVC) will also be able to compete for private work in the city and beyond.

Negotiations are now underway and it is hoped the new business will be up and running early in the new year.

Chief Executive Steve Robinson said: “This is marvellous news for everyone in the city and a real step forward for housing repairs and the building industry in Stoke-on-Trent.

“Tenants will see an improving service; staff will keep their terms and

conditions and pension rights and get the chance to improve their job prospects and the city housing services will benefit from the money the company makes.”

Under the terms of the deal about five hundred and forty council workers will be transferred to the new company when contracts are exchanged in January. In the meantime, Kier and the City Council will take joint responsibility for existing work to ensure a smooth transition.

Kevin Lovatt is a City Council tenant from Trent Vale who was involved in evaluating the bids submitted by maintenance companies and he is delighted. “Kier really impressed us with their attitude and the work that they do,” he said. “This will be brilliant for council tenants and for the building industry locally.”

Damian Leonard, a joiner who will transfer to the new

company said “There will be loads of opportunities for the workforce to learn new skills and to take on different kinds of jobs with the new company.

Obviously, it’s a big change, but it’s got to be the way forward.”

The new company will be guaranteed £400 million of work on the city’s buildings over ten years and a share of its profits will come back to the City Council to be ploughed into council services.

Kier Building Maintenance managing director Peter Brynes said: “We are looking forward to negotiating with Stoke-onTrent City Council in order to build on the good work of the existing service. Now the exciting task begins of offering the building maintenance workforce better training and development opportunities, continuing to build strong relationships with local suppliers and sub-contractors, and making sure we are ready to provide the highest levels of customer service to the people of Stoke-on-Trent from January onwards.” ■

Council tenant Kevin Lovatt, left – who was involved in the bid evaluation – believes the new Joint Venture Company will be brilliant for tenants. Here, he is pictured at his home with council tradesman Damien Leonard who will transfer to the new company.

OCTOBER 2007 An artist’s impression of a proposed new campus development for Stoke on Trent College at Burslem – just one of many exciting schemes in the pipeline.

Think tank vision of

vibrant future NE of the UK’s leading regeneration experts is backing a bright future for Stoke-on-Trent as “one of the most vibrant and exciting” communities in the country.

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Will Hutton, Chief Executive of the Work Foundation, has been commissioned by the City Council and partners to draw up a new vision and action

plan to catapult North Staffordshire forward.

Mr Hutton – a leading voice on employment and workforce issues – is set to report back in November with action plans to immediately turn around areas where the city is not performing well and build on its successes in an investment programme worth billions of pounds.

He said: “If North Staffordshire embraces this plan and is determined to drive forward with it then there is a really good chance that this community could become one of the most vibrant and exciting within the UK. “There are certainly challenges ahead but there are also many strengths to

LOOKING TO AN EXCITING FUTURE FOR STOKE-ON-TRENT: Will Hutton, Chief Executive of the Work Foundation, by the famous Josiah Wedgwood statue in Station Road Stoke.

build on and that is what we need to do in order to create prospects and success.”

The summer has seen the creation of an influential new organisation – the North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership – which will drive forward the transformation.

The partnership board includes all North Staffordshire’s local authorities and big names from the private sector like Waterworld boss Mo Chaudry and the former Chief Executive of Advantage West Midlands John Edwards.

It’s first task was to appoint a leading regeneration specialist to head up the massive initiative to revitalise the area. The arrival of Tom Macartney, who earned an international reputation for his success in the Gorbals area of Glasgow and Sunderland, has been a major boost for Stoke-on-Trent, catapulting the city up the regeneration league.

Elected Mayor Mark Meredith, who chairs the partnership board, said: “We have invested time and money in putting together a hugely capable team with the best reputation in the regeneration business, and in restructuring council departments so every focus is on creating the Stoke-on-Trent we all want – a vibrant city prospering throughout the 21st century and beyond.”

North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership brings together the council’s regeneration, planning, housing, transport and economic development departments and the teams from the RENEW housing

market renewal programme and the North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone.

Other members include Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and Stafford Borough Council.

Mayor Meredith said: “We have built a team and an environment which we know are right to drive the area forward and are looking forward to meeting the challenge.”

At the heart of the regeneration process will be the creation of new businesses and jobs, the £200m Building Schools for the Future programme which will provide facilities in iconic buildings for the whole community to use, the £400m joint venture company to maintain City Council housing and public buildings over the next ten years, a new hospital and the creation of new further education colleges and an exciting University Quarter.

Mark Meredith added: “We will see the creation of a new image for a brand new Stoke-on-Trent. At the moment our population is declining. Our challenge is to create such an attractive place to live that people will stay here and more people will move here and more organisations will invest in North Staffordshire, creating new jobs, better jobs and a better quality of life for everyone.” ■ ● See the next issue of Our City for a detailed report on the Work Foundation proposals.

Give us your feedback on this issue of Our City by emailing ourcity@stoke.gov.uk or write to: FREEPOST Our City – next issue out December 10th

Our City

Bid to attract 2012 Olympic team base HIGH-LEVEL talks are taking place this month in a bid to attract the Pakistani Olympic team to use Stoke-on-Trent as its base during the 2012 olympics. A delegation led by Elected Mayor Mark Meredith, and including Hardial Bhogal, Director of RENEW North Staffordshire, Rauf Mirza, Chairperson of Sport England West Midlands and businessman Mo Chaudry, presented an official invitation at the Pakistani High Commission in London.

If the partnership takes off, it is expected the Potteries officials will travel to Pakistan to strengthen arrangements for hundreds of sportsmen and women to come to Stoke-on-Trent during the games.

Pakistani sporting officials are believed to have been impressed by North Staffordshire’s sporting facilities, transport links with London and range of visitor attractions.

Cllr Adrian Knapper, portfolio holder for sport and leisure, said: “We have a host of current and proposed sports facilities, two universities, suitable hotel accommodation, easy access to beautiful countryside and excellent motorway and intercity rail connections. These are just a few of the attractions and benefits we can offer the Pakistani team.”

City scoops top enterprise award STOKE-on-Trent and surrounding areas were named the UK’s best place to start a business when the area scooped the prestigious Enterprising Britain Award.

The area beat off stiff competition from regeneration projects across the country to win the competition organised by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Judges visited schools in the city where pupils had set up their own businesses, enterprise units where new companies were being supported and companies which were thriving and expanding after setting up in North Staffordshire.

North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone Chief Executive Aktar Choudhury said: “The award will put North Staffordshire well and truly on the map as a tremendously vibrant enterprise culture and a great place to start and grow a business.”

Quit smoking team set for winter rush QUIT smoking experts in Stoke-on-Trent expect a surge of people wanting to kick the habit when the dark winter weather kicks in. Health promotion specialists are gearing up for a time when smokers no longer wish to stand outside pubs, clubs and restaurants, and decide to seek help to pack it in.

Stopping smoking is the single most important action anyone can take to improve their health and well being. Last year more than 1,900 people were helped to stop smoking in North Staffordshire, and the friendly team is aiming to beat all records this year. Stop smoking advisors offer free support, as well as prescribed nicotine replacement patches.

More information on the range of assistance available can be found at www.hpns.nhs.uk or email stopsmokingservice@northstaffs.nhs.uk or call 0800 085 0928.

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OCTOBER 2007

Off the streets OMMUNITIES in Stoke-on-Trent have joined the fight against drugs after 18 suspected dealers were arrested in the city’s biggest ever raids.

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Operation Nemesis – which involved more than 300 officers – left a huge vacuum in the city for crack, cocaine and heroin addicts.

Now, the city’s Primary Care Trust, Staffordshire Police, the fire service and the City Council have been joining forces to support drug users faced with little or no supply.

