Our City Issue 12

Our City p1

21/10/09

14:17

Page 1

Stoke-on-Trent

BEST DESIGNED COUNCIL PUBLICATION

Our City ISSUE 12: NOVEMBER 2009

the

Anglo-Saxon Trea ure Hoard S

Bring it to where it belongs Bid launched for historic find to become a permanent exhibit at the Potteries Museum

See page six

Our City p2

2

21/10/09

14:18

Page 1

Our City N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

New chief will bring private sector flavour

By City Council Leader Councillor Ross Irving LIKE many people in the city I am excited about the appointment of our new Chief Executive John van de Laarschot and have high expectations of what he will achieve in Stoke-on-Trent.

We launched a drive to recruit the best and received a large response with some excellent applications. John has a superb track record of success in the private and public sectors, most recently at Torridge District Council in Devon, which he helped to transform from a one star council to a four star council with potential for excellence. You can read on the opposite page how he plans to bring this level of transformation to Stoke-on-Trent.

We have achieved so much in the last few years and have ourselves managed a transformation to be among the best, most improved local authorities in the country.

But no-one can deny the many challenges ahead and I am sure John is under no illusion about the size of the task he faces.

I hope he brings both the drive and initiative that will give a flavour of the private sector, where he demands action faster than might be traditional in local government.

The programme of improvements we are embarking on is at least a five year project, and I expect John will give this job the time he needs to achieve the improvements in service quality and performance he has already highlighted.

STOKE-on-Trent continued to make great strides under the stewardship of our former Interim Chief Executive Chris Harman, who took the reins at a difficult time. That he managed to keep the city council on an even keel during a period of transformation is a tribute to his skill and commitment.

WE are always saying we want to hear the people's views, and in this issue of Our City we ask the public of Stoke-on-Trent to have their say on important issues facing the city to help us plan the future. See page 22 for your chance to join in shaping our city and please let us know your opinions.

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 recycling it.

International artist Jaime Hayon whose work was exhibited at a specially-designed setting at Emma Bridgewater Pottery.

Festival trumpets city’s

world class status

T

HOUSANDS of people have visited and been involved in the UK’s biggest contemporary ceramics festival which has trumpeted Stoke-on-Trent’s status as a world class centre for pottery design and production.

The first ever British Ceramics Biennial (BCB) has brought together artists from overseas, local designers and famous pottery companies to showcase their work at exhibitions throughout the city – and is staging handson workshops and masterclasses.

Organisers have been delighted by the public’s response to the 10 week event – which was launched in early October and runs until 13 December – and which is due to be repeated in 2011 and 2013.

Barney Hare Duke, Co-Director of the BCB, said the festival was not just about ceramics but also a way of raising Stoke-on-Trent’s

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 stoke.gov.uk/meeting dates

For details of forthcoming exhibitions and events go to: www.britishceramicsbiennial.com profile as a contemporary and vibrant city with a great future.

He said: “It has gained positive national attention and this will in turn help to attract investment, new businesses and visitors to the city. I believe the festival will be the catalyst for growth in ceramics and other cultural activities. As well as promoting the city’s image to the outside world, the BCB has given the people who live and work in Stoke-on-Trent the opportunity to celebrate and take pride in their pottery heritage and get engaged with the breadth of exciting contemporary ceramics. It has already exceeded expectations and there is still plenty to go.

Even after the festival ends BCB will continue its work

with a number of projects including a commitment to set up three ceramic-based businesses next year.”

In total more than 100 artists are involved in 10 exhibitions across eight venues – The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in the city centre; The Wedgwood Institute, Burslem; Emma Bridgewater Pottery, Hanley; Roslyn Works, Longton; Airspace Gallery, city centre; The Gladstone Pottery Museum, Longton; The Etruria Industrial Museum, Etruria; and the Bare Wall Gallery at Burslem.

Mr Hare Duke said that visitors had been particularly impressed by the quality and diversity of the work on show – and also the buildings housing the exhibition and the use of the space.

“We have been delighted with the feedback so far,” he said. “People have also commented favourably on the networking opportunities at the many events.

“We will assess what we have done at this first festival and how it has been received and then develop and improve for the next one.”

Overseas contributors have included Spanish designer Jaime Hayon, who has studios in Barcelona, Treviso and London, who exhibited work he has produced over the past ten years in a specially-designed setting at Emma Bridgewater Pottery.

The global presence was emphasised by a world premiere at Roslyn Works of pottery produced in villages in India. The family businesses – in northern Kachchh in the State of Gujarat – produce water pots, vessels and ceremonial serving dishes.

The BCB, which was part-funded by the North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership and the city council, attracted an Arts Council grant of £100,000.

Give us your feedback on this issue of Our City by emailing ourcity@stoke.gov.uk or write to: FREEPOST Our City

Our City p3

21/10/09

14:24

Page 1

NOVEMBER 2009

Our City

3

My challenge is to

build on city’s pride A

S well as “habitually” riding waves on a surf board, John van de Laarschot “gets his kicks” from transforming councils to become the best.

It’s one of the reasons he chose to move from Torridge District Council in Devon – which he led from being a poor authority to good in just four years – to take the helm of Stoke-on-Trent City Council as Chief Executive in January.

But John van de Laarschot does not appear to be your typical local authority chief.

He speaks with passion about customers always being right, wants to bring the best of private sector practice learned in a global executive career to revitalise the public sector and brings a refreshing plain speaking to his new role.

After his appointment the surfing Chief Executive rode a wave of media interviews, giving a realistic view of the challenges facing him in The Potteries.

He told Our City: “I think one of the biggest challenges here in Stoke-on-Trent is about building that sense of pride. I think people here are very proud of where they are from, very proud of their environment.

“But they do a great job of running it down and you almost pick up a feeling that the glass is half empty as opposed to being really positive and thinking it may be half full now but our aim is to get it flowing over the brim.”

The fizzing analogy is a reminder that John van de Laarschot is no stranger to senior management roles, having served as Managing Director of Pepsi Cola in Turkey and South Africa.

“It’s about a conviction from a council

perspective,” he said, “that we should be providing the best services to our communities and that second best isn’t good enough. That to me is what the main change is all about. It’s about organising ourselves as one team, to have a can-do approach and not to continually put artificial barriers in our way that stop us from making progress.”

Elected members – the city councillors chosen by the people – form the hub of his local government drive wheel, supported by strong information and good analysis from teams of officers.

‘‘’’ The glass may be half full but

Accountable But he is under no illusion that if that support does not hit the mark, the results can be catastrophic.

“It’s a bit like a top of the range computer,” he said. “If you put garbage in, you get garbage out. But what’s crystal clear once you have worked in the public sector for some time is that your elected members take the decisions because they are held accountable by the electorate for what they deliver.

“But to be able to do that, we need to support them with a first rate organisation that can provide them with the best analysis, policy and strategic options and advise them on what makes sense and what doesn’t.”

Some local council watchers are already saying this approach of empowering councillors, promoting quality decisions backed by clear strategy, could go a long way to mending the city’s so-called “broken” politics.

“I am a big fan of transformational change. That’s where I get my kicks.

Stoke-on-Trent has all the potential to turn around but collectively it hasn’t done it yet.

our aim is to get it flowing over the brim.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: John van de Laarschot at the Civic Centre.

So in terms of the job there’s a huge excitement to try to be a catalyst to work with members to make that happen.”

“What this council has got,” he said, “is that it’s been through a tortuous time and the time for change is now. My sense is that there is a passion and self-awareness to draw a line under the past and move forward together for the future, doing what we should be doing and doing it incredibly well. If you’ve got that momentum within an organisation you’re a long way on the journey.”

And having guided Torridge, Devon, from being a sleepy backwater where

“no-one wanted to play with us” to a place that is “very effective on a regional stage”, John van de Laarschot has a clear goal to reach in Stoke-on-Trent.

He said: “If we really want to compete, we need Stoke-on-Trent to be as competitive, in our own way, as Manchester and Birmingham, otherwise we are lost in no man’s land and that’s the last place we would want to be.”

The Civic Centre in Glebe Street could hardly be further from the sea, but fighting talk like that might just bring a new battle cry to its echoing corridors: “SURF’S UP!”

New Chief Executive’s views on key – and not so key – issues...

On partnerships

On customers

On oatcakes

On regeneration

On life in The Potteries

“The challenge is being involved in the right partnerships as opposed to those that are good at talking but not that good at delivering. We need to be centre stage of partnerships that deliver.”

“The old adage that the customer is king is true. In the public sector it’s about turning problems and issues on their head and focusing in terms of customer needs, trying to understand them and tailoring your services to meet those needs.”

“I’ve never tried an oatcake, but having heard about them I am really looking forward to it. My surname is Dutch and I’m a big fan of the pancake houses in Holland and Belgium so if oatcakes are a similar thing they get my vote every time.”

“The three pillars of regeneration are creating the climate where business wants to invest, having the skill sets to satisfy business needs, and having the national and international pull that brings businesses in. It’s about shouting your corner.”

“I’m very keen on aerobics and there’s plenty of opportunity here to get engaged in that. I’m generally into keep fit and wellness. You haven’t got to go very far from here to be out on the hills so there’s plenty to do.”

Our City p4

21/10/09

4 Our City

14:26

Page 1

NOVEMBER 2009

Learn to write your life story...

BUDDING authors can get tips on how to write a bestselling novel, their autobiography or even a film script thanks to a series of creative workshops at Stoke-on-Trent's libraries.

The workshops which began in September cater for all tastes, genres and age groups. They are free to attend but booking is essential due to popularity.

All sessions are run by experienced authors who have had work published and who will help people’s writing style blossom.

Bentilee Library has already hosted a Writing for Teenagers workshop and the City Central Library has held a workshop on Writing Romance.

Upcoming sessions include Screenwriting for Absolute Beginners at the City Central Library on Saturday 7 November and Writing Your Life Story at Bentilee Library on Wednesday 25 November.

Call 01782 238455 for more details and to book a place.

Becky’s two week ‘work trial’ led to landing a full-time job A

TWO week work trial with Stoke-on-Trent City Council had a happy ending for 21-year-old Becky Cammillare when she was offered a full-time job in administration.

When she left school she trained as a beautician but decided that this was not the career path that she wanted to pursue. She had struggled to find a job as her previous work experience had been voluntary work in her father’s company. But she made the most of a new agreement between Jobcentre Plus and the city council and tried her hand as an administrative officer in Health and Safety.

Becky said: “I had not heard about work trials but having experienced one I would encourage anyone who can to take up the offer. A work trial gave me the opportunity to show my employer what I was capable of. I’ve been here now for over six months and love the job and work in a really great team.”

Through her Jobcentre Plus adviser she was also given help to fund childcare during the work trial.

Peter Brindley, the Personnel Advisor from Longton Jobcentre Plus who helped Becky, said: “Work trials are a trial for an actual vacancy. They Becky can last up to 30 days and are voluntary. They Cammillare, provide jobseekers with the chance to show an right, who was given employer they are the right person for the job and a job as admin assistant give them the time and opportunity to assess an with the city council after individual, taking the risk out of recruitment.” completing a two week Employers can find out more about using work trial, with her work trials to fill their vacancies by calling colleague Senior Carol Hemming on 01782 382164. Jobseekers Admin Officer Val who would like to take part in work trials Cornes. should speak to their Jobcentre Plus advisor.

Can’t afford to get a leaky roof, rotten windows or electrics fixed or a new bathroom or kitchen fitted?

Yes you can. Because Kick Start is an exciting scheme that helps you get necessary renovations done without having to pay a penny till you sell your home.

For a start, you’ll get free support and expertise at every stage of the process, from independent advice through to a full survey, approved contractors and project management.

So start now and you’ll end up with the home you’ve always wanted.

For more information, please call

01782 749202 or visit our home owners page at www.staffshousing.org.uk

Our City p5

21/10/09

14:27

Page 1

NOVEMBER 2009

Continuing the series of articles highlighting the jobs of dedicated workers who week-in, week-out serve the people of Stoke-on-Trent, Our City talks to KAREN LOOSKAN who is typical of many care assistants bringing compassion and a friendly human touch to their daily challenges...

Improving people’s

quality of life T

HE job title of care assistant goes nowhere near to describing what Karen Looskan and her colleagues do to improve the lives of elderly people who temporarily make their home at St Michael’s House in Chell.

Organising coach outings to the seaside, a game of dominos, flower arranging classes or a trip to the theatre are all part of a day’s work for Karen.

All that – and much more – come under her second job title as activities organiser at St Michael’s Centre of Excellence, a purposebuilt city council-managed residential rehabilitation unit which provides services for up to 30 older people aged 55-plus.

The majority of people admitted to St Michael’s are either from hospital or from their own homes.

They usually spend up to six weeks at the unit preparing for their return home where they can resume their independent lifestyle.

Rehabilitation The people who access the service may have had a stroke, a bad fall or even suffered broken limbs. Others are admitted to St Michael’s because their own carer – usually a partner – is in hospital. Whatever the reason, most need the specialised rehabilitation services on hand at the light, airy and welcoming unit.

That’s where Karen’s third role as support worker for the social work team starts. She makes follow-up visits to former residents once they are back at home.

Karen takes them on days out shopping, to view alternative accommodation and on a host of other activities designed to facilitate their return home.

She also goes into hospitals to assess whether patients can benefit from a stay at St Michael’s before going home and help determine their particular needs.

When residents finally leave St Michael’s Karen sometimes accompanies them on their journey home to assess needs they may have in their own accommodation and reports back to her social work team partners.

In addition there are private one-to-one moments Karen spends with residents in need of

Care Assistant Karen Looskan enjoys a cuppa and a hug with May Brammeld, aged 86, at St Michael’s House. re-assurance or just someone to listen.

