Our City Issue 14 by i•creation

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Stoke-on-Trent

BEST DESIGNED COUNCIL PUBLICATION

Our City ISSUE 14: MARCH 2010

Centenary celebrations given

royal seal of approval Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall enjoy a great day in the Potteries SEE EIGHT PAGE SOUVENIR SPECIAL INSIDE

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Our City M A R C H 2 0 1 0

Listening to your feedback helps us plan for the future By City Council Leader Councillor ROSS IRVING EVERYONE must know the pressure local authorities are under in the current economic climate.We must become more efficient to ride the storm. Make no bones about it, these are difficult times for local Government. Some authorities have made dramatic cuts, with Birmingham alone axing 2,000 jobs. Councils need to look at the way they do things, and Stoke-on-Trent is no exception.We have taken the opportunity to carry out the most wide ranging consultation over our budget plans to meet this challenge. Every city councillor, whatever their political persuasion, has been involved in assessing our options. The overview and scrutiny process has played an important role, looking at evidence which supports what we are proposing. Hundreds of face-to-face interviews have been carried out in the city centre with ordinary people from all over Stoke-on-Trent.Their feedback on what our priorities should be helped us make decisions to take £2m of proposed savings out of our plans, and to propose an increase in council tax.The council tax we pay is still the lowest in the county. But the challenge goes on, and we have already started a root and branch review of all city council services to identify where costs can be reduced to help us meet targets for 2011-12. HOW amazing it was to see the Staffordshire Hoard return to the county for the first time since it was unearthed last summer when it went on display in the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. And what an amazing boost for our city centre to welcome tens of thousands of visitors from around the country, and even the world, to see the Anglo Saxon treasures. I had seen the hoard in Birmingham last year, but nothing could really prepare me for seeing it unveiled in Stoke-on-Trent after being cleaned of the dirt and mud that had clung to it for hundreds of years. The exhibition truly put our city on the map. PRINCE Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall said they enjoyed their visit to the Potteries to mark the proud centenary of the federation of the Six Towns. Now I would urge everyone who lives and works in Stoke-on-Trent to join us in celebrating this unique ‘coming together’ at events through the year. 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.

Award-winning magazine has

important social role L

ATEST independent figures show 94 per cent of households in Stoke-on-Trent receive Our City which provides important public services information.

The award-winning magazine, produced in partnership by the city council, NHS Stoke on Trent, JobCentre Plus, Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue reaches more residents than any other publication distributed in the city. The back check figures which show the delivery success rate were commissioned by The Sentinel, who are paid to deliver Our City door-to-door. We receive lots of feedback from readers who value the publication’s mix of useful public information, contact numbers, lively news and features and opportunities to get involved in helping partners plan future services and initiatives. As part of the distribution service, The Sentinel ask an independent company to telephone a random sample of households in Stoke-on-Trent to check they have received their publication. Letters and emails received from hundreds of readers formed an important part of submissions which earned Our City the title of Best Council Publication in the national Good Communications Awards in 2008. In 2009 the magazine was named Best Designed Council Publication. In 2008 a judging panel made up of senior figures in local Government,

‘‘’’

I think it’s a great magazine – it’s really interesting to hear what is happening in the city. I have lived here all my life and have seen many changes. MRS JACQUELINE HULME, SAXONFIELDS.

communications and public relations across the UK said: “A worthy winner that was strong in every department. Great stories, strong writing, tight editing and a lively design all combine to make this an exceptional entry.” A survey of hundreds of organisations and residents in the city found that a third of people preferred to be kept informed by Our City about how the city council spends its money, with a similar number choosing local media like The Sentinel, TV and radio stations, and a third opting for the city council website. City Council Leader Ross Irving said: “The city council

and its partners have a duty to communicate with the people of Stoke-on-Trent, to let them know what is happening in the city and to invite them to join in to play their part in shaping the city’s future. “Our City reaches thousands of households who do not receive any other publication and, from the feedback we receive, we know it is valued by many readers. “No other publication produced in Stoke-on-Trent lists contact numbers for neighbourhood police officers, local health centres and city councillors on a double page spread. Our City also invites the public to help councillors make

Just a few of the hundreds of reader comments: “It is full of various articles about local workers and volunteers, many of whom you would not hear about or the valuable work that they carry out.” Mr G Keeling, Saxonfields, Longton “Our City is a good idea for the people of Stoke-onTrent to keep us informed and up to date with local events and changes that are being made in our area, like who to contact and where to go if you have any problems, and also who is going to deal with the situation.” M Faulkener, Bucknall “It is refreshingly positive local media in contrast to the local press. I found it to be a celebration of our upwardly mobile city.” Mrs PJ Williams, Acreswood

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/meetingdates

“Thank you for a really good magazine. I was impressed by the content and the presentation. It made a change to read about the positive things happening in Stoke-on-Trent.” Mrs Christine Eden, Hanley “It’s good to see reported any improvements being made in Stoke-on-Trent as it seems we only have bad coverage, particularly in The Sentinel.” Mrs M Parr, Baddeley Green “Stoke-on-Trent seems to get a bad press, being called a Sick City and one of the worst places to live, etc. Let’s hope we can show people that Stoke-on-Trent is a good place to live and carry on the regeneration that is happening.” Paul Stubbs, Hartshill

important decisions on issues like planning, regeneration and education. “Feedback received from Our City readers on issues as diverse as cycling tracks, refuse collection and the number of takeaways being opened has helped us shape policy and services. “There are also entertaining articles in the magazine which are followed up by publications like The Sentinel, the BBC, national and international media. We welcome the fact that Our City helps raise Stoke-on-Trent’s profile locally, nationally and around the world.” Councillor Irving said: “Our City was not set up to compete with The Sentinel in any way. “The Sentinel benefit from its production as they are paid to deliver Our City. It is a nationally-recognised, successful partnership publication containing useful information for every single resident. Our City has become an important part of the city’s media and moreover, I would urge anyone who doesn’t read it to give it a try – you might just enjoy it.” ● Do you know someone who lives in Stoke-on-Trent but does not receive Our City? Please send their address to Freepost Our City or email ourcity@stoke.gov.uk

Give us your feedback on this issue of Our City by emailing ourcity@stoke.gov.uk or write to: FREEPOST Our City Next issue out – 21 May

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Our City

Long queues were a daily occurrence at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery during the Staffordshire Hoard exhibition.

High hopes that hoard is

coming back to stay A

NEW display of the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest ever find of Anglo-Saxon treasure, is giving even more people the chance to view the ancient artefacts.

A total of 59 items, including a delicate filigree gold horse’s head, a gold strip with a biblical inscription and a crumpled gold plaque with ornate fish and bird heads, will be displayed in context with other Anglo-Saxon artefacts in the archaeological gallery at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery until 18 April. A simultaneous display of 59 items, including helmet fragments, a crumpled gold cross and a red garnet stud, is being held at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery for the same period. The joint exhibitions are to enable as many people as possible to see the hoard ahead of next month’s fundraising deadline and hopes are high that Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Birmingham City Council will raise £3.3m to buy the stunning collection of 1,800 7th Century items. The displays follow an overwhelming response to a three-week exhibition of 118 artefacts at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. By the time the exhibition closed its doors, 52,500 people had viewed the 1,400-year-old treasures – an unprecedented response to a display at the museum. An average of 3,000 visitors a day

Lord Mayor Councillor Jean Bowers pictured during a visit to the exhibition.

flocked to the major event and there were often queues stretching hundreds of yards as members of the public from the city and much further afield waited for the chance to see the artefacts. Visitors to the museum gave generously to the fundraising campaign, raising a staggering £152,000. As Our City went to press, a total of £1.5 million had been raised to help buy the hoard. Keith Bloor, Strategic Manager for Museums in Stoke-on-Trent, said: “The initial display was undoubtedly the most successful exhibition ever staged at the museum in its 29-year history. It not only attracted people from this area but also from many other parts of the country.”

Councillor Hazel Lyth, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Culture, said: “The unprecedented response to the display has demonstrated that the hoard is a world class tourist attraction which has great economic and educational potential for the region.” ● You can still support the public appeal to raise funds toward the purchase price for the hoard by leaving cash donations in collection boxes at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, donating online at www.artfund.org/hoard or by buying the official Staffordshire Hoard book, on sale at the museum for £4.99.

Anglo-Saxon warriors from the Regla Anglorum Anglo-Saxon re-enactment club added to the exciting atmosphere on the opening night.

Forum members help to shape local healthcare services THERE was lots of healthy interest in a major event hosted by NHS Stoke on Trent that gave members of Now Have Your Say the chance to enjoy a buffet lunch and have a free check-up. The first part of the Your Health and Wellbeing day at the Hope Centre in Hanley was devoted to members of the Now Have Your Say public forum which gives people in the community the chance to shape local healthcare services. Members took part in round table discussions with health professionals and decision makers about ways to improve the NHS and its services, including putting patients first,

modernising healthcare and tackling health inequalities, as well as looking at ways to improve personal health and wellbeing. Later in the day the event was open to all members of the public who were able to drop in for free health checks which provided blood pressure, weight for height measurement, stop smoking and alcohol advice, and information around diet and exercise. The event was run in conjunction with the Beth Johnson Foundation who provided the health checks and lifestyle advice as well as a host of other display stands devoted to issues such as mental

health and breast screening. Colin Anderson, Engagement Manager for NHS Stoke on Trent, said: “The event was about listening to the views of the membership who represent the public and where possible, implement changes and recommendations made by Now Have Your Say. “The day was well supported and Now Have Your Say members provided some really useful feedback that will help to shape the provision of healthcare for everyone who lives and works in Stoke-on-Trent. “We were also pleased about how many members of the public who attended showed an interest in getting involved with the Now Have Your Say panel.”

NOW HAVE YOUR SAY would welcome new members, who are over 16 and registered with a GP. Anyone wishing to be part of this influential group just has to fill in a form, available from NHS Stoke on Trent Membership Department (phone 01782 401045), health centres and GPs surgeries, or join online at www.stoke.nhs.uk/nowhaveyoursay You will be issued with a membership pack, access to the members’ website and membership card with your unique member number which gives a host of benefits. You will be able to attend events and take part in surveys as well as be included in blogs and online discussions.

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Events show our fairtrade commitment LORD Mayor Councillor Jean Bowers took part in two events to spotlight Stoke-on-Trent’s commitment as a Fairtrade city. Councillor Bowers – patron of the Stoke-on-Trent Fairtrade Group – visited Haywood High School to see efforts to become a Fairtrade school before enjoying a Fairtrade lunch. She also held a Fairtrade Civic Reception at Stoke Town Hall in Stoke, with songs, drama, dance and poetry from Stoke Minster C of E Primary School and St Margaret Ward RC School. Council Leader, Councillor Ross Irving said he hoped a new city council working group would encourage wider use of Fairtrade products at the city council and amongst its partners. The chair of the group, Councillor Peter KentBaguley, added: “This working group emphasises our commitment to promoting Fairtrade throughout the city.”

Have your say A FREE directory on how the public can influence decisions made by the city council can be picked up at city council buildings, by calling 01782 233060 or from stoke.gov.uk

Your chance to have a

VIP family visit

to Lord Mayor’s Parlour T

HERE will be many ways to celebrate this year’s Centenary of the Federation of the Six Towns of the Potteries which paved the way for the eventual creation of our great city.

However you could mark the occasion in unique VIP style – by taking tea with the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Jean Bowers, as guest of the city’s first citizen in the splendid setting of the Lord Mayor’s parlour. That is the memorable prize offered by this once-in-a-lifetime Our City readers’ competition. All you have to do is tell us in no more than 20 words why you would like have tea with the Lord Mayor in this centenary year. This very special civic reception will be for a party of four people, so the winner will be able to take along family

members or other guests of their choice. The big day will include a tour of the Lord Mayor’s Parlour and its dazzling array of memorabilia, artworks and city treasures – and the guests will be able to learn first hand from the Lord Mayor about the history and meaning of the city’s highest office. There will also be a souvenir gift. The visit will be arranged for a day and time that will be mutually convenient to the competition winner EXCLUSIVE and the Lord Mayor’s programme of official engagements. competition ■ Send your entry to Centenary Competition, FREEPOST, Our City, or email ourcity@stoke.gov.uk TEA WITH CITY’S – and don’t forget to include FIRST CITIZEN: your name, address and Lord Mayor Councillor Jean daytime contact number. Bowers is looking forward to Closing date for entries is welcoming our lucky winners Friday 16 April. Entries will be judged by a panel and to the Lord Mayor’s Parlour. the editor’s decision is final.

Our City

The Sixth Form College at the heart of the University Quarter... The City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College is embarking on an exciting journey – a move to a state-of-the-art development which will provide world-class resources and the best modern features for young people across Stoke-on-Trent and beyond.

September 2010... Move with us!

The new Sixth Form College is the ‘Young Person’s College’. It is being built to meet the future needs of students who are at the heart of the college. Representatives from the student body and local partner schools have been consulted at stages of the planning and design process, visiting the building site in Stoke-on-Trent’s emerging UniQ (University Quarter) educational area. UniQ is an ambitious project which brings together a collaboration of Stoke-on-Trent’s three key educational partners. The City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College, Stoke-on-Trent College and Staffordshire University, all sharing a vision of breaking down barriers to give everyone the chance to achieve their full potential within the City of Stoke-on-Trent. As the building has taken shape, students have had the unique opportunity to be part of this ‘live project’, incorporating elements of the building process into their own studies. Business Studies students have learned all about the ‘Critical Path Analysis’ of the project, Accounting students worked with the Quantity Surveyors, costing up the new college and Art students have sketched and photographed the building at various stages of its development.

Helen Pegg, Principal, pointed out that the college has a strong reputation as the major provider of Sixth Form education in the City and many local students seek to take advantage of this by early applications directly or through their schools. “The relocation of this College to Leek Road sends a very clear, positive and visible message that we are working hard to create an accessible, exciting and vibrant future for students and the community. Our students deserve the very best facilities in which to study and develop. This new building will make a strong statement about the value we place on providing them with the very best resources and teaching to enable all to realise their ambitions.”

Open Event 2010 Saturday 24 April 2010: 9.30am-12.30pm Visit us at our current campus at Fenton Manor and you will have the opportunity to: See the plans for our NEW college building Opening September 2010 Step into our virtual fly-through and explore our facilities Discuss your course options with college tutors Quiz some or our current students about college life

tel: 01782 848736 City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College Victoria Road, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RR

www.stokesfc.ac.uk We are moving... Move with us!

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Continuing the series of articles highlighting people whose efforts make a big difference in Stoke-on-Trent, Our City talks to DAVID BURGESS whose hard work and enthusiasm is raising young people’s aspirations and helping them back into training and employment...

Self-belief leads to

opportunities W

HEN David Burgess swapped his job as a graphic designer to help young people find new ways they could succeed in education and employment he had no idea what an impact the project would have. Three years ago, David joined Unity a newly formed enterprise aimed at helping teenagers back into education, training or employment through creative opportunities. He joined a seven-strong team based at the organisation’s workshops in Burslem, providing a rolling programme of art-based learning under the Challenge Stoke banner. Everything from photography and music studio work to filming and graffiti workshops are

on offer, leading to the Bronze and Silver Arts Award recognised qualifications – equivalent to a GCSE. Unity’s work is part of a real concerted effort in the city by a network of partners who are determined to stop young people falling through the net.

