Our City Issue 18

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Stoke-on-Trent

ISSUE 18: NOVEMBER 2010

Our City a City Markets Christmas hamper worth £250 SEE PAGE 14

Clampdown on under-age drinking POLICE PATROLS PURGE STREETS OF ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR SEE PAGE SEVEN

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Our City N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 0

City’s budget challenges bigger than we expected

By City Council Leader Councillor MOHAMMED PERVEZ IN June the Government announced that public sector should expect cuts of 25 per cent to their funding.

After the official Government’s announcement of the results of the comprehensive spending review we now know the full extent of the savings we as a city council will have to make in the coming years.

We have been asked to make 7.1 per cent each year for four years.

But this could be even more when the details are revealed over the coming weeks.

For some months now we have been preparing for this, so we can manage the government imposed cuts while protecting, as far as possible, front line services and reflecting the views of the citizens of Stoke-on-Trent.

But because the cuts are deeper than we anticipated there is now no question the cuts will be more painful for the people of our city.

We are currently engaged in taking a systematic look at almost everything the city council does to come up with better ways of working and provide better value for money.

We want to reduce waste in the city council and save money where we can without affecting services.

The comprehensive spending review announcement will have an impact on public sector jobs and welfare benefits.

Our city has a high dependency on both of these due to lack of sufficient private sector jobs and high unemployment levels. We need good quality jobs in the city.

That is why we have been working closely with county council and the business sector to set up a Local Enterprise Partnership to help with the economic growth within the city.

The shadow Local Enterprise Partnership Board is taking shape and we are confident of putting in a bid to the Government’s Regional Growth Fund within the specified timescales.

As we put the savings proposals out for consultation over the next few weeks, we want to listen to your views about the proposals and how you think we should be making the savings whilst protecting key services. There are difficult times ahead and the need to work together closely is paramount.

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.

Action speaks louder than words on promises STOKE-ON-TRENT City Council’s Cabinet has drawn up a pledge list of projects and initiatives which it intends to make happen before the end of next March.

To show that it is delivering on those promises, progress will be reported to the people in this and future issues of Our City.

Pledge g DELIVERED Look out for the “pledge delivered” logo, pictured above, on stories – which indicates a

pledge has become a reality or is well on the way to being made to happen.

Council Leader Mohammed Pervez said: “We believe in openness and transparency and we want to show the people of the city that we are delivering on our promises and that we are as good as our word.

“They can judge us by what we do and achieve. Action speaks louder than words.

“We are having to make difficult decisions to achieve the necessary spending cuts but there are many good things happening which are improving the quality of life for people in the city.”

Many key services can be

accessed online

R

ESIDENTS can save time by accessing dozens of important services through the council’s website.

The 24-7 online system means the public can avoid phoning the city council’s busy call centre and access services whenever they want.

Councillor Tom Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Communication and Community Engagement, said: “We want to give the public as many opportunities as possible to access services in different ways, either face-to-face at offices across the city, on the telephone or on the internet.

“More and more people are taking advantage of the

services available through the city council’s website and we will be working to make more available in the future.

“Anyone who does not have their own computer can always pop along to their local library, or some of the city council’s local centres, which offer free internet access.” e-Communications Manager Sue Craig said: “It’s quicker to use the website and it allows the public to access services when our offices are closed too.

“Our A-Z of services provides useful information to help our customers find out about services that we provide.

“For example you can find information about opening times of your local library or when the next CycleStoke cycle ride will take place.”

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

Cobridge resident Bernard Wragg, centre, used his laptop to report fly-tipping in Spa Street – and environmental crime officers Gareth Abbotts and David Mountford responded to the call.

The most-used online city council services are: ■ Planning: stoke.gov.uk/planning

■ Schools admission and term dates: stoke.gov.uk/schools

■ Pay your council tax and other bills online: stoke.gov.uk/payments

■ Search for events and interesting things to do : stoke.gov.uk/events

■ Report a housing repair: stoke.gov.uk/housingrepair

■ Information on safe driving in severe weather: stoke.gov.uk/gritting

■ Bid for a council house online: stoke.gov.uk/findahome ■ Report environmental crime like fly tipping, abandoned cars: stoke.gov.uk/reportenvirocrime

■ Find out what day your bins are emptied: stoke.gov.uk/bins ■ Use online library services: stoke.gov.uk/libraries

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

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NOVEMBER 2010

Clean streets

Education

Our City

3

Children

Survey reveals

people’s priorities And councillors have already listened to concerns about spending by proposing cuts in the number of senior managers.

The Let’s Talk consultation reached out to thousands of residents through Our City magazine, via face-to-face interviews, by post and via the city council’s website. More than 1,400 people responded during a six week period in July and August.

Other important results showed regeneration is important to people who live in the city, along with affordable housing, effective community services and health and well-being.

The public also said it was important to encourage more jobs and businesses in the city and continue to reduce antisocial behaviour.

The survey’s results will be used to help councillors make decisions on future budget plans.

They also show which services the public would like to see protected when councillors have to make spending cuts following the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review.

Making progress Breakdowns of the survey results are shown opposite.

Councillor Tom Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Communications and Community Engagement, said: “The public have been very clear about their support for our children, their education and care for our vulnerable people.

“The survey also asked residents where they thought the city council wastes money.

“The overwhelming answer was on management and consultants with concerns over administration.

We have already started to make progress on some of the changes people would like to see, including our proposal to reduce the number of top managers at the city council by 14 posts.

“The Cabinet will now carefully examine the detail in the results and use them to make critical and tough decisions about how we spend money in the coming year.” ● The full results of the Let’s Talk survey are on the city council’s website at stoke.gov.uk/letstalk

Where do you think the council wastes money?

1%

% 1% 1%1

1% 5%

2% 2% 2% 2%

29%

3% 3% 4% 4%

13%

5% 7% 8%

8%

■ Management / Directors / Consultants / Agencies / Procurement / Tendering 29% ■ Administration / Bureaucracy / Back Office – corporate costs 13% ■ Co-ordination / Duplication / Overstaffing / Constant Restructuring 8% ■ Councillors / Mayor – too many costs 8% ■ Art / Sculpture 7% ■ PR & Communications / Advertising / Hospitality and Events 5% ■ Benefits / Uncollected Revenue and Fines 4% ■ All Departments – general comments 4% ■ Energy / Buildings – under utilised / restoration not demolition 3% ■ Don’t know / None – the council does not waste money 3% ■ Climate Change / Carbon Reduction / Recycling – too many coloured bins 2% ■ Roads Maintenance / Planning Layout 2% ■ Regeneration – uncompleted projects, delays 2% ■ Floral Displays / Parks and Gardens – roundabouts and council estates 2% ■ Adult Social Care / Children’s Services / Health Services – non-statutory functions 1% ■ Transport / Blue Badges / Permits / Bus Passes / Parking – attendants 1% ■ Providing services better done by Voluntary / Private Sector 1% ■ Leisure/Libraries – under utilised 1% ■ Street Lighting / Civic Lights 1% ■ Other 5%

What city council services are most important to you and your family?

■ CYPS / Education / Schools ■ Adult Social Care / Care of the Elderly ■ Refuse Collection / Street Cleanliness / Waste Management ■ Regeneration / Economic Development / Housing / Affordable Housing ■ Health & Wellbeing ■ Neighbourhood / Community Services / HENS ■ Leisure / Parks / Recreation – including swimming pools ■ Police / Fire / ASB / Crime & Safety CCTV ■ Highways / Transport – including road maintenance and bus passes ■ Housing – affordability and maintenance ■ Attracting Investment / Jobs / Businesses ■ Libraries ■ All services the council provide are important ■ Heritage / Culture / Museums ■ Daycare (Elderly and Children) – lunch clubs, play groups ■ Markets ■ Council Tax / Benefits Services ■ Other

18% 16% 13% 6% 6% 5% 5% 4% 4% 3% 3% 2% 2% 2% 1% 1% 1% 8%

1%

1%

1% 8%

2% 2% 2%

18%

3% 3% 4%

16%

4% 5% 5%

13% 6%

6%

Figures on these charts have been rounded to the nearest whole number for statistical purposes.

E

DUCATION, children, social care and clean streets are the Stoke-on-Trent public’s priorities, according to a major city council consultation exercise.

Social Care

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Our City N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 0

Urgent care centre set up to take pressure off A&E A

N Urgent Care Centre (UCC) has opened at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire as part of a strategy to cut waiting time for patients and to ensure they are seen in the most appropriate setting for their condition.

The UCC is staffed during peak times by GPs and nurse practitioners able to treat patients quickly when they arrive at A&E with non-life threatening injuries or minor illnesses.

The centre – a series of consulting rooms and assessment

Make it

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cubicles adjacent to the A&E reception area – is expected to treat more than 60,000 people a year, freeing up A&E to focus solely on cases classed as “majors” which include traumatic injuries and life-threatening or complex illnesses.

As well as patients who make their own way to A&E, the UCC is able to treat a sizeable proportion of those brought in by ambulance.

It is estimated that around 30 out of 110 ambulance patients per day do not need a trolley and many of these will be able to go straight to UCC instead of waiting to be seen

by A&E staff.

UCC staff also have the resources to put patients in touch with other services such as social care and community health professionals.

In addition, patients with minor injuries below the elbow or knee can opt to go straight to the See and Treat unit without even needing to see a Triage nurse first.

A phone-based Single Point of

Care service has been established

by NHS Stoke on Trent so GPs can ring a team of nursing practitioners for information on community health services that can often lead to home care and prevent a patient from having to go into hospital.

The hospital also has a Frail Elderly Assessment Unit which offers a specialist service for older patients – many suffering from dementia – who may be alarmed by the environment of a busy A&E department.

The unit, designed to prevent older patients becoming distressed by being moved through more than one area, aims for a turn-round time of 12 hours for patients to go home, enter a short-stay unit or be admitted to the hospital’s special elderly care wards.

Sue Pantin, Senior Communications Manager for the University Hospital UCC of North Staffordshire, Manager and said: “The Urgent Care Lead Nurse Centre and the other Practitioner Paula support services that Chell takes a have been introduced patient’s blood are all about getting pressure. people in the right place, at the right time and being treated by the right people.”

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NOVEMBER 2010

Our City

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There’s plenty to be proud of in a city moving forward

By City Council Chief Executive

John van de Laarschot

A concept drawing by Grimshaw Architects showing one possibility of how the new city centre bus station could look.

Grand designs for

new bus station A

short-list of companies tendering to design and build Stoke-on-Trent’s new city centre bus station will be drawn up later this month.

The state-of-the-art station is the first phase of an ambitious £250 million scheme by developers Realis Estates to create a prestigious shopping complex including a new department store, a range of shops, a hotel, multi-screen cinema, cafes, restaurants, vibrant public spaces and improved parking.

Work will begin at the end of March to prepare the site of the new bus station on the John Street surface car park.

Meanwhile a planning application for the new station is expected to be made by the beginning of December following completion of a public consultation.

Councillor Mervin Smith, Cabinet Member for City Development (Regeneration), said: “The tender is an

important step in the first phase of development which will see a new shopping centre of regional significance in Stoke-on-Trent which will help to kick-start regeneration and create jobs.

“The size of the investment will benefit the city centre as a whole by increasing the number of shoppers and other visitors between the new development and the Potteries Shopping Centre.”

Final designs for the bus station – the delivery of which is one of the pledges made by the current city council Cabinet – are being drawn up by Grimshaw Architects, who have been working with Manchester-based quantity surveyor Gleeds.

Duncan Mathieson, Managing Director of Realis Estates, said: “Our continued progress reiterates our desire to press ahead with a scheme that will enable Stoke-on-Trent to take its rightful place as one of the top 30 shopping destinations in the country.”

Ring road extension is boost for city centre THE latest link on Stoke-on-Trent’s city centre ring road is now nearing completion – paving the way for the on-schedule opening of a new Tesco store during November, with the creation of more than 200 jobs.

The 540 metre extension of Potteries Way from Broad Street to Etruria Road is the last-but-one phase in the road “circle” which began with construction of the first stretch of the dual carriageway in 1986.

This new road has been designed to provide much-needed relief to some key routes into the city centre, as well as providing access to the new Tesco store.

Built on a 29 acre, previously-unused site, the new 80,000 sq ft store – which replaces the existing Tesco off New Hall Street – will have a 674-space car park and new pedestrian links to Broad Street and the Mitchell Memorial Youth Arts Centre in the Cultural Quarter.

Councillor Mervin Smith, Cabinet Member for City Development (Regeneration), said:“The extension of the ring road and the opening of the new Tesco store are further

HOW many times have you switched on the TV, seen Stoke-on-Trent and felt proud to live or work here?

In the last month, the city has been featured positively on national television for its innovations in environmental work.

ITV’s Daybreak and BBC Midlands Today featured our scheme to introduce solar panels to city council homes within the city.

This will eventually mean up to 1,000 properties in Northwood, Birches Head and Middleport will be able to benefit from environmentally friendly energy, a fact that was not lost on the national media, and led to us being featured on ITV’s new flagship programme.

The city council is investing a total of £1.8 million from its housing capital programmes for the initiatives, which will bring in £7 million of private sector investment from energy suppliers over the next two years.

This is the type of partnership that we need to expand on and repeat in other areas, to ensure a good working relationship with the private sector and encourage businesses to see Stoke-on-Trent as an area receptive to inward investment and business growth.

Winning formula

Construction on the city centre ring road extension nears completion. significant boosts for the ongoing regeneration of the city centre.

“Improving the road network and vehicle access will help to make the city centre more attractive for existing occupiers and potential investors in important projects like the East West shopping redevelopment and Central Business District.”

The 200 jobs being created at the new Tesco are in addition to the 130 employees at the existing store who will transfer. ● The final phase in Potteries Way will link Etruria Road with Waterloo Road to the north of the city centre, a distance of about 800 metres.

Our enhanced recycling system was also featured on the One Show on BBC One. The programme featured our system in comparison with other authorities and demonstrated how pleased people are with the system.

Our winning formula was picking a method that is easy for people to understand, and as a result our recycling rate has doubled over the past four years, in no small part due to the introduction of the enhanced system in 2009.

Along with all of this, the Tour of Britain’s third visit to Stoke-on-Trent attracted thousands of people to the area, and was once again part of ITV’s coverage of the national event. The Tour’s

presence in Stoke-on-Trent puts us on the map for all the right reasons and generates a great degree of good publicity for the city.

