Our City Issue 05 by i•creation

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Western Edition

COUNCIL PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR

Our City ISSUE 5: JULY 2008

WIN a mountain bike CENTRE PAGES

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Mark Meredith

Our City named Council Publication of the Year O

UR City has been named the UK’s Best Council Publication for 2008 in the national Good Communications Awards.

E L E C T E D M AYO R

A top level panel of judges – made up of senior journalists and public relations practitioners – awarded Stoke-on-Trent top prize during a glittering ceremony at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in London. Our City, launched last September by a partnership of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Stoke-on-Trent Primary Care Trust, Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, beat off stiff competition from four other leading local authorities. The judges’ commendation, read out at

the Emirates Stadium for Our City, said: “A worthy winner that was strong in every department. Great stories, strong writing, tight editing and a lively design all combine to make this an exceptional entry. A great deal is demanded of the journalists for each issue, but with so many editions, it pays off in spades. Surely good enough to justify monthly publication.” Stoke-on-Trent’s Head of PR and Communications Dan Barton said: “It is a tremendous achievement for everyone involved in the publication that Our City has been named the best council publication in the UK. This success reflects Stoke-on-Trent’s progress as a growing, thriving city which cares about communicating with residents.”

It’s vital that people have their say HELLO and welcome to the latest issue of Our City – I hope you find it helpful. Whether you read it on the bus, at home or at work, I’m sure you agree with me that it’s an excellent way to find out what’s going on in Stoke-on-Trent. It’s been a busy few months for us here at the city council. We’ve got some new councillors after the elections on May 1 and the Governance Commission has published its report into the future governance of the city. I think it’s really important that whatever happens, you still get a quality service from us. I’m determined that you get a real say about what happens in your area and across the city. I want to hear your views. I’m including with this issue my Climate Change Green Paper. A Green Paper is a consultation document, so please get in touch and let me have your thoughts. I will also be releasing Green Papers on Sport and Housing shortly. If there’s anything I can help you out with, please e-mail me at mayormeredith@stoke.gov.uk, call me on 01782 232827 or write to me at the Civic Centre, Glebe Street, ST4 1RN. I hope you have an enjoyable start to the summer.

Yours sincerely, Mark Meredith, Elected Mayor P.S. Tell us what you’d like to see included in this magazine or if you’ve got any comments please e-mail them to ourcity@stoke.gov.uk, write to us at FREEPOST Our City or call us on 01782 232900.

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.

■ Promoting the lifesaving fire safety campaign are, left to right, Burslem firefighters Richard Kitton, Phil Owen, Mark Hancock and watch manager Des Keeling.

More home safety checks will mean less accidental fires FREE home safety checks are being offered to Stoke-on-Trent residents as part of a campaign targeting more risk assessments and less deaths and injuries from accidental house fires. The year long More for Less campaign aims to help vulnerable and elderly people in particular. Firefighters visit people’s homes to give advice and fit lifesaving equipment such as smoke alarms. More than 16,500 households occupied by elderly people in the city have already received a free Home Fire Risk Check but there are a further 9,000 households that are yet to be visited. Area Commander for Stoke-on-Trent Julian

Hilditch said: “Everyone can do their bit to help us make this campaign a success. “We’re eager for relatives, friends and neighbours of elderly people, particularly those who live alone, to make contact with us so we can arrange to visit them – if we don’t know about these people we can’t help them. “We’ve set up a new freephone number that is

available 24 hours a day, every day, to make it as easy as possible for people to contact us. “The service we provide is free and friendly. Our firefighters aren’t there to make judgements and give you a telling off if you haven’t got a smoke alarm! “They’re there to make you as safe as possible in your home, whether that be exchanging your chip pan for a deep fat fryer,

providing a specialist smoke alarm if you are hard of hearing or even giving you a new electric blanket if yours is faulty. “We urge people to get in touch so that we can achieve our ultimate aim of having no fatalities as a result of accidental fires in the home.” To book a free Home Fire Risk Check contact: 0800 0241 999 or visit www.staffordshirefire. gov.uk

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 September 12

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Chance to give your views on way city is governed

The writing’s on the wall CITY council Chief Executive Steve Robinson joined street artists to provide an eye-catching launch to the Respect Week of Action in Longton. Mr Robinson, equipped with spray can, teamed up with talented graffiti artists and students from St Thomas Moore Catholic College at Goms Mill playing area to try out designs. The colourful event marked the start of a packed programme of activities put together by the Stoke-on-Trent Safer City Partnership. Activities included road sweeping, litter picks and fly tip removals as well as parking, security and fire safety checks. There were also advice sessions at a pensioners tea club, a nature walk for school children and a skateboarding demonstration at Queens Park. Respect Weeks of Action will take place on a monthly basis throughout the year at venues across the city.

Action teams to tackle anti social behaviour

EDICATED action teams of police officers are being deployed across Stoke-on-Trent to clamp down on anti social behaviour and criminal damage.

Five teams, each containing a sergeant and four police constables, have been briefed to concentrate on hotspot locations where communities experience nuisance. And while the team will proactively help tackle the causes of bad behaviour, such as lack of facilities or alcohol misuse, they have sent out a tough message to persistent offenders. Chief Inspector Carl Ratcliffe, who is responsible for neighbourhood policing in the city, said: “Each area of Stokeon-Trent will have its own Neighbourhood Action Team – a dedicated group of officers who have been reallocated from normal policing duties to concentrate on anti social behaviour and criminal damage.

Warning “We have taken this action because the public have told us it’s what they want to see. The teams will work throughout the city with residents, community groups and our partners to address issues wherever they arise. This action is a reassurance to the law-abiding majority that we have listened to their concerns and are doing something about it. “But let it also be a warning to those people with little regard for their communities and the law that, if

necessary, we will use all the legislation available to clamp down on the minority who affect quality of life in their communities.” Anti Social Behaviour Orders, Acceptable Behaviour Contracts and other legal powers will be used to target those people causing nuisance in the city. Chief Inspector Ratcliffe said: “We are not just talking about young people. Anti social behaviour ranges from vehicle nuisance at

Our City

Festival Park to nuisance outside licensed premises like pubs and clubs or around children’s play areas. The message is simple: where partnership working can address the causes of these issues we will go down that route. “But for the hard core of offenders who ignore help we will take enforcement action by using all the powers available to us.” Contact details for the Neighbourhood Action Teams are published in Our City (on page 10), the Safer Staffordshire publication and on the Staffordshire Police website at www.staffordshire.police.uk And parents in one area have already backed the new police action. After an incident in Milton Park, police wrote to the parents of a number of young people identified as being involved in anti social behaviour. Chief Inspector Ratcliffe said: “We had a number of letters back from parents thanking us for letting them know about the problem. It’s a great example of how positive action can make sure the community’s concerns over anti social behaviour are addressed.” Inspector Steve Jones and PC Clare Bowker in the play area at Milton Park which was hit by anti social behaviour and vandalism and is now being targeted by police Neighbourhood Action Officers.

CITIZENS of Stoke-on-Trent are being urged to have their say on the way the city is run. The people will help decide whether the city council is to be led by an Elected Mayor chosen by the public or a leader chosen by councillors. The new system must be in place by May 2009 and the options will be put to the people in a referendum. A huge consultation will give everyone who lives or works in the city the chance to air their views. It will include public meetings, letters to voters in the city and possibly a survey by professional pollsters. Members of the public will be encouraged to give their views by letter, email or phone. The final decision on a preferred option will be made by a meeting of the full city council in September. The city council’s decision will then be put to the electorate for a vote. Dan Barton, the city council’s Head of Public Relations and Communications, said:“We want as many people as possible to contribute to the debate. Every single view will be given to councillors so they know exactly what the people of Stoke-on-Trent want.” Find out more at stoke.gov.uk or ring 01782 232485.