Self Belief And the combined effort is really paying dividends. According to the latest Government statistics, there are 600 fewer teenagers not in education, employment or training in Stoke-on-Trent compared to three years ago. David, who is a Senior Creative Practitioner for Unity, which is part-funded by the city council, Connexions and other agencies, said: “It is a challenge but really rewarding to see the young people enjoying themselves and succeed. It is really making a

difference and instilling self-belief in people who never had the opportunities before.” “I spoke to one boy the other day and told him I thought he had a really good chance of going to university if he wanted to. He looked at me and said ‘no one has ever said that to me before’.” “I think what we have done as much as anything is create a positive culture. Instead of telling people what they can’t do, we tell them what they can do – and that has had a real impact. Obviously you put a lot into the job, because you have a real desire to see them succeed. “A lot of these people have just had bad luck or started a college course they didn’t really like and then found themselves dropping out. “The main thing is they are identified early, and through schemes like this we are in a position to do something about it.” ■

Our City

Together we must drive changes to achieve vision By City Council Chief Executive

John van de Laarschot IN the first few weeks since I have taken up the role of Chief Executive with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, I have tried to familiarise myself with as much of the city as possible, from Tunstall to Trentham, from Penkhull to Meir Park. I feel I now have a good idea of the kind of issues facing the city council and the city as a whole. I have been out into the neighbourhoods and talked with residents, businesses, community groups and partner agencies and also spent time with some of our front line services. With that experience, I plan to work with councillors, officers, local MPs and partners to start to address the future direction of the city. The first important step is agreeing a collaborative strategic vision for Stoke-on-Trent, which builds on the unique heritage of our city and provides an aspirational and inspirational view of the future. So… wouldn’t it be nice… to live in Stoke-on-Trent with a decent roof over your head, with the opportunity of a good education, realistic prospects of local employment, enjoying a healthy life in a clean, green environment? If the city council, working together with partners, is able to drive through the changes that are needed to achieve this, we will go a long way towards meeting this aspiration.

Significant impact

CREATING A POSITIVE CULTURE: Senior Creative Practitioner David Burgess with course member Shehan John, 16, of Birches Head High School.

Fire risk training for Community Support Officers VULNERABLE people in Stoke-on-Trent are getting more help and support thanks to specialist training being delivered by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Hanley’s 60 Police Community Support Officers are being taught how to identify

signs of fire risk and check whether any properties they visit have fire alarms. Hundreds of social care and health workers have already been trained by the service under the Olive Branch initiative launched by the service after the death of pensioner Olive Simcock

following a blaze in her home. The latest training is being delivered by Donna Broadhead, Watch Manager at Hanley Fire Station, who said:“PCSOs are the eyes and ears of the community and they, if anyone, will know who is vulnerable.”

Part of this process will involve making decisions which will have a significant impact on the lives of everyone in the city. In finalising the budget for 2010/11, members have decided on a council tax increase of 2.89 per cent. While this percentage may be larger than neighbouring authorities, actual council tax payments here are still the lowest anywhere in Staffordshire. The budget setting process has seen members and officers working well together and I hope that this will provide the foundations for more effective collaborative working as we move the city forward. There are also some early indications that the city council is beginning to work more corporately. We are starting to rebuild confidence internally and externally and our ability to deliver on our promises is beginning to look much improved. This will mean we need to examine closely the services we offer, reducing costs where necessary, and simplifying and streamlining processes so that we can ensure we are more efficient and effective to cope with the anticipated challenges ahead. We all recognise that there is much to be done but the task is not insurmountable and members and officers – working together as one team – will be doing all that we can to really get things moving so that you begin to see a difference. And soon!

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Residents urged to nominate shortlist for learning awards RESIDENTS are being asked to nominate a person who deserves a new award for their commitment to learning in Stoke-on-Trent. Categories in the LearnMore awards include Learner of the Year, most Inspirational Educator, Employer of the Year/Commitment to Skills, Most Active in the Community, Young Learner of the Year Award for use of Technology in Learning, Apprentice of the Year, Wedgwood Memorial College Award for Lifelong Learning and Community Champion. City council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Culture Councillor Hazel Lyth said: “We hear so many heart-warming stories of outstanding achievements and these people and organisations truly deserve recognition for the example they set to others. “Our community has so much to offer and we hope people will join us in celebrating the spirit and work ethic that makes North Staffordshire a special place to live and work.” Awards will be presented at a gala ceremony in May. Nomination forms are available online at the Employment and Skills section of stoke.gov.uk or at all local libraries, Stoke-on-Trent City Council local centres or by calling the event organisers on 01782 284616.The closing date for applications is Friday 16 April 2010.

Director to head children’s services SHARON Menghini, pictured, has been appointed as the new Director of Children and Young People’s Services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Sharon is currently Director of Children and Young People’s Services at Herefordshire County Council and will take charge of the directorate after the city council was given the go ahead to bring children’s services back “in house” in 2009. They were previously run by private company SERCO. Councillor Ian Mitchell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, said: “Sharon brings a wealth of experience to this challenging role and I look forward to working with her as we move management of the department towards a new era and continue to make improvements which will touch the lives of young people and their families.”

SAFER NIGHTS OUT: Inspector Shaun Kerrigan joins Matt Taylor, landlord of The Unicorn, and Business Crime Manager Julie Davies, in the city centre.

Partners join forces to make

city centre safer at night P

UB, club and bar owners not currently members of the Stoke-on-Trent Crime Initiative are being urged to join a partnership aimed at cracking down on antisocial and violent behaviour.

The call has come from Matt Taylor, the landlord of The Unicorn in the city centre, who only recently joined the Nightlife Partnership run by the Stoke-on-Trent Business Crime Initiative. Some members have radio links between each other, which connect to police officers, and CCTV operators so they can get early warning of troublemakers. Members have their own intelligence system, which records all incidents, including minor matters that collectively have an adverse effect on their businesses. Action is taken on behalf of members against individuals once intelligence and information has been evaluated. This can include a ban.

Matt said: “It’s good. It helps make people out in the city centre feel safe as well as staff who work in the bars. If people get thrown out of a venue, they can warn the others and it makes it easier to prevent them getting in elsewhere. Forewarned is forearmed. “I only recently joined and I didn’t really know how beneficial it could be. It really can make a difference.” The Nightlife Partnership was first introduced eight years ago as part of the long standing Stoke-on-Trent Crime Initiative which has been in operation for 22 years.

Active role Membership is voluntary though some new licences may have a membership condition attached. There are currently 300 members with the scheme now being rolled out to hundreds of pubs and bars in the outlying areas of Stoke-on-Trent. “This is a partnership and members should take an active role in order to receive full benefits. It is not a one-way street so it cannot

be seen as a tick in the box to satisfy a licence condition,” said Julie Davies, the Business Crime Manager for the initiative. The scheme is owned and managed by the business community and works in partnership with the police who carry out their own Safer Nights operations in the city centre on Monday, Friday and Saturday nights. Extra police patrol the streets in the nightlife and bar areas of towns across Staffordshire. Shaun Kerrigan, Neighbourhood Policing Unit Inspector for the city centre, said: “I’d encourage all licensees to join the scheme because it helps cut violent crime and disorder. “It makes the city safer for people to visit and safer for staff who work in the pubs and clubs. It helps that licensees are collectively taking action alongside the police.” For more information email businesscrimeinitiative@ staffordshire. pnn.police.uk or call 01785 233190.

New sessions help city smokers kick the habit MORE smokers in Stoke-on-Trent can now get help to give up the habit thanks to 20 new Stop Smoking sessions that have been launched across the city. NHS Stoke on Trent aims to help 4,000 more people to quit smoking over the next year by setting up the sessions at convenient locations on people’s doorsteps at times to suit their needs and lifestyles. They are being held at a variety of community venues such as children’s centres, sports centres, church halls and community centres with a choice of 10am, 1pm and

5.30pm starts. These are in addition to the Stop Smoking Service provided by NHS Stoke on Trent at Stoke City Football Club. The free sessions are available every day Monday to Friday and there is no restriction on how many a person can attend in a week. With one-to-one and group activities to help quitters help overcome their nicotine craving, there is no lack of support from smoking cessation professionals for those who want to stub out the habit. Those who give in to temptation and light up again are

welcome to try again and can be sure of plenty of encouragement. Katty Ager, Senior Health Improvement Specialist for NHS Stoke on Trent, said: “We recognise some smokers trying to give up can stumble at the first hurdle because they don’t have transport to get to the session, so we’ve made the programme within easy reach at varying times.” For information about venues and times for the sessions visit www.youcan stopsmoking.org or call free phone number 0800 085 0928.

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Our City

Regeneration

Update Buildings in line for prestigious accolades

Another initiative to smarten up the city centre... Deputy Council Leader Councillor Brian Ward, right, who is the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, and Steelite Marketing Manager Chris Proud with the Steelite banner before it was hoisted into place, below.

Tesco work forges ahead to

drive city centre forward R

EGENERATION of the city centre has leapt forward with progress on the new Tesco superstore and designs for a new bus station.

Years of work behind the scenes by the city council and its regeneration partners will result in the new 100,000 sq ft store opening later this year with the creation of hundreds of new jobs. Specialist officers have worked to help businesses relocate from the development site and assemble the land through compulsory purchase orders. Now the Tesco development has been hailed as a critical step forward in priming the future development of Stoke-on-Trent’s city centre. Councillor Brian Ward, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “It takes a great deal of work behind the scenes and a long time to pave the way for a project of this size,

but it will be worth it when the development is completed. In the same way preparation work is underway for the East-West Precinct development, which might take another few years but could eventually deliver a fit for purpose 21st century retail development which would literally be the making of our city centre. “Such a prestigious development would prevent shoppers from travelling to the Trafford Centre or Birmingham and would mean both local people and visitors spending their money in our city centre, boosting the economy and creating jobs.” The Tesco development also includes a 540 metre extension of the Potteries Way bypass to ease traffic flow around the city centre. The city council’s Job, Enterprise and Training (JET) scheme will be working with the retail superstore to help local people benefit from the extra jobs

created. Extension of the Potteries Way will make the whole city centre more attractive for occupiers and investors involved in major redevelopment projects like the East-West Shopping Centre and the Central Business District. Meanwhile, councillors have been working to draw up a design blueprint for Hanley’s much-needed new bus station to take on board the very best features of other facilities throughout the UK. Work is set to start on the new station on the site of the John Street surface car park in 2011. Over 40 design companies have come forward to express an interest in bidding for the work to transform passenger transport in the city centre. A shortlist is set to be announced soon. Hardial Bhogal, Chief Operating Officer of North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership, said: “What all this this means is a significant confirmation of years of hard

work and effort which in the teeth of the current recession have seen us make significant headway to create the confidence for the renaissance and reinvention of the city centre.”

Bids invited to transform historic quarter DEVELOPERS are being asked to put forward ideas to breathe new life into one of the city’s most historic quarters. The part of central Burslem which includes the town’s Victorian market, the Wedgwood Institute and the old Town Hall, has been earmarked for a scheme to transform the Mother Town. Companies are now being invited to submit proposals for the Burslem Historic Quadrant – probably the most concentrated area of historic buildings in the city, with the majority of structures within the site boundary either Grade II* or Grade II listed, locally

listed buildings or Buildings of Townscape Merit. Councillor Brian Ward, Stoke-on-Trent City Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said:“The Burslem Historic Quadrant is an important part of Burslem and it is essential that we find a use for the buildings which will breathe new life in to the area. “The Mother Town has a wealth of history and character. The idea is that developers and designers will be able to help find a way of bringing that area of the town back to life and create a thriving hub of activity in Burslem.”

DEVELOPMENTS in Stoke-on-Trent will be considered to represent the West Midlands region at a national ceremony later this year after winning their categories in the 2009 Staffordshire Building Excellence Awards. The winners were awarded for their quality construction work and a further highly commended at the awards ceremony held on January 29, at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium. Nominations for the awards were put forward by Building Control surveyors from the nine local authorities within Staffordshire for developments they believed deserve recognition. The awards were given for developments in the Maternity and Oncology Centre at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire (Public Buildings over £1 million category), Vodafone Call Centre off Forge Lane (Commercial Work over £1 million category) and Atlas and Cleveland Works on College Road (Conversion Work category). The Westport Lake Visitor Centre was also highly commended in the Sustainable Development category. Councillor Brian Ward, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “It’s great news that four of our building projects have won regional awards and it would be even better if they could go a step further and receive national acclaim. Through our regeneration programme we have been able to create these award winning projects and I would like to wish them the best of luck for the national awards.”

On course for ‘curtain up’ WORK is gathering pace so the curtain can rise on the revamped Mitchell Memorial Theatre in a year’s time. The £3.7m project will see the historic building refurbished to open as a youth arts centre offering community arts and theatre projects a venue to showcase their talents.

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New paths boost

country park A

Pupils from St Maria Goretti Catholic Primary School enjoy one of the walks at Park Hall Country Park. Pictured, left to right, are Angel Dean, Jennie Lavelle, Bartosz Walceak and Adam Thorley.

NETWORK of way-marked paths has been officially opened in Park Hall Country Park.

Some have been improved and others created as part of the Natural Connections project funded by Natural England and delivered by Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s countryside staff. Four of the routes have been adopted and named by children from four local schools and brought together under the umbrella of Natural England’s “Walking for Health” scheme. Two marquees, which will be used as mobile/outdoor classrooms, have also been opened as part of the scheme. The Natural Connections project has also funded outreach work to foster better links between Park Hall and local schools. More than 2,000 children from 12 schools have already taken part in at least one activity or have enjoyed at least one nature walk. The ranger service says there has been a marked increase in visitor numbers, particularly families at the weekend. Antony Ratcliffe, of Natural England, said: “The enthusiasm shown by the Park Hall rangers and the way the local community, including the schools involved, have embraced Natural Connections have been pivotal to the success of the project.” Councillor Derek Capey, the city council’s Cabinet Member for Sport, Leisure, Parks and Open Spaces, added: “The new routes and outdoor classroom facility are an important step to further Stoke-on-Trent’s ambition to provide Andy Wilson, Natural England healthy entertainment and educate visitors about Board Member, pictured at one the natural beauty available here in the city.” of the finger-posts that sign the ● For more information visit way-marked walks. stoke.gov.uk/parkhallcountrypark

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MARCH 2010

YOUR VIEWS HELP SET

In a consultation exercise last November and December, people who live and work in the city were asked for their views on the way the city council sets its priorities and spends its money. As Stoke-on-Trent’s biggest employer, with over 12,000 staff, the city council spends around £209m every year on delivering services to all sections of the community. But pressure caused by the global financial crisis means local authorities all over the country have to reduce their spending, and Stoke-on-Trent is no exception. As part of an ongoing consultation, councillors in the city have given the green light to a rolling programme of asking the public for their views on how the city council can be more efficient. The first round of consultation found: ● More than 36 per cent of people said the city council provided value for money, while 33 per cent said it didn’t.

