Our City Issue 04 by i•creation

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Western Edition

Our City ISSUE 4: MAY 2008

Kerbside challenge as we all go green SEE CENTRE PAGES

WIN one

of 20 home composters CENTRE PAGES

City to host Tour of Britain cycle race SEE PAGE SIX

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Displays that make brides’ dreams come true

Our City prize just the tonic for lucky reader

Our City

OUR City prescribed the perfect tonic for reader William Stephens while recovering in hospital from an operation – the news that he had won his council tax FREE for one year. That was the great competition prize offered in our last issue to everyone who lives in Stoke-on-Trent – and the entry from Mr Stephens, aged 84, of Chell Heath, was the first correct one drawn out of the hat. Readers were asked to name the new public/private sector joint venture company responsible for the maintenance of city council homes and public buildings in Stokeon-Trent. The response was tremendous, and like many of the entries that poured in, Mr Stephens came up with the correct answer: Kier Stoke. With the entries came useful feedback on what you think of the magazine, plus positive ideas to help shape the future content of the publication. The lucky winner, for instance, described Our City as “clear and pleasing,” while most of the others were also impressed with how it looked and its contents. Many others also said they enjoyed the magazine. Typical comments were: Very bright and colourful and easy to read. Love the layout, it beats the local papers and has some interesting stories and certainly makes you feel proud to be living in Stoke-on-Trent. A great magazine – it shows our city is moving forward in the right direction. Bright, colourful and an enjoyable and informative read. Thank you for a really good magazine. I was really impressed by the content and presentation. It is refreshingly positive in contrast to the local press. I found it to be a celebration of our upwardly mobile city. Reader Anne Strek, of Burslem, was moved to put her thoughts into verse: Eye catching format, With a rich local theme, Interesting, informative, No wonder I’m keen.

COMPETITION WINNER: reader William Stephens, who won his council tax for the year.

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.

BLOOMING brides are turning to the city council for advice on floral displays and bouquets for their big day. Greenhouse 2000 – based at Festival Park – will either grow or order the plants and flowers needed to make a superb wedding display. Florist Annette Ford runs the service which has provided displays for hundreds of events including royal visits to the city. Greenhouse 2000 has a special room where brides and grooms-to-be can see the range available to make their dreams come true. Cut flowers are available to purchase while larger displays, including palms and bay trees, can be hired. Annette, pictured among some of her floral creations, said: “We can offer any style of display from traditional to exotic and our service includes all the bouquets and displays included in a full bridal package.” For more information contact Annette on 235068.

Travel users praise city as

a shining example A TRAVEL users group has singled out Stoke-on-Trent City Council as a shining example when it comes to public transport. ACES, whose membership includes more than 100 North Staffordshire bus users, has been highly impressed by the service provided. Selwyn Brown, co-ordinator for ACES, wrote: “Of all the councils, it is Stoke-on-Trent that has proved to be the most efficient, helpful and responsible in terms of public transport. “It responds readily to questions and criticisms and has been involved in many areas of improvement. Why can’t all councils be that good?”

The city council works with all bus operators in the area and much has been done in terms of co-ordinating passenger transport information, plus the introduction of other innovative schemes. John Nichol, the city council’s Transport and Planning Manager, said: “We brought in the Smart Ticket, which enables passengers to

combine journeys with different operators. “The text messaging service from bus stops is also being well received. We’ve almost become like a one-stop travel guide and we are pleased with the good work we’ve done so far. What we must do now is build on that in the future.” ● Over 60s and the disabled can apply for a free ride on any bus at any time in

Staffordshire, and the same off peak in the rest of England. The perk is part of a nationwide scheme to give both groups free travel off peak, but Staffordshire authorities have raised the bar by making peak time travel free as well. To apply for the pass, telephone Passenger Transport on 235995.

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 July 12

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Our City

Chief declares war on needless paperwork I

T’S little wonder that Chris Sims keeps his office desk remarkably free of paperwork. For his headline grabbing crusade against red tape, form filling and TEARING UP performance targets is helping to UNNECESSARY shape the future of policing in 21st BUREAUCRACY... Staffordshire Chief century Britain.

Dr Who travels back in time to Gladstone

Constable Chris Sims When he returned to Staffordshire last is leading a crusade autumn as the county’s Chief Constable, against needless the man once in charge of policing form-filling. Stoke-on-Trent city centre declared war on bureaucracy and has freed up more time for his officers to spend with victims of crime and other people who need their help. Mr Sims’s Big Bang Approach (his description) has impressed the Prime Minister – who visited the Stafford-based force HQ to see how it works for himself – as well as the Home Secretary who paid a Commons tribute to his “excellent work.” For instance, the introduction of radical new ways of recording crime is cutting paperwork for the county’s front line officers by a staggering 40,000 hours a year – 40,000 more hours they can spend in the communities they serve. Incident reports that used to fill 15 pages now often run to just one – though officers can still produce a 15 pager, but only if the case warrants such detail.

Fewer case files The annual activity analysis – a time and motion type box ticking exercise to record each officer’s typical working day – has gone; there’s a shorter way of recording road accidents and some cases of domestic violence; and Staffordshire is piloting a different approach to criminal investigations, with officers required to complete fewer case files. In addition, Staffordshire Police has led the national debate on tackling unnecessary bureaucracy with a major contribution on that issue to Sir Ronnie Flannagan’s recent Review on Policing, the basis of a forthcoming Government Green Paper on the future of policing in England and Wales. It was his previous post as deputy chief executive of police policy body, the National Policing Improvement Agency, that motivated Mr Sims’ mission to cut red tape. A group he chaired to tackle bureaucracy simply got bogged down by its own bureaucracy! He said: “Returning to Staffordshire after nine years I found bureaucracy was constraining officers in terms of having no time to do more useful things. It constrained them in being able to use their own discretion and constrained them in decision making. “So I drew up a contract under which I pledged to reduce bureaucracy and create space for my officers in terms of time and

ON THE BEAT: Chris Sims, centre, in Longton with PC Frank Flannigan talking to resident Ahmed Mahfooz.

discretion. In return my officers had to deliver a better service for the people of Staffordshire. “We have led the way on crime recording and shown that our approach gives our officers more time to spend with people and gives them the discretion to respond in the way they think best.” Mr Sims added: “We are also getting away from the regime of national performance-driven targets which are not necessarily the way in which the people of Stoke-on-Trent want us to perform. Instead,

our officers concentrate on the issues that matter most to the communities they serve.” Now officers based at Longton police station are helping to combat the form-filling culture by taking part in a national pilot mobile data scheme. Front line officers use Blackberry-like devices no bigger than a mobile phone to receive information and input their own data while on the move.

Technology This provides far more in-depth intelligence about a case they are out on than a radio message could possibly convey, while also saving paperwork back at the station. It’s hoped that Government funding will eventually make this technology available throughout the Force. Mr Sims has happy memories of his time as Divisional Commander for Hanley. During his watch, city centre regeneration saw the start of the Cultural Quarter and pedestrianisation. He was also closely involved with Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) initiatives at Bentilee that have drastically reduced crime such as burglaries. He said: “Staffordshire has been very successful in reducing crime over a long period of time – especially in Stoke-on-Trent where crime reduction is particularly impressive. “The difficulty has been convincing people that this is the case, but I hope that the increased time officers are now spending in the community will help to dispel people’s perception and fear of crime.” ■

TIMELORD Dr Who is bringing his Tardis back to Stoke-on-Trent – 20 years after his last visit. The Gladstone Pottery Museum, in Longton, was transformed into a set for the hit sci-fi TV series in the late eighties, when two episodes, featuring Colin Baker as the Doctor and Terry Molloy as Davros, leader of the Daleks, were filmed. On Sunday May 18 both actors are returning to the site for the museums Gladstone Doctor Who Day. Throughout the day there will be autograph signings, question and answer sessions and photo opportunities. Costumed characters from the show, a Tardis and K9 will also be on display. There will be craft workshops, and also a dalek trail around the Museum. The event will be held from 10am – 5pm and admission is by ticket only, available from Gladstone on 01782 237777. A recent Dr Who Day at the City Central Library broke all attendance and joining records.