Health website A NEW website has been launched that provides a directory of health services in Stoke-on-Trent. Stoke PCT Online has been designed to give quick and easy access to a range of information, from support and advice on health issues to finding health care in the local community. The website – at www.stokepct.nhs.uk – also allows residents to have their say about the performance of local health services. Graham Urwin, Chief Executive of Stoke-on-Trent Primary Care Trust, said:“We now have a comprehensive directory of local health care at people’s fingertips – everything from where their local dentist is through to the phone number for their local hospital.”

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Top level delegation pays visit A DELEGATION of senior Whitehall officials is visiting Stoke-on-Trent this month to visit residents involved in showcase projects around the city. They will visit a community garden project in Meir which enables children and parents to grow and eat their own food, a project to train young people in construction trades, a canal infrastructure scheme and a multi-use games area built with help from unemployed young people. Adrian Blundell, from Groundwork UK who organised the visit, said: “It is a great opportunity to put the work of Groundwork Stoke-onTrent and its partners on the map. It gives top government officials the opportunity to speak to local residents involved in changing their communities, and in previous years has resulted in even more support and funding for some of the projects.”

Police policy pays off as crime in city is cut by 15% C

RIME has fallen across Stokeon-Trent by an impressive 15 per cent, latest performance figures reveal. The 2007/08 results show in the last 12 months 30,261 crimes were recorded in the city – 5,237 fewer that over the previous 12 months.

Most categories of crime are down – showing that the policy of Staffordshire Police to place less emphasis on national targets and reduce bureaucratic paperwork for officers is having an effect. In 2007/08 there were 1,569 reported household burglaries, a fall of 226 (13 per cent); a drop in thefts from vehicles (now 2,521 – a fall of 159 or six per cent); and a 22 per cent cut in violent crimes (down from 8,586 to 6,712, a drop of 1,874). However the figures show a 15 per cent increase in recorded antisocial behaviour incidents. In 2007/08 there were 26,795 incidents, compared to 23,400 the previous year – an increase of 3,395. The success in reducing crime was welcomed by Chief Superintendent Jane Sawyers, of Stoke-on-Trent division, who said: “These results prove that officers are working extremely hard to drive down crime and keep the pressure on criminals. With help from our partner agencies and information received from members of the public, we will continue our efforts in the fight against crime.” Chief Superintendent Sawyers said the force is focusing on the rise in anti social behaviour incidents. Neighbourhood officers and PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers) are

Visible community policing has helped to reduce crime and increase community safety in Stoke-onTrent.

spending more time on the streets where residents want them to be, and anti social behaviour hotspots are being targeted with the help of the local authority. She said: “The figure may have risen in the last 12 months – but it is encouraging that more people are reporting anti social behaviour to us

in the knowledge we will take action.” Chief Superintendent Sawyers added: “Stoke-on-Trent division is determined to tackle those who involve themselves in crime, and with the continued support of the local community and our partners we can together make our city a safer place to live and work.”

How do you solve a problem like noise pollution?

■ NEVER WERE THERE SUCH DEVOTED SISTERS... communications officers Suzanne Rhodes, left, and Hilary Hampson dress as nuns to serenade a shopper as part of Noise Action Week.

HEAVENS above! These two nuns were on the streets of Hanley spreading the word that The Sound of Music isn’t just a classic Julie Andrews movie about the Von Trapp family singers. The “sisters” were in fact preaching about the need for people to get into the habit of protecting themselves against noise pollution such as loud and sustained music. Communications officers donned the nuns’ outfits to hand out free ear plugs during Noise Action Week as part of The Sound of Music campaign by Stoke-on-Trent City Council aimed mainly at people working in the entertainment industry who could be exposed to excessive noise. Recent changes to health and safety laws mean pubs and nightclubs are legally required to protect staff from hearing damage caused by noise in their working environment. In the UK 17,000 people suffer deafness, ringing in the ears or other ear conditions caused by excessive noise at work. In keeping with The Sound of Music theme, the “nuns” advised the owners of premises and staff at risk from exposure to high sound levels about the new noise pollution legislation. Martyn Brindley, the council’s Head of Regulatory Services, said:“Hearing loss happens gradually and by the time you notice it could be too late to do anything about it. We want to help prevent work-related hearing loss.”

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Our City

Funding secured for mental health project

Fire and Rescue Services Area Commander Julian Hilditch, left, with Haywood High School pupils Mary Jones and Matthew Bentley, both aged 14.

Prevention message is key to

effective fire fighting P

REVENTION as well as cure is the motto of the city’s most senior fire fighter. Julian Hilditch, who was appointed Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service Area Commander for Stoke-on-Trent earlier this year, is a firm believer that educating people about the potential causes of firerelated incidents is paying big dividends.

Statistics bear him out. In the last five years – coinciding with a concerted campaign to spread the safety message – fire deaths and injuries have been reduced by 70 per cent. However Julian is also quick to point out that when called into action, his officers have the necessary operational skills to deal with front-line incidents. It is a combination that has seen Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service become one of the top three performers in the UK. “We are very proud of our ability to deal with operations in a robust and effective way but that is certainly not the be all and end all of the modern day fire fighter,” he said. “The majority of our officers’ time is now taken up delivering fire safety messages and educating people of all ages and backgrounds about the causes of fire. “Our officers are out speaking to as many people as possible, from all parts of the community including business owners.” “Prevention is certainly the key to effective

fire fighting and that is why we are so determined to keep spreading the message.” Julian’s promotion to Area Commander after a varied 22-year-career with the fire service coincides with the appointment of Staffordshire’s new Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford. Julian added: “With new leadership in place many see it as a fresh start for the service. What we are striving to do is build on the fantastic work of our predecessors that has seen the service rise to third best performing in the country. “Our task is to maintain that high standard – if not improve on it – by introducing a series of exciting initiatives that put us at the heart of the community.” One such initiative

‘‘

The service is introducing a series of exciting initiatives that put us at the heart of the community

’’

Julian Hilditch Area Commander

will see the fire service work even more closely with other local organisations such as the city council, PCT and Staffordshire Police. Julian said: “Prior to this appointment I was seconded to work with colleagues at the city council on the Local Area Agreement. “This proved to me that the partnership approach is the way forward in making Stokeon-Trent a safer place to live and work. “So, for instance, we are working with a multi-agency task force to tackle the rough sleepers problem and to encourage landlords of empty properties to take responsibility. “Other excellent examples of partnership working are the Respect action weeks and the very effective junior fire fighter sessions we run to engage young people aged 10 to 14. It’s all part of getting the message out to the community as far and as wide as possible.” As part of engaging the community, Julian has hailed an exciting new era for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, which will see the introduction of a raft of state-ofthe-art facilities. Stoke-on-Trent is benefiting from a £15 million initiative building programme to transform fire stations in the city. The money will be used to build a completely new fire station at Sandyford as well as rebuilding Hanley and Burslem fire stations by 2010. Julian added: “These state-of-the-art stations will have community facilities incorporated into the designs and will mark a significant step forward in working with the community.” ■

STOKE-ON-TRENT Primary Care Trust has secured a cash windfall from the Government to extend an innovative mental health project. Department of Health chiefs have given a further £500,000 a year, making a total investment of £1.25m, to further develop the Healthy Minds Network. The first phase of the Healthy Minds Network is aimed at developing access to psychological therapies for people suffering from depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorders. The Healthy Minds Network, managed by the charity Rethink, coordinates access to a range of mental health services including psychological therapy and cognitive behaviour therapy. The network will operate from a wide range of community locations so that people can get help and counselling without being exposed to any potential additional stress by travelling to a doctor’s appointment. It will also be used to set up a list of information on demand where people can get self help books. Now the PCT is looking to extend the project by increasing its capacity and working even more closely with local communities. The main focus of the funding would be to expand the workforce by training new therapists. It would also be used to develop more specialised services for older people, people with long-term conditions, young adults and families with young children. Jane Tipping, Senior Joint Commissioning Manager who was involved with preparing the bid, said:“There was a lot of competition from around the country to win this extra funding and the standard was very high.”