Stoke-on-Trent Primary Care Trust Chief Executive, Graham Urwin, said: “The PCT has arranged for additional treatment support options to assist people in

Dawn raids result in 18 arrests during city’s biggest ever drugs clampdown overcoming their dependencies, and living crime-free lives. We would urge people who need help to contact the Community Drug Service, in Hope Street, Hanley.”

Drug users can contact the community drug service on 01782 425100.

Extra nurses, doctors and psychologists were briefed and ready to deal with extra patients following the operation.

Teachers, housing associations and councillors were told that they had a key part in building on its success in the future.

And residents are being kept informed - with more than 20,000 leaflets being distributed to neighbourhoods where suspects were arrested and a community workshop held in the King’s Hall, Stoke, immediately after the operation to keep people in touch.

Elected Mayor Mark Meredith told a packed public press conference: “We have woken up to a different city today. It shows that our city is determined to crack down on drugs and crime.

We won’t tolerate drugs in Stoke-on-Trent. Today is an ideal

example of the community working together. Our city’s motto is ‘united strength is stronger’. Today shows we are stronger.”

Information about the raids also reached residents through the local media. Reporters and photographers watched as police officers charged down doors and arrested several suspects who were subsequently charged and brought before the courts.

In the meantime, police are patrolling major roads into Stoke-on-Trent to try to stop new

drug dealers flooding into the city.

They have appealed to the public for information on drug dealing and urge people to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Commander of Stoke-on-Trent Division, Chief Superintendent Jane Sawyers, said: “Now the work starts. With your support we will continue to bring those involved in this serious criminal activity to justice. The police are not alone in the battle against drugs.

“This is an opportunity for us all. By working in partnership with the local authority and drug and alcohol action teams, we can help those dependent on drugs to make positive changes and live healthy and crime-free lives.” ■

playing

onlythesongs

you love!

LIFT YOUR MOOD WITH

Picture courtesy of Staffordshire Sentinel News and Media

4 Our City

OCTOBER 2007

For a teenage girl to discover she is pregnant, the future can seem bewildering and frightening. Specialist teams in Stoke-on-Trent are working to prevent pregnancy in 13 to 18-year-olds, while making sure caring help is at hand for young mums...

Our City

CASE STUDY

A service teenage mums can count on INDING they are expecting a baby that is unplanned is a traumatic experience for most teenage girls. But in Stoke-on-Trent youngsters in this situation need not be bewildered and frightened.

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They can count on the city’s Young Parents Support Services Team (YPSS) which provides support and advice for teenagers between 13 and 18 who are either pregnant or have become a parent.

And while young mums across the city appreciate the help and support they are given, thousands more teenagers are benefitting from a pioneering programme of advice aimed at preventing pregnancies in the first place.

An innovative process developed in the city is being used to identify young women most at risk of becoming pregnant, and work with them in groups or one-to-one.

Tracy Kirk, teenage pregnancy strategy manager, said: “We are also making sure hundreds of staff working with young people in Stoke-on-Trent have the skills and knowledge to offer advice on sex and relationships, and have introduced lesson plans and teaching resources to make sure sex and relationship education in Stoke-on-Trent is delivered to a common standard.”

Young women facing the challenge of bringing up a baby receive support with emotional and practical problems, usually on a one-to-one basis, throughout both the ante-natal and post-natal stages.

YPSS Co-ordinator Amy Ward heads up a team of three advisors to deliver the city-wide service which, on average, is used by 95 per cent of teenage parents and mothers-to-be in Stoke-on-Trent.

The team is employed by Stoke-on-Trent Primary Care Trust and their work is funded by the PCT, Supporting People, Connexions and the

Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

Referrals to the service can be made by anyone – including midwives, other professionals, friends and family and the teenagers themselves, while girls under 16 and still at school can be put in touch with the team by the education authority’s Reintegration Officer.

As well as support on a personal outreach basis, teenagers can also access help and guidance at the team’s weekly drop-in centre every Wednesday at the Connexions office in Pall Mall, Hanley, between 1.30pm and 4.30pm. No appointment is necessary.

Also teenage pregnancy midwives hold ante-natal classes every Monday at the Thomas Boughey Children’s Centre in College Road, Shelton, between 10.30am and noon. This service also contributes to ongoing efforts to reduce the city’s rate of teenage pregnancies by providing advice on how contraception can avoid a second unplanned pregnancy.

There are also strong links with Stoke-on-Trent College to equip young mums with skills that will lead to a career or worthwhile job.

Amy Ward said: “Teenagers who contact us find we are never judgmental.We are only here to help and support them and their child.

“We provide direct help with all these issues, or put the young people in touch with agencies and professionals who can provide the appropriate support.

“In addition we help with health issues such as giving up smoking and healthy eating. The aim is to ensure the young parents maintain their independence and help them access services that will enable them to achieve this.” ● You can contact the Young Parents Support Team by phoning 01782 425944, emailing lisa.weston@northstaffs.nhs.uk or texting 07789 721051.

Student Caroline McDonald, right, with her baby daughter Alyssa and Young Parents Support Team Advisor Sarah Giannakopoulos.

Sixth form student is now at university and enjoying life with her lovely baby LIFE for Caroline McDonald was already challenging enough when she found she was pregnant.

The 18-year-old Sixth Form College A level student, who is diabetic, was sharing a rented house with her brother after family circumstances forced her to lead an independent life at the tender age of 17.

The first visit by a midwife put her in touch with the Young Parents Support Services Team and her needs were assessed by advisor Sarah Giannakopoulos.

Sarah became an important part of Caroline’s life, right through the pregnancy and the birth of daughter Alyssa. She was born premature by caesarean section at 36 weeks weighing 9lb 4oz and spent

a week in intensive care.

And Sarah was there to help when mum and baby came home. Thanks to the support she has received Caroline has started a joint degree course in Music and Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Crewe and Alsager campus. Despite all her problems, she achieved two As and two Bs in her A level results!

Cuddling three-month-old Alyssa, Caroline said: “When I first met Sarah I had no idea about benefits and was living on next to nothing. She helped me to claim income support and other benefits I was entitled to. The emotional support was just as important as there was a lot going on with boyfriend difficulties and the pressure of continuing at college.

“Alyssa was born the day I should have been taking a music exam, but I completed my other A levels in the ward sister’s office while I was in hospital. When I came home with my baby, Sarah was there to help me with all the paperwork involved in claiming student entitlement to cover my university tuition fees.”

Caroline added: “The Young Parents Support Team has been a great help, and their support encouraged me not to give up. Sarah was always there for me whenever I needed support. Sometimes when I felt I was really struggling I would text her and she would always respond.

“The team have brought me through a particularly difficult time in my life.

Thanks to them I’m now at university and enjoying my beautiful baby daughter.”

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6 Our City

OCTOBER 2007

Family man Bagh Ali believes there is a natural warmth about the people of Stoke-on-Trent that embraces all cultures – one of many reasons why he has great pride in being the City’s Lord Mayor. Here, Our City talks to Councillor Ali and his daughter Sophia about their role as first citizens...

Orange unpeels a slice of history WITH responsibility for more than 500,000 artefacts going back some 12,000 years, staff at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery are accustomed to being offered unusual objects providing a fascinating insight about all our yesterdays.

I’m told of their surprise, however, when the Museum was gifted an orange. Not a fresh one, but a black and shrivelled piece of desiccated fruit purchased 116 years ago on February 13th 1891. It was placed in the lunch box of coal miner Joseph Roberts, of Hanley, before he went down the Racecourse Colliery at Etruria six days later on February 19th.

It was to be his last shift. Joseph, aged 37, suffered terrible injuries in an underground explosion and died in the North Staffs Infirmary, leaving his wife Caroline and their six young children.