● Almost 64 per cent understood the city council had to save money, while 14 per cent disagreed. ● Almost 51 per cent said they would not want to see charges for services increased but 28 per cent said they would pay more. ● Three areas scored 90 per cent or more when people were asked how important it was that the city council provided a service. These were: encouraging more jobs and business; reducing antisocial behaviour and fear of crime and improving educational achievement. Analysis of information gathered by the city council’s Public Relations and Communications team showed 28 per cent of people thought the city council was performing excellently or very well on recycling, with supporting vulnerable adults and children achieving 20 per cent. At the other end of the spectrum respondents felt the city council provided poor service in encouraging more jobs and businesses, as well as in repairing roads and pavements.

News from South Western Neighbourhood TRENTHAM AND HANFORD: Work on the final phase of the Hanford Park re-vamp is due to get underway this spring. Around £250,000 is being spent installing a multi-sports court, sensory garden and concrete table tennis table. A competition is being run for children at three local schools to design an entrance for the park.

Refuse Collector Mark Forrester emptys a blue recycling wheelie bin on his round in Tunstall – 28 per cent of those surveyed thought the city council performed excellently or very well on recycling.

When asked where they thought the city council should make savings, the public gave a clear answer of sport and leisure (44 per cent), followed by environment and climate change (41 per cent) and recycling (29 per cent.) Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Kieran Clarke, said:

“It was a useful exercise and gave us guidance on what matters to the people. In the future I would like to see the development of a Citizens’ Forum which could be consulted on a wide range of issues. And I would urge as many people as possible to help us understand priorities by taking part in future consultations.”

New GP practice at Middleport makes its mark on community RESIDENTS have given the thumbs up to a new £3m GP practice which has already made its mark at the heart of the Middleport community. As well as offering care close to where people live, the new centre in Newport Lane has proved a winner with its smart look, range of facilities and friendly staff. As well as having a children’s play area and even a private reception area where patients can discuss issues with staff, the centre also has a public room that is available to book for meetings and events. The room has already proved popular with Middleport and Dalehall Community Association, whose secretary is Rosemary Wright. Rosemary, 72, said: “The new facilities are tremendous. They are right on the doorstep, clean, attractive and the staff are cheerful. “The residents are all saying how pleased they are, and the fact that it is all lit up at night means it does not attract any antisocial behaviour. We have already used the room at the centre for a meeting and 48 people turned

Down Your Way

spending priorities UNDREDS of residents and organisations throughout the city have helped councillors set budget priorities for 2010-11.

Our City

BLURTON: Five-a-side football posts have been installed on three green spaces around the area. They are next to the playground on Meaford Drive in Hollybush, behind Ballinson Road in Old Blurton, and Magdalen Road at Blurton Farm. The idea is to get young people off the streets and give them something to do.

HARTSHILL AND PENKHULL: Between 50 and

Middleport GP Practice Manager Gill Johnson welcomes the first patient to the new practice, Rosemary Wright, who is also Secretary of the Middleport and Dalehall Community Association. up. It is already making a big difference to people living in Middleport.” The Middleport Medical Centre in Newport Lane is open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays and is not only taking patients new to the area but also people from existing local practices who want to register there. Thirteen new jobs created at the centre

FENTON: A Respect day has been staged to highlight the antisocial behaviour orders handed down to three young people. Information packs have been handed out to residents. Fencing has been modified in Victoria Road to help cut antisocial behaviour. Eighty-five per cent of people questioned in the area now report they have no issues with antisocial behaviour.

include two GPs (one male and one female), a nurse, health care assistant and practice manager. Ian Gibson, Head of Clinical Effectiveness and Quality for NHS Stoke on Trent, said: “This really is a fantastic facility and will provide a much needed service for the people of Middleport and the surrounding areas.”

100 students and parents connected with St Peter’s High School are getting involved behind the scenes at the Penkhull Jazz and Blues Festival as part of the city’s Centenary celebrations. A Battle of the Bands is also being staged at St Peter’s and the winning band will get the chance to appear at the festival on 31 July this year. See www.penkhulljazz.co.uk

STOKE AND TRENT VALE: Adult and Community Learning are running free courses. A wellbeing course and another on Indian head massage are being staged in April at St John’s Community Centre in Trent Vale. More computer courses for beginners are being planned at Stoke library. For more information call 01782 234775.

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Young film-makers set to Councillor shortlisted for top accolade BURSLEM South Councillor Deb Gratton, pictured, put Stoke-on-Trent on the map when she was shortlisted for a prestigious national award. She was among the candidates for the New Councillor of the Year Awards run by the Local Government Information Unit. The awards were set up this year to celebrate the hard work done by councillors, and judges said it was “not an easy task” to decide one winner in each category. City Council Leader Councillor Ross Irving offered his “sincere congratulations” on Councillor Gratton’s achievement. He said:“I know her commitment to her local community and the city council is second to none.”

NEW studio in Burslem’s vibrant creative quarter is holding film animation workshops for youngsters and plans to give them a chance to see their work on the big screen at monthly premieres – complete with a red carpet.

The Big Red Studio in Queen Street is giving 11 to 16-years-olds expert coaching on animation techniques using figures made of plasticine, lego and cardboard cut-outs to create their own characters and bring them to life. The best of the animations will be shown at screenings at the studio every month to which the students will be able to invite family and friends. “We want the premiere evenings to be fun events for everyone involved,” said Karen Sayle, a professional photographer and animator who is heading up the studio workshops. “We plan to have popcorn and drinks – and a red carpet on the pavement for guests as they arrive.” The Big Red Studio provided workshops at the popular annual Stoke Your Fires animation festival, which was held at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery for the third year last month. Karen, a graduate in animation at Staffordshire University, has held workshops at the festival every year. She said: “There is growing interest in animation as an art and our studio will give youngsters the chance to try their hand.” The development of live/work units in Queen Street has given rise to a creative quarter in the Mother Town which includes galleries and shops promoting the work of local artists and ceramic designers.

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Animator Karen Sayle tutors 15-year-old Alex Jones of Blurton on animation skills at a Big Red Studio workshop.

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Safe and independent living From as little as £6 per month For more information telephone

0845 650 0096 stoke.gov.uk

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MARCH 2010

Accolade for child care

training initiative C

HILDREN’S centres in Stoke-on-Trent are opening up career opportunities for more young people with the expansion of their successful involvement in the city council’s apprenticeship scheme – which has been cited by the Government as “best practice”.

The national accolade comes as a number of apprentices have already been given a lifeline to worthwhile employment through training programmes launched by the centres in September 2009 for 16 to 19year-olds. Through a mixture of work experience and taking NVQs in Child Care or Business Support up to Level 2 at Stoke on Trent College the young apprentices have acquired a range of skills needed by the city’s early years services – including play and learn, administration/reception and catering. Following a review of the scheme, a new three-year training programme will start in September this year. Prior to starting the course, apprentices will complete a basic skills course at a summer school run by Connexions and they will also undertake an induction to children’s centres and the city council.

Valuable experience They will be offered the opportunity to progress to Level 3 – the entrance qualification required by the early years childcare sector. Eight of the young people who originally embarked on the apprenticeship scheme when it started last year will continue on the new programme towards their Level 3, leaving around ten vacancies for new starts this year. Priority for the jobs will be given to looked-after children. The scheme has been highly recommended by apprentices who have already gained valuable experience through their placements at children’s centres across the city.

Opportunity One of them, Dale Cummings, aged 19, who works as a receptionist and admin assistant at Kingsland Children’s Centre in Bucknall, said: “I was looking for a job and this position gave me the opportunity to train, meet lots of people and handle many different situations. The experience and qualifications will be invaluable in the future.” Carol Salt, Children’s Centres Services Manager, said: “This ‘grow your own’ apprenticeship scheme is an effective way of giving young people an insight

Emma Salt, a first-year apprentice at The Crescent Children’s Centre, Meir, plays with three-year-old Tommy Stewart. into our ethos and how to work in an integrated way with other agencies from thee very start.” Carol added: “Originally we discovered that a lot of young people wanted to get involved in early years work but were put off by the Level 3 entrance level requirements. “This trainee programme provides them with practical hands-on experience while at the same time working towards their qualification. “Once they have completed the apprenticeship and achieved Level 3 they will be given priority for any vacancies in Stoke-on-Trent’s children’s centres – and, of course, the experience they gain can open up opportunities in other areas of work.” For more information about apprenticeship opportunities in the city’s children’s centres please contact Katie Archer on 01782 238196 or Duncan Gilchrist on 01782 235583.

Our City

Chance to air your views on health and social care MORE members are needed for a local organisation which gives people a voice in how their health and social care services are planned and delivered. Stoke-on-Trent’s Local Involvement Network, or LINk, wants to hear from anyone with an interest in health or social care services in the city who wants to make a positive contribution to help councils and primary care trusts understand the wishes of the communities they serve. People involved in LINks do not have to be patients or service users. Carers and people of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to have their say. In Stoke-on-Trent the LINk – which is independent of the city council and NHS – is collecting feedback on a range of services in the city. Information gathered from LINk members is either fed directly to organisations providing health and social care services, or can be fed into the city council’s overview and scrutiny process. Yvonne Banks, the city council’s lead officer who liaises with LINk, said:“We see the LINk as a key partner in helping us to shape and improve services. We would like to see as many people as possible come forward to take part. The LINk gives anyone who wants it the opportunity to influence care services and we are especially keen to hear the views of those people we don't usually hear from. There is no need to attend any meetings, and members can do as much or as little as they want. If they have an interest in a specific subject, or just wish to make a general point, they can feed it into the LINk team by telephone, email or in writing and it will be taken on board.” ● Do you want to become a member of Stoke-on-Trent’s LINk? Telephone 01782 416983, 01782 416575 or email info@linkstokeontrent.org.uk

CCTV has double benefit for residents

Apprentice Dale Cummings works as receptionist at Kingsland Children’s Centre, Bucknall.

SECURITY cameras installed at the Bell House and Barker House blocks of flats at Blurton to crack down on crime and antisocial behaviour have resulted in a double benefit for residents. The CCTV system is not only helping to make them feel more secure – the cameras are also trapping fly tippers and litter louts who use communal household waste skips at the Ripon Road flats as a dumping ground. Originally, the city council responded to residents’ concerns about antisocial behaviour, burglaries and criminal damage by funding the installation of cameras inside the complexes At the same time, however, exterior cameras were also fitted and these have captured offenders dumping items such as a sofa, fridge and even a three-piece suite. This surveillance has so far resulted in four successful prosecutions – and a marked reduction in fly tipping at the location.

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Cyberspace

celebrity H

E’S been a police officer for 16 years, but PC Keith Emery confesses that the job never ceases to be an education for him. That’s hardly surprising as he covers one of the city’s most unusual beats – the campus of Staffordshire University.

Keith was appointed the University’s first-ever dedicated officer six years ago and from his police post – called The Cop Shop and situated next to the Students’ Union shop – he controls a patch that takes in more than 16,000 students. Some live in halls of residence, while others are in rented accommodation close to the Shelton campus, but all know that they can turn to their very own community police officer for help and advice. In fact the reassuring presence of the law in the centre of learning has turned PC Emery into something of a cyberspace celebrity – he has more than 1,000 friends on his Cop Shop Facebook page! “That’s one of the big differences about this job,” said the campus cop. “Students tend to use technology in order to communicate, so I deal with a lot of people on the patch through email, texts, Blue Tooth and, of course, Facebook. “On Facebook students post lots of updates, messages and reactions about my

University ‘cop shop’facebook has over 1,000 student friends various campaigns and other issues around the university regarding crime prevention and personal safety.” In fact one of Keith’s main tasks is to make students aware that their mobile phones, laptops and other personal items of technology can make them targets for criminals and he regularly mounts high profile campaigns to make students aware of how they can protect their property. “First year students in particular can be a little naïve about these things when they leave home for the first time,” he said. As well as addressing individual concerns, Keith also gives students advice about personal safety. Although Keith is officially based at Burslem Police Station, he is usually to be found Monday to Friday in the university’s Cop Shop or patrolling the sprawling campus. “I work closely with the university and

Students’ Union and although I’m a police officer I have become very much a part of the university community,” said Keith. “Some first year students are uneasy at first about seeing a bobby in uniform about the place, but they soon come to realise I am there for them and that they can trust me. “Over the six years I’ve been here, levels of crime against students has decreased quite dramatically, and I can only think that is largely due to having a permanent police presence on the campus.” The posting gave Keith his first taste of university and he prepared for the job by researching life on the campus. “I’ve learned a lot and even after six years I’m still learning,” said the police officer who keeps the peace in academia.

Keith can be contacted on 01782 294311 or 07818 296050, or email k.emery@staffs.ac.uk He can also be found at the Cop Shop on Leek Road campus (next to Students’ Union Shop and LRV).

Pledge on job training and work trials

City Register Office hosts wedding fayre and colourful open day AN HISTORIC town hall provided the perfect traditional backdrop for the city’s biggest-ever wedding fayre at Hanley Town Hall. Scores of prospective brides, grooms and their families had the chance to look around the Register Officer at Hanley Town Hall as well as to browse displays put together by professional wedding suppliers. And wedding planners were also able to sample facilities at the city council venue, which is a listed building and boasts a traditionally decorated ceremony room which can sit up to 70 guests. Lord Mayor, Councillor Jean Bowers released doves to start the event. Organisers were so pleased with the turnout that they are extremely confident the event will be held again next year. Councillor John Daniels, Cabinet Member for Housing, Environment and Neighbourhood Services, said: “This year we opened an

PC Keith Emery on his university campus beat talks to student Kimberley Pickin. Inset, Keith checks The Cop Shop facebook page.

Three-year-old Alexandra Jacobs pictured at one of the stalls at the wedding fayre.

additional area for exhibitors these included chauffeurs, cake suppliers, card shops, flower designers, photographers and a range of wedding venues. “We do everything we can to make sure the ceremony is special. Couples have the option of making it more personal by adding extra words in the form of vows, poems or readings and choosing their own music.”

Amy Osborne, aged 11, checks out the dresses.

JOBS, training or work experience are now guaranteed for young people in Stoke-on-Trent who are aged 18 -24 who have been receiving jobseekers’ allowance for six months or more. The Young Persons Guarantee (YPG), launched by Jobcentre Plus, offers different routes into work by providing new opportunities and boosting confidence. More than 200 North Staffordshire people, aged 18-24, have already been found employment through options available through YPG. There are currently a variety of posts on offer, including environmental jobs, call centres, child care, social care and retail with organisations such as the city council , Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent, Acacia Training, Elmfield Training, Farm2Grow, Salvation Army, National Skills Academy and Barnardos. Brendon Dowie, External Engagement Manager for Jobcentre Plus in Staffordshire said: “Future Jobs Fund roles last for at least six months and give people valuable work experience, help increase confidence and develop skills. “Employers aren’t all looking for experience – just a desire to work as training will be provided.” ● Young people who have been receiving jobseekers’ allowance for six months or more and need more information should contact their personal advisor at the local Jobcentre Plus office.

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Our City

Commemorating the visit of Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall to Stoke-on-Trent

Kind wishes crown a day of smiles I

T was a cold, snowy day when the warmest of Potteries welcomes told a prince of our city’s pride.