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Joyce’s school work is

busy double-life B

EFORE many of us have even set off for work Catering Supervisor Joyce Allerton is in the kitchen of Clarice Cliff Primary School at Fenton preparing to satisfy the appetites of almost 300 pupils.

Lord Mayor Derek Capey shows off his prizewinning pea.

‘Pee in a bottle’plea shocks first citizen I KNOW many Lord Mayors of Stoke-on-Trent have done unusual things while in office – such as charity kidnappings and motorbike pillion rides – but was intrigued to hear our new first citizen, Derek Capey, had been invited to “pee in a bottle” during the Etruria Canal Festival. Enquiries quickly revealed the Lord Mayor of the home of the chamber pot had, in fact, been invited to try his hand at throwing a dried PEA into a bottle – to win the prize of a lollipop. “I did a double take when they asked me to pee in a bottle,” laughed the Lord Mayor, who along with Lady Mayoress Joyce proved very successful on the sideshow. “I scored four and my wife scored six – we’ve kept the lollipops to give out to children we meet on civic visits,” he added. Seeing the funny side of civic office after just weeks in the chain, Councillor Capey explained to young lads at Longton Carnival that he was the Queen’s representative in Stoke-on-Trent. “Can’t we just have the Queen instead next year?” quipped one youngster!

Gasman in a pickle SPARE a thought for the resident who sparked an emergency response when she telephoned the Stoke-on-Call 24 hour contact centre to report a strong smell of gas. Priority engineers rushed to her home to search the area under the stairs whence the smell was coming... only to find a rather old bottle of picallili! Experts were happy to give the all clear, and stressed that residents should always call if they suspect a gas leak.

Summer holiday MEDIA coverage of news that people over 60 were now eligible for a free bus pass enabling them to travel all over the country inspired one Potteries couple to visit the Civic Centre.“Hello love,” the gentleman greeted the receptionist. “We read about the free bus travel in Our City and we’d like to book on the Procter’s trip to the Isle of Wight.”

Come the afternoon, when the last piece of cutlery and crockery has been washed, Joyce swaps her canteen crisp white dress and black and white apron for a navy blue tabard and black trousers to start her other job – as one of the school’s cleaners. The working day for this dedicated member of staff with not one, but two, important roles at the school, finally ends long after the last of the 460 pupils have gone home. In fact Joyce, who has been employed by the city’s education department for more than 20 years, spends so much of her time at Clarice Cliff Primary that she is a familiar and hugely popular figure with all of the boys and girls as well as the teachers. Her typical action-packed day goes like this: Joyce is normally in the school kitchen by 7.50am preparing fresh salads and vegetables for lunch. She and her four assistants juggle lunch with making breakfasts of toast, crumpets, teacakes and oatcakes.

Ready for business The kitchen also takes delivery of main lunch courses from the central schools kitchen. Joyce is responsible for ensuring these are re-heated to 24C (75F) precisely and she uses a food temperature probe to check the food has not cooled too much before serving. At 11.30am Joyce takes her place behind the counter with the other ladies ready to serve the first of 260 lunches. By the time children from Reception to Year 6 have been served it has usually turned 1pm. Then she helps to clean the floors, tables and work surfaces, so the kitchen is ready for business the next day. Come 2.30pm she stops for a coffee break – but doesn’t leave the school premises, and more often than not uses her rest period to catch up with catering paperwork. At 3.30pm Joyce metamorphoses into a member of the six-strong cleaning staff who make sure that floors, toilets and everywhere else in the school is gleaming and ready for welcoming pupils and staff the following day. Joyce, aged 55, a mother of two grown-up sons whose granddaughter Courtney is a pupil at Clarice Cliff Primary, said: “It doesn’t seem such a long day. Time goes so quickly – no sooner do I arrive at the school than I’m leaving at 5.30. I never have chance to get bored.” Joyce joined the schools service as a cleaner, but from 1987 was a member of the kitchen staff at Grafton Infants until it merged with Queen’s Primary to form Clarice Cliff Primary, a new purposebuilt school which opened its doors in January this year. With her Catering Supervisor hat on

School Catering Supervisor Joyce Allerton serves up a tray of healthy fruit and, below, she is pictured polishing a cabinet in her other role as cleaner.

Joyce has done much to encourage the children to choose healthy options from the school menu that offers a choice of three main courses every day. She has held food evenings for parents so they can see what their children eat – and try it for themselves – and has also organised free meal days to give children who bring packed lunches a taste of what they are missing! And she introduced comment cards so pupils can make their own suggestions about the cuisine on offer. “After all, they are our customers and it’s our job to make sure they are happy with the food we serve to them,” said Joyce.

Every day special She finds that fish fingers are the favourite item on the menu, but the pupils also enjoy jacket potatoes, curry and rice, chilli con carne, Chinese-style chicken breasts, traditional British roasts, as well as scrumptious desserts like cheesecake and fresh fruit salads. She added: “I love both my jobs at the school. The children are lovely and just being among them makes every day special for me. Some of the things they

say makes it all worthwhile, and I am fortunate to work with really good teams of people both in the kitchen and with the cleaning staff.” However her two jobs at Clarice Cliff Primary do have their drawback. Joyce admitted: “When I go home I really have to psych myself up to do the cooking and cleaning!” Mrs Gill Latos, Headteacher at Clarice Cliff Primary, said: “Joyce is a very valuable and popular member of staff. She knows all the children and makes a great fuss of them. They think the world of her.” ■

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LOCAL MATTERS

Our City

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

“It’s an exciting time for the city... We have a talented crop of young gymnasts who have brought home a lot of medals and put in an amazing amount of effort.” John Mirceta Senior Development Coach Stoke-on-Trent Gymnastics Club MEDAL HAUL... Gymnastics champions Gregory Hulse, 13, Oliver Dainty, 10 and Jacob Eagles, 13, take a break from training to show off their medals and awards.

Gym centre’s crop of champs fly the flag for sporting city I

T’S no exaggeration to say many of Britain’s best young gymnasts are being spring boarded to success right here in the Potteries. Stoke-on-Trent Gymnastics Club can boast a whole host of junior national champions and medal holders and even an eightyear-old world record holder. The young stars, who already have a haul of medals, are even being hailed as Olympic hopefuls – with many having the talent

and ability to go for gold in the 2012 London games. The list of top performers include British School Tumbling Under 13 champion Greg Hulse, who along with Alex Anderson is also a bronze medallist in the British Boys’ Pairs Acrobatics. There’s also Jacob Eagles who is the fourth best tumbler in Britain in the under 13 category and Oliver Dainty who is in the top 10 tumblers in the Under 10s.