Friendly words over a cup of tea, a hug or an affectionate squeeze of the hand are not in the job description – but for Karen being able to dispense these basic human kindnesses is just as important as physiotherapy and meeting the practical needs of her residents.

“No working day is the same, because residents come here with many different problems,” said Karen who has been a care worker for 19 years.

“I always try to put myself in their position.

When they first come through our door they must be apprehensive and some are scared and vulnerable.

“I come from a big family in

which everyone looked after each other, particularly older members of the family like my grandparents, so I know what it means to our residents to feel cared for at a time in their lives when they feel vulnerable.”

Karen, aged 43, has successfully juggled her demanding job with bringing up her three children, now aged between 12 and 21, having a three-year-old grandchild and looking after her husband.

She recalled: “When the children were younger I worked around the needs of my family, and very often I went off to work as my husband got home from his job. We were like ships that passed in the night!”

She added: “Our job is to prepare our residents for going back to their own homes, helping them with making a cup of tea,

walking, dressing themselves, going to the supermarket – things we take for granted but which are all geared to give them back their independence and build up their confidence.

“We are not just carers – we are friends of the residents and because we are human we are bound to get attached.

“All the carers work as a team and we get great support from the staff, managers and all the other specialist agencies we work in partnership with.”

St Michael’s Care Manager Lesley Kokai said: “Karen is typical of our care workers in the way in which she always goes over and above the call of duty to meet the needs of our residents and provide them with the best possible care.”

Our City

Government support for job project A GOVERNMENT-FUNDED multi-million pound initiative to create hundreds of new jobs in Stoke-on-Trent for unemployed people between the ages of 18 and 24 is up and running.

The cash for the project has been won following a bid to the Department for Work and Pensions by a city council-led consortium including other local authorities in Staffordshire, NHS Trusts, colleges, universities, housing associations, the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and the voluntary sector.

In total, £6m has been allocated to pay for 1,000 community jobs across Staffordshire – of which 600 to 700 will be in Stoke-on-Trent.

Jonathan Phipps, Employment and Skills Strategy Manager for the North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership, said:“This age group has been the hardest hit by the recession.

“We are targeting those that have been unemployed for more than nine months. The new jobs will be at entry level, linked with training and will have community benefits.

“It is envisaged the jobs will last at least six months and will be a pathway into permanent and meaningful employment.”

There will be a wide range of jobs on offer including sports coaches, catering trainees, office administrators, museum assistants and construction workers who will be employed on environmental improvement schemes.

Recruitment for the new jobs is being handled by Jobcentre Plus and the aim is to have a first-wave of 100 young people in post by the end of December.

Lifeguards in the top ten LIFESAVERS at Dimensions in Burslem made a big splash at a prestigious national competition where they were rated in the top ten.

The six guards – who ensure swimmers at the Scotia Road Leisure Centre are safe – were among 50 entrants for the Lifeguard Triathlon. And after proving their knowledge of lifesaving, CPR skills and a timed swimming test, judges awarded them ninth place.

Martin Johnson, who has worked at Tunstall Pool for 15 years also came 35th out of 567 in the individual competition. Dimensions Lifeguard Dave Walker came 42nd.

5

Our City p6

6

21/10/09

14:29

Page 1

Our City N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

An unholy hole at Hanley that made world-wide news IT could be a misconception on my part, but it seems the number of holes in roads and pavements in Stoke-on-Trent caused by the work – albeit very necessary – of the utility companies is growing at an alarming rate.

Nothing is more guaranteed to cause frustrated motorists to gnash their teeth than having to drive through the obstacle course of temporary traffic lights, diversions and the inevitable bumper-to-bumper delays.

If these holes in the ground are the bane of your daily commute, then spare a thought for Methodist lay preacher Thomas Holland whose bizarre encounter with the mother of all holes nearly 106 years ago abruptly ended his life – and made world-wide news.

Holland, pictured right, had a reputation for berating people for not going to Chapel. On the fateful day of Saturday, 3 December, 1903, the 56-year-old was walking along St John Street – considered then to be part of “one of Hanley’s best residential districts” – when the ground yawned before him, he fell through the gap and was never seen again.

What further captured the public imagination was the

staggering find strange coincidence that immediately before the earth swallowed him up he was singing a traditional Salvation Army hymn.

Just as he was about to be so rudely and unexpectedly dispatched to his Maker he reached the words:“When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there”.

It turned out that under the ground was a disused pit shaft, full of gas. An eye-witness saw Holland “lurch forward, throw up his arms and fall”. Running as near to the spot as he dared, he saw only “a gaping hole” where Holland had been.

The following Monday a “burial service” – pictured top – was held round the railed-off hole in wet and bitterly cold weather.

Maybe those traffic queues aren’t so bad after all.

Bid to solve missing plaque mystery RAY Johnson, Professor of Film Heritage and Documentary at Staffordshire University, is looking to solve the mystery of a missing plaque presented in honour of Stoke-on-Trent’s first cinema which was opened 100 years ago last month.

Barber’s Palace Cinema in Station Road (now The Boulevard), Tunstall, was launched on Saturday, 9 October, 1909, by George Barber who later became the city’s Lord Mayor (1929-30).

In 1996, the British Film

Joint bid to buy

Some of the golden artefacts from The Staffordshire Hoard.

Institute presented “Cinema 100” heritage plaques to pioneering cinemas throughout the country to mark the centenary of the first public film show in Britain which took place in London in 1896.

One of the metal plaques was sent for erection on the building which once housed Barber’s Palace.

Ray told me:“Sadly it was never put on the building and the plaque appears to have been lost. Perhaps someone knows where it is.”

T

HE largest ever find of anglo-saxon treasure will be displayed at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in the new year.

The stunning archaeological find, known as The Staffordshire Hoard, comprises more than 1,500 artefacts – mostly gold, some silver and many decorated with precious stones – which date back to the 7th century.

Now Stoke-on-Trent City Council is working with Birmingham City Council to raise funding to jointly acquire the hoard and save it for the nation, along with partners including Staffordshire County Council.

British Museum bosses have backed Stoke-on-Trent City Council in bringing the incredible hoard to the city for a temporary diplay in 2010.

City Council Leader Councillor Ross Irving believes the “staggering find” would potentially attract hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world to the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.

“It would further raise the profile of our museum which is already home for the finest collection of ceramics in the world and strengthen the city’s status as a tourist attraction,” said Councillor Irving.

“The Staffordshire Hoard offers a peerless insight into the Dark Ages. The quantity of gold and range of artefacts have simply never been seen before. We are delighted by the British Museum’s stance.

“We want the treasure to remain firmly in the region in which it was found. It has to be valued first of all, so we can find out how much we need to raise to actually buy it. We’re hoping we’re going to do that in partnership with other authorities.”

The artefacts, which are believed to be war booty stripped from the corpses of royal and aristocratic warriors, include three intricately-crafted gold crosses and 150 sword pommels.

Many of these types of items have never been seen before and could keep experts searching for their meaning for years.

Market value The hoard, which contains around 5kgs of gold and 2.5kgs of silver, was unearthed from a Staffordshire field after being initially discovered by amateur metal detectorist Terry Herbert on

private farmland in July.

The South Staffordshire Coroner has declared the artefacts to be treasure which means they are the property of the Crown and will be offered at market value to interested British museums.

The proceeds from the sale – believed to be worth “a sevenfigure sum” – will be split equally between Mr Herbert and farmer Fred Johnson, on whose land the hoard emerged. The hoard is currently with the British Museum where it is being valued.

The buried treasure was found in Burntwood in South Staffordshire which, in the 7th Century, was the heartland of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia.

The hoard has captured the public’s imagination and when it went on temporary exhibition at Birmingham Museum last month it attracted tens of thousands of people – doubling the museum’s usual visitor numbers. ● A public appeal to raise funds to acquire the hoard has been launched by the city council and collection boxes for donations have been put out at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.

An excellent paper weight CITY Council Leader Councillor Ross Irving had an unexpected close encounter with The Staffordshire Hoard when he was given a special preview of the treasure’s public exhibition at Birmingham Museum.

Councillor Irving – who was accompanied on the VIP visit by Interim Chief Executive Chris Harman and Deb Klemperer, Local History Collections Officer for The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery – had the opportunity to handle some 7th Century artefacts. The three of them were left on their own in a room with Anglo-Saxon gold – and there was a jest that some people less honest might have pocketed a souvenir or two for their own private hoard.“I’m not sure they would have missed the odd sword pommel,” joked Councillor Irving,“One would have made an excellent paper weight for my desk at the Civic Centre!”

Our City p7

22/10/09

11:04

Page 1

c i t n a Rom l a s o p Pro Local people invited to send in their love stories for new museum exhibition

T

HEY say Paris is the city of love… but it could soon be rivalled by Stoke-on-Trent, which aims to prove that the age of romance is not dead.

People in the city are being invited to share memories of their most tender and romantic moments as part of an intriguing event at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.

Staff there are staging an exhibition called Romantic Proposal based on the universal theme of love and romance – and they want residents to help by contributing stories about how they and their partner first met, the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for them or any other way in which Cupid has played a big part in their lives.

Courtship The exhibition, which runs from 12 December 2009 to 18 April 2010, will explore the history of courtship and courting rituals from medieval times to the present day through the museum’s collections of ceramics, fine art, decorative art, natural history and social history.

However, real-life love stories told by the people of Stoke-on-Trent will also feature, and their romantic encounters will be recorded to make an audio and visual contribution to the exhibition.

Jean Milton, the museum’s Collections Officer – Arts, said: “There will be a series of activities and workshops that visitors will be able to take part in throughout the exhibition, which will also include contemporary artwork with a romantic theme by local artists.

“However, a cornerstone of the exhibition will be the stories and contributions of local people and we hope many of them will come forward and add to the romance of the whole event.”

The museum is distributing pre-addressed postcards to clubs, health centres, libraries, community centres and other public places so people can send in their memories.You can also send a letter or postcard to FREEPOST, Our City.

For more details on how you can get involved in the exhibition please contact Jean Milton at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery on 01782 232323 or Vicky Martin at the Gladstone Pottery Museum on 01782 237777.

A street in Stoke-on-Trent named after the Greek god of love Eros would be an apt spot for a romantic moment. Jean Milton, who is organising the Romantic Proposals exhibition, visited the Birches Head location, suitably equipped with a Mills and Boon novel.

Good guys teach pupils about firework safety GRAPHIC demonstrations in schools throughout the city have delivered an explosive message on firework safety.

Operation Good Guy targeted thousands of pupils who may have been tempted to take risks with fireworks in the run up to Bonfire Night. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue have teamed up with trading standards officers who will be visiting retailers to help

them comply with the law. The hard-hitting presentation in over 40 Staffordshire schools highlighted the dangers of fireworks. It showed a firework being placed in the pocket of a clothed dummy, and the terrible damage caused when it goes off.

Area Commander for Stoke-on-Trent, Wayne Bowcock said:“Fireworks can have a devastating effect on people’s lives and

futures. Operation Good Guy is a timely reminder to children and young people to think about the dangers of fireworks in the hope they can develop a healthy respect for fireworks and be safe at all times” ● A firework hotline – 0845 40 20 334 – has also been set up to deal with a range of enquiries and is open 24 hours a day until after the bonfire season.

NOVEMBER 2009

Our City

Initiative to encourage adults to read for fun A £28,000 Government grant has been secured by the city’s library service as part of a “learning for pleasure” project aimed at encouraging more adults to read for fun.

The project – called StokeReads – will pay for volunteers to be specially trained on how to run a reading group and what kind of books and literature to use.

The sessions will include reading aloud favourite passages and poems, discussing a book that everyone in the group has just read and inviting in established authors to discuss their work.

The project to be set up around the city is one of 213 winning projects nationwide.

The grant is part of a £20 million Transformation Fund launched by the Government to offer informal adult learning projects in England.

Councillor Hazel Lyth, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Culture, said: “Enabling our residents with a means to express themselves through literature is extremely worthwhile. This grant will allow our residents to grasp the opportunity to run these groups as well as take part in them.

“This will provide many people with the chance to develop their confidence in dealing with people and to take a big step towards a brighter future.” ● Anyone interested in setting up a group, or being a member of one, should contact Anne Mackey, Principal Librarian for Service Development, on 01782 238401 or anne.mackey @stoke.gov.uk

Dog walk raises £4,000 CANINE charity champions helped raise more than £4,000 towards the Lord Mayor’s annual appeal in a fun Sunday morning stroll.

Hundreds of pet dogs and their owners joined Lord Mayor Councillor Jean Bowers to either walk round Westport Lake or trek from Middleport along the canal to Festival Park and back.

The cash will support the Lord Mayor’s chosen charities – Hearing Dogs for the Deaf and Child Victims of Crime.

7

Our City p8

8

21/10/09

14:34

Page 1

Our City N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

Down Your Way News from Eastern Neighbourhood CITY WATERSIDE: Budding singing sensation Sophie Bailey was one of the many high notes of the City Waterside fun day.

The 10-year-old won the ever-popular City Waterside Has Talent competition with a rendition of Kelly Clarkson’s My Life Would Suck Without You. The afternoon entertainment at City Waterside Community Centre also included African drumming, belly dancers, a live band and a tug of war between the police and the fire service.

BUCKNALL: A big clean up got local schools involved in sprucing up the area – which is popular with walkers and cyclists.

The week long event saw pupils from Saint Maria Goretti Primary School, Mitchell High and Maple Court Primary taking part in litter picking, planting wild flower bulbs and creating wildlife habitats.

ABBEY HULTON: The third Abbey Hulton carnival saw hundreds of visitors enjoy an exciting array of attractions.