Bogus charity collections PEOPLE have been warned of bogus charity collections after residents contacted the council’s consumer advice team to report flyers appealing for clothing and household linen to be distributed to poor families in Eastern Europe. In reality, the collections are organised by commercial operators who sell the donated items for profit.

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Initiative to silence false home alarms RESIDENTS in Stoke-on-Trent are being urged to help combat the nuisance caused by intruder alarms that are faulty or accidentally set off. The aim is get all householders whose homes are protected by alarms to register contact details and those of two key holders so that alarms can be switched off quickly if there is no-one in the house at the time. Complaints about alarms that go off when they shouldn’t have increased in recent years as more and more properties have been fitted with the security systems. Now the city council is inviting people to complete a registration form with the details needed for the householder to be entered on a central register. This means that in the event of a complaint about an alarm causing a noise nuisance, council officials can phone a named key holder and alert them to the problem. If no-one can be found to deal with an alarm that is sounding and causing a statutory nuisance, environmental health officers have to serve an abatement notice and may have to obtain a warrant to enter the property so the offending device can be cut off. Jayne Hawe, Principal Environmental Health Officer with the Investigation Team, said:“The register already exists, but there are thousands of householders who could be on it that are not. “It saves everyone a lot of time, trouble, annoyance and money if we can contact a key holder to enter the house and switch off the alarm.” To obtain a registration form phone 232065 or email regulatory.services@ stoke.gov.uk

CCTV clips to be transmitted to

bobbies on frontline M

EET the PC with a pocket-sized PC, the latest cutting edge technology being used in the frontline fight against crime. Staffordshire Police officers have been equipped with the hi-tech, hand-held devices to help them in their duties as they patrol the streets.

As well as cutting down on paperwork, they are able to access vital databases and records, and the Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are also set to be linked to the city council’s CCTV surveillance cameras. It means officers will be able to take advantage of the interactive link to access video clips from any of the 190 cameras throughout Stoke-on-Trent. There are approximately 160 devices in use, the majority are in the Longton area of the city with several also being used in other areas such as Tunstall, Stoke and Hanley.

PC Tony Godwin on patrol in the city centre with his pocket-sized computer.

Increased visibility PC Wayne Elden, of the Mobile Data Project Team, said: “The PDA has and will make a significant difference to frontline officers. “It allows them access to Staffordshire Police systems while out on the streets of Stoke-on-Trent where the public want to see them. It still allows them to carry out the tasks that are required by the Force’s policies and procedures – such as directly transmitting crime reports from the scene. “Its primary use is to increase the visibility of officers on the

streets of Stoke-on-Trent Division and some officers have made arrests as a result of carrying out checks on the PDA while with the person. “An officer recently made an arrest of a male in the Longton area who had been wanted by the police for six months, and after carrying out checks on his device the person was arrested. Without the PDA, the person could have otherwise got away again.” He added: “Access to city council CCTV footage is at the final evaluation stage and steps

are being taken to link up with the CCTV centre. “It works by the operator capturing images from CCTV cameras around the city and then sending them to the PDA for officers to view while en route to incidents or during routine investigations.” Staffordshire Police is one of four forces nationwide taking part in pioneering trials with the pocket PCs, which are saving time and money. The force is also working towards assisting with the Prime Minister’s promise to deliver 10,000 PDAs to frontline

policing by the end of 2008. PC Elden added: “The trials started 18 months ago and over 180 officers across the city now have the computers. “The technology enables direct access to all sorts of police records and information, allowing officers to make checks and write reports without returning to the station.” Images will be used for identification purposes ONLY and deleted once the incident has been filed unless the image is required for evidence in court at a later date. ■

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Our City

Seamless transfer of operations

OUT AND ABOUT... City council Chief Executive Steve Robinson is pictured during a visit to see at first hand projects at the local authority’s Weston Coyney Training Centre. Here, he chats with trainee Kayleigh Marshall who is taking a Smart Start course.

Working together is key to

continued progress A

CHALLENGE to the people of the Potteries is the key to the next step of Stoke-on-Trent’s transformation, according to the man who led the council from “the last chance saloon” to being the toast of Government quality watchdogs.

There’s no complacency here; but there is lots of pride in turning the city council round from the UK’s worst to its most improved, and a coveted three star status this year. But forgive Chief Executive Steve Robinson if the champagne corks don’t pop just yet. He has thrown down the gauntlet to the public and the city council’s partners to go forward together with “the energy to drive change.” Steve points to new ways of working and a new partnership of councils, the public sector, local companies, voluntary and community groups and local people as the city’s saviours after decades of Stoke-on-Trent being a poor relation. “There’s no doubt regeneration has been lacking for some time,” he said. “There’s been too much bureaucracy and tension between the local authorities. “If we are to promote the area it has to be North Staffordshire as a whole. We have put in place a partnership with real power and real clout to buy properties, buy land, invest, bring in developers, and free up the wheels of bureaucracy to move it

on.” Steve’s local government mantra is simple: “Provide value for money and keep council tax down.” The rise to three star status – showing big improvements in key services like housing benefit, children and young people’s services and housing – was achieved while the city council simultaneously cut its costs by 10 per cent, or £20 million.

Community pride The council tax rise for 2008/09 has been pegged to inflation, and the council is aiming for that target for the foreseeable future. So the challenge is to continue these improvements while harnessing community pride to help speed the pace of recovery. Steve said: “If we are really going to make this work and be long lasting we need to give our residents a sense of pride in their city. There is an issue that we do talk ourselves down. We have great things here, a great attitude, great people and great pride but we don’t shout about it enough. “We also have to behave in a positive

way. An example is the massive amount of money that we spend cleaning up after residents because they don’t have enough pride in their area to do it themselves. “People have to start taking responsibility for their way of life rather than just thinking it’s the council’s job to do it.” The people of Stoke-on-Trent are already having a major impact on improving quality of life in the city. An example is Operation Nemesis, organised jointly by the city council, Staffordshire Police police and health services, which has removed dozens of drug dealing criminals from the streets, while supporting the communities around them... all with help from people living in those neighbour -hoods. Steve said: “It’s been a tremendous

Steve Robinson talks to Smart Start course trainees Matthew Alexander, left, and David Nixon. The course boosts basic skills and helps young people into employment.

success and is an example of a city working together to make a difference.” Steering the city is a huge job, with hundreds of other issues competing for the chief’s attention, including the “small matters” of replacing the council’s 20 year old IT system, continuing to strengthen political leadership and crusading to develop better management at all levels and across the board. “There are not many councils in the UK that have achieved what Stoke-on-Trent has achieved in the last 12 months,” he said. “When we started out on this journey we really were drinking in the last chance saloon. Now I’d ask everyone in the city to join up and help us reach the next stage. “It isn’t just about what our city can do for you... it’s also about what you can do for our city!” ■

FORWARD planning led to a smooth transfer of operations when Kier Stoke took over the maintenance of public buildings and city council homes. During the first month of the new 10-year agreement, a seamless service was maintained with Kier Stoke completing 1,881 emergency jobs and 3,921 non-emergency jobs. More than 200 vans carrying the Kier Stoke logo hit the streets and the Cromer Road depot at Northwood has been given a new look. Janet Lee, the city council’s Communications Officer for Regeneration, said:“Kier Stoke have also introduced more choice of external doors. Wooden doors have been phased out and better quality composite doors introduced. Tenants will enjoy the benefits of the extra security and choice in design.” New style electric fire suites and surrounds have also been approved.