Oliver also has another claim to fame. He appeared on TV’s Paul O’Grady show this spring where he broke the world record for double leg curls on the pommel trainer (mushroom). John Mirceta, Senior Development Coach at the Club, which is based in Newcastle Street, Middleport, said: “It’s an exciting time for the city and for British gymnastics as a whole. We really have a talented crop of young gymnasts who have

achieved a lot of success and brought home a lot of medals and put in an amazing amount of effort. “We are really excited about the Olympics. This is a very difficult sport but with hard work and continued commitment we have the potential for Olympic champions here in the next four years.” Anyone who is interested about enrolling at the club should call 234444.

RECORD BREAKER... Oliver Dainty, who holds the world record for double leg curls on the pommel trainer, also known as the mushroom.

Mosquitos buzz in

Pioneering centre gives 24hr support

HEALTH CENTRES Bedford House

01782 425000

THE City Council is tackling youth crime and vandalism hotspots by installing mosquito devices which emit an irritating sound that can only be heard by people under 25. The devices, already working in Burslem and soon to be deployed in Northwood and Birches Head, discourage young people from gathering in areas where there has previously been nuisance.

THE world’s first 24-hour centre dedicated to supporting people affected by mental illness has now been opened in Hanley. This has become the third in the area to be opened by Brighter Futures. The ‘twentyfour SEVEN’ clubhouse launched by the Brighter Futures organisation offers a safe and welcoming environment where people can socialise. It is the third such venue to open following The American in Burslem and The Observatory in Hanley – but the first to stay open around the clock. The opening of twentyfour SEVEN is part of Hillcrest’s re-developed resettlement and recovery building and has cost almost £500,000 to complete.

Burslem

01782 525700

Cobridge

01782 525893

Hanley

01782 425120

It offers en-suite bedrooms in blocks of four with sitting rooms, a kitchen diner, ground floor access space and short break rooms. Chris Herbert, Brighter Futures’ Business Development Manager said: “Once again our partnership with health and social care leads the world in Clubhouse provision. “Our Clubhouse offers a safe and welcoming environment where people can socialise and relax, as well as receive support and information from trained staff if they want it. “We also offer supported employment for people who feel ready to start work whilst still being able to receive our help.”

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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Our City

City welcomes top

cycling spectacular T FLYING THE FLAG... Hope Sutton, left, and Safia Mamood, aged seven from Alexandra Infants School, Normacot, with the Stoke-on-Trent Eco Schools flag, the highest award presented at a city council event.

Pupils showcase their eco ideas GREEN-MINDED pupils were given the opportunity to showcase their ideas for protecting the environment to representatives of all schools in Stoke-on-Trent. More than 300 people packed into the King’s Hall, Stoke, for a series of Eco-School programme presentations. Many primary and secondary schools have already signed up to the scheme which gives pupils the chance to develop their own environmental plans. These included energy saving initiatives, litter recycling, composting and devising eco-friendly travel plans for journeys to school. Among those who

gave presentations were Sandon High Business College and Weston Coyney Junior School who are both permanent Green Flag holders. More than 20 awards were handed out by the EcoSchool organiser EnCams to schools who took part including a second flag to Alexandra Infants School, Normacot. Organiser Tracey Brennan said:“The day was a fabulous showcase of the work the school pupils have done as part of the eco-school programme.” More schools are being urged to enrol on the Eco-school programme. To register log onto www.eco-schools.org.uk

TV chef backs campaign TOP TV chef Ainsley Harriott has backed a city council drive to encourage people to eat healthily and not to waste food. Stoke-on-Trent City Council supports the national Love Food, Hate Waste campaign which helps individuals, businesses and local authorities to reduce waste and recycle more to make better use of

resources and help tackle climate change. The website www. lovefoodhatewaste.com contains a host of useful tips on how to help the environment and save money. Ready Steady Cook star Ainsley sent a message from his kitchen:“The amount of food we throw away is criminal and we all need to take action and start

changing our behaviour. That’s why I’m supporting Love Food Hate Waste."

Women urged to take smear tests WOMEN from across the city are being urged to conquer their fear and take a smear test. North Staffordshire Primary Care Trusts have teamed up to encourage women, particularly those between the ages of 25-39, to contact their GP or community clinic to arrange a cervical screening. Dr Mary Synnott, North Staffordshire PCT Screening Co-ordinator, said:“Too few young women are taking up the offer of cervical screening and it is a cause for concern.

“Regular cervical screening prevents 75 per cent of cervical cancer, and the NHS cervical screening programme saves about 45 lives each year in the North Staffordshire area.” The NHS cervical screening programme detects early cellular abnormalities that can be treated, thereby preventing cervical cancer. Residents can take advantage of a walk-in provision at Ryecroft Health Centre, Newcastle. The free and confidential clinic is open every Thursday from 5.30-7.30pm.

HOUSANDS of people will line the streets of Stoke-on-Trent to welcome the UK’s premier cycling event – The Tour of Britain – to the city in September. Up to 96 riders will battle their way through the city’s streets to a nail-biting finish outside Hanley Town Hall on the fourth stage of the marathon cycle race. Earlier in the day they will have started the stage in Worcester. A day of fun in the city centre will herald the arrival of the riders. Crowds will be treated to special street entertainment and a mass participation public cycle race is also being planned to set the tone for the Tour of Britain’s visit. Organisers of the tour have described Stoke-on-Trent as a “hotbed of cycling over the years and home to some of the great names of Britain’s cycling history.” It is 18 years since the city last hosted a stage of the Tour of Britain. Before that, the city hosted the tour, which was called the Milk Race and Kelloggs Race, on several occasions. This time the 90 mile race through the Midlands on September 10 is expected to attract a global TV audience and will raise the city’s profile as a place where cycling is a popular way of getting from A to B. Elected Mayor Mark Meredith said: “Cycling remains very popular in the city, with more people cycling to work than ever before, taking advantage of the 62 miles of cycle and walking routes within the city. “The Tour of Britain will put the city firmly on the map and gives us a tremendous opportunity to show off everything that’s good about Stoke-on-Trent. “It will also be a really fun day and we expect thousands of people will turn out to cheer on the riders and enjoy the thrills of a sprint finish by top cyclists through the city’s streets.” Paul Rowlands, from the Tour of Britain, said: “It is fantastic that Stoke-on-Trent has come on board with Tour of Britain this year. The city has a great heritage

Former national cycling champion Brian Rourke and City Councillor Debra Gratton, portfolio holder for Sport and Leisure, ride along one of the city’s greenway cycle routes.

Gladstone Primary School Headteacher Elaine Preston is seen with pupils Lucy Ball, Aaron Green, Dillon Wakefield and Maddison Bromfield with the plans for the new school. In the background work can be seen in progress.

Pupils have big say in design of their school PUPILS at Gladstone Primary in Longton have had a big say in the unique design of their new school. As a result they will be taught in octagonal shaped classrooms when their crumbling Victorian school is rebuilt as part of a £70 million Government-funded programme to modernise the city’s primary schools over the next 14 years. Gladstone Primary, which has stood on two sites since 1876, will be one of the first to benefit. It will be transformed into a state-of-the-art community school with an innovative design based around the futuristic classrooms with interior and exterior “break out areas” for personalised learning and group activities. The cash injection amounts to around £5 million per year for the first five years and will include new build schools, refurbishments and other improvements. As well as Gladstone, the other primary schools which will benefit during 2009/10, the first year of the programme, are: Etruscan Primary, Etruria; St Mark’s Primary, Shelton; St John’s CE Primary, Trent Vale; Oakhill Primary, Oakhill; St Mary’s CE Primary, Tunstall; St George and St Martin’s Primary, Birches Head; St Augustine’s RC Primary, Meir.