The lunch box was returned to his next of kin and the uneaten orange was kept in a treacle tin by two generations of the family as an heirloom. Now the black orange – pictured above – has been presented to the museum by Joseph’s great granddaughter Pam Bettaney, who lives at Silverdale.

Deb Klemperer, the Museum’s Collections Officer (Local History), tells me: “This must be the most unusual item ever gifted to us. The orange tells a very moving story and is a direct link with the Roberts’ family tragedy.

This piece of fruit is part of the history of North Staffordshire.”

It will soon be on temporary display.

Love problems?

See a councillor!

THE course of true love never does run smooth, and while council services touch almost every aspect of life in Stoke-on-Trent, I’m told of one instance when even the local authority couldn’t help.

The Stoke-on-Trent couple sat nervously at a local advice surgery. “Don’t worry,” said their caring elected member, who told the tale to Placer over a pint, ”how can I help?”

“Well,” said the man,”it’s a bit embarrassing. Every time I feel amorous, she doesn’t, and when she’s in a romantic mood, I’m too tired.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” said the couple’s elected representative,” but I don’t see what I can do.”

“Well,” said the lady, ” we told our doctor about the problem , and he said we needed to see a counsellor...”

From LA to Burslem SPOTTED on a pub blackboard in the Mother Town promoting a live band gig: “Now appearing in Burslem after a successful tour of LA. (Longton Area)”

S the city’s 79th Lord Mayor, Cllr Bagh Ali is helping to make history. For the other half of his team is his daughter Sophia, who at 21 is the country’s youngest ever Lady Mayoress.

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Her presence at civic engagements causes as much excitement as meeting the Lord Mayor. After just a few months in the job the pair have already established a family “double act” that is successfully promoting the city both within and well beyond its boundaries.

Sophia, a care worker who plans to return to education to gain professional qualifications once her 2007/2008 year of office ends, said: “I was happy and honoured to be my father’s Lady Mayoress because the whole family is very proud of him.

“In some ways I’ve put my life on hold. I attend engagements with my father almost every day and every evening, so there’s no time to meet up with my friends for a meal, go to the cinema or just chill out listening to music.

“However, I’m really enjoying my year of office. It is giving me an opportunity to meet people of all ages, not just those of my own age, and it’s an experience I will never forget.”

Cllr Ali came to Stoke-on-Trent from Pakistan as a ten-year-old boy in 1970.

His father, a Second World War veteran taken prisoner by the Japanese while fighting in Singapore, was already in the Potteries.

After working in the ceramic industry and the Michelin tyre factory, Cllr Ali started his own taxi business in 1981 and has represented Longton South as a city councillor since 1996, with a particular interest in the environment, transport and community safety.

The chosen charity for his year of office is the Douglas Macmillan Hospice in Blurton. Cllr Ali has admired the work of staff since visiting a friend with terminal cancer who was cared for at the hospice.

All proceeds from the Lord Mayor’s Ball on November 2nd at the King’s Hall, Stoke – the £40-a-head event includes a five course meal, 70’s retro live band and a disco – will go to Douglas Macmillan.

As a Muslim, one of the Lord Mayor’s key themes is to encourage all the city’s residents of whatever faith, colour or background to feel equally a part of the community.

He plans a get-together of local leaders of all faiths to see how they can best work together to preserve the city’s

There is still a natural ❛❛ warmth about the people of Stoke-on-Trent which embraces all cultures proud tradition of religious and racial tolerance.

Cllr Ali said: “My memories of coming to Stoke-on-Trent as a young boy are happy ones. There is still a natural warmth about the people of Stoke-on-Trent which embraces all cultures.”

Cllr Ali and his wife of 33 years Farzand Begum have two sons and two daughters (aged from 13 to 29) as well as four grandchildren. The

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Lord Mayor is a Stoke City fan and attends as many home games as business and civic duties permit.

Cricket is his other sporting passion and in his playing days he was a good all-rounder with Wedgwood and Normacot cricket clubs.

Cllr Ali said: “Driving a taxi is a good way of mixing with the community. Very often I pick up constituents to take them somewhere and they tell

– CLLR BAGH ALI

me about issues that concern them. It’s a bit like market research, and often my taxi doubles up as a councillor’s surgery when I listen to my passengers’ problems and give them advice while I drive them where they want to go!” ● To buy tickets for the Lord Mayor’s Ball contact Denise Powell, the Lord Mayor’s Secretary, on 01782 232625 or email her at denise.powell@stoke.gov.uk

OCTOBER 2007

LOCAL MATTERS

Our City

In the wards of Burslem South, Northwood & Birches Head, Hanley West and Shelton.

Winter warning issued on fire safety issues

GP Dr David Phillips and project manager Michelle Urwin check on progress of the construction of the new community health centre in Shelton.

Delivering services closer to home MORE patients in Stoke-onTrent will get faster access to treatment when a new community health centre opens its doors in Shelton next Spring.

The facility will offer a greater range of services to the local population from a location that is closer to more people in the city. As a result around12,000 outpatients per year will be transferred to the centre from the University

Hospital of North Staffordshire.

They will be using treatment rooms that are purpose-built and equipped to offer the best possible environment for things like follow-up appointments after Orthopaedic surgery.

Patients in Shelton will also benefit from the fact four GP surgeries in the area are being brought together under one roof at the centre.

It is hoped that the improvements will lead to better recruitment and retention

of staff, teaching and training facilities as well as access for the disabled, older people and young children.

The work is being carried out as part of the North Staffs Fit for the Future project – which is part of a Government initiative to modernise the health service.

For further information about the centre call Simon Priestley on 01782 744444 or e-mail nscomms@ stokepct.nhs.uk

Longport station works right on track THERE’S no need to travel to Stoke, thanks to improvements to Longport station that make it a pleasant place to start your rail journey.

Passengers are provided with new shelters, CCTV security, better lighting and the latest type of electronic information system that gives clear details about rail services from the station.

The new facilities have been funded by North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone.

Travelling by rail from Longport on the hourly Crewe-Derby service

links passengers to a large range of destinations. From Crewe there are connections to Chester, Manchester Airport and North Wales; from Stoke to Birmingham and London; and from Derby to Nottingham, the east coast and East Midlands Airport (this is a half hourly bus service from Derby station).

The service is also a fast cross-city link, ideal for commuter travel from Longport to places like Kidsgrove, Blythe Bridge and Longton, or for a fun day out at Uttoxeter Races or Alton Towers (there’s a special bus

link from Uttoxeter station to the theme park).

You can pick up a copy of the Crewe-Derby line guide and timetable from Stoke station or the Tourist Information Office – or call North Staffordshire Community Rail Partnership on 01782 232272 for a copy. ● These are examples of standard day adult return fares from Longport and journey times: Uttoxeter £6.60 (29 minutes); Crewe £4.50 (20 minutes). Children under five travel free.

FIREFIGHTERS are urging the people of Stoke-on-Trent to be on their guard as winter approaches.

This is the time of year when people start to plug in electric blankets, fire up the central heating boiler and light candles.

All of these can present fire hazards, but following some simple advice can make sure you and your family stay safe.

Electric blankets – Do not use any blankets which have scorch marks or exposed elements.

Over-blankets are designed to be left switched on, but under-blankets must be switched off before getting into bed.

Gas appliances – Carbon monoxide can leak at dangerous levels into your home as a result of a faulty gas appliance. Ensure you get your appliances checked out and where possible get a carbon monoxide detector fitted.

Candles – Candles should never be left unattended and should always be placed in holders on heat resistant surfaces. Candles should always be well out of the reach of children and pets.

Smoke alarms – Check your smoke alarms are working correctly by pressing the test button. You should have a smoke alarm on every floor of your home.

Free home fire risk checks, including the fitting of smoke alarms, are available from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Tel: 08451 22 11 55.

