Our City Issue 09

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COUNCIL PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR

Our City ISSUE 9: APRIL 2009

The

Power of the Potteries

Why 14 times world darts champion Phil Taylor is proud to be a sporting ambassador for his home city SEE PAGE NINE

FREE

Cycle map Delivered with this issue...

Win a family set of

MOUNTAIN BIKES PAGE THREE

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Our City A P R I L 2 0 0 9

Mohammed Pervez

DEPUT Y ELECTED MAYOR

Pride in our city strong during difficult times HELLO. This time I am writing the column as the deputy Elected Mayor. I also currently chair the Executive and Members’ Board (the Cabinet).

I have a clear message for everyone: it is business as usual here in Stoke-on-Trent.

It is all too easy to succumb to the general feeling of doom and gloom.

The downturn may be global but its effects are being felt right here in Stoke-on-Trent. So let me reassure you that the city council and its partners are acutely aware of the difficulties faced by the people they serve. Almost every home, every family and every citizen will be affected.

But we are determined to leave no stone unturned as we help people through the recession.

This issue of Our City has information on a citywide commitment to help unemployed people back into work. We also have stories about real people who have found new jobs thanks to our Jet centres. We can help in other ways too, with benefit advice and support.

And for anyone who is struggling with debt or finding it hard to make ends meet, it might be a good idea to call the Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) on 01782 408600 and ask for advice.

Also in this issue is a heart-warming story of our library service taking books out to those disabled or infirm people who can’t travel into town. And we pay tribute to residents who stood up for themselves and helped the police secure an ASBO against a teenage tearaway.

Our own 14 times world darts champion Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor tells us why he’s proud to be a global ambassador for the Potteries, and we ask for your ideas on how we can celebrate the centenary of the six towns of Stoke-on-Trent coming together.

So it’s clear that, even in the hardest times, there is lots to shout about. And make no mistake, we will come through this recession. We have to be ready for that moment right now by investing in our future.

We are focused on the fact that we are here to help, to improve people’s lives. And above all we must never lose the pride in our city which makes Stoke-on-Trent great.

COVER PICTURE: Phil Taylor wins the 2009 Ladbrokes.com PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London

Our City is printed on 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.

SETTING THE STANDARD...

Stoke on Trent College Principal Graham Moore with the prestigious Training Quality Standard which recognises further education in Stoke-on-Trent as among the best in the UK.

Putting skills in place for better times ahead RAHAM Moore OBE points to the busy construction site next to the Cauldon Campus of Stoke on Trent College and says: “Amid all the gloom of the recession, there is cause for optimism in this city.”

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A good example of the partnership is the £282 million University Quarter which will bring together Staffordshire University, Stoke on Trent College and the city’s Sixth Form College with new shared facilities in the Shelton area designed to encourage people to progress to university education.

The man who has made the college a key player in the city’s regeneration drive during his 12-year tenure as Principal, sees the 21st century Care Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) taking shape on the Shelton skyline as a symbol of better times ahead. The reason for his bullish outlook lies in the fact that he has championed the partnership approach to education and training through working with the city council, Jobcentre Plus, NHS Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire Police, North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, local employers, schools and higher education providers.

This teamwork provides more people with the skills and qualifications that meet the needs of today’s – and tomorrow’s – jobs market.

“Great strides have been taken,” said Graham. “School results have been transformed and since I have been here the college has been turned from one of the worst performing in the country to one of the best. This is largely a result of the education-led partnership approach, with everyone working with a shared vision for the city.”

Education-led regeneration is providing the city with the highly skilled population it needs to drive forward and be in a good position to take full advantage of the recovery when it comes.

Meeting dates are now online A full list of dates and times of full city council meetings and committee meetings can be found on our website www.stoke.gov.uk/meeting dates

The college has a national reputation for its high standards of vocational training in areas as diverse as care, construction and logistics. This has earned it the Training Quality Standard after a rigorous review of how it works with employers. So far there have been just 55 recipients of the prestigious award nationally, and it’s the first time it has gone to any organisation in Staffordshire.

In September last year the college introduced the Government’s new diploma to help young people develop the hands-on work-related skills such

as maths, English and computer skills, needed for the real world of work.

“All this shows that an education-led regeneration is providing the city with the highly skilled population it needs to drive forward and be in a good position to take full advantage of the recovery when it comes,” said Graham.

“This city deserves the best, which is why we are aiming for excellence. But we can’t do it by ourselves, which is why we are working with the city council’s Building Schools for the Future programme and why the college is sponsoring one of the city’s new academies – the Park Hall Academy that will replace Mitchell and Edensor high schools.”

As well as the Care CoVE – which will provide the latest learning facilities for the Caring and Service industries sector and opens in September – other world class facilities will transform both the Cauldon and Burslem campuses in an exciting era of redevelopment.

Graham, who retires at the end of this year, said: “During this exciting period of development, one thing will not change – the college will always be here to help everyone, no matter how little they may have already achieved, in an environment which will make them feel welcome. I’m proud of what the college has achieved so far, but there are still plenty of challenges for my successor.

“The college will have an exciting future in continuing to play a key role in the success of this city.”

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 in June

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City council wants readers’ views to make population fitter

Sir Stan’s sporting spirit to inspire healthier lifestyles S

TOKE-on-Trent is proud of its long and successful sporting heritage – and rightly so.

From footballing legend Sir Stanley Matthews to 14 times World Darts Champion Phil Taylor, from Olympic swimming gold medallist Adrian Moorhouse to 2012 sprint hopeful Alex Nelson, there have always been heroes to cheer on and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Add to that two professional football teams with a passionate fan base, a host of top class leisure facilities and wellorganised leagues offering everything from cricket to street games and it seems the city is well and truly on the sporting map.

So it came as something of a kick in the teeth when a recent survey indicated that people in Stoke-on-Trent are among the least active in England. In fact, just 15 per cent of adults are taking part in the recommended amount of physical activity.

That is why a green paper has been published in a bid to boost sport participation and physical activity and encourage everyone to have their say in what needs to be done to get people exercising again.

The Green Paper on Sport and Physical Activity puts forward proposals for developing new initiatives and reinforcing existing programmes as well as stimulating debate about the subject.

City of Sport

KEEP FIT FUN...

Rowan Village resident Freda Steele, 83, enjoys a gym session with trainer Nadine Edwards-Jones.

Below, youngsters enjoy skateboarding at the Central Forest Park Plaza.

Everyone from householders to amateur sportsmen and sportswomen to community groups, clubs and organisations are asked to take part and feedback their thoughts.

The city council hopes that the green paper will help everyone to become more active so they can enjoy being healthier and ultimately make Stoke-on-Trent a ‘City of Sport’.

The green paper outlines plans to develop sport and physical activity up to 2016.

These include: ● Making sure 30 per cent of local people aged 16 or over are physically active for at least 30 minutes, five times a week. ● 22 per cent of people take part in sport and active recreation for at least 30 minutes, three times a week ● Young people take part in sport and physical activity to reduce the numbers of children who are obese.

The green paper also sets out what has been achieved so far, including securing £28 million in grants for sports in schools. It also looks at ways to develop existing programmes such as Street Games, Energise + and Sport Unlimited and looks at initiatives that can help raise the profile of sport by involving the city in the 2012 Olympics.

Before real progress can be made on delivering the priorities it is really important that the city council understands what people think and if they support the proposals put forward in the green paper.

People can comment either via the city council’s website, by emailing or by texting.

The opportunity for feedback is open until April 21 2009, after which comments will be reviewed and used to shape a final version of the paper.

This will be formally adopted as city council policy and help guide work over the next few years.

A copy of the green paper can be downloaded from stoke.gov.uk/ sportsgreenpaper

Our City

A step by step guide to taking part... and winning a healthy prize Step 1

The green paper is published. This draft policy document sets out a number of proposals and how these might be carried out in principle.

Step 2 The public are invited to tell the city council, within a set time period, what they think about the green paper proposals Step 3 All comments are carefully considered. A report is prepared, summarising the comments and assessing whether they can be used to make better policies.

Step 4 In some cases, your comments will be used directly to amend or introduce new city council policies. In others, they’ll help the city council improve the way it makes policies over the mid-tolong term.

There are lots of ways people can get in touch with their comments.

They can write to the city council at the following address: FREEPOST Our City, or using the detachable form on the Sport and Physical Activity Green Paper, or e-mail ourcity@stoke.gov.uk They can also send a text message on 07786200700 – text GREENPAPER then the message.

Everyone who returns the forms or who sends back constructive feedback either by email or text will receive a special prize to help them kick start their bid to lead a healthier lifestyle.

They will also be entered into a prize draw.

The winner of the draw will win a set of bikes for a family of four.

If you have difficulty reading the green paper or need the document in large print, on audio tape or computer disk call 01782 236113 or minicom 01782 232331.

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Pupils at heart of school’s

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UPILS at one of Stoke-on-Trent’s secondary schools will be playing a major part in its future development and the way lessons are taught.

By Stoke-on-Trent City Council Interim Chief Executive

Chris Harman

Business as usual for improving services A WEEK may be a long time in politics, but where delivering strong and improving services is concerned, it is business as usual week after week.

The arrests of elected mayor Mark Meredith and councillor Roger Ibbs will not affect any of the services this authority delivers for the people of Stoke-on-Trent.

Nor will it have any impact on the major projects we are currently implementing such as the regeneration of the city centre and the future governance arrangements of the city.

Independent watchdog the Audit Commission has this month recognised that council services are ‘improving strongly’ – the third successive year the council’s capacity to improve has increased.

This is a great achievement and one that demonstrates to residents that public services are well managed and are helping to make the city a better place to live and work and visit.

Pupils Tahir Balaal, 15, Mitchell Price, 12, and Abi Dunn, 14, talk to Head Teacher David Dickinson about new plans for Haywood High School.

Students’ ideas at Haywood Engineering College have helped staff shape improvement and development at the High Lane secondary school, and their commitment secured it a place in the £250million programme to improve every high school and special school in Stoke-on-Trent.

Together with their parents they took part in the city council’s consultation to make sure their school featured in the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme. Hundreds of people associated with the school were involved in meetings over its future, highlighting it as an important part of the secondary education service in the north of Stoke-on-Trent.

Now it has unveiled a vision for the future including revamped facilities, better technology and a unique ‘learning tower’ packed with the latest information technology.

With 1,060 11-16 year-old pupils, the specialist engineering college has earned a reputation for listening to students’ needs and ideas and making sure they are reflected in everything it does. A 2007 Ofsted inspection which listed many ‘outstanding features’ was welcome proof of its progress. Head Teacher, David Dickinson explained: “Our aim now is to become outstanding in everything.

Good lesson “To do that we need to continue transforming a lot of our learning. As far as the refurbishment goes, we’ve utilised the plans that we already had and new ideas are being developed ready to engage with the design and build contractors when they are appointed. When we talk about developing the school vision, personalising learning and creative learning, we do involve the students a lot in that.

“We have a teaching and learning committee, whereas a lot of schools have school councils. This involves students looking at both the teaching and learning aspects,” he said. “We consult them on everything really.

Pupils sit in and observe lessons and we ask them what they think makes a good lesson. In the staffroom we have a poster on what makes a good lesson, and this has been put together by the students.

“At the moment they are designing a ‘learning tower’ which is quite radical. One part of the school, the science area, dates from the 1960s and that is where we want to put this ‘learning tower’ which will house better ICT facilities and improve on what we already have there. The other part of the school just needs some general refurbishing.

“As an engineering school we have very good engineering and technological facilities and we want to improve on these.

“The other thing BSF will give us is the chance to improve on our sporting facilities.

We are very much interested in looking at a sporting curriculum, personalised for individuals, containing not only team games but also offering things like individual conditioning sports,” said Mr Dickinson.

There are also plans to improve the school’s creative arts facilities by bringing together music, arts and drama classes in one area.

One quote that springs to mind is ‘the only person who is educated is the person who has learnt how to learn’ and I think that's very true of what we are aiming to achieve here HEAD TEACHER DAVID DICKINSON With further positive feedback from Ofsted last November, Mr Dickinson believes Haywood will continue developing and aim higher over the next three years until it fulfils all the changes he envisages.

“You can put up a lot of new buildings but it won’t naturally transform a school unless you’ve got it right within that school,” he said.

“And the Ofsted reports have shown that we are getting it right here. Therefore, the buildings will simply enhance what we are already doing. We are well on the way to our goals and the building is just the final piece of the jigsaw which will make sure these changes are sustained in the years to come.

“Schools are going to look very different in the future. They are going to be a lot more

personalised. One quote that springs to mind is ‘the only person who is educated is the person who has learnt how to learn’ and I think that’s very true of what we are aiming to achieve here.”

Mr Dickinson also believes that as an engineering college, Haywood can help shape the future of the city’s industry and reshape and revitalise the flagging economy.

“We need more engineers in the nation as well as in local areas and we are constantly trying to boost that,” he said. “Engineering is also a way of thinking, which ties in with our learning.

“We are also a fully extended school, which means we are connected to a number of different agencies who specialise in things like supporting youngsters with social problems, youth workers, drug/alcohol units and so on.”

With its clear spirit of drive and enthusiasm Haywood’s continuing rise looks certain to become a major success story for the face of modern education – not just locally but nationally. “As far as education goes, Stoke-on-Trent is actually one of the most deprived cities in the country,” added Mr Dickinson. “So what we are achieving here in terms of value and progress really is remarkable.” ■

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Our City

New system a ‘lifesaver’

MAPPING OUT STRATEGIES: Peter Burgess, the city council’s Health, Safety and Emergency Manager has plans for all eventualities.

Team plans for every

A NEW system that allows NHS doctors and nurses to access vital patient information anywhere in the country during an emergency is being piloted at two GP practices in Stoke-on-Trent.

The scheme, called Summary Care Records, will enable authorised medical staff dealing with an urgent situation anywhere in England to view patient records that would normally only be available at the GP practice.

It is being introduced for patients of the Apsley House surgeries in Burslem and Norton, and also at Dr Woodcock and Partners in Hartshill.

A plan to roll it out to the rest of the city over the next 12 months is also underway, with a long-term aim of establishing it nationwide.

NHS bosses have described the system, which will list key information such as allergies, current prescriptions and previous adverse reactions to medicines as “potentially life-saving”.

Dr Andrew Dent, who is based at the Hartshill surgery, said: “The system is very much in its infancy but the potential benefits are huge. ”

Give it Sum wants to help

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ANY of us enjoy being terrified by disaster movies.