A royal visit to mark the centenary of the historic federation of Six Towns into the county borough of Stoke-on-Trent – later to become our world famous city. It was also an opportunity to show the heir to the throne a city of progress, culture and skills. During their visit, Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall marvelled at the golden treasures of the Staffordshire Hoard and were enthralled by the handywork of potters at Dudson and Emma Bridgewater. The Royal couple fell under the spell of the Bethesda Chapel, which has seen better days, but where potential shines like a burning symbol of our city’s regeneration. They met hundreds of guests at a civic luncheon, each with a tale to tell – every one proud to help Stoke-on-Trent celebrate its conception in 1910. It was a day of happiness and smiles, as The Prince of Wales’ speech to a packed King’s Hall was both moving and funny. “I think I hardly need remind you as proud citizens of Stoke of the significance

of the anniversary we are celebrating today.” he said. “Your predecessors 100 years ago saw that it made good commercial sense to pool common resources and join forces in pursuit of the common good, hence the federation came into being after negotiation which I gather in itself took about 100 years to conclude.” The last comment brought the biggest laugh of the day, from a knowing audience who perhaps saw a reference to a city, going places in 2010, but teased in the past for its resistance to change. “In conclusion,” said The Prince, “I would very much like to thank you most warmly for the kind welcome you have given my wife and myself to Stoke-on-Trent today. I can only offer you my heartfelt congratulations on this special anniversary and wish you well if I may in your centenary year.” And for many that crowned the whole day... a prince’s kind wishes in the King’s Hall.

Prince Charles waves to the crowds as he leaves the King’s Hall.

Top left, a beaming Duchess of Cornwall meets well-wishers outside the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. Left, The Prince chats with guests at the civic lunch-time reception.

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Our City

Chair of the Friends of Bethesda Chapel Fred Hughes briefs Prince Charles on the ongoing restoration work.

The Prince and The Duchess take in the atmosphere of historic Bethesda Chapel.

Delight at restoration work on the Potteries ‘Cathedral’ T

HE enigmatic Bethesda Chapel, undergoing a multi-million pound restoration, cast its spell on the royal couple.

The Prince of Wales, well-known for his views on architecture, enjoyed stories of the historic hardwood beams being shipped from Canada, while the Duchess simply took in the atmosphere of the ‘Cathedral of the Potteries.’ Fred Hughes, local historian and chair of the Friends of Bethesda

Chapel, was in his element acting as guide during their 20 minute visit. Fred said: “They were delighted to hear of the restoration’s progress and picked up on the building’s importance not just for its architecture, but also for its social impact as a major centre of Methodism supported by some of the biggest names in the ceramics industry.” Fred said Prince Charles showed a particular interest in the chapel’s stained glass windows – unusual in a non-conformist place of worship – and in the apse, a curved roof feature

flanked by windows running east to west which capture sunlight all day long. The next phase of works on the chapel will concentrate on the ceiling and a new electrical system. There are plans to eventually re-open the chapel as a conference centre, with space for exhibitions, meetings and other public events. Fred explained: “Already the royal couple’s visit has developed a greater local interest in Bethesda. Hopefully that will generate more interest from potential funders.”

The Prince on walkabout outside the museum.

The Duchess makes her way into Bethesda Chapel.

Prince Charles stops to chat with well-wishers.

Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor, Councillor Jean Bowers, welcomes the royal couple to the city watched by Staffordshire Lord Lieutenant James Hawley.

Left, Lord Mayor, Councillor Jean Bowers, chats with people at Hanley waiting for a glimpse of the royal couple. Right, the Duchess chats with onlookers at Hanley.

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The Prince and Duchess were enthralled by the museum’s ceramics collections.

Modern royals touch

The museum’s Principal Collections Officer Deb Klemperer explains the significance of a gold folded cross to the royal couple. Looking on is Dr Kevin Leahy, National Advisor for the Portable Antiquities Scheme which records archeological finds by the public.

gold of dark age kings

Viewing artefacts from the Staffordshire Hoard.

OT many people get to touch the Staffordshire Hoard of 7th century Anglo-Saxon treasures unearthed from a farmer’s field in the county last year.

But an understandable exception was made for the heir to the throne when The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall became the 13,340th and 13,341st visitors to the popular Staffordshire Hoard exhibition less than two weeks after it had opened at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Hanley. After all, the collection of more than 1,500 artefacts, mostly gold, some silver and many decorated with precious stones, is believed to be war booty stripped from the corpses of royal warriors. So the couple was given special dispensation – and pairs of matching purple gloves – to become the first royals to handle the royal collection for 1,300 years. Items they picked up for close inspection included a crumpled gold cross and a sword pommel featuring twisted gold wirework. The Prince and Duchess entered the museum to the sounds of Trentham Brass Band and the crowds who had waited in the cold from as early as 7am singing For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow. Prince Charles was clearly impressed by his close encounter with the royal treasure from Britain’s Dark Ages. He said later at a lunch and reception at the King’s Hall: “Now one thing has been abundantly clear on our visit already, and that is how rich a

The Trentham Brass Band entertains the royal entourage and crowds outside the museum.

The royal couple emerge from their visit to the museum to the cheers of the waiting crowd.

cultural heritage this whole area possesses. We have marvelled at the Anglo-Saxon Hoard, been greatly impressed by the Bethesda Church and bowled over by the wonderful ceramic collection in the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery which rather reminded me of my very amateur efforts at pottery when I was at school a very long time ago.” The museum’s Principal Collections Officer Deb Klemperer said The Prince showed great interest in the Hoard pieces, which have shed new light on the history of the dark ages.

During the royal visit graffiti artist Nick Roach was working on an art project inspired by the Hoard outside the museum.

The Prince and Duchess share a jest about the purple gloves they wore to handle the Hoard artefacts.

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Artist Rob Pointon’s impressive painting of the current council in full session.

Lord Mayor urges city residents to join year’s celebrations LORD Mayor Councillor Jean Bowers used her speech at a luncheon to honour Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall to urge residents all over Stoke-on-Trent to join in the centenary celebrations. Thanking the Prince for visiting, and addressing a packed King’s Hall, she said the year of events to mark the unique anniversary summed up everything that is great about the city. The Lord Mayor said: “I hope that every resident in our city will get involved with the many and varied events that are being arranged. It would be good to have street parties and to encourage everyone in the city to come together in their community to celebrate the Federation. “This is a perfect time to show that Stoke-on-Trent is great and ask businesses to support the celebrations – and for its people to say they are proud to be Stokies.” The Lord Mayor then invited 10-year-old Bethany White, a pupil at the Crescent Primary School, Meir, to present a special gift to the royal couple to mark their visit. Bethany won a competition to design a plate to celebrate the city's centenary, and part of her prize was to hand over the first one to Prince Charles.

Two paintings are historic link over

100 years of Six Towns unity

The 1910 painting of the newly-amalgamated Six Towns council.

F Prince Charles delivers a speech to more than 200 assembled guests at a reception at the King’s Hall. He is joined on stage by, left to right, Lord Mayor Councillor Jean Bowers, City Council Leader Ross Irving and The Duchess of Cornwall.

Ten-year-old Bethany White presents a pottery plate with a decoration she designed to mark the Centenary of the Six Towns’ Federation.

The Prince accepts a gift from T-shirt designer Matt Tomkinson who specialises in Potteries dialect slogans. The shirt presented had a “Ay Up Duck” motif on it.

OR artist Rob Pointon it was extraordinarily fitting that Prince Charles should unveil his historic painting of the full city council in session.

The Burslem-based 27-year-old considered it a “real honour” to be asked to capture on canvas a scene in the council chamber incorporating all 60 members and chief officers to mark the centenary of the Six Towns’ Federation. And the Royal seal of approval was the icing on the cake for a former student at the prestigious Prince’s Drawing School in London. Rob won a scholarship six years ago to attend the school Artist Rob and received expert tuition to Pointon at develop his skills in work on the observational drawing. painting. “The council chamber painting is entirely in keeping with the artistic philosophy of the school and the tuition I received there was certainly put to use in creating drawings for the painting,” said Rob. “It is a great honour for me to have one of my paintings unveiled by Prince Charles at such a prestigious event. The Prince said he liked the painting and that it was an impressive undertaking.” The striking 24ft long and 6ft high painting, which stretches along the facing wall to the council chamber entrance at the Civic Centre, Stoke, was created by Rob over seven months from him making initial sketches. Each councillor and officer sat for around an hour for their individual portrait to be added to the canvas – a total of 92 people including Mr Trevor Barnett of Hartshill who conscientiously sits in the public gallery at virtually

Watchman V, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier mascot of the 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Staffords), receives a royal pat from The Duchess, who chats with the dog’s handler Colour Sergeant Greg Hedges.

every council meeting. The commission of the work of art to commemorate the Federation Centenary has appropriate historical symmetry in that the very first meeting of the newly-amalgamated council back in 1910 was also committed to posterity with an oil painting that now hangs in Hanley Town Hall. Over the past four years, Rob has produced more than 70 paintings of the sights, scenes, townscapes and characters of the Potteries and has had his own exhibitions at the Burslem School of Art. His growing reputation and distinctive style ensures he is constantly busy and he recently

completed a five-painting commission from Stoke-on-Trent-born comedian and TV personality Nick Hancock. Rob’s critically-acclaimed work is also featured in private collections in the UK and France, including those of the Duchess of Devonshire – and The Prince of Wales. City Council Leader Ross Irving said: “It is historically appropriate that we commemorate the Federation Centenary with a painting of the full council and we are delighted we have such a talented local artist to create it. “It is a stunning painting and shows visitors to the council chamber exactly what the council is like in full session.”

Comedian and TV presenter Nick Hancock, left, and Stoke City Chief Executive Tony Scholes are introduced to The Prince at the King’s Hall reception.

Cancer-drug campaigner Dot Griffiths, left, and her friend Lynn Burton, meet Prince Charles.

The Prince meets Melanie Mills, Head of Fundraising at the Donna Louise Trust.

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Our City

Page 1

Artist Rob Pointon’s impressive painting of the current council in full session.

Two paintings are historic link over

100 years of Six Towns unity

The 1910 painting of the newly-amalgamated Six Towns council.

Ten-year-old Bethany White presents a pottery plate with a decoration she designed to mark the Centenary of the Six Towns’ Federation.

The Prince accepts a gift from T-shirt designer Matt Tomkinson who specialises in Potteries dialect slogans. The shirt presented had a “Ay Up Duck” motif on it.

OR artist Rob Pointon it was extraordinarily fitting that Prince Charles should unveil his historic painting of the full city council in session.

Comedian and TV presenter Nick Hancock, left, and Stoke City Chief Executive Tony Scholes are introduced to The Prince at the King’s Hall reception.

Cancer-drug campaigner Dot Griffiths, left, and her friend Lynn Burton, meet Prince Charles.

The Prince meets Melanie Mills, Head of Fundraising at the Donna Louise Trust.

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Our City

The day The Queen dropped in at Betty’s flat for a nice cuppa SNOW lay on the ground in Stoke-on-Trent on 7 December 1995, but the welcome The Queen received at the Bradeley retirement village was as warm as a glowing kiln. As well as seeing facilities at the ground-breaking sheltered community, Her Majesty had a date to keep with an acquaintance who brought wartime memories flooding back. Resident Betty Platt served The Queen a cup of coffee in her best Doulton china, while the Monarch chatted with Betty’s brother John Chapman. The last time the two had met was when John was injured during the Second World War, and the driver of his military ambulance was none other than the then Princess Elizabeth, serving in the Auxiliary Territorial Services. “I remember serving The Queen with a cup of coffee, and my brother and sister Nancy were chatting away with her. She shared her memories of serving in the war,” said Betty. “After she had finished her

Betty Platt treasures the memory of a cuppa with The Queen.

cuppa she had a peep in the kitchen, and laughed that it was a lot straighter than hers!” John and Nancy have both since passed away, but Betty, 80 this year, said she will treasure the memory of the day The Queen popped in for a cuppa... and the Queen’s cup and saucer still take pride of place in the flat.

The Queen enjoying a cuppa at Betty’s flat in 1995 – Betty, left, and her brother John and sister Nancy chat with Her Majesty.

Her Majesty and Duke of Edinburgh really took to people of the Potteries BETTY Platt wasn’t the only proud Potter looking after The Queen in December I995. The late Ted Smith, who was Leader of the city council at the time, told me many years ago how he felt “a million dollars” escorting Her Majesty round the city. “She really took to the people of the Potteries,” he said. “And pretty soon I was laughing along with The Queen and Prince Phillip. “I suggested to The Duke of Edinburgh that if ever he and The Queen did retire, then a little place at Bradeley Village would suit them just fine. It

The Prince and Duchess are shown round the factory by Emma Bridgewater. Below left, the decorative arch created for the visit, and below right, The Duchess meets Sponge Fettler Christine Ruddock.

really tickled him, and he went straight to The Queen to tell her what I’d said. She smiled too. It was a lovely moment.” The last time The Queen visited Stoke-on-Trent, on 28 October 1999, it was the then Lord Mayor Reg Booth’s turn to be on cloud nine. Reg told me: “We were walking through the city centre and I explained to her that, as a ward councillor, this was my patch. Prince Phillip came over and asked The Queen where exactly they were, and she replied, quick as a flash ‘We’re on Reg’s patch.’”

Caster John Buckley explains his work.

Proudly looking on as these young ladies prepare to give flowers to The Duchess.

WIN a set of union jack mugs THREE lucky readers can each win a set of four stylish Emma Bridgewater Union Jack mugs in our easy to enter competition. Just find the answer to the question below in this eight page Royal Souvenir: What is the name of Emma Bridgewater’s most famous pattern? Send your entries with your name, address and telephone number to Freepost Our City or email to ourcity@stoke.gov.uk The closing date for entries is Friday 23 April.

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Centenary highlights

Festival of Sport Sharing a joke with Emma Bridgewater Director Matthew Rice.

All smiles with lithographer Irene Amos.

Crowds give royals

Federation Day A celebration dinner on 31 March will be attended by people who have made a contribution to our great city. During the event the Citizen of the Century will be named.

polka dot welcome F

RIENDS and families of Emma Bridgewater workers turned out en masse to welcome the royal couple to the historic factory.

Flags decorated with the company’s most popular pattern, Polka Dot, were waved as crowds cheered in the courtyard when The Prince and The Duchess arrived. And it was all smiles as they were treated to a showcase of local skills on a tour of the processes behind the popular pottery. They even decorated their own plates, sponging Prince of Wales feathers and a regal crown, helped by local youngsters. Co-directors Emma Bridgewater and her husband Matthew Rice made a special day of the royal occasion, inviting employees and their family to a tea party – complete with pots holding a gallon of tea – and giving every worker an exclusive commemorative mug. Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall were each presented with a mug, handpainted by Matthew, showing their two homes Birk Hall and Highgrove House. And among many highlights was The Prince’s delighted reaction to a decorative archway over one of the factory passageways, created by Matthew’s theatre set designer father Peter, and bedecked with a welcome for the visitors.

Co-director Matthew Rice said: “We were truly honoured to have been chosen to be part of this very special day for Stoke-on-Trent. “Emma came to Stoke 25 years ago when she wanted to produce a range of earthenware and this is still the best place in the world to do it. Their Royal Highnesses were able to see this as our talented workforce shared their passion for the pottery industry from the uncut clay to the finished decorated ware. “They saw that the pottery industry is very much alive and the centuries-old traditions that shone the world’s spotlight on this city continue to thrive.”