The event, held on the historical Hulton Abbey site, featured everything from birds of prey to seven-seater bikes and fire engines. The carnival, organised by the Abbey Partnership, was supported by community groups, the Bethel Church and the city council.

Tamiflu is not always suitable for mild cases TOKE-ON-TRENT’S Director of Public Health Dr Geri Rajaratnam has advised that people who become infected by swine flu and have a relatively mild illness need not take the antiviral Tamiflu.

(particularly the under-ones) and pregnant women.

The main swine flu symptom is a high temperature combined with other complaints which may include a cough, sore throat, body aches, chills, aching limbs and loss of appetite. Some people with the virus have also reported nausea and diarrhoea.

As health services in the city prepare for a second wave of the H1N1 virus this winter, Dr Rajaratnam said: “The vast majority of people who are infected by swine flu only suffer a very mild form and Tamiflu is not suitable for them.

“Everyone will have access to the antiviral medicine but they should consider whether or not they need it. Tamiflu can have side effects in that it can generally make you feel miserable, cause diarrhoea and stomach upset – and these can be worse than swine flu symptoms.”

“The best thing to do is rest at home and drink plenty of fluids.”

However, Dr Rajaratnam emphasised that there are particular groups who need to contact their GP if they have flu symptoms – these include the chronically ill such as those with heart, kidney or respiratory disease, the very young

Online check

S

To avoid spreading the virus, people with the symptoms should NOT go to the hospital Accident and Emergency Department or their GP surgery, but instead call the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1 513 100 or go online to check your symptoms at the dedicated website: www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu Dr Rajaratnam has also urged people – particularly those living alone – to choose a “flu friend” in case they develop swine flu symptoms for which they would require the antiviral.

Nominating someone to pick up your supply of Tamiflu medication from one of the designated pharmacies around the city reduces the chance of passing on the virus through contact with other people.

Flu friends are responsible for contacting the National Pandemic

Flu Service helpline on behalf of the patient and they will be given a unique reference number.

The friend will then be asked to collect the Tamiflu from a designated centre – and they will need to take one form of ID for themselves and one for the patient for whom they are collecting the antiviral. This ID can include a driving licence, utility bill, birth or marriage certificate or passport.

“Flu friends will be a major help in keeping the spread of the illness to an absolute minimum and alleviating the strain that GP

surgeries and hospitals nationally are coming under,” said Dr Rajaratnam. They will also help to make life easier for patients who won’t have to worry about how they are going to get medication to treat the flu and can concentrate on resting and recovering as quickly as possible.”

To find out information about the pharmacies stocking antivirals in your area of the city go to the NHS Stoke on Trent website – www.stoke. nhs.uk

Court injunction solves park boy racers problem

ABBEY GREEN: A packed programme of courses, trips and sport over the summer holidays helped lead to a 50 per cent reduction in antisocial behaviour.

Local youngsters were also involved in the planning process for the activities – making successful bids for funding. And a summer activities brochure and personal planner was produced giving young people a week-by-week guide.

BUCKNALL: A record 13 piglets have been trotted-out by two sows at the City Farm in Bucknall.

The litters of Daisy and Minnie are the largest amount of piglets to be born in one go at the city council-run farm.

Pharmacist Andy Pickard of Meir Hay Pharmacy with a pack of Tamiflu.

However, the antiviral is not suitable for the vast majority of people who suffer a mild form of swine flu.

GIVING GOOD NOTICE: Signs have been put up at Festival Park spelling out the consequences for would-be boy racers.

A BAN on boy racers at Festival Park has been welcomed by people who live and work in the area after enduring years of intimidation, speeding, noise and abuse.

A two-year injunction on two or more vehicles gathering at the popular retail and leisure park, between the hours of 7pm and 7am, was put into place on 14 September.

And following the court injunction – which also prohibits drivers from causing excessive noise, speeding, racing, swearing and other forms of antisocial behaviour – no police enforcement action has been required.

The success of the ban has been helped by the fact anyone breaching it could face a court appearance as well as a fine or custodial sentence.

Signs have also been erected in prominent locations at the park spelling out the implications of breaching the injunction.

The ban is the product of 18 months partnership working between Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police.

Inspector Shaun Kerrigan, commander of the city centre neighbourhood policing unit, said: “The injunction allows people who live and work at Festival Park to feel a lot more secure.

“We are delighted by the early success and the fact that no further police intervention has been required. Local residents and business people have told us it is having a positive impact on the area – and that is very promising.”

Our City p9

21/10/09

15:18

Page 1

NOVEMBER 2009

New MS group shortlisted for award

Free sessions boost

for young swimmers

A NEW GROUP using innovative methods of managing Multiple Sclerosis has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

Stoke on Trent Community Health Services, part of NHS Stoke on Trent, has set up the MS Exercise and Advice Group which treats up to 10 patients at a time.

More than 70 people have gone through the physio-led, eight-week programme, which improves mobility through progressive exercise – the approach recommended by recent national research.

With the majority of group members showing improvements, the programme with its linked advice sessions is in line for one of the awards given by the Health Service Journal.

T

EENAGER Luke Barker had to stop swimming when private gym fees threatened to leave him in deep water.

However, since the introduction of free sessions for under 16s at the city’s pools he has been able to rack up the lengths without worrying about the cost.

Luke Luke, 13, who swims at Barker at Fenton Manor, made a Fenton Manor one-off payment of £2 for a swimming pool – membership card and – like one of thousands of thousands of others in Stoke-on-Trent – can now under-16s enjoying dive in whenever the pool is free swimming in open to the public for the Stoke-on-Trent. next two years entirely free of charge. swimming but it was Children used to pay 90p per proving too expensive and I had to session before the Governmentstop. funded initiative kicked-in at the “I decided to see what was on offer beginning of September – a move at Fenton Manor and was delighted which has seen 4,130 under-16s when they told me there were free swimming at the four city pools swimming sessions available. during September which is an “I’ve made a lot of friends increase of nearly 100 per cent on through the weekly sessions and the same month last year. would thoroughly recommend them Luke said: “I’ve always enjoyed to anyone.

“The instructors are great and the sessions really challenge your swimming and help you achieve better results and keep gaining the qualifications. I am currently trying for my Gold.”

Up to 45,000 children are eligible to benefit from the scheme which is running at Dimensions Leisure Centre as well as Shelton and Tunstall Pools.

Our City

The city council also introduced free swimming for over 60s as part of a national initiative in April 2009.

For more details about free swimming call 01782 234957 or email leisure.services@stoke. gov.uk

Stoke-on-Trent Markets 4 people will win

More and more people are getting onto the property ladder with Orbit HomeBuy Agency.

We’re the HomeBuy Agent for Shropshire and Staffordshire, and we help people in all sorts of circumstances to buy their dream home.

In this role, we act as the first point of contact for all those seeking to buy a home through one of the range of HomeBuy products that have been specifically developed to make home ownership more affordable.

£5th0 0 is December

Pick up an entry form from any Stoke-on-Trent Market or download one from stoke.gov.uk/markets before 4pm 23 December 2009 for your chance to win.

See entry form for terms and conditions

For full details visit our website at www.orbithomebuyagents.co.uk or call our Sales and Marketing team on 03458 50 20 50.

Open the door to your brand new home with Orbit HomeBuy Agency

Terms and conditions apply – ask for details.

Orbit First Step is managed by OGL Housing – a division of Orbit Group Ltd., an exempt charity and a member of the Orbit Group.

See posters in Markets for details of other Christmas activities

Stoke-on-Trent Markets

01782 232716

9

Our City p10

10

21/10/09

16:11

Page 1

Our City N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

Dad’s recipe for a

happy family A

STOKE-ON-TRENT dad came up with an unusual recipe in his efforts to put fathers back at the centre of family life.

Bilal Muhammed suggested that the Cook and Eat healthy eating programme at his local children’s centre should include a fathers-only class.

His idea has been taken up, with five wannabe men-about-the-house jumping at the chance to learn how to prepare tasty, cheap and healthy meals on the male-only version of the course run by Health Promotion working with the city council’s catering department.

The 49-year-old community volunteer is leading the way himself by enrolling in the lessons at the Thomas Boughey Children’s Centre in Shelton. He has already taken one of his dishes home and gained the approval of his wife Karima.

Now the former mechanic plans to start sharing the home cooking, while at the same time taking forward plans to form a fathers’ social group of his own.

He said: “I have been banging the drum for some time that as fathers we don’t get involved with our children enough.

“When they go astray, we wonder how it happened. The fact is that if we as fathers got involved as much as mothers, we could steer them in the right direction.

“A Cook and Eat course dedicated to fathers seems a great way of giving them confidence that cooking is not just a woman’s world. If the dads go home, cook a meal and then bring it to the table for the whole family it’s a great way of getting them involved with their children.”

Bilal, who also teaches an Arabic course for youngsters at the children’s centre and has a 10-year-old daughter, is delighted that his wife was impressed with the fruit parcel he prepared on the course.

Passion He says the lessons, delivered by Lynn Snowdon, are giving the fathers great ideas on healthy recipes with less salt and sugar.

“We are one big, happy family on the course,” he added.

A number of community Cook and Eat sessions, backed by Neighbourhood Renewal funding, are being rolled out in children’s centres across target wards in Stoke-on-Trent.

Phil Shemilt, Children’s Centre Co-ordinator at the Thomas Boughey Centre, said: “It has always been a passion of mine that we need to treat fathers equally and Bilal’s idea of a Fathers’ Cook and Eat is a great way of engaging them.

“They feel comfortable in each others’ company on the course, and they are learning the basics of healthy ingredients while also enjoying a bit of banter.”

stoke.gov.uk

Stoke-on-Trent Parent Direct has changed its name to the Family Information Service. We will still be providing free impartial information, advice, assistance FREE and signposting on subjects including: Support and ● Childcare – we can support you through advice for the whole process of choosing a families From childcare provider that is right for the birth to 19 needs of you and your family. ● Family friendly financial benefits – including what is available to help Giving with childcare costs. children and young people ● Parental rights and the best start entitlements. in life ● Signposting – advice on the many support services available across the city and much, much more.

Working across the city

So if you are responsible for a child or young person aged 0-19 and are struggling to find the answers to your questions, please call us free on:

0800 015 1120 or email us at fis@stoke.gov.uk

www.twitter.com/StokeFIS

www.bebo.com/StokeFIS

www.facebook.com and search for Stoke Family Information Service

Learning to cook up healthy food is dad Nathan Watson, left, with a little help from Bilal Muhammed.

Our City p11

21/10/09

14:40

Page 1

NOVEMBER 2009

Stars come out as

lights switch on S

TARS of stage and screen will join forces this year to mark the beginning of the festive season in the city centre.

Potteries-born TV host and comedian Nick Hancock will be joined by singer Su Annagib – winner of the prestigious Stoke’s Top Talent show – to get crowds into the Christmas spirit.

And Panto star Jonny Wilkes may make a special guest appearance.

A packed day of events in Fountain Square, city centre, on 11 November will build up to the big switch-on of the city centre’s Christmas illuminations.

The fun starts at 10am with football demonstrations by players and mascots from Stoke City FC. Players will sign autographs for the crowds at 2pm. Stoke-on-Trent Male Voice Choir and City Music School will entertain the crowds from 3.30pm.

Then at 5.30pm Santa will lead a popular parade of performing groups from the Victoria Hall to Fountain Square.

Before the big switch on, Nick Hancock will be joined by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Jean Bowers, and Stoke City players who will help with the final countdown.

Nick Hancock said: “I love Christmas time and I love Stoke-on-Trent, so I am genuinely looking forward to this event.”

This year’s switch on sees the introduction of more environmentallyfriendly, low energy consumption illuminations. It also marks the start of late night shopping in the city centre, where shoppers can spend more money on Christmas gifts thanks to free parking after 6pm on all council-owned surface car parks.

City Centre Manager Jean Ball said: “In recent years thousands of people have turned up to this event. We have some great activities and entertainment lined up, and this year’s switch on will be our best ever.”

11

Down Your Way News from Northern Neighbourhood TUNSTALL: A youth group formed in the wake of the tragic death of teenager Damien Brian – who drowned at Goldendale Pool – is helping to reduce antisocial behaviour. Empire Young People’s Group has been involved in three community events, training courses to boost employment prospects and a programme of street games. The Northern Area Implementation Team and Port Vale helped set up the group after local youngsters decided they wanted to change the perception of them locally.

BURSLEM: Artist Rob Pointon

Jonathan Wilkes

Nick Hancock

Charity run for Santas and little helpers SANTAS and their little helpers are needed for a run in aid of a charity which takes 400 children with life-threatening illnesses on a magical trip to Lapland.

The Santa Run – organised by Wish Upon a Star – is a 1k run, jog or walk through Stoke-on-Trent city centre. Entry costs £10 for adults who will receive a traditional Father

Christmas suit to run in and keep. Children aged under 12 pay £5 and receive an Elf Hat. All entrants receive a medal for taking part.

The event is one of four which will be taking place across the country and will be held on Sunday, 29 November at 11am.

For more information and an entry form log-on to www.thesantarun.org.uk

the Potteries and lives in Stoke said: “It would be a shame and pity to see the local dialect be forgotten. It is a real part of our heritage and unique to the area.

“We have friends who visit us from abroad and whenever they come here they always say things like “aye up duck” and “Atoe rate?” which goes to show there is still a fascination for it.”

Matt said:“It is short, simple, still very much used in the Potteries and fits in with a design idea very well. I was very impressed with the entries that we received it does show the depth of feeling about keeping the Stoke-on-Trent dialect alive.”