Internally, we are continuing to make our services more effective, and the early results of the work that the consultancy firm Vanguard has been doing to streamline city council processes have been good.

We have seen signs that the performance at Stoke on Call has improved, with the pilot project we have been conducting in part of the city showing reduced times in between calls being logged and council housing repairs being done.

Value for money If anything, the pilot has been a victim of its own success, with the reduced times increasing demand on staff. Once we have achieved the right balance however, we will be able to see a more effective service.

The DECATS (Delivering Efficient Corporate and Transactional Services) programme that is currently underway is also giving us a clearer idea of what we need to do within the authority to make life better for you.

The idea is that we re-examine everything that the city council does to interact with you to make sure that we are offering value for money and a high standard of service.

We have already come up with eight key areas where we think improving the way we work and “cutting out the middleman” will make for a more efficient structure.

These are just a few examples of how we are showing the region and rest of the country, exactly what Stoke-on-Trent has to offer; showcasing all that is good about the city, encouraging more people to visit and promoting Stoke-on-Trent as a vibrant, creative city that can attract investment and events on a regular basis.

It just goes to show what we can achieve when we put our minds to it!

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NOVEMBER 2010

Council homes set

to go M

EET the Bryson family – green pioneers in a pilot scheme that aims to make Stoke-on-Trent the country’s first sustainable city by fitting solar panels to all suitable city council properties over the next few years.

Ford Green Hall Manager Malgosia Phillips, dressed in Tudor costume, inspects the buttery chamber where a visitor claimed to have sensed a strong spiritual presence.

Eerie presence caused hall visitor a spine-chilling shock VERY old houses often have a resident ghost – or certainly a spooky tale or two that has been handed down the generations.

So you might expect that Ford Green Hall, the 17th Century Tudor farmhouse, which is the oldest home in Stoke-on-Trent and an excellent award-winning museum, would have ghosts galore hiding behind every timber frame and more stories of the paranormal than you could shake a stick at. Not quite so.

Yes, down the years staff have said they have felt an uncanny presence in the hall. There was one who claimed to have seen the figure of what looked like a priest from Tudor times and then there was the unexplained shadow on a wedding photograph.

But, generally-speaking, encounters with the spirit world have been few and far between.

Even when a group of ghost-hunters held an overnight vigil the most they had to report was the odd, shiver-inducing change in temperature.

However, there was recently a strange incident that caused hairs to rise on necks. It took

place in the upstairs buttery chamber, a room where children would have slept in the old days.

“A lady visitor – in the chamber on her own – felt such a spine-chilling paranormal presence that she became physically shocked and ran downstairs. Staff comforted her but she said she could not stay in the hall a moment longer.

“I have worked here for 10 years but this is first time I have seen someone react in such a way to what they sensed was a spirit presence – perhaps the hall’s ghost has become active again,” Museum Manager Malgosia Phillips told me.

“I personally don’t believe in ghosts but when I have been in the hall on my own it can feel very spooky. I have heard noises which sound as if someone else is in the building.”

If any other visitors have had an eerie experience in the hall Malgosia would like to hear from them – email ford.green.hall@stoke.gov.uk or write to Ford Green Hall, Ford Green Road, Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1NG. She awaits your stories...

Earrings to match civic ‘necklace’ IF only the gold chain of office worn by Stoke-on-Trent’s Lord Mayors for the last hundred years could speak, what tales it would tell.

But while the chain has been present during royal visits, celebrity appearances, sporting success and thousands of every day stories of Potteries life, few would

describe it as the trendiest piece of bling. Not so one lady who met current Lord Mayor Denver Tolley on a civic visit.

“She couldn’t take her eyes off the chain,” Denver recalled.“When I went over for a chat, she told me how much she liked my necklace, and asked if it came with matching earrings!”

solar Samantha Bryson outside her home in Chell Heath – the first council house in the city to be fitted with solar panels.

The city council has reached an understanding with energy company E.ON to become the first partner in a council-led low carbon task force. It means E.ON will help provide solar panels to a pilot area of 54 city council homes in Chell Heath – the first time any of the authority’s 19,000 strong housing stock has been powered this way.

The city council would like to see other companies come forward to join the task force to help improve the energy efficiency of homes in the city and use green power to drive down residents’ fuel bills and combat climate change.

The first family to “go solar” was Stephen and Samantha Bryson and their children Madison, aged seven, and Keegan, five.

Samantha said: “Like a lot of people, we tend to use a lot of energy in the home. For example, the children use game consoles and I like to watch soaps on TV.

Fuel savings “We also like to leave the radio on for the dog when we are out.

The solar panels will help us save money on our fuel bills. We are really excited by the scheme and friends and relatives have asked us to tell them how it all works.”

Now the city council is paving the way for solar panels to be fitted to all suitable city council properties over the next few years.

The city council is also looking for other energy suppliers to partner in a scheme to help 1,000 homes in Northwood, Birches Head and Middleport benefit from a range of measures.

They will include the installation of external wall insulation, new energy efficient boilers in place of old ones, solar panels, air source heat pumps and new heating systems.

The city council is investing a total of £1.8 million from its housing capital programmes for the initiatives, which will bring in £7 million of private sector investment from energy suppliers over the next two years.

Council Leader Mohammed Pervez said: “This is a hugely significant scheme for Stoke-on-Trent. Nowhere else in the country has made such a strong commitment to using sustainable energies and empowering communities to reduce their carbon footprint.

“Other areas of the country will follow our lead, and this initiative demonstrates the city council’s commitment to raising the quality of life for residents by improving the energy efficiency of their homes, reducing fuel bills and saving the environment.”

Dr Paul Golby, Chief Executive of E.ON UK, said: “Everyone – customers, local authorities and energy companies – has a part to play if we are to lower energy bills and reduce our effect on the planet.

“It’s all about insulating our homes properly and moderating the way we use energy to cut out waste. And it’s also about generating the power we need, where we need it – and that’s exactly what we’re looking for in Stoke-on-Trent.”

Council Leader Mohammed Pervez, right, and Chief Executive John van de Laarschot, left, sign an agreement with E.ON UK Chief Executive Dr Paul Golby for the energy company to be the first to join the city council’s low carbon task force.

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NOVEMBER 2010

I

T was a chilly, misty evening and Coronation Street and Champions League football were on TV. All good incentives to be tucked away indoors, you would think.

News from Northern Neighbourhood BALL GREEN: Antisocial

PC Nathan Ames confiscates a can of lager from teenagers in Bucknall as part of a clampdown on under-age drinking on the streets.

Night patrols aim to

make a difference

Nathan, who is Staffordshire’s Community Police Officer of the Year, said: “Tackling antisocial behaviour is at the heart of everything we do as a police force and in partnership with the city council.

“The dedicated antisocial behaviour units are really helping us to respond to, and clamp down on, the kind of non-criminal, non-immediate activity which doesn’t necessarily make the headlines but can make people’s lives a misery.

“The community feels safer for them and it’s building a new level of confidence between residents and the police.”

Nathan and Carl begin their patrol at 7pm in a high profile, fully kitted out police carrier – which makes their presence known as they travel around their “patch”.

The officers are equipped with hand-held computers so as soon as a call comes in the details are relayed to them and they can respond.

Make it

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7

Down Your Way

Yet huddled together in a dank alleyway in the middle of Bucknall, a group of teenage boys were sharing cans of lager and cider and making a nuisance of themselves to passers by.

Within minutes, PC Nathan Ames and PCSO Carl Radford arrived on the scene. The cans were confiscated, the boys’ names were taken, they were spoken to about the dangers of underage drinking and, most dramatically, the alcohol poured away to show they had wasted their money.

It is a typical call for Nathan and Carl who form one of the six dedicated antisocial behaviour units that now patrol Stoke-on-Trent every night.

The high profile patrols are having a massive impact on tackling incidents of this nature and combating antisocial behaviour in all its forms. Since the units hit the streets, the number of reported incidents citywide have reduced from, on average, 65 a night to 25 – a significant drop.

Dedicated

Our City

Nathan added: “We can be responding to anything from a teenage drinking to a call from a resident that children are swearing in the street or playing football against the side of their house.

“The high profile carrier we use has a two-fold effect – it demonstrates to anyone who is making a nuisance of themselves, or looking to cause trouble, that we are patrolling and it also gives residents the peace of mind to know we are actively out there dealing with incidents.”

When they are not responding to calls, the units head for known trouble hotspots in the community. Carl said: “The beauty of the units being attached to a certain patch means the officers get to know where trouble hotspots are.

“For instance we head for parks or open spaces where there are no floodlights, or shops and takeaways where young people tend to congregate.”

During their nightly patrols the officers have been called to all kinds of antisocial behaviour incidents and even witness surges and dips in calls depending on the time of the year – or even what is on the TV on a certain evening.

behaviour reports to police and the city council have dropped significantly now the BMX track on the greenway between Norton and Ball Green has been upgraded. The track is now being widely used by young people in the area after the improvement project by, the Northern AIT Team and Northern Environmental Team in partnership with the Young Offenders Institution at Werrington.

TUNSTALL: Legendary masked grappler Kendo Nagasaki was guest of honour as other masked wrestlers staged a tournament at this year’s Floral and Garden Produce Show in Tunstall Park.

The annual event showcasing the best in locally grown flowers, fruit and vegetables, was staged in honour of the centenary of the Federation of the Six Towns of Stoke-on-Trent and attracted around 500 entries.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WIDE:

Inside the patrol vehicle PCSO Carl Radford, left, monitors his hand-held computer for any reports of antisocial behaviour happening that will steer in Stoke-on-Trent. them away from antisocial behaviour.

“So for instance we might approach someone who tells us Predictably, during October ‘there’s nothing to do around and November a lot of time is here’ so we direct them to a taken up dealing with Halloween nearby youth club or sports and Bonfire Night-related facilities in their community and incidents, such as complaints link them up with the city about trick or treating and council’s youth services. fireworks nuisance.

“More often than not people Their feedback then helps respond very positively to these Staffordshire Police to develop suggestions and it helps to further pro-active campaigns in schools build the bond of confidence to help pupils steer clear of between the police and the trouble as they celebrate these community and continues to events.

And although both Nathan and reduce antisocial behaviour on Carl are ex-armed forces – and the streets.” know the virtues of discipline – To report an incident of they often find that a more antisocial behaviour call friendly approach works with the Staffordshire Police’s people they encounter. non-emergency number Carl added: “It’s all about signposting people to activities 0300 1234455.

See Safer City Partnership feature pages 26 and 27

Enforcement action to tackle dog fouling, littering and untidiness continues to be taken across the area. Ten legal notices have been served on homeowners over untidy gardens and yards. Nine fixed penalty notices have been served for dog fouling and littering. One person refused to pay and was fined £175 in court and also ordered to pay city council costs of £100 and a £15 victim surcharge.

NORTON AND BALL GREEN: Residents’ associations worked together to stage a fun day themed around the centenary of the Federation for the Six Towns. Held at Ball Green Primary School, children from Norton primary and St.Mary’s RC(A) primary also took part in a large number of activities including maypole dancing and climbing.

CHELL HEATH: Ward councillors paid for a new strip for Chell Heath Rangers football club after an approach from manager Jim Gibson. The team continues to go from strength to strength after attending a football academy run by ex Port Vale players Shane Tudor and Robin Hulbert.

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Our City N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 0

Cleaning and greening to show pride in the city HUNDREDS of people took part in the second major clean-up to improve the environment in Stoke-on-Trent.

Six months after the first Clean and Green operation in April picked up 1,800 bags containing 47 tonnes of litter, cleaned 82 road signs, pruned 157 trees and swept almost 250 miles of roads, the teams of businesses, volunteers, young people and city council staff joined forces to clean up and green up their neighbourhoods.

City council Chief Executive John van de Laarschot, who joined in the clean-up, said:“We need to show we are all proud of our city and this is a brilliant way of demonstrating our commitment to improving our surroundings.”

The two days in October focused on the city’s green areas and included creating new designs by planting flower beds and trees.

Cabinet Member for Environment Terry Follows said: “We are in tough financial times but that still means we can be creative and colourful.”

Spitfire inspired design In Battle of Britain 70th anniversary year theatre facelift features apt tribute to Reginald Mitchell

An artist’s impression shows how the new theatre frontage will look.

W

ORK on a £4 million facelift and refurbishment of Stoke-on-Trent’s Mitchell Memorial Youth Arts Centre is progressing on schedule – and plans are underway for a gala opening next April.

The project is transforming the city centre building – named in honour of locally-born Spitfire designer Reginald Mitchell and which has been well-used for more than 50 years – into a modern centre for community theatre.

Initial plans for the scheme included a rear extension, new dressing room, a large dance studio and toilets.

But careful management of the budget has enabled the city council to give the go-ahead for additional works – a new eye-catching glass frontage which will incorporate a theatre cafe extension and a balcony overlooking the Cultural Quarter.

The design for the frontage takes inspiration from the Spitfire and its designer with a stylish “curved wing” roof – an

appropriate tribute in the Battle of Britain 70th anniversary year.

Councillor Mervin Smith, Cabinet Member for City Development (Regeneration), said: “By careful planning and delivery the city council has been able to free up a proportion of the initial funds for the project to provide a truly inspirational front extension within the initial budget.

“The theatre lies at the heart of the Cultural Quarter and is a valuable asset in providing community-led theatre and dance.”

Members of the public will be able to get a first glimpse of the refurbishment so far when

Stoke-on-Trent Markets Christmas

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the theatre is opened up to visitors to coincide with the city centre Light Night on Thursday 18 November.

John Holmes, the city council’s Cultural Development Manager, who has been overseeing the project, said: “We will open up just a little bit of the theatre to give people a peak at the progress made and give them an idea of what the new facility will be like.”

He revealed that many of the traditional users of the theatre – including local amateur theatre groups – were planning to join forces to stage a gala show to mark the re-opening in the first week of April.

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NOVEMBER 2010

First female bin lorry driver

wheelie likes the job C

HARLOTTE McNicol was quickly able to “rubbish” suggestions that she might not fit the job profile as a city council refuse collection vehicle driver.

She has an impeccable record behind the wheel of trucks of all kinds – she first took her seat in the cab of an HGV at the tender age of 10.

“Some people raised their eyebrows when I told them I was applying, but my friends all realise that as the daughter of an HGV driving instructor I was always going to make driving my career,” said the 29-year-old.

In fact Charlotte’s dad used to take her round his yard to show her the inside of “big lorries” when she was still a nipper, and she was impressed from the start by the size and power of the vehicles.