Local people will be able to commemorate the contribution sportsmen and women have made to the city. Events will include a football tournament, community sports competitions and activities to help people get fitter and healthier.

Run for fun A picture of concentration as The Prince tries his hand at sponge decorating.

2010k is a 10k run for people of all abilities. It starts and finishes in Stoke on 30 May. Entertainment will be set up on the Kingsway car park. There is also a 2k race so hundreds of people of all ages and ambitions can take part. For details on the run and how to enter please go to www.stoke.gov.uk/2010

Multi-faith day Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu will join faith and civic leaders at a celebration on 23 July. He will also be guest speaker at an event with a theme of “hope for the future.”

Polka Dot flags welcome the royal visitors.

On your bikes The city will host the start and finish of the West Midlands stage of the Tour of Britain on 12 September and the Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride on 26 September. On 17 June, a stage of the Tour Series will take place in the city centre. These events will all be televised.

Grand finale Flat ware maker Bill Malkin shows The Duchess how to make a bowl. SO THAT’S HOW YOU DO IT... Prince Charles enjoys his decorating lesson.

Stunning fireworks and Christmas decorations will light up the city centre as a finale to the centenary celebrations in November.

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Our City

The Duchess meets Glaze Sprayers Steph Hackney and Sue Shaw.

Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall were shown traditional glaze-dipping skills by Hand-dipper Paul Gilson. Looking on is Dudson Group Chairman Ian Dudson.

‘People-friendly’royal couple

make a day to remember T

HE traditional skills of the pottery industry and state-of-the-art 21st Century technology were both on show in abundance when Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall toured Dudson’s Tunstall factory – the final visit on their Stoke-on-Trent Federation Centenary itinerary.

And there was particular interest for the environmentally-conscious Prince who was given a preview of the company’s “greenest” product yet – the new Evolution tableware which has been developed with the prime aim of dramatically reducing the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process. The innovative ware – which was launched a few days later at the Hotelympia trade fair in London – was welcomed by The Prince of Wales who spoke favourably about its eco-friendly qualities. However, it was the people-friendly qualities of the royal couple which stole the show and delighted the many workers who had the opportunity to meet them. The royal couple were shown the full gamut of the pottery manufacturing process from the clay-making department through to the latest firing and glazing technology used by Dudson who are a world-leader in supplying ceramic tableware to the hospitality industry. And The Prince and The Duchess took up an invitation to try their hands at decorating a plate from Dudson’s Artisan range – with a little expert tuition from onlooking craftspeople. Ian Dudson, Chairman of the Dudson Group, said: “We were very honoured to have The Prince and The Duchess tour our Tunstall factory during what was an important day for the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The royal couple were absolutely superb and made it a special and memorable day for everyone involved.”

The Prince in the cup making department.

The Prince decorates a plate under with a little tuition from Gilder Rachel Boulton. Looking on is Dudson Chief Executive Max Dudson.

A memorable moment for Dudson Caster Sponger Lesley Smith as she shakes hands with Prince Charles.

The new eco-friendly Dudson ware – Evolution.

The Duchess also decorates a plate watched by Washbander Jean Grocott and Dudson Group Chairman Ian Dudson. The royal couple in the clay-making department.

The Princess and The Duchess meet Dudson workers outside the main factory entrance.

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MARCH 2010

Youth politics to get

permanent home Y

OUTH politics in Stoke-on-Trent is getting a permanent new home. The city-wide Youth Council is moving into a refurbished room at The Zone in the Longton’s Bennett Precinct.

Down Your Way News from Western Neighbourhood ETRURIA PARK: Work is underway on a new £48,000 play facility in Etruria Park. Funded by the national Playbuilders scheme, it will include a “wildplay” playground, and should be finished by the end of March. It is one of 22 playground schemes being carried out across Stoke-on-Trent after the city council won funding totalling £1.1 million from the Government.

The move comes now the latest biennial elections to the Youth Council have been staged. Youngsters aged 11 to 19 have been fighting it out for one of the 20 seats on the council. Members play a key role in influencing the services for young people in the city and even sit on interview panels when the council appoints senior executives. They also get to venture further afield and represent their city in the UK Youth Parliament. Louise Cooke, the city council’s Youth Development Worker for Active Involvement, supports and mentors the elected representatives. She wants more young people to get involved.

CITY CENTRE: Police and a city council representative braved the worst winter weather in 30 years to carry out a feedback exercise. Inspector Shaun Kerrigan from Hanley Police and the council’s Western Area Neighbourhood Manager Jan Simpson talked to people over five days. A variety of issues were raised.

Democratic voice “I would encourage young people to first get involved with their neighbourhood forums or school councils,” she said. “They should have a democratic voice City and take responsibility for the Wide Youth city. It’s their city. They have a Council members right to voice their opinions. “It’s not just a talking shop. Dean Proudman young people are helping us and Shannon shape children’s services,” she Taggart. said. Dean Proudman and Shannon Taggart have served as Youth Councillors for the past two years and both have been to the House His highlights have been of Commons to take part in UK taking part in a debate in the Youth Parliament debates. House of Commons and he is Dean is 17 and currently passionate about free transport studying Performing Arts and for students, abolishing Musical Theatre at Stoke on Trent university tuition fees and car College’s Burslem campus. He is sharing. He is also particularly planning to study musical theatre proud of his role helping at university and was first organise grants for community encouraged onto his school groups. council and was then elected to At the moment, he is the City Wide Youth Council. campaigning for more facilities He said: “When I first came to a and activities for young people in meeting I just sat there and smiled. the city. “They just hang around I had no idea what was going on. I on the streets because there’s do now though. I can put my views nothing to do – they need across without being scared. I’m something to do,” he said. more confident,” he said. Shannon Taggart has just

HANLEY AND NORTHWOOD: Alcohol

turned 16 and is studying at Edensor Technical College. She had only just become a teenager when she was elected as a Youth Councillor. Her manifesto then talked of the need to break the divisions between generations and races. “I wasn’t a regular 13-year-old. I’ve always been a bit more switched on and mature,” she said. “I’d been on the school council and looked at the City Wide Youth Council as a good

Restriction Zone status has now been launched in Northwood and Upper Huntbach Street. It gives police officers the authority to arrest drinkers if they refuse to hand over alcohol. Residents backed the move after complaints about antisocial behaviour. opportunity to stand out from the crowd,” she said. She too has been to the House of Commons but also took part in a seven-day trip to Gambia where a group of young people worked to improve five schools. Her message to other youngsters in the city is simple. “Everyone needs to get involved, more involved in politics – I wish people could be more motivated,” she said.

Young people’s training courses are fully subscribed in their first year

Liz Lynch, Youth Development Worker for Young People’s Training.

Our City

A TRAINING programme for young people in Stoke-on-Trent is being hailed a success in its first year. Courses offered through the Young People’s Training Calendar have been fully subscribed and work is already underway on next years programme. The city council’s Youth Play and Outdoor Education Services offer three types of training, including accredited courses for young people who want careers working with children and young people. Courses range from the Sports Leader Award to an Introduction to Youth Work

and Music Production to Performing Arts. The courses are free and mostly available to anyone aged 14 to 19. “It’s been really good this year – our courses give young people the skills and knowledge to help them gain employment,” said Liz Lynch, Youth Development Worker for Young People’s Training. A new training room, complete with 12 laptops, is being specifically developed for the courses at the Queensberry City Wide and Training Centre in Normacot.

FESTIVAL PARK: A new cycle track linking Festival Park, through the Grange Park and up to Stonor Street in Burslem, has been launched. It is a key route in Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s CycleStoke initiative, which received a £441,000 boost to allow the work to go ahead.

NORTHWOOD: Offenders have carried out an unpaid clean up in the area. The Mayfield Crescent garage site and land opposite the Botany Bay allotments have both been tidied up. It is part of the Staffordshire Probation Service Community Payback scheme.

CENTRAL FOREST PARK: World Health Day has been celebrated at Central Forest Park. Hundreds of people turned out to enjoy a day of fun and celebrations designed to encourage fitness and better health.

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Our City M A R C H 2 0 1 0

Creating a healthier and safer city

Everyone has a part to play By Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Cohesion and Communications

Fun leisure activities are being staged in Stoke-on-Trent to encourage young people to use their time constructively... SEE PAGE 24 FOR MORE INFORMATION

COUNCILLOR TERRY FOLLOWS THE Safer City Partnership brings together all the agencies who work to make Stoke-on-Trent a safer place to live and work. Our wider partnership is with the people of our city. Everyone can help make a difference. We work with communities through our popular RESPECT days and weeks, helping people to clean up, giving support and advice to make homes, streets and neighbourhoods safer. We also work with previous offenders who want to get back on the straight and narrow, and we help people who have misused drugs and alcohol and want to stop their habit. We will not shy away from encouraging action, and the partnership works with communities to secure Antisocial Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) which stop the kind of behaviour which can make residents’ lives a misery. In short, we look at priorities for reducing crime, antisocial behaviour and substance misuse, and set action in motion to improve quality of life in Stoke-on-Trent. Everyone benefits, and that is why we want everyone to play their part. Please join us in making Stoke-on-Trent safer for us all.

Home Office highlights example

of best ASBO work

ONCERTED efforts to combat antisocial behaviour in the city have won national acclaim and have been hailed as a good example of how to tackle the problem.

One case in particular – an 11-year-old boy who plagued two estates with threatening and aggressive behaviour – was highlighted by the Home Office as best practice in guidance for a multi-agency partnership approach to the problem.

The Safer City Partnership has six officers dedicated to tackling antisocial behaviour to help residents whose lives are made a misery by yobs and bullies in their neighbourhoods. The team, working alongside Staffordshire Police, has been successful in securing more than a dozen Antisocial Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) issued for shouting and swearing, aggressive behaviour, putting people in fear, starting fires, criminal damage, trespass and intimidation.

Sharing information The Safer City Partnership worked with Staffordshire Police, the housing team, witnesses, Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s legal team, Children and Young People’s Services,Youth Offending Team, Education Welfare Officers and the Family Intervention Project. As a result the boy was served with an ASBO with eight conditions, which included banning him from approaching

witnesses, swearing as a form of abuse or intimidation, throwing various objects or associating with various named individuals. The boy was given support to improve his behaviour. The case demonstrated the massive improvement in partnership working and information sharing between agencies – collaboration commended by the judge who imposed the ASBO on the boy. In addition this close partnership working with Staffordshire Police led to Staffordshire’s first Premises Closure Order involving the house at 87 Smithyfield Road, Norton, which had been the centre of antisocial behaviour, including noise nuisance, drug misuse and drunken behaviour. Working closely with the local

Partners work hard to build safer communities PARTNERS committed to building a safer Stoke-on-Trent are working hard to reduce crime, antisocial behaviour and substance misuse. Communities across the city have joined the efforts of the Safer City Partnership to target crime and antisocial behaviour priorities which are set and reviewed each year. The partnership was formed in October 2007 when teams working on crime and disorder and drug and alcohol misuse joined together. Every area in the country has to have a similar partnership – a multi-agency team dedicated to building safer communities. Stoke-on-Trent City

Council is joined by Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, NHS Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire Probation Service, members of the public, service users, city councillors and representatives of the voluntary sector to form the Safer City Partnership. Priorities for the partnership to tackle this year are serious violence, serious burglaries and robberies, antisocial behaviour, drug and alcohol misuse and reoffending. Delivery plans are drawn up and targets set which are regularly reviewed. In the first year alone crime was reduced by 22.2 per cent.

Since then each year new targets have been set to keep up the momentum in making Stoke-on-Trent a safer place to live and work. Thousands of residents have been involved in RESPECT week events throughout the city aimed at bringing communities together to make them safer and cleaner. Safer City Partnership manager Paula Hammond said: “We assess needs in the city and set our priorities accordingly.That means we can listen to concerns of the public, service users and our partners and target the areas where they want to see action.”

community, the team took action that resulted in the District Judge at Fenton Magistrates’ Court issuing the Closure Order. The tenant had to vacate the property that was shut down and boarded up for three months. Inspector Ian Hancock, Crime and Disorder Lead, said: “At first we found residents affected by antisocial behaviour were reluctant to work with us in preparing evidence for an ASBO because of fear of retribution. “However people do contact us when they are assured that we can present hearsay or anonymous evidence, although we do prefer them to come forward as witnesses in securing ASBOs, Injunctions and Closure Orders. “We understand it can be difficult to speak out but we will give witnesses all the support we can. The multi-agency partnership approach to antisocial behaviour in Stoke-on-Trent is encouraging more people affected by this nuisance to speak out. “There is a growing awareness in the community that something can be done and that antisocial behaviour which can blight so many lives does not have to be tolerated.” Need help? Call the free antisocial behaviour helpline on 0800 561 5610 or Staffordshire Police nonemergency line on 0300 123 44 55. In an emergency call 999.

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MARCH 2010

Our City

A four page special Our City report

Revamped service targets issues behind drug use DRUG services in Stoke-on-Trent have been redesigned by the Safer City Partnership to improve help and support provided to service users. Specialist provider CRI took over the community drug service which focuses on helping recovery and places emphasis on social aspects of care rather than just the provision of substitute medication. The new community drug service includes needle exchange, harm reduction advice and support, outreach services, one-to-one support, complementary therapies, intensive

support for those in the criminal justice system, psychosocial interventions, structured day care programmes, prescribing, relapse prevention and family/carer support. Hepatitis A and B immunisation and Hepatitis C testing and treatment is being routinely offered to all drug users and their partners at risk of contracting infections. The community drug service is based at Hope Street in Hanley, Canalside at Festival Park and at Sandon Road, Meir. A new service will be in place in the north of the city later this year.

In addition CRI has bought a van to deliver outreach services like needle exchange and advice and information at key locations across the city. Vicki Yates, Adult Drug Treatment Programme Lead, said:“The new services we have put in place are designed to tackle the problems and issues which lead people into drug use. “This social approach is just as important as traditional treatment such as substitute medication programmes in helping people to overcome their dependence.”

Reformed addict joins service to

help other drug users ORMER heroin and

crack addict Penny Russell has been in an out of prison more times than she can remember.