TV series like Survivors – about the aftermath of a devastating virus that wipes out most of the world’s population – attract high viewing figures.

NHS Stoke on Trent tested a contingency plan for a pandemic virus outbreak by making sure enough medication is in place and that care is provided for the most vulnerable people.

It also identified how vital services would be kept running in the event of large numbers of NHS and city council workers absent due to sickness because of the pandemic.

Continuity Manager, advises businesses on how they can continue their day-to-day commercial activities during an emergency.

Thankfully, none of the doomsday plans for Stoke-on-Trent have had to be implemented, but in recent years the emergency team has been on standby for potentially hazardous incidents such as a fire on a train at Stoke Of course they are only fiction. None of the Station, a leak of chlorine fumes from a hotel doomsday scenarios portrayed on screen swimming pool and flooding caused by could ever possibly happen to us. prolonged heavy rain.

Or could they?

Peter Burgess said: “We have to think Well, yes they could – and in an office the unthinkable and prepare for just called the Civil Contingencies room at the about anything so that we can respond in Civic Centre a small team plan for the the most effective way to even the worst time when people in Stoke-on-Trent may possible scenarios. be faced with a potential catastrophe.

“As well as a generic plan for unlikely Making sure the city is prepared to deal emergencies, we also have specific plans with emergency situations as diverse as in place for the more obvious situations fire, flooding, fuel shortages and pandemic such as fire and flooding.” flu is part of the city council’s obligations He added: “We must be one of the few under the Civil Contingencies Act. city council departments responsible for HEALTH, SAFETY AND EMERGENCY MANAGER PETER BURGESS Health, Safety and Emergency Manager delivering a service which everyone hopes Peter Burgess and his team have put plans they will never need to use.”

Several procedures are in place for in place for all the above eventualities – and ● Advice for residents and businesses on many more, such as gritting the roads, dealing evacuating areas in emergency situations such as a major fire, suspect package, the discovery how to prepare for emergency situations is with a terrorist attack and even a nuclear of a second world war bomb or a chemical available from the city council’s civil incident. leak, and to make sure there is enough contingencies team by phoning 01782 The team works constantly with a host of temporary accommodation in community 234155. agencies – including NHS Stoke on Trent, centres and other venues for people forced to Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Fire How do you think emergency planning leave their homes. and Rescue Service – to ensure the city can helped keep the city on the move The emergency planning team has even respond effectively to just about any during the winter’s freezing weather? emergency while minimising disruption to our drawn up a virtual “table top” plan for the Write to Freepost Our City or email complete evacuation of the city centre. day-to-day activities. ourcity@stoke.gov.uk Peter’s colleague Bob Coar, Business For instance, a recent joint exercise with

‘‘

We must be one of the few council departments responsible for delivering a service which everyone hopes they will never need to use

’’

ROCK STAR Robbie Williams’ Give it Sum charity is looking out for more worthy causes to help in Stoke-on-Trent.

Community groups with an income of less than £150,000 can apply for grants of up to £30,000, but they must hurry... the next deadline for applications is May 1 this year.

The charity, managed for Robbie by Comic Relief, has made over 260 grants in the North Staffordshire area since it was launched nine years ago.

It has supported a range of projects in the city including youth clubs, residents’ associations and projects working with older people, refugees and single parents.

To find out more contact the local Give it Sum advisor on 01782 720040, check the comic relief website on www.comicrelief.com/gis or email giveitsum@comicrelief.com

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Diddy dignitary creates a very big impression VISITORS to the Lord Mayor’s Parlour in recent weeks may have been surprised to see a twofoot high knitted woollen doll “seated” in the civic chair of the city’s First Citizen.

Of course, to be afforded such pride of place, this splendid piece of craft is no ordinary doll... but one fashioned to be a mini Lord Mayor, resplendent in a black tricorn hat with three matching feathers and a black and gold robe.

The diminutive figure is the handywork of 77-year-old Ethel Harris, pictured below, of Sneyd Green, who has been making dolls to raise money for charity for the past 20 years. Her latest project was borne out of a meeting with Lord Mayor Derek Capey last June at Hanley Forest Park where a prize on a charity tombola stall was one of Ethel’s dolls.

Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Co-ordinator Graeme Drayton, centre, on the streets of Stoke with PC Rebecca Harris and PC Dave Ellis.

Lord Mayor Councillor Derek Capey with his “mini me”.

“The Lord Mayor asked me if I would make one for him to raise money for his charities,” recalled Ethel,“I said I would be delighted to – and then decided to make it a special Lord Mayor figure.”

Ethel had a little help in researching the Lord Mayor’s civic regalia from her daughters, Joy Garner and Debra Gratton, who are both city councillors.“They took some photographs for me of the Lord Mayor’s robes which I based my design on,” said Ethel.

However, the diddy

dignitary’s days in the Parlour will soon be numbered – as it is to be raffled off, with the proceeds going to this year Lord Mayor’s charities, the Stanley Matthews Foundation and the Donna Louise Trust’s Treetops Hospice. The winner of the raffle will be presented with the doll at a ceremony followed by dinner with the Lord Mayor.“Children visiting the Parlour have loved the mini Lord Mayor and have wanted to be photographed with him,” said Derek,“I think I’m going to miss the little fella.”

Would you Adam and Eve it?

ANYONE agonising over the big question “Where did we come from?” could do worse than pop down to the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.

On one floor is an exhibition on Charles Darwin, pictured, marking the bicentenary of the great naturalist’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his seminal work On the origin of Species on the theory of evolution.

Yet in another room are historic artefacts including 16th century Bishop James Usher’s book which confidently declares the day of creation was Sunday 23 October 4004 BC. The Making History

exhibition also includes a 10 metre (33ft) long family tree which traces descent from Charles II, who died in 1685, back to Adam and Eve, and therefore God. The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery is a treasure trove, and some exciting finds among its huge collection are soon to be made public. Darwin would certainly smile at the fact that, while some museums struggle, those in Stoke-on-Trent show the fittest survive by offering visitors such a variety of treats.

Giving people stronger voice

on justice G

RAEME Drayton’s mission is to give the people of Stoke-on-Trent a stronger voice on issues of neighbourhood justice.

As the Safer City Partnership’s newly appointed Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Co-ordinator at the city council, he is in charge of a Home Office-backed project to promote “Justice Seen, Justice Done”.

Stoke is one of 60 local authorities pioneering a nationwide scheme to make the public more aware of the due process of law, and address their concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour at a grass roots level.

Already since he took up his post, Graeme has overseen the appointment of 25 Community Crime Fighters who will provide advice and awareness to the community.

The Community Crime Fighters are being trained in greater awareness of the powers and tools available to tackle antisocial behaviour.

Former Staffordshire Police Chief Inspector Graeme, aged 54, has increased the amount of feedback people in the community receive, letting them know the results of court cases.

In another initiative, local people will be encouraged to attend PACT (Partnerships and Communities Together) meetings so that they can give their views on punishment for crimes that have happened on their patch.

“We want people to submit ideas for schemes that offenders can carry out as part of their Community Payback,” said Graeme.

“The public has a right to expect that offenders put right their damage in a highly visible manner.”

Graeme’s team within the Safer City Partnership at Stoke-on-Trent City Council is working to integrate Neighbourhood Policing Units, Neighbourhood Management Areas and local criminal justice agencies at community level.

Team members attend PACT meetings to feed in information about actions taken, and outcomes of cases. Leaflets and publicity drives will raise the profile of successful applications for Antisocial Behaviour Orders.

Witness support “We are adding another dimension and taking the process a stage further,” said Graeme, who makes sure the local authority is also represented at the meetings. “It is important that people are aware of sentences handed out to criminals who have been active in their neighbourhoods.”

Graeme is also looking to increase the support available to witnesses attending court to give evidence in antisocial behaviour cases.

He added: “My new role is an enormous challenge but I am relishing the task. My previous experience in the law and order field is useful because of the wide network of contacts that I have developed in relevant service areas and within local communities across the city.”

Where do you want Community Payback to take place? Write to freepost Our City or email ourcity@stoke.gov.uk

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Our City

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Caring service delivers books, talking books, CDs and DVDs to broad spectrum of people

Vital link takes our libraries to

Homelink driver Brian Griffiths reads a passage from a Dr Who book to Robert Allcock during a visit to his home to deliver a selection of books for the youngster.

the home R

ETIRED teacher Freda Stephenson still loves books as much as she ever did. Her passion for reading started when she was a young girl, continued throughout her career and led to her becoming a long-standing member of her local library.

In fact, the only difference now is that Freda, who is 57, is registered blind and disabled as a result of diabetes. It means she is housebound and unable to borrow books in the traditional way.

Fortunately, like hundreds of others in the city, she is able to take advantage of a free-of-charge library service, which actually means the books are delivered directly to her doorstep… and in a format she can still enjoy.

Freda enrolled on the Homelink service which delivers books, talking books, CDs and DVDs to 275 residents in Stoke-on-Trent.

The service is tailored to people just like Freda who are housebound and unable to travel to their nearest library. New

Brian shares a joke with retired teacher Freda Stephenson when calling to deliver some talking books. Right, Brian unloading books from his van.

customers are asked what their interests are and what genre of books they read in order to evaluate their particular requirements.

Then every six weeks Homelink driver Brian Griffiths visits customers, at a pre-arranged time to suit, to deliver new books tailored to the individual’s needs and interests.

“Homelink is a real gem,” said Freda. “It’s one the city council should be very proud of.”

Lifeline “Just because I have lost my sight doesn’t mean I have lost my passion for books. It would be a step too far not to be able to ‘read’ and this service makes sure I don’t have to by allowing me to borrow audio books.

“I don’t have any family living in the area and because of my disabilities it is impossible to travel to the library myself. So for me Homelink is a real lifeline.”

The former Thistley Hough High School teacher was also astonished by the number of talking books available through the service.

She said: “I like family and historical novels and there is a

real range by authors I am familiar with and also ones that library staff have recommended to me who write in the same genre.

“I love opening my book consignment every six weeks to reveal which ones I have been sent – it’s great escapism for me.”

Freda also benefits from the social side of the scheme. She added: “Brian, who delivers the books, is wonderful too. We have built up a real bond of friendship and trust and I enjoy his visits. We talk about current affairs and the books I am reading. It really adds to the service provided.”

Homelink has a broad spectrum of users as eight-year-old Robert Allcock proves. Robert has a musclewasting disease, which means he is wheelchair bound, on a ventilator and requires aroundthe-clock care.

Keeping up with the latest books to supplement his education was always difficult until his family learned about the service.

Robert’s mum, Barbara, said: “His tutor found out about

Homelink and we contacted the library to see what they could do for us.

“A lady from the library came along to find out about his requirements, we filled in a form and it was as simple as that.”

Now, every six weeks a selection of books tailored to Robert’s studies is delivered to his house in Sandford Hill – along with books to fuel his other passions of football and motorcycling.

Invaluable Barbara added: “Robert needs constant supervision so it is difficult for me to pop along to the library with him – especially during bad weather. So the service has been particularly invaluable during the cold winter we have had this year.

“It really works for us and I would recommended it to anyone.”

■ To qualify for Homelink a person must live in the city and be unable to visit their local library because of significant difficulty, for example illness, disability or mobility problems. The service can also help out people with temporary problems like those recuperating at home after an operation.To nominate yourself, a friend or relative for this service, contact City Central Library on 01782 238407 or your local library.

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SAFETY PLEDGE: signing the agreement are, left to right, Chris Harman, city council Interim Chief Executive, Dr Janice Dale, HM Principal Inspector of Health and Safety, and Stephen Flanagan, Head Of Operations for HSE Midland Region.

City council signs up to HSE safety drive CRAZY health and safety myths like making conker players wear goggles and banning hanging baskets are the target of a new information campaign in the city. City council Interim Chief Executive Chris Harman signed up to the Health And Safety Executive’s Sensible Risk campaign to draw attention to important issues like avoiding fatal injuries and accidents at work.

Chris said: “We want to make sure that people do not see health and safety as a negative. It’s an important part of how we all work and live but we need to approach it sensibly.

“We also want people to get a clear picture

about the role of the Health and Safety Executive and understand that it is not about getting rid of all risks – that’s impossible.

It’s about managing risks sensibly.” ● Meanwhile, the city council has reduced the rate of accidents involving its staff by half in the last four years.

Since 2004, accidents across a range of directorates have been reduced from up to nine per quarter to less than five, with the amount of time off as a result of these accidents reduced too.

Reported accidents have also decreased by nearly 100 in the year 2007-2008, from 251 at their height to 167.

Business-aid scheme in line for national award A CITY council scheme to help businesses grow has been short-listed for a prestigious award.

Build Up North Staffordshire, which helps construction companies benefit from the multi-billion pound regeneration plans for the area, is to find out in April if it is the regional finalist in the Constructing Excellence 2009 Awards.

The scheme, which works in partnership with the Learning Skills Council, North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Business Link, is one of four companies short-listed for the Integration and Collaborative Working award.

It works by matching local companies with tender opportunities. Tailored business support and advice is also offered to help businesses improve profitability.

The scheme has contracted more than £1,000,000 worth of business since it began in 2007. In total the project has enrolled 344 suppliers and 32 buyers – and 2,000 people from 85 companies have started training in construction.

For more information or to become a member go to www.buildup-ns.org.uk or telephone 01782 224414

Discounts just the ticket for residents

A

NEW discount card scheme is encouraging people to visit the host of popular tourist attractions right on their doorstep.

Anyone who applies for the free Enjoy Staffordshire card is entitled to exclusive benefits at museums, pubs, restaurants, hotels and many other top attractions throughout the city and beyond.

Scores of organisations and venues have signed up to the scheme with promotions including free tickets, two-for-one admission, children go free and discounts on purchases.

Venues in Stoke-on-Trent that have already pledged support include Ford Green Hall, the Wedgwood Visitor Centre, Waterworld and Portmeirion, Dudson and Moorcroft.

The scheme is county-wide so includes other popular attractions such as Alton Towers, Drayton Manor Theme Park and The Trentham Estate.

Sam Hall, Tourism Marketing Officer for Stoke-on-Trent Tourism, said: “Anyone can apply for the Enjoy Staffordshire card but its main aim is to encourage people who live locally to enjoy the fantastic attractions that are right on their doorstep.

CARRY THE CARD...

Museum Assistant Nicky Gane in Tudor dress at Ford Green Hall, with the Enjoy Staffordshire card.