Bypass brings big benefits TRAFFIC congestion in Tunstall town centre is set to be relieved when the Northern Bypass opens at the end of May. Unrecorded mine shafts dating back to the 1800s and pockets of contaminated land have caused considerable problems. But 16 months of work is nearing completion and traffic will soon be flowing on the 0.75 mile (1.2km) bypass, which links Chell to Sandyford. David Stubbs, the city council’s Group Manager for Highways, Policies and Programmes, said the road will provide an important link, connecting the A527, A50, A500 and M6. He said:“The high volumes of traffic passing through Tunstall town centre cause congestion and reduces the quality of the local environment. “The Northern Bypass will improve the reliability of journeys for all road users in that area, including faster and more direct bus services.” David said the new road would also have regeneration and wider economic benefits by opening up land for development and employment.

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City plays host to top

cycling spectacle S Cartoons that made the Potteries laugh THE old saying “Dust no? Thee’s a grate neouw exeebishun on dine the Pottrees Musayum?” By means of translation: Three Decades of work by Staffordshire cartoonist, the late Dave Follows, is featured in a colourful show at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery. Famous characters from the much-loved May un Mar Lady strip feature in the show, organised by Dave’s family to celebrate his life and work. As well as cartoons that featured in national newspapers and formed the basis for children’s TV shows, the exhibition also features tongue in cheek work he did to promote council and health services in Stoke-on-Trent, like the one above. The exhibition runs until June 29.

My brother’s idle THE organiser of a Sportsmen’s Dinner, which had former Stoke City legend Denis Smith as the main speaker, was left feeling distinctly offside by a telephone caller who wanted two tickets “Can we sit at the front please, my brother’s idle,”added the caller. “Well if he’s idle,” said the organiser, ”we can put him at the back, because it’s closer to the bar. He won’t have as far to walk.” “No,” protested the caller.“I said we want to sit at the front because Denis is my brother’s idol.” I know the feeling... sometimes you just wish the ground would open up.

Ants for all seasons INFESTED by wasps a little early this year? Blame global warming. Rising temperatures encourage rodents and creepy crawlies to breed quicker, and pest control experts report breakouts of rats and wasps this spring. Officers were even called out to deal with an infestation of ants – normally a summer job – during the snow and hail of easter weekend. It makes you shiver!

TOKE-on-Trent will welcome world class cyclists to the city streets when the UK’s premier cycle race returns to the area for the first time in 18 years.

The route for the 2008 Tour of Britain was announced recently at the London Transport Museum and Stoke-on-Trent was named as a host. The city will host the finishing of stage four, which runs from Worcester to the heart of Stoke-on-Trent on Wednesday September 10 Some of the worlds top professional cyclists take part in the Tour of Britain and around 100 riders will race in to Stoke-on-Trent City Centre at the end of the 90 mile route, which begins in Worcester. The city last hosted the race in 1990, and hosted the Milk Race and Kelloggs Race on several occasions. It was a huge success at a time when the area was experiencing a cycling boom.

Hotbed of cycling Cycling remains very popular in the city with more people cycling to work than ever before, taking advantage of the 100km of cycle and walking routes within the city. It is expected British cyclists will do very well in this year's Olympic Games in Beijing, leading to unprecedented levels of interest in the sport. Paul Rowlands, from the Tour of Britain, added: “It is fantastic that Stoke-on-Trent has come on board with the Tour of Britain this year. “Stoke-on-Trent has been a hotbed of cycling throughout the years and home to some of the great names of British cycling history. “I am from the area and remember watching the Milk Race in the city. That was always a huge success and I know this year’s stage will be

a huge success as well. The people of Stoke-onTrent love their cycling and their sport and will come out in their numbers to show their support.” City cycling Olympic legend, Les West, said: “The Tour of Britain is coming to the city and that is great news for local cycling, great for local people and great for Stoke-on-Trent.” Les won the Milk Race twice in the sixties and represented Great Britain in the Mexico Olympics in 1968. Les lives in Sneyd Green, Stoke-on-Trent and is still racing – and winning – even though he is in his 60’s.

The Tour will begin with a race around the streets of London, featuring some of the great landmarks of the capital, on Sunday September 7 and finishes in Liverpool a week later, completing over 1,000 kilometres throughout the country. Elected Mayor Mark Meredith added: “I remember watching the Milk Race when it came through the streets of Stoke-on-Trent, as will thousands of other people. It was really inspiring to see an internationally famous event come to my city. “I am proud that we will,

THE AGONY AND THE ECSTACY! Action from a dramatic finish in last year’s Tour of Britain.

once again, host a stage of this fantastic event and I know the people of this city will come and enjoy the day.” A number of events are planned for the day, with the finale being the finish of the Tour outside Hanley Town Hall on the afternoon of Wednesday September 10. Full details of the route, and an itinerary of the day's events, will be available in the next issue of Our City. ■

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LOCAL MATTERS

Our City

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

Birthplace plaque on show LORD Mayor Bagh Ali unveiled a plaque commemorating the birthplace of Potteries novelist Arnold Bennett which has been incorporated in a new housing development. The brass plaque – originally laid in Hope Street, Hanley, in 1931, a year after Bennett’s death – now forms part of the entrance to a new hostel for homeless people. It was rescued when the former Five Towns Cafe was demolished to make way for the hostel, which was built by the Brighter Futures Housing Association. Members of the Arnold Bennett Society, many in period costume, were joined by Bennett’s grandson, Monsieur Denis Eldin, at the ceremony.

KEY OF THE DOOR... Ian Gibson, Head of Planning at Stoke-on-Trent Primary Care Trust receives the keys to the new Shelton Health Centre from Campbell Boyle, Chair of Prima 200.

£8m health centre built at heart of the community T

HE keys have been handed over for the new £8million Shelton Primary Care Centre which will transform patient care in the area.

It will bring together a wide range of health and care services under one roof including three different GP practices currently working from converted residential premises in the community (Queen Anne Street Surgery, Snow Hill Medical Centre, Wellesley Street Surgery). It also provides midwifery, psychiatric nursing, district nursing, family planning, health visiting, podiatry, child health, minor

surgery, asylum-seeker and refugee medical screening, cervical cytology screening, phlebotomy, chronic disease management, speech and language therapy, outpatient services from secondary care (with a focus on diabetes) and a new pharmacy. The handover ceremony involved the keys to the centre being presented to Ian Gibson, Head of Planning at Stoke-on-Trent Primary Care Trust by Campbell Boyle, Chair of Prima 200, the Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) Company for the North Staffordshire area which is funding the improvements. This will enable the team of professionals due to occupy the building to begin equipping and setting up the centre ready to open its doors to

Taking pain out of prescriptions

patients in mid May. Ian Gibson said: “It is excellent to be standing outside the new centre receiving the keys and knowing that we are now only weeks away from opening our doors to the public. “The centre really will transform health and social care services in the local community. Having so many services under one roof and being in modern purpose-built premises should make life so much better for patients and staff.” Campbell Boyle added: “It will not only dramatically improve the patient experience but it has also made a real contribution to the regeneration of this part of Shelton, which should benefit the wider community.

PAPER prescriptions will soon be a thing of the past thanks to a new scheme from Stoke-on-Trent Primary Care Trust. GPs can now give an electronic prescription with a bar code instead of writing. This can be scanned by the pharmacist to see what drugs are needed. The PCT is leading the way in the West Midlands with the number of GPs using the new system. Ninety five per cent of GPs and 87 per cent of pharmacies are already approved to use the new electronic system.