Enrolling on a Government-backed young drivers scheme at the age of 19, she gained a Class 2 in HGV driving.

Down Your Way News from Eastern Neighbourhood EAST VALLEY: Consultation is underway on road safety improvements for Ford Green Road in Smallthorne and Millrise Road in Milton. Draft designs have been produced to improve safety for road users and pedestrians with the Milton traffic calming measures following concerns raised by local residents. People are now being asked for their preferred options.

BENTILEE AND TOWNSEND: Steps linking

ON THE ROAD: Charlotte McNicol with her council refuse collection vehicle.

Best person With her Class 1 licence in the bag two years later, Charlotte took jobs driving milk tankers, tipper lorries and general haulage. Then she saw the advert for an LGV refuse freighter driver placed by the Waste Management division of Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Environmental Service.

“The fixed hours appealed to me, as well as the fact I would be working nearer to where I live,” Charlotte said. “It also seemed to offer a more secure position, because haulage is going through difficult times at the moment.

Our City

“At first I was slightly reluctant to apply because drivers of refuse vehicles are traditionally male. I was really shocked when I received the letter asking me to come for an interview!”

Pitched against nine other applicants – all male – Charlotte succeeded in landing the job because she was “the best person on the day”, according to the interview panel.

And Stoke’s first female refuse vehicle driver has already proved that she is ideal for the role.

From her base at Cromer Road, she goes out with her team daily on a variety of routes to collect recycled goods, domestic waste and trade waste.

She is not afraid of getting her hands dirty and often helps to lift wardrobes and sofas into the truck when needed.

“I was asked at the interview whether I would mind dealing with other people’s rubbish, but it really doesn’t bother me,” she said.

“I’m really enjoying the job –

everybody has been so helpful and friendly, and it’s a really good working atmosphere.

“My work colleagues were a bit shocked at first to see they were being joined by a female driver, but now they seem pretty much at ease with me.”

Customers along Charlotte’s route have also welcomed her arrival. “The only comments they make are about my size,” she said. “I’m only five feet tall and they ask if I can reach the pedals!”

Council staff shortlisted for five top awards THE wow factor in the way that city council staff provide services has put the authority in line for a raft of prestigious awards.

The city council has been short listed in no less than five categories at the WOW! Gala Awards 2010 – the UK’s only national award for outstanding customer service based purely on customer nominations.

It’s a great way for customers to say “thank you” for a good service and to recognise staff who go beyond their normal duties to help someone.

The city council, which faces opposition from a strong field of finalists that includes large local authorities and major companies

like Cadbury and Scottish Power, are finalists in the following categories: ● WOW! That’s Really Special – Family Support Team at Treehouse Children’s Centre, Bentilee, for going the extra mile and delivering the unexpected.

The team have gone out of their way to make their customers feel special. ● Most Inspiring Front Liner – Wajid Hamid, of the Community Support Team, for being consistently professional, positive, courteous and friendly, showing initiative and serving above and beyond the call of duty. ● Best Care Provider 2010 – the

council-run Abbots House residential care home at Abbey Hulton for being an organisation that has shown real commitment to customers and for being a customer service leader in its sector. ● Best Leader 2010 – Donna Hammersley, for driving the WOW! Awards within the city, helping the city council to achieve real business benefits as well as great customer service. ● Serving the Community: Best Organisation 2010 – Stoke-on-Trent City Council for the quality, quantity and diversity of customer nominations and evidence of imaginative ways to delight customers.

The winners will be announced during the awards ceremony at the leading London venue Troxy on 9 November.

Lockington Avenue to Chelmsford Drive in Bentilee, which weathered away over time, have now been replaced.

The work was funded through the ward budget and completed in partnership with housing association EPIC in time for the September Bentilee Valley Festival.

ABBEY GREEN: Extra activities are being laid on by Youth Services in the run up to Christmas. The ROCCA sound mixing and DJ van as well as the SOCCA portable football pitch are being sited near the Wallace Centre in Abbots Road to give young people more to do. If successful, the football provision could be made permanent.

SMALLTHORNE: Smallthorne Community Centre now has a full committee to take the running of the centre forward.

Fifteen people with a blend of long standing experience and fresh enthusiasm joined after the annual general meeting in September.

BUCKNALL PARK: Around 28,000 people have visited City Farm in the three months since a counter was installed to monitor numbers. Figures rose rapidly during the summer and a new attraction, the arrival of baby goats and pigs at the site, is sure to keep people interested.

BERRYHILL: Improvements funded by ward budgets are making life better for residents and visitors in Mews Close and Ellington Close. New bins have been installed as well as barriers to stop motorcyclists riding through.

9

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NOVEMBER 2010

HEALTH SURVEY GETS THE WORD

on the street AN innovative pilot scheme giving people in a part of Stoke-on-Trent a voice on health related services in their area is being hailed a success.

Nearly 170 of 200 people in Blurton responded to the Our Streets, Our Health consultation questionnaire during a two-week period. And the results now form the basis of a joint action plan involving local parents group Family Zone, NHS Stoke on Trent’s public health improvement team and the city council’s South Western Neighbourhood Management Team.

Of those people questioned by four volunteers from Family Zone during the door-to-door survey: ● 31 per cent wanted more activities for young children like football, swimming and dance. ● 27 per cent wanted activities for adults like exercise classes. ● 16 per cent wanted allotments. ● 14 per cent wanted advice on healthy eating and budgeting. ● Six per cent wanted a health awareness event.

● Six per cent wanted information on healthy lifestyles.

Family Zone, with support from its NHS and city council partners, is now producing a guide on the services already available Blurton-wide, which will include the results of the survey.

Some new services could be introduced next year with Val Lowe, Vice Chair of the parents the option of a mobile gym group Family Zone, questions Blurton being considered. Volunteers resident Michael Hulse about his view from Family Zone also want on local health priorities. to go into the area’s five primary and secondary schools to get more precise together and it’s fantastic that we’ve been feedback from children on exactly what listened too. It’s also helped us tell people they want with ideas like football training that Family Zone is working to improve high on the agenda. the lives of all children in the area. It’s Family Zone Secretary Anna Machnik been very worthwhile. We’re so proud.” said: “The amount of work involved was Chris Leese from NHS Stoke on Trent’s daunting but we, as a new group, were Public Health Improvement Team said: delighted to have been asked to take part.

“Family Zone has been key in getting this “It’s brought the whole community

consultation off the ground.

“The response was fantastic with some really interesting feedback. We’re now working together with our partners to look at where the gaps identified are and hopefully take forward some new health improvement initiatives based on this feedback.”

FREE

Support and advice for families

Your local Family Information Service provides free, friendly and impartial information, advice, assistance and signposting on a wide variety of subjects including: ● Childcare – we can support you through the whole process of choosing a childcare provider that is right for the needs of you and your family. ● Family friendly financial benefits – including what is available to help with childcare costs. ● Parental rights and entitlements. ● Signposting – advice on the many support services available across the city and much, much more.

So if you are responsible for a child or young person aged 0-19 and are struggling to find the answers to your questions, please call us free or email us at: fis@stoke.gov.uk

stoke.gov.uk

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NOVEMBER 2010

M

UM-of-three Sarah Colclough has unlocked her own potential to become Stoke-on-Trent’s only qualified and certified lady locksmith.

The 35-year-old from Bucknall wanted to return to work once her youngest children Matheu, aged five, and Hannah, three, were at school and nursery.

Money was tight as her self-employed partner struggled to find work.

Sarah said: “I didn’t want to return to work in an office and wanted something that would fit in with the children. I’m not a girly girl and am quite hands on so I came up with the idea of becoming a locksmith. I did some checks on the internet and the nearest woman locksmith I could find was in Shropshire so I knew I was on to something.”

She approached Business Initiative and a number of other organisations for help.

“Everyone I spoke to thought it was a great idea but couldn’t help me with the training so I was really disheartened,” she said.

Then she was contacted by

Our City

11

STAR, a Bentilee-based pilot project funded by the Department of Work and Pensions. The initiative works with partner organisations to give the residents of Bentilee and Sarah Townsend the support they might not otherwise Colclough has get to help them back launched her into work. own business as Advisor Helen Allcock the city’s only lady said: “Sarah was at the locksmith. end of her tether. She’d done so much hard work before she came to see me and I knew her idea was great so I was determined to do all I could for her.”

Training A meeting with a city council funded Business Enterprise Coach followed and training provider Jet agreed to fund Sarah’s £895 three-day training course at the UK Locksmiths Association in Essex.

STAR paid for a further course to upgrade Sarah’s skills to include UPVC lock faults and replacements. The City Wide Grant Scheme funded tools, insurance and the cost of membership of the professional body the UKLA.

Sarah is now trading as “Lucy Lock-it”, naming her business after her eldest daughter, who is 19.

She has undergone Data Protection checks and is registered with the police so she can provide emergency services to vulnerable women and the elderly.

Support continues through

STAR as Sarah qualifies for £50 a week Self-employed Credit from Jobcentre Plus for the first 13 weeks of trading.

Sarah said: “I’m really excited about the future. I love doing this and am determined to make a success of it. Helen from STAR has been amazing.

“If it wasn’t for her I think I’d still be looking for help with the training now.”

To find out how STAR can help you, call 01782 236006.

You can contact Lucy Lock-it on 07908 027720.

Our City p12

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Our City N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 0

New business district moves forward

A

N outline planning application will be made before the end of the year for the development of a Central Business District in Stoke-on-Trent city centre which ultimately could create thousands of jobs in years to come.

A blueprint for the district – to be built on the site of the former Unity House office block and surrounding land – will be drawn up following a public consultation.

The proposals include office space, leisure and retail, a hotel, apartments and high quality open space.

City council Leader Mohammed Pervez said the district was an important part of the jigsaw in the ongoing regeneration of Stoke-on-Trent.

He said: “The proposed development is of the highest

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME: Studying a scale model of the planned new Central Business District are, left to right, Stoke-on-Trent Director of Place Hardial Bhogal, Councillor Mervin Smith, Chief Executive John van de Laarschot, and Councillor Mohammed Pervez. quality and one the city council is firmly committed to delivering with its partners.

“It will help to transform not only the city centre but also the wider North Staffordshire area into a more prosperous and successful place. It will create thousands of jobs for local people and provide career opportunities for students from the growing University Quarter.”

The open space and pedestrian walkways will be designed to

provide strong connections to the rest of the city centre, including the main shopping area, the planned new East West Centre – incorporating the new bus station – the Cultural Quarter and the University Quarter.

Councillor Mervin Smith, Cabinet Member for City Development (Regeneration), said: “The Central Business District will attract investment and businesses to the city centre.

“This, in turn, will help to boost

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? k r a d e h t in g n li c y C d e ic t o n lf e s r u o y Get What you will need to be seen and be safe: > LIGHTS White front light and red rear light. > REFLECTORS m A red reflector visible fro tors lec ref l da pe r behind. Ambe . ed nd are also recomme > CLOTHING ng with Fluorescent or bright clothi you to be reflective strips will help and at seen during dull weather lective ref d ad o night. You can als ppits sla or , ers items such as stick ve pro im to clothing or bags to your visibility.

lights and Remember to keep your e they are as sur en to reflectors clean bright as can be! h visibility Cyclists can get free hig h their bike wit p sto y goods when the pit stops at one of several roadside e Se y. cit throughout the ls. cyclestoke.co.uk for detai

As long as cyclists have a few essential items like lights, reflective clothing and reflectors on their bike, there’s nothing to stop them pedalling during the winter months.

For more information visit cyclestoke.co.uk email: cyclestoke@stoke.gov.uk or telephone: 01782 238692.

other projects such as the East West Centre, helping to create a thriving city centre with extra opportunities and footfall.”

The preferred developer for the district is Manchester-based Genr8 Developments who are now working extremely hard with partners to identify and realise pre-lettings for the scheme that will underpin the first phase of development and be the catalyst for further expansion and long-term growth.

Make it

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stoke.gov.uk

Bid for a council house: stoke.gov.uk/ findahome

Our City p13

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NOVEMBER 2010

Special toilet for people with multiple disabilities A CITY centre public toilet for people with profound and multiple disabilities has opened next to Shopmobility on the Potteries Shopping Centre car park.

The facility – the first of its kind in Stoke-on-Trent – meets the national Changing Places campaign’s criteria for accessible toilets.

It provides a changing bed, hoist and a shower and is much larger than a standard wheelchair accessible toilet. In fact it has been built to higher standards than the

minimum recommended by Mencap, the charity for people with learning difficulties.

Councillor Hazel Lyth, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Sport, Leisure and Culture, said:“Before this new facility was created, the only option for people was to limit their trips out to only a few hours, or not to go at all. This new toilet will make shopping a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for disabled people, their families and carers.”

Faye Johnson, aged 23, from Clayton, who

has cerebral palsy and uses an electric wheelchair on a permanent basis and who helped to unveil the new toilet, said:“It may sound silly, but I have to plan my outings to take account of the need to go to the toilet.

“It means I will be able to spend a day shopping in Stoke-on-Trent instead of just going out for a couple of hours, and hopefully the toilet will bring a lot more disabled people to the area because they will know there are facilities for them to use.”

Local companies to benefit

from schools building W

ORK on the massive £250 million schools building programme in Stoke-on-Trent is already being won by local companies.

Engineering design firm Stanton Consulting has been contracted to carry out a two-stage sustainability assessment of the new £4.3 million REACH Short Stay School in Trent Vale.

The Birches Head based company is advising main contractor Balfour Beatty on a range of issues designed to reduce the school’s environmental impact and long-term carbon footprint.

The assessment aims to make the new school greener through the use of innovations like composting, reclaimed materials, wind turbines and water recycling.

Managing Director Ben Stanton said: “We’re glad our persistence and tenacity paid off. For us, this isn’t about the value of the contract but that we’re working for bigger clients.

“It’s good for our future and we’re already talking to Balfour Beatty about assessments at the other schools in the programme – so it’s very promising. It’s helping businesses grow, it is good for the city and it is good for other local businesses.”

Stanton Consulting are among hundreds of local businesses who could benefit from the Building Schools for the Future programme, which will see all

Our City

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Down Your Way News from South Western Neighbourhood TRENTHAM AND HANFORD: Residents celebrated the completion of a £400,000, six-year improvement project at Hanford Park with a grand opening. Several funding bodies have helped the Hanford Park Development Committee over the three-phased scheme.