“Stoke-on-Trent, and Staffordshire as a whole, has a great deal to offer.

People who live locally sometimes don’t always appreciate what there is and feel they have got to make a long car journey to visit an attraction or for a day out.

“This is not the case – as the thousands of tourists who come into the area prove.

“The organisations that have signed up so far include some of the biggest

names in the area and there are plenty of discounts and offers from free tickets to discounts on purchases.

“The promotions are also continually being updated so that they cater for as broad a range of people and requirements as possible.”

To apply for an Enjoy Staffordshire card, or for more details about the promotions, either telephone 0844 888 1747 or visit the website www.enjoystaffordshire.com

Happy shopper bags a brand new car ROBERT Wilson thanks his lucky stars that he decided to do his shopping at Stoke Market… because he bagged a brand new car along with his groceries.

Robert was one of 12 winners who had already scooped a £100 cash prize as part of a competition to promote the popular market.

Each of the lucky dozen were then also asked to choose a key and whoever’s fitted the brand new Chevrolet Matiz walked away with the shiny new motor.

The car giveaway formed part of a free family fun day, which included a story time session, arts and crafts, face painting and a competition to win one of 50 slow cookers.

The event was organised to raise the profile of Stoke Market – now back in its original site following completion of the new Stoke Local Centre.

Lord Mayor Councillor Derek Capey congratulates competition winner Robert Wilson on scooping the prize of a brand new car.

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Our City

Phil’s passion and pride for the Potteries P

HILIP Douglas Taylor never fails to hit the target when it comes to promoting his home city of Stoke-on-Trent. In fact his passion for the Potteries is known around the globe – for we are talking about Phil “The Power” Taylor, 14 times world darts champion.

Wherever he throws a set of mean arrows, Phil also uses his considerable celebrity power and steps up to the oche to tell just about everyone he meets about what a great place Stoke-on-Trent is.

Phil, who indulged in his favourite hobby by playing darts in pubs throughout the city before hitting the professional circuit, said: “I have made a lot of good and lasting friends through playing darts in Stoke-onTrent during those early days, because the people are naturally warm, friendly and genuine.

“Unfortunately a lot of people who have never been here think the Potteries is a grimy industrial area and I love nothing better than to tell them about the regeneration that’s going on, such as the new industries, businesses and houses that are springing up.”

As well as his brace of world titles, Phil has accumulated over 75 other tournament wins which makes him the most successful darts player of all time. It’s a stunning career that has tested his deadly accuracy on dartboards all over the UK and in countries as far apart as Canada, Japan and Australia.

Phil’s amazing talent at throwing darts has brought him fame and fortune – but one of the world’s most recognisable sporting superstars still lives in North Staffordshire with his wife Yvonne and their children Lisa, Chris, Kelly and Natalie. And he often throws a few practice arrows with regulars at the Roebuck pub in Burslem, just a dart’s throw away from Port Vale Football Club – another passion in his life.

‘‘

Phil, who left school at 16, never forgets his first job as a £9 a week sheet metal worker with JF Salt and Co in Burslem.

Recently he met up with Stoke-on-Trent’s other famous son Robbie Williams and stayed at the singer’s Los Angeles home where the pair from the Potteries reminisced about growing up in the city they both love and support whenever they can.

Phil said: “I am really proud to be an ambassador for my city. Wherever I go in the world the conversation always comes round to where I’m from. A lot of people ask me to explain the pottery industry term ‘saggar maker’s bottom knocker’ (he’s often played darts in the Saggar Maker’s pub in Burslem).

“It’s a great way to get talking about Stoke-on-Trent, and people who have never been to the area are surprised when I tell them about what’s happening in the city.

“I also tell business people I meet about how Stoke-onTrent is conveniently close to motorways and major airports, and therefore a great place to set up a base for a business that depends on the transport network.

“They know I’m right because I have to travel to tournaments, exhibition matches and other commitments all over the UK, and nowhere could be more central than Stoke-on-Trent.”

However the sporting ambassador did lose the power of speech after a curious encounter on the other side of the world. While strolling through a village market in a remote part of rural China, Phil saw a trader wearing a Port Vale shirt!

He recalled “For once, I was struck dumb with shock – and in any case no-one else spoke English so I couldn’t ask him how he became a fellow supporter!”

People here are naturally warm, friendly and genuine

Phil Taylor is pictured above at Bentilee Neighbourhood Centre helping to promote a healthy living community fun day with Michelle Fahey, right, and Stacey Heath of the city council’s Jobs Enterprise and Training Centre.

Right, Phil with the World Darts Championship trophy in the Roebuck pub, Burslem, where he practices. the classic TV panel game What’s My Line in which contestants mimed their job, then answered yes or no questions from four celebrities who tried to work out what the contestant did for a living. ■

Still searching for childcare that meets the needs of you and your family?

’’

Whether you are looking for a childminder, day nursery, pre-school playgroup, crèche, out of school club or a holiday scheme, Stoke-on-Trent Parent Direct can help you find what you are looking for.

● In case you don’t know, a saggar maker’s bottom knocker used to knock out the shape of the clay base for the saggars which held and protected pottery during the kiln-firing process. It’s rated as the most unusual occupation to be featured on

Parent Direct is a free and impartial local service, so for a childcare solution that is tailored to fit your individual circumstances, please call:

0800 015 1120 Phil joins in the fun with Dean and Jessica Harvey at the Bentilee healthy living day.

You can also email us at parent.direct@stoke.gov.uk or visit our website at www.stokeeycs.co.uk

stoke.gov.uk

9

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Our City A P R I L 2 0 0 9

Animation and street art on show THE ‘Stoke Your Fires 2009’ Festival of Animation returns to the city after its successful premiere last year.

This year organisers are hosting a month of animation themed events at The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Hanley.

Throughout April visitors will be able to try their hand at animation workshops using new technology or traditional techniques, there will be a display of models and puppets familiar to all ages and popular animated films will be screened in the Forum Theatre.

A two-day festival, also at The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, features professional animators taking part in seminars, lectures and master classes to share and develop their understanding of the industry.

The festival also includes a major international competition with six categories open to submissions from both professional and local animators – and the judges are keen to see more work by local people to show what a vibrant and creative city Stoke-on-Trent is. ● Cutting edge urban art by graffiti artists including Banksy, Adam Neate, Candice Tripp, Swoon and Elbowtoe are featured in an exhibition called ‘The Arrival’, Urban Art which runs until May 10 at The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.

Inspection shows city council services

‘improving strongly’ S

TOKE-on-Trent City Council has welcomed the Audit Commission’s finding that it is “improving strongly”.

The independent watchdog has given Stoke-on-Trent City Council the highest possible rating for its “direction of travel” – the assessment of the city council’s capacity to improve.

This is the third consecutive year of improvement in the “direction of travel”, from “not improving adequately” in 2006 to “improving well” in 2007.

The finding comes in the Audit Commission’s annual Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) for 2008: GLOBAL STAGE...

The assessment says: the visit by Archbishop ● Significant progress has been made Desmond Tutu, pictured at a across all priority areas press conference at the civic ● Outcomes for vulnerable adults have centre, and football legend Pele improved and are now good helped raise Stoke-on-Trent’s ● Arrangements for safeguarding profile around the world during children have been strengthened a period when, according ● GCSE results are the best the city has to government inspectors, ever seen city council services older people, for ● The number of schools judged as were “improving children in our inadequate has reduced from thirteen to strongly.” schools and for our one communities.” ● Local people are starting to see the results Chris Harman, City Council Interim Chief of good investments in regeneration Executive, said: “It is a great achievement to ● Crime levels have gone down by 17 per be recognised as improving strongly. cent “This report shows that we are a well● There are robust plans and good capacity managed council, with skilled and dedicated to support future improvements staff who are making the city a better place to ● Resources are used effectively with valuelive and work. for-money arrangements significantly “There is much more to do, of course, and improved. we will continue our efforts to improve services, bring in new investment and manage Stoke-on-Trent Deputy Elected Mayor the change to the council’s new political Councillor Mohammed Pervez said: “I am system.” proud of all the hard work of our staff, councillors and all the organisations we work Major services assessed in the CPA have all with in providing improved services to the improved since 2007. Adult social care has city’s people. moved from a score of two (adequate) to “This report shows that Stoke-on-Trent three (good), and use of resources has also City Council is making life better for increased from two to three. everyone who lives in this city, particularly Children and young people’s services has

remained at two, but has improved within this band.

Two reports by Ofsted in January 2009 and December 2008 showed that services for children and young people had improved.

The city council’s overall rating has fallen from three stars in 2007 to two stars in 2008 because of the way the Audit Commission determines the rating.

Mr Harman said: “The city council’s overall star rating has fallen due to the way the Audit Commission formula uses the corporate assessment score from 2005.

“Things are different now and it is clear from the other scores and the Audit Commission’s report that the city council is well managed and improving strongly.”

What could Stoke-on-Trent City Council do to improve its services?

Write to Freepost OurCity or email ourcity@stoke.gov.uk

Framework paves way for public to have a say

Queen’s Special by graffiti artist Adam Neate.

CITY residents will soon have a clearer idea of how they can get involved in decision making about services that affect their quality of life and the areas where they live.

Two consultative meetings that brought together voluntary sector workers, residents, Stoke-on-Trent City Council staff and strategic partners to discuss community engagement in the city have paved the way for a new

Community Engagement Framework.

It aims to make sure that the city council and its partners work together effectively in engaging with communities.

Feedback from the public meetings will help to shape the framework, which will set out guidelines for all groups and service providers on how to make sure everyone in the city is informed and listened to.

The framework will be put on the city council’s website as a “live” document that can be updated and revised, ensuring that it always reflects any changes in the city. Jenny Graham, Sustainable Communities Manager, said: “Community engagement underpins everything we do in the city and involves a wide range of issues as diverse as climate change, justice and youth engagement.“

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Our City

Courier donates 67

lifesaving pints I

the classic 1961 comedy The Blood Donor, comedian Tony Hancock complained to a doctor: “A pint! That’s very nearly an armful.”

Well, spare a thought for city council postroom courier Steve Hassell, who, having donated an astonishing 67 pints of blood, has given nearly a football team full!

Steve, who was caretaker at Meir Community Centre for 32 years and now works as a courier at the civic centre, discovered how easy it was to give blood after overcoming his fear of needles.

“They were holding a blood donor session in the centre in 1975 and one of the nurses told me it was a piece of cake to give a pint,” he explained. “She was right – since then I’ve thought of the benefits of the blood I’ve donated and hoped that it has helped improve people’s health and even save some lives.

“I’ve got to know some of the staff who run the blood service, and joke that I’m only doing it for the cup of tea and biscuit afterwards!”

NHS Stoke on Trent’s Director of Public Health Giri Rajaratnam paid tribute to Steve’s achievement and urged more people to become blood N

donors. He said: “Blood is literally a lifesaver to people who have been in an accident or need it to survive treatments and operations. It can also be split into its constituent parts like red cells, platelets and plasma to help with the treatment of conditions from anaemia to leukaemia.

“It’s a vital part of the NHS and stocks are being constantly refreshed to keep up with demand. Steve should be congratulated for his personal commitment to giving blood and I would urge as many people as possible in Stoke-onTrent to follow his example and

give blood To find out more about how you can help, telephone

0845 7 711 711

or visit the website www.blood.co.uk to find places where you can give blood.

visit a blood donor session.

“It doesn’t take long, but by giving up a little time, and a pint of blood, you could be saving someone’s life.”

According to the National Blood Service, the top uses for donated blood are: 1 General Surgery at 23 per cent.

2 General Medical with 15 per cent.

3 Cardiothoracic – heart and chest surgery – with 13 per cent.

4 A figure of 11 per cent puts Orthopaedics here - that’s anything to do with bones and bone diseases.

5 Haematology (blood diseases) with 9 per cent.

6 Accident and Emergency with 8 per cent.

7 Renal or anything to do with the kidneys with 6 per cent, along with Neonatal and Paediatrics, which is the treatment of newborns and children.

8 Intensive Care with 4 per cent.

9 Obstetrics and Gynaecology (anything to do with pregnancy and childbirth) weighing in with 3.5 per cent.

Other uses account for the remaining 7.5 per cent.

CUPS THAT CHEER... blood donor Steve Hassell, with a cuppa for each of the 67 pints he has donated since 1975.

Lost your balance?

Childminder is Police praise public ‘outstanding’ over ASBO success MUM-of-two Corinne Minshall, pictured, is celebrating after becoming Stoke-on-Trent’s first “outstanding” childminder.

Corinne, from Abbey Hulton, was presented with a bouquet of flowers at her home to honour her achievement.

Corinne, a registered childminder, was judged “outstanding” in a recent Ofsted report She looks after children up to seven years old and has close links with Kingsland Children’s Centre. She is supported by the city council’s development team within the early, enhanced and extended services. Development Officer Jayne Richards said: “Corinne is a real asset and this is richly deserved. We’re all very proud of her and are pleased her work has been recognised.”

RESIDENTS have been praised for helping secure an antisocial behaviour order (ASBO) in just over four weeks against a 15-year-old tearaway terrorising his community.

They complained the boy was lighting fires and physically and verbally abusing people in the Burslem area.

Witnesses who helped bring the case to court included members of the public, city council staff, firefighters and police who had all been victims of the teenager’s behaviour. Now Stoke-on-Trent’s Safer City Partnership, which brings together agencies across the city to improve community safety, is hailing the case as an example of successful partnership work. Sergeant Rob Bateman, who coordinated the collection of evidence with colleagues from the city

council, said: “This individual was starting fires, intimidating residents, causing criminal damage and showing an appalling attitude towards his community and public services. With the public’s help we moved quickly to secure an ASBO. This enabled us to publish his name and photograph in the community where the antisocial behaviour took place, and reassure residents that if he breaches his ASBO by offending again it becomes a criminal offence and he faces a custodial sentence.”

The Safer City Partnership has advised anyone suffering from antisocial behaviour to contact Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Antisocial Behaviour helpline number on 0800 5615610, or Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 44 55.

Are you struggling to juggle work and family life?

Learn more about your rights and entitlements as a working parent...

From maternity and beyond, Stoke-on-Trent Parent Direct can give you the information you need most about being a working parent.