She has been behind bars a dozen times over 23 years as she got locked in a vicious cycle of

Message sent to young people A DRUG and alcohol prevention strategy co-ordinated by the Safer City Partnership is bearing fruit. From April 1 2009 until the end of the year a total of 1,074 young people received drug and alcohol awareness sessions. During the same period, 62 young people received a range of targeted drug and alcohol education and support for their own misuse or for drug/ alcohol misusing siblings or parents. Meanwhile as of 31 December, a total of 76 per cent of schools achieved National Healthy Schools status – with drug and alcohol education being an element. Between April 2009 and December, 61 young people attended the specialist young people’s drug and alcohol service and achieved identified goals after receiving the service. Diane Morgan, Young People's Programme Lead, said, “We support drug and alcohol education to all children and young people. We help young people and their families who are vulnerable or have complex drug and alcohol issues.” ● For more information contact T3 on 01782 221090 or the Young People's Drug Project on 01782 234195.

drug misuse, theft and jail. Her habit, at its height, was costing her up to £500 a day. She is now drug-free and, for the first time at the age of 41, has a future thanks to her own determination and the support she gets from the Community Drugs Service (CRI) based on Festival Park in Etruria. “I hate what it made me become. It’s evil,” said Penny as she spoke about a life on drugs that started with cannabis and amphetamines at the age of 18. Her mum Jean had died at just 38 from heart problems, her dad was heartbroken and Penny had fallen pregnant and moved out HERE of the family home. TO HELP... Then she met a drug former addict user who drew her into Penny Russell, right, and a world of cannabis Community Drugs Service and amphetamines. team leader Maxine Her first prison sentence came a few Frodsham offer support years later as she then and advice to drug users resorted to cheque who want to build a fraud to make ends new start meet. By the age of support, in life. about 23 she had met a treatment and heroin user and began smoking rehabilitation the drug. Within a year she was programmes for people with drug injecting. “I felt like I had no and alcohol problems in problems. It took over my body. Stoke-on-Trent for the last year. But I’d gone from wanting it to CRI runs a variety of needing it. I was an addict in a programmes tackling issues like vicious circle. Trapped. It was drug abuse, homelessness and prison, out, back on heroin, back antisocial behaviour. It employs inside. It was like that for 10 around 60 people in the Potteries years,” she said. Three stints in and currently has 1,200 service rehab had failed but by this time users in structured treatment. she met Billy, the man who would A key feature is training, become her husband. education, voluntary work and “He’s my rock. He’s never employment to help people make touched drugs. He’s helped me positive changes in their lives. through and stood by me when I Penny has also been to college was in prison. He saw the good in and completed NVQ Level 1 and me,” said Penny. She last came 2 courses in drug awareness and out of prison drug-free 18 months counselling and is now enrolled ago and has not looked back on a computer course. She wants since. She knew she needed help to work for the service that has though and called in on CRI, who given her help and support. have been the providers of “If it hadn’t been for CRI I

wouldn’t have gone to college. I’m proud I’ve achieved something. I know I’m 41 but I’ve finally got there. I hated my life. Now I love my life. I’ve got a nice house. I love my husband. I can see a future,” she said. Maxine Frodsham, a team leader at CRI on Canalside, says they are proud of Penny too. “Since CRI took over, waiting times have been substantially reduced while the quality of treatment has improved. There is now an overall focus on promoting long term, sustainable recovery,” she said. For help or more information you can visit the CRI Community Drug Service at 76-82 Hope Street, Hanley or phone the Helpline on 01782 219777. You can also visit www.cri.org.uk

Helping with lives blighted by alcohol PROFESSIONAL help for people in Stoke-on-Trent with alcohol problems has been significantly increased and is more easily available throughout the city. Many lives blighted by drinking have been turned around successfully by the work of the Local Community Alcohol Service (Adsis) centre in Broad Street, Hanley – but the size of the facility has previously limited the number of people it can help. Now the service is reaching out to many more in a city that has the fifth highest number of women dying as a result of alcohol misuse out of 354 local authorities, and is 24th in the table for the number of men in this category. The problem is being tackled by dedicated teams of alcohol project workers based in each of the city’s Neighbourhood Areas in order to reach out to everyone – from those in the “increasing risk” category to people who are dependent on alcohol. The new services are being delivered in convenient local community venues such as GP surgeries and local centres. There is structured counselling and support to look at getting help for related issues such as housing, employment and advice about benefit entitlement. “As well as reducing the use of alcohol, we also need to address the problems that may have led to alcohol misuse in the first place,” explained Suzie Kelly, Alcohol Programme Lead. She added:“By taking our services into the local neighbourhoods we are increasing the options for people who might benefit from the help we can offer and it means there is quicker access.” In addition, the local alcohol services are reaching out to even more people in the city through the launch of a new increased detoxification service, which offers treatment within the home. Most of the people accessing alcohol services refer themselves after accepting that their level of drinking is putting them at risk, though some are put in touch by their GP. ● If you would like more information, or if you are concerned about a family member, please call Adsis on 01782 271096.

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Our City M A R C H 2 0 1 0

Creating a healthier and safer city

Stepping up action to stop repeat offenders

Public warned on phone grabs

ACTION by the Safer City Partnership is helping persistent offenders to turn away from their life of crime. The police and probation service work together with other agencies, including health, education and employment professionals, in giving serial offenders the chance to turn over a new leaf. Latest figures in Stoke-on-Trent show the re-offending rate among the most prolific offenders has been reduced by 45 per cent – more than twice the target set for

the city. Research shows 50 per cent of all crime is committed by 10 per cent of the offending population – so targeting this group can achieve a significant reduction in offending. The city’s most prolific offenders are identified and when they come before the courts an application is made to place offenders on a programme to help them change their ways as a sentencing option. In the case of an offender given a custodial sentence, the court can stipulate that they must take part

when they are released. In these cases supervision is intrusive and can use drug treatment orders to enforce the offender to comply with their licence. If this is breached the offender can be recalled back to prison. Offenders are given a range of support designed to halt their spiral of crime. For instance, they are offered mentoring, rehabilitation, drug treatment, counselling and complementary therapies as well as help in finding suitable accommodation and regular employment.

MOBILE phone crime is being tackled in a new initiative being launched in Stoke-on-Trent. The Safer City Partnership is using the message “Don’t advertise your stuff to thieves” in support of the Government’s “Let’s Keep Crime Down” campaign. It comes as key findings show victims of mobile phone robbery tend to be younger than victims of other types of robbery with 48 per cent of victims aged under 18. In 23 per cent of cases, victims were using their mobile or had it on display when they were targeted. Mousemats and pens carrying the message are being distributed to selected schools to help raise awareness and help prevent further phone theft. The Home Office has also launched a property website where people can register their mobile phone free of charge. The site provides secure registration of property and serial numbers. To register your phone or other property visit www.immobilise.com

Adverts put on hospital screens ADVERTS on big screens in North Staffordshire’s main Accident and Emergency department are giving out crime prevention and community safety messages. The information, which can be changed to tie in with seasonal campaigns, is flashed up regularly on the screens in waiting rooms at the Hartshill complex. Information and Performance Officer Anne Farrington said: “Thousands of people pass through the A&E department every week, and many of them have a wait before they can be treated. “We thought promoting safety messages on the screens was a good idea.”

Sergeant Zoe Kelsall, Prolific and Priority Offenders Co-ordinator for Stoke-on-Trent, said: “The strategy has achieved worthwhile results since it was introduced around seven years ago. However, this is not a soft option – offenders know they face a swift return to the courts and a custodial sentence if they re-offend or do not comply with the conditions of their licence. They are confronted with the consequences of their crimes such as burglary and vehicle crime – and the emotional damage it can cause their victims.”

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS... youth workers Stacey Greener and Eden Maddocks talk to Stacey Barley 11, Courtney Fritzl, 12, and Hamida Ahmed, 15, about fun opportunities for young people in Stoke-onTrent.

Building up relationships to

prevent youth crime

HE number of reports of antisocial behaviour to the police in Stoke-on-Trent is coming down partly due to a Youth Crime Action Plan (YCAP) led by the Safer City Partnership.

The plan includes a series of initiatives being carried out across the city. These include: ● Around 25 after-school patrols take place every night of the week. ● Youth offending workers providing support

to young people in police custody units. ● Special projects targeting off-licences suspected of selling alcohol to young people. ● Confiscating alcohol from underage drinkers. ● A programme to support parents or offenders aged 8 to 13, or those at risk of future offending. ● Increasing the number of activities for young people across the city. Lauren Eastlake,YCAP Programme Lead, said: “We are pleased to be delivering the

Youth Crime Action Plan in the city. “It has brought additional resources to help us put more activities and support in place for young people and their families. “Also, we have been able to increase the police presence to protect communities and reduce the fear of crime and antisocial behaviour.”

Young people who are the victims of crime can get help from Victim Support on 0845 521 2300 and by visiting www.victimsupport.org.uk

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MARCH 2010

Our City

Support and help for all

Street Games scheme sport success story STOKE StreetGames, the scheme designed to encourage young people away from antisocial behaviour and into sport, continues to achieve results. With around 54 sessions offered each week and up to 80 in the school holidays, the city council-run project is now the largest of its kind in the country. Seventeen of the city’s 20 wards are covered. A number of new initiatives are being launched this year with more activities on offer including indoor rowing, table tennis, badminton and dance. Matthew Brook, aged 17, from Norton, said: “I’ve been coming to StreetGames for a couple of months and I think it’s brilliant. I’ve made some new friends and it’s something fun to do in the evening.” Over the last two years top athletes such as former Commonwealth 800 metre champion Diane Modahl and former Olympic Decathlon champion Daley Thompson have visited the city to lend their support to the games. After seeing the scheme first hand Daley said the StreetGames – which are part funded by the Safer City Partnership – were “inspirational”.

Our City reports back on convictions secured to make Stoke-on-Trent safer for us all...

Flashback to when 800 metre runner Diane Modahl visited the city to launch the inaugural StreetGames at Northwood Stadium.

ROBBERS JAILED: Corrie Reynolds, 21, has been jailed for almost four years after being convicted of robbing a man in Hanley Park. His co-accused David Higgins, 18, of Harding Road, Hanley, pleaded guilty to robbery and was sentenced to 18 months in a young offenders’ institution. Reynolds and Higgins, who had been living in the YMCA at Shelton, forced their victim to strip before stealing his bank card and other possessions. He told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court they threatened to beat him and set him on fire. Judge Paul Glenn told Reynolds: “This robbery was very mean and a frightening experience for the victim.”

CALMER TIMES:

Court expands support for

victims of violence SUPPORT for domestic violence victims attending a specialist court in North Staffordshire is being expanded.

Help is available to support the victims of domestic violence.

For the first time in the area, a man has been appointed to the role of Independent Domestic Violence Advisor. Neil Poole is the second IDVA appointed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council. He and his colleague Julie Thompson are specially trained and work closely with a dedicated team of domestic violence prosecutors to support victims through the legal process. Cases are dealt with at a specialist domestic violence court first established at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court in 2006. Agencies work together to identify, track and risk assess cases, support victims and share information so more offenders can be brought to justice. The role of the IDVA is pivotal in the system and they provide emotional and practical support to victims before, during and after the court process. They work alongside domestic violence lawyers, explain legal and housing matters to clients and help them build up their own support networks so they feel safe. Victims do have the choice of whether they want a man or woman to help them.

“It’s been a positive decision to have a man on board in the IDVA role. We wanted to have a balance and show victims that not all men are bad,” said Julie. “A lot of victims who have experienced domestic violence don’t want to go to court and are worried about facing their ex-partners. “Having someone there to help them every step of the way gives them the strength to see the case through. We’re working with victims to empower them so they have a positive experience and are able to face the perpetrator,” she added. The number of successful prosecutions in North Staffordshire has risen since the specialist court got accreditation, from 54 per cent in 2007-08 to 65.9 per cent in 2008-09. Feedback from victims has been positive with one saying she was able to face her ex partner with the support of her IDVA and another saying she felt safe and could put her trust in her advisor. Need help? Call the local domestic violence helpline on 01782 205500, the domestic violence support team on 01782 683754 or the national domestic violence helpline on 0808 200 0247. In an emergency call 999.

Alcoholic Stephen Armstrong has been given an antisocial behaviour order after plaguing neighbours with foul language and abuse. Residents in Sandon Street, Etruria suffered his drunk, disorderly and abusive behaviour, and lived in fear of arguments he would have with his partner. The ASBO bans him from behaving in a way that is likely to cause harm and distress to people in Sandon Street. Witnesses have now reported that things have quietened down in the street after the court order.

SWIFT JUSTICE: It took less than three weeks to convict and jail burglar Gareth Walker for a raid on the home of an elderly couple in Rectory Road, Shelton. Walker, 29, of Elm Court Road, Abbey Hulton, sold stolen items to a pawnbroker, who spotted a police leaflet about the theft and contacted detectives. Items stolen included pottery and jewellery with sentimental value to the elderly couple. Walker, who has convictions for 43 previous offences, including burglaries, was sent to prison for three-and-a-half-years. Police praised the pawnbroker’s community spirit and were delighted to return stolen items to the victims. SKATEPARK ATTACK: Teenagers who stamped on the head of a 22-yearold skateboarder were jailed for a total of seven years and four months. Danny Cooke and Nathan Harrison, both aged 19, attacked Daniel Tuttle in Central Forest Park. The beating, described by a witness as “savage”, took place after Tuttle was confronted by Cooke and Harrison, who had been drinking. Judge Granville Styler, sentencing Cooke to four years and Harrison to three years and four months, said: “This case shows why the public is concerned about binge drinking.”

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Check to help prevent illness NHS Stoke on Trent is inviting people aged 40 and 74 to have a free health check in a campaign called It Might Be You! The health checks by GPs focus mainly on preventing heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease, and look at weight and height, lifestyle choices such as smoking, as well as measuring cholesterol levels and blood pressure. The aim of the campaign is to identify these conditions early before they become a serious problem. Anyone wanting to have a check should wait for the invitation from their GP to attend their local practice. ● To find out more please go to www.nhs.uk/nhshealthcheck

Committee vacancies THERE will be vacancies in July for three independent people to serve on Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Standards Committee, which helps to uphold standards of behaviour by councillors, looks into alleged breaches of their code of conduct and recommends how breaches should be dealt with. The committee comprises five councillors and five independent people-three of whom are due to retire. ● For further information contact Democratic Services Officer John Mills, telephone 01782 232842 or email: john.mills@stoke.gov.uk

Healthy eating tips on menu FREE healthy eating sessions have been on the menu in Meir offering people practical handson advice about preparing and cooking nutritional meals. Find out more about future sessions from Yasar Riaz on 01782 298057. PUBLIC NOTICE STOKE-ON-TRENT CITY COUNCIL NOTICE OF A DECISION OF THE STANDARDS COMMITTEE (REF. 04/09) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Standards Committee of Stoke-on-Trent City Council (through its Hearings Sub-Committee) has considered allegations against Councillor Mick Salih that he acted in breach of the Members’ Code of Conduct by disclosing confidential information relating to the City Council’s procurement of a Strategic Partner. The Hearings Sub-Committee considered a Deputy Monitoring Officer’s report of her investigation into the allegations. The SubCommittee accepted the report’s conclusion that the information disclosed by Councillor Salih was not confidential information and, if it were, Councillor Salih could not have reasonably been expected to know, or to be aware, that the information was confidential. There had therefore been no failure by Councillor Salih to comply with the Members’ Code of Conduct. Paul Hackney Head of Legal Services/Monitoring Officer Date: 19 March 2010

Manager William Colley at the newlyrefurbished Tunstall Library which has improved IT facilities.

Double boost for

city libraries A

MAJOR refurbishment project at a historic library is the first phase of a double reading boost for people in the north of the city.