WIN a great mountain bik

with cycling and with the Tour itself. I know that as in past years the race will be a huge success.” The Tour of Britain will begin with a race around the streets of Westminster on Sunday September 7 and finishes in Liverpool a week later, after completing over 1,000 kilometres throughout the country.

OUR City has teamed up Brian Rourke – whose with six times British cycling champion cycle shop is based in offer one lucky reade Stoke-on-Trent – to r the prize of a top mo untain bike. All you have to do to enter is to answer the following question: Outside which build ing will Stage Four of the Tour of Britain 2008 reach its exciting sprint finish? Send your answer, alo ng with your name, ad telephone number to: dress and daytime Mountain Bike Comp etition, FREEPOST, Our City, or email: ou rcity@stoke.gov.uk by Monday June 16. 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.

£10m boost for cyclists hailed as ‘fantastic news’ STOKE-on-Trent City Council has welcomed a multi-million pound investment in pedal power in the city. The Department for Transport’s Cycling England fund has given the city £5 million to make the city a national beacon for cycling by 2011. The cash boost is also being matched by Stoke-on-Trent City Council from its own budget. Elected Mayor Mark Meredith said he

believes the city is in a prime position to benefit from the cycle strategy. He said: “We fought hard to get this and we are the only city in Britain to secure this funding, so it’s fantastic news. “The good thing for us is that we are starting from a level that is already ahead of most other towns, as we have got most of the cycling infrastructure in place. “We have got miles and miles of lovely

tranquil areas to cycle around here in the city. The main thing is going to be changing public habits and lifestyles.” Councillor Debra Gratton, portfolio holder for Sport and Leisure, said: “This is fantastic news for the city and those who have worked hard over many years to improve cycling conditions for residents of Stoke-on-Trent. “This gives us great confidence for the future.”

Home safety road show

The route to the finishing line Riders are expected to sprint to the finish outside Hanley Town Hall at about 1.45pm on September 10. Before that they will have sped and climbed through the Potteries on a challenging nine mile route. The tour enters Stoke-on-Trent at Barlaston and after entering the Wedgwood factory site at Queen Mary’s Drive, winds its way through Blurton Road and Barlaston Road before speeding along Church Road and up to Heron Cross. From there the pace will pick up as the tour crosses the A50 and takes the long downhill stretch along Victoria Road. After a climb up Lichfield Street, the riders, sensing the end is in sight, will accelerate round the Potteries Way before turning up Albion Street.

THE city council’s Housing Standards Team highlighted the importance of home safety in a week long road show. The link between poor housing and ill health is due to cold, damp and mouldy conditions. This can lead to an increase in winter deaths from hypothermia, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and arthritis. Almost everyone is at risk from the effects of an unhealthy house, with young children, the elderly and people with serious or long-term health problems often most vulnerable. Along with this, there are around 70,000 dwelling fires reported to Fire Brigades in the UK, of which 56,000 are accidental. Two per cent of households experience burglary and 1.5 per cent experience attempted burglary. The Road Show provided advice on the services, loan products and grants that are available along with free merchandise.

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Our City

City welcomes top

changing our behaviour. That’s why I’m supporting Love Food Hate Waste."

Former national cycling champion Brian Rourke and City Councillor Debra Gratton, portfolio holder for Sport and Leisure, ride along one of the city’s greenway cycle routes.

WIN a great mountain bik

Home safety road show

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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. For officers with four digit

Western and City Centre

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.

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

Tel. 08453 30 20 10. email: western.npu@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk All officers are based at Burslem Police Station, unless indicated otherwise.

Birches Head

PC 0848 Ruth Barlow

Sergeant 4602 Paul Clarke

Sergeant 3840 John Hazeldine

Sergeant 4336 Craig Burton

Burslem & Sneyd Green West

PCSO 8979 PCSO 16225 PCSO 8984 Michelle Chadwick Adrian Hemmings Rebecca Simon

PC 4718 Paul Rigby

PC 0896 Tracy Adams

PCSO 8957 Justine Marsh

PCSO 6440 Wendy Rigby

Eturia & Shelton North

PC 4389 Guy Wain

PC 4632 Andy Mander

PCSO 8985 Lucy Slater

PCSO 16230 Victoria Smith

Longport & Middleport

PCSO 8987 Liz Old

PCSO 8831 Katie Sullivan

Northwood

PC 4886 Scott McGrath

PC 4368 Andy Graham

PC 0805 Kate Beardmore

PCSO 6628 Tich Nyamayaro

Shelton South

PCSO 8832 Adam van de Sande

PC 3829 Ian Martin

PCSO 9045 Sue Wall

Staffordshire University Special constables The NPU is supported by a team of 21 special constables headed by divisional officer Peter Fox. * Based at University police post.

PC 4139 Dave Marshall

PCSO 16299 Katie Brickley

PCSO 6484 Lisa Donachie

PC 4483 Keith Emery*

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

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

Sergeant 4151 Brevic Jones

Sergeant 4777 Jon Ward

Sergeant 4425 Phil White

City Centre

PC 4528 Darren Belfield

PC 5106 Gareth Cheetham

PC 0817 Kerry Grant

PC 0726 Claire Harrison

PC 0400 Diane Hoyle

PC 4644 Rob Kelsall

PC 4511 PC 4634 Richard Longmore Lee Robinson

Special constables

PC 5410 Steve Smith

PC 0564 Lisa Trevor

PSCO 16297 Ron Bagguley

PCSO 16293 Mel Bartholemew

PCSO 8516 Andrea Bolam

PCSO 8955 Chris Hill

PCSO 8457 Simon Holmes

PC 4133 Craig Russell

PC 5208 Andy Sherratt

PCSO 6602 Chris Cantrell

PCSO 16227 Daniel Nettleton

The NPU is supported by a team of 21 special constables headed by divisional officer Martin Goodwin.

Eturia Road corridor and Festival Park

PC 4871 Lucas Hackney

PC 0605 Nicola Humphries

PC 4452 Roger Poole

PCSO 8830 Chris Stone

Pictured outside the property are, left to right, Community Risk Reduction Officer Chris Plant, June Dale (wearing Newquay top), Lucy Davenport, John Harper, Joanne Howley, Gareth Bowker (Michigan top), David Rivers, Donna Cooling, Rachel Middleton and Course Co-ordinator Brett Waring.

Training for fire safety RESIDENTS from Shelton Day Centre were given hands on fire safety training in a fully furnished brand new house. The four bedroomed home was loaned to Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service by developers Redrow. The fire safety team used the opportunity to run courses for six groups of people with learning disabilities from the centre. Each learned about how fires start, escape plans, testing smoke alarms, kitchen safety and hazard identification. Firefighter Brett Waring,

who ran the courses, said: “Having the use of a real home meant the course was much more realistic – the groups even used the kitchen to make their lunches so we made that into a learning exercise.” Day Service Manager Chris Morton said: “The service users had a fantastic time. The course was an informal way of getting across a very serious safety message.” At the end of the week the participants attended a presentation and were awarded their certificates.