Other entries included:“Dunna Ask ‘Im (or ‘Er),“May an’ Mar Laydee”,

has been commissioned to record the £2.2 million transformation of Burslem Park with a series of paintings. Over the next two years Burslem-based Rob will create three works that capture the different stages of the project as a record for future generations. The Burslem Park Partnership was given £500 by the Northern Area Implementation Team for the project. Work at the park includes the restoration of the rose garden terrace, fountains, park lodge, iron gates and park entrance.

HAMIL HEIGHTS: Improvements to the front of Port Vale Court and Arthur Cotton Court flats are continuing to brighten up the area for residents. Hamil Heights Residents’ Association were helped to plant laurel bushes and put up six hanging baskets after working with local councillors. Residents are hoping to continue the theme with picnic benches and flower beds at the rear of the flats.

Lynne’s catchphrase is “ow rate” for winning STUDENT Lynne Brennan certainly rose to the challenge when designer Matt Tomkinson posed the question “Cos they cum up wither slogan?”

Matt, owner of local company S-O-T-Shirts, teamed up with Our City to ask readers to send in their ideas for traditional Potteries catchphrases to be used on his range of clothing.

Lynne, 44, who is an holistic therapy specialist and currently studying sports therapy, won the competition with her entry “Atoe Rate?”,which translates as “Are You Alright?”. Her slogan has now been made up into a t-shirt and the design will be going onto the production line.

Lynne, who was born and bred in

Our City

FORD GREEN: Two traders

“Ar Towk Rate” (I talk correctly) and “An Any Onya Any Onya?” (roughly translated as does anyone have any (items) on them?).

Matt’s range of clothing can be

seen by logging on to his website at www.s-o-t-shirts.co.uk ● Lynne and Matt are pictured above wearing the “Atoe rate” T-shirts.

are helping business to bloom on Ford Green Road – with eye-catching flower planters.

Household Discounts and Slacks Greengrocer & Florist approached the Northern Area Implementation Team with the idea to help restore pride in the area. The businesses also agreed to maintain and re-stock the flowers with local councillors agreeing to pay the initial costs.

Our City p12_13

12

21/10/09

16:38

Page 1

Our City N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

What to put in your bins...

for Stoke

Your Blue Bin Plastic, mixed glass and cans • • • • •

Glass bottles and jars Food cans, drink cans and empty aerosol cans Plastic bottles, yoghurt pots, margarine tubs etc.

Plastic food trays, fruit punnets Foil food trays and aluminium baking foil

All items must be empty, clean, and bottles should have their tops removed.

Please don’t throw... drink cartons, cling film and other plastic wrapping, plastic bags, plant pots, drinks glasses, Pyrex, engine oil bottles or polystyrene into this bin.

Your Green Box Paper, newspaper, magazines, shredded paper, junk mail, brochures, catalogues, telephone directories including yellow pages.

Please remove all plastic wrapping from junk mail.

Please don’t put... cardboard, greetings cards, drink cartons, envelopes, Jiffy bags, plastic bags or wallpaper into your box.

Your Bag Clothes and paired shoes, bags and belts, bed linen and towels.

Please don’t put... duvets, pillows or soiled clothing into your bag.

Your Brown Bin Garden waste, food waste* and cardboard* • Grass cuttings, weeds, hedge clippings and cut flowers

*Some schemes in the city ONLY accept garden waste in brown bins and nothing else. Please check your local scheme for details.

• Egg shells, cardboard egg boxes • Tea bags, coffee grounds, vegetable and fruit peelings • Meat, fish and bones • All cooked and uncooked food waste • Cardboard food packaging and flattened boxes eg cereal packets • Vegetarian animal bedding or pet litter eg rabbit, guinea pig and hamster • You can wrap food and vegetarian animal waste items in one sheet of newspaper Please don’t throw... plastic of any description including plastic bags and biodegradable bags, soil, stone, rubble, cat or dog waste, coal or ash into this bin.

Your Grey Bin Anything not to be recycled • • • • • •

Food Polystyrene food trays and packaging Plastic wrapping, bread bags, cling film Drinks cartons Ash from fires (allow to cool first) Disposable nappies, sanitary and incontinence products properly wrapped • Cat or dog waste properly wrapped Please check that you are not throwing away anything which can be recycled.

Please don’t throw... clinical waste, hot ashes, rubble or soil into this bin.

For more information please call us on Freephone 0800 952 0207 or visit stoke.gov.uk

Services expand as city

hits 2010 target

W hat happens to your recycled waste...

Recyclable materials arrive at Viridor Materials Recycling Facility (MRF).

Blue bins and green boxes are collected from residents homes throughout Stoke-on-Trent.

E

XPANDED services are set to be introduced in Stoke-on-Trent to help the city meet targets to recycle more than half its household waste by 2020.

The news came as residents were praised by the city council for helping Stoke-on-Trent hit its household recycling target for 2010.

Promotion of the city’s recycling service, the introduction of blue bins in thousands of homes and a commitment from residents to protect the environment have helped Stoke-on-Trent reach the milestone.

By April next year Stoke-on-Trent will be recycling 40 per cent of all its household waste, then the city will aim to be recycling 45 per cent of its waste by 2011, 50 per cent by 2014/15 and 60 per cent by 2019/20.

Door to door surveys show up to 70 per cent of the 84,000 households who have a blue bin are regularly recycling.

Waste Minimisation and Development Manager Ian Butler said: “We want to pay tribute to the people of Stoke-on-Trent who have rallied to the cause and joined our efforts to recycle more household waste.

“It will be a tremendous achievement to hit the 40 per cent target but we are not complacent and want to encourage even more people to join in and recycle as much of their household waste as possible.”

A review is underway to improve the recycling facilities available to people living in apartment blocks and terraced streets to help

Paper arrives for quality checking and baling at Viridor s paper processing contractor s facility.

Viridor uses the latest technology to sort recyclable materials.

NOVEMBER 2009

Our City

13

Make the most of your leftover festive turkey with mouth-watering turkey and ham pie If apple pie is the mother of sweet pies, then turkey and chicken must be the mother of all savoury pies. A traditional turkey or chicken pie contains lots of vegetables and is the perfect ‘use up’ dish. You can add almost anything to your pie, such as mushrooms, potatoes, sweetcorn, peas, spinach, parsnips, carrots and broad beans. This recipe makes use of the turkey stock from Christmas dinner, but you can make it richer if you prefer by adding cream or crème fraiche to the sauce.

Optical Technology separates the paper and card by weight and colour.

Materials are received and loaded into a hopper to start their way through the process.

Paper is loaded into large storage tanks waiting to be baled.

Forklift Operator Gary Pearce, left, and Yard Labourer David Diskin sort through the mountain of paper recycling gathered at Federation Road. continue to increase the number of residents recycling their waste and the amount of waste recycled in Stoke-on-Trent.

Ian said: “We are looking at offering additional services in places which are difficult for our vehicles to access such as small recycling boxes or collapsible bags which will help residents put out their waste for recycling.

“The addition of terraced

Paper, plastic and cans are baled.

properties, flats and additional collections for schools, community groups and charities will greatly improve existing services and help us drive forward to achieve the 50 per cent recycling target.”

The new containers – available to an additional 20,000 households – will be chosen to be easier for residents to store and use than the larger wheelie bins.

planting 12,000 native trees – an area of woodland half the size of London Zoo. For the first time anyone who visits the Woodland Trust website to pledge support for the scheme can choose the planting region for the trees they are helping to fund. To pledge, simply click on www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/cards Paul Hetherington, from the Woodland Trust, said: “Each year we value the wonderful support from everyone who recycles their Christmas

Items are now ready to be forwarded for recycling into new products.

O come all ye faithful recyclers...

’Tis the season to recycle...

RESIDENTS are being urged to protect the environment and support a huge tree planting programme by recycling their Christmas cards this festive season.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is backing the Woodland Trust’s annual card recycling scheme which takes place in well-known High Street stores.

Money raised from the retailers through recycling the cards pays for a tree planting programme around the UK. Anyone can take part by dropping used cards in recycling bins at WH Smith, TK Maxx and Marks & Spencer to help the charity reach its target of

Ingredients * 90g butter * 25g flour * litre turkey stock * A pinch of salt * Black pepper * 350g cooked turkey or chicken cut into chunks or strips * 125g cooked ham cut into chunks

RECYCLING experts at Stoke-on-Trent City Council have come up with the following tips to help residents have an eco-friendly Christmas this year:

cards with the Trust, which makes a huge difference to our work.”

● When shopping for your Christmas feast, use a re-usable shopping bag or re-use old plastic bags. ● Use less packaging by buying loose fruit and veg and choosing drinks in bigger bottles rather than small ones. ● Don't forget to put the vegetable peelings from your Christmas dinner in your home compost bin. ● Go for gift bags or boxes instead of wrapping paper. ● Re-use gift bags or boxes.

● Try different materials instead of wrapping paper – jute cloth, a Christmas themed table cloth or just tie a silk or velvet bow around the gift. ● Put presents inside a Christmas stocking that can be re-used next year. ● Buy wrapping paper made from 100 per cent recycled materials. ● Save money and the environment by using re-chargeable batteries. ● Use old Christmas cards to make gift tags. ● Support the Woodland Trust Christmas Card Recycling Scheme. Cards can be recycled via WHSmith, Tesco, TK Maxx and Marks & Spencer stores nationwide ● Recycle as much of your Christmas waste as you can.

* 1 tablespoon English mustard * 6 leeks, cleaned and chopped * 2 tablespoons chopped parsley * 200g ready make shortcrust pastry * 1 lightly beaten egg

Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) gas mark 7.

2. Melt the butter in a heavy based pan and add the flour off the heat. Whisk in the turkey stock and cook over a medium heat, stirring all the time until the sauce is smooth. Season well and add the mustard.

3. Place the turkey pieces, ham and leeks in the bottom of an oval pie dish, sprinkle with the fresh parsley and pour over the sauce.

4. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface and cover the pie dish with the pastry.

5. Brush the top of the pastry with a little beaten egg and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. After this time reduce the heat to 180°C (350°F) gas mark 4 and bake for a further 15 minutes.

New arrangements for recycling Christmas trees NEW arrangements after the festive season will help more people than ever before to recycle their real Christmas trees.

Instead of taking trees to car parks at designated times to be shredded, anyone with a brown recycling bin can put their cut-up tree in it for collection.

Anyone who does not have a brown bin is welcome to take their tree to the Household Waste Recycling Centre, either at Hanford or Burslem, where it will be shredded and re-used as mulch in the city. ● Household Waste Recycling centres are at Federation Road, Burslem, ST6 4HU and Campbell Road, Hanford, ST4 4DX. They are open every day from 9am to 4.30pm, except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Our City p12_13

12

21/10/09

16:38

Page 1

Our City N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

What to put in your bins...

for Stoke

Your Blue Bin Plastic, mixed glass and cans • • • • •

Glass bottles and jars Food cans, drink cans and empty aerosol cans Plastic bottles, yoghurt pots, margarine tubs etc.

Plastic food trays, fruit punnets Foil food trays and aluminium baking foil

All items must be empty, clean, and bottles should have their tops removed.

Please don’t throw... drink cartons, cling film and other plastic wrapping, plastic bags, plant pots, drinks glasses, Pyrex, engine oil bottles or polystyrene into this bin.

Your Green Box Paper, newspaper, magazines, shredded paper, junk mail, brochures, catalogues, telephone directories including yellow pages.

Please remove all plastic wrapping from junk mail.

Please don’t put... cardboard, greetings cards, drink cartons, envelopes, Jiffy bags, plastic bags or wallpaper into your box.

Your Bag Clothes and paired shoes, bags and belts, bed linen and towels.

Please don’t put... duvets, pillows or soiled clothing into your bag.

Your Brown Bin Garden waste, food waste* and cardboard* • Grass cuttings, weeds, hedge clippings and cut flowers

*Some schemes in the city ONLY accept garden waste in brown bins and nothing else. Please check your local scheme for details.

• Egg shells, cardboard egg boxes • Tea bags, coffee grounds, vegetable and fruit peelings • Meat, fish and bones • All cooked and uncooked food waste • Cardboard food packaging and flattened boxes eg cereal packets • Vegetarian animal bedding or pet litter eg rabbit, guinea pig and hamster • You can wrap food and vegetarian animal waste items in one sheet of newspaper Please don’t throw... plastic of any description including plastic bags and biodegradable bags, soil, stone, rubble, cat or dog waste, coal or ash into this bin.

Your Grey Bin Anything not to be recycled • • • • • •

Food Polystyrene food trays and packaging Plastic wrapping, bread bags, cling film Drinks cartons Ash from fires (allow to cool first) Disposable nappies, sanitary and incontinence products properly wrapped • Cat or dog waste properly wrapped Please check that you are not throwing away anything which can be recycled.

Please don’t throw... clinical waste, hot ashes, rubble or soil into this bin.

For more information please call us on Freephone 0800 952 0207 or visit stoke.gov.uk

Services expand as city

hits 2010 target

W hat happens to your recycled waste...

Recyclable materials arrive at Viridor Materials Recycling Facility (MRF).

Blue bins and green boxes are collected from residents homes throughout Stoke-on-Trent.

E

XPANDED services are set to be introduced in Stoke-on-Trent to help the city meet targets to recycle more than half its household waste by 2020.

The news came as residents were praised by the city council for helping Stoke-on-Trent hit its household recycling target for 2010.

Promotion of the city’s recycling service, the introduction of blue bins in thousands of homes and a commitment from residents to protect the environment have helped Stoke-on-Trent reach the milestone.

By April next year Stoke-on-Trent will be recycling 40 per cent of all its household waste, then the city will aim to be recycling 45 per cent of its waste by 2011, 50 per cent by 2014/15 and 60 per cent by 2019/20.