The £20,000 re-fit has brought a modern, relaxed feel to the interior of Tunstall Library, as well as providing improved IT facilities, a teenage area and a dedicated community meeting room. The Tunstall Library refurbishment is the first major improvement work to be carried out on the building – based on The Boulevard – since 1985, and is designed to enhance the building’s internal appearance while enabling user access to improved IT facilities. The project has also remained sympathetic to the Grade II listed building, with the

Victorian facade remaining unchanged. Senior Library Manager Janet Garner said: “The changes take into account the fact that people tend to stay longer in libraries these days. Two or three decades ago they may have popped in for a few minutes to browse through or borrow some books. “Now they stay to use computers and benefit from the free internet access, or to read newspapers or take part in courses and other projects. There is a real community feel. “So far we have received some fantastic comments about the work that has been carried out. The changes have gone down really well with the people who use the library.” Meanwhile Burslem Library is set to move from its temporary home in the School of Art to more spacious surroundings in the town’s

The Victorian facade of the Grade ll listed building which houses Tunstall Library Ceramica building after city councillors gave approval for the switch. The library is expected to have moved to its new home in the glass-fronted annex building by the Spring. Burslem Regeneration Manager Julian Read said: “City councillors have approved the move to Ceramica and we are extremely confident it will have gone through by the end of April at the latest. “Library users can look forward to a first class facility which will become a centre point for the town.”

Public urged to take part in decision making MEMBERS of the public are again being urged to play a major role in helping the city council improve services for everyone by taking the time to raise issues they feel strongly about as part of an ongoing campaign. Take Part is a national programme, run at the local level, which aims to give people the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to have more of a say about what happens in their areas, and to help shape the decisions that affect their daily lives. One of the ways people can take part in decision making is through the council's scrutiny committees. The local authority has seven of them

and they cover all aspects of public services in the city – from education, health, crime and jobs. They exist for councillors to ask questions on people’s behalf about how public services in the city are performing and contribute their views on how to improve on some of the bigger challenges that the city is facing. Councillor Mark Davis, Chair of the Management Committee, said: “The Scrutiny Committees need public input on many levels. People can get in touch in many different ways. “Over the last year we have looked in depth at a number of

topics including ways to make the city cleaner, investigated the health effect of mobile phones and how we can improve local service centres. “We also have a planned topic of reducing serious violent crime later in the year. “All of the work we do is on the public's behalf and we welcome their involvement in it.” There are a number of ways to take part: ■ Follow what’s happening in scrutiny committees and reviews via website stoke.gov.uk/takepart ■ Send in a question that councillors can ask on your

behalf at a committee meeting. ■ Suggest topics that councillors may want to look at (not just city council services). ■ Give views on a specific topic either via survey or writing in. An annual report on the work scrutiny councillors carry out on residents’ behalf is available through website below. For more information email scrutiny@stoke. gov.uk or visit the website stoke.gov.uk More information on the Take Part programme can be found at www.takepart .info/index.php

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MARCH 2010

Minister praises school that

transforms lives S

CHOOLS Minister Vernon Coaker has written a personal letter of praise after visiting staff and pupils at an award-winning Stoke-on-Trent school.

Down Your Way News from Eastern Neighbourhood areas are benefiting from clean ups through the Community Payback scheme where offenders are made to do unpaid work to pay for their crimes. On-going work is being carried out at the Moorside Fishery in Abbey Hulton for the Disabled Anglers’ Association. Ditches, which were causing flooding, have been cleared and groundwork carried out. Work has also been carried out in Trent Mill Nature Park and at Hulton Abbey.

MILTON: Work has started on creating a community garden on council owned land between the Millrace pub and Hardman Street. The garden will be named after Susie Cooper, one of the area’s most famous local pottery designers, who used to work in the family shop nearby at the turn of the last century. The project is a joint venture involving the city council and the Milton Village Residents’ Association.

Fantastic investment

Lorna Matley, Headteacher of the Reach Pupil Referral Unit, talks to Schools Minister Vernon Coaker during his visit to the award-winning alternative provision school.

the knowledge that the Government agrees with our proposals.” Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Councillor Ian Mitchell, said: “This is excellent and significant news. With six out of seven planning applications now given outline approval, the overall plan is taking real, tangible shape.” The second key element is the signing of an agreement by the city council’s two selected

design and build contractors, Balfour Beatty and Thomas Vale/Wates. This confirms both sides’ financial commitment to the project and means detailed work on the first two school projects, Haywood Engineering and Trent Vale, can go ahead. That agreement has been welcomed by Tim Byles, the Chief Executive of Partnerships for Schools, the organisation responsible for delivering the national BSF programme.

Helping young people shape their futures A £450,000 Inspiring Communities project has been launched in Stoke-on-Trent. The idea is to broaden the horizons and unlock the talents of Key Stage 3 pupils aged 11 to 14 and their families. So Government money is being pumped into a variety of positive activities at Florence, Dresden and Normacot. Project Manager Rebecca Leyland said: “It’s about showing young people that we care about them and their futures and helping them make their way in the real world. We want them to see that there is a world outside Stoke-on-Trent.” Groundwork, a charity dedicated to re-generation of deprived areas, is

ABBEY HULTON: Several

The REACH Pupil Referral Unit in Bucknall teaches children who have been or are threatened with exclusion from mainstream schools. Ofsted inspectors rate it as “outstanding.” Mr Coaker has written to head teacher Lorna Matley and Jayne Lowe, the city council’s strategic manager for participation in children’s and young people’s services, saying: “Visiting an outstanding school like yours and meeting the students and staff is what I most enjoy about this job. It highlights the brilliant work going on around the country to ensure young people achieve. “The work I saw taking place at REACH, both in an out of lessons, was really inspirational. I certainly left with the impression that REACH truly values teaching and learning and is a place where pupils feel safe and who are encouraged to realise their potential and achieve.” He also asked for particular thanks to be passed on to two students he spent time with, saying about them: “They spoke with real pride about what they had achieved since starting at REACH and are a real asset to your school.” His comments came during a visit to see progress being made under the city’s Building Schools for the Future programme and as two key milestones were reached which confirm the finances of the programme. He said: “I can confirm that £250 million is to be spent. It’s a fantastic investment. There are challenges to be overcome but we should celebrate this investment. The BSF is a massive injection of money. “How we move the money forward is the basis of my visit, how we get consensus to move the plan forward.” The Outline Business Case for all schools involved has been approved meaning that Government funding is now confirmed in principle. Welcoming the news, Stoke-on-Trent City Council Leader Councillor Ross Irving said: “What it effectively means is that the Partnerships for Schools, who control the purse strings, have agreed the overall programme for our BSF programme. It means we can move the programme forward safe in

Our City

delivering the specially-tailored initiative along with the cluster of schools and partners in the south west of the city, including Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, third sector organisations and the city council. Hundreds of students have already been to the project launch at Stoke City’s Britannia Stadium to find out more. A number of activities are already planned including a three-day summer camp in Nottingham with outdoor pursuits like canoeing and climbing on offer. The Reading Champion scheme will encourage better literacy and a Family Firefighters project has been designed to help young people and their parents or

carers build better relationships. Students themselves are being encouraged to come up with their own projects as part of the Big Ideas activity. Two part-time Community Learning Champions are being taken on to help mums, dads and carers improve their own skills so they can better support children with homework and educational choices. A Community Panel of representatives – including all three local Residents’ Associations, the local mosque and Key Stage 3 students – is working with Groundwork and their partners to ensure decisions are being made with and for the community.

BUCKNALL PARK: A large recycling container in the shape of a giant Coca Cola can has been ordered for use at the City Farm. Once full of used pop cans, the contents will be recycled and weighed. Any money raised will be re-invested on educational facilities at the City Farm and could include interpretation boards and stationery for use in the temporary classroom. BENTILEE AND BERRYHILL: Three play areas are getting re-vamps thanks to Government funding from the Playbuilder scheme. Play areas in Abbey Road, Abbey Hulton, Beverley Drive in Bentilee and Joiners Square have all been earmarked for work during 2010/11.

EASTERN NEIGHBOURHOOD: The holiday sports programme is being run again this year thanks to funding from the Stoke-on-Trent Safer City Partnership. It will include programmes at Easter, May half term and the whole of the seven-week summer break. Coaches, with the support of the police and neighbourhood partners, will deliver sessions.

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Chance to say fond farewell to old fire station F

Down Your Way News from Northern Neighbourhood NORTON GREEN: Derelict land could soon become allotments thanks to the hard work of the Norton Green Community Gardens Association. The 40 strong group has already negotiated the lease of some undeveloped land from the Trentside Residential Care Home and is awaiting planning permission to turn it into plots, so people can grow their own plants and vegetables.

Firefighter Martin Woolfson drops down the traditional “fireman’s pole” at Hanley Fire Station wearing a uniform from the late 80s and early 90s.

BURSLEM: Around 300 addresses were visited during a Respect week aimed at making the area cleaner and safer for people to live and work. Various agencies and organisations joined forces with residents to visit vulnerable and elderly people, remove graffiti, give advice on skip and rubbish removal and deliver 1,500 leaflets on dog fouling.

PACKMOOR: New litter bins have been installed along the Scotia Valley Greenway after a request from the Packmoor Residents’ Association. The Greenway is well used by walkers and has a cycle route running through it. The Northern Area Implementation Team, which organised the bins, hope it helps people keep the area clean and tidy. TUNSTALL: Problems on an estate are being tackled thanks to a multi-agency approach. The Greenfields Residents’ Association, partner agencies and the city council formed a “Task and Finish Group” which lead to new bins, trip rails, gates and a notice board being installed. FEGG HAYES: Three more neighbourhood watch schemes could be set up in the area. Consultation is underway to gauge opinion. It comes after a successful scheme was set up last year to help tackle antisocial behaviour in part of the village.

BURSLEM NORTH: A £10,000 grant from the city council has helped Moorpark Junior School refurbish their community room. It comes as the school launches an internal website which will allow the parents of Year 3 children to view their children’s work.

IREFIGHTERS will be waving goodbye to Hanley Fire Station this month. It really is the end of an era as the station, built in 1970, is closed and demolished to make way for a brand new £6.09 million community fire station.

To mark the occasion, “Hanley Fire Station Farewell Day” is being staged on Saturday 27 March from noon to 4pm. The free event, open to the public and firefighters alike, will take people on a trip down memory lane with displays of old uniforms and fire service memorabilia from the past 40 years. Demonstrations will include rope rescues, chip pan fires and firefighters showing how they cut people free from car crashes. “This will truly be a momentous occasion. It will give the public a final opportunity to see what is behind those big red doors before they close for

the last time and the new community fire station opens,” said Area Commander for Stoke-on-Trent, Wayne Bowcock. Fire Authority Member, Councillor Denver Tolley, added: “It will be sad to see the old station go – it has become somewhat of a landmark in the city centre. However, it is being replaced with a brand new, iconic, state-of-the-art building that welcomes the community through its doors.” The new station, due to go operational in July 2011, will be home to four fire engines and will be crewed 24 hours a day. It will also come complete with community facilities including a meeting room and a gym. Firefighters will continue to operate from the site while it is being built and will be based in temporary accommodation.

An artist’s impression showing how the new community fire station will look.

Don’t get ‘bitten’ by unscrupulous loan sharks A NEW campaign has been launched to help protect people from loan sharks. Every year, thousands fall victim to illegal money lenders – often leading to their financial situation spiralling further out of control and even to intimidation and violence. Now the team set up in Stoke-on-Trent to ensure loan sharks are brought to justice is dispelling the myths surrounding their unscrupulous activities through a series of stark warnings. An eye-catching poster featuring a shark in a suit and tie and the slogan “Don’t get in with a loan shark… it will cost you an arm and a leg” is appearing on billboards throughout the city. And the Illegal Money Lending Team – part of the Trading Standards service –

have also highlighted a number of myths about loan sharks that many people believe are true. These myths include: ● Unlicensed money lending is not illegal ● Illegal money lending is a victimless crime ● Loan sharks provide a reasonably priced service The subject has even been highlighted as part of a hard-hitting storyline featured in one of the country’s favourite TV soap operas. Millions of Coronation Street fans watched as Joe McIntyre fell into the clutches of a violent loan shark and as a last resort tried to fake his own death – a stunt which went tragically wrong. Unfortunately, the real life cases of people who are “bitten” by loan sharks can be as shocking as any soap opera plot and with the average cost

Corrie character Joe McIntyre is harassed by a loan shark – a TV soap storyline that is unfortunately real-life for many people.

of borrowing from one, three times the price of the highest legal credit, people find themselves spiralling further into money troubles.

■ For confidential help and advice contact the Illegal Money Lending Team on 0300 555 2222 or email stoploansharks@birmingham.gov.uk

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FREE cycling map delivered with

Our City

Cycling is great exercise for people of all ages – pictured on the improved cycle paths at Ford Green Nature Reserve are, left to right, John Beardmore, aged 74, of Bradeley Village retirement complex, 10-year-old Megan Lawler and her mum Kerry Lawler who is a Project Worker for the Ageing Well programme.

MARCH 2010

Our City

Down Your Way News from South Eastern Neighbourhood MEIR: Antisocial behaviour crackdowns continue with action taken against offending city council tenants. A wide range of legal action has been taken over the last year to repossess properties, serve injunctions and evict tenants. The police and the city council also successfully obtained a closure order for a suspected crack house in Cornelius Street. WESTON COYNEY: Work has

Cycling project steps

up another gear A

£5 million project to deliver first class cycling facilities for the people of Stoke-on-Trent is stepping up another gear.

There are now more than 80 miles (128 kilometres) of cycle routes in Stoke-on-Trent – including cycle lanes, quiet off-road routes and river rides with new facilities coming on line all the time. Now the CycleStoke team, who are responsible for the exciting project, have even bigger plans for 2010 with the aim to introduce even more routes, more rides and more cycle training. They are also investigating cycle hire opportunities and a bike recycling centre in the city. The growing network, which takes in tourist attractions, canal towpaths and greenways is featured in a comprehensive new map which is being given away free to every household with this issue of Our City.

The 2010 Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme Map and Guide has been compiled as part of the £5 million Cycling City Project. It features a comprehensive easy to follow map as well as a lot of useful information on cycling safety tips, the location of cycle parking and details of local cycle groups, clubs and shops. More maps are being planned which will show rides and circular routes to help people explore the area.

Commitment and progress Councillor Derek Capey, Portfolio Holder for Sports and Leisure, said: “The map illustrates and demonstrates our commitment and progress on cycling. “We want all cyclists to enjoy the opportunities and pleasures that cycling around the city and North Staffordshire as a whole can bring.”

The new map also details 1.8 miles (2.9km) of new routes that were built during 2009. Half way into the three-year project, cycling city has a whole raft of achievements. These include training 2,000 children to Bikeability standards; appointing seven dedicated cycling staff; organising Bike to School and Bike and Hike challenges for more than 3,000 children; and arranging a Bike to Work Challenge with 16 large companies. A further 350 cycle parking spaces have also been installed in schools, town centres and at tourist attractions. Meanwhile, the CycleStoke project will build another three kilometres of cycle routes during 2010 and will run around 30 free cycling confidence camps during the year. For more information about cycling schemes and cycling routes call 238692 or log onto cyclestoke.co.uk

Fight back against fraudsters PEOPLE in Stoke-on-Trent have been been helping to fight back against the fraudsters who are behind mass marketed scam mailing. Trading Standards Officers raised awareness of a nationwide campaign in the city aimed at combating the problem, which has targeted nearly half the UK’s population. Every year, 3.2 million adults – one in 15 people – across the country fall victim to a scam involving deceptive unsolicited mailings, phone calls or emails, which are designed to con people out of their cash. As a result, UK consumers lose approximately £3.5 billion to scams every year. The campaign called Scamnesty 2010

called on people in Stoke-on-Trent to help reduce the problem by collecting up any scam mailings they receive. They were then asked to drop them into designated bins located at Hanley Town Hall, The Civic Centre at Stoke and the City Centre Library at Hanley so officers could collate intelligence on the cons. Heather Clayton, Senior Director of the Office of Fair Trading – the organisation co-ordinating the campaign – said: “Scamnesty 2010 aimed to clamp down on the marked increase in scale and range of mass marketed scam mailing in the UK. “Everyday people are at risk from unscrupulous fraudsters who want to con

been carried out between The Moat and Weston Road to make the walk to school safer for children. Hedges along one side of the road have been removed, the path widened and lighting installed. The second footpath from The Moat, which leads to Caverswall Road, will get the same treatment this year.