Speak to Stoke-on-Trent Parent Direct FREE on:

0800 015 1120 You can also email us at parent.direct@stoke.gov.uk or visit our website at www.stokeeycs.co.uk

stoke.gov.uk

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APRIL 2009

Hopes of a royal visit as Stoke-on-Trent plans a proud calendar of events to mark the centenary of the Six Towns Federation

Celebrating 100 years

Children line the muddy road at Wharf Street, Longton – now Bridgwood Street.

of unity E FIND OUT MORE...

Information about healthy living and events in Stoke-on-Trent is available online at www.hpns.nhs.uk, or telephone Health Promotion on 01782 298000.

Fruity fun day sends out healthy living messages FIVE-year-old Alisha Gill tucks into a healthy fruit kebab as part of a fun day to promote healthy lifestyles in Bentilee.

The area’s neighbourhood centre threw open its doors to the public for the event attended by Lord Mayor Councillor Derek Capey and 14 times world darts champion Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor.

As well as information on quitting smoking, sexual health, healthy living and blood pressure checks, there were short walks around the estate and a positive parenting play surgery.

The centre’s library offered fun with a Nintendo Wii and story time.

There were also healthy treats on the food tasting stall.

Facebook opened on fire safety MORE than 250 people have joined an internet group launched by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service to help boost home safety in the city.

The forum on the popular social-networking site Facebook encourages people to book a free home fire risk check for their elderly relatives and neighbours.

The initiative is part of the service’s high profile More For Less campaign which aims to reduce serious injuries and

deaths in accidental house fires. Head of Risk Reduction Ian Sloss said:“Facebook has a lot of young users, many of whom will know elderly people, so we are encouraging these people to take action, tell their grandparents, relatives or neighbours about the home fire risk check service and get them booked in.”

The Facebook page can be accessed at by searching for STOP Elderly People Dying in Fires.

Exotic animal advice online PEOPLE who breed domestic animals, run boarding homes for cats and dogs or keep exotic pets are being urged to make sure they have the necessary license. The city council issues licenses to safeguard both the public and the welfare of animals.

Many exotic pets such as venomous snakes and spiders

and some primates need the owner to get a license.

Anyone breeding dogs for sale and those looking after cats and dogs on a regular basis – even if it is at home – must also apply.

Full details can be found on the website stoke.gov.uk/ animalhealth

XHIBITIONS, events and even a royal visit are expected to mark the 100th anniversary of Stoke-on-Trent’s famous six towns coming together as one.

Federation of Tunstall, Burslem, Hanley, Stoke, Fenton and Longton in 1910 paved the way for the formation of the modern City of Stoke-on-Trent 15 years later. Each had been a county borough, with its own council, town hall and local services.

It was, then, a unique event in English Local Government, and has never been repeated. March 31 1910, when the new County Borough of Stoke-on-Trent came into being, has been hailed by experts as one of the most important days in this proud city’s history, not only because of its civic significance, but for the social benefits that a united six towns brought to residents.

Local historian Fred Hughes, who is writing a book on the anniversary called A Centenary History of Stoke-on-Trent, said: “Federation meant that six separate local authorities would benefit from pooling their resources – such as the supply of gas and the infant ‘new’ electricity.

“Sewage disposal and water supply were other services that would benefit from a single administration.

Progression “And even the amalgamation of the existing tramway under a common ownership would make travelling from Tunstall to Longton half the price.

“Stoke-on-Trent’s motto, Vis Unita Fortior, which means United Strength is Stronger, could not have been better proven than when it was introduced in 1910.

“The former colonial state of New Hampshire was the first modern independent federation to adopt the inspirational motto and to incorporate it into its constitutional Great Seal in 1776 after discarding the royal seal of King George III at the end of the American War of Independence. It not only represented freedom for its citizens but unity in its forward progression.”

He added: “Did the fathers of Stoke-on-Trent’s federation copy this motto from the fathers of the United States of America? It would be wonderful if this was the case.”

Now, almost 100 years later, planning is in motion to make sure everyone in Stoke-on-Trent

Checking and packing pottery in a factory warehouse.

Our City

13

Local centre a big success A £3 million “one stop shop” which brings city council services together under one roof has been hailed as a vibrant part of the community.

Stoke Local Service Centre provides access to housing benefits, council tax, housing repairs, blue badge applications and environmental concerns, alongside a brand new library for the town.

A computerised queuing system, digital technology and a children’s zone makes access to all services much easier at the new state-of-the-art site in Church Street.

Since opening in midJanuary it has provided benefits for the local community… and the library which is stocked with 24,000 books and 1,000 CDs and DVDs has seen membership and enquiries rise significantly.

Question Time officials grilled

has an opportunity to take part in celebrations of the important milestone next year. Although specific events have yet to be announced it is hoped that a royal visit will take place on March 31 – the date of the actual centenary.

An exciting exhibition is also being planned to take place at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery later in the year. It will take information from the so-called Domesday Survey – carried out in 1910 by Chancellor of the Exchequer David Lloyd George – which went into meticulous detail on family homes and

circumstances.

It is hoped the exhibition will paint a vivid picture of the differences between life in the Potteries in 1910 and 2010.

The city council – which is co-ordinating planning the celebrations – is asking local people for their memories of Stoke-on-Trent over the last 100 years, and for ideas on how the celebrations can involve as many parts of the community as possible.

Deputy Elected Mayor Councillor Mohammed Pervez said: “We want 2010 to become a

Hundreds of youngsters wait to take a dip in the paddling pool at Longton Park – a far cry from today when they can enjoy a swim in a 21st century facility at Fenton Manor. Our photograph, right, shows Jasmine Mirza, aged 5, of Penkhull, and her two-year-old brother Isaac in a half-term pool session.

whole year of celebration, with schools, community groups, neighbourhoods and employers all playing their part in marking 100 years since the six towns of Stoke-on-Trent came together.

“We have so much to celebrate and be proud of and we want to see as many events as possible reflecting the achievements of our city and its people.” ● Do you have any ideas on how our city can celebrate the 100th anniversary of the federation of the six towns of Stoke-on-Trent? Write to Freepost Our City or email ourcity@stoke.gov.uk

A horse-drawn delivery cart on the Broadway at Meir crossroads... a world away from the hustle and bustle of today’s busy roundabout, part of the roof of the A50 tunnel.

Photos from Blake collection HISTORIC photographs used on this page were taken around 1910, and are from the William Blake Collection.

William Blake photographed the landscapes, buildings and people of Stoke-on-Trent and its surrounding areas. The images he captured offer a unique record of the Potteries and the lives and activities of its inhabitants.

In 1998 The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery purchased 1,350 glass plate negatives taken by Blake, followed by another 24 in 2005. The photographs are reproduced courtesy of the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.

PUPILS from five primary schools had the chance to grill some of Stoke-onTrent’s top civic officials during a Question Time style event. The children, from St John’s, Oakhill, Stoke Minster, Priory and St Teresa’s asked dignitaries including the Lord Mayor, Councillor Derek Capey and city council youth play representatives for more sporting events and play areas.

They asked what was being done to stop the sale of cigarettes to underage children, and questioned the panel over wasteland in the area. Similar events are now being planned across the area for both primary and secondary schools covering topics such as antisocial behaviour and economics.

Speedway to success CYCLISTS have celebrated the launch of a speedway track in Etruria Park.

It is available to all cyclists who visit the park, and will host local group Stoke White Rock Cycle Speedway Club's home fixtures.

The club secured £10,000 lottery funding for the track and were supported by their local councillors’ ward fund and Staffordshire Police.

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Our City A P R I L 2 0 0 9

APRIL 2009

Hopes of a royal visit as Stoke-on-Trent plans a proud calendar of events to mark the centenary of the Six Towns Federation

Celebrating 100 years

Children line the muddy road at Wharf Street, Longton – now Bridgwood Street.

of unity E FIND OUT MORE...

Information about healthy living and events in Stoke-on-Trent is available online at www.hpns.nhs.uk, or telephone Health Promotion on 01782 298000.

Fruity fun day sends out healthy living messages FIVE-year-old Alisha Gill tucks into a healthy fruit kebab as part of a fun day to promote healthy lifestyles in Bentilee.

The area’s neighbourhood centre threw open its doors to the public for the event attended by Lord Mayor Councillor Derek Capey and 14 times world darts champion Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor.

As well as information on quitting smoking, sexual health, healthy living and blood pressure checks, there were short walks around the estate and a positive parenting play surgery.

The centre’s library offered fun with a Nintendo Wii and story time.

There were also healthy treats on the food tasting stall.

Facebook opened on fire safety MORE than 250 people have joined an internet group launched by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service to help boost home safety in the city.

The forum on the popular social-networking site Facebook encourages people to book a free home fire risk check for their elderly relatives and neighbours.

The initiative is part of the service’s high profile More For Less campaign which aims to reduce serious injuries and

deaths in accidental house fires. Head of Risk Reduction Ian Sloss said:“Facebook has a lot of young users, many of whom will know elderly people, so we are encouraging these people to take action, tell their grandparents, relatives or neighbours about the home fire risk check service and get them booked in.”

The Facebook page can be accessed at by searching for STOP Elderly People Dying in Fires.

Exotic animal advice online PEOPLE who breed domestic animals, run boarding homes for cats and dogs or keep exotic pets are being urged to make sure they have the necessary license. The city council issues licenses to safeguard both the public and the welfare of animals.

Many exotic pets such as venomous snakes and spiders

and some primates need the owner to get a license.

Anyone breeding dogs for sale and those looking after cats and dogs on a regular basis – even if it is at home – must also apply.

Full details can be found on the website stoke.gov.uk/ animalhealth

XHIBITIONS, events and even a royal visit are expected to mark the 100th anniversary of Stoke-on-Trent’s famous six towns coming together as one.

Federation of Tunstall, Burslem, Hanley, Stoke, Fenton and Longton in 1910 paved the way for the formation of the modern City of Stoke-on-Trent 15 years later. Each had been a county borough, with its own council, town hall and local services.

It was, then, a unique event in English Local Government, and has never been repeated. March 31 1910, when the new County Borough of Stoke-on-Trent came into being, has been hailed by experts as one of the most important days in this proud city’s history, not only because of its civic significance, but for the social benefits that a united six towns brought to residents.

Local historian Fred Hughes, who is writing a book on the anniversary called A Centenary History of Stoke-on-Trent, said: “Federation meant that six separate local authorities would benefit from pooling their resources – such as the supply of gas and the infant ‘new’ electricity.

“Sewage disposal and water supply were other services that would benefit from a single administration.

Progression “And even the amalgamation of the existing tramway under a common ownership would make travelling from Tunstall to Longton half the price.

“Stoke-on-Trent’s motto, Vis Unita Fortior, which means United Strength is Stronger, could not have been better proven than when it was introduced in 1910.

“The former colonial state of New Hampshire was the first modern independent federation to adopt the inspirational motto and to incorporate it into its constitutional Great Seal in 1776 after discarding the royal seal of King George III at the end of the American War of Independence. It not only represented freedom for its citizens but unity in its forward progression.”

He added: “Did the fathers of Stoke-on-Trent’s federation copy this motto from the fathers of the United States of America? It would be wonderful if this was the case.”

Now, almost 100 years later, planning is in motion to make sure everyone in Stoke-on-Trent

Checking and packing pottery in a factory warehouse.

Our City

13

Local centre a big success A £3 million “one stop shop” which brings city council services together under one roof has been hailed as a vibrant part of the community.

Stoke Local Service Centre provides access to housing benefits, council tax, housing repairs, blue badge applications and environmental concerns, alongside a brand new library for the town.

A computerised queuing system, digital technology and a children’s zone makes access to all services much easier at the new state-of-the-art site in Church Street.

Since opening in midJanuary it has provided benefits for the local community… and the library which is stocked with 24,000 books and 1,000 CDs and DVDs has seen membership and enquiries rise significantly.

Question Time officials grilled

has an opportunity to take part in celebrations of the important milestone next year. Although specific events have yet to be announced it is hoped that a royal visit will take place on March 31 – the date of the actual centenary.

An exciting exhibition is also being planned to take place at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery later in the year. It will take information from the so-called Domesday Survey – carried out in 1910 by Chancellor of the Exchequer David Lloyd George – which went into meticulous detail on family homes and

circumstances.

It is hoped the exhibition will paint a vivid picture of the differences between life in the Potteries in 1910 and 2010.

The city council – which is co-ordinating planning the celebrations – is asking local people for their memories of Stoke-on-Trent over the last 100 years, and for ideas on how the celebrations can involve as many parts of the community as possible.

Deputy Elected Mayor Councillor Mohammed Pervez said: “We want 2010 to become a

Hundreds of youngsters wait to take a dip in the paddling pool at Longton Park – a far cry from today when they can enjoy a swim in a 21st century facility at Fenton Manor. Our photograph, right, shows Jasmine Mirza, aged 5, of Penkhull, and her two-year-old brother Isaac in a half-term pool session.

whole year of celebration, with schools, community groups, neighbourhoods and employers all playing their part in marking 100 years since the six towns of Stoke-on-Trent came together.

“We have so much to celebrate and be proud of and we want to see as many events as possible reflecting the achievements of our city and its people.” ● Do you have any ideas on how our city can celebrate the 100th anniversary of the federation of the six towns of Stoke-on-Trent? Write to Freepost Our City or email ourcity@stoke.gov.uk

A horse-drawn delivery cart on the Broadway at Meir crossroads... a world away from the hustle and bustle of today’s busy roundabout, part of the roof of the A50 tunnel.

Photos from Blake collection HISTORIC photographs used on this page were taken around 1910, and are from the William Blake Collection.

William Blake photographed the landscapes, buildings and people of Stoke-on-Trent and its surrounding areas. The images he captured offer a unique record of the Potteries and the lives and activities of its inhabitants.

In 1998 The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery purchased 1,350 glass plate negatives taken by Blake, followed by another 24 in 2005. The photographs are reproduced courtesy of the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.

PUPILS from five primary schools had the chance to grill some of Stoke-onTrent’s top civic officials during a Question Time style event. The children, from St John’s, Oakhill, Stoke Minster, Priory and St Teresa’s asked dignitaries including the Lord Mayor, Councillor Derek Capey and city council youth play representatives for more sporting events and play areas.

They asked what was being done to stop the sale of cigarettes to underage children, and questioned the panel over wasteland in the area. Similar events are now being planned across the area for both primary and secondary schools covering topics such as antisocial behaviour and economics.

Speedway to success CYCLISTS have celebrated the launch of a speedway track in Etruria Park.

It is available to all cyclists who visit the park, and will host local group Stoke White Rock Cycle Speedway Club's home fixtures.