Improvements range from new benches, footpaths and play equipment for all ages to a sensory garden, skate park and multi sports court.

BLURTON: Free training workshops for unemployed people of any age are being staged at The Hollybush Centre. Sessions are designed to explore and develop people’s talent and confidence are taking place on 2 and 9 November as well as 7 and 14 December. To book a place call Tony or Liz on 01782 326006 or email tonys@thehollybush centre.co.uk

Balfour Beatty Senior Project Manager Colin Harper, left, in discussion with Ben Stanton, Managing Director of Stanton Consulting, at the Meet the Buyer event.

Stoke-on-Trent secondary and special schools re-built or refurbished. The city will end up with five brand new academies.

Firms promoted themselves direct to the programme’s three main contractors, Balfour Beatty and the Thomas Vale/Wates consortium and ICT contractors RM Group, at a specially organised Meet The Buyer event

staged at Stoke City’s Britannia Stadium. David Ronan, Balfour Beatty’s Operations Director, told them: “We are committed to supporting Stoke-on-Trent City Council in its regeneration programme which presents an opportunity of employment for local people and contracts for local businesses.”

Brickwork and scaffolding firm

Timetable to complete the programme BUILDING work on Stoke-on-Trent’s new generation of schools should be complete by September 2013 with the following timetable: Winter 2010 – Work gets underway on the new REACH School in Trent Vale.

Spring 2011 – Builders on site for the new build and remodelling of Haywood Engineering College, Burslem, Co-operative Academy at Brownhills, Aynsley, Birches Head, Orminston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy and Kemball.

Summer 2011 – Work starts on the James Brindley Academy and Middlehurst Special School.

Construction begins at the former sixth form college on the new St. Peter’s Academy.

Refurbishment begins at Trentham High School.

Autumn 2011 – Building begins on a new Thistley Hough High School and the new Discovery Academy. Modernisation starts at Holden Lane High School and St.Margaret Ward Catholic High School.

Winter 2011 – New build and re-modelling begins at St Thomas More Catholic College, Rebuilding also gets underway at St. Joseph’s College and Abbey Hill Special School.

Scaffolding Contractors Ltd from Burslem attended.

The company, which employs 90 staff, has just completed the brickwork on the new Tunstall fire station for Thomas Vale, is contracted to do the same at the new Hanley fire station and has worked on the Cheshire homes of the Beckhams and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Managing Director Tony Millward said: “This programme is a big opportunity for us. We already work for Thomas Vale and I’ve spoken to Balfour Beatty – so I’m very hopeful.”

SCC Developments, based in Stoke-on-Trent, already has a maintenance contract with Balfour Beatty WorkPlace for the city’s schools.

Commercial Director Mark Newman said of the Meet The Buyer event: “It’s a great idea.

I’ve been before to these sort of events elsewhere but this has been better.

“Very professional.”

HARTSHILL: Wasteland next to the outpatients department at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire has been transformed into a sensory garden. The Limes Allotment Association was given £2,000 from ward budgets and £500

by NHS Stoke on Trent for the two-year project in Thornburrow Drive. The garden is open from March to September.

STOKE AND TRENT VALE: Many support and training organisations took part in a free information breakfast at the St John’s Centre Training and Information Hub. Organisations like Jet, the Citizens Advice Bureau and alcohol advice service ADSIS joined others like the city council’s fostering and adoption service at the event.

FENTON: Work is starting to restore the walls and railings around the boundary of Christ Church. A new disabled access path is being installed which will re-open the main entrance on Christchurch Street to the public. Contractors expect to finish the work before Christmas.

Our City p14

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Our City N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 0

Health hubs launched at city libraries S MARKETS in Stoke-on-Trent are donating a fantastic Christmas prize for one lucky Our City reader to win... a £250 hamper of festive goodies.

The package is full of produce on sale at the city’s markets, so it’s bound to be packed with quality.

All you have to do to be entered in our free prize draw is answer the following question:

Q

How many markets are there in Stoke-on-Trent?

(You’ll find the answer in the markets advert on page four.)

Just send your answer with your name and address to Freepost Our City or email ourcity@stoke.gov.uk The closing date for entries is Friday 10 December and the first correct answer pulled out of the hat will win £250 worth of festive favourites.

PECIALLY branded “hubs” are being created at all the city’s libraries so people can access a range of high quality information on health, medical conditions and lifestyle issues.

The Health Zones have been set up through a joint partnership involving Stoke-on-Trent Library Service and NHS Stoke on Trent and form part of the Better Information, Better Health campaign.

Each zone features information recommended by health professionals and endorsed by library users and the general public.

Meanwhile all library assistants have received, or are in the process of receiving, training relating to health issues to better help customers using the zones.

Lee Hand, Health

Information Development Officer for Stoke-on-Trent Library Service, said: “If you have been diagnosed with a medical condition, or you want to know how to have a healthier lifestyle, it can be difficult to find the information you need.

“The idea of the zones is to help people make more informed choices about health and health care as well as be signposted to NHS and healthier lifestyle services.

“A steering group, consisting of representatives from partner organisations, has been set up to ensure that the zones are stocked with appropriate and high quality information, and we are setting up a Friends group so residents can provide vital feedback about the service.”

The first Health Zone was set up at Stoke Library in July and similar areas are being created at the city’s

Health Information Development Officer Lee Hand shows resident May Barlow some of the books available at Stoke Library’s Health Zone.

other libraries throughout the autumn.

Lee added: “We are delivering a programme of events linked to the health zones which will help people, particularly families, engage in health related activities.

“These initiatives include some high tea events that are linked to Breast Cancer Awareness month and they will give people the

opportunity to come and find out about what is available both locally and within the libraries across the city.”

For more information about Health Zones and the Better Information, Better Health initiative contact Lee Hand on 01782 232441 or healthyuclub@ stoke.gov.uk

✖ ROAD ACCIDENTS INCREASE AFTER THE CLOCKS GO BACK: > PARENTS Make sure your children can be seen. Brightly coloured or fluorescent clothing shows up well in daylight and at dusk. Reflective materials are good at night.

✔

> PEDESTRIANS Reflective vests, sashes or wrist bands work well. Even small items like clip on reflectors can improve your visibility.

> CYCLISTS Front and rear lights should be fitted and working. Keep reflectors clean. Wear something bright and reflective.

> DRIVERS Check lights and brakes. Keep a greater look out for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

This winter we all need to take more care and give ourselves and others more time when using the roads.

For more information visit stoke.gov.uk email transportation@stoke.gov.uk or telephone 01782 236398.

Road Safety

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NOVEMBER 2010

Pop music hit adapted for

fire safety message S

TAFFORDSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service have recorded their own version of the Sugababes hit single Push the Button to help save lives.

Nine out of ten people own a smoke alarm, but less than a third test them every week – even though an alarm that does not work doubles their chances of being killed in an accidental house fire.

So the communications team at Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters penned alternative words to the Sugababes number one hit song, and Rachelle Hewitt, Marketing and Campaigns Co-ordinator recorded the new version with help from Toby Wilson who also works for the service in the Emergency Response Team.

The video has been released online at www.staffordshirefire. gov.uk/pushthebutton.asp and on YouTube as part of the Push the Button campaign.

The drive was launched to encourage everyone to check their smoke alarm weekly by simply pressing the test button.

The chorus of the hard-hitting lyric goes: Want your family and home for keeps?

You better push your button, Check it bleeps, Before you get a fire, through it creeps, Takes your family while you sleep.

It was launched at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Family Day in September to promote the Push the Button campaign.

Members of the public with smoke alarms have been invited to make an email pledge to test the devices once a week – and in return they will be sent reminder emails every so often to ensure they remember to keep their families safe by pressing the button.

Rachelle said: “The title of the Sugababes song gave us the idea

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Down Your Way News from Western Neighbourhood CITY CENTRE: Uth services fit for the 21st century have been launched at Stafford Street in the City Centre. The new £130,000 Soniq Studio’s and City Uth Centre includes a recording studio with rehearsal space for bands, a PC suite, cafe, and games consoles like PS3 and Wii. The Government’s Youth Capital Fund Plus Programme has paid for the centre, which is available for hire as a meeting or work space.

Marketing and Campaigns Co-ordinator Rachelle Hewitt sings the Push the Button song with firefighters James Jones, left, and Lewis Matthews.

to adapt it and use it to promote the Push the Button fire alarm testing campaign, and the communications team soon came up with our own words to fit the music.

“We hope that our version of Push the Button will raise awareness of the need to check smoke alarms regularly if they are going to be effective in saving lives.”

Free smoke alarms, including specialist alarms and equipment, can be fitted as part of a free home fire risk check. To book one, call Freephone 0800 0241 999.

New £4.5m showcase fire station will house facilities for community groups EVERYONE in the area has reason to celebrate now that the new purpose-built Sandyford Community Fire Station has become operational – because it also offers facilities for the community it serves.

The city’s first ever full-time community fire station provides a meeting place for all sorts of clubs, groups and organisations – as well as access to a well equipped gym.

In addition the £4.5 million showcase station provides a base for police so local bobbies can better patrol the area and be more easily available to people on their beats. Negotiations are also underway to provide a response base for West Midlands Ambulance Service.

The city’s first new fire station for more than 35 years is part of a county-wide programme that includes a new full-time station at Hanley and a new retained station on the site of the existing Burslem Fire Station. Both are due to open in 2011.

Crewed 24/7 by 28 firefighters working over four shifts, the two storey Sandyford station provides facilities including a gym for use by operational staff as well as a community room that can be used by community groups. The 18,000 square metre site includes a car park and training yard.

Local organisations already using the community room include North Staffs Advanced Motorists Group, Bankeyfield

Residents’ Association and Kidsgrove Wheelers cycle club.

Other non-profit making organisations are invited to inquire about using the station’s community-based facilities by phoning 01785 898734 or 01785 898897.

Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford said:“This station really sets the standard for the future of fire stations across the UK.” Ed Case, the Fire and Rescue Service’s Risk Reduction Co-ordinator for the north of the city, said: “Sandyford Community Fire Station is not just a facility for firefighters and their appliances. We want people who live in the area to regard it as their own so it will serve as a hub for the community.”

BURSLEM: Cold callers are being given the cold shoulder in a crackdown on suspicious door-to-door sales. A “No Cold Calling Zone” now covers Pleasant Street, Leonora Street, Cotterill Grove, Burmarsh Walk and Bronant Walk. Signs have been posted on lampposts and residents have been given stickers for their windows. The initiative has been launched by trading standards officers and the police who pinpointed the area as most affected by cold callers and rogue traders.

MIDDLEPORT: Project Grow was launched at the Middleport Community Fun Day to encourage people in Port Street and Travis Street to grow their own fruit and vegetables. Residents picked up tips ready for next year’s growing season as part of a RENEW project to help regenerate the area. The pilot scheme could be expanded Middleport-wide if it proves successful.

NORTHWOOD AND BIRCHES HEAD: Heating is being improved at Northwood Parish Hall as part of a plan to make it more of a community facility. Ward councillors have part-funded the upgrade. A well used alleyway linking Buxton Street to Milton Road has been re-surfaced to improve the appearance of the area and allow better access.

BURSLEM SOUTH: Ward councillors have paid for four new benches at Cobridge Park.

Costing £1,680, the benches have been installed at various locations around the park. It comes after residents asked for more seating and is part of on going park improvements.

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NOVEMBER 2010

Our City

17

Stoke-on-Trent’s University Quarter – the largest joint educational project of its type in the UK, is gathering momentum. Here, Our City takes a look at three flagship developments in the new vibrant district – the recently-opened new Sixth Form College complex, the Stoke on Trent College LifeStyle Building which is celebrating a successful first year in operation and Staffordshire University’s Science and Technology Centre, construction work on which is underway.

The stylish exterior of the new Sixth Form College building.

Ultra modern college is designed for learning T

HE ultra-modern, impressive architecture of the new Sixth Form College has quickly become a landmark – and a major talking point – in the city.

Student hair stylist Lauren Alcock at work in a college salon.

National acclaim for vocational training JUST one year after its opening, an £11million vocational training centre at Stoke on Trent College has been hailed as among the best in the country – and has produced outstanding qualification success rates.

The three-storey Lifestyle Building, which opened its doors to its first students in September last year, is equipped with some of the most impressive resources in the UK and is one of the flagship developments in the city’s University Quarter.

Specialist facilities and equipment mean the courses offer hands-on experience for hundreds of young people who want to work in the care, childcare, hairdressing, beauty and catering sector – providing the city with a better-skilled workforce.

Carol Thomas, the college’s Executive Director of Learning and Standards, said:“A combination of the highest quality in both facilities and teaching has resulted in the Lifestyle Building becoming established as a centre of excellence and something the

An exterior view of the Lifestyle Building.

city can be proud of.

“A number of national educational assessors rate our vocational courses as among the best in the UK and they have brought staff from other colleges to see fully the commercial operation which has been seen as an example of good practice.

“This has always been a high-performing faculty and the new building has enabled us to carry this forward with outstanding qualification success rates.

“The building has been extremely well received by students and staff as well as our clients who regularly use the restaurants, hairdressing salons and spa suite.”

The spa suite includes a floatation tank, hydrotherapy bath, saunas and steam baths.

There are also many additional treatments on offer including stone therapy, Indian head massage and aromatherapy.

The new building has also had an impact on the recruitment of health and childcare learners with targets for full-time students being hugely exceeded.

Located in the heart of the vibrant and expanding University Quarter, the stylish building has brilliant white cladding and a glazed frontage stretching from the ground to the fourth floor – capped with a curved wooden roof.

It’s eye-candy for those people who want Stoke-on-Trent to have more of the kind of innovatively-designed, high-specification structures that adorn other major cities in the UK – the same cities The Potteries is competing against to attract new investment and jobs.

Walk inside the £33 million flagship development and there is much more to admire. In the bright, airy atrium, where white is again the predominant colour, three futuristic pods – one purple, two bronze – break out from the upper floor of the three storey learning centre.

The purple “learning pod” houses a small library – a comfortable, quiet area where students can read and revise. Then there is the “performance pod”, a zone for group work and social discussion, and the IT pod with state-of-the-art technologies – wireless enabled for portable equipment.

Almost everywhere there are interior design features that say this building is different from the norm. One corridor is lined with bamboo plants, watered with rainwater collected from the building, and the atrium roof has suspended lights in the swooping shape of seagulls. “It’s such an uplifting building – it’s a joy to work here,” EYES ON THE FUTURE: Watching the start of construction work on Staffordshire University’s Science and Technology Centre are students Tichaona Nyamayaro and Reena Panchal.

said college Principal Helen Pegg. “We set out to design a building for learning and that is what has been created.