PCSO’s funds bid scores goal success A DEDICATED Police Community Support Officer has netted a £1,500 grant for goalposts and football equipment for fields in Cobridge. The posts were unveiled at Barnfield Road along with new nets, balls and bibs. PCSO Wendy Rigby made a bid for the money from Stoke-onTrent’s Community Empowerment Network after residents expressed concerns about young people playing in the street and outside people’s homes. PCSO Rigby, who has policed the area for three years, said: “We were getting calls about children playing football in the street and it was causing concern.

“The funding has been used to buy football equipment for the fields which we hope will solve the problem.” Local resident Lydia Palmer said: “The new goal posts will mean a lot to youngsters in the area. “They have wanted some proper public equipment for ages and I can guarantee the pitch will be well used. “Other football pitches are a bit too far away for young children whereas this is right on our doorstep. “I‘ll be taking groups of children out there in the summer evenings for football sessions... and the parents can enjoy a kick about with the kids as well.”

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Help city businesses strike Olympic gold V

ANESSA Darlington, Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Olympics Coordinator, is helping the city to win gold. It’s her job to help businesses, communities and individuals in the city to gain maximum benefit when the Olympic and Paralympic Games come to London in 2012.

Vanessa Darlington – on track to help the city maximise potential benefits from the 2012 Olympics.

While all eyes may be on this year’s Beijing Games, Vanessa is tackling her own marathon to ensure Stoke-on-Trent claims its share of opportunities between now and the London Games. For instance she is encouraging local companies to register on the CompeteFor website for a slice of the estimated £6 billion worth of lucrative business opportunities that will be generated by the London Games. In partnership with North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Advantage West Midlands and other bodies, Vanessa is advising businesses as diverse as sportswear manufacturers, ceramic companies and construction firms about how they can be Olympic winners.

Crackdown on benefit cheats A CITY council crackdown on benefit cheats has lead to record numbers of prosecutions. In the past year the city council’s Benefit Fraud Investigators took action against 157 fraudsters, of whom 49 were prosecuted. The increase of the number of successful investigations means that nearly £1 million is now being recovered from fraudulently claimed benefits from over the last three years. Fraud and Interventions Manager Paul Bicknell said:“These figures show that the city council takes Benefit Fraud very seriously. We will work tirelessly to find those who try to abuse the system and people who commit these offences must realise that they may find themselves up before the courts.” The city council’s benefit investigation team use the latest high-tech methods to track and target benefit cheats. Those found guilty of benefit fraud can face a fine or prosecution that could lead to a jail sentence. Anyone wishing to report an allegation of benefit fraud can call the free Council Fraud Hotline on 0800 328 6340.

Children’s role in decision making

Opportunities On the education front, the Olympics Co-ordinator will roll out the national 2012 London Education Programme across the city, with cultural events, school twinning projects and teaching aids linked to the Olympics theme. At the same time other initiatives will encourage more young people to participate in sport and physical activities, while maximising funding opportunities for grass root sports as well as the upgrade of sporting facilities. The Pakistani team may come to train at Fenton Manor while they adjust to the UK climate in preparation for the 2012 games. Young people in the Potteries were quick to enter the Olympic spirit when TOP Link came to the Northwood Stadium to celebrate the city’s young people getting more physically active through games and sports. Over 370 youngsters from 20 primary and 17 high schools took part in the celebrations which started with an

Our City

Olympics-style opening ceremony with each primary school parading the flag of an adopted country. At the close medals were awarded to winners and all other competitors received a certificate. Vanessa, who has just invested in her first pair of training shoes and hopes to take up jogging, said: “As a returner to physical activity myself, I’m looking forward to helping Stoke-on-Trent share in the success of the 2012 Olympics.” Councillor Debra Gratton, Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure, said:

“Stoke-on-Trent has a tremendous sporting heritage and a great location at the heart of the UK. We can play our part in making the Games a resounding success, while ensuring that the city derives the maximum economic, health and social benefits from them, both during 2012 and in the legacy it leaves.” For more details of how individuals, organisations and companies in Stokeon-Trent can benefit from the 2012 Games, phone Vanessa on 01782 236156.

Lord Coe to view at first hand school’s sporting ethos in action CHAIRMAN of the London 2012 Olympics Organising Committee Lord Coe is to visit Stoke-on-Trent’s “School for Champions” in July. The former Olympic gold medalist and world record holder has accepted an invitation to see at first hand how St Peter’s High School is developing an array of sporting stars. The school’s impressive record in producing county champions and nationally ranked athletes has thrust them into the national spotlight. Neil Gilson, sports development and co-ordination officer and sporting mentor, believes the work that he and

other staff at St Peter’s are doing can be replicated across the country. Neil said: “We are delighted that Lord Coe has taken the time out of his busy schedule to visit the school. We will be explaining our ethos in inspiring young sports boys and girls to realise their full potential. We would like to see our ideas used to help youngsters all over the country.” ● Pictured are three St Peter’s pupils who are featured on Our City’s front cover – all of whom Neil believes have the ability to become Olympians of the future. They are, left to right, Najee Fox (discus), Grace Mahoney (track and long jump) and James Taylor (hurdles).

CHILDREN in care have been trained in interviewing skills to help pick potential city council employees. A team of children is sitting on interview panels to help in the recruitment of all senior posts in the Children and Young People’s Department. The city council has made the policy as part of its continuing commitment to keep children at the heart of its activities. Kath O’Dwyer, Deputy Director of Social Care at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:“Children are at the hub of our community and it’s logical that they should, wherever possible, be part of the decision-making process and have an active involvement in anything that might affect them, directly or indirectly.

New system for complaints A NEW system is in place for members of the public who wish to complain about the conduct of a city councillor. A referral sub-committee, made up of elected members and independent members of the local Standards Committee, will meet to consider any complaints and decide whether or not they should be investigated. Meetings are held in private but complainants will be informed of the sub-committee’s decision. Any complaints should now be addressed to Chair of the Referrals Sub-committee, The Standards Committee, c/o John Mills, Democratic Management, Civic Centre, Glebe Street, Stoke-on- Trent, ST4 1RN, call 01782 232842 or email john.mills@stoke.gov.uk

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Ways to ensure safe summer barbecues FIRE safety experts in Stoke-on-Trent have drawn up pointers to keep summer barbecues safe and fun: ■ Make sure a barbecue is in good working order. ■ Keep a bucket of water or sand close by in case of emergencies. ■ Use a flat site, away from sheds, fences, trees and shrubs. ■ Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue to a depth of two inches (5cm). ■ Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive a barbecue. ■ Use only recognised lighters or starter fuel on cold coals. ■ Try not to drink too much alcohol while cooking. ■ Keep children, garden games and pets away from the cooking area. ■ Never leave the barbecue unattended. ■ When cooking is finished, leave the barbecue to cool down before moving it. Empty ashes onto bare garden soil. ■ Never put ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin. They can melt the plastic and cause a fire. ■ Once coals are extinguished, leave them for one to three hours, then check that the fire has completely gone out.

Lifestyle mentoring to help 10,000 people LIFESTYLE coaches are being recruited in a £1.8m project to help 10,000 people in Stoke-on-Trent avoid heart disease and diabetes. The Lifestyle Programme, being run by Stoke-on-Trent Primary Care Trust, is one of the first of its kind in the country. More than 175 applications have already been received to fill 16

coaching positions to advise people at risk from disease on improving their fitness, leading a healthier life and seeking help when they need it. The coaches will help with healthy eating and exercise and will draw up personal action plans for the people taking part. GPs will refer patients to the coaches, and the scheme will be launched in the north and east of the

A milestone toward

better health

Check out city council meetings on website

MOKERS in Stoke-on-Trent have been stubbing it out in record breaking numbers since the law to make public buildings smoke free came into effect one year ago.