The club secured £10,000 lottery funding for the track and were supported by their local councillors’ ward fund and Staffordshire Police.

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Delivering training that changes lives L

IVING with a learning disability could have made it difficult for local man David Meeson to find employment.

But thanks to 22 years of training and skills development delivered by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, David has seen his CV go from strength to strength.

Regular training at the city council's Hamilton Centre in Fenton and more recently its new state-of-the-art replacement, the Riverside Training and Enterprise Centre at Stoke, has allowed him to experience a variety of jobs and work placements.

And now he finds himself at the heart of a city that is better placed than ever to boast some of the best equal rights and opportunities in the UK. David said: “The things we learn at the Riverside are so good for us.

“Without somewhere like this we would just be sitting at home doing nothing.

“It gives me a real boost coming here, the experience I gain is invaluable – all my family

are so proud and chuffed about what I am doing.”

David, 41, has worked in a variety of roles thanks to the skills he learnt on his city council training courses.

Adults with learning disabilities are helped to improve their self – presentation and interview skills, develop their CVs, strengthen their team working and increase their health and safety awareness.

Treated equally The trainees are then helped into work placements in customer service, hospitality and other service industry roles.

The centre boasts a media suite, which helps individuals create personal development plans using photographs, films, sign language and interactive whiteboards.

It also has three conferencing rooms available for hire.

David added: “I have worked in everything from pot banks to offices and the catering industry.

People with learning disabilities deserve to be treated equally and the staff at the Riverside are so

good at giving you that push you need to believe in yourself.”

Sandra Robertson, 46, of Bentilee, started at the Hamilton Centre 26 years ago and she is currently carrying out a work placement at a hairdressers in Heron Cross.

She said: “I do different things at Riverside than I did at the Hamilton Centre. I feel it is a new start for me.

“My family are really happy that I’m doing something to improve myself.

“I don’t know what I would do without the help I receive at the Riverside.”

Adults referred to the Riverside centre have their needs assessed and enter a 16-week Smart Start programme to learn work skills and put those skills into practice on work placements.

At the end of the course, staff work with the trainees to support them into paid or voluntary employment.

The Riverside Centre in Campbell Road, Stoke was officially opened by Stoke City chairman Peter Coates, and Lord Mayor Councillor Derek Capey.

Quality childcare available at your local Children’s Centre

All of the nurseries are: • Ofsted registered • well equipped • have fully qualified and experienced staff • have funded places available for 3 year-olds • offer freshly cooked healthy meals and cater for special dietary requirements • have outdoor activity space

stoke.gov.uk

For more information and to find your nearest Children’s Centre, please contact Stoke-on-Trent Parent Direct on freephone

0800 015 1120

Trainees David Meeson and Sandra Robertson pictured at the new Riverside Training and Enterprise Centre, Stoke.

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Win a stylish print by the ‘Potteries Lowry’ ONE Lucky reader will become the proud owner of a painting by big selling local artist Sid Kirkham – widely known as the Potteries’ answer to LS Lowry – in this great Our City readers’ competition.

Sid, who only took up painting professionally at the age of 60, is famous for his highly collectable watercolours depicting nostalgic urban landscapes of his native North Staffordshire.

There is a great demand for the works which capture scenes that are fast vanishing such as old bottle kilns, factories and other vistas from Stoke-on-Trent’s industrial past.

Sid turned to art at the age of 60 when he was made redundant from his job as a tyre buyer, and an exhibition of his remarkable work is currently being held at The Artbay Gallery, Old Bank Chambers, Christchurch Street, Fenton.

You can enter our competition for the chance to win your own Kirkham – The Potters’ Glow, one of only 20 exclusive limited edition fine art prints. Printed on high quality, archival matt paper, the work is double mounted and ready for framing.

The painting is 18 inches by 12 inches, and the mounted size is 24 inches by 18 inches.

Simply answer the following question – the

answer can be found in this issue of Our City: What was the date in 1910 when the Six Towns of Stoke-on-Trent came together in the historic Federation?

Send your answer to FREEPOST Our City or

email: ourcity@stoke.gov.uk and include your name, address and a daytime telephone number. Entries should be sent no later than Friday, May 1.

The Editor’s decision is final and the winners will be announced in the next issue of Our City.

Extra police patrols to clamp down on bogus caller threat P

OLICE in the city are stepping-up patrols to curb the amount of bogus callers operating in the city.

Often the most vulnerable residents, such as elderly or infirm people, can be tricked by people posing as officials from the city council or other bodies.

Having conned their way into a person’s home, the cowardly crooks often steal whatever they can, leaving a trail of distress and worry.

In 2008 there were 44 bogus official incidents and six distraction burglaries in the Stoke-on-Trent division of Staffordshire Police.

Now officers will be giving residents simple crime prevention advice while out on patrol to reduce a traditional surge in the amount of bogus incidents associated with the Spring.

Stoke-on-Trent division Crime Reduction Officer, PC Neil Russell, said: “When we find an

● STOP: If you are not expecting anybody and they don’t have an appointment – don’t let them in. ● CHAIN: Use your door chain or bar before opening the door.

Tell us what else can be done to make our city safer. Write to Freepost Our City or email ourcity@stoke.gov.uk

DON’T CALL HERE...

Hartshill resident Leonard Tams, 89, sends out a clear message to bogus callers, with PC Neil Russell.

Students from primary and secondary schools were given a tour of the city council chamber in Stoke Town Hall, met Lord

Mayor, Councillor Derek Capey and took part in a question and answers session with senior officers and politicians. Many who took part are involved in their school councils, and it is hoped the day helped give them an understanding of representation and debate.

Event organiser – city council Citizenship Officer, Tracy Ellis, said: “We want the students to get first hand knowledge of

Work starts on new park MACHINES have rolled into action to transform a historic Stoke-on-Trent site into a vibrant new country park.

The former Chatterley Whitfield colliery is to be turned into a heritage country park with a viewing platform, nature gardens, walkway and a meandering river.

The transformations are all part of the North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership’s (NSRP) multibillion vision for the region.

Earthworks have started to create a more accessible landscape for the park.

The work is expected to take 18 months and will be followed by plans to replant shrubs and flowers, redirect a stream which currently flows through the site to make it more accessible, put in walkways, bridges and paths and improve the access.

The park is due to be completed in autumn 2010.

The project is being funded by the Homes and Communities Agency through the National Coalfields Programme.

Races run in the parks

Pupils enjoy Faith2Face

Pupils grill decision makers in big debate DOZENS of pupils from 33 schools across the city were given a firsthand insight into democracy in action when they took part in a special conference at the King’s Hall.

15

RUNNERS are being urged to lace-up their trainers for a series of races around some of Stoke-on-Trent’s finest green spaces.

The City Parks Grand Prix 2009 will see hundreds of competitors working up a sweat in four city parks.

Starting at Longton Park on May 12, the races vary from 5km for senior runners, 3km for under 17’s and 2km for Under 15’s. The grand prix moves onto Tunstall Park on June 9, Fenton on July 14 and Hanley on August 18.

Further information is available on 01782 330853, e-mailing suken@run222. freeserve.co.uk or logging onto www.cityparksgrandprix .co.uk

area is becoming a hotspot for this type of activity we will also be increasing the amount of uniformed and non-uniformed patrols and using other tactics.”

Residents are being encouraged to follow this advice:

● CHECK: Ask to see ID and double check this.

If you are in any doubt dial 999 immediately.

Anyone with information regarding bogus official incidents should call Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 44 55.

Our City

understanding democracy and what it means for local people. It will show them how decisions are made and hopefully inspire them to take an active part in their communities.”

A panel of officers and councillors quizzed during the afternoon included Director of Children and Young People’s Services Ged Rowney.

STOKE-on-Trent schoolchildren focused on faith as part of a project to bring together city communities. The city council and The Saltbox Christian Centre held the Faith2Face event to help youngsters explore views on faith through music, drama, and workshops.

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Progress pays off for city youngsters M

ARTIN and Bradley have transformed their lives thanks to a caring and innovative approach to children’s services in Stoke-on-Trent.

The two boys, who are 15 and 12, used to live in private care and are the first to admit they had trouble with their behaviour, school and making friends.

But now they are living in one of the small group homes set up by the city council to provide looked-after care for young people – and things have totally changed.

Each home is designed to offer two young people with a family environment, with constant support from a small team of dedicated staff who provide focused, individual care.

Martin said: “Before coming here I had been in trouble for my behaviour and I didn’t listen to anyone.

“I was given whatever I wanted to eat, so much so that my weight ballooned to 21 stones nine pounds.

“I moved here nine months ago and I have been given more healthy eating options, have been going to the gym and enjoy swimming.

“My weight has already fallen by more than four stones. I feel like part of a family here, I am settled and feel involved in what is going on.”

“I never used to go to school either but over the last nine months things have improved.

“I have won awards for attendance, behaviour and achievement. I am to take my GCSEs in a few months, and know I will get the support from staff here to help me through them.”

The innovative scheme has been praised

by Ofsted inspectors as part of their latest Joint Area Review (JAR) of all services delivered for young people in the city.

Martin and Bradley pictured at home in Blurton with Senior Residential care workers Mark Jackson and Lyndsey Wiltshaw.

Outstanding The first small group home – The Close, which opened in 2006 – was given national recognition for providing outstanding services at consecutive inspections.

And of the eight homes, two are judged

by Ofsted to be ‘outstanding’, with the other six judged as ‘good’.

Bradley moved into the home eight months ago. He said: “I was in private care before and went to a residential school.

The home had eight kids in it – far too many – and they used to steal things.

“I stayed in my room 24/7 because I wanted my own space.

“Since coming here my attitude has changed a lot.

“My communication with people has improved.

“I am having more contact with my

parents and being here has helped me understand things better.”

The glowing praise heaped on the small group home scheme is one of many highlights in the JAR report that stated that “significant and rapid progress” had been made by all the children services delivered in partnership by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, NHS Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire Police and other agencies.

And importantly, in the light of cases such as the Baby P tragedy, the safeguarding of children had improved

from the last review published in February 2006 and was now meeting Government expectations.

Deputy Elected Mayor, Councillor Mohammed Pervez, said: “This is the second Ofsted endorsement in two months of the positive way services for our children and young people in the city are improving. The report shows that there is strong management and a clear focus to ensuring these key services continue to improve, and we are pleased by the progress being made.”

Out of work – help looking for work Finding your way back to work Many people might not know about the wide range of help on offer at Jobcentre Plus when they are looking for a job.

Benefit claim If you have been made redundant, the first step is to register a benefit claim. To do this, you should phone Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 66 88. The call will take about 40 minutes. An operator will ask for information including your national insurance number, rent or mortgage, past employment, and other income or savings. If you live with a partner or have children, you will be asked about them.

Initial appointment At the jobcentre you will meet with a financial assessor who will advise how much benefit you are entitled to. After checking the information you have provided, they will advise how much benefit you are entitled to. If you are claiming Jobseeker’s

Allowance, you will have a one-to-one interview with a personal adviser to draw up a personalised job search plan and sign a Jobseeker's Agreement. They will find out what type of job you are looking for and what skills you have.You will need to attend the jobcentre now every two weeks for your fortnightly job search review.

Looking for work • Online on the Jobcentre Plus website there is a page called ‘Finding your way back to Work’ which includes a Jobkit www.jobcentreplus.gov. uk/JCP/Customers/outofworkhelplookingforwork • Call 0845 6060 234 to speak to an adviser about current vacancies.

Financial support Worried about paying your mortgage, you may be entitled to help, visit www.direct.gov.uk To see what benefits you may qualify for visit wwww.direct.gov.uk/benefitsadviser

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New depot creates jobs

YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE...

Lifestyle coach Ann William, centre, leads people on the Lifestyle Support Programme at one of the regular walking groups at Central Forest Park.

Lifestyle makeovers inspire

popular fitness drive P

EOPLE with weight problems, diabetes or heart disease can look forward to a fitter future thanks to a successful new ‘lifestyle makeover’ scheme which has been launched across Stoke-on-Trent.

The Lifestyle Support programme, which aims to improve overall physical and mental well-being, is part of the government’s Health Trainer initiative and was first rolled out in the north and east of the city in August last year.

Patients are referred to the programme by their GPs and are then assigned to a lifestyle coach who draws up a bespoke plan to meet their health needs.

The second phase of the initiative, which covers the west and central areas, began in January and the third – taking in the south and other areas – is scheduled to begin in July.

Lifestyle Support Service Manager Marion Beloe said: “Essentially, this is a programme whereby there are certain criteria that people have to fit and it’s mainly to do with prevention.

“For example, trying to prevent people getting heart disease or those already with heart disease getting worse etc.

“If someone goes to their GP and they have got a BMI (body mass index) of greater than 25 or they are identified as being at risk of cardio-vascular disease, are diabetic, prediabetic or have established heart disease, then they can be referred to the Lifestyle Support programme.

“We do a lifestyle review with each individual and look at their diet, what kind of exercise – if any – they take, and if they smoke or drink alcohol.”

Health action plan She added: “Then we do a ‘snapshot’ of what they did in the last week. We don’t tell the patients what to do. Instead, we ask them which areas they think they need to work on and they are then assigned to a lifestyle coach who will help them develop a health action plan.

“We have got four activities commissioned

by NHS Stoke on Trent and each patient gets

Dinner remembers Doug A CHARITY dinner in memory of former Lord Mayor Doug Brown will raise money to provide support for people with Motor Neurone Disease and their carers.

Doug, pictured with his wife Joyce, was the only person to serve two terms as Lord Mayor (1983-84 and 1997-98), and founded the popular Ladsandads soccer centres. He died from the disease in 2002.

The event at the King’s Hall in Stoke, organised by the Forresters Friendly Society, included a tribute to Doug from TV comedian Nick Hancock, as well as entertainment from a Tom Jones tribute singer.

20 weeks free physical activity, which could be going to the gym or swimming.

“We have also started our own walking groups.

“Also, they can get 12 weeks worth of free WeightWatchers classes and there are cook and eat sessions so people can learn how to make more healthy meals.

“Positive thinking sessions are also important as they help with confidence and self esteem.

“Some people feel low about themselves so they comfort eat and put on weight, while others put on weight and then feel bad about themselves. It’s like a chicken and egg situation.”

Lifestyle champion Dr Ruth Chambers, a GP based at Furlong Medical Centre in Tunstall, added: “The Lifestyle Support programme should make a real difference to the health of local people in Stoke-on-Trent.