Door to door surveys show up to 70 per cent of the 84,000 households who have a blue bin are regularly recycling.

Waste Minimisation and Development Manager Ian Butler said: “We want to pay tribute to the people of Stoke-on-Trent who have rallied to the cause and joined our efforts to recycle more household waste.

“It will be a tremendous achievement to hit the 40 per cent target but we are not complacent and want to encourage even more people to join in and recycle as much of their household waste as possible.”

A review is underway to improve the recycling facilities available to people living in apartment blocks and terraced streets to help

Paper arrives for quality checking and baling at Viridor s paper processing contractor s facility.

Viridor uses the latest technology to sort recyclable materials.

NOVEMBER 2009

Our City

13

Make the most of your leftover festive turkey with mouth-watering turkey and ham pie If apple pie is the mother of sweet pies, then turkey and chicken must be the mother of all savoury pies. A traditional turkey or chicken pie contains lots of vegetables and is the perfect ‘use up’ dish. You can add almost anything to your pie, such as mushrooms, potatoes, sweetcorn, peas, spinach, parsnips, carrots and broad beans. This recipe makes use of the turkey stock from Christmas dinner, but you can make it richer if you prefer by adding cream or crème fraiche to the sauce.

Optical Technology separates the paper and card by weight and colour.

Materials are received and loaded into a hopper to start their way through the process.

Paper is loaded into large storage tanks waiting to be baled.

Forklift Operator Gary Pearce, left, and Yard Labourer David Diskin sort through the mountain of paper recycling gathered at Federation Road. continue to increase the number of residents recycling their waste and the amount of waste recycled in Stoke-on-Trent.

Ian said: “We are looking at offering additional services in places which are difficult for our vehicles to access such as small recycling boxes or collapsible bags which will help residents put out their waste for recycling.

“The addition of terraced

Paper, plastic and cans are baled.

properties, flats and additional collections for schools, community groups and charities will greatly improve existing services and help us drive forward to achieve the 50 per cent recycling target.”

The new containers – available to an additional 20,000 households – will be chosen to be easier for residents to store and use than the larger wheelie bins.

planting 12,000 native trees – an area of woodland half the size of London Zoo. For the first time anyone who visits the Woodland Trust website to pledge support for the scheme can choose the planting region for the trees they are helping to fund. To pledge, simply click on www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/cards Paul Hetherington, from the Woodland Trust, said: “Each year we value the wonderful support from everyone who recycles their Christmas

Items are now ready to be forwarded for recycling into new products.

O come all ye faithful recyclers...

’Tis the season to recycle...

RESIDENTS are being urged to protect the environment and support a huge tree planting programme by recycling their Christmas cards this festive season.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is backing the Woodland Trust’s annual card recycling scheme which takes place in well-known High Street stores.

Money raised from the retailers through recycling the cards pays for a tree planting programme around the UK. Anyone can take part by dropping used cards in recycling bins at WH Smith, TK Maxx and Marks & Spencer to help the charity reach its target of

Ingredients * 90g butter * 25g flour * litre turkey stock * A pinch of salt * Black pepper * 350g cooked turkey or chicken cut into chunks or strips * 125g cooked ham cut into chunks

RECYCLING experts at Stoke-on-Trent City Council have come up with the following tips to help residents have an eco-friendly Christmas this year:

cards with the Trust, which makes a huge difference to our work.”

● When shopping for your Christmas feast, use a re-usable shopping bag or re-use old plastic bags. ● Use less packaging by buying loose fruit and veg and choosing drinks in bigger bottles rather than small ones. ● Don't forget to put the vegetable peelings from your Christmas dinner in your home compost bin. ● Go for gift bags or boxes instead of wrapping paper. ● Re-use gift bags or boxes.

● Try different materials instead of wrapping paper – jute cloth, a Christmas themed table cloth or just tie a silk or velvet bow around the gift. ● Put presents inside a Christmas stocking that can be re-used next year. ● Buy wrapping paper made from 100 per cent recycled materials. ● Save money and the environment by using re-chargeable batteries. ● Use old Christmas cards to make gift tags. ● Support the Woodland Trust Christmas Card Recycling Scheme. Cards can be recycled via WHSmith, Tesco, TK Maxx and Marks & Spencer stores nationwide ● Recycle as much of your Christmas waste as you can.

* 1 tablespoon English mustard * 6 leeks, cleaned and chopped * 2 tablespoons chopped parsley * 200g ready make shortcrust pastry * 1 lightly beaten egg

Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) gas mark 7.

2. Melt the butter in a heavy based pan and add the flour off the heat. Whisk in the turkey stock and cook over a medium heat, stirring all the time until the sauce is smooth. Season well and add the mustard.

3. Place the turkey pieces, ham and leeks in the bottom of an oval pie dish, sprinkle with the fresh parsley and pour over the sauce.

4. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface and cover the pie dish with the pastry.

5. Brush the top of the pastry with a little beaten egg and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. After this time reduce the heat to 180°C (350°F) gas mark 4 and bake for a further 15 minutes.

New arrangements for recycling Christmas trees NEW arrangements after the festive season will help more people than ever before to recycle their real Christmas trees.

Instead of taking trees to car parks at designated times to be shredded, anyone with a brown recycling bin can put their cut-up tree in it for collection.

Anyone who does not have a brown bin is welcome to take their tree to the Household Waste Recycling Centre, either at Hanford or Burslem, where it will be shredded and re-used as mulch in the city. ● Household Waste Recycling centres are at Federation Road, Burslem, ST6 4HU and Campbell Road, Hanford, ST4 4DX. They are open every day from 9am to 4.30pm, except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Our City p14

14

21/10/09

14:43

Page 1

Our City N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

Down Your Way News from South Eastern Neighbourhood MEIR: Safety improvements are underway on a busy road next to a school – in a bid to reduce accidents and motorists’ speed. Pinewood Crescent, which is home to Crescent Primary School, is set to benefit from better driveways, dropped kerbs, speed humps, double yellow lines and a car park. The work, funded by the city council, started on 26 October.

LONGTON SOUTH: A popular beauty spot is set to be a more environmentally friendly place – thanks to the formation of a new community group. Friends of Cockster Brook will have responsibility for improving the greenspace and have already carried out a litter pick.

LONGTON PARK: A battle of the bands and free sporting activities were just some of the attractions that struck the right chord with youngsters attending an Inspire festival.

The days out are organised by events agency CCEM in partnership with the city council’s Youth Services.

NORMACOT: A clampdown on antisocial behaviour in Lilleshall Street is being supported by the installation of two new alleygates. Staffordshire Housing Association are paying for the 2.3 metre high security gates on land between homes at numbers 29 and 31.

LONGTON: Ghostly goings-on took place during evening Halloween Walks at the Gladstone Pottery Museum. The historic building, which featured in TV’s Most Haunted, hosted guided tours on 30 and 31 October.

SANDFORD HILL: Pupils from Gladstone Primary School were named West Midlands winners of the Government’s Make IT Happy competition after making a film about the positive aspects of Stoke-on-Trent.

Scheme catapults acrobat

into a new career F

ROM growing up as a circus acrobat in Northern China to working as a ward assistant in a North Staffordshire hospital… life has been a series of great leaps forward for Jia Pan Campbell.

It was moving to England with the touring arm of the Chinese State Circus eight years ago that set her on a trajectory to her unexpected new career.

Thanks to a Stoke-on-Trent City Council-backed “support into work” scheme Jia has surmounted literacy and numeracy obstacles to win a job in her adopted country’s health sector.

The 31-year-old has gained part-time employment in the maternity ward at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire after taking part in the Start Up Citywide scheme being run by North Staffordshire YMCA. She had previously re-located to the Potteries from the south after marrying a Staffordshireborn acrobat whom she met in the circus – and she was desperate to learn more English with a view to getting a part-time job.

Rehabilitation So the Start Up Citywide scheme, which arranged childcare for her young daughter Catrina while she studied literacy, numeracy, First Aid, Foundation Food Hygiene and Health and Safety in the Workplace, was just what she needed.

Jia, who lives in Meir and has been accessing the service from the Crescent Children’s Centre in Meir, said: “I was born in China, and as a youngster I was selected from school to be an acrobat with the State Circus.

“I left my studies at the age of 15 to travel around the North of China to perform in the cities, although I still lived at home. At the age of 23 I moved to England to work with the

LIMBERING UP FOR A NEW CAREER Former Chinese State Circus acrobat Jia Pan Campbell at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire. Inset, with Start Up Citywide Support Worker Viv Baskeyfield.

circus’ touring troupe, and it was there that I met my husband, also an acrobat.

“Richard and I then left the circus to get married in Hanley, he took a job as an HGV driver and I became a housewife looking after my young daughter. I am so glad that I attended a coffee morning in Meir where I learned about Start Up Citywide.

“It is through the help of the scheme, and particularly my one-to-one support worker Viv Baskeyfield, that I have been able to land a job with a good employer.”

Realising that Jia had only a very basic knowledge of English, Viv signed her up to a number of courses including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) with Stoke-on-Trent Adult and Community Learning. After gaining a raft of qualifications, and building up her confidence, she was ready at Viv’s suggestion to take voluntary work at the hospital – and eventually apply for the ward assistant job.

Viv said: “Jai was a very attentive student and I could see she had great potential. Hers is a great success story which is still ongoing.

At the moment she is studying Level 2 Literacy with LearnDirect at Mitchell High

School’s Community Learning centre (CLC).”

Start Up Citywide is a unique scheme run

by North Staffordshire YMCA across Stoke-on-Trent for parents with children aged 0-16. It provides support for parents who lack qualifications, giving them support to overcome barriers before going into training, volunteering or work.

The initiative, which operates in eight children’s centres in the city, is backed by Working Neighbourhoods Funding via Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Chris Deakin, Start Up Citywide Programme Manager, said: “Jai’s story is by no means untypical. Ninety-five per cent of the people who come on our courses have little or no qualifications. We source training for our customers, and each is given a named support worker to act as a coach or mentor.

“We develop an action plan for their learning needs, working with partners including Learn Direct, Stoke-on-Trent Adult and Community Learning, University Hospital of North Staffordshire’s Learning & Skills Academy, and the Workers’ Educational Association to give them skills for employment.”

More information about the programme can be found at www.northstaffsymca.org.uk or from your local Children’s Centre.

Initiative is helping long-term unemployed A NEW Transitional Employment Programme to help long-term unemployed people in Stoke-on-Trent back into work has been achieving immediate results.

Since its launch in June the city council scheme has recruited 90 people who had been out of work for more than a year – and more than half the initial intake who are due to leave have found permanent jobs or have become self-employed.“We are delighted with the success rate for our first wave of intakes – it is very encouraging and we are now looking to expand the programme,” said

Mike Romano, Employment Skills Development Manager for the North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership. This programme is a breakthrough for people over the age of 19 who have been long-term unemployed.“It builds up self esteem and provides on the job training and support.”

Transitional Employment Programme is a partnership between the council’s Jobs Enterprise Training scheme’s business arm – JET Business – and organisations from the voluntary sector. Temporary jobs are funded for 16 weeks and are geared to help the

transition from long-term unemployment into the “world of work”. There are a variety of posts on offer including environmental maintenance, welfare advice work, catering, administration, housing support, retail and warehousing.

JET Business is providing referrals and recruitment and the organisations creating the jobs include Groundwork Staffordshire, EPIC Housing, Gingerbread, Brighter Futures, the Citizens Advice Bureau and Remploy.

For more information call 0800 731 8587 or email jet@stoke.gov.uk

Our City p15

21/10/09

14:45

Page 1

NOVEMBER 2009

Our City

15

Cancer awareness campaign spreads vital health message

PC Stuart Felthouse confiscates cannabis plants from a drug factory at a terraced house in Hollybush Road, Heron Cross.

Cannabis crackdown shuts

100 drug ‘factories’ A

HARD-HITTING police campaign to rid Stoke-on-Trent of drug dealers has uncovered one of the biggest cannabis “factories” ever found in the city – bringing the total number closed down to more than 100.

The haul, which consists of 1,400 plants recovered from a disused factory in Hollybush Road, brings the total amount of the drug confiscated under Operation Nemesis since it began in September 2007 to more than £3.6 million. Officers say their commitment to Nemesis – which has already seen more than 550 people arrested and cautioned – is set to continue.

Chief Superintendent Bernie O'Reilly, Divisional Commander for Stoke-on-Trent Division, said: “There are no signs of stopping. Throughout the last two years we have shown we have the skills, capacity and determination to catch these people.

No untouchables “If you are involved in the supply of drugs then look over your shoulder – because we’re coming to get you.

No-one is untouchable.”

One of the most prolific cocaine dealers in the city, Damien Miller, aged 27, of Kidsgrove, was jailed for seven years in September for heading an operation to supply 1kg of the drug.

Since Nemesis began, more than 840 search warrants have been executed in Stoke-on-Trent.

The raids have led to the seizure of class A drugs with a street value of more than £600,000. In the cannabis factories closed down a total of 22,000 plants were destroyed.

Numerous offensive weapons have also been found including real and imitation firearms, stun guns, crossbows, swords, knives and CS gas and more than £600,000 in cash.

TEAMS of volunteers and healthcare professionals have now spoken to more than 2,000 people face-to-face as part of a campaign to identify the tell-tale early signs of cancer.

Hundreds of members of the public have been approached as part of a two-year scheme being piloted by NHS Stoke on Trent to raise awareness of breast, bowel and lung cancer in three areas of the city.