“You see learning happening all around the building with the interactive white boards, the technology facilities and the three learning resource centres with its pods. It has light and space, openness and transparency – and above all there is a focus on learning.

Positive feedback Inside the “There is flexibility throughout – library pod. even the desks in the classroom are mobile so the layouts can be changed to suit the study session.

“Each floor has a different feel and both be working in partnership with the focus offering students an environment that university to further develop the University will suit their personal style and mood. We Quarter in Stoke-on-Trent have had very positive feedback from both She said: “This is our own college but we students and staff many of whom said that as are located at a crossroads with the soon as they set foot in the building they proximity of Staffordshire University, Stoke liked it.” on Trent College, the railway station and Mrs Pegg is keen to emphasise the Stoke town centre – all of which makes for a building is not just a stand-alone college for lively and vibrant place. The University more than 1,800 students but part of Quarter will continue to gather momentum. “something much bigger” – the expanding “There are now great opportunities for the University Quarter. The college will be two colleges in Stoke-on-Trent and sharing resources such as the laboratories in university to work with a great deal more the Science and Technology Centre currently joined-up thinking. We have an environment being constructed on university land where students will enjoy their learning and adjacent to the sixth form. Stoke on Trent this will stimulate them to do better.

College and the Sixth Form College will “Working with the university will hopefully

encourage even more young people to aspire to want to go to university and do better. This, in turn, is going to give the city a more skilled and educated workforce.”

The new college replaces the old building at Fenton which when it opened in 1970 was the first purpose-built sixth form college in the country. This will now become the site for the £20 million St Peter’s Academy, work on which begins next September.

Students at work in a learning resource centre.

Go-ahead for £30m Science and Technology Centre is giant step forward for regeneration CONSTRUCTION work is underway on a new £30 million Science and Technical Centre which will be another significant boost in the development of Stoke-on-Trent’s University Quarter.

The centre – being built on a site at Leek Road adjacent to the new Sixth Form College – will accommodate Staffordshire University’s science teaching and research as well as a range of other specialist fields, from renewable energy to medical technologies.

It will house specialist science and technology laboratories, a cognitive and developmental psychology suite, interview room, two lecture theatres which can transform into a single 250-seat facility, a dedicated IT suite, learning resource centre, flexible learning spaces and public exhibition space.

The building is expected to be complete

by May 2012 and the first university students will be studying there in the following September. It will also be used by students from the Sixth Form College and neighbouring Stoke on Trent College.

Councillor Mervin Smith, Cabinet Member for City Development (Regeneration), said: “Work starting on the new Science and Technology Centre is excellent news for Stoke-on-Trent as the city continues to deliver sustainable regeneration despite the current difficult economic climate.

Opportunities “The development of the University Quarter is one of the key elements of our regeneration strategy. The city is dramatically improving educational facilities and opportunities through the £250 million Building Schools for the Future programme, the new Sixth Form

College and developments at Stoke on Trent College.

“This is key to the economic well-being of the city because we need an educated and highly trained workforce in order to attract investment and new and better jobs.

“Our young people locally need to be equipped to take advantage of the hi-tech employment opportunities that will inevitably come.”

The project had been in jeopardy because of the Government’s decision to scrap regional development agencies which meant the withdrawal of £9 million funding allocated by Advantage West Midlands.

But the University’s governors agreed to find the shortfall from their own coffers to allow the construction work to go-ahead on schedule.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Paul Richards said: “The university has taken the decision that this can’t wait. The Science and

Students Imran Mohammed, left, and Junaid Asif look out at the spacious entrance atrium. Two of the three futuristic learning pods are seen to the left.

An artist’s impression of the Science and Technology Centre.

Technology Centre is another giant step in the regeneration of North Staffordshire and we are confident it will make a significant impact on creating a science-literate community and a qualified workforce to help grow our science-based industries.

“The centre will also provide the

university and its partners with the facilities and capacity to undertake more consultancy and research which has relevance to the wider world.”

The main contractors for the project are Miller Construction who recently finished building the new Sixth Form College.

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NOVEMBER 2010

Our City

17

Stoke-on-Trent’s University Quarter – the largest joint educational project of its type in the UK, is gathering momentum. Here, Our City takes a look at three flagship developments in the new vibrant district – the recently-opened new Sixth Form College complex, the Stoke on Trent College LifeStyle Building which is celebrating a successful first year in operation and Staffordshire University’s Science and Technology Centre, construction work on which is underway.

The stylish exterior of the new Sixth Form College building.

Ultra modern college is designed for learning T

HE ultra-modern, impressive architecture of the new Sixth Form College has quickly become a landmark – and a major talking point – in the city.

Student hair stylist Lauren Alcock at work in a college salon.

National acclaim for vocational training JUST one year after its opening, an £11million vocational training centre at Stoke on Trent College has been hailed as among the best in the country – and has produced outstanding qualification success rates.

The three-storey Lifestyle Building, which opened its doors to its first students in September last year, is equipped with some of the most impressive resources in the UK and is one of the flagship developments in the city’s University Quarter.

Specialist facilities and equipment mean the courses offer hands-on experience for hundreds of young people who want to work in the care, childcare, hairdressing, beauty and catering sector – providing the city with a better-skilled workforce.

Carol Thomas, the college’s Executive Director of Learning and Standards, said:“A combination of the highest quality in both facilities and teaching has resulted in the Lifestyle Building becoming established as a centre of excellence and something the

An exterior view of the Lifestyle Building.

city can be proud of.

“A number of national educational assessors rate our vocational courses as among the best in the UK and they have brought staff from other colleges to see fully the commercial operation which has been seen as an example of good practice.

“This has always been a high-performing faculty and the new building has enabled us to carry this forward with outstanding qualification success rates.

“The building has been extremely well received by students and staff as well as our clients who regularly use the restaurants, hairdressing salons and spa suite.”

The spa suite includes a floatation tank, hydrotherapy bath, saunas and steam baths.

There are also many additional treatments on offer including stone therapy, Indian head massage and aromatherapy.

The new building has also had an impact on the recruitment of health and childcare learners with targets for full-time students being hugely exceeded.

Located in the heart of the vibrant and expanding University Quarter, the stylish building has brilliant white cladding and a glazed frontage stretching from the ground to the fourth floor – capped with a curved wooden roof.

It’s eye-candy for those people who want Stoke-on-Trent to have more of the kind of innovatively-designed, high-specification structures that adorn other major cities in the UK – the same cities The Potteries is competing against to attract new investment and jobs.

Walk inside the £33 million flagship development and there is much more to admire. In the bright, airy atrium, where white is again the predominant colour, three futuristic pods – one purple, two bronze – break out from the upper floor of the three storey learning centre.

The purple “learning pod” houses a small library – a comfortable, quiet area where students can read and revise. Then there is the “performance pod”, a zone for group work and social discussion, and the IT pod with state-of-the-art technologies – wireless enabled for portable equipment.

Almost everywhere there are interior design features that say this building is different from the norm. One corridor is lined with bamboo plants, watered with rainwater collected from the building, and the atrium roof has suspended lights in the swooping shape of seagulls. “It’s such an uplifting building – it’s a joy to work here,” EYES ON THE FUTURE: Watching the start of construction work on Staffordshire University’s Science and Technology Centre are students Tichaona Nyamayaro and Reena Panchal.

said college Principal Helen Pegg. “We set out to design a building for learning and that is what has been created.

“You see learning happening all around the building with the interactive white boards, the technology facilities and the three learning resource centres with its pods. It has light and space, openness and transparency – and above all there is a focus on learning.

Positive feedback Inside the “There is flexibility throughout – library pod. even the desks in the classroom are mobile so the layouts can be changed to suit the study session.

“Each floor has a different feel and both be working in partnership with the focus offering students an environment that university to further develop the University will suit their personal style and mood. We Quarter in Stoke-on-Trent have had very positive feedback from both She said: “This is our own college but we students and staff many of whom said that as are located at a crossroads with the soon as they set foot in the building they proximity of Staffordshire University, Stoke liked it.” on Trent College, the railway station and Mrs Pegg is keen to emphasise the Stoke town centre – all of which makes for a building is not just a stand-alone college for lively and vibrant place. The University more than 1,800 students but part of Quarter will continue to gather momentum. “something much bigger” – the expanding “There are now great opportunities for the University Quarter. The college will be two colleges in Stoke-on-Trent and sharing resources such as the laboratories in university to work with a great deal more the Science and Technology Centre currently joined-up thinking. We have an environment being constructed on university land where students will enjoy their learning and adjacent to the sixth form. Stoke on Trent this will stimulate them to do better.

College and the Sixth Form College will “Working with the university will hopefully

encourage even more young people to aspire to want to go to university and do better. This, in turn, is going to give the city a more skilled and educated workforce.”

The new college replaces the old building at Fenton which when it opened in 1970 was the first purpose-built sixth form college in the country. This will now become the site for the £20 million St Peter’s Academy, work on which begins next September.

Students at work in a learning resource centre.

Go-ahead for £30m Science and Technology Centre is giant step forward for regeneration CONSTRUCTION work is underway on a new £30 million Science and Technical Centre which will be another significant boost in the development of Stoke-on-Trent’s University Quarter.

The centre – being built on a site at Leek Road adjacent to the new Sixth Form College – will accommodate Staffordshire University’s science teaching and research as well as a range of other specialist fields, from renewable energy to medical technologies.

It will house specialist science and technology laboratories, a cognitive and developmental psychology suite, interview room, two lecture theatres which can transform into a single 250-seat facility, a dedicated IT suite, learning resource centre, flexible learning spaces and public exhibition space.

The building is expected to be complete

by May 2012 and the first university students will be studying there in the following September. It will also be used by students from the Sixth Form College and neighbouring Stoke on Trent College.

Councillor Mervin Smith, Cabinet Member for City Development (Regeneration), said: “Work starting on the new Science and Technology Centre is excellent news for Stoke-on-Trent as the city continues to deliver sustainable regeneration despite the current difficult economic climate.

Opportunities “The development of the University Quarter is one of the key elements of our regeneration strategy. The city is dramatically improving educational facilities and opportunities through the £250 million Building Schools for the Future programme, the new Sixth Form

College and developments at Stoke on Trent College.

“This is key to the economic well-being of the city because we need an educated and highly trained workforce in order to attract investment and new and better jobs.

“Our young people locally need to be equipped to take advantage of the hi-tech employment opportunities that will inevitably come.”

The project had been in jeopardy because of the Government’s decision to scrap regional development agencies which meant the withdrawal of £9 million funding allocated by Advantage West Midlands.

But the University’s governors agreed to find the shortfall from their own coffers to allow the construction work to go-ahead on schedule.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Paul Richards said: “The university has taken the decision that this can’t wait. The Science and

Students Imran Mohammed, left, and Junaid Asif look out at the spacious entrance atrium. Two of the three futuristic learning pods are seen to the left.

An artist’s impression of the Science and Technology Centre.

Technology Centre is another giant step in the regeneration of North Staffordshire and we are confident it will make a significant impact on creating a science-literate community and a qualified workforce to help grow our science-based industries.

“The centre will also provide the

university and its partners with the facilities and capacity to undertake more consultancy and research which has relevance to the wider world.”

The main contractors for the project are Miller Construction who recently finished building the new Sixth Form College.

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Down Your Way News from South Eastern Neighbourhood NORMACOT: Antisocial behaviour action has resulted in a closure order being issued against a private rented property in Rothesay Road. It came after a string of complaints from neighbours about noise, intimidation and rows in the street. The property has been closed for three months and people in the area now report seeing a big improvement.

LONGTON SOUTH AND BLURTON: Community group Friends of Cockster Brook have staged their first event in the area just 12 months after forming. The Family Fun Day included a dog show, pet micro chipping and archery. It was held at the beauty spot the Friends have helped transform with £20,000 from the city council’s Blurton and Longton South ward budgets.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WIDE: Estate-based city council staff are now taking part in Operation Habit… a police operation to crackdown on vehicle related crime. Staff are alerting police to cars where bags, Sat Navs and other valuables are left on display so officers can write to the owners reminding them of the dangers.

MEIR: More and more events are being staged at The Square community resource house.

Around 200 people attended the summer fair while a youth club has been launched at the centre, which is already attracting growing support from the young people of the area. A Christmas party is being held there on 11 December. For more details contact Emily Tompkinson on 07824 594707.

LONGTON: Volunteers are being urged to come forward to help at the newly-launched youth club at St Chads community hall in Anchor Road. The club, supported by Uth Services and ward councillors, reports growing attendance. Anyone interested in volunteering as a youth development worker should contact Linda Davies on 01782 237863.

Good Eggs have safety

cracked M

OTORISTS with child safety seats fitted in their vehicles are being offered a cracking opportunity to make sure their young passengers are properly protected while on the road.

A Car Seat Safety Day is being held in Stoke-on-Trent as part of Road Safety GB’s national Good Egg in-car child safety campaign.

Free inspections of fitted child seats and advice will be provided

by Road Safety GB experts outside the Mothercare store at Festival Park on Saturday 20 November between 10am and 3pm.

Motorists will be advised if their child seats are fitted properly and whether the seats are faulty, not compatible for the vehicle or unsuitable for other reasons. As part of the campaign parents and carers are invited to complete an online survey to win one of ten free child seats provided by Britax and Maxi Cosi.

The campaign has been launched because of fears that many young people are being transported in child seats that may actually threaten their safety.

Statistics show that eight out of 10 child safety seats across the UK are incorrectly fitted.

Jim Tunney, the city council’s Road Safety and TravelWise Team Manager, said: “The Good Egg event is an ideal opportunity for motorists to reassure themselves that children who travel in their car are getting the maximum possible protection from their child seats.

“Unfortunately a lot of parents fit child seats that do not offer the levels of protection they believe they do. It’s important to try the Car seat before you buy it and seat expert carefully read the fitting Dominic Goodwin instructions.” gives advice to Laura Motorists unable to get to Shaw when she visited the Car Seat Safety Day at the Mothercare store at Festival Park will have Festival Park with her another opportunity for a three-week-old Good Egg check up at Tesco, niece Miah Newport Road, Stafford, on Davey.

Saturday 27 November between 10am and 3pm.