“As GPs we really welcome the opportunity for our patients with diabetes or heart disease to be able to talk to lifestyle coaches and get free WeightWatchers vouchers and free access to leisure activities like swimming and walking groups.

“Better still, we’ve got the chance to find people with a high risk of heart disease and help them to change their lifestyle before their bad habits trigger them to actually develop heart problems.”

The programme has already transformed the lives of a large number of people in the city, and it is hoped that by the end of the summer all 55 GP practices will be involved in the initiative.

One patient said: “All I needed really was a bit of a kick up the backside to get me going.

“Now I’ve got my parents encouraging and supporting me to eat healthily and I’ve persuaded my friend to come along to the gym with me.”

STATE-of-the-art facilities to provide one of the UK’s most advanced fire engine maintenance facilities are being built at Trentham Lakes.

The £3million engineering depot will maintain the fleet of around 208 vehicles which cover the whole of Staffordshire.

About 20 staff will move from Hanley Fire Station which is being rebuilt as part of a multi-million pound development programme.

Under a special training initiative, two apprentices will be taken on to create jobs at the centre, which may even outsource its services to other forces.

Julian Hilditch, Stoke-onTrent Area Commander, said: “It’s great news that the maintenance centre will remain in Stoke-on-Trent.

“It means we are preserving and even creating jobs in the city.

“The new location is ideal as it has good road links, which is important as it will serve the whole county.”

All fire service vehicles, such as fire engines and brigade vehicles will be maintained at the depot.

Work will start soon on the new centre, which is expected to open by the end of the year.

Preserving heritage CRANES and diggers will roll into action this week to start planting 10 metre high trees along the city gateway.

The work is part of multimillion pound improvement plans for Potteries Way with new lighting columns, image panels and shrubbery all planned.

It is also the first of many improvements for the city centre as part of the North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership's (NSRP) £1.5 billion transformational plans.

The works are designed to remove around 160 poor quality trees that are not growing properly or potentially dangerous and replace them with new semimature trees.

Instant beech hedgerows will also be planted to provide extra screening at the back of houses and businesses.

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£4.8million encourages whole city to get ‘on its bike’ Patrols reduce nuisance reports REPORTS of antisocial behaviour in Stoke-on-Trent have been reduced thanks to a police scheme which uses three dedicated marked cars to clamp down on the problem.

Every night, neighbourhood and response officers travel to antisocial behaviour hotspots in the high-profile vehicles and talk to people.

They also visit people living in areas where trouble has flared in the past and respond to calls about nuisance behaviour from the public.

The dedicated patrols, which are based at Longton, Tunstall and Hanley, have led to a reduction in the amount of antisocial behaviour calls being logged by Staffordshire Police in recent months.

Chief Inspector Wayne Jones said: “This is not a blue light response team but one that is dedicated to consistently fighting antisocial behaviour.

“We have found by regularly targeting areas where it is a problem and working with local residents the patrols have had a big effect – which is borne out by the large drop in reported incidents.

“The teams are also able to divert to other areas when calls are received and are more knowledgeable about specific problems they might encounter.

“The scheme has been successful and we are going to continue operating it throughout Stoke-on-Trent as long as it is having the same effect.”

Riding out for freedom and

fresh air R

ETAIL Manager Parminder Singh Takhar really enjoys keeping fit after swapping work-outs at the gym for rides on his bike.

The busy 49-year-old from Trentham much prefers to wind down and exercise by pushing pedals rather than pounding a treadmill.

And Parminder is particularly pleased that he lives in Stoke-on-Trent because it is designated a “Cycling City” by the Government – with £4.8 million of funding until 2011 to provide and improve cycling facilities. One of his regular cycle runs is along the side of the Trent and Mersey Canal, which runs near his home, with rides to Barlaston in one direction and the Middleport canal basin in the other. He also enjoys the city’s cycle routes and in the summer hits the road with bike rides as far as Lichfield.

Parminder caught the cycling bug three years ago and bought a road bike. Last year he also became the proud owner of a state-of-the-art mountain bike which he won in an Our City readers’ competition by answering a question about the Tour of Britain cycle race that passed through Stoke-on-Trent Keen cyclist in 2008.

Parminder He said: “I much Singh Takhar on prefer cycling to the air the canal towpath conditioned near his home in environment of a gym.

Trentham.

“I enjoy the fresh air and the ever-changing views as well as the feeling of freedom.You don’t have to cycle far in average of 50 miles a week this area to find lovely scenery. during the summer months, “For me, cycling is not just added: “My wife and daughter good all-round physical exercise sometimes cycle with me and I – it is also mentally relaxing see a lot of parents with their and refreshing and I would children on bikes on the canal recommend it to anyone.” path and cycle routes.

Parminder, who cycles an “In these times when there

are so many interruptions to family life it’s nice to see families out together enjoying themselves.” ● Tell us your cycling stories.

Write to Freepost Our City or email ourcity@stoke.gov.uk

Cycling legacy will create a great place to live Out of Africa to the Potteries A TEACHER from the West African country of Gambia took in a Stoke City game during a three-week trip to the Potteries funded by local schoolchildren.

Christian Gohoho spent three weeks in the city as a guest of Eaton Park Primary School in Bucknall.

Head Teacher Lynne Bradbury said: “This was such a golden opportunity for our young people to be given a first hand insight into an entirely different culture.

“Christian’s visit was a wonderful experience for the whole school, and we thank everyone who has shared the vision and supported this work.” ● Our picture shows Christian during his visit to the school.

STOKE-on-Trent has been designated a Cycling City by the Government in recognition of the good work carried out to date and the great potential for encouraging more people to cycle more often.

The £4.8 million of new money has been provided up to 2011 to make a start in improving cycle facilities across the city and making it easier for people to cycle.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council will be working with many partners to make this a reality including Cycling England, Sustrans, British Waterways, the health authorities, local cycle groups, clubs and shops and local community groups.

The aim is to create a cycling legacy for the next 30 years which will help to make Stokeon-Trent a great place to live.

This year,

new cycle routes are being constructed in Tunstall, Trentham, Blurton, Longton and Fenton with cycle parking being provided at schools, leisure centres and other public buildings.

Next year over £1.5 million will be spent on new routes and cycle parking facilities across the city.

Also, the city council will be providing cyclists’ training and arranging a programme of rides and events for everyone to enjoy.

Finding your way around Local people are also lucky that they can enjoy the health, fitness and leisure benefits of cycling without ever going on a road. The city council has produced a cycle map and guide to make it even easier for people to find their way around the area. A free copy of this map is provided with this issue of Our City. ● Extra copies of the map Sevenare available from local year-old centres, all city libraries, Angela Barratt tourist information enjoys a Cycling centres and cycle shops. with Confidence Alternatively, you can event at Fenton request a free copy by Manor Sports calling 01782 232066, find Complex. out more by visiting stoke.gov.uk/cycling or email transportation@stoke.gov.uk

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Chef strives for UK title PUPILS and staff at a school are celebrating after their chef won a place at the final of a national competition.

Clair Jones who works at Sutherland Primary School defeated six other chefs to take a place in the final of the School Chef of the Year competition, held in Liverpool. Clair’s menu included pork and apricot treats served with pasta and juicy plums on a puff pastry star.

She was presented with a crystal glass bowl, a cheque for £100 and a certificate.

Selina Mirza at work in the Civic Centre.

D

ELIGHTED Selina Mirza is on the first step to the career she has always wanted thanks to a new initiative which is successfully reducing unemployment throughout the city.

After two years of fruitless jobseeking, the former Business Administration student enrolled on the Jobs Enterprise and Training (Jet) project to boost her chances of finding work.

The Jet project offers support and guidance to those who have not worked for more than 12 months and links them with job opportunities – just the kind of helping hand Selina needed.

She was soon learning new literacy and numeracy skills, taking part in confidence boosting sessions and given help in putting together a CV. Her skills and education were then cross-linked with potential jobs and several weeks later she was offered a work placement with Stoke-on-Trent City Council as a business administrator.

“It’s a great start,” said Selina.

“Hopefully I can impress and turn this into a full time position.

Whatever the case, it is a first rung on the ladder towards the career I want.

“After leaving college I spent two years unsuccessfully looking for work. Everywhere I went employers were saying they needed people with experience – but without a break how could I gain experience?”

Jobs and opportunities “Jet really works because it helps to build confidence and sets you achievable goals and puts together a polished CV. “The team then look to match your skills and aspirations with jobs and opportunities that are available.

“It’s really worked for me and I have recommended it to friends who are in a similar predicament.”

The multi million Jet project was officially launched in February to help remove barriers and improve skills levels in the city so residents can benefit from the area’s regeneration.

There are Jet centres across

North Staffordshire in Burslem, Bentilee, Knutton and Blurton as well as outreach locations across the area.

The centres aim to get 3,500 people back into work over the next three years and tackle the problem of low skills and lack of qualifications, which are major barriers for people finding employment.

Deputy Elected Mayor, Councillor Mohammed Pervez, said: “We are starting a regeneration programme which will transform the city.

“There are going to be thousands of new jobs available as we The build shopping facilities, North

City firefighter trains counterparts in Pakistan to deal with road accidents A FIREFIGHTER from Stoke-on-Trent has been training his counterparts in Pakistan to be better equipped to deal with road traffic accidents.

Maj Ullah, who is usually based in Hanley, visited various parts of Punjab donating cutting equipment and teaching the fire service best practice.

Mr Ullah and Stoke on Trent College Support Manager Ramsdam Mohamed delivered a training package devised by student firefighters at Shelton.

The pair managed to educate dozens of firefighters, members of the community

and held workshops at colleges and universities to promote firefighting as a career.

Maj said:“The trip was a huge success and very rewarding.

“The trip also allowed us to identify further areas where we can assist the Punjab Emergency Rescue Service in the future because we are determined that this won’t be just a one off visit.”

Following the trip, Maj and Ramsdam were presented with a plaque by the Punjab Emergency Rescue Service thanking them for their help.

transport links, new businesses and homes.

“It is vital that these jobs go to local people and that this city benefits from the change.” ● For more information on Jet centres call 0800 731 8587 or email jet@stoke.gov.uk.

Furniture Mine is Staffordshire’s and South Cheshire’s original furniture re-use service. We have been providing good quality second hand furniture to those who need it for the past 17 years.

Walk to health A ground-breaking scheme to help people with coronary heart disease and diabetes get fit and active is being rolled out across the city after a successful pilot.

People taking part in the Wellness Pedometer initiative run by NHS Stoke on Trent are given a web-enabled pedometer to track how many steps they're taking and then monitor their progress on-line.

We are unique and original because: • All the furniture we collect is made available to the less well off members of our local community.

• The majority of our furniture is given away free to low income families.

• We only sell furniture to those on benefits and low income • We believe in supporting the local economy through creating jobs and a local purchasing policy. Our money is not spent outside your area supporting national campaigns.

If you have furniture and/or electrical items to donate please call us on:

01782 846111 (3 lines)

Monday to Friday 9am-4pm

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Park project goes green PUPILS from 10 schools in Stoke-on-Trent are doing their bit to reduce climate change in a project at a country park.

The Natural Connections Green Schools project, run in conjunction with Natural England, saw the children produce leaflets promoting walks from the four housing estates that adjoin the park.

They took on tree planting, bird box building, woodland management, clean-up events and workshops.

Volunteer Dave Simcock said:“During the course of the rest of the school year we will be helping the schools in various projects such as establishing wildlife areas in the school grounds, monitoring and reducing energy consumption and recycling. The project will culminate in an event at Parkhall Country Park on and around World Environment Day on June 5.” ● Ron Needham, aged 85, who has completed more than a quarter of a century as a volunteer warden at Park Hall, is retiring at the end of March.

Big clean up pays off ENVIRONMENTAL improvement organisation Groundwork has been creating a better quality of life for residents in Stoke-on-Trent by sprucing-up streets, alleyways and green spaces. It works in partnership with the city council to support young and unemployed people by getting them involved in creating safer and stronger communities.

Over the past few weeks a group of volunteers have been focusing on improving the appearance of Fenton, Trentham, Stoke, Trent Vale, Hartshill and Blurton. ● To find out more about Groundwork phone 01782 829900.

Roadworks commence WORK has started on resurfacing Etruria Road, between the A500 and the Festival Park entrance.

The route, used by around 60,000 vehicles a day, will benefit from a complete overhaul. Works, which should be completed by the end of April, will be carried out during the evening to minimise disruption.

Care accommodation scoops top national award A STOKE-on-Trent housing association received a prestigious accolade for its transformation of a long-stay residential home into accommodation for people leaving hospital care.

The National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) presented Brighter Futures with the Special Needs Facilities Award for work at 23 Hillcrest Street in Hanley. The £450,000 facility was remodelled to make people feel more

valued and safer after Brighter Futures agreed plans with the city council.

Judges from the NHIC said: “A thoroughly comprehensive project which has provided a new dimension to an existing building by rearranging virtually every aspect of the interior to provide very special facilities for very special people.”

As part of the redevelopment, living areas are accessible from their own front door, a

kitchen has been transformed into a modern café and the building has also been refurbished outside and the grounds opened up and landscaped.

Residents have now started to move into the Hillcrest Street facility – which has 26 single rooms. They are helped to reintegrate into the community and offered resettlement support to move into their own flat, one day with their own tenancy.

Hunt is on for Our City’s tastiest leftover meals C

AN you cook up a tasty meal from food that is left over?

If so, why not share your recipe with Our City readers – and help the national Love Food Hate Waste campaign supported

by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Stoke on Trent College chef Dave Moss tucks into a delicious beef fajita made from the leftover roast.

Your tips on how to turn waste food into a feast will be published in the magazine as part of the drive to help households save money – and the environment – by cutting back on throwing away food that would otherwise be buried in landfill sites.

Stoke on Trent College chef Dave Moss has come up with a special recipe for tasty mexican beef fajitas using up any left over roast beef from the sunday lunch.

All you need for four portions is 400g of topside beef, a clove of crushed garlic, a jalapeno pepper, 50ml of oil, 40ml of dry sherry, one teaspoon of chilli flakes, a tablespoon of ground cumin, four flour tortillas, 100g of grated cheese, 100g of tomatoes, skinned, seeded and chopped and 100g of shredded iceberg lettuce. ● To make a delicious meal, first purée the garlic, jalapenos, chilli flakes, cumin and sherry until smooth. ● Then add the beef, cut into strips, and marinate for 24 hours. ● Drain the beef and sauté in the oil for 2-3 minutes. ● Add the marinade and simmer for a few minutes until the cooked beef is warmed through. ● Serve in the tortillas with the cheese, lettuce, and tomato.