Students rise to the cultivation challenge

HEALTH CENTRES Bedford House

01782 425000

A NEW generation of gardeners is set to take root at the allotments site on Turner Street with school pupils sharing the soil with older planters. Students from Birches Head High School are working on designs for raised beds and a shed on the site, and will carry out the work under the guidance of the Uddesfield Allotment Committee. Rob Smith, Extended Services Manager at Birches Head, said: “The students involved in this project have

Burslem

01782 525700

Cobridge

01782 525893

Hanley

01782 425120

already shown that they have an interest and practical skills for gardening by working on the school’s allotment.” The allotments site boasts roughly 77 occupied plots growing everything from carrots and courgettes to olives and artichokes. Members also keep racing pigeons on the site, housed in wooden lofts. The school involvement, set up by the Hope Children’s Centre, comes in tandem with a security boost to

the site in the form of fresh locks on the entrance. Elaine Smith, Secretary of the Allotments Committee, said: “Working on a plot is a good way to stay fit and produce healthy natural food.” If the scheme is successful organisers hope to extend it to other schools and youth groups in the area. Rob Smith said: “The idea is to get different generations to engage with each other in a way that enhances both their social and practical skills.”

For more information and advice on health issues please call NHS Direct on

0845 46 47

or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or www.nhs.uk

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UPILS throughout the city are teaching the people of Stoke-on-Trent an important lesson in how to protect the environment through the Eco-Schools programme.

Introducing the Civil Enforcement Wardens TRAFFIC Wardens are no more – after new legislation was introduced to alter the image of one of the most disliked professions we know. The perception of wardens scouring car parks and taking pleasure in slapping tickets on drivers’ windscreens as a council cash cow is being challenged. A Government consultation drive, carried out nationwide, has resulted in a new job description of Civil Enforcement Warden, pictured above. And the Traffic Management Act has also ordered a swifter service to public inquiries and fairer levels of parking fines aimed at helping traffic flow. Michael Clarke, the city council’s Interim Parking Manager, said:“The new measures are intended to be fairer, more effective and transparent. The Government want to end the cloak and dagger image of traffic wardens. The focus now is more on road safety and keeping traffic moving rather than going around car parks and sticking tickets to windscreens. “Councils also have to reply to letters from members of the public regarding parking tickets in no more than 21 days and in some cases within 14 days.” Parking fines of £60, reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days, used to be the same for motorists whose ticket had ran overtime on a car park as if they had parked on yellow lines or caused an obstruction. New fines have now reduced the car park category to £50 (£25) and lifted the fines for what are now recognised as more serious offences to £70 (£35).

Phone hotline to report anti social behaviour A 24 hour hotline has been launched to help win the battle against anti social behaviour in Stoke-on-Trent. Police and the city council want residents to be their eyes and ears by calling the freephone number 0800 561 5610. Calls requiring urgent action will be forwarded by the council’s Stoke-on-Call contact centre to the emergency services. Non-urgent calls will be passed on to the relevant police or city council departments. The helpline is part of the Stoke Won’t Stand for It campaign which aims to clamp down on behaviour like dropping litter, grafitti, drug and alcohol related nuisance, excessive noise, threatening behaviour, swearing and abusive language. Cllr Joan Bell, Council Portfolio holder for Public Safety, said:“People have asked us to make anti social behaviour a priority and this is one way we can help them. The new service is a first for this area and one of only a handful in the country. It will boost public confidence and show how determined we are to beat this problem.”

COMPOSTING CAN BE FUN! Oakhill primary school eco-pupils Milla Hulmes and Connor Smith with one of the compost bins you can win in our competition.

Public transport Pupils at a number of schools in the city have already come up with their own environmental plans. They include energy saving initiatives like ensuring lights and electrical items are turned off when not in use and water taps are not left running. The young people have also looked at other issues, such as the use of chemical pesticides and herbicides by ground staff, litter, recycling paper and other waste materials, composting and the use of public transport instead of cars for the journey to and from school.

More residents get the kerbside habit

WE REALLY DIG IT! Working on the new allotment at Oakhill Primary School are eco-pupils Kane Skelding, Katie Purcell and Josh Pedley. On hand at the inter-active Eco-Schools event will be experts and professionals to advise on how pupil projects can be set up, with input from environmentalists, curriculum advisors, transport The Hughes’ family recycling tradition is being carried on by the next generation – Kath and her seven-year-old granddaughter Courtney, make sure all her unwanted books and toys go to less fortunate children.

planning representatives and many more. Tracy Brennan, a member of the Corporate Communications team in the Chief Executive’s Directorate, who is organising the event, said: “The initiatives are all pupil-led, with the support and resources provided by teaching staff, the city council and our strategic partners. “The programme develops academic achievement by teaching

essential life skills such as leadership, independence and verbal reasoning, and it turns dry lesson topics into engaging projects, making learning creative and fun. “It also enables the city council to engage with schools to deliver better services, improve the cleanliness of communities, hit recycling targets and even reduce anti social behaviour.

“What the pupils are doing also inspires us all to do our bit to reduce our carbon footprint and become more environmentally aware.” ● Anyone interested in attending the Eco-Schools event is welcome to drop in between 10am and 5pm (there will be a break for lunch between midday and 1pm). For more details contact Tracy Brennan on 01782 236937.

MORE and more people in Stoke-on-Trent are getting the kerbside habit – leaving out recyclable waste in appropriate containers for fortnightly collections. The increasing amount of waste being disposed of in this eco-friendly way throughout the city is

encouraging – but more people could do their bit by using the service. Green bins are provided for glass bottles and jars, cans and clean foil, the blue bag is for newspapers, junk mail, directories and catalogues and the white bag is for textiles, while the brown wheelie bin takes

Meet the mum from Bentilee who was a recycling champion long before recycling became fashionable IF everyone was like Kath Hughes and her family, Britain would not have a waste disposal problem. The mother of two from Bentilee has recycled just about all her household rubbish and unwanted items for the past 15 years – long before most of us became aware of terms like “landfill sites,” “greenhouse gases” or “global warming.” The Hughes family discovered how they could help the environment while on holiday in Jersey where there was a waste incinerator, bottle banks and collecting points for plastics and cartons – facilities then largely unheard of on the UK mainland.

Back home in Stoke-on-Trent Kath and her husband Rob followed the example of the eco-friendly Channel Islanders and recycled her family’s household waste whenever possible.

Family tradition In addition their unwanted clothes and other re-saleable items like ornaments went to a Longton charity shop run by a close family friend. Now the city’s own pioneering recycle superstars have an eco-friendly way of getting rid of most of their waste. Kath and Rob’s grown-up children Robert and Lisa, who live nearby, also follow the family tradition.

Win one of 20 garden composters up for grabs in our fun competition

Eco-pupils lead the green lobby The youngsters are leading the way by developing their own green projects to make their schools more energy efficient and eco-friendly, showing how others in the community can make a difference. Their efforts will be showcased at an event, hosted by the city council at the Kings Hall, Stoke, on Wednesday June 11 when teaching staff, governors and pupil representatives from all the city’s schools can find out about the wide ranging support that’s available for the eco-school schemes.

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Kath, who was a classroom assistant for special needs pupils at Brookhouse Green Primary School before she retired, used the Household Waste and Recycling Centre at Federation Road, Burslem, before the kerbside collections were introduced – and still takes plastic, cardboard and used paint to Federation Road. When buying food she avoids packaging by buying fresh – keeping tins and packets to a minimum and ensuring a healthy diet. Even pet dog Gismo contributes – instead of tinned dog food he eats the same meals as the family – and especially loves salads and vegetarian dishes! Kath often cooks enough food to

last two days, keeping down cost and waste, and any left-overs go out for the birds. She collects old woollen garments and re-knits them into scarves as gifts for family and friends, and with daughter Lisa she is trying out tumble dryer balls to stop clothes tangling and so cut back on electricity to help save money and the environment. Kath said: “I suppose we were regarded as unusual when we first started to recycle, but now everyone is aware of the need to do it and facilities like kerbside collections and the recycling centres make it easier. We seem to find something new to recycle just about every month!”

garden waste such as grass cuttings (not food waste), general household rubbish should be put in the grey wheelie bin. Meanwhile, the good news for those who use the Hanford recycling facility is that the roadway to the site and the site lay-out is soon to be improved. Recent months have seen the roll out of wheelie bins to terraced properties in Stoke-on-Trent, meaning that most people in the city now have wheelie bins. A series of roadshows gave residents the opportunity to discuss the bins before they were introduced. Communication Officer Hilary Hampton said:“ The wheelie bins have generally been very well received. Most people understand they keep our city cleaner and tidier. “The standard sized wheelie bin is sufficient to hold waste from most households, but larger bins are available for residents who need them.” If you need a larger wheelie bin please call 234234.