SMART bus travel is just the ticket New SMART tickets are making life easier for bus users in Stoke-on-Trent. A partnership with bus operators in the city means passengers can now use one ticket to hop on and off most buses.

SMART tickets can be bought for a day, a week or a month and are available for adults and children. Prices range from £4.50 per day for adults (children £3) to £55 for 28 days (£37 for a child.) Tickets can be bought on the bus, from travel shops or from more than 250 stores in Stoke-on-Trent which take part in the Payzone scheme.

More details on the SMART scheme are available from the City Council’s passenger transport team on 01782 234500.

Police house boosts community safety A NEW Police and Community House has opened its doors in Middleport to increase police presence in the area and help combat crime and anti-social behaviour.

The end terrace property in Newport Lane has been provided by RENEW as a base for the local team of Neighbourhood Beat Officers and Police Community Support Officers and as a meeting place for the residents’ association and other community groups.

Inspector Jim Wood of Burslem, said:“The facility means officers no longer need to make as many trips to Burslem police station and so can spend more time in the area, providing a reassuring presence for residents.”

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Our City O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7

Street cleaning teams reinforced STREET cleaning operations have been reinforced to tidy up litter-strewn areas highlighted by the public.

Residents surveyed in a city opinion poll said litter was the worst blight on the Potteries’ landscape. More than 60 per cent of those interviewed by MORI said rubbish on the streets had the worst impact on how Stoke-on-Trent looks.

The City Council responded by employing more front line staff with different shift patterns. A new “one pass” service has been introduced to pick litter, sweep the streets, cut grass and hedges and remove fly tipping in a single visit.

Head of Streetscene Services Nigel Shearer said: “We are also involving residents by using Quality Street checks, where residents are asked to inspect their own area on a regular basis and report back any problems they find so council teams can take prompt action.”

New initiative builds on city’s proud reputation for

racial harmony S TOKE-ON-TRENT is justifiably proud of its tradition of tolerance and good relations enjoyed by all ethnic groups in the city.

A Scarab road cleaner in action.

Expert advice for jobless people SPECIALIST advice and support is available for unemployed people in Stoke-on-Trent.

A team of experts aims to reduce the number of people claiming benefit by helping them into work through training, skills and one-to-one support.

Anyone unemployed and claiming benefits can receive free work-based training, work placements, new skills and better self-confidence, help with CVs and interview techniques and financial help with travel and childcare.

New courses start in January and cover warehousing and logistics, administration and social care. To take part contact the STACE team on 01782 236094.

Now community leaders are building on the area’s reputation for harmony with a new initiative to build bridges between local Muslims and the rest of the community.

It will help Muslim people in the city – the vast majority of them law abiding and peaceful – to highlight the true teachings of Islam and join forces with the City Council and police to tackle the issue of Islamophobia.

It’s a major part of the “My Stoke” campaign launched to improve the already good community relations often envied by other towns and cities – and strengthen links that will prevent extremism from gathering support.

Also, as part of the campaign school activities will be arranged in a bid to develop understanding between people from different cultures.

The City Council has secured a £75,000 grant from the Government’s Preventing Violent Extremism Pathfinder

Fund which in part will go towards appointing a specialist team to reinforce links between different communities.

The team’s task will be to identify the needs of Muslim communities around the city and help them to feel connected to their neighbours.

At the same time Imams and other Muslim leaders will be encouraged to demonstrate to other groups of people in the city that Islam is a religion that stands for peace, tolerance and understanding.

Stoke-on-Trent is one of five local authorities in the West Midlands chosen to benefit from the Pathfinder scheme.

The launch at the Ghalani Noor Mosque in Longton was attended by leaders of the Muslim community, police, the City Council and representatives of other ethnic groups and faiths – symbolising the united stand being taken against extremism.

The City Council is to appoint an Imam and Mosque Advisory Network Co-ordinator, a Muslim Women’s Network Co-ordinator and a Preventing Extremism Lead Officer.

The team’s immediate targets will include: re-launch of the Stoke-on-Trent

Fewer fines

FEWER motorists will be getting fines in Hanley – thanks to a new pay on exit scheme at two of the town’s major car parks.

Meigh Street and John Street are being switched to the new system. It will mean an end to guessing how long you are staying for – and less disgruntled drivers who get what they pay for.

Elected Mayor Mark Meredith said:“The City Council is committed to improving the visitor experience in our city centre.”

Imam Manzoor Madrabban welcomes Keith Perrin to the mosque watched

by Mohammed Pervez, second left, and Mohammed Gulzar.

Imam and Muslim Advisory Network (IMAN), establish a Muslim Young People’s Network (MYPN), develop the Muslim Sisters’ Network (MSN) and launch the “My Stoke” campaign through the North Staffs Forum of Faiths.

Councillor Mohammed Pervez, portfolio holder for Community Services and Equality, who officially launched the initiative, said: “This is an excellent example to show how the city council intends to work with the mainstream Muslim communities in Stoke-on-Trent.

“By involving and consulting religious leaders, women and young people we hope to reach out to a significant proportion of the city’s Muslim population.

“We do not have a history of violent extremism among the Muslims of Stoke-on-Trent, but it would be stupid of us in these troubled times to assume ‘it couldn’t happen here.’ This is just one way of helping make sure that those people who might be tempted by extremism, anti-social and un-Islamic arguments will see instead that inclusion and co-operation are the only way forward.”

Councillor Pervez added: “For various reasons the Imams have not engaged with the wider community.

“We need to change that, and by bringing them into the community as a whole, people will see they are preaching peace and harmony and it will give the wider community a lot more confidence.

“There is a need for the wider community to accept that Islam is a peaceful and tolerant religion.” ■

OCTOBER 2007

Our City

Reasons to make most out of tourism service RESIDENTS in Stoke-on-Trent have been given 10 good reasons to make the most of their city tourism service. The advice, from the team at the Tourist Information Centre, has been issued under the banner ‘Don’t be a Stranger in your own City.’ Services offered by the TIC include: ● Information on local visitor attractions ● Passes and tickets to local attractions ● Museums passport ● Thrillhopper tickets ● UK holiday brochures ● Accommodation bookings – local and national ● Theatre ticket bookings including the Regent and New Vic Theatres.

Tourism signs are in ● Information and position on the main tickets for events gateway in to Burslem. including Walsall Illuminations, Southport Flower Show and Staffordshire County Show. ● Local bus and rail information and tickets.

The TIC is based at the Victoria Hall at the heart of the Cultural Quarter, tel. 01782 236000, or email stoke.tic@stoke.gov.uk More ideas on making the most of Stoke-on-Trent can be found online at www.visitstoke.co.uk

Project to help keep youngsters safer BUILDING BRIDGES IN THE COMMUNITY: At the launch of the “My Stoke” campaign at the Gillani Noor Mosque at Normacot are, left to right, Nila Ghafoor, Black and Minority Ethnic Forum Member; Mohammed Gulzar; Trish Rhead, Stoke-on-Trent City Council; Chief Superintendent Jane Sawyer; Keith Perrin, North Staffordshire Forum of Faiths; Councillor Mohammed Pervez, portfolio holder for Community Services and Equality; and Imam Manzoor Madrabban.

A BBC radio journalist carries out interviews inside the Gillani Noor Mosque at the campaign launch.

By involving and consulting religious leaders, women and young people, we hope to reach out to a significant proportion of the city’s Muslim population. We do not have a history of violent extremism among the Muslims of Stoke-on-Trent, but it would be stupid of us in these troubled times to assume ‘it couldn’t happen here.’

– MOHAMMED PERVEZ, PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES & EQUALITY

A NEW scheme – believed to be the first of its kind in the UK – has been started to keep youngsters in Stoke-on-Trent safe.