Dave said: “There are lots of great meals that can be rustled up from leftovers, like bubble and squeak, or even a tasty trifle.

“It’s easy to do, saves money and cuts out waste.”

Since WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) launched Love Food Hate Waste two years ago, 1.8 million more

households in the UK have saved £296 million a year by reducing the amount of food thrown away by 137,000 tonnes.

This prevents 600,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases being emitted – the equivalent carbon impact of taking 100,000 return flights to

Australia out of the skies.

This summer the city council will be promoting Love Food Hate Waste with a number of events such as road shows, so watch out for details.

In the meantime a visit to the www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

website will serve up a great menu of helpful suggestions, such as how to cook the right quantities of food.

Send your own left-over recipe suggestions to: FREEPOST Our City or email ourcity@stoke.gov.uk

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Boxing a knockout with teenagers H

ARD-hitting boxing sessions backed by the city council are having a big impact on young people in Fenton.

Local councillors Mick Bell, Derek Capey and Paul Shotton allocated some of their ward budgets to pay for sessions in the gym for young people who may have been involved in antisocial behaviour or excluded from school.

Scott, who claimed the title with a dramatic ninth round stoppage victory over Martin Gethin last December, has already done lots of work with young people in Fenton.

He said introducing them to the discipline of sport and training gave many young people a real sense of purpose, and

boxing was a great way of releasing tension.

Young people attending the gym sessions learn about boxing posture and are given help with their fitness and strength.

Scott said: “We get lads coming here who might smoke a bit and like a drink, and we let them get on with it. If they enjoy their boxing and want to give it a go they’ll soon cut down.

“You can’t exert yourself in a boxing ring if you’re smoking 20 a day!

“We find some young people who might have been involved in trouble or excluded from school respond well to training and culture in the gym.

They are always being told not to do this, and not to do that. We

tell them to hit that bag as hard as you can, and they love it.”

The gym, which offers amateur training but also has its own stable of pro fighters, is based in a former pottery building at Brocksford Street, Fenton.

Steve Appleton, South Western Area Implementation Team Officer, said police and schools were being involved to help identify individuals who would benefit from the sessions.

He said: “The partnership with Impact Boxing is a superb example of how support for a scheme at the heart of the community can have a real impact on issues like antisocial behaviour.

“The ward budget is there to offer support to schemes like this, and throughout the city this money is making a significant difference in many communities.”

English lightweight champion Scott Lawton pictured training at the Impact Boxing gym with Josh Wall, and Liam Berrisford.

Our City

Public urged to help honour sports heroes STOKE-ON-TRENT City Council has once again teamed up with The Sentinel to honour our amateur sporting stars.

Nominations are now open for the Stoke-on-Trent Sports Personality of the Year awards, which highlight the outstanding achievements of individuals and teams linked with the city.

A gala dinner will take place at the Moat House Hotel on June 2 to honour those who impress the panel of judges.

To qualify, candidates for the 12 award categories must either live, work, go to school or be affiliated to a club within Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s boundaries.

There is also a Sentinel Editor’s award, which throws the competition open to sportsmen and women from all over North Staffordshire and South Cheshire.

To nominate, either contact The Sentinel’s sportsdesk on (01782) 602548 or email your nominations to sports.editor@ thesentinel.co.uk – and include your own name and number.

The closing date for making nominations is April 10.

The winners will be announced at a the celebrity gala awards dinner.

Categories include: INSPIRATIONAL ACHIEVER: This award is given to a performer who has overcome adversity in any area of their life and gone on to achieve sporting success.

TOM BRENNAN SERVICE TO SPORT: This accolade will be given in recognition for long service to a particular sport or sports club in the city of Stoke-on-Trent.

COACH OF THE YEAR: This gong is for those who have invested time, effort and energy in an individual or team.

SPORT IN THE COMMUNITY:

Individuals, teams or groups who have striven to bring communities together through sport are recognised in this category.

JUNIOR INDIVIDUAL: This section is for athletes from any sport under the age of 18, who have achieved success in the past year. Able-bodied athletes only.

JUNIOR TEAM: This section is open to teams who have achieved success over the past year and whose members are under the age of 18.

SENIOR INDIVIDUAL: This category is open to athletes from any sport over the age of 18, who have achieved success in the past year. Able-bodied athletes only.

SENIOR TEAM: This award will be presented to a team who have achieved success over the past year and whose members are predominantly over the age of 18.

INDIVIDUAL WITH A LEARNING DISABILITY: An open-age award for athletes with a learning disability, who have achieved success in the past year.

INDIVIDUAL WITH A PHYSICAL DISABILITY: This open-age award will be presented to an athlete with a physical disability, who has achieved success in the past year.

OVERALL WINNERS: Awarded to the outstanding sportsman and sportswoman of the year.

EDITOR’S AWARD: An award open to individuals who live, work, study or are affiliated to a club or organisation within The Sentinel’s circulation area (including Staffs Moorlands, Newcastle and South Cheshire).

A judging panel will then go through the votes, draw up a shortlist and decide on the winners.

Lock up your lawnmowers! Police issue public warning on Spring garden crime POLICE in Stoke-on-Trent are urging residents to make sure their gardens, sheds and garages are locked-up securely to prevent theft and burglary this spring.

Research shows around £400-£500 worth of property – including lawnmowers, strimmers and garden tools – is commonly kept outside of homes in the area.

Residents often buy new equipment in spring to prepare for a summer in the garden.

PC Neil Russell, Crime Reduction

Officer for Stoke-on-Trent division, said: “As people do more work in the garden, tools are not put away safely or are kept in unsecured sheds.

“We are asking people to consider fitting their house alarm to cover their outbuildings. Stand-alone alarms that are battery powered could also be used instead. You could also consider marking your tools with a bright colour so they are unsaleable if stolen.”

For more information about keeping your property safe this spring log-on to: www.staffordshire.police.uk

21

Thursday 28, Friday 29 and Saturday 30 May 2009 • Time: 10am–6pm This attractive and vibrant market is guaranteed to tantalize the taste buds!!!

Delicious food on offer includes Parma ham and salami, a selection of cheeses, olives and olive oil, Italian sweets and ice cream, nuts and dried fruits, bread and cake, plus much more!

There are also stalls selling traditional Murano glass and fashion jewellery. www.stoke.gov.uk

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PC 0971 PC 4838 PC 4106

Stoke Neighbourhood

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 numbers dial 0300 123 2345 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.

Bucknall Neighbourhood NPU commander – Inspector 3283

NEIGHBOURHOOD ACTION TEAM PC 0735 Jo Powell PC 0998 Peter Underwood PC 5078 Scott Turner

Steve Jones Bucknall Police Post, Ruxley Road, Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9BG.

Tel. 0300 123 4455

Longton Neighbourhood

email: bucknall.npu@staffordshire. pnn.police.uk All officers are based at Bucknall.

SGT 3615 Paul Clarke SGT 3415 Dave Lowe

NPU commander – Inspector 0892

ABBEY HULTON PC 4837 PCSO 16295

email: longton.npu@staffordshire. pnn.police.uk All officers are based at Longton Police Station.

Sgt 3890 Ian Jones Sgt 3862 Tony Godwin

BENTILEE PC 4755 PCSO 16226 PCSO 6612

Dylan Morrey Steve Cowan Craig Shields Rachel Knight Andrew Meakin

BERRYHILL & EATON PARK PC 4953 Angela Broadhurst PCSO 8983 Rob Guthrie BUCKNALL AND TOWNSEND PC 975 Nathan Ames PCSO 16417 Razwana Nasheen JOINER’S SQUARE PC 0970 Paul Sajdak PCSO 16232 Andy Alcock PCSO 8893 Lucy Stevenson MILTON, BADDELEY GREEN WEST AND NORTON HEIGHTS PC 0865 Clare Bowker

Asha Kaur Longton Police Station, Sutherland Road, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 1HH.

Tel. 0300 123 4455

DRESDEN, FLORENCE, LIGHTWOOD & NORMACOT PC 5274 James Ibbs PC 5169 Toni Sunderland PCSO 6433 George Bould PCSO 16240 Leanne Sherratt LIGHTWOOD, MEIR PARK & MEIR SOUTH PC 4090 Russ Elliot PC 4725 Wayne Flowers PC 4603 Niel Day PCSO 6500 Mark Simon PCSO 16635 Emma Richards LONGTON NORTH & LONGTON TOWN PC 3287 Frank Flannigan MEIR HAY & SAXONFIELDS PC 0733 Donna Talbot PC 4991 Steven Meigh PCSO 6603 Gemma Price

SMALLTHORNE PC 3911 PCSO 6613 PCSO 16231

Keiron Edridge Matthew Lockett Carl Radford

SNEYD GREEN PC 4837 PCSO 8980

MEIR PARK, MEIR NORTH & WESTONCOYNEY PC 5094 Adam Rushton PCSO 8892 Andrew Spooner PCSO 16224 Zoe Garside

Sarah Griffiths Charlotte Barker

NEIGHBOURHOOD ACTION TEAM PC 4021 Andy Edwards

HEALTH CENTRES r u o Y ABBEY HULTON

01782 427900

PACKMOOR

01782 794600

BENTILEE

01782 231300

SMALLTHORNE

01782 425755

BLURTON

01782 227770

STOKE

01782 425220

BURSLEM

01782 425700

TRENT VALE

01782 425260

WHITFIELD VALLEY

01782 425720

TUNSTALL

01782 425800

FENTON

01782 743100

HANFORD

01782 421000

HANLEY

01782 202422

LONGTON

01782 425530

MEIR

01782 425676

NORTON

01782 534599

Paul Nixon Gareth Whitfield Paul Massey

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

NPU commander – Inspector 3734

Christopher Harrington Stoke Police Station, Boothen Road, Stoke–on–Trent, ST4 4AH.

Tel. 0300 123 4455 email: stoke.npu@staffordshire.pnn. police.uk All officers are based at Stoke Police Station.

Sgt 0583 Jo Blandford Sgt 4653 Phil Eaton Sgt 3851 Dave Fenton

BALL GREEN & NORTON PC 4383 Andy Baddeley PC 877 Claire Crank PCSO 16238 Masmino John BRADELEY, BURSLEM PARK & SMALLTHORNE PC 3822 Rob Thomas PC 5086 Craig Carpenter PCSO 16235 Sarah Wood PCSO 16233 Hannah Mayer BRINDLEY FORD, OXFORD, PACKMOOR & TURNHURST PC 0944 Jaime Isaacs PCSO 8986 Andrew Wootton CHELL HEATH PC 4904 PCSO 6616

FEGG HAYES & GREAT CHELL PC 4969 Sam Bray PCSO 6513 Sara Bowen

BLURTON, NEWSTEAD & HOLLYBUSH PC 4822 Sean Woodward PC 5107 Simon Stone PCSO 16234 Stephen Sherratt PCSO 6607 Philip McGlynn

GOLDENHILL & SANDYFORD PC 4733 Glyn Talbot PCSO 8953 Michael Frost

BOOTHEN & TOWN CENTRE PC 4433 Andy Birchenall PC 4941 Craig Flaherty PCSO 8825 Karen Billings FEN PARK PC 0905 PCSO 8827

Robert Mountford Scott Holland

FENTON, HERON CROSS & MOUNT PLEASANT PC 4129 Scott Bradbury PC 4475 Ivor Owens PC 4959 Kerrie Mayer PCSO 6443 Rachel Mountford PCSO 16229 Wendy Rodgers HANFORD & TRENTHAM PC 4034 Malcolm Ford PC 540 Nerine Forrest PCSO 6609 Penny Carr HARTSHILL EAST & PENKHULL PC 5133 Scott Gidman PCSO 8958 Paul Muller TRENT VALE PC 4964 PCSO 16634

Andrea Oakes Charlotte Bryan

NEIGHBOURHOOD ACTION TEAM PC 5050 Roy Barber PC 0762 Becky Harris PC 4382 Dave Ellis

Tunstall Neighbourhood NPU commander – Inspector 3573

Mark Hardern Tunstall Police Station, Scotia Road, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 6BG.

Tel. 0300 123 4455 email: tunstall.npu@staffordshire. pnn.police.uk All officers are based at Tunstall Police Station.

SGT 5100 Rob Bateman SGT 4594 Marcus Ferns

LONGPORT AND MIDDLEPORT PC 4368 Andy Graham PC 0772 Sam Edwards PCSO 6628 Tich Nyamayaro PCSO 8832 Adam van de Sande NORTHWOOD PC 3829 PCSO 9045

Ian Martin Sue Wall

SHELTON SOUTH PC 4139 Dave Marshall PCSO 16299 Katie Brickley PCSO 6484 Lisa Donachie

John Swinnerton Sally Wright

BASFORD, CLIFF VALE, HARTSHILL WEST & HOSPITAL PC 4685 Steve Wilson

ETRURIA AND SHELTON NORTH PC 4632 Andy Mander PC 4389 Guy Wain PCSO 8995 Lucy Slater PCSO 16230 Vicki Smith

STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY PC 4483 Keith Emery

STANFIELDS & MILL HILL PC 5055 Dan Marsh

NEIGHBOURHOOD ACTION TEAM SGT 4336 Craig Burton PC 5106 Gareth Cheetham PC 5056 Andy Percey PC 5137 Adrian Firth

TUNSTALL PC 4835 PC 5158 PCSO 8954

CITY CENTRE NPU commander

Adam Edwards Amanda Whitfield Richard Farrar

Inspector 3509 Shaun Kerrigan

NEIGHBOURHOOD ACTION TEAM PC 4233 Dave O’Donnell PC 3755 Paul Harris PC 4858 Simon Price PC 3930 Steve Farmer

Hanley Police Station, Bethesda St, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 3DR.