HERE’S your chance to help the environment and make your garden bloom by winning one of 20 home compost bins in our great easyto-enter competition. The neat circular bins will take up to 220 litres of your green waste and within nine months turn it into organic compost ready to use on your garden beds, borders and vegetable patches. These great prizes, which each retail for £27.99, are being offered to mark the recent Compost Awareness Week which was supported by Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Waste that is recycled now will be ready for next year’s planting season. The 88 cm high bins create highly nutritious compost from veg peelings, fruit waste, dead flowers, tea bags, plant prunings, spent plant compost, grass cuttings, cardboard egg boxes, scrunched up newspaper, fallen tree leaves, shredded paper, crushed egg shells and much more. With each bin come instructions on how to store waste inside in order to achieve the best results. All you have to do is answer a simple question – the answer to which can be found in the magazine. The question is: What is the colour of the wheelie bin for garden waste? Send your entries to Compost Bin Competition, FREEPOST, Our City, or email: ourcity@stoke.gov.uk by Monday June 16. The first 20 correct entries drawn out of the hat win the prize. The Editor’s decision is final and the winners will be announced in the next issue of Our City. Even if you don’t scoop a prize, you can still be a winner by purchasing your 220 litre compost bin from the city council at a special discount price of £17, a 330 litre bin for £20 or a 250 litre KOMP bin for £40 – all with free delivery. For details log on to stoke.gov.uk/composting

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UPILS throughout the city are teaching the people of Stoke-on-Trent an important lesson in how to protect the environment through the Eco-Schools programme.

COMPOSTING CAN BE FUN! Oakhill primary school eco-pupils Milla Hulmes and Connor Smith with one of the compost bins you can win in our competition.

More residents get the kerbside habit

Back home in Stoke-on-Trent Kath and her husband Rob followed the example of the eco-friendly Channel Islanders and recycled her family’s household waste whenever possible.

Win one of 20 garden composters up for grabs in our fun competition

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LOCAL MATTERS

Western Edition

Police contact numbers Western and City Centre 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. 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. LONGPORT AND MIDDLEPORT NPU commander

Inspector 4465 Martin Brereton Burslem Police Station, Jackson Street, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1AF

Tel. 08453 30 20 10 southwesternnpu@staffordshire.pnn. police.uk Sgt 4602 Paul Clarke Sgt 3840 John Hazeldine Sgt 4019 Pete Slinn BIRCHES HEAD PC 0848 Ruth Barlow PCSO 8979 Michelle Chadwick PCSO 16225 Adrian Hemmings PCSO 8984 Rebecca Simon BURSLEM AND SNEYD GREEN WEST PC 4718 Paul Rigby PC 0896 Tracy Adams PCSO 8957 Justine Marsh PCSO 6440 Wendy Rigby ETRURIA AND SHELTON NORTH PC 4632 Andy Mander PC 4389 Guy Wain PCSO 8995 Lucy Slater PCSO 16230 Vicky Smith FOREST PARK PC 805 Kate Beardmore PCSO 8987 Liz Old PCSO 8831 Katie Sullivan

PC 4368 Andy Graham PC 4886 Scott McGrath PCSO 8959 Helen Rowley PCSO 8832 Adam van de Sande NORTHWOOD PC 3829 Ian Martin PCSO 9045 Sue Wall SHELTON SOUTH PC 4139 Dave Marshall PCSO 16299 Katie Brickley PCSO 6484 Lisa Donachie STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY PC 4483 Keith Emery Special constables The Western Neighbourhood Policing Unit is supported by a team of 20 special constables headed by a divisional officer. CITY CENTRE

NPU commander

£2 million boost for popular theatre A STOKE-ON-TRENT arts complex it to get a near £2 million makeover thanks to an injection of Big Lottery cash. The Mitchell Memorial Youth Arts Centre in the city centre will receive £1.95 million after the city council’s Community Assets Programme application to the Big Lottery was successful.

Only £30 million was available in the fund, meaning Stoke-on-Trent secured 6.5 per cent of all cash. The city council now has six months to deliver the project. The complex consists of two buildings, the Mitchell Memorial Youth Theatre and Cartwright House and is at the gateway to the Cultural Quarter.

Homes improved in £1.1m facelift D

OZENS of homes in Middleport received a facelift as part of a £1.1 million makeover project.

Terraced houses had front windows, doors, roofs, guttering, boundary walls and gates repaired or Hanley Police Station, Bethesda Street, replaced, as well as having masonry repointed and Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 3DR. painted. The work was carried out by RENEW Tel. 08453 30 20 10 North Staffordshire as part of the huge programme western.npu@staffordshire.pnn. police.uk to make run down neighbourhoods attractive and Special constables The City Centre popular places to live. Neighbourhood Policing Unit is supported by a team of 13 special constables headed Resident Jamie Walker’s home benefited from a by a divisional officer. new front door, front wall, patio, a retiled roof and loft insulation. She said: “It looks absolutely brilliant. When it’s finished it will look as good as a new house. The whole street will look great and it will certainly help give the area a better reputation.” Jamie’s home is one of 27 properties in Newport Street improved under the project. More There’s much more to paid work than just work. You’ll than 30 homeowners and meet new people, learn new skills and with the extra landlords in Ellgreave Street, 12 in money you earn you can treat your family to a day out, St Paul’s Street, six in Sant Street or even save up for a family holiday. and others in Church Square and Globe Street have also signed up Support into work for the work. Of course, it’s not easy to find work. So we’ve created

Inspector 3509 Shaun Kerrigan

We’ll give you help to find work, so your family can have a brighter future

a Choices Kit for you. It’s full of useful tips and advice and covers everything from helping you find the right childcare, to training, preparing for interviews, and getting financial support while you’re working. Your Jobcentre Plus Personal Advisor We can arrange for you to meet with an advisor too. They can calculate how much better off you’ll be working, arrange interviews for you, advise on childcare and much more. You can continue to get help from them for up to 6 months after you start work.

family life. When you’re ready we can guarantee to arrange an interview for you.

Work to fit around your family We also work closely with local employers, who are happy to fit your working hours around your

Order a free Choices Kit today Call and order your Choices Kit today and soon you could afford some fun, family days out.

Extra money for treats To make sure you’re better off, we’ll give you an extra £40 tax free a week on top of your wages, for up to a year. Check with an advisor to see if you’re eligible. What will you do with the extra money?

Jamie Walker and her son Jake outside their newly-renovated house.

Eco-friendly school building sets a new green standard PUPILS have swapped their 19th century school for 21st century classrooms in a “green” school that incorporates the very latest in eco-friendly features. Waterside Primary at Joiner’s Square, Hanley, which opened its doors in January 2007, provides the whole community with a valuable lesson in how they can protect the environment. The school, which replaced the Victorian Joiner’s Square Primary on the adjacent site, boasts: ● A wind turbine to power outside lights,

corridor lighting, fire and security alarms. ● Lighting with no switches that is activated by the presence of people so lights are not left on unnecessarily. ● An underground tank connected to the guttering that stores 50,000 gallons of rainwater which is filtrated on site to supply all the school’s water except for drinking water. ● Solar panels installed in the roof to back up power supplied by the wind turbine; and tinted glazing to stop glare from the sun and retain heat inside the school.