Children aged between five and eight years old who attend Rainbows or Beavers groups will learn lots of essential skills under the initiative which is being pioneered by the City Council.

Things like food safety, toy safety, noise awareness and health and safety will be taught.

The project has gained approval from the Scouting Association and Girl Guiding UK. Free activity packs are also available to all Rainbows and Beavers groups in the city.

To apply or for more information contact Suzanne Rhodes by e-mailing suzanne.rhodes@stoke.gov.uk

Storyteller and the ‘bottle oven’ tent A BOTTLE oven shaped tent is helping youngsters across the Potteries learn about the working history of the area.

Commissioned by the City Council’s museums service, kids learn from a storyteller dressed as a Victorian factory worker. The structure was designed by the Gladstone Pottery Museum in Longton – which is currently applying for a Heritage Lottery Grant to restore its bottle ovens.

Children learn about their ovens and other fascinating insights into the pottery industry.

It is available for use at community events, such as fun days and at venues like libraries, schools and community centres.

Anyone who is interested in using it should contact the Museum Outreach Team on 01782 235522.

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10

Our City O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7

LOCAL MATTERS

Western Edition

Police contact numbers It’s easy to get in touch with a local beat bobby or police community support officer (PCSO) via their digital airwave radios.

All officers have individual collar numbers which are either four or five digits long.

Western and City Centre

For officers with four digit numbers dial 08453 30 31 32 then enter ‘0’ followed by the four digit collar number of the officer you need to speak to. No ‘0’ is needed for officers with five digit collar numbers.

If the officer is on duty, their radio rings like a mobile phone and you will

be connected.

If they are off duty or dealing with victims, witnesses or offenders, your call goes through to the officer’s individual voicemail box.

Remember, in an emergency, dial 999.

Western Neighbourhood NPU commander

Inspector 3720 Jim Wood Burslem Police Station, Jackson Street, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1AF

Tel. 08453 30 20 10. email: southwesternnpu@ staffordshire.pnn. police.uk

PC 0848 Ruth Barlow

Sgt 4602 Paul Clarke (Burslem)

Sgt 3840 John Hazeldine (Hanley)

Sgt 4019 Pete Slinn

(Birches Head east)

PCSO 8979 Michelle Chadwick

PCSO 8984 Rebecca Simon

PC 0794 Marie Evenson (Birches

PCSO 16225 Adrian Hemmings

PC 0896 Tracy Adams (Burslem and

PCSO 8957 Justine Marsh (Burslem and

PCSO 6440 Wendy Rigby (Burslem and

(Birches Head east)

(Birches Head east)

Head west)

(Birches Head west)

Sneyd Green west)

Sneyd Green west)

Sneyd Green west)

PC 4632 Andy Mander (Etruria and

PC 4389 Guy Wain

PCSO 8985 Lucy Slater (Etruria and

PCSO 16230 Victoria

PC 0805 Kate Beardmore

PCSO 8987 Liz Old

PCSO 8831 Katie Sullivan

(Forest Park)

(Forest Park)

(Forest Park)

PC 4139 Dave Marshall

PCSO 16299 Katie Brickley (Shelton

(Shelton south)

south)

Shelton north)

(Etruria and Shelton north)

PC 4886 Scott McGrath (Longport

PCSO 8959 Helen Rowley (Longport

and MIddleport)

and MIddleport)

Shelton north)

Smith (Etruria and Shelton north)

PCSO 8832 Adam van de Sande

PC 3829 Ian (Longport & MIddleport) Martin (Northwood)

PCSO 9045 Sue Wall (Northwood)

City Centre Special Constables

PCSO 6484 Lisa Donachie (Shelton

PC 4483 Keith Emery (Staffordshire

south)

University)

The Western Neighbourhood Policing Unit is supported by a team of 20 special constables headed by a divisional officer.

NPU commander

Inspector 3509 Shaun Kerrigan Hanley Police Station, Bethesda Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 3DR.

Tel. 08453 30 20 10. email: western.npu@staffordshire.pnn. police.uk All officers are based at Hanley Police Station.

Sgt 4151 Brevic Jones

CHAMPION CARERS: Maureen and Peter Warman, who have been a foster family for Stoke-on-Trent children for over 30 years, were presented with a special award to recognise their contribution.

Foster carers make a huge difference AMILIES in Stoke-on-Trent are being urged to help make a massive difference to children’s lives by becoming foster carers.

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Sgt 4777 Jon Ward

Sgt 4425 Phil White (Festival Park)

PC 4528 Darren Belfield

PC 5106 Gareth Cheetham

PC 4694 Steve Gibson

PC 0726 Claire Harrison

PC 0400 Diane Hoyle

PC 4644 Rob Kelsall

PC 4511 Richard Longmore

PC 0837 Sharon Ribbans

PC 4634 Lee Robinson

PC 5410 Steve Smith

PC 0564 Lisa Trevor

PSCO 16297 Ron Bagguley

PCSO 16293 Mel Bartholemew

PCSO 8516 Andrea Carpenter

PCSO 8955 Chris Hill

PCSO 8457 Simon Holmes

PC 0633 Emma Byatt

PC 4871 Lucas Hackney

PC 0732 Mel Hardy Special Constables

PC 0605 Nicola Humphries

PCSO 16227 Daniel Nettleton

PC 4452 Roger Poole

PC 4133 Craig Russell

PCSO 6602 Chris Cantrell

PCSO 8830 Chris Stone

The City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Unit is supported by a team of 13 special constables headed by divisional officer Martin Goodwin.

Dozens of children in care in the city could benefit from living in a loving, caring family home.

Around 150 families currently offer foster care, but there are over 450 children in the area who need a home. Campaigns urging families to “Make a call and change a child's life forever” have successfully recruited new carers. Now the council and its partners are stepping up efforts to expand the service across the Potteries.

Foster carer Gill, who lives in Hanley, said: “The biggest reward in fostering for me is to see children from different backgrounds

progress and move on to successful and fulfiling lives.”

Anyone over the age of 21 who has a spare bedroom at home can apply to become a foster carer.You don’t need a big house, to be in employment, to be a couple or to have children of your own.

The City Council is looking for a range of carers for children of all ages and for brothers and sisters so they can stay together, also carers from different ethnic groups. ● Apply to be a foster carer: contact the City Council for further details. If you go ahead you will be given training and ongoing support to help you develop fostering skills.You will also receive financial support for each child you foster.

Ring the Fostering Team on 01782 234555 or email fostering@stoke.gov.uk

OCTOBER 2007

Our City

11

Burslem resident Dave Buckley on the “green” cycle route at Goldenhill which has been repaired and tidied up after the lashing of the wet summer.

GPs to help in hospital casualty unit AMILY doctors and nurses are to run a new service at Stoke-on-Trent’s main hospital in order to cut the time many patients wait for treatment.

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The Primary Care Urgent Care Service will be integrated with the existing Emergency Department (ED) with the aim of reducing inappropriate hospital admissions by treating patients with ailments and discharging them to an appropriate care setting or letting them go home.

It is planned to start the service during the winter period when primary care staff will work with the Acute Assessment Unit at the ED. By employing their own GPs and support nurses, Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire Primary Care Trusts estimate between eight and 12 of the 30 plus patients an hour who use the ED will be suitable for treatment by the new service instead.

The initiative aims to achieve the Government’s target that requires 98 per cent of all cases to be treated – or admitted to a bed – within four hours of arrival.

Patients who are appropriate will be passed into the new service by a triage nurse in the ED. The new service will initially open at weekends between noon and 10pm – and within a few months it is hoped the service will operate between these hours every day of the year.

Quality of care will be enhanced by ensuring patients are seen by the most appropriate service and it is estimated that the savings of almost £2 million a year will then be reinvested into local urgent care initiatives across North Staffordshire.