The city’s Stop Smoking Service saw a 55 per cent increase in the number of people who quit smoking between July and September 2007. And the smoke has also started to clear for local businesses, with all of the 2,237 companies over the year adhering to the law when they were visited by environmental health officers. Jayne Hawe, Principal Environmental Health Officer, said: “I am pleased to report that the response from businesses and the public has been excellent within Stokeon-Trent and compliance rates are very high.

Breathe Easy

DECISIONS that affect people in Stoke-on-Trent are made at meetings of the city council. These meetings are held on a regular basis and take place at the Civic Centre, Glebe Street, Stoke, unless otherwise specified. Members of the public can attend some of these meetings (specified as open) but they can't attend other meetings (specified as closed). For more information about the dates and times of the meetings, please visit the following area of the city council’s website: stoke.gov.uk/meetingdates

Winners scoop home composter kits CONGRATULATIONS to the readers who won a home composter in the environmentally-friendly competition in the last issue of Our City. They are: Mrs A Hibell, Fenton; Mrs M Myatt, Norton; Mrs K Larner, Smallthorne; Mrs S Doyle, Trent Vale; Rolando Madera, Lightwood; Ms Brooksbank, Trent Vale; S Ferneyhough, Tunstall; Mr K Mann, Tunstall; Natalie Blake, Chell; Mrs Fern, Birches Head; Mr Antonio Balestra, Baddeley Green; Mrs Nash, Bentilee; Mr Bodman, Meir; Mr Slight, Trentham; Mrs Davies, Burslem; Mrs Holford, Longton; Tracey Mace, Fen Park; Mrs Parker, Bentilee; Mr Austin, Bentilee; Mrs Rushton, Chell Heath. All winners have been notified.

city before being rolled out across Stoke-on-Trent. Carl Bennett, Senior Health Improvement Specialist at the PCT, said: “The new lifestyle coaches include people from all walks of life, from single parents, through to a postman and van driver, who all impressed us with their commitment to helping other local people.”

Principal Environmental Health Officer Jayne Hawe pictured with one of the banners celebrating the first anniversary of smoke -free legislation in Stoke-on-Trent.

“Being smoke-free is an important milestone in improving the health of the people in Stoke-onTrent. The new law is helping to create cleaner and healthier environments for everyone to work in and visit.” Stoke-on-Trent Primary Care Trust has now launched a new award to recognise the businesses that are going one step further. The Breathe Easy Award has been designed to support businesses in achieving a working environment that empowers their employees to be smoke-free. The smoke-free law came into effect on July 1, 2007 to protect people from the effects of second-hand smoke. It means that virtually all public spaces and workplaces in England are smoke-free. If you are still unsure about any aspect of the smoke-free law, contact the Environmental Health Team on 01782 232065. To apply for the Breathe Easy Award please call Michelle Ellis on (01782) 298044. ■

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Magnificent seven

Head teachers of the seven nursery schools who have been rated outstanding by OFSTED are, left to right, Jaqueline Brown, Gill Farnworth, Jenny Lawrence, Liz Massey, Juliette Livingstone, Lorraine Jones and Nicola Mulliner.

Outstanding accolades for ALL city’s school nurseries NURSERY schools in Stoke-on-Trent achieved a national first after every one of them – the city’s own Magnificent Seven – were awarded top marks by the schools watchdog. OFSTED rated all seven in the city as “outstanding” following their most recent visit to Kingsland Nursery School. Mark Meredith, Stoke-on-Trent’s Elected Mayor, said: “I’m proud of the staff and children at our nurseries that have

delivered this historic achievement. “I believe passionately in giving our children the best possible start in life, regardless of their background or income. Every parent in our city must know that no matter which city nursery school they send their child to, they will be receiving the very best service possible.” Outstanding is the highest rating a school can accomplish. At Kingsland inspectors praised lessons

that “buzz with excitement” and said staff had “superb understanding” of how children learn and achieve. Councillor Adrian Knapper, the city council’s Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People’s Services, said: “This is a tremendous achievement and a tribute to the staff and children at the nurseries. The fact that all our nurseries have been given this award is a mark of the excellent service our staff are providing.”

Brownies and cubs learn vital safety lessons HUNDREDS of brownies and cubs throughout the city have been invited to special sessions to learn four important safety lessons. Youngsters who complete work on food safety, dog safety, car safety and sun safety each qualify for a special Safe 4 Life badge. The aim is to make learning about staying

safe fun and exciting. Stoke-on-Trent’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Derek Capey, attended one of the first sessions, staged at the Civic Centre in Stoke. He said: “Safe 4 Life is a fun and

educational way to help children gain a better understanding of safety issues – everyday things they may come across at any time in their young lives.”

IN THE PINK... Brownies from the 1st Hartshill and 12th Stoke packs use face make-up to learn important lessons about staying safe in the sun at the Safe 4 Life event.

Our City

Vital support for sufferers of dementia A NEW scheme has been launched by the city council to help older people suffering from dementia stay at home and maintain their independence. A dedicated team of health and social care professionals provide an holistic approach to the needs of older people with dementia and their carers and work closely with other agencies and the voluntary sector. The aim of the “Stay at Home scheme” is to help reduce unnecessary admissions to hospital – and to arrange longterm care and support on discharge from hospital. Those who qualify for the scheme must live in Stoke-onTrent, be aged 65 or over, have a diagnosed dementia type illness, are medically stable and do not require any medical treatment or admission to hospital and have the potential to improve their independence. The “Stay at Home scheme” is jointly provided by the city council, Stoke-on-Trent Primary Care Trust and Combined Healthcare. The service is free during the two-week assessment period, but there may be a charge if an ongoing service is required after that period.

Free travel for needy pupils PARENTS on low-incomes in Stokeon-Trent will have more choice on the school their child attends – thanks to transport improvements planned by the city council. From September, pupils joining secondary school from less well-off backgrounds will be able to travel free to their three nearest schools – if they live more than two miles away. Previously, the scheme which follows Government guidelines, only allowed travel to the child’s nearest school if it were more than three miles away. To benefit, children must be eligible for free school meals or the family must be on the maximum Working Tax Credit.

Design cards for Christmas CHILDREN across Stoke-on-Trent are being invited to enter a competition to design the city’s official Christmas card. As well as seeing their design sent around the UK and the world as a festive greeting from the Potteries, the winning youngster will also receive a present from the Lord Mayor Councillor Derek Capey. Look our for details of how to enter the Christmas card competition in the September issue of Our City.

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Station upgrade will encourage green travel PIONEERING improvements at Stoke railway station are on track as part of a Government pilot scheme to encourage green travel. Better cycle parking, signage, bus services, bus stops, traffic management, a new bus interchange, lighting, passenger information, car park and security are all planned – making it easier to reach the station by bike, on foot or by bus. The news follows a successful bid for funding by the city council as part of a national competition – Station Travel Plans. Stoke will be one of a handful of stations across the country trialling the Department of Transport plans. The idea is to make the “whole” journey from leaving the front door to arriving home environmentally friendly. Councillor Roger Ibbs, Transport Portfolio Holder for the city council, said:“If people use rail for the bulk of their journey this will reduce emissions and reduce traffic congestion, especially if they can easily get to the station without using a car. “Easy sustainable travel to stations should increase train passenger numbers and reduce car use in getting people to the station.” Station operator Virgin and other train companies using the station are all signed-up to the plan.