Pupils to give motorists ‘lessons’ on parking at school gates CHILDREN in Stoke-on-Trent will help to give motorists a valuable lesson in road safety as part of a Ziggy and Zaggy campaign to combat the problem of irresponsible and dangerous parking outside schools.

Year Six pupils aged 10 and 11 will accompany Police Community Support Officers or Civil Enforcement Officers as part of the crackdown on drivers who cause dangerous obstructions by parking on the school zig-zag marking or yellow lines, parking on the pavement, block driveways or park opposite or within 10 metres of a junction.

The pupils will give advice cards to motorists contravening the parking restrictions, explaining how their irresponsible behaviour is putting children’s lives at risk. They will also keep a record of the number of cards handed out and vehicle registration numbers. The offending motorists may also be sent a

Holding a Ziggy and Zaggy campaign poster are pupils Nathan Hulme, left, and Matthew Wilkinson, both aged 10, with PC Ruth Barlow outside St George and St Martin’s Catholic Primary School, Birches Head.

warning letter from the police.

The Ziggy and Zaggy campaign has been piloted at St George and St Martin’s Catholic Primary School at Birches Head and will eventually be rolled out to more primary schools across the city.

Jim Tunney, Road Safety and TravelWise Team Manager, said:“The Ziggy and Zaggy campaign was launched after a number of

complaints about irresponsible parking at school gates.

“It is designed to increase parental awareness of the dangers of inconsiderate parking outside schools, and it is hoped that by using children to spread the message drivers will be persuaded to park properly in the vicinity of a school in the future.”

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Our City

19

Expert support helps former heroin addict

save her life

D

RUGS and alcohol cost former heroin addict Ann everything... her freedom, her five children and eventually even her mind.

But 17 years of dependency, domestic abuse, prison, and chaos are behind her now that, with the help of Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Community Support Team, she is healthy and in full time work.

The 37-year-old had a succession of factory jobs after leaving school at 15 and was 20 before her life descended into hell.

She found her boyfriend taking heroin with her sister one day. “I didn’t like it but he said ‘have a go, it’ll make you feel better.’ I took some and it made all my problems go away,” said Ann. But she and her partner lost their jobs and Ann resorted to shoplifting to feed their £70 a day habits. She was caught five times and served two prison sentences.

She stopped smoking heroin in 2004 and came off methadone in 2005. She and her children were removed from their home amid on-going concerns about domestic abuse in 2009 and later all five

children were taken into care. Ann spiralled into amphetamine and alcohol abuse, which saw her drinking a bottle of vodka a day.

“It was the only way I could cope – I was losing it and I went crazy for a year,” she said.

Homelessness followed before she moved into her current city council flat. A housing officer referred her case to the Community Support Team amid fears Ann might be suicidal.

Breakdown “She was very vulnerable and wasn’t aware of what was going on – the flat was like a cell, ” said her Support Officer Rebecca Ratcliffe.

Ann said: “I was in a real mess but didn’t know it. I didn’t think I needed help so if it hadn’t been for Becky, I think someone would have found me dead in this flat by now.”

Still suffering domestic abuse, she had a breakdown and was sectioned under the Mental Health Act, spending three months at the Harplands Hospital after being diagnosed with drug-induced psychosis.

While she was undergoing treatment in hospital, her Support Officer organised the redecoration

and carpeting of her flat, through partner organisation PM Training’s Homeworks scheme, and furniture from Furniture Mine.

Charities and Trust Funds supplied electrical appliances and Rebecca resolved all debt and benefit issues. Ann came out of hospital on Christmas Eve 2009 and, with continuing support, is getting her life back. The icing on the cake came when she started a full-time job a few months ago as a domestic assistant.

Rebecca said: “She’s completely different now. She can stand on her own two feet.

I’m so proud of her.”

Ann agreed: “My life is so different now.

I go out where I wouldn’t before. I even get on the bus to go to work. I’ve got my life back and I’m liking it. Becky has been so fantastic.”

She now has some contact with her children and occasionally sees her sister, who is still addicted to heroin. “I’ve told her to get off the drugs and when I see her I know I can never go back on heroin again,” said Ann.

Compassionate services win national recognition

Bringing Brian back from depths of despair LIFE on the streets, chronic alcoholism and severe ill-health have taken their toll on successful former businessman Brian Rhodes-Beard.

The 62-year-old has spent much of his life sleeping rough, self-harming and battling with suicidal thoughts – though he did successfully manage the first pool club in the Potteries for many years.

But he again fell on hard times after the death of his business partner and returned to the streets before the city council organised a bungalow for him two years ago.

The Community Support Team were alerted to his plight after neighbours, worried when he began self harming in the street with a knife, raised the alarm.

Tallulah Blue, his Support Officer, said:“He was very distressed. He had no furniture and was sleeping on the floor.

He’d forgotten how to manage a property and all this led him to despair.”

Support Officer Rebecca Ratcliffe, left, talks with Ann, during one of their meetings.

After years of sleeping rough Brian Rhodes-Beard now has his own home and is growing in confidence.

A support plan was agreed and Tallulah helped organise Brian’s utilities, bills, benefits and budgeting.

His home was redecorated and furniture sourced.

Brian was referred to specialist agencies for support with his mental health and alcohol issues.

He had surgery for cancer earlier this year and also suffers from pancreatitis

so Tallulah helps him better manage his pain medication and supports him to use frontline health services.

“I’m so proud of Brian.” said Tallulah, “He’s now able to look after himself and is growing in confidence.”

Brian said:“It’s been hell – so if it wasn’t for Tallulah I wouldn’t be here.

She’s fantastic. My life is now changing and I’m going upward.”

SUPPORT services for some of Stoke-on-Trent’s most vulnerable people are winning national recognition.

Wajid Hamid from the city council’s Community Support Team has been short listed at the WOW awards in the Most Inspiring Front Liner category – one of many WOW nominations the team has received this year.

He is part of a team helping vulnerable council tenants who could be at risk of losing their home by dealing with issues ranging from drug and alcohol abuse to antisocial behaviour, debt and unemployment.

Customer needs are assessed and support officers work in partnership with other agencies and charities on an agreed support plan.

The service has supported almost 400

people included Sheltered Housing customers over the past 12 months.

Support Manager Carol Plant said: “We don’t have a specific budget to assist customers – however we co-ordinate help and support as part of a partnership approach.

“Uniquely there’s no timescale to the personalised support we give and we aim to help people at the lowest moments in their lives cope. Sometimes we challenge their own behaviour.We don’t give up.

“We support people to get their lives back on track, to become motivated, confident and enjoy life and its challenges. I’m very proud of our work and the city should be too.”

Customers are referred to the service by partner agencies and can also call for help on 01782 235675.

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Patient’s advice helps to set up new service PEOPLE with dementia whose lives are changed for the better by the city’s new Dementia Advisory Service will have one of their fellow patients to thank.

Retired electronics engineer Maurice Ashley from Chell Heath, who is in the early stages of the disease, was a member of the Dementia Reference Group which designed the service.

Maurice, aged 69, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2009 after noticing problems with his memory, brought his experience as a sufferer to the Group that also consisted of GPs, consultants, nurses, social services staff and other professionals.

He said: “I discussed with the Group that there was a lack of information for patients and carers. They just don’t know where to go.

“When I was diagnosed I felt I had no-one to turn to apart from my loving wife Jean who has been by my side throughout. Thankfully a good friend put us in touch with Approach, but otherwise I would not have known who to turn to at a time of my life when I felt traumatised.”

Maurice Ashley, centre, who is in the early stages of dementia, talks with Dementia Advisers Gary Chell and Emma Green at a café in Shelton – a base for the Approach charity which delivers a new Dementia Advisory Service.

Early intervention is vital for people with dementia

Memory problems

A

Maurice, who will be assisting with a leaflet and poster campaign to spread the word about dementia support that is available, added: “My advice is to get help as soon as possible. It’s not the end of the world. You can overcome your fears by getting information and support.

“I would advise anyone that as soon as you notice any problems with your memory, however slight they may seem, go and talk to your doctor. The quicker you get a diagnosis and reach the acceptance stage, the more life you will continue to live and the more support you will receive.”

The new service has been created at a time when there are currently an estimated 820,000 people with dementia in the UK and the worldwide cost of the condition has reached a staggering £388 billion.

Funded by NHS Stoke on Trent, the advisory service is provided by the staff and volunteer workers of Approach, the Staffordshire-based registered charity that provides a range of advice and support to older people with mental health issues, including two carer support groups, one at Shelton and the other at Meir.

The advisory service is

NEW Dementia Advisory Service has been launched in Stoke-on-Trent to provide support for people diagnosed with the disease and those who care for them.

monitored and supported by the Joint Commissioning Unit, which includes Stoke-on-Trent City Council. The aim is to give dementia patients the best possible chance of a reasonable quality of life by helping them access help quickly while in the early stages of dementia.

A Clinical Reference Group of GPs, consultants and other health professionals as well as Approach and dementia patients and carers worked closely together to build the framework for the new service.

Care plan Two newly recruited support workers, Gary Chell and Emma Green, will draw up a strategy and care plan for each patient and work with social workers, community nurses, hospitals and other professionals. In addition a network of Approach support workers, many of them

volunteers, will be available to give home support to dementia patients and their families.

Case work for support workers includes helping patients to identify with their lives before dementia – perhaps taking them for the game of pub darts or the church service they used to enjoy – in order to make them feel part of the community once again and break down the stigma often associated with the 1,000 or so different forms of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Dementia are the most common.

The advisory service also helps in many other ways – for example with advice on arranging Power of Attorney to manage the patient’s legal and financial affairs, provide training for carers and signpost patients and carers to other agencies.

Most dementia sufferers and carers will be referred to the

advisory service by health professionals, but individuals can call Approach for advice on 01782 214999.

Most people will access the service when they are initially diagnosed with dementia at the Memory Clinic – saving crucial time in providing help when it is most effective.

Therapy Approach Chief Executive Will Boyce said: “Early intervention can lead to a happier life for people with dementia and their families. Getting in early can do much to provide the support that keeps thousands of people at home longer.

“It is not possible to provide the sort of therapy available for other conditions as the brain is not going to repair, but we can support people in a person-centred way to make them feel good about themselves.”

Property search service made more user-friendly CHANGES have been introduced to Stoke-onTrent City Council’s property searches service for those buying a new home or land. This critical link in the conveyance process has been made even more user-friendly and competitive.

Search report forms are now readily available on the city council’s website and can be sent by email as well as post, fax or by hand. The results of completed searches are returned by email in addition to post or internet. Also payments can be made by debit/credit card and BACS as well as cheque and cash.

A search report helps protect buyers from unknowingly inheriting financial charges or prohibitions held against the property or land, and will warn of proposals affecting the land or property.

The city council’s Local Land Charges team provides a local search service which ensures the following benefits: A fast turnaround (fully completed search reports are provided within five working days), competitive prices of £48.60 for a residential search and £54.60 for a commercial search, and a guaranteed service you can trust – searches are compiled by

experts within the city council’s departments, provide all the required information and are covered by city council insurance as standard.

The city council service would save customers from having to investigate all the raw data themselves or engage with another party to do it on their behalf.

Sharon Fern, Local Searches and Information Manager, said:“If buyers fail to have all the information before completing the purchase of their new home, land or property they may inherit someone else’s debt or find out their extension isn’t safe.

“Even worse, they could find their new

home is de-valued because of proposals affecting it, such as part of the garden is required for road widening or double yellow lines are to be placed outside where they had planned to park their car.”

Sharon added:“It’s crucial that anyone buying a property takes note of the information contained in the local search reports.”

For more information visit stoke.gov.uk/searches or contact the Local Land Charges team on 01782 232775.

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City Centre Light Night is

destined to dazzle S

PARKY the Robot is just one of the amazing illuminated entertainments that will make Light Night a memorable event when the city centre kicks off the Christmas celebrations.

Dazzling costumes, mythical beasts, and walkabout characters will all be part of Light Night on Thursday 18 November which includes the switching on of the Christmas illuminations this year.

As well as more, new and different Christmas lighting displays, including some for one night only, there will be displays in vacant shops, a marching band, street entertainers, and all the fun of the fair. Plus Santa’s parade, live entertainment from 3:30pm, and the big Countdown Show on stage in Fountain Square from 5:30pm.

Adventure City Centre Manager Jean Ball said: “In this special year we are incorporating the illuminations switch on into an experience that celebrates much more than Christmas shopping.

“It is a chance for everyone to come together and celebrate the city and will be an adventure where the city throws open its doors and invites people to celebrate their city centre after dark.”

There are fun activities at 40 different venues throughout the city centre.

Live entertainment kicks off at 3.30pm in Fountain Square.

There are performances from 17 different acts culminating in the countdown to the big switch on starting at 5.30pm.

Two hundred people from 18 organisations will take part in Santa’s Parade, which

includes some of the most spectacular carnival costumes ever seen in the city. ● As well as the big city centre switch-on, there will be parties throughout Stoke-on-Trent – all of them will feature lots of fun for all the family including music, party games and, of course, a visit from Father Christmas. They include: TUNSTALL: Tower Square, 12 November, starts at 5.30pm, lights switched on at 8pm.

FENTON: City Road car park, 24 November, 6pm-8pm.

ABBEY HULTON: Abbey Road shops, 25 November. Event starts at 5pm with the lights switched on at 6pm.

LONGTON: The Strand, 26 November. 1pm-8pm.

STOKE: Market Square (outside Stoke Local Centre), 1 December, 6pm-8pm.

MEIR: Meir Community Centre, Pickford Place.

3 December, 5pm-8pm.

MEIR PARK: Meir Park Community Centre, Lysander Road, 10 December, 6pm-9pm.

Sparky the Robot, pictured above, and one of the illuminated “night birds”, pictured left, will be among the attractions moving around the city centre on Light Night.

Make it

Click and asy E stoke.gov.uk Find out about events in the city: stoke.gov.uk/ events

environment. For instance, a boy born in the city may live to just past his 75th birthday, while a girl may live to her 80th.

Out of 100 people, it was established that 63 are in good health, 24 are fairly healthy, 13 are not in good health, and 24 have long-term limiting illnesses. A total of 24 adults out of the 100 exceed the recommended weekly alcohol limit and six had problems with alcohol use, while 27 smoke and 22 are classed as obese.

Eight children smoke and in the past week 14 have taken drugs, while 23 adults have no qualifications, 14 have higher degrees and among the 100 young people aged between 16 and 19, nine were not in education, employment or training.