Dr Marcus Griffiths, Clinical Chairman of North Staffordshire PCT, said: “In my 30 years as a GP here it has always been a problem of people being inappropriately admitted to the hospital. This initiative frees beds for more patients who do need all the services of an acute hospital.”

Dawn Wickham, Assistant Chief Executive of Stoke-on-Trent PCT, said: “We are paying a lot of money to the hospital for treating patients who don’t need to be there. Patients will receive the same quality of service through care more appropriate to their condition.”

Gardener cultivates a blooming long career GREEN fingered City Council gardener Harold Hancock has retired after cultivating a career that made him one of Britain’s longest serving local authority workers.

The 65-year-old hardy perennial started with Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s parks department in 1958 as a 16-year-old apprentice for less than £3 a week. Father of two Harold’s horticultural career blossomed into the top job as the City Council’s Central Nurseries Manager.

In his 49 years tending the civic flora and fauna Harold has had only a total of five days off sick – on two occasions he slipped on ice while at work and each time sprained an ankle. He said: “It was hard work in the early days because the job wasn’t very mechanical. It was a great innovation when we finally got a tractor in 1970.”

Now Harold is retired he will have more time for his

hobby – which is, of course, his immaculate garden at home. ● Harold is pictured above at the council’s greenhouse complex at Festival Park on the day of his retirement and, right, at work aged 18.

Prompt action...

...keeps wheels turning on green cycle route THE WET summer threatened to put the brakes on Dave Buckley’s eco friendly six-mile bike ride to work along the city’s “green” cycle routes.

But prompt action by the City Council has put Dave back in the saddle of his trail bike for his daily commute between his home in High Lane and Red Bull Garage in Kidsgrove where he is the manager.

Most of his traffic-free journey, which includes the old railway loop line behind Tunstall Park and the valley near Westcliffe Hospital, is surfaced.

But a mile-long gravel section at Goldenhill had been damaged by recent rain and high winds. Much of the surface was washed away, the track had become overgrown with vegetation and debris from the storms littered the cycleway.

Dave reported the problem to the City Council’s Environment Team just before going on a three-week cycling holiday in Spain – and when he returned was

Dave is pictured pedalling through a tunnel on the route.

delighted to find that the track had been repaired. Dave, 59, said: “I was very impressed with the way in which the City Council reacted.

“They cut back the overhanging trees and undergrowth, cleared the debris and restored the gravel surface to a reasonable quality.

“It was a nice surprise to come back home to after my holiday. Like most people I’m quick to complain, but the City Council deserves praise

when they get things like this done promptly and efficiently.”

Melanie Baines, the City Council’s New Life Project Officer who promotes and develops the city’s Greenway network, dealt with Dave’s complaint about the state of the cycle route. She said: “We were delighted to help.

That section of the cycle route had been particularly affected by the weather and we dealt with it as a priority.”

12 Our City

OCTOBER 2007

Clamp down on fireworks law breakers FIREWORKS law breakers are being clamped down on by officials from Trading Standards and Staffordshire Police.

They have released a set of guidelines for the storage, sale and misuse of fireworks in the run-up to November 5 and New Year.

They warn that action will be taken against anyone who is

COMPETITION

Name this location... and WIN a year’s supply of oatcakes WIN a year’s supply of oatcakes in our fun “where is this?” photo competition.

The mouthwatering prize will entitle the winner to two dozen of the famous Potteries delicacy every week for 12 months from their favourite oatcake shop.

All you have to do is name the whereabouts of the scene pictured above. A clue – an angel looks down on this idyllic setting.

Send your answer with your name and contact details, including a day-time telephone number, to Oatcake Competition, FREEPOST Our City, or email ourcity@stoke.gov.uk by Friday November 16th.

The first correct entry drawn out of the hat wins the prize. The Editor’s decision is final and the winner will be announced in the next issue of Our City.

Healthy fillings to tickle your taste buds OUR cover picture shows Lord Mayor’s Secretary Denise Powell with a platter of oatcakes with healthy – and tasty – fillings.

Forget about traditional bacon and cheese or sausage and egg. This year’s musthave ingredients drawn up by the city’s dietary experts combine maximum flavour with huge healthy benefits.

When the oatcakes arrive this weekend, why not try one of the Our City exclusive recipes below: ● Vegetable ratatouille in a tomato sauce.

● Any oily fish in sunflower oil – such as kippers, sardines, or mackerel – with salad and yoghurt dressing. ● Lean cuts of turkey, chicken or beef with mustard. ● Tuna and sweetcorn. ● Cottage cheese with grapes. ● Scrambled egg.

Diet expert Siu-Ann Pang of Stoke-on-Trent PCT, said:“You can even try a combination of the fillings. The important thing to remember is to have vegetables and even fruit with the fillings.”

under 18 using a firework in a public place, throwing fireworks or causing damage with them.

Making street bonfires, supplying banned fireworks and selling them from unregistered premises is also banned.

A curfew for the use of fireworks is also being enforced.

They must not be used between 11pm and 7am apart from November 5, when it is

12am, and the first day of the Chinese New Year, Diwali and 31 December when the cut-off is 1am.

And unlicensed suppliers have also been cautioned that they are only allowed to sell fireworks between October 15 and November 10 as well 26 – 31 December, the first day of the Chinese New Year, Diwali and three days preceding them both.

Active champions to lead people on the road to a fitter city VER dreamed of becoming a champion? Well, here’s your chance to try for the title and at the same time help people who live near you to keep fit.

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The search is on for Active Champions who will be trained to deliver physical activity sessions, such as walking and cycling groups, in the community.

Anyone aged over 17 can apply to become an Active Champion, and in return for free training to develop their skills they will be expected to hold at least two sessions in their community within six months of completing their instructor training programme.

The project is part of the work funded by Stoke Neighbourhood Renewal to tackle obesity in the city.

Siu-Ann Pang, Programme Leader for the Stoke-on-Trent Primary Care Trust’s Food and Obesity Team, said: “People are more likely to join in physical activities if they are led by someone they know from their local community.

“Also, there are potential ongoing benefits for those who volunteer to be Active Champions. As well as helping to improve their own health through physical activity, their role could be a stepping stone towards a career in physical activity.”

If you are interested in becoming an Active Champion contact Liz O’Neill, Project Worker 5 A DAY, Food and Obesity Team, telephone 01782 298114 or email elizabeth.o’neill@northstaffs.nhs.uk

Enjoying a family fitness session at Thistley Hough High School, Penkhull, are Andy Gath with his three children Daniel,aged six front, Kimberley, aged 12, left, and 11-year-old Vicky.

OCTOBER 2007

Our City

New mini makes big impact HE city’s new “mini” Targeted Response Vehicle fire appliance has made a big impact since joining Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s fleet of larger conventional sized fire engines in March.

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The TRV, which is being trialled in the Hanley and Longton areas, is the only one currently in service in Staffordshire. The Mercedes Sprinter vehicle carries 800 litres of water and is fitted with state of the art fire fighting equipment as well as CCTV technology.

Crewed by a dedicated team, the TRV’s main role is to deal with smaller incidents like grass, car and bin fires, freeing up the traditional appliances to respond to more serious call outs where lives may be at stake. Because it is smaller, the TRV can access fires off the beaten track more easily - particularly important for

tackling grass fires.

When not dealing with incidents, the TRV crew carry out home fire risk checks, visit schools and businesses to spread the fire safety message and give presentations to the local community. The team also liaises with the police to reduce arson and protect risk families and properties such as those used for drug taking and by rough sleepers.

So far the TRV has dealt with more than 400 incidents – and it’s reckoned the small but highly effective appliance has resulted in well over 100 hours of extra fire cover by the conventional fire engines.