Website brings police closer to communities STAFFORDSHIRE police are now even closer to the communities they serve – thanks to the force’s new website. The new-look site www.staffordshire.police.uk features personalised settings that allow the user to type in their postcode for a tailormade page on which they can find their own neighbourhood policing contacts, news and events. It has been designed with improved accessibility for people with disabilities and also has online job applications plus multi-media communications such as podcasts. Later in the year the site will also incorporate hi-tech contact facilities to turn an email into voicemail that can be sent direct to officers on the beat, meaning that key people around the force can easily update its pages as incidents occur. Superintendent Bernie O’Reilly, Head of Corporate Services, said: “Local policing services have just got a lot more local. At the touch of a button you can look up policing information that is relevant to your neighbourhood.”

Good call on

mobiles

■ PCSO Mel Bartholomew, from the City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Unit marks a mobile phone with a special ultra violet marker pen.

HOUSANDS of mobile phone users across Stoke-on-Trent are being encouraged to get their handsets security marked free of charge this summer.

Members of the Stoke-on-Trent Crime Prevention Panel are able to carry out the simple service in just a few minutes – and it could save hundreds of pounds should a phone ever be lost or stolen. During the summer months panel members are available to attend events to offer crime reduction advice, hand out literature and carry out security marking on lots of items including phones and bikes. Chief Inspector Carl Ratcliffe, from Stoke-on-Trent division, said: “The Crime Prevention Panel is an important part of the policing family, and its services do help in the fight against crime. Mobile phones are easy pickings for opportunist thieves who often sell them on. “By getting your mobile phone security marked you have more chance of getting it back should it be lost or stolen. It takes just a few minutes and is extremely worthwhile.” Anyone interested in booking the Crime Prevention Panel for a summer event is asked to contact PC Neil Russell, Crime Reduction Officer on 01785 232987.

Models of germs help highlight food safety

■ Lord Mayor Councillor Derek Capey judges models of germs made by local schoolchildren during food safety week.

CHILDREN from across the city designed their own germs as part of Food Safety Week. “Germ Watch” was the theme for this year’s event and concentrated on the issue of keeping food safe from when it is bought to when it is eaten. The models were judged at the end of the week by Lord Mayor Councillor Derek Capey, and the Head of Regulatory Services Martyn Brindley. Councillor Joan Bell, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said: “It’s important that children in the city learn about the dangers of food poisoning as quickly as they can. “Despite most people thinking it is something they pick up when they are out, most cases are through poor hygiene at home, and that’s easily preventable.” National Food Safety Week is a specific period where the awareness of food hygiene is raised in Stoke-on-Trent. The key messages include keeping raw and cooked meats apart, controlling temperatures, and washing hands thoroughly before and after touching food.

Our City (Local Matters Western) p15

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Our City

LOCAL MATTERS

Western Edition

Priceless pot on show at museum Police chief walks the beat STAFFORDSHIRE’S Chief Constable Chris Sims, pictured, walked the beat in Burslem as part of his ongoing programme of foot patrols. It followed previous successful visits to Biddulph, Uttoxeter, Newcastle, Longton, Burntwood and Stone. Mr Sims, said:“I’ve found it very useful to spend time with neighbourhood officers and get a feel for some of the issues local people face. My number one aim is to make Staffordshire the single most trusted force in the country.”

PRICELESS piece of Thomas Toft pottery is to go on display at a museum after spending thirty years underneath a farmer’s bed. The donors, an anonymous Shropshire farming family, displayed the piece of pottery above the fireplace in their home before storing it under the bed for safe keeping. The piece of pottery is circa 1680 and one of only 40 world-wide signed by Toft. Unlike other pieces by the local potter, it remained in the same family for generations. The Fleur de Lys decorated charger (a large dish) has now been donated to the Potteries Museum and Art Galley in Stoke on Trent and is the first to be displayed at the museum for 64 years.

The museum’s ceramics collection was recently described as “one of the best in the world” by Antiques Roadshow’s Eric Knowles. Miranda Goody, Ceramics Collections Officer said: “We are so very thrilled to receive this rare and generous gift. Museums being given pottery or art of this quality doesn’t usually happen. “ Councillor Hazel Lyth, Portfolio Holder for Enterprise and Culture for Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “This is excellent news for the museum and the people of the city. Thomas Toft was a local potter and to have such a rare piece of pottery donated to one of the city’s museums is fantastic.” The dish can be viewed as part of the museum’s ceramic collection from Saturday May 24.

New playpods packed with fun and games HUGE containers packed full of arts, crafts and play equipment will soon appear in each of Stoke-onTrent’s five neighbourhoods. Final plans are being made for the location of exciting playpods funded by the Big Lottery. The containers will be placed at locations like children’s centres, parks or other community venues this summer. The aim is to involve residents and train them to run the playpods before handing them over lock, stock and barrel to the neighbourhoods they serve. Play Development Worker Heather Shelley said communities would be encouraged to decorate their containers once they were placed in position. She said:“Then we will make sure the playpods are in use for the summer holidays. Eventually they will be handed over and run by community groups like residents’ associations. “They will also be able to refill the playpods with equipment they have chosen.” Once sites have been chosen for the playpod containers local publicity will be circulated to let residents know where they are.

YOUR COUNCILLORS Burslem South

African culture takes centre stage for learning week Pupils at John Baskeyfield School in Burslem spent a week learning about the customs, music, food and all aspects of life in Africa. Our picture shows Madhia Jaraid and Matthew Phillips, both aged eight, showing the typical diet of an African tribesman.

DEBRA GRATTON (Lab) 07917 854981 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) 542998 dave.sutton@ 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

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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Teams deliver to doorstep D

EDICATED teams are delivering services to residents right on their doorstep. Neighbourhood Management Teams based at the heart of communities throughout the city are working with local people to drive forward issues that matter such as crime, health, education and employment. Each of the teams work closely with residents’ associations, neighbourhood policing units, the primary care trust and other key partners. Each Neighbourhood Team is broken down into three areas to best manage the service they provide for the communities they serve. An Environmental Team is responsible for issues such as street cleaning, litter picking, grass cutting, fly tipping and maintaining parks and open spaces.

The Local Services Team is responsible for housing management and environmental enforcements as well as running local centres, which provide overthe-counter council services. The third section is the Area Implementation Team which is responsible for co-ordinating direct delivery groups, organising ward events, open days and other events such as carnivals and festivals. Regular forums are held involving members of the public as well as other key partners to set priorities. These can vary from area to area and even from ward to ward depending on local priorities. There are many ways in which people can get involved with shaping the work of the neighbourhood teams. Firstly, people can attend community events and air their views – all suggestions

South Western Area Neighbourhood Impact Officers Steven Gibbs, left, and Gary Philips are pictured with resident Lily Harvey in one of the alleys in Normacot which has been “alleygated” to boost community safety. passed on in this way help the teams make plans for the future. Similarly residents can visit their local centre and speak directly to one of the officers.

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N E VI D R E S C U E S R SU O N I TA F O R T I

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

Finally people can call the Stoke-on-Call number – 234234 – and speak to a member of the call centre staff who will put the enquiry through to the appropriate neighbourhood team member.