Thirty-eight people felt safe or fairly safe walking in their area after dark and 70

SOUTH WESTERN NEIGHBOURHOOD – PAVING SLAB ATTACKERS JAILED: * Three men who left their victim semi-conscious in an attack involving a broken paving slab have been jailed for a total of just over 13 years. Darren Smith needed reconstructive surgery after the beating at his Trent Vale home in a dispute over money. Andrew Aston, 26, from Watlands View, Porthill and John Benson, pictured, aged 26, of Campbell Road, Stoke, both pleaded guilty. Aston also admitted smashing a pint glass in another man’s face in a separate incident at a Hanley pub. A third man, who cannot be named at this stage, was also jailed.

NORTHERN NEIGHBOURHOOD – PRISON FOR BENEFIT CHEAT: * Fraudster Samantha Evans has been jailed for falsely claiming more than £40,000 in benefits.

The mum of three first claimed income support legitimately but then lied on forms saying her partner had moved out when he was still living with her and working full-time. She continued receiving income support, housing benefit and council tax support over a three-year period. Evans, 25, of Bishop Road, Chell Heath admitted two charges of failing to notify a change in her circumstances and was given a 16 week prison sentence.

Video project gives a snapshot of city’s life by showing it as population of just 100 IMAGINE the population of Stoke-on-Trent is just 100 people. That is exactly what a groundbreaking video, Miniature Stoke-on-Trent, has done to capture a moment in time and reveal fascinating facts about the current health and wellbeing of the city.

The eight-minute DVD produced for the city council was filmed through the eyes of a child and is charmingly narrated by eight-year-old Ellie Astley, who lives in the city. The city council’s Healthy City team spent long hours researching facts and figures to provide filmmakers with the material they needed.

Miniature Stoke-on-Trent brings to life a number of facts about issues such as ethnic origins, religions, lifestyles, education and employment and the

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

were satisfied with the area where they live.

The city’s top 20 per cent earners are paid more than double the bottom 20 per cent.

The video has been widely distributed to service providers like the NHS, police and educationalists as well as residents’ associations, councillors, voluntary organisations and city council neighbourhood managers.

Alex Moores, Healthy City Support Officer, said: “The concept of Miniature Stoke-on-Trent provides an easy-to-understand picture of the city as it is today by basing the material on 100 people and viewing it through the eyes of a child.”

To obtain a free copy of the Miniature Stoke-on-Trent DVD go online to www.miniaturestoke.co.uk

EASTERN NEIGHBOURHOOD – TEENAGE BURGLARS CAUGHT: Two teenage burglars were caught by police about an hour after stealing property worth £1,700 in a daytime break in.

Officers spotted them with carrier bags containing two laptops, an Xbox games console, an MP3 music player and a large amount of tobacco they had just stolen from a house in Fenton. Both admitted burglary. 19-year-old Jamie Walley, pictured, of Ubberley Road, Bentilee, was sentenced to 15 months in a young offenders institution. A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was given a 12-month youth rehabilitation order.

SOUTH EASTERN NEIGHBOURHOOD – BOGUS CALLER TARGETS PENSIONER: Conman Matthew Jones has been jailed for two years after posing as a heating engineer to try and carry out a distraction burglary at the home of a vulnerable woman in her 70s.

He was dressed in uniform and carrying a clipboard but his victim asked for identification and he left empty-handed after a neighbour was alerted. The Judge told Jones, 24, formerly of King Street in Fenton, that the offence was far more serious than the two burglaries and two thefts he was already serving a 12-month prison sentence for.

COUNTY WIDE: BEHIND BARS WEBSITE LAUNCHED: Police have launched a new website feature to highlight jail sentences handed down by the courts.

‘Behind Bars’ puts the spotlight on people aged 18 and over who receive sentences of six months or more at Crown Court and go to prison or a Young Offenders Institution.

Police hope the site acts as a deterrent, helps improve confidence in the justice system and encourages more witnesses to come forward.

To find out more go to www.staffordshire. police.uk and click on the ‘Behind Bars’ button. * Picture courtesy Staffordshire Sentinel News & Media

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Gladys Page, aged 84, enjoys a joke with Reese Pratt, aged eight, who is dressed as a seaside donkey.

TIME FOR TEA...

Joan Perry, aged 82, is pictured with, left to right, Cerys Edwards, eight, Charlotte Gibson and Aleah Gavriel, both aged nine.

Young and old join in

strictly tea dancing S

TRICTLY tea dancing at a city council care home is packing them in with popular themed afternoons.

Residents from Abbots House and their carers packed Abbey Hulton Community Centre for a special Blackpool themed event... and from the smiles on their faces they clearly do like to be beside the seaside.

Children from Carmountside Primary School joined in the fun, enjoying a Punch and Judy show, sticks of rock and dancing to celebrate National Older People’s Day. Registered Care Manager Amanda Lowndes said: “This was the fourth tea dance we have staged and attracted around 60 residents, their escorts and, of course, the local schoolchildren.

“Everyone had a great time and we are already planning the next dance which could be in January. The only problem is if they keep being so popular we will have to switch to the Victoria Hall.”

WLY...

KISS ME QUICK, SQUEEZE ME SLO na Abbots House Care Assistant Don tea Howard with Ernest Edwards of the dance group.

SHALL WE DANCE...

Phoebe Disbrey, aged nine, and Eric Gilson.

Wildflower meadow in the city scoops an award RESIDENTS whose wildflower meadows at the heart of the city scooped a silver gilt Britain in Bloom award have started their bid to go for gold in 2011.

Friends of Trent Mill Nature Park in Joiner’s Square and the Friends of Bakewell Street Park in Penkhull scooped the award for their colourful displays visited by judges in the summer.

They are already planning their entry for the Urban Community Garden category in next year’s contest.

Peter Yates, Chair of the Joiner’s Square Residents’ Association, said judges were impressed by colourful wildflower beds at the side of Leek Road, and the wild habitats at Trentmill Nature Park.

Now the green-fingered residents are preparing for next year’s Britain in Bloom by creating a secure compound where children from Waterside Primary School and Eastwood

Neighbourhood Nursery will grow their own flowers and vegetables, tend to the plants and even harvest and eat their own produce.

Volunteers from the Princes Trust have helped prepare the site and the first planting is expected to take place before Christmas.

Peter said: “It will provide an outdoor classroom where children can plant seeds and watch them grow into flowers, fruit and vegetables. Getting involved with horticulture and nature will show them where healthy food comes from, and teach them to respect their surroundings.”

Michelle Tinsley, one of the city council’s Environmental Managers, said: “This is a superb achievement for two flower meadows at the heart of a bustling city.

“Both sets of community groups have shown their commitment to greening their neighbourhoods and they are determined to go one better by aiming for gold in 2011.”

Sowing seeds for the future are Thomas Houghton and Grace Miles-Spackman, both aged 3, from Eastwood Neighbourhood Nursery at the site of the planned vegetable compound at Trent Mill Nature Park. They are pictured with the Britain in Bloom silver gilt award certificate which residents won for their wildflower meadow.

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Enterprising help to make a

dream come true F

INE artist Lindsey Cotterill left Staffordshire University last year with a degree and a dream. But with few opportunities in her home city of Stoke-on-Trent to make a living as a painter, she took a job teaching English at a summer school in Oxford instead.

The 23-year-old from Packmoor was soon back though and referred to Enterprise Coaches Gayle Jessiman and Lisa Davies.

Lindsey said: “I had no idea where to start but Gayle soon explained what I needed to do.

It was great to see other people just like me at meetings. I’m young and kind of assumed that with all guns blazing, it would just take off so Gayle’s guidance was really useful.”

Lindsey now rents her own studio space in Burslem where she takes commissions for portraits and landscapes. She also acts as curator for art and ceramics gallery The Old Post Office. It’s been a struggle and I know I won’t make much money to start with but already, through word of mouth and showcase events at the gallery, I’m getting big commissions.

“I also have a second job working part-time at The Disney Store in Hanley to make sure I’ve got some steady money coming in,” said Lindsey.

She is now setting up a website to showcase her portfolio and plans further showcase events at the gallery.

She is even planning to set up holiday painting classes for children.

Her coach Gayle said: “Lindsey is a great example of what can be achieved. She’s determined to follow

Temporary jobs created

by Census

‘‘’’

Lindsey is a great example of what can be achieved.

She’s determined to follow her dream and we’ve been able to help point her in the right direction ENTERPRISE COACH GAYLE JESSIMAN

her dream and we’ve been able to help point her in the right direction.

“Many of our clients are long-term unemployed although we can help anyone who is either living in Stoke-on-Trent or thinking of starting a business in the city. We have also worked with ex-offenders who find it difficult getting

employment through normal routes.”

Enterprise Coaches support and guide clients to set up their own businesses. Gayle said: “Self employment can be a daunting proposition but you don’t have to go it alone. We can help with lots of support, encouragement and practical help during the planning stage, starting up and beyond.”

Anyone living in Stoke-onTrent or thinking of starting a business in the city can get free help with business planning, accessing funds and grants, problem solving and one-to-one support. The service, which has been operating in the city since September 2009, is funded through Stoke-on-Trent City Council and managed by Business Enterprise

Artist Lindsey Cotterill at work in her studio. Below, Lindsey in her role as curator of the ceramic gallery at The Old Post Office.

Support. It has already helped 42 business start-ups with the Enterprise Coaches continuing to provide on-going support to their budding entrepreneurs.

■ Fine artist Lindsey Cotterill is contactable on 07955 392511 or at oldpostofficegallery burslem@gmail.com ■ Could you benefit from the advice of an Enterprise Coach?

If so go to www.enterprise support.org or call Gayle Jessiman 07969 557915 or email her on gaylej@ enterprisesupport.org, Lisa Davies lisad@enterprise support.org 07866 807134 or Gaynor Parkinson gaynorp@enterprisesupport. org 07834 657828.

MORE than 150 temporary jobs will be created in Stoke-on-Trent early next year by the 2011 Census for England and Wales.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS), which carries out the Census every 10 years, is looking to recruit local people to work as collectors – urging the public to complete the questionnaires in time. In addition, the ONS will need a co-ordinator to manage the operation to carry out doorstep interviews.

The jobs, which are both full-time and part-time with variable and flexible hours, will last from between four weeks and seven months, depending on the type of work.

Full-time jobs involve 37 hours a week and the part-time ones as little as 15 hours a week which can be split between day time, evening and weekend working. Previous experience is not essential as training is provided.

The questionnaires, designed to provide an accurate picture of the population, are sent out during the two weeks prior to Census day – Sunday 27 March, 2011.

Residents are legally required to fill in the Census form which arrives by post and can be returned using a pre-paid envelope or, for the first time, can be completed online via a secure internet site.

■ Anyone interested in applying for a Census job in the city should visit the website www.censusjobs. co.uk where they can apply or register for future jobs.

Views sought on transport plan THE Local Transport Plan is a statutory document that explains how the city will take forward transport investment and tackle transport issues over the next 15 years. The city council is now consulting on a new LTP strategy which is available online at stoke.gov.uk/ltp Feedback can be given via an online questionnaire which everyone is welcome to complete.

For more information please contact ltp@stoke.gov.uk or call 01782 232635.

The consultation runs until 23 December 2010 and the new plan will be in place by next April.

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What to put in your bins...

for Stoke

GREEN Your Blue WEEK Yes please ✓ Household cleaning bottles ✓ Yoghurt pots ✓ Glass bottles and jars ✓ Empty aerosols ✓ Plastic milk bottles ✓ Shampoo bottles

Bin ✓ Margarine and ice cream tubs ✓ Meat trays ✓ Cans and tins ✓ Clean foil ✓ Soft drinks bottles ✓ Detergent bottles

Bottle tops must be removed before putting in the bin.

No thank you ✗ Polystyrene trays and packaging ✗ Pyrex, broken glass and drinking glasses ✗ Engine oil bottles ✗ Plant pots ✗ Bin liners

Your Bag Yes please

GREEN WEEK

✓ Clean dry clothes ✓ Handbags ✓ Blankets

No thank you

✗ Plastic bags and wrapping ✗ Food Waste ✗ Paint tins ✗ Children’s toys ✗ Cardboard

Your Green Box Yes please

GREE

N ✓ Newspapers and magazines W E E K ✓ Junk mail and catalogues ✓ Yellow Pages and telephone directories No thank you ✗ Cardboard, envelopes and sticky labels

GREEN Your Brown WEEK Yes please

Bin

✓ Garden Waste including; hedge cuttings, cut flowers, prunings and plants, twigs and small branches ✓ Grass cuttings and leaves

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

✓ All cooked and uncooked food waste ✓ Cardboard; including pizza boxes, cereal packets, corrugated cardboard ✓ Vegetarian pet waste Tip: You may wrap your food waste in a few sheets of newspaper or put inside a cardboard box

No thank you ✗ Plastic packaging and wrapping of any sort ✗ Plastic bags ✗ Oil or liquid fat ✗ Bricks and rubble ✗ Plant pots ✗ Bin liners ✗ Treated wood

GREY WEEK

READY TO RECYCLE: Area Waste Management Officer Jenny Thompson with 10 year-old Rakeeza Sharif of Middlehurst School, Chell, which will be one of the many schools in the city recycling their Christmas trees.

✗ Biodegradable food bags ✗ Liquids ✗ Drink cartons ✗ Soil and turf ✗ Cat or dog waste ✗ Polystyrene

Your Grey Bin Non-recyclable items Yes please ✓ Bagged disposable ✓ Bagged animal nappies or pet waste ✓ Cool ashes from fires ✓ Food waste ✓ Plastic food packaging ✓ Drinks cartons

No thank you ✗ Hot ash ✗ Rubble ✗ Electrical items

✗ Soil ✗ Paint tins

For more information please call us on Freephone 01782 232400 or visit stoke.gov.uk

Make waste recycling

a festive priority P

EOPLE are being urged to put the environment at the top of their Christmas list this year by recycling as much as they can over the festive season.

Trees and even leftovers from Christmas dinner can all be recycled through the city council’s multi box scheme.

And the best news is that the waste management teams will be working around the clock to with no changes to collection days during the Christmas and New Year periods, so residents should put their bins out on the normal day.

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

As in previous years, the city council is backing the Woodland Trust’s annual card recycling scheme, which takes place in a range of High Street stores.

Funds raised from the retailers through recycling the cards pays for a tree planting programme around the UK. Recycling bins will be placed at WH Smith, TK Maxx and Mark & Spencer stores to help the charity plant 12,000 native trees.