Watch Manager Glynn Luznyj, who leads the TRV team, said: “The TRV vehicle has proved to be very successful and it’s likely that it is here to stay.

“When it was first introduced, the TRV raised a few eyebrows and people said they were expecting a real fire engine, but now it’s a familiar sight in the city.”

GOING OFF-ROAD:

the new mini Targeted Response Vehicle is put through its paces at Hanley Forest Park.

Pictured is firefighter Paul Griffin testing the hose by the vehicle.

Revitalised housing in the city BILL and Pam Butcher are looking forward to moving to the first of the new homes being built in the massive RENEW programme to revitalise housing in the city.

Their new home at Coalville, Weston Coyney, is one of several housing market renewal schemes supported by RENEW across the city to create quality accommodation that will make people want to live in North Staffordshire.

The Butchers will be swapping their three-bedroom house in Selby Street, where they have lived for 23 years, for a new bungalow on the Weston Heights development nearby.

Mr Butcher said: “We are really looking forward to moving into our new bungalow and remaining close to all our friends who live on the estate.”

KEYS TO THE DOOR: Bill and Pam Butcher outside their new bungalow at Weston Heights.

RENEW has been involved in similar housing market renewal projects as part of the regeneration of other areas of Stoke-on-Trent.

They include the Sadlers Park mixed development in Burslem, a facility at Meir for elderly people who need supported housing and city centre starter homes for young people as well as larger properties to suit growing families.

Developers involved recruit local labour and suppliers whenever possible in order to regenerate the local

economy. In addition, RENEW has helped to promote confidence in areas with significant improvements to individual houses and whole streets.

Hardial Bhogal, director of RENEW North Staffordshire, said: “The new homes being built at Weston Heights sum up everything we are working towards – a blighted neighbourhood transformed into an attractive, sustainable neighbourhood, with the right mix of homes to meet the needs of local people.”

Looking for a new job, a change of direction or to further develop your career?

As the biggest employer in the area we have a whole range of exciting and challenging roles just waiting for you. From Social Workers to Teachers, Gardeners to Librarians, Cleaners to School Crossing Wardens, Office Administrators to Care Assistants – we have them all.

To view our latest jobs, visit our new website at www.stoke.gov.uk/jobs and see what’s on offer.

We value diversity in our workforce and positively encourage applications from all sections of the community

13

14 Our City

OCTOBER 2007

Flu jabs available for people at risk

City’s innovative facility to be open in March

FLU jabs to prepare people at risk from the illness are now available at GP practices in the city.

Anyone in one of the vulnerable groups below should contact their family doctor to make an appointment for the injection.

You should have a flu jab if you are aged 65 or over, or if you are a resident in a long-term residential care home, or have: ● a serious heart problem. ● a serious asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ● a long-term liver or kidney disease. ● diabetes or a weakened immune system as a result of illness such as HIV/AIDS or due to treatment, such as chemotherapy.

Parents of children with a long-term condition, and carers of any of the above groups may also need a jab.

Stray dog problem STRAY dogs can be a real nuisance. Not only do they cause problems with traffic, dog fouling is a particular problem across the city.

Dogs should not be out on their own at any time and when outdoors should wear a collar and tag, marked with its owner’s name, address, and preferably a telephone number. Owners who don’t follow these rules could be breaking the law.

Micro-chipping acts as an extra safeguard and the City Council organises free micro-chipping days, which are advertised.

Anyone who sees a stray dog should telephone the council’s dog warden team on (01782) 232065.

Lights switch-on is in very safe hands SOCCER legend Gordon Banks, pictured, will switch on Hanley’s big Christmas lights this year. The 1966 World Cup winning keeper will be joined by Father Christmas and Lord Mayor Councillor Bagh Ali at the glittering event on November 15th.

HIghlights include a 2m tall ice sculpture of a polar bear, fun fair rides, a children’s parade, samba band, fashion show and fun festive characters.

Catching the cheats BENEFIT fraud investigators from the City Council are catching and prosecuting more cheats than ever before.

A total of 109 fraudsters were uncovered in the year to April 2007, with 26 of those successfully prosecuted. As a result of these and other cases, £419,000 of fraudulently claimed benefits are now being recovered.

Advanced investigation methods have made it possible to gather more evidence against benefit cheats.

Anyone wishing to report a case of benefit fraud should call our free hotline number on 0800 328 6340. Callers can remain anonymous.

PLAY AREA WITH A VIEW: this picture shows the stunning Vale Park vista from the Children’s Centre, which is currently being built. Pictured with local youngsters Rubin Taylor, left, and Daniel Plant, are Rachael Bestwick, Staffordshire Partnership Team Leader for the regional development agency Advantage West Midlands, and Vale midfielder Shane Tudor.

New trailblazing children’s centre OOTBALL League clubs across the country are keeping a close eye on the trailblazing Children’s Centre development at Port Vale’s stadium.

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Vale have teamed up with Stoke-on-Trent City Council to provide the “one stop shop” centre – the first of its kind in the country - offering a huge range of services to local families.

When it opens its doors at the end of March 2008 the purpose designed child care facility will be in a league of its own, with a raised balcony play area at the front of the stand which provides a closeup view of the hallowed Vale pitch!

Construction is well under way and the outer shell of the one-storey centre, which forms part of the re-developed Lorne Street

Stand, is now complete and ready to be fitted out.

The £800,000 project has been partly funded with a £245,000 grant from regional development agency Advantage West Midlands through the North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone. The remaining cost has been met by £550,000 Government grant.

A wide range of dedicated services will be brought under one roof. They include: ● Child and Family Health Services – ante-natal advice; information on breast feeding, hygiene, nutrition and safety; care and support for post-natal depression; speech and language support; help to stop smoking. ● Family Support and Parental Outreach – visits to new parents; parenting support; increase involvement of fathers.

● Early Education Integrated With Day Care – creche; sign posting to local day care providers; support for child minders; early identification of children with special needs.

Adele Eaton, Project Officer with The Early Years and Childcare Service which is also developing four other Children’s Centres across the city, said: “The Children’s Centre at Burslem is an ideal location as Port Vale is at the heart of the community, both geographically and symbolically.

“The Children’s Centre will provide holistic support for child development, support to families with young children and will facilitate the return to work of those parents currently unemployed.”

Bill Bratt, Chairman of Port Vale, said: “I’m proud that Port Vale is involved with the City Council in this trail –

blazing project which will be a national first as the only Children’s Centre to be based within a football club.

“We have already had calls from clubs all over the country asking about how we have developed and funded the centre and its many benefits for the club and community.

“Developments at the ground are a vital part of Port Vale’s aim to make Vale Park stadium a community venue that will be used seven days a week.”

Councillor Ian McLaughlan, Portfolio Holder for Early Years for Stoke-on-Trent, said: “This centre will be of great help to the people of Burslem – the young and their parents.

“It is the first of its kind in the country and the work the city council, Port Vale and all the partners have put in deserves to have a centre to be proud of come March.” ■

OCTOBER 2007

Our City

15

LOCAL MATTERS

Western Edition

ACTION to create stronger and safer communities in Stoke-on-Trent returns to Smallthorne later this month.

RESPECT weeks early in the year scored major achievements in bringing neighbourhoods together to tidy up, discourage anti-social behaviour and promote safety in the home.

Across the City Council teams worked with colleagues from Staffordshire Police and other agencies to tackle local problems.

Since the RESPECT action began last March the teams have achieved the

RESPECT action teams carry on work to make communities safer and stronger following in communities across the city: ● 95 tonnes of rubbish removed. ● 1,530 square metres of graffiti removed. ● 376 square metres of litter picked. ● 360 home safety checks carried out ● 1,135 young people have been engaged with in relation to arson, crime, anti-

social behaviour, drugs and welfare issues. ● 150 deep fat fryers distributed. ● 96 smoke alarms fitted. ● 83 Mothercare safety kits distributed.