Bar code system takes pain out of prescriptions *Lines are open 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday. Calls to 0800 numbers are free from BT landlines but you may have to pay if you use another phone company, a mobile phone, or if you are calling from abroad. The textphone number is 0800 085 5729. The textphone numbers we provide are for people who find it hard to speak or hear clearly. If you do not have a textphone, some local libraries or Citizen Advice Bureaux may have one. Textphones do not receive text messages from mobile phones.

BAD handwriting shouldn’t stop pharmacists from preparing a prescription thanks to a new scheme by Stoke-onTrent Primary Care Trust.

GPs can now give an electronic prescription with a bar code instead of writing. This bar code can then be scanned by the pharmacist to see what

drugs are needed. Ninety five per cent of GPs and 87 per cent of pharmacies are approved to use the new electronic system.

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Employers urged to take up free service EMPLOYERS in the construction industry have been urged to make the most of a free recruitment service in Stoke-on-Trent. The Government-funded North Staffordshire Construction Employment Centre, set up in June last year, has a bank of 3,000 workers looking for jobs. Based at Groundwork premises in Moorland Road, the organisation has already secured jobs for 170 people and put a further 384 through training courses. Project Manager Tim Robins is now urging more employers to get in touch and take advantage of the service. He said: “We’ve got a massive bank of construction workers on our books, ranging from school leavers eager to take their first job to people with 25 years of experience. “Getting in touch with us cuts out the cost of advertising in newspapers and we are confident we can fulfil any employers’ needs.” Tim and his team at NSCEC fixed up Burslem-based Goldstraw Engineering Services Limited with a new apprentice, 19-year-old Josh Rawlins.

Saturday opening at crematorium BURIALS and cremations at Carmountside Crematorium are taking place on Saturdays for the first time in an extended opening hours trial. The two month pilot will gauge the public demand and need for extra services. Until early June, the reception at Carmountside will be open from 9am to noon to take bookings and payment for burials and cremations at eight district cemeteries as well as Carmountside. Officers will be available to deal with memorialisation and other general enquires, and a registrar will be on hand to register deaths during the trial period. Cremation services will be available between 9am and 10.30am at Carmountside. Burials will be offered between 10am and noon at all cemeteries. For more information about the trial call the Bereavement Care Office on 235050.

Best to use council property searches

Engineering apprentice Josh Rawlins, right, receives on-the-job training from Richard Goldstraw of Goldstraw Engineering Services who recruited Josh through the North Staffordshire Construction Employment Centre. He added: “We sourced several potentials for the post, they were interviewed and Josh got the job.” Richard Goldstraw, proprietor of the company, said: “We tried different agencies and the NSCEC

were the best. Josh comes from an engineering family and definitely has the aptitude for the job. He is doing smashing. “The NSCEC had already put Josh through a health and safety course and a gas

central heating course, which was a massive help and saved us considerable expense.” Other employers in the construction industry interested in taking up Tim’s offer can contact him on 829946.

Food outlets marked on hygiene standards FOOD hygiene standards throughout the city are being monitored closely in a new “Scores on the Doors” initiative. All premises serving or selling food will be given a certificate and window sticker, showing their score as either excellent, good, satisfactory, poor or very poor. Restaurants, takeaways and schools are coming under the microscope in the scheme, run by the city council and the Food Standards Agency. Councillor Joan Bell, Council Portfolio Holder for Public Safety, said:“Our officers are often asked which restaurants, pubs or cafes are clean places to eat. This scheme allows people to see for themselves what we find behind the scenes, so they can make an informed choice about whether or not they want to eat there.” Businesses don’t have to

Our City

display the certificate or sticker, but they are being encouraged to do so. If they aren’t displayed, customers can check if they have been scored by visiting the council’s website at www.stoke.gov.uk At each inspection the business is given a score based on the standard of structure, hygiene and confidence in management. Businesses that don’t comply will be subject to normal enforcement action. By allowing customers to see any issues with food safety the city council hopes businesses will be encouraged to improve and maintain standards. The initiative is being introduced gradually and scores are only given after a full routine inspection. Food businesses in Meir, Blurton and Longton are first in line, with Hanley and Stoke to follow.

HOME buyers and sellers have been warned to use council property searches instead of those offered by a growing number of private companies. The searches can uncover vital information about a property including whether or not it has planning permission or building regulations approval, whether part of the property may be affected by a compulsory purchase order or even whether double yellow lines are planned in the road. While private companies offering searches may be cheaper than the council, they do not have access to the full range of information needed to answer all questions because it appears in registers which only the council can access. Homebuyers or sellers who need advice or information should contact the council experts on 232775, or visit stoke.gov.uk/searches

Doors open on new well-man project ASIAN men in Shelton are being encouraged to take advantage of a new initiative set up to help their physical and emotional well being. The Open Door project is held from 1pm to 3pm every Wednesday at Rectory Road Community Centre, where the group exercise with a qualified instructor and also sit and chat in English and Urdu. Older men are being specifically targeted for the sessions, although adults of all ages are welcome. Open Door is run by Shelton-based charity Approach, which is funded by Help the Aged and supported by the Primary Care Trust and the Beth Johnson Housing Association.

Safer rail stations Volunteer Chef Vince Whitehead serves up a meal to patient Ryan Worth at the dining room of the Donna Louise Trust Treetops Hospice, Trentham. The food outlet received the highest “Scores on the Doors” rating – excellent.

PASSENGERS using Longport and Longton railway stations have welcomed improved security including CCTV and better lighting. A city council survey shows that an average of 87 per cent of passengers who use the stations now felt safer than before.

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Fairtrade initiative gains momentum after city campaign COMPANIES and retailers in Stoke-on-Trent are being urged to support food producers throughout the world by signing up to the city’s Fairtrade initiative. Dozens of shops, offices and cafes are taking part in the project by serving and selling Fairtrade products which provide better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. Replacing just two products like tea or coffee in a staff canteen with their Fairtrade equivalent is enough to be accredited as a Fairtrade supporter... while helping make a difference to millions of small suppliers. City councillor Peter Kent-Bagguley said: “It’s so easy to be involved as individuals or organisations and to make a difference. “In our shopping routine we can make sure we buy goods carrying the Fairtrade logo. They are often cheaper than the big brands and are available across the city. “We can encourage relatives, friends and work colleagues, churches, youth clubs and community centres to buy Fairtrade. We can also support our local Fairtrade groups with their campaigns.” The city council and North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce have already made their commitment to supplying Fairtrade products. Fairtrade Fortnight included a Fairtrade lunch, a launch event at the city museum, a screening of a special Fairtrade documentary BLACK GOLD and an exhibition of Fairtrade products. The Fairtrade Fortnight double decker bus made a stop in Hanley as part of its national tour and 200 people packed Stoke’s Jubilee Hall for the Lord Mayor’s annual Fairtrade Civic Reception. For more information visit www.stoke fairtrade.org.uk

Free head and foot massages on offer RELAXING routes to learning and skills are on offer at Active Mind, Healthy Body – an event being staged during this year’s Adult Learners Week. Free head and foot massages are on offer at the King’s Hall, Stoke, between 2pm and 4pm on Wednesday May 21. As well as free prize draws and games, there’s an opportunity to find out what ‘Me Time’ really is, take a close look at junk food and explore new pathways to learning and work. Entry is free. For more information call 292776 or email jo.knight@niace.org.uk

Help for over 50s A SHOP and clean service is available for people aged over 50 with a welfare need. Age Concern employ caring, trained staff for the paid for service and anyone can make a referral. Further information from Age Concern, Unit 9T, Moorland Road, Burslem, or telephone 827923.