More than a year into the scheme and the teams of healthcare workers, supported by trained community cancer awareness volunteers and non-health professionals, have attended numerous events in their target areas of Norton and Bradeley, Longton and Burslem to spread the message. These include meetings with residents associations, attending luncheon clubs, cultural events and coffee mornings and workplace visits.

Cancer Awareness Worker Jill Davies said: “Our teams have done a fantastic job in spreading the message that by diagnosing

cancer early there is a great chance of surviving. The message we are very much trying to convey is ‘get checked today and enjoy tomorrow’.”

As part of the project NHS Stoke on Trent have teamed up with “Cancer Stars” to show that the disease can be beaten.

These are three local people who have survived three forms of the disease – breast, lung and bowel cancer – and are prime examples of how early detection can lead to successful treatment.“ They are positive role models who demonstrate that living in fear of cancer is not the solution,” added Jill.

“For instance, nine out of 10 women will survive breast cancer as long as they have any symptoms checked early.”

More details about the telltale signs of cancer are available on the website: www.enjoytomorrow. stoke.nhs.uk Anyone who is interested in becoming a community cancer awareness volunteer or who would like the cancer team to attend an event should contact Jill on 01782 298064.

Free Sunday parking in bid to boost trade

PCSO Charlotte Abbotts stands guard outside the terraced house in Heron Cross where a cannabis factory was discovered.

Now, police in Stoke-on-Trent are asking for more help from the public to build on their success. Supt O’Reilly added: “We are extremely reliant on information from the public. Through the amount of information provided the message we are getting is clear: drug dealers have no place in Stoke-on-Trent.”

Police and Crimestoppers have issued the following latest advice for people in Stoke-on-Trent to spot the tell-tale signs of illegal drugs activity.

These include: Windows permanently covered from the inside.

Visits to the premises at unusual times of the day or night.

People visiting just to “maintain” the house.

Daily or weekly calls at the house by people who stay for a short time.

Black bin bags or laundry bags being taken away.

Compost bags or gardening equipment left outside, usually at the rear of the premises.

Vents protruding through the roof or a rear window.

Strange, pungent smells from the premises.

Unusual noises from equipment such as cooling fans.

Anyone with information about the supply of drugs is asked to call Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 44 55 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

THE city council has introduced free car parking across the Stoke-on-Trent on Sundays in a bid boost business for traders.

The scheme , which began on Monday 26 October, will run initially for a six-month trial period and, if successful, could be extended.

Ross Irving, Stoke-on-Trent City Council Leader said: “Businesses in neighbouring authorities such as Newcastle-under-Lyme have experienced increased trade as a result of free Sunday parking. We want to encourage people to support the local economy.”

The cost of the project will be offset by introducing a charge for Blue Badge holders parking in the city’s two multi storey car parks on John Street and Meigh Street. The decision was made after a consultation with disabled drivers groups.

Daunting operation...

MALE police officers and firefighters joined forces for one of their most “daunting” operations to date… a charity chest wax.

Sergeant Jon Ward and PC Jason Howell joined forces with colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue for the hair-raising experience, which was staged in aid of breast cancer awareness.

The waxing took place at Keido Hair and Beauty Salon in Hanley and raised a total of £430.

Our City p16

16

21/10/09

14:50

Page 1

Our City N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

Down Your Way News from South Western Neighbourhood FENTON: A BMX track has been officially opened as part of a huge improvement project in Mount Pleasant Park.

During a community event on 19 September, Derek Capey, Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure, Parks and Open Spaces. cut the ribbon on the track – which was built with the support of the Territorial Army and the city council. Residents’ friends of the park group, called Lido For All, also secured funding for new paths, benches and fencing with the work being carried out by the Community Payback scheme.

TRENTHAM: A canal towpath, which forms part of a conservation area, has been cleaned up to halt antisocial behaviour and fly tipping.

The canal area between Burrington Drive and Jonathan Road was identified for environmental improvements by the newly-formed Trentham South Residents’ Association. British Waterways helped with the work which was financed by the ward councillors’ budget.

NEWSTEAD: A run-down property in Wimborne Avenue has been transformed into a community building – as part of a £10,000 project. Blurton Family Group (BFG) will support people with health issues and stage activities such as play and youth club sessions, coffee mornings and cookery classes. Anyone who would like to be involved can phone 01782 315046.

HARTSHILL: A memorial is being installed in tribute to the former residents’ association chairman Graham Simpson, who died in July. A tree will be planted and a plaque placed at Stowell Green in The Avenue during November to acknowledge Mr Simpson’s service to the community. The memorial is being funded by the ward councillors’ budget.

STOKE: The Christmas lights switch-on will take place on 2 December. Festivities get underway at 6pm with a carol service at Stoke Minster – at which the Salvation Army Band will be playing.

Elisha is given her job chance E

LISHA Morton was beginning to think she would never get a job – but then Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Trainee Apprenticeship scheme came along.

The 17-year-old from Northwood had spent almost a year looking to find work after leaving school, submitting countless CVs and sending off applications in all directions.

It was only when she heard about an apprenticeship opportunity at Fenton Children’s Centre that she began to see light at the end of the tunnel.

Her application was successful, and now she is happily in post as an administrator/ receptionist at the centre. The placement combines her twin ambitions of working with computers and young people.

Elisha said: “I had a really hard time trying to find a job, and I was starting to get depressed. So I was thrilled to get the apprenticeship at a time when it’s extremely difficult for 16 and 17-year-olds to find work because they have less experience than older job seekers. I believe it’s a really good thing that the Trainee Apprenticeship scheme has

Apprentice receptionist Elisha Morton, right, with Fenton Children’s Centre Manager Jaime Wainwright.

been introduced.”

As well as Elisha, the centre has taken on 18-year-old Debbie Rushton as an apprentice play-learning practitioner, under the Trainee Apprenticeship scheme.

Jaime Wainwright, Manager at the centre, said: “They have both been searching for employment or training over the past year, to further their interest in forging a career. With the current economic climate it is very difficult to get a job without some sort of work experience.

“For anybody with an interest in children’s services, this is the perfect route to follow.

If vacancies at children’s centres arise during their 12-month placements, their names will be put forward.” ● A further four children’s centres in Stoke-on-Trent have taken on two apprentices each under the scheme.

Another apprentice is gaining experience in the Children and Young People’s Services with the Early Extended and Enhanced Learning Team.

The apprentices have been taken on as part of a wider City Council Trainee Apprenticeship programme.

New facility gives hope to vulnerable pupils A NEW “learning village” is set to give new hope to vulnerable youngsters who are in danger of losing their way in life.

The development on the site of the former primary school at Trent Vale will aim to unlock the potential of youngsters who are on the outside of mainstream education.

At present, the award-winning REACH Pupil Referral Unit in Bucknall acts as Stoke-on-Trent Council’s support hub for vulnerable children.

Under the new scheme, pupils and staff from REACH will transfer in 2011 to new purpose-built facilities at Trent Vale, where the curriculum will be reinforced and broadened.

There are exciting plans to involve the surrounding community in the future of the development, with families and other service providers being included in the project.

The Trent Vale facility will be known as a Short Stay School,

and it will work closely with mainstream and special schools across the city in providing a wide range of specialist provision to around 45 learners.

REACH’s existing work with mainstream schools in Stokeon-Trent will continue, with children aged 11-16 being offered short-term development programmes of up to eight weeks to support them back into regular learning.

Permanently excluded youngsters, or those at risk of exclusion, will continue to be given extensive training to help turn their lives round and qualify them for work, further education or training.

Year 11 pupils aged 15-16 will be offered a GCSE programme with a focus on personal development, and are eligible for a one-day-a-week placement at college or training providers.

Lorna Matley, head teacher at REACH in Bucknall, said: “We

are hoping to work with the local community, and get them involved with the new school.

We want them to know more about what we do. The youngsters who come to us are mostly vulnerable young people who have experienced some difficulties in school, for all sorts of reasons. We have always welcomed visits from members of the community at our Bucknall site - local people are often involved with us, and by the students’ work.”

Last year 38 per cent of Year 11 pupils achieved five A*- C grades including English and maths, while 42 per cent of all GCSEs taken were marked at C or above.

Jayne Lowe, strategic manager for participation at Stoke-onTrent City Council, said: “The new Short Stay School will be a facility of high quality for vulnerable learners who will respect and respond positively to their new environment.”

Primary school team scoops national award PUPILS from a Stoke-on-Trent primary school are celebrating after walking away with a national award which showcased their use of modern technology.

The team of four, from Packmoor Primary School, were chosen as one of six national winners in the “Y Factors” competition, which looks at innovation and ingenuity by young people using modern “gadgets” such as mobile phones. There were 200 schools competing for one of the six top places.

In the case of the Packmoor Year 5 and 6 students, they were challenged to use “smart” phones (a phone that offers advanced capabilities, with a PC function) for a school project which saw them create their own mobile websites as well as writing and performing a musical rap video called “Switch that mobile phone off!”

Our City p17

21/10/09

14:51

Page 1

NOVEMBER 2009

Fire safety campaign

targets over 65s F

IREFIGHTERS have launched a major campaign to improve the safety of older people in the city.

The drive, called Young at Heart, Safe at Home, comes after statistics show in the last two years 13 of the 16 fire deaths in Staffordshire involved people aged 65 and over.

Older people in the city are being reminded to take up free home fire risk checks to make sure they are protected by working smoke alarms and reduce obvious risks.

Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford said: “It’s a really shocking fact that all of our fire deaths since the start of the year have involved elderly people and unfortunately this reflects the trend of recent years.

“It is also worrying that unless something is done, the number of deaths from fire could increase, as our population becomes older and consequently more vulnerable.

“We are determined not to allow that to happen, hence our commitment to engage with those who will undoubtedly benefit from our services.”

To book a free Home Fire Risk Check contact: 0800 0241 999.

For all other non emergency enquiries contact: 08451 22 11 55 or log onto: www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk or www.direct.gov.uk/firekills In an emergency dial 999.

Tony Heath, aged 65, of Meir receives a fire risk assessment at his home from Howard Rhead, Home Fire Risk Check Technician with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Police seize 59 mini motos and 30 bikes... at Norton A CRACKDOWN on illegal motorbikes in Norton has helped reduce antisocial behaviour in the area by nearly a third.

Police seized 59 mini motos which have loud engines and can be ridden at speeds as high as 60 miles per hour.

In a special operation officers also confiscated 30 off-road motorbikes, which were being used illegally on public land.

Extra patrols for the clampdown were funded by the Norton and Bradeley ward budget – money allocated for the three city councillors in the ward to spend on specific local projects at their discretion.

Inspector Mark Hardern, commander of Tunstall Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “The reduction in antisocial behaviour has come about as a result of good partnership working.

Our City

17

Council compile carers support group directory A DIRECTORY of groups and organisations who provide support and activities for voluntary carers in Stoke-on-Trent is being compiled by the city council.

There are more than 26,000 unpaid carers of all ages in the city – slightly more than the national average of one in 10 of the population – who look after loved ones day in, day out.

The responsibility of being a carer can be very stressful and in some cases the commitment can prevent them from socialising as much as they would like – so the support groups provide a vital service.

Kaye Martin, Carers Development Commissioning Officer at the city council, said:“We are aware of most of the mainstream support group and organisations – such as Approach, North Staffordshire Carers Association – but we believe there are many more we do not know about. They may include allotment societies, knitting circles, coffee clubs – the list goes on.

“We want to provide a comprehensive directory of these groups that carers can access – so we need them to get in touch.”

Any group who wishes to be included in the new directory can register online on the website csd2.stoke.gov.uk They can also write to Carers Office, Floor 1, Civic Centre, Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1WB or telephone 01782 238652.

Protect your home with smoke alarms Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service provide a free Home Fire Risk Check (HFRC) for anyone across Staffordshire.

This free service includes a trained technician visiting your home to check and fit smoke alarms (free of charge), provide advice for you and your family about fire safety information and help with planning an escape route in case of fire in your home.

FREE Home Fire Risk Check Freephone 0800 0241 999 PC Scott Turner inspects a mini moto and an off-road “pit bike” seized by Staffordshire Police.

“Nobody is saying the problem of illegal motorbikes has stopped completely, but there has been a drastic decline which has improved quality of life.”

Anybody with information about mini motos being driven illegally should phone Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 4455 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Text 07528 983101 ■ Minicom 0800 0241 998 Visit www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk for more details

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service

preventing • protecting • responding

Our City p18

18

21/10/09

15:59

Page 1

Our City N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

Surgeries get thumbs up BENEFIT surgeries where residents can ensure they are getting their full entitlements at a location right on their doorstep are proving popular with residents.

Since they were launched last year, an average of 25 people have been attending Housing and Council Tax Benefit surgeries each week – which take place in five of Stoke-onTrent’s local centres. And feedback shows that giving people access to the all-in-one service has proved to be a convenient and comprehensive way of claiming support.

Benefit Services Manager Gary Layzell said:“The feedback we have received so far is very positive. People like the fact they can discuss changes, fill-in documentation and claim forms without having to travel.”

New arthritis support group A VOLUNTARY support group for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis has been launched at the new Haywood Hospital.

The initiative is a first for Stoke-on-Trent, since previously there has been no official local group affiliated to the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society.

Vicki Taylor, Rheumatology Service Manager for NHS Stoke on Trent, said:“This is an excellent way for the patients to support each other, while also giving them the opportunity to flag up issues and suggested improvements to us.”

Chair of the group Ju Ball said: “The group will be run for local people, by local people. It will give them a voice for the first time.”

Centre plans exhibition MEMBERS of the public took the opportunity to air their views on the latest plans for a proposed new £11 million health centre in Meir.

An exhibition showcasing designs for the project was held at the Meir Community Education Centre in Pickford Place. The centre, scheduled for 2012, will bring together seven GP practices and a range of additional health services including physiotherapy, blood testing and district nursing on to one site.