Tel. 0300 123 4455 city.npu@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk Sgt 4151 Brevic Jones Sgt 4777 Jon Ward Sgt 4425 Phil White

Burslem and City Centre Neighbourhoods BURSLEM NPU commander

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

Tel. 0300 123 4455 email: burslem.npu@staffordshire. pnn.police.uk Sgt 4602 Paul Clarke Sgt 3840 John Hazeldine BIRCHES HEAD PC 0848 PCSO 8979 PCSO 16225 PCSO 8984

Ruth Barlow Michelle Chadwick Adrian Hemmings Rebecca Simon

BURSLEM AND SNEYD GREEN WEST PC 0896 Tracy Adams PC 0966 Adam Syred PCSO 8957 Justine Marsh CENTRAL FOREST PARK PC 0805 Kate Beardmore PC 0806 Amanda White PCSO 8987 Liz Old PCSO 8831 Katie Sullivan

CITY CENTRE PC 4528 PC 0817 PC 0726 PC 0400 PC 4644 PC 4511 PC 4634 PC 5410 PC 0564 PC 4149 PCSO 16293 PCSO 8516 PCSO 8955 PCSO 8457

Darren Belford Kerry Grant Claire Harrison Diane Hoyle Rob Kelsall Richard Longmore Lee Robinson Steve Smith Lisa Trevor Jason Howell Mel Bartholemew Andrea Bolam Chris Hill Simon Holmes

ETURIA ROAD CORRIDOR & FESTIVAL PARK PC 4871 Lucas Hackney PC 0605 Nicola Humphries PC 4452 Roger Poole PC 4133 Craig Russell PC 5208 Andy Sherratt PC 5445 Greg Hill PC 837 Sharon Ribbans PCSO 16227 Daniel Nettleton PCSO 8830 Chris Stone Special constables All NPUs are supported by a team of special constables.

Fire & Rescue contact numbers S-O-T AREA COMMAND AREA COMMANDER Julian Hilditch 01785 898890 ASSISTANT AREA COMMANDER – LONGTON Glynn Luznyj 01785 898693 ASSISTANT AREA COMMANDER – HANLEY Helen Harrison 01785 898595

ASSISTANT AREA COMMANDER – BURSLEM Andy Kinsman 01785 898576 HEAD OF STOKE ON TRENT RISK REDUCTION Kelvin Knapper 01785 898882 ADMINISTRATION MANAGER Paula Goodwin 01785 898895

COMMUNITY SAFETY ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS Will Gascoigne 01785 898884 Chris Thompson 01785 898883

RISK REDUCTION OFFICERS Donna Broadhead 01785 898904 Jim Taaffe 01785 898976 Maj Ullah 01785 898948

Dave Gallimore 01785 898885

Rehana Iqbal 01785 898891

Guy Volpe 01785 898977

Neil Cheshire 01785 898498

Tracey Cresswell Longton 01785 898951 Ed Case Burslem 01785 898887 Mick Warillow Hanley 01785 898902 Pete Hall Safer City Partnership Officer 07967573263

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APRIL 2009

Abbey Green

COUNCILLORS

ELLIE WALKER (BNP) (01782) 397870 07917 854352 ellie.walker@stoke.gov.uk

Berryhill and Hanley East

Blurton

RITA DALE (City Independents) (01782) 267451 07778 858734 rita.dale@stoke.gov.uk

ADRIAN KNAPPER (Lab) 07714 334453/ 07825 732724 adrian.knapper@stoke. gov.uk

JOHN DAVIS (City Independents) (01782) 264126 07786 440876 john.davis@stoke.gov.uk

Burslem South

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

DEBRA GRATTON (Lab) 07825 732713 debra.gratton@ stoke.gov.uk

MOHAMMED PERVEZ (Lab) 07919 917632 07825 732690 mohammed.pervez@ stoke.gov.uk

ALBY WALKER (BNP) (01782) 397870 07917 854342 albert.walker@stoke.gov.uk

DEREK CAPEY (City Independents) (01782) 319949 07752 851323 derek.capey@stoke.gov.uk

PAUL SHOTTON (Lab) (01782) 845323 paul.shotton@ stoke.gov.uk

TOM REYNOLDS (Lab) (01782) 342295 07783 414459 tom.reynolds@stoke.gov.uk

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

DEREK HALL (City Independents) (01782) 258715 07837 185310 derek.hall@stoke.gov.uk

BRIAN WARD (City Independents) (01782) 312670 07814 501534 brian.ward@stoke.gov.uk

BAGH ALI (Lab) (01782) 343246 07973 848428 bagh.ali@stoke.gov.uk

PETER KENT-BAGULEY (Potteries Alliance) 07773 464626 peter.kent-baguley@ stoke.gov.uk

ALAN JOYNSON (Non-aligned Group) (01782) 413683 alan.joynson@ stoke.gov.uk

JOAN BELL (Lab) (01782) 318998 07757 708703 or 07825 732 701 joan.bell@stoke.gov.uk

Norton and Bradeley

DAVE SUTTON (Lib Dem) (01782) 542998 07512 564815 dave.sutton@stoke.gov.uk

ALAN RIGBY (City Independents) (01782) 542364 07790 374152 alan.rigby@stoke.gov.uk

JEAN BOWERS (Lib Dem) (01782) 262613 07712 350430 jean.bowers@stoke.gov.uk

KIERAN CLARKE (Lib Dem) (01782) 788010 07886 358143 kieran.clarke@stoke.gov.uk

Trentham and Hanford

ROGER IBBS (Conservative & Independent Alliance) 07824 867748 roger.ibbs@stoke.gov.uk

JANINE BRIDGES (City Independents) (01782) 851842 07989 385631 janine.bridges@ stoke.gov.uk

MEGAN RYAN (Conservative & Independent Alliance) (01782) 866761 07903 458768 megan.ryan@stoke.gov.uk

DAVID MARFLEET (BNP) (01782) 876661 07745 157918 david.marfleet@ stoke.gov.uk

MICK SALIH (Non-aligned Group) (01782) 533542 07977 843026 mick.salih@stoke.gov.uk

JEAN EDWARDS (Lab) (01782) 816171 jean.edwards@ stoke.gov.uk

DAVID CONWAY (Lab) (01782) 790922 david.conway@ stoke.gov.uk

JOY GARNER (Lab) (01782) 768846 07986 442770 joy.garner@stoke.gov.uk

HAZEL LYTH (Conservative & Independent Alliance) 07825 732680 hazel.lyth@stoke.gov.uk

GEOFF KNIGHT (Potteries Alliance) (01782) 765770 geoff.knight@ stoke.gov.uk

JOANNE POWELLBECKETT (Cons & Independent Alliance) 07913 483333 joanne.powell-beckett@ stoke.gov.uk

Hartshill and Penkhull

MOHAMMAD IQBAL (Lab) (01782) 266893 07792 071266 mohammad.iqbal@ stoke.gov.uk

IAN MITCHELL (City Independents) (01782) 314353 07885 104596 ian.mitchell@stoke.gov.uk

RANDOLPH CONTEH (City Independents) (01782) 256869 randolph.conteh@ stoke.gov.uk

BARBARA BEESTON (City Independents) (01782) 612072 07729 896622 barbara.beeston@ stoke.gov.uk

Meir Park and Sandon

MICHAEL BARNES (Lab) (01782) 870065 07877 652395 michael.barnes@ stoke.gov.uk

CLIVE BRIAN (Conservative & Independent Alliance) (01782) 315702 clive.brian@stoke.gov.uk

JOHN BURGESS (BNP) (01782) 394397 07889 137308 john.burgess@stoke.gov.uk

MARGARET PYATT (City Independents) (01782) 319372 margaret.pyatt@ stoke.gov.uk

Stoke and Trent Vale

SHEILA MATTHEWS (Conservative & Independent Alliance) (01782) 258374 sheila.matthews@ stoke.gov.uk

Tunstall

ROSS IRVING (Conservative & Independent Alliance) (01782) 335982 07900 135565 ross.irving@stoke.gov.uk

PHILLIP SANDLAND (BNP) (01782) 342372 phillip.sandland@ stoke.gov.uk

East Valley

Longton South

DENVER TOLLEY (Lab) (01782) 316815 07799 032939 denver.tolley@stoke.gov.uk

STEVEN BATKIN (BNP) (01782) 859054 steven.batkin@ stoke.gov.uk

Burslem North

Northwood and Birches Head

TERENCE FOLLOWS (City Independents) (01782) 318127 terence.follows@ stoke.gov.uk

MELANIE BADDELEY (BNP) (01782) 763615 07979 508837 melanie.baddeley@ stoke.gov.uk

Hanley West and Shelton

Longton North

MARK DAVIS (Lab) 07813 473625 mark.davis@stoke.gov.uk

ANN JAMES (City Independents) (01782) 836766 ann.james@stoke.gov.uk

23

Bentilee and Townsend

Chell and Packmoor

Fenton

MICK BELL (City Independents) (01782) 847760 mick.bell@stoke.gov.uk

ROY NAYLOR (City Independents) (01782) 313975 07833 183922 roy.naylor@ stoke.gov.uk

Our City

GAVIN WEBB ((Lib Dem -Libertarian) 07949 026660 gavin.webb@ stoke.gov.uk

PAUL BILLINGTON (Lib Dem) (01782) 413225 07743 566138 paul.billington@stoke.gov.uk

PAULINE JOYNSON (Non-aligned Group) (01782) 413683 07813 836057 pauline.joynson@ stoke.gov.uk

Weston and Meir North

MOHAMMED MATLOOB (Lab) (01782) 577658 07811 147372 mohammed.matloob@ stoke.gov.uk

LEE WANGER (Conservative & Independent Alliance) 07971 303729 lee.wanger@stoke.gov.uk

MICHAEL COLEMAN (BNP) (01782) 311697 07926 532922 michael.coleman@ stoke.gov.uk

JOHN DANIELS (Conservative & Independent Alliance) (01782) 396780 07885 894804 john.daniels@stoke.gov.uk

ANTHONY SIMMONDS (BNP) (01782) 334919 07855 885606 anthony.simmonds@ stoke.gov.uk

Our City p24

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19/3/09

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Our City A P R I L 2 0 0 9

Mark scoops UK award POPULAR city council sports coach Mark Latham has scooped the Street Games Volunteer of the Year Award for his contribution to the community and work with socially excluded youngsters.

Mark, 23, who works in the Sports Development department as a Programme Champion, landed the accolade at the Closing the Gap Volunteer Awards Evening – and was also presented with his Community Sports Leadership Award (CSLA) Level 2 certificate.

Since gaining the honour, the former Port Vale Football Club steward and Stoke on Trent College Sports Science student has gone on to represent the volunteers organisation nationally on the set of the ITV soap Coronation Street – where he interviewed actor Alan Halsall who plays Tyrone Dobbs.

He also attended the Labour Party Conference in Manchester where he interviewed ex-800metre Commonwealth bronze medallist Diane Modahl, former England football captain Bryan Robson and several MPs.

Rogue trader warning RESIDENTS have been warned to be extra vigilant as rogue traders are using plastic sacks to appeal for bogus donations.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Licensing Services has received concerned calls from across the city saying that flyers and plastic sacks posted through letterboxes are making bogus appeals.

It’s claimed the items collected may be sold on for a profit.

City to host top televised town centre cycle race S

TOKE-on-Trent is to host an action packed city centre cycle race, which will see elite riders returning to city streets following last years successful Tour of Britain stage finish.

SweetSpot, organisers of the Tour of Britain, are working in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council to bring the Tour Series to the city.

Taking place throughout late May and June, rounds of the Tour Series will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings as a culmination of a festival of cycling-based activities and races that will create a carnival atmosphere at each of the chosen venues.

The race will come to the city on June 16 and will be televised

by ITV, who will broadcast an hour-long highlights show the next evening.

The event falls in the middle of National Bike Week and various events will be happening throughout the week.

The Tour Series will see ten teams of five riders fight it out in ten towns and cities.

Activities in Stoke-on-Trent will take place throughout the day, with the race starting at 7pm.

The riders will race for an hour and then a further five laps.

Tour Series Technical Director, Mike Bennett said: “Following the success of the Tour of Britain in Stoke-on-Trent last September,

we are delighted to be bringing The Tour Series to the city this June.

“We had fantastic, very enthusiastic crowds at the stage finish, and I am sure we will see more of the same for the Tour Series.

“The racing will be action packed, with plenty of thrills and spills to entertain everyone who comes out to see some of the country’s top cyclists competing.”

Stoke-on-Trent is now a “cycling city” and further support for the race has come from Cycling England, who has backed the city’s involvement in this pioneering criterium race night.

Excitement Paul Robeson, Bikeability Manager for Cycling England, said: “Cycling England is pleased to support the Tour Series.

Through our two main programmes, Bikeability and Cycling Towns, our aim is to get more people cycling, more safely, more often.

“Where these things all come together the potential is greatest.

“The British Olympic heroes, nurtured by British Cycling, have raised interest in cycling.

“The excitement and glamour of professional town and city centre racing will help to inspire young cyclists, not just to race, but to do their Bikeability and ride bikes to schools.”

Deputy Elected Mayor,

Edval BoassonHagen crosses the line to win the Tour of Britain stage which finished in Stoke-on-Trent last year.

Councillor Mohammed Pervez, said: “We are delighted to work with SweetSpot and be one of the first cities in the country to host a Tour Series race.

“We will once again see top cyclists racing through our cities and, with the race happening in

Soccer dads in line up to coach youngsters YOUNG dads from Meir have formed their own football group to keep fit and boost their confidence.

The fathers, whose children attend the Crescent Children’s Centre, meet to train and play matches at the Willfield Fitness Centre sports hall in Bentilee every Thursday night. They have even arranged games against dads from the Treehouse Children’s Centre, in Bentilee, and have issued a challenge to other teams throughout the Potteries.

The city council’s Closing the Gap officer Derek Herbert, said there were many benefits of getting together to play soccer. He said: “The dads say they feel confident and can’t wait for Thursday evening.

One of them has even decided to stop smoking.”

Derek is in talks with the children’s centre and neighbouring primary school to start Saturday morning coaching sessions for boys and girls in Meir.

School serves a fair trade lunch STUDENTS at St Peter’s High School served Lord Mayor Councillor Derek Capey with a fair trade lunch to show their commitment to supporting small food producers around the world.

National Bike Week as well, we will have an action packed, fun filled day for the whole city to enjoy.” ● See the next issue of Our City for further details of the day and for National Bike Week’s itinerary.

ON THE BALL: Young dad Christopher Moss and his father Raymond, who helps coach the Crescent Children’s Centre dads’ team.

Our City is published by a partnership of Stoke-on-Trent

City Council, NHS Stoke on Trent, 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 236703

Would you like to form a dads’ soccer team?

Contact the city council sports development team on 01782 235001, write to Freepost OurCity or email ourcity@stoke.gov.uk