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME... pupils Jonathan Law and Grace Petrovic outside the new school complex.

School transformed for

first-class learning A

MULTI-MILLION pound scheme has transformed Sandon High School into a first-class 21st century centre for learning.

The specialised Business and Enterprise school is now based in a brand new, state-of-the-art complex just a stone’s throw from the original 1930s structure on Sandon Road, Meir. It is the first in the city to be transformed as part of the £200 million Building Schools for the Future programme. The new building features the latest in classrooms, including interactive white boards, and there is Wi-Fi access throughout the school. A learning resource centre has replaced the old library and the school now boasts a recording studio and a business and enterprise suite. It also features a five-court sports hall partly funded by

the Big Lottery Fund, to complement the school’s status as a regional centre of excellence for cricket. Pupils and teachers moved into the new building earlier this year. Work is now progressing to demolish the old building, landscape the area and install multi-use gaming areas and car parking. When the work is finished in August it will complete the two-year £16 million project to totally transform the school. Steve Vitta, Sandon High School Project Manager said: “The transformation of this school is the shape of things to come throughout the city. The pupils and teachers can now benefit from the very latest learning resources and a raft of facilities.” Thousands of people in Stoke-on-Trent had their say on the future of secondary and special schools as part of the Building Schools for the Future programme.

Pupil Alexandra Donaldson and teacher Andrew Howsley in the new learning resource centre which has replaced the old library. Hundreds of parents, staff, governors and school stakeholders were consulted in one of the most extensive surveys ever undertaken in the city. The aim is that every

student in Stoke-on-Trent will have access to the most modern learning, technology and specialist facilities to equip them for the jobs and skills of the future.

Message in a bottle scheme can be a lifesaver A SUPERCOOL scheme to keep a lifesaving message in a bottle in elderly and vulnerable people’s fridges has been relaunched in Stoke-onTrent. Stickers at the front door and fridge door point any emergency services arriving at

a home to the special datalink container. The special bottles contain information about a person’s medical history and medication which could prove vital at a critical time. More than 20,000 datalink packages are being handed out free at

fire stations and council local centres throughout the city, along with the forms and stickers needed. For information about the nearest distribution point or to order larger quantities for groups or associations, please telephone 207200.

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Learning to manage long-term illness P

EOPLE in the city with long-term health conditions can help themselves to a better quality of life by joining a free selfmanagement course called the Expert Patient Programme (EPP).

There is no need to be put off by the title – it just means they can become experts by learning ways to self-manage their condition and take control of their lives. So often an illness can control how people live their lives, and of course that affects those we share our lives with. The nationwide NHS programme is delivered in friendly and supportive groups for two and a half hours per week over six weeks by people who have a long-term health condition and therefore understand the problems of adjusting to changes caused

by a long term illness. Everyone receives a free course book. The course helps people to find ways to break the vicious cycle in which they can feel trapped. It is possible to break this cycle by building on skills people have and learning new ones.

Emotions It helps people to see it is not just the illness, but how they deal with pain, breathlessness, fatigue, stress and anxiety, as well as some of the difficult emotions caused by having to accept and adjust to what can be a profound change. The EPP looks at how the way we think can affect the way we feel, how even the smallest amount of physical activity can make us feel better, how healthy eating can help and how to work with professionals. Those who care for people

with long-term conditions can also benefit from the EPP course for carers called Looking After Me. This is also free. Pauline Ibbotson, one of the EPP Trainers for Staffordshire and Shropshire, said: “Research has shown people trained in self-management tend to be more confident and less anxious. They make fewer visits to the doctor, can communicate better with health professionals, take less time off work, and are less likely to suffer acute episodes requiring admission to hospital.” Courses for people who live in Stoke-on-Trent are planned throughout the year in different areas, and people can obtain more information from Stoke-on-Trent Primary Care Trust on 298090. Courses will also be advertised in GP practices, Outpatient departments and pharmacies.

Expert Patient Programme put my life back together MALCOLM Barber will be forever grateful for the way in which the Expert Patient Programme helped to put his life back on track. The 61-year-old was diagnosed with a not-severe type of diabetes in 1996, but six years later the condition worsened and his medication was increased. On his diabetes nurse’s recommendation he joined the EPP’s six-week course. Malcolm said: “I was stressed out and having terrible trouble keeping to my controlled diet, but after taking the course the results were out of this world. I was guided by tutors on issues like food intake, exercise, panic attacks, depression and stress. “I was also helped to communicate about my condition with my doctor in a concise way and on how to keep a diary about details such as my condition and any adverse reactions to medication.

“The programme also taught me how to set goals. For instance I now have a brisk 40-minute walk every day which helps to keep my blood sugar level down. The EPP has made a huge difference not only to me but to my long-suffering wife Veronica and the rest of my family. After being so stressed out, it put my life back together again.” Malcolm, who retired last year after running his Burslem Oatcakes shop for 20 years, is now one of the EPP’s unpaid volunteer tutors in Stoke-on-Trent helping others with long-term conditions such as strokes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart problems and multiple sclerosis. He said: “It is personally very rewarding to be able to pass on the benefits of the Expert Patient Programme after it did so much to make life better for me and my family.”

Bid to stop adults buying alcohol for under-18s A CAMPAIGN to stop adults buying alcohol for under-18s is being stepped up after the emergence of a worrying new trend. City council officers have been made aware of parents purchasing booze for their children and then driving them to meet up with friends. Community Officer Claire Davis said: “Buying alcohol for under-18s is treated seriously, with fines of up to £1,000 for the

young person concerned and up to £5,000 for the adult. It is worrying that some parents seem to encourage their children to drink by buying it for them and then taking them to see their friends. “The campaign has been ongoing for a while, but we’ve produced a new information leaflet and a hard hitting poster, which have been sent to all licensed premises.”

Volunteer Tutor Malcolm Barber guides Alma Ford through the Expert Patient Programme during a course held at the Haymarket Health Centre, Tunstall.

Looking for a new part-time job supporting our schools?

As the biggest employer in the area we have a whole range of exciting and challenging jobs just waiting for you in our school support services. From Catering to Cashier, Cleaners to School Crossing Patrol Wardens, – we have them all, hours are variable and wages starts at £6 per hour. To view our latest jobs and see what’s on offer, visit our new website at:

www.stoke.gov.uk/jobs Or telephone 01782 238204 for further information. We value diversity in our workforce and positively encourage applications from all sections of the community

Transformation. Teamwork. Talent.

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Earners urged to back new credit union EARNERS are being urged to pledge support for a credit union to help city people save and borrow money without resorting to loan sharks. The city council is launching a North Staffordshire credit union, which will function as a “not for profit” financial co-operative owned by its members. Credit Union Development Officer Kevin Waters said:“Credit unions are uniquely based on trust which means they are able to make loans to people other lenders may not even consider. “They are run by members for members, and offer flexible savings by Paypoint, direct debit or by payroll deduction to suit everyone's needs.” Members make deposits and build up savings known as “shares”. At the end of each financial year interest in the form of a “dividend” can be paid to all members.

Community Credit unions are regulated by the Financial Services Authority in the same way as banks and building societies. Credit unions help people all over the world win higher returns on savings and lower interest rates on loans, and members make up a quarter of people in the USA and half of Ireland. Kevin said:“A credit union will eliminate door step loans offering extortionately high rates of interest – often in excess of 200 per cent – to some of the most vulnerable people in the community.” The credit union is expected to begin trading by the summer. You can pledge support for a credit union in the area, without committing to join it, by calling 232344 or emailing kevin.waters @stoke.gov.uk, or find out more at www.nscu.co.uk

Work starts on £11m ‘Uni Quarter’ project W

ORK has started on an £11 million University Quarter project that will provide 21st century learning facilities while also restoring one of the area’s historic landmarks.