Sandra Jones, NHS Stoke on Trent Project Manager, said: “Following the consultation exercise, the views of local people regarding design and service provision will be taken into account.”

New hi-tech gritters on parade at Central Forest Park.

Inset left, the in-cab controls for the satellite-cordinated salt spreading system. Inset right, the state-of-the-art dispensing equipment at the rear of the vehicles.

Hi-tech gritters are a reassuring sight for motorists this winter W

ITH the winter chill just around the corner and the possibility of snowfall and icy roads, this is a reassuring sight for motorists.

The wraps are off the latest machines tasked with keeping traffic flowing on the city’s highways whatever the winter throws at them. The four top-of-the range gritters are equipped with the latest satellite technology to

tackle adverse conditions as efficiently as possible. The city council has invested in the new machines, which use GPS positioning to ensure roads are treated evenly and accurately.

Pinpoint satellite co-ordinates feed directly into the 18-tonne vehicles’ spreading mechanism to automatically ensure the correct amount of salt is deployed, even when driving speeds and road widths vary. The machines replace four old machines and form part of a nine-strong vehicle gritting fleet.

Councillor Brian Ward, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “Our gritting fleet will typically treat 333km of city roads every night during icy and snowy weather. We have 40 highly experienced drivers who work in shifts to provide round-the-clock cover. With such a major operation, it is vital that we have the most efficient gritting equipment as possible.”

Last year, gritters spread nearly 6,000 tonnes of salt on city roads, between October and mid-February.

Accolade for Stoke Speaks Out project A GROUNDBREAKING project in Stoke-on-Trent which helps children develop their communication and language skills just missed out on a top national award.

Stoke Speaks Out – a partnership involving the city council and other agencies who work with children – was shortlisted with two other local authorities for the Early Years Team of the Year at the Nursery World Awards in London. But they lost out to the Lincolnshire

Birth to Five Service who scooped the top spot.

Stoke Speaks Out Business Manager Emma Roberts said: “We were absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for this award. It reflects how vital and innovative the scheme is.“ The partnership has now arranged a conference for people working with children in the city which will take place at the Quality Hotel, Hanley, on 6 November.

Emma added: “We are very

excited about the conference and would like as many people to attend as possible to help raise awareness of the work we do.”

Stoke Speaks Out, which helps children develop language and communication skills, was the first organisation of its kind to be established in the UK. To register for the conference or for more information, please contact Stoke Speaks Out – The cartoon family, The Potters, created to promote the Stoke Speaks Out project. telephone 01782 234501.

Our City p19

21/10/09

17:13

Page 1

NOVEMBER 2009

Road users urged to pay

mutual respect A

CAMPAIGN has been launched to help cyclists stay safe during the winter months – and to highlight the need for all road users to pay one another mutual respect.

“Equally, all other road users such as cyclists and pedestrians have a responsibility to make sure they look after their own safety.

Wearing dark clothing or not using lights will make you blend in with the background and make you harder to see.

“Cyclists in particular are vulnerable at this time of the year.

Whether cycling to work or to school there are several common sense and practical tips. These include wearing something bright and reflective, making sure lights are fitted and working, particularly during the night and in bad weather conditions.”

Stuart added: “What is most important to remember is that motorists and cyclists both have a right to use Britain’s roads – a

19

Down Your Way News from Western Neighbourhood HANLEY: Residents have backed plans to introduce an Alcohol Restriction Zone around the Jobcentre to combat a rise in antisocial behaviour. The exclusion zone will cover Northwood and surrounding streets – if given the go-ahead by the city council’s licensing committee.

It would give police officers the authority to arrest drinkers if they refuse to hand over alcohol. However, the restrictions will not affect licensed premises.

With the clock going back and the weather worsening there are several sound and practical tips cyclists can follow to reduce the chance of an accident as long dark nights and mornings draw in. However, the Be Safe Be Seen campaign is also targeting other road users to ensure they kill their speed and drive with cyclists in mind – particularly in poor visibility.

Cycling Development Officer Stuart Aldridge said: “Motorists now need to take extra care and drive sensibly to varying road conditions. By keeping lights, windscreens and mirrors clean, they too will be playing their part.

Be patient and give cyclists the space and time needed when travelling”

Common sense

Our City

COBRIDGE: A Respect event CycleStoke Project Officer Phil Chatterley, second left, with employees from Sainsbury Distribution Warehouse at Sideway who have signed up for the Bike to Work scheme, left to right, Sean Yates, Mark Flint, Nick Chan and David Evans. right to safe and enjoyable travel.

“Both share a responsibility to understand each other’s needs – and respond positively.”

The safety message is being driven home at a time when more and more people are being encouraged to cycle to their work place every day thanks to a multi million pound initiative.

Stoke-on-Trent has been awarded Cycling City Status and has an additional £4.8 million to spend until March 2011.

One of the funded projects is the Bike to Work scheme which has proven to be very popular this autumn. The initiative invites businesses of all sizes to take part in a two-week challenge to get as many employees as possible cycling into the workplace.

Everyone who takes part is

given a high visibility pack. This includes a tabard, a set of lights, a bike lock, a water bottle and a participation certificate. The employee who clocks up the most miles on his or her bike is presented with a trophy.

Everyone who takes part in the challenge is also entitled to free roadside maintenance if they break down or have a puncture.

CycleStoke Project Officer Philip Chatterley said: “We have had a very positive response to the scheme so far. The objective is to encourage more people to cycle to work after the two week challenge has been completed.

“Organisations such as Sainsbury/DHL Distribution have committed to set up a Bicycle User Group (BUG) where cycling to work is put on the internal

agenda with activities such as internal website/intranet, Dr Bike days, free cycle training at work, leisure rides, free cycle maintenance courses and much more.”

If you want your workplace to take part in the Bike to Work scheme contact Philip on 01782 236665 or email him on philip.chatterley@stoke.gov.uk ● Philip also organises a Port Vale Matchday bike ride which gives fans the chance to cycle to the ground from a number of “pick up points”. The cycle ride starts at 1.30pm at Burnwood Primary School in Chell on the Saturday of every home game throughout the season. Contact Philip for more details.

in Cobridge helped bring residents together and encourage them to have pride in their neighbourhood.

Among the activities, which were held over three days at The Grange, were free health checks for 40-74 year olds, a Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service drop in and coffee morning and car seat safety sessions.

CENTRAL FOREST PARK: Dog micro-chipping, a “no-cold calling” event, an environmental clean-up and a visit from a mobile police station were among the activities that helped make a local Respect Day a resounding success.

Other organisations represented included the Citizens Advice Bureau, Midland Heart Housing Association and Great Places Housing Group.

COBRIDGE: Rappers and

Tour of Britain gives city a boost BRITAIN’S biggest free sporting event returned to Stoke-on-Trent when stage five of the Tour of Britain started and finished in the city.

The cycle race saw world class athletes and Olympic gold medal winners perform in front of thousands of sports fans and school children, and brought social and economic benefits to the city and the region.

A wide range of businesses benefited from hotels to small one-man retailers selling food and drink refreshments on the day.

Thousands of spectators watched stage five of the prestigious event which started at the Britannia Stadium, and went via Stone, Leek, Cheddleton and Barlaston, finishing with a dramatic sprint to the line outside Hanley Town Hall. During last year’s West Midlands stage, which finished in Stoke-on-Trent, the gross spend by visitors and spectators was more than

£5 million. And in June the televised cycling Tour Series came to Stoke-on-Trent generating more than £580,000. This year over 700 competitors and visitors are thought to have stayed in hotels around the region – boosting the economy.

Councillor Hazel Lyth, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Enterprise and Culture, said: “The Tour raises the profile of the city and the region and clearly has a positive impact on local businesses and on Stoke-onTrent’s health, since it helps introduce thousands of children to cycling. The city was also seen in a positive light on national and Competitors sprint for the finishing international television – exposure which line in Stoke-on-Trent City Centre is worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.” in this year’s Tour of Britain stage five.

street performers were among the attractions on show as part of the Portland Arts Festival. The event – staged by Portland and Cobridge Residents’ Association – also saw churches making mosaic mirrors with children at the P@RC Centre and a DJ school in Century Street Park.

SHELTON: An alleygating scheme got underway this month in a bid to reduce burglary and antisocial behaviour. Twelve of the security gates are being erected behind homes in Boughey Road, Carlton Road, Thornton Road and Watford Street as part of a £10,000 city council initiative.

Our City p20+21

20

21/10/09

14:59

Page 1

Our City N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

Summary Accounts 2008/09 Welcome to Stoke-on-Trent City Council's summary accounts for the 2008/09 financial year. Our full Statement of Accounts for 2008/09 has been prepared in accordance with the Local Authority Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), but it is generally accepted that they are not user friendly. Our summary accounts show our key financial information, along with information on performance and our carbon footprint, in an easy to read format.

The cost of running council services

Housing Revenue Account

The Income and Expenditure Account shows the cost of running our services in 2008/09, and where the money has come from to finance these costs. It is shown below: 2008/09 Gross Expenditure Service Areas £'000 Central Services to the Public 27,144 Coroners Court Service 875 Cultural, Environmental, Regulatory and 117,518 Planning Services Education and Children’s Services 301,407 Highways and Transport Services 28,107 General Fund Housing Services 119,701 Housing Revenue Services 95,317 Adult Social Care 96,342 Council Member and Corporate Management Costs 5,193 Pension and Other Non Service Specific Costs 9,662 Net Cost of Services 801,266

As at 31 March 2009 we managed 19,351 properties. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) shows all the income and expenditure relating to our responsibility as landlord of these properties. The account is ring fenced so rents cannot be subsidised from council tax or vice versa.

2008/09 Income £'000 (23,936) (438) (39,188)

2008/09 Net Expenditure £'000 3,208 437 78,330

2007/08 Net Expenditure £'000 2,886 464 50,268

(241,522) (13,725) (94,127) (55,162) (31,963) (358) 0 (500,419)

59,885 14,382 25,574 40,155 64,379 4,835 9,662 300,847

55,763 11,094 19,349 (10,602) 55,016 7,085 776 192,099

Expenditure Repairs and maintenance Supervision and management Depreciation and impairment costs Other costs Total Expenditure

15,235 14,354 58,585 7,143 95,317

Net cost of services

40,155

15,393 316,240

9,693 201,792

(75,046) (14) (14,421) (22,874) (103,592) 100,293

(72,964) (895) (15,134) (2,597) (90,178) 20,024

HRA share – Council Member and Corporate Management Costs Interest payable Other income Deficit/(Surplus) for year

150 4,708 (1,113) 43,900

Other Income and Expenditure Net Operating Expenditure Sources of Finance Council Tax Collection Fund surplus Government Grant Other income Business Rates Deficit/(Surplus) for the year Statement of Movement on General Fund Balance Deficit for the year Adjustments to limit the impact on council tax Change in General Fund balance

2008/09 100,293 (98,518) 1,775

Opening General Fund balance Change in General Fund balance Closing General Fund balance

(13,572) 1,775 (11,797)

Cost of services provided 2008/09 (£316.2m) Highways and Transport Services £14.4m (4.6%)

Housing Services cost consists of General Fund Housing Services and those associated with the Housing Revenue Account.

Coroners Court Services £0.4m (0.1%)

Education and Children’s Services £59.9m (18.9%)

Cultural, Environmental, Regulatory and Planning Services £78.3 (24.8%)

Central Services to the Public £3.2m (1.0%)

Housing Services £65.7m (20.8%)

Adult Social Care £64.4m (20.4%)

2008/09 £'000 (53,564) (1,598) (55,162)

Income Dwelling rents Other income Total income

Statement of movement on Housing Revenue Account balance Opening HRA balance Deficit for the year Adjustments to the HRA as required by statute Closing HRA balance

The city council's accounts have, wherever possible, been prepared in accordance with the accounting concepts contained in the Statement of Recommended Practice for Local Authorities issued by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).

Sources of finance 2008/09 (£215.9m) Other income includes general government grants and the Local Authority Business Growth Incentive (LABGI) grant.

Council Member and Corporate Management Costs £4.8m (1.5%) Council Tax £75.0m (34.7%)

Business Rates £103.6m (48.0%) Pension and Other Non Service Specific Costs £9.7m (3.0%) Other Income and Expenditure £15.4m (4.9%)

2008/09 £000 (4,663) 43,900 (44,561) (5,324)

Other Income £22.9m (10.6%)

Collection Fund surplus £0.014m (0.0%)

Government Grant £14.4 (6.7%)

Our City p20+21

21/10/09

14:59

Page 2

NOVEMBER 2009

What the city council is worth

Performance

Every year we draw up a balance sheet which shows how much our assets are worth, what is owed to the us and what we owe.

Children and Young People • All small group home provision is judged to be good or outstanding by Ofsted inspection.

• At Key Stage 4, 61% of pupils gained five GCSEs at grades A*-C. • Ofsted inspections of schools have judged over 50% of schools to be good or better and 13 are judged outstanding, including all Nursery Schools.

• The number of our young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) continues to fall and now stands at 11.9% (or 982 young people).

31/03/2009 £000 1,140,818 209,496 61,578 (50,217) (638,139) 723,536

Land, buildings and other fixed assets Other assets (including cash) Debtors (Money owed to the city council) Creditors (Money owed by the city council) Other liabilities Total assets less liabilities Funded by General Fund balance – schools General Fund balance – other Housing reserves Earmarked reserves Capital reserves Usable capital receipts Other reserves Total reserves

7,090 4,707 5,374 64,173 830,838 9,808 (198,454) 723,536

Capital Investment Capital expenditure is accounted for separately from the cost of providing day to day services. Capital expenditure represents money spent by us on purchasing, improving or upgrading assets such as land and buildings, which the local community benefits from over a longer period of time. In 2008/09 we spent £121.5m on capital projects, shown in the chart below:

Capital Investment 2008/09 (£121.5m)

Regeneration • Developed, agreed and published one of the largest Regeneration Investment Business Plans in the UK (£1.5bn).