MEIR PARK AND SANDON: A junior play area costing £100,000 is being built at Crestfield Road. Half the money has come from the Playbuilder fund with the rest matched by ward councillors from Meir Park and Sandon. Designers have focused on natural play and a variety of activities are being built including a nest swing and a space net.

MEIR SOUTH: A Respect week has been staged in Meir South. Consultations were staged on a police bus while free dog chipping was also offered. The police road crime team were also in action using Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras to check road tax and insurance status.

LONGTON SOUTH AND BLURTON: Contractors have been clearing and resurfacing 2.5 kilometres of pathways at Cockster Brook. The Friends of Cockster Brook group sourced project funding from councillors in Longton South and Blurton. them. By dropping scam mailing into the local Scamnesty bins, people have helped provide crucial intelligence to support us in stopping scams bringing misery to millions of people every year.” ● If you think you have been the victim of a scam call Consumer Direct for advice on 08454 040506 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/scamnesty

LONGTON: Ward councillors from Longton North have funded a town centre clean up costing £3,000. An environmentally friendly pressurised steam cleaner has been used to rid the pavements of bubble-gum.

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Police

CONTACT NUMBERS

IT’S easy to get in touch with a local beat bobby or Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) via their digital airwave radios. All officers have individual collar numbers which are four or five digits long. For officers with four digit numbers dial 0300 123 2345 then enter ‘0’ followed by the four digit collar number of the officer you need to speak to. No ‘0’ is needed for officers with five digit collar numbers. If the officer is on duty, their radio rings like a mobile phone and you will be connected. If they are off duty or dealing with victims, witnesses or offenders, your call goes through to the officer’s individual voicemail box. Remember, in an emergency, dial 999.

Bucknall Neighbourhood

Burslem Neighbourhood

NPU commander Bucknall Police Post, Ruxley Road, Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9BG.

NPU commander Burslem Police Station, Jackson Street, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1AF.

Tel. 0300 123 4455

Inspector 3283 Steve Jones

email: bucknall.npu@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk Sgt 3615 Paul Clarke

Sgt 4438 John Buchan

Sgt 3415 David Lowe

PCSO 16295 Steven Cowan

PCSO 16933 Emma Casey

PCSO 6612 Andrew Meakin

PCSO 16226 Rachel Knight PC 5183 Natalie Lugg

Abbey Hulton PC 4727 Dave Tams

Bentilee PC 4632 Andy Mander

Berry Hill & Eaton Park PC 4953 Angela Broadhurst

PCSO 8983 Rob Guthrie

Bucknall & Townsend PC 0975 Nathan Ames

PCSO 17023 Nia Nokes PCSO 8893 Lucy Stevenson

PCSO 16232 Andrew Alcock

Milton & Baddeley Green PC 0865 Claire Bowker

PC 4020 Neil Whitmore

PCSO 16932 Jessica Edge

PCSO 16934 Tracy Robinson

PCSO 16231 Carl Radford

PCSO 8980 Charlotte Barker

PCSO 17020 Fraser Glen

Smallthorne PC 3911 Kieron Edridge

Sneyd Green PC 0886 Sarah Griffiths

Neighbourhood Action Team PC 0735 Jo Powell

PC 0998 Peter Underwood

PC 5078 Scott Turner

City Centre Neighbourhood NPU commander Hanley Police Station, Bethesda Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 3DR.

Tel: 0300 123 4455

Inspector 3509 Shaun Kerrigan

email: city.npu@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk Sgt 4777 Jonathon Ward

Sgt 4151 Brevic Jones

Sgt 4425 Phillip White

PC 5445 Gregory Hill PC 5410 Steven Smith PCSO 8516 Andrea Bolam

PC 4149 Jason Howell PC 0564 Lisa Trevor PCSO 16936 Matt Harrison

Inspector NPU commander Longton Police Station, 4465

Inspector 5110

Martin Brereton

Elliott SharrardWilliams

email: burslem.npu@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk Sgt 4602 Paul Clarke

Sgt 3840 John Hazeldine

Sgt 4019 Pete Slinn

Birches Head East & West PC 0848 Ruth Barlow

PCSO 8979 Michelle Chadwick

PC 0896 Tracy Adams

PC 4210 Les Bertolone

Forest Park PC 0805 Kate Beardmore PCSO 8831 Katie Sullivan

PC 0806 Amanda White PCSO 8987 Liz Old

PC 4938 Jamie Burton

PC 4912 Mick Jones PCSO 9045 Sue Wall

PCSO 16225 Adrian Hemmings

PC 5094 Adam Rushton PCSO 16937 Stephen Lomas

PCSO 16856 Keith Mellor PCSO 16854 Sarah Cartlidge

PC 0760 Lisa Joynson PC 5222 Matthew Hope PCSO 8892 Andrew Spooner

PC 5246 Dave Beardmore

PCSO 8985 Lucy Slater

PC 4090 Russ Elliott PCSO 16635 Emma Richards

PCSO 6500 Mark Simon

PC 4603 Neil Day PCSO 16240 Leanne Sharratt

PC 4483 Keith Emery

PCSO 16230 Vicky Smith

(Uni Officer)

PCSO 16299 Katie Brickley PC 5056 Andy Percy PC 0935 Graham Phillips

PC 5274 James Ibbs PCSO 6433 George Bould

PC 5169 Toni Sunderland PCSO 6603 Gemma Price

PC 3862 Tony Godwin

PC 4160 Paul Massey PC 5238 Scott Robson

PC 4838 Gareth Whitfield

Etruria & Festival Park PC 5208 Andrew Sherratt PC 4452 Roger Poole PCSO 8830 Christopher Stone

PC 4871 Lucas Hackney PC 4133 Craig Russell PCSO 16935 Daniel Boote

PC 0605 Nicola Humphries PCSO 16227 Daniel Nettleton

PC 0726 Claire Harrison PC 4634 Lee Robinson PCSO 8457 Simon Holmes

PC 4644 Robert Kelsall PC 4528 Darren Belford PCSO 16293 Melanie Bartholomew

PC 4511 Richard Longmore PC 0400 Diane Hoyle

NPU commander Tunstall Police Station, Scotia Road, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 6BG.

Tel. 0300 123 4455

Inspector 3573 Mark Hardern

email: tunstall.npu@staffordshire. pnn.police.uk Sgt 4594 Marcus Ferns

Sgt 0852 Deb Losh

PCSO 6513 Sarah Bowen

Norton & Ball Green PC 4383 Andy Baddeley

PC 877 Claire Crank

Sgt 4991 Steven Meigh

PC 5107 Simon Stone PCSO 6607 Phil McGlynn

PC 0873 Kate Rushton PCSO 16885 Charlotte Abbotts

Fenpark PC 0905 Rob Mountford

PCSO 8827 Scott Holland

Fenton, Heron Cross & Mount Pleasant PC 4475 Ivor Owens PCSO 16229 Wendy Rogers

PC 4129 Scott Bradbury PCSO 6443 Rachel Mountford

PC 4959 Kerrie Mayer PCSO 16938 Scott Woodward

Hartshill, Basford, Cliffe Vale & Hospital PC 4685 Steve Wilson PC 5133 Scott Gidman

PCSO 16852 Yvonne Klebukowski PCSO 16939 Katy Thorneycroft

Town Centre & Boothen PC 4433 Andy Birchenall PC 5050 Roy Barber

PC 4990 James McMillan

PCSO 8825 Karen Billings

PC 4964 Andrea Oakes

PCSO 16634 Charlotte Bryan

PC 0540 Nerine Forrest

PCSO 6609 Penny Carr

Trentham & Hanford

Burslem Park Estate, Smallthorne & Bradeley PC 3822 Rob Thomas

PC 5086 Craig Carpenter

Sandyford & Goldenhill PC 4733 Glyn Talbot

Tunstall Town Centre

PCSO 6616 Sally Wright

PCSO 17022 Tracy Hodgson

PC 4822 Sean Woodward PCSO 16234 Stephen Sherratt

PCSO 16941 Jon Steventon

Packmoor & Brindley Ford PC 0944 Jaime Isaacs

Sgt 0583 Jo Blandford

Blurton, Newstead & Hollybush

Stanfield & Mill Hill

Chell Heath PC 4904 John Swinnerton

Sgt 3851 Dave Fenton

Sgt 4401 Tony Drinkwater

Fegg Hayes & Great Chell PC 4969 Samantha Bray

Christopher Harrington

email: stoke.npu@staffordshire.pnn. police.uk .

PC 4034 Malcolm Ford

Tunstall Neighbourhood PC 0821 Claire Brooker PC 4576 Steve Stuttard

Tel. 0300 123 4455

Inspector 3734

Trent Vale & Oakhill

Neighbourhood Action Team PC 0971 Paul Nixon PC 4021 Andy Edwards

NPU commander Stoke Police Station, Boothen Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 4AH.

Penkhull

Normacot, Dresden, Florence & Lightwood

City Centre PC 0817 Kerry Grant PC 0837 Sharon Ribbans PCSO 8955 Christopher Hill

PC 3287 Frank Flannigan

Sgt 4089 Andy Duffin

Sgt 3890 Ian Jones

Meir South & Meir Park

Neighbourhood Action Team PC 5106 Gareth Cheetham PC 5137 Adrian Firth

Sgt 4336 Craig Burton

Meir North & Weston Coyney

PC 772 Samantha Edwards PCSO 6628 Tich Nyamayaro

Shelton South PC 4139 Dave Marshall PC 5588 Lynne Callaghan

email: longton.npu@staffordshire. pnn.police.uk

PCSO 8957 Justine Marsh PCSO 17016 Matthew Boyles

Shelton North & Etruria PC 4389 Guy Wain

Tel. 0300 123 4455

Town Centre, Saxonfields & Meir Hay

Northwood PC 3829 Ian Martin

Sutherland Road, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 1HH.

PCSO 8984 Becky Simon

Burslem & Sneyd Green West

Middleport & Longport

Joiner’s Square PC 0970 Paul Sajdak

Tel. 0300 123 4455

Longton Neighbourhood

Stoke Neighbourhood

PC 5055 Daniel Marsh

PC 5158 Amanda Whitfield PCSO 8986 Andy Wootton

PCSO 8953 Michael Frost

PCSO 16235 Sarah Wood PCSO 16233 Hannah Mayer

PCSO 8841 Andy Pryce

PC 4835 Adam Edwards

PCSO 8954 Richard Farrar

Neighbourhood Action Team PCSO 16940 Blaine Williams PCSO 16853 Simon Jones

PC 3755 Paul Harris PC 4761 Andy Holland

PC 3930 Steve Farmer

Special constables – All NPUs are supported by a team of special constables.

PC 4233 Dave O’ Donnell

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r u o Y

MARCH 2010

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 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 (Non-aligned) (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

BRIAN WARD (City Independents) (01782) 312670 07879 115704 brian.ward@stoke.gov.uk

The third seat in the Blurton ward is currently vacant and will be filled after the elections in May

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 mohammed.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 07850 939611 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 (Stoke-on-Trent Independent Group) (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

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 (Libertarian Party) 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 (Stoke-on-Trent Independent Group) 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 p32

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Our City M A R C H 2 0 1 0

Free activities programme aims high for children with disabilities

Olympic envoys ‘‘’’

Seeing the Olympic Village taking shape was a wonderful experience. SOPHIE POWELL

Teenage sporting stars chosen as city’s ‘Get Set’ ambassadors

CCOMPLISHED sporting teenagers Sophie Powell and Tom Guy are flying the Olympic flag for Stoke-on-Trent after being chosen as London 2012 Get Set Ambassadors for the city. The young envoys will be touring the city’s schools to raise the profile of the Get Set London 2012 educational programme which involves children and young people in the excitement of the Games through a wide range of activities. The talented pair will be talking to other pupils in schools across the city in order to promote the Olympic and Paralympic values of respect, excellence, friendship, determination, inspiration courage and equality. Sophie, aged 15, who attends St Peter’s High School in Penkhull, is a promising rowing cox and member of Trentham Rowing Club, who could well be competing in the London Games as she is being trialled for a place in the Great Britain team to cox a quad rowing crew. Tom, also 15 and a pupil at Haywood High School and Engineering College in Burslem, is a record breaking 800m and cross-country middle distance runner currently ranked the second under 17-year-old in the country. Last year he won gold at the English Schools’

Championships, and is on track to compete in the World Youth Games. The pair have already visited the Olympic Park in East London with other ambassadors from across Staffordshire, and they will be visiting feeder primary schools to deliver an inspirational message on sport and the Olympic and Paralympic values. Sophie said: “I was absolutely euphoric about the chance to visit the Olympic Park, and seeing the Olympic Village taking shape was a wonderful experience.”

Shining examples Tom said: “I’m delighted to be chosen as an ambassador and to have been honoured for doing the sport that I love. My main aim will be to get more young people involved in sport.” Councillor Derek Capey, Cabinet Member for Sport and Leisure, said: “Sophie and Tom are shining examples of the wealth of sporting talent there is among young people in the city, and I’m sure they will do a first class job in spreading the Olympic and Paralympic message to schools in Stoke-on-Trent.” Visit the Get Set website at www.london2012.com/getset which features lots of exciting interactive games, fact sheets, film and other learning resources.

‘‘’’

My main aim will be to get more young people involved in sport.

TOM GUY

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

A SERIES of free activities – including canoeing and angling – is being organised for children with disabilities in Stoke-on-Trent. The Aiming High for Disabled Children programme, which was launched in February, has been developed as a partnership between Stoke-on-Trent City Council and NHS Stoke on Trent and will run until March 2011. The aim of the activities is to give children enjoyable experiences away from their carer as well as giving carers a break from their responsibilities. Children can take part in a range of activities such as angling, canoeing, film club, dance workshops and much more. The programme can also provide one-to-one carers, overnight stays and access to organisations which provide additional help and support to carers of disabled children. It also aims to increase awareness of the needs of children and young people with disabilities and their families. Sarah Chattaway, Joint Commissioning Manager for the city council’s Children and Young People’s Services, said: “These activities provide excellent opportunities for children with disabilities to enjoy new experiences, interact with their peers and discover their independence. Parents and carers are also given valuable ‘me’ time to relax whilst knowing their child is well cared for.” Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Councillor Ian Mitchell, said:“These short breaks are an excellent opportunity for the children and young people to experience a really diverse range of sports and activities. “It also means the parents and carers can take a break from caring safe in the knowledge their children are being well looked after.” ● For more information about the meet and greet day or about the Aiming High for Disabled Children programme, please call Zoe Booth on 01782 233046.