Centrepiece of the development will be a new Care Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) that will transform the Cauldon campus of Stoke on Trent College. The stunning new building – due to open its doors for the start of the summer 2009 term – will house a complete range of world class facilities for the Caring and Service Industries sectors. It forms the first phase of a major construction programme that will completely revitalise the campus, which will share facilities with Staffordshire University and the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College. The CoVE will be home to courses for child care, health and social care, counselling and health-related programmes, as well as for catering, hairdressing and beauty and holistic therapy students. Part of the new building will extend into the adjacent Cauldon Small Park at Shelton, a public open space that has fallen into disrepair. Under a 99-year lease negotiated with the city council, the College will be responsible for maintaining the park and aims to restore the community green space to its former Victorian glory.

An artist’s impression of how the Care Centre of Vocational Excellence will look with, in the foreground, the reproduction of the Victorian terracotta balustrade of the Cauldon Small Park. Architects have drawn up designs that ensure a faithful reproduction of the original park terrace – complete with its terracotta balustrade. As part of a planned multi-million pound development programme at both the College’s Cauldon and Burslem campuses, it is proposed to build a Business and Professional Services CoVE

close to the new Caring CoVE block. With the existing Construction CoVE at Burslem, the College will provide three prestigious centres of excellence that will play a major role in the regeneration of the city and complement Stoke-on-Trent’s extensive school rebuilding programme. College Principal Graham

Moore said: “Our learners need and deserve new and inspiring learning facilities that are fit for purpose and which position Stoke-on-Trent amongst the leading providers of skills training locally, regionally and nationally. “The campus developments offer both the learning and wider communities once in a lifetime opportunities for all.”

Hi-tech monitoring of city streetlights

Viewing the website map of streetlights and lit traffic signs are Elected Mayor Mark Meredith and Cllr Joan Bell, Portfolio Holder for Public Safety.

SATELLITES are peering down on the streetlights of Stoke-on-Trent in a “cutting edge” scheme that is a national first. Residents can view the overhead images of the city on a website and click on particular streets to report lamps that have failed to light up. Each of the city’s 38,000 streetlights and lit traffic signs are mapped out on the site and a team of repairers can take action the instant a light is reported. Users can also type in the names of their streets and view up-to-date reports on the replacement work being done in their neighbourhoods. The pioneering system set up for the council by SEC Lighting Services will

supplement regular inspections of public lighting in the city. The company’s Regional Director, Mark Williams, said: “The Stoke-on-Trent street lighting project is at the cutting edge in terms of the equipment and technology used.” Cllr Joan Bell, Council Portfolio Holder for Public Safety, said: “Well lit streets are safer streets – and modern streetlights are also very environmentally friendly.” Anyone wanting to report a faulty streetlight can log onto lightsoninstoke.co.uk. Those without internet access can still report faulty lamps on the free phone number 0800 3287709.

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Cycle patrols reduce deliberately-lit fires FIREFIGHTERS got on their bikes to drive down the number of deliberately-lit fires. The scheme was initially run as a pilot in the Chell Heath and Middleport areas during last year’s summer holidays. And the initiative was such a success it was rolled out across the city at Easter and will return during the six-week summer break. Firefighters, who operate in pairs, use cycles to patrol areas that aren’t accessible to fire engines. Feedback from the communities at Chell Heath and Middleport was extremely positive and results spoke for themselves. During the pilot, there was an 84 per cent reduction in deliberately-lit fires in the areas where it operated.

Students link up with Cop Shop

BRANCHING OUT... the imaginative steel sculpture welcoming visitors to Central Forest Park, Hanley.

Pupils help create ‘tree’ A

SCULPTURE designed in partnership with local schoolchildren marks a new, more accessible pedestrian entrance to Central Forest Park, Hanley.

Pupils at Sneyd Green Primary and Forest Park Primary took part in workshops and came up with suggestions for the art work welcoming visitors to the former coal mine site – one of the biggest examples of land reclamation in the country. The students explored Central Forest Park’s past, including the history of mining and the transformation from spoil heaps to rolling hills, lake and play areas. They sketched ideas including mining

tools, fossils found in the coal, insects and animals from the park, as well as the many activities now provided on site. Designers came up with a large metal sculpture, called Tree Stories, and the children’s sketches were turned into motifs which were fastened to its branches. The new entrance was opened with a celebratory event, which also recognised other improvements made to the park through the Greening for Growth programme. A safari-themed play area and the skate plaza were also funded under the scheme, which is supported by Advantage West Midlands and the European Regional Development Agency.

STUDENTS are being encouraged to build up a rapport with their local police officers in a new initiative called Cop Shop. The fortnightly surgeries at Birches Head High School are the brainchild of PC Ruth Barlow and PCSO Michelle Chadwick. PC Barlow, of the Western Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “We were keen to meet the students in a more informal setting. “We want to break down barriers and encourage the students to talk to us about any issues they may have. “We have worked closely with the teachers at the school for some time and this is another way of continuing that work.”

Celebrating library records STOKE-on-Trent’s libraries are celebrating after breaking two records in one day. Dr Who day at the City Central Library, Hanley, drew a crowd of over 4,000 people the biggest turnout ever. And another record was smashed when 250 people joined up to become library members on the same day. The new records have delighted library staff. Principal Librarian Anne Mackey said: “Feedback from the public was fantastic.”

ON THEIR BIKES... Firefighters Jim Cooke (front) and Paul Spender saddle up to go on patrol from Burslem Fire Station.

YOUR COUNCILLORS Burslem South

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

JAVID IQBAL NAJMI (Lab) 07846 879920 javid.najmi@ stoke.gov.uk

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

Northwood and Birches Head

DAVE SUTTON (Lib Dem) (01782) 542 998

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

ZULFIQAR ALI (Lib Dem) 07838 262062 zulfiqar.ali@ stoke.gov.uk

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

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

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Youngsters helped back into learning A

HANLEY-based charity has joined forces with the city council and other organisations to encourage hard-to-reach youngsters back into education.

The North Staffordshire AfricanCaribbean Association (NORSACA) is running courses aimed at young people on the fringes of society. The initiative is part of the Neighbourhood Learning Deprived Communities (NLDC) programme, aimed at people who are not in employment, education or training.

Courses cover subjects including the criminal justice system, business, role models, and basic health and fitness. The centre, based at the Lindsay Annexe, Cannon Place, Hanley, runs various facilities for the community, including the People of the World Youth Club on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and a twiceweekly luncheon club on Wednesdays and Fridays. The project is run in conjunction with the the city council, the Wedgwood Memorial Centre in Barlaston, The COG Centre, and the Learning and Skills Council. NORSACA Project Manager

Hughie Lawrence said: “Each of the organisations taking part in this initiative was aiming at a specific group of society which is particularly hard to reach. “We wanted to attract people who have not had the access to education they deserved. “These could be the disabled, ethnic minorities or lone parents – basically anyone who experiences issues which could be a barrier to effective learning, for instance lacking an active role model.” Further details are available from the NORSACA office on 267888, or via email at norsaca@tiscali.co.uk.

NORSACA Project Manager Hughie Lawrence and the team who are providing courses aimed at people who are not in employment, education or training.

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Do you qualify for a £2,700 grant towards a new heating system in your home? If you own your own home or rent it from a private landlord you may be able to claim a grant of up to £2,700 under the warm front scheme.

✓ Working Tax Credit ✓ Child Tax Credit ✓ Attendance Allowance A warm front grant will pay towards gas, electric or oil ✓ Disability Living Allowance central heating in your home. ✓ Income Support The work may include ✓ Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance the installation of a ✓ Housing Benefit combination boiler, up to five radiators and all ✓ Council Tax Benefit valves and pipework. ✓ War Disablement Pension We may also repair your existing heating ✓ Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit system with the grant ✓ Pension Credit money.

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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