Elected Mayor Mark Meredith said: “Making every part of Stoke-on-Trent a safer place to live, work and visit is the

top priority for Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Safer City Partnership.

“This year we are listening to residents in our most challenging areas to find out what issues affect their daily lives.

“Not only during this week of action, but every week of the year, we want to assure you that we are working hard to improve our city, and we would urge every resident to join us in making Stokeon-Trent safer and stronger.” ● RESPECT action teams will be working with residents in the area on 14th January 2008

Musicians drum up support to launch top UK carnival A NOTTING-HILL style parade could soon be putting Stoke-on-Trent city centre firmly on the UK’s carnival map.

Plans are in motion to expand an event by performers Planet Sound Community Arts which has run through the city centre for the last two years.

It could mean that musicians and dancers from all over the UK flock to the city next summer – with hundreds lining the streets to watch the action.

Project Director for Planet Sound – which works to develop the arts across North Staffs - Will Sherratt said: “We have some of the top Samba players in the UK right here in Stoke and they attract many more from carnivals currently operating across Britain.

“We are talking with the council’s Cultural Development Team to get more publicity and more people to a new and improved event – with hundreds more parading than the current 200.

“It will hopefully be on a par with the Christmas lights switch on and the Potteries Half Marathon.

“We are extremely passionate about putting Stoke-on-Trent on the map as a leading carnival city.

“It will be like Notting Hill – but we have more of a Brazilian style than a Trinidadian style so it would have its cultural differences.”

DVD features theatre history A DVD marking 50 years of the much-loved Mitchell Memorial Theatre is being launched at a special celebration evening.

The film will be launched in the theatre at a free screening between 7.00pm and 8.00pm on Sunday 28th October.

YOUR COUNCILLORS Burslem South

DEBRA GRATTON (Lab) (01782) 273370 debra.gratton@ stoke.gov.uk

TED OWEN (Potteries Alliance) (01782) 836486 ted.owen@ stoke.gov.uk

MOHAMMED PERVEZ (Lab) 07919 917632 mohammed. pervez@ stoke.gov.uk

Northwood and Birches Head

DON’T STOP THE CARNIVAL: colourful revellers on the march through Hanley.

Photograph courtesy of Alan Taylor

Community help bust cannabis factory STRONG community links helped officers find and raid a cannabis factory in Sneyd Green containing more than 200 of the illegal plants.

The city’s Western Neighbourhood Policing Unit used their local connections to provide intelligence on the location of the drugs.

A warrant was obtained and a bust carried out by trained officers. A sophisticated production line with heating and lighting was found and put out of action – permanently. Now, police are urging householders to be on the lookout

for drug dens in their neighbourhood.

Tell-tale signs are permanently covered windows, black bin bags and laundry bags being taken away, compost bags or gardening equipment left outside, vents, pungent smells and unusual noises like cooling fans. People visiting at unusual times, calling just to maintain the house or staying for a short time at daily or weekly intervals are other possible clues.

Any suspicions can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

REGINALD BOOTH (Potteries Alliance) (01782) 285063 reginald.booth@ stoke.gov.uk

JEAN BOWERS (Lib Dem) (01782) 262613 jean.bowers@ stoke.gov.uk

KIERAN CLARKE (Lib Dem) (01782) 788010 kieran.clarke@ stoke.gov.uk

Hanley West and Shelton

MARJORIE BATE (Lab) (01782) 314725 marjorie.bate@ stoke.gov.uk

MOHAMMAD IQBAL (Lab) (01782) 266893 mohammad.iqbal@ stoke.gov.uk

ALAN JOYNSON (Lab) (01782) 413683 alan.joynson@ stoke.gov.uk

16

Our City O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7

LOCAL MATTERS

Brian and Dawn Ollerhead (left) stand outside their new home with their neighbour and friend Mrs Dokic.

Stepping up to a quality new home RESIDENTS on estates earmarked for regeneration work are finding it easier to move house thanks to help from RENEW North Staffordshire.

Recent surveys have identified a number of streets in the area that need to be cleared so that a multimillion pound project can get underway to boost the local housing market.

The work is being arranged by RENEW – a partnership of local organisations – and officers from Stoke-on-Trent City Council have been helping to relocate residents.

Now, feedback from residents affected shows in the majority of cases they are finding their new homes suit them better than their old ones.

Dawn and Brian Ollerhead have moved from their home of 31 years in Leek Road, Hanley.

Brian said:“An advisor from the City Council was very helpful in talking to us about the extra help on offer and we were able to buy another similar house nearby without taking out a loan. The new house had been renovated and is good condition.”

RESPECT campaign targets city yobs BAD behaviour has been tackled by police as part of a link-up between organisations in the Western part of Stoke-on-Trent.

RESPECT gets local agencies, local communities and citizens working together to build a better society and tackle anti-social behaviour.

As part of their work under this initiative, the Local Policing Unit – which covers Hanley and Burslem clampeddown on issues like graffiti, vandalism, abandoned cars and damaged bus shelters.

This helped reduce anti-social behaviour in the area during a week of sustained action which will be now complimented by day-to-day patrols.

Western Edition

Staking a claim as UK’s greenest city ECYCLING efforts are being stepped up to help make Stoke-on-Trent stake its claim as the UK’s greenest city.

R

The city is encouraging residents to play their part by reducing their impact on climate change. Around 21 per cent of the waste produced in the city is currently recycled.

Residents are being asked to use their green box, blue bags and brown bins to help the city meet its target of recycling 50 per cent of all waste by 2010.

Stoke-on-Trent’s land reclamation programme and commitment to recreation mean there are over 1,380 hectares of open space and parks in the city for people to enjoy.

As well as making sure more waste is disposed of in an environmentally-friendly way, Stoke-on-Trent is renowned for the recreation facilities provided in parks and open space across the whole of the Potteries, much of it on former derelict industrial land.

There are parks in every neighbourhood and many have been improved to offer even better access and facilities in the city’s neighbourhoods.

Thousands of bedding plants grown by the council each year brighten up the public gardens, parks, streets and roundabouts. This year the city’s gardeners scooped a gold medal and Best in Show title at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Tatton Park Flower Show.

A spokesman said: “Hanley Park is a jewel in the crown, with a lake, trees and a range of wildlife including woodpeckers and squirrels.

“Millions of pounds have been spent to install sculptures, a fountain, lakeside deck and three new play areas for children including a sensory park. It’s a great place for a picnic, or a stroll through the gardens at the heart of the city.”

Matt Waddicor, who frequently visits Hanley Park, said: “We often bring the children to use the new playgrounds. It’s something different from standard play facilities and is clean and safe. My son really loves the trampoline.” ■

Staffordshire University student Sonia Sembhi enjoys an afternoon by the lake in Hanley Park.

Every home can help tackle climate change INFORMATION on recycling and tackling climate change has been distributed to every home in the city. If you would like more information on living a more

environmentally-friendly lifestyle, please visit: www.coolstoke.co.uk, or contact Cool Stoke Project Officer Holly Hoar on 01782 232485 or email holly.hoar@stoke.gov.uk

Our City is published by a partnership of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Stoke-on-Trent Primary Care Trust, Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue.

Contact us by mail at FREEPOST Our City or by email at ourcity@stoke.gov.uk or telephone 01782 232900

Help for women to leave vice trade PROSTITUTION has been reduced by more than 70 per cent in Hanley and Longport.

Since 2003 anti-social behaviour orders have been used to help stop the vice trade.

Police and partners developed strategies to support women and help them off the streets. The knock-on effect is a reduction in the area’s estimated drug trade of around £3million through reducing the number of women dependant on heroin and crack.