• The Housing Pathfinder (Renew), achieved the highest independent performance and value for money rating in the UK (Invested £40m in 2008/09) and exceeded all output targets.

• The city was awarded ‘Cycling City’ status and secured the 2nd highest level of grant funding in the UK (£4.8m).

• A new ‘iconic’ footbridge was built (£1.1m) as part of the City Waterside programme, which is one of the largest housing transformational projects to be undertaken by any of the national Housing Market Renewal Pathfinders .

North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership 73.6m (60.6%)

Central Services £8.6m (7.1%) Housing £19.2m (15.8%)

Adult Social Care, Health and Communities £3.9m (3.2%)

Community Services £3.2m (2.6%)

Community Services and Community Safety • The number of young people entering the Youth Justice System has reduced from 602 in 2006-07 to 204 in 2008-09.

• There have been, on average, 100 fewer incidents per month of antisocial behaviour reported to the police between April 2008 and March 2009.

• 600 new homes built and 800 improved.

• Introduced a new kerbside re-cycling service which increases the number of recyclables collected.

Borrowing £28.2m (23.2%)

Grants £68.5m (56.4%)

Capital Receipts £10.9m (9.0%) Revenue £2.6m (2.1%)

Major Repair Services £11.3m (9.3%)

The cost of our capital spending was met from a range of funding sources and is shown above.

Carbon Footprint The carbon footprint from the council’s own operations in 2008 was 59 kilo tonnes of Carbon Dioxide emissions (1 kilo tonne equates to 1000 tonnes). The council’s own operations include council buildings, street lighting, schools and transport.

The overall carbon footprint from the city in 2007 (latest data available) was 1,681 kilo tonnes. This covers business, commercial, domestic and road transport. This is equivalent to seven tonnes for every person in the city for that year (one tonne equates roughly to driving 3,000 miles in a car or weighs as much as 10 baby elephants).

The city’s emissions have gone down slightly from 2004 levels. Over that time there has been a marginal increase in emissions from industry and commercial activities and a slight reduction in domestic emissions and those from road transport.

Full Statement of Accounts

Feedback

The full statement of accounts is available at stoke.gov.uk alternatively you can contact:

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is always striving to provide the best information for its residents and would welcome feedback on these summary accounts. If you wish to give us feedback, please fill in the form below and return it to the address on the left. Please write ‘feedback’ as the first line of the address on the envelope. Alternatively you can email your comments to finance@stoke.gov.uk

CORPORATE ACCOUNTING Stoke-on-Trent City Council Central Services Directorate Finance Division PO Box 62 Swann House Boothen Road Stoke on Trent ST4 4UJ Telephone: 01782 231639 Email: finance@stoke.gov.uk

Please put a tick in the boxes, with 5 meaning you strongly agree with the statement, and 1 meaning you strongly disagree with the statement 1. I found the summary accounts informative 2. I found the summary accounts easy to understand 3. The layout made the summary accounts easier to read

21

Adult Social Care and Health (ASC&H) • In May 2008, Rowan Village the new extra care facility in Meir, opened providing 75 modern homes and ‘extra care’ in a safe and secure environment. The authority has attracted new extra care investment which will secure a further 390 units of extra care for social rent and an additional 170 units of extra care for sale/shared ownership over three sites. The first, West End Village in Stoke will open in 2010.

• ASC&H’s new rapid response ,‘Home from Hospital’ service, providing additional personal care and practical support, helps people to remain in the community following a stay in hospital.

• Refurbished St. Michaels Centre of Excellence – increasing the numbers of re-ablement beds available.

• Opened phase one of the Abbots House Centre of Excellence for older people with dementia.

Capital Expenditure Funding 2008/09 (£121.5m)

Children and Young People’s Services £13.0m (10.7%)

Our City

1

■ ■ ■

2

■ ■ ■

3

■ ■ ■

4

■ ■ ■

5

■ ■ ■

4. Do you have any other comments?

Is there any other information you would like to see included in the summary accounts?

✁

Our City p22

21/10/09

15:56

Page 1

r u o Y

22

Our City N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

HEALTH CENTRES

ABBEY HULTON BENTILEE BLURTON BURSLEM WHITFIELD VALLEY (FEGG HAYES) FENTON HANFORD HANLEY LONGTON MEIR NORTON PACKMOOR SMALLTHORNE STOKE TRENT VALE TUNSTALL

01782 427900 01782 231300 01782 227770 01782 425700 01782 425720 01782 743100 01782 421000 01782 202422 01782 425530 01782 425676 01782 534599 01782 794600 01782 425755 01782 425220 01782 425260 01782 425800

250,000 citizens urged to help shape future EVERYONE who lives in Stoke-on-Trent is being urged to do their bit as a good citizen in making the city a better place.

The call comes in a campaign called Take Part, which is promoting the ways in which people can make a difference.

It aims to help people have their say, by joining a residents’ group, meeting their ward councillor, taking part in consultation, writing a letter or email or even by standing as a candidate in the city council elections.

Take Part will show where and how decisions are made at the city council, who is in charge and how their decisions can be influenced.

Our City, which is distributed to almost 120,000 homes in Stoke-on-Trent, will continue to offer the public opportunities to have their say on services they receive and the way future policies are planned.

And at dozens of events visitors will be reminded to meet their responsibilities as citizens to make their views known and influence decision making.

Scrutiny Manager John Ross said one of the campaign’s aims was to break down barriers between the city council and the public.

He said: “The Civic Centre is not an ivory tower and city councillors are not unapproachable – they are real people, members of the public

themselves, who live and work in the communities they serve.They are wellplaced to act as listeners and advocates and can help with a huge range of issues.

“Indeed, one of the best ways for the public to be heard and get something done is to speak to their local councillor – the telephone numbers are printed on the page opposite.”

Anyone in the city can write to raise an issue to Freepost Our City or email ourcity@stoke. gov.uk The city council can be contacted by telephone on 01782 234567 and friendly staff at offices throughout Stoke-on-Trent are only too

pleased to listen to the public and help.

John Ross said: “Public services in Stoke-on-Trent are accountable to the public and a measure of the city council’s success is that it shows how well it listens to the people.”

Petition pledge PEOPLE who petition the city council over important issues could be invited to discuss evidence for their views with council teams. The new approach was successfully trialled with parents who opposed plans for some of the city’s high schools, who visited officials to talk the issue through.

For more information and advice on health issues please call NHS Direct – 24 hours a day – on

0845 46 47 or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or www.nhs.uk

For all city council services

contact 234234 Fire & Rescue contact numbers City Council Leader Councillor Ross Irving, centre, and Elections Officer Sharon James talks to Jill Eaton about opportunities to stand as a city councillor.

To book your home fire risk check ring: 0800 0241 999 S-O-T AREA COMMAND AREA COMMANDER Wayne Bowcock 01785 898894 ASSISTANT AREA COMMANDER – LONGTON Glynn Luznyj 01785 898693 ASSISTANT AREA COMMANDER – HANLEY Andy Leedham 01785 898765 ASSISTANT AREA COMMANDER – BURSLEM Ruth Watchorn-Rice 01785 898554 RISK REDUCTION MANAGER Kelvin Knapper 01785 898882 ADMINISTRATION MANAGER Paula Goodwin 01785 898895

COMMUNITY SAFETY ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS Will Gascoigne

01785 898884

Chris Thompson

01785 898883

Dave Gallimore

01785 898885

Guy Volpe

01785 898977

RISK REDUCTION OFFICERS Donna Broadhead 01785 898904 Jim Taaffe

01785 898976

Maj Ullah

01785 898948

Rehana Iqbal

01785 898891

Neil Cheshire

01785 898498

Tracey Cresswell Longton

01785 898951

Ed Case Burslem

01785 898887

Mick Warillow Hanley

01785 898902

Pete Hall 07967 573263 Safer City Partnership Officer

Public asked to speak up on takeaways COUNCILLORS working to shape the future of Stoke-on-Trent need help from the public in reviewing takeaway food outlets in Stoke-on-Trent.

A group of councillors is researching the issue of hot food outlets to see whether they are affecting the city’s health.

A decision could guide the council’s response to future planning applications and also help shape healthy living campaigns in years to come.

It is just one of a number of special reviews being carried out by councillors who make up Stoke-on-Trent’s seven Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

They are there to work with local people, the community, council teams

and partner organisations like the police and health services to improve quality of life for everyone in Stoke-onTrent.

As well as doing research which helps shape council policy, the committees are there to check the council is doing what it says it is doing, providing good value for money and effective services.

The scrutiny committees can also look at decisions made by the council’s cabinet – which makes key policy decisions – and look at evidence which either supports or opposes those decisions.

Scrutiny Manager John Ross said: “We want as many people as possible to give us their opinions on the number of

takeaways in Stoke-on-Trent and the effect they have on the community.

“We want to hear from takeaway owners, neighbours, customers, health professionals and anyone else affected.

“Their opinions will be fed into the review and considered before recommendations are made.”

What is your opinion on the number of city takeaways?

Should they offer healthy food options? Send your views by email to to scrutiny@stoke.gov.uk or write toTakeaways Task and Finish Group, Overview and Scrutiny, PO Box 631, Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1RG.

Our City p23

21/10/09

15:01

Page 1

r u o Y

NOVEMBER 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) 07748 251695 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) 07805 638609 paul.shotton@ stoke.gov.uk

TOM REYNOLDS (Lab) (01782) 342295 07850 828717 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

Information on city councillors was correct at the time of going to press.

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 (City Independents) (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) 07816 518275 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 (Non-aligned) (01782) 870065 07879 118138 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 07944 055379 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

24

21/10/09

15:52

Page 1

Our City N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

Strictly fun dancing to keep you fit and active P

EOPLE of all ages and abilities are being given the opportunity to take to the dance floor as part of the city’s cultural build up to the 2012 Olympics.

The city council has secured more than £90,000 to fund a three-year World of Dance project in the city, offering members of the public the chance to cha-cha-cha or even belly dance their way to an active lifestyle.

With the popularity of TV programmes such as Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing on Ice the project is expected to be a sure-fire winner and community groups are being encouraged to sign up for the sessions.

The money will pay for dance artists to hold classes at community facilities.

All kinds of dance styles will be on offer from Bhangra, Tea Dance and Disco to Salsa, Hip Hop and Kurdish.

The project has been funded by the People Dancing programme, which is part of the West Midlands Culture Programme for London 2012. It is backed by the Legacy Trust UK, Arts Council

England and Advantage West Midland.

Stoke-on-Trent Olympic Co-ordinator Vanessa Darlington said that city’s bid was one of only eight submissions to be successfully commissioned in the West Midlands and that the programme would help to highlight the cultural side of the Olympic Games.

Cultural She said: “The dancing programme is for all ages and abilities and I would encourage as many groups as possible to come forward and take part.

“The Olympics has always had a cultural strand to it and that is sometimes overlooked because of the sporting achievements.

“In a return to one of Baron Pierre de Coubertin’s founding principles of the Modern Olympic Movement the Government is keen to ensure the 2012 Games has a huge cultural side to it – a ‘wedding of sport and art’.”

Vanessa added: “The other side of this is that it encourages participation in a fun event which keeps you fit, and keys in with the city council’s Sport and Physical Activity Strategy and NHS Stoke

POTTERIES PASO DOBLE: Leading the way with a dance at the Gladstone Pottery Museum are Latin American specialists Melissa Connett and Ross Millar of the Fords Dance Centre, Newcastle-under-Lyme. on Trent’s drive to get as many people active as possible.

“We hope the sessions we lay on will spark an interest in dance and people will follow up their interest by getting involved in existing dance clubs.”

The first year programme will include a Tea Dance to be staged

at the Victoria Hall, Arabic Belly Dancing workshops as well as Bhangra Bollywood and Hip Hop sessions.

And the three year project is set to culminate with a dance celebration in 2012 in the run up to the Olympic Games opening ceremony or torch relay.

Are you part of a community or interest group that would like to take part in the People Dancing programme?

If so, call Vanessa Darlington on 236156 or email her on vanessa.darlington@ stoke.gov.uk

Cartoon superheroes head up city’s new clean air campaign

Travis

STOKE-ON-TRENT’S very own environmental superheroes, equipped with pollution-busting special powers, are helping children learn about the issues of air pollution and greener ways to travel.

Fiona Freeze, Travis the Time Traveller and Oxy-Gen are fun cartoon characters with a serious message especially designed for the city’s new Clean Air campaign. An evil villain called Professor Pollutant has also been created to show what effects pollution can have on your body.

The project has been funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, (DEFRA) and involves a interactive display

an interactive display and exhibition at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery which will run for iona the next six months. The superheroes are also to F appear in city schools as part of an activity pack, which all Year Four children will receive.

Councillor John Daniels, Cabinet Member for Housing, Environment and Neighbourhood Services, said:“The clean air campaign is just one part of our long term plan to make the city a cleaner, greener place to live and work. By getting the message across to people at a younger Oxy-Ge age, we can lay some solid foundations for n our environmental future.” ● Visit stoke.gov.uk/cleanair for more information.

Our City is published by a partnership of

Stoke-on-Trent City Council, NHS Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue and Job Centre Plus

Contact us by mail at FREEPOST Our City or by email at ourcity@stoke.gov.uk or telephone 01782 236703