For the second year running people can recycle their real Christmas trees by cutting them up and placing them in their brown recycling bin.

Alternatively residents can take their tree to the

Household Waste Recycling Centre, either the Hanford site, situated at Campbell Road, Stoke, ST4 4DX or the Burslem site, situated at Federation Road, Burslem, ST6 4HU where it will be shredded and reused as mulch in the city.

It is worth making a note that these facilities will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Environment a priority As in previous years the team have joined forces with Greenhouse 2000 to supply Christmas trees to schools throughout the city – and, as part of the recycling effort, the trees are shredded afterwards and the woodchip used for public footpaths for the second year running.

Councillor Terry Follows, Cabinet Member for the Environment, Waste Management and Neighbourhood Services, said: “Although Christmas is about having fun we also urge people to keep the environment high up on their priority list.

“With so many ways to recycle everything from Christmas cards and trees to turkey dinner leftovers we hope everyone acts responsibly and does their bit for the environment and charity.” ● For more information on what can go in each of the bins and boxes please refer to the illustration on the left or visit stoke.gov.uk

Ways to be eco-friendly this Christmas SEASONAL tips are making this Christmas as eco-friendly as possible have been served up by the city’s council’s recycling experts. These include: ● When shopping for your Christmas feast, use a reusable shopping bag or reuse old plastic bags. ● Use less packaging by buying loose fruit and veg and choosing drinks in bigger bottles rather than small ones.

● Put the vegetable peelings from your Christmas dinner in your home compost bin. ● Opt for gift bags or boxes instead of wrapping paper. ● Re-use gift bags or boxes. ● Try different materials instead of wrapping paper – jute cloth, a Christmas themed table cloth or tie a silk bow around the gift. ● Put presents inside a Christmas stocking that can be re-used next year.

● Buy wrapping paper made from 100 per cent recycled materials. ● Save money and the environment by using re-chargeable batteries. ● Use old Christmas cards to make gift tags. ● Support the Woodland Trust Christmas Card Recycling Scheme by recycling cards via WH Smith, Tesco, TK Maxx and Marks & Spencer stores.

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On show in all its

fabulous glory T

HE amazing beauty of the Staffordshire Hoard is being fully revealed in all its glittering glory – one year after the 7th century Anglo-Saxon treasure was found buried in a farmer’s field.

Since the £3.3 million collection was jointly acquired by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Birmingham City Council experts have started the long process of researching and conservation.

To mark the first anniversary of the find, more than 20 pieces from the Hoard never put on public display before are on show at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.

They include a pectoral cross – one of the signature items of the collection – that has been partially cleaned.

Councillor Hazel Lyth, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, said: “The world marvelled at the quantity and quality of this

breathtaking collection when it was first discovered, and the detailed conservation and research work taking place will wow the people again.”

Conservation work on the treasure will see garneted artefacts sent to the Louvre Museum in Paris for analysis to help determine the origins of the jewels and when they were made.

Treasure A team of leading Anglo-Saxon history and object experts has been recruited to research the treasure to provide insights into the art, wealth, power and politics of the time, as well as the region’s transition from Paganism to Christianity.

A huge public campaign raised the £3.3 million needed to acquire the Hoard – the most valuable artefacts ever to be declared treasure in the UK.

● A further fundraising campaign is aiming to raise the £1.7 million needed to fully research, conserve and display the treasures.

To pledge support visit www.staffordshirehoard.org.uk

A pectoral cross, which has now been partially cleaned, is one of 20 artefacts from the hoard on public display for the first time.

Pope said a prayer over most-prized artefacts during private viewing Pope Benedict XVl said a prayer over three of the most-prized artefacts from the Staffordshire Hoard of Anglo Saxon treasure during a private viewing.

It has been revealed The Pontiff asked to see the ancient gold relics – a folded cross, a pectoral cross and a strip with a Biblical

inscription – which are believed to have Christian significance.

The items were taken from Birmingham Museum to Oscott College, the Priest Training Seminary, where The Pope had lunch with the Bishops of England, Scotland and Wales on the final day of his state visit.

The Pope touched the folded cross and said a prayer over the three 7th century treasures which it is thought could have belonged to King Edwin, one of the most powerful Christian monarchs in Anglo Saxon England.

One theory surrounding the Hoard is that because King Edwin became a Christian, the Pope sent him gifts to try and keep him on board with the Church – and these were among the treasurers found in Staffordshire.

Three of Hartshill’s oldest residents celebrate centenary THREE Hartshill residents with a combined age of 287 are honoured at a special celebration marking the centenary of Stoke-on-Trent’s federation.

Pictured taking centre stage at the age of 102 is Mrs Phyllis Yoxall with Miss Marjorie Moss, 94, on the left and 91-year-old Mrs Joy Jackson on the right.

Lord Mayor Councillor Denver Tolley and his wife Lynne presented them with gifts as Hartshill and Harpfields Residents’ Association staged a day of events at a variety of locations.

The organisation’s chair Barbara Andrew said: “It was a real treat to have three of Hartshill’s oldest residents there and for us to be able to honour their long and

Make it

Click and Easy distinguished lives.”

Community groups and the city council’s Area Implementation Team helped organise the event,

which was subsidised through ward budgets.

Councillor Randolph Conteh, who was heavily involved in the

planning, said:“It was a great community event at which I was honoured and privileged to join our distinguished elder residents.”

stoke.gov.uk

Check out our online library services: stoke.gov.uk/ libraries

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Creating a healthier and safer city Stoke City striker Kenwyne Jones at the launch of the Kickz programme in Bentilee.

Star striker kicks off community initiative STOKE City hotshot Kenwyne Jones “kicked off” a new community project which targets young people through football and steers them away from antisocial behaviour.

The Potters’ star striker joined children in Bentilee to officially launch the Kickz programme and take part in a questions and answer session.

Kickz uses the influence of football and the appeal of professional clubs and players to offer young people the chance to take

part in constructive activities.

It targets 12-18 year olds in some of the most disadvantaged areas in order to create safer, stronger and more respectful communities.

Anyone who signs up has the chance to take part in a free programme of sporting and musical activities throughout the week.

The project is delivered by the Premier League club’s Community Programme in partnership with the city council and Staffordshire Police.

Teenager Daniel Allcock pictured with some of the promotional items for the campaign.

More help to combat

alcohol problems HELP is never far away for those who need advice or guidance about their alcohol consumption – thanks to an expansion of community services in Stoke-on-Trent.

Support for young victims and witnesses of crime SUPPORT for young victims and witnesses of crime is being stepped up thanks to an imaginative information campaign spearheaded by the Safer City Partnership.

Eye-catching posters, flyers, information cards and even banner pens and novelty USB memory sticks are being handed out around Stoke-on-Trent, all featuring a safety message and contact details for help and information.

Lauren Eastlake, Programme Lead – Children and Young People, said:“Young people are often seen as perpetrators of crime – however, they are more likely to be a victim or witness to a crime than adults.

“They are also the least likely to report what has happened. So we are working with Staffordshire Police, Victim Support and the Youth Offending Service to help young people to stay safe and support young victims and witnesses of crime.”

She added:“We would also urge anyone who is a young victim of any kind, or has seen a crime happen, to tell someone they trust – whether it be a teacher, family member or friend.”

People can also contact their local victim support office on 0845 5212300, visit www.are-you-ok.org.uk or call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

New funding has meant that Adsis community alcohol services now have two workers in each of the city’s five neighbourhood areas to provide one-to-one support that’s not just restricted to dependent drinkers.

Help is also available for those who simply want guidance on the recommended intake of alcohol units or need help to reduce their drinking or get out of a cycle of binge drinking.

In addition, the community detoxification team now has five dedicated alcohol nurses to support medical treatment for dependent drinkers who are seeking to give up alcohol.

Suzie Kelly, Alcohol Programme Lead, said: “The nurses provide the most effective medication and support to ensure that the detoxification process is as safe as possible.

“It is usually completed within two weeks and in most cases at home rather than in hospital.”

These services have been rolled out from the community alcohol centre in Shelton, to Neighbourhood Centres and GP practices in the city.

Suzie Kelly said: “We are trying to increase public awareness of the help that is available through the services.

“Some may feel that there is a stigma attached to seeking help with an alcohol-related problem, but all our services are strictly confidential.

“Also, the wide choice of centres means that support can be accessed in a discreet way.”

People can be referred to the community alcohol services by their GP. Alternatively, they can phone 01782 271096 to ask about the Adsis or detoxification service for themself, a family member or friend they are concerned about.

Crackdown on under age sales SALES of alcohol to under age people are being targeted in a joint “sting” operation by Neighbourhood Police teams and Trading Standards Officers.

An ongoing “proxy purchase” campaign was launched by the Safer City Partnership earlier this year. During the first two-and-a-half hour spot check an underage volunteer approached five adults.

Four of them agreed to go into an off-licence to buy alcohol for the child. Principal Trading Standards Officer Neil Horton said:“What was most worrying is that in each area it took our volunteer only ten minutes to find an adult willing to buy alcohol for them.

“One man asked our volunteer to hold his shopping bags while he went into the off-licence, while another even agreed to go into the shop twice to make two purchases for the volunteer.”

Neil added: “At the moment we are warning anyone who agrees to buy alcohol when approached during these checks. But in future, adults who agree to make proxy purchases will be prosecuted, and if convicted,

they can be fined up to £1,000.” Over the past year 11 alcohol licences for off-licences, supermarkets and pubs in the city have been reviewed by police – mostly as a result of test purchases by children.

In each case more robust conditions were attached to the licence – with a warning that any further breach would lead to the licence being revoked.

Court throws open its doors PEOPLE were able to quiz judges and magistrates and go behind the scenes at the Combined Court centre in Hanley as part of Inside Justice Week 2010.

Officers from the Safer City Partnership, along with colleagues from the police, fire service and HM court service were also on hand during the open day. The event was held to show the community how the Criminal Justice System works and to dispel myths surrounding it.

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Our City

27

A two-page special Our City report

Massive impact in tackling antisocial behaviour M

EET the team that is having a huge impact on tackling antisocial behaviour and helping to create a safer, better place to live.

Six Safer City Partnership Officers are working with the community, Staffordshire Police and other agencies to clamp down on disorder and community crime.

Each officer is allocated to a specific part of the city where they have a high profile with residents and work with them to solve problems.

The officers – who wear Safer

City Partnership fleeces or t-shirts – tackle serious and persistent antisocial behaviour.

This can include drug dealing, troublesome teenagers, court order evictions and house closures.

The team was established in April 2008 as part of the city council’s commitment to reduce antisocial behaviour.

They also set up a delivery plan outlining a series of targets the Safer City Partnership is aiming to achieve.

Jon Connolly, Safer City Partnership’s Antisocial Behaviour Lead, said: “Over the last two and a half years we have taken great strides forward in tackling

Jon Connolly, the Safer City Partnership’s Antisocial Behaviour Lead, left, with members of his team in Stoke town centre, left to right, Jenny Lawson, Deb Johnston, Di Davies, Kate Stevenson and Brian Worsley. antisocial behaviour and helping to boost community safety.

“The officers all work hard to raise their profile and work with residents groups to tackle the issues that matter to them head on.”

A recent success was an operation culminating in a house closure in Normacot.

Jon said: “Residents approached us with concerns about illegal drug activities taking place in a house on their street,

Teenager designs poster warning of ‘Mcat’dangers A TALENTED teenager has joined forces with the Safer City Partnership to warn people of the dangers of Mephedrone through a hard-hitting poster campaign.

Previously the stimulant – nicknamed Mcat – was classed as a “legal high” in the UK and was available in tablet and powder form. However, earlier this year the Government classified it as an illegal class B substance after latest tests proved it to be unpredictable and dangerous.

Risks of taking it can vary from paranoia, depression, heart problems and even death.

Now 18-year old Saul Mountford, of Burslem, has designed a poster spelling out the danger. In it he lists the various slang names for Mephedrone alongside the risks to people’s health It also spells out the fact that the maximum sentence for being caught in possession of Mephedrone is five years, which can rise to 15 years in jail for anyone caught supplying. The poster is the forerunner to a new campaign which urges people to

steer clear of all legal highs. Saul, who wants to be a youth worker, but enjoys art as a hobby, will continue to help to design new posters and logos for wristbands and pens.

Project Officer for Substance Misuse Hannah Cole said: “Often because people see the words legal and herbal associated with these substances they will be tempted to try them.

“However, the side effects can be very harmful, ranging from paranoia and depression to potentially fatal problems. The best bet is to avoid them completely.”

For more details contact the Stoke-on-Trent Community Drug Service on 01782 219777 or Young People’s Drug Project on 01782 234195.

which had a knock on effect on antisocial behaviour.

“We met them so they could voice their concerns and helped them to gather evidence, which led to a successful application for a court order to close the house.

“We are still working with them to clear up some other antisocial behaviour issues but it is a great example of how, by working with the residents, police and other agencies, we can have a real impact.

“It helps to build confidence between us and the public. They know if they ask us to help them with a problem we can work with them to provide the solution.”

To report antisocial behaviour contact Staffordshire Police’s non-emergency number 0300 1234455.

Or call the Antisocial Behaviour Helpline on 0800 561 5610.

Hot tips for winter driving

Saul Mountford holds the poster he designed with Project Officer for Substance Misuse Hannah Cole looking on.

MOTORISTS are being warned to take extra care as winter approaches and the road and weather conditions make driving more hazardous.

The Safer City Partnership has launched a campaign to offer road users help on enhancing journey safety.

The last couple of winters have seen some of the harshest snowfall in years which caught out many motorists – but there does not have to be snow on the ground to make driving more dangerous.

Motorists are also being encouraged to take an emergency kit with them in case they are stranded.

This includes an ice scraper and de-icer, a torch, warm clothes and a blanket, a shovel for snow and battery jump leads.

More details about winter checklists and steering clear of trouble in winter conditions can be found by visiting the Highways Agency website on www.highways.gov.uk

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Our City N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 0

Stoke-on-Trent City Council – Summary Accounts 2009/10 FACTS AND FIGURES THE City Council's Statement of Accounts for 2009/10 has been prepared in accordance with the Local Authority Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP).

The accounts have been audited by the Audit Commission and the auditor has issued an unqualified opinion, which means that the accounts give a true and fair view of the financial position of the city council.

The Housing Revenue Account The city council maintains a Housing Revenue Account (HRA). This account shows the income and expenditure associated with the provision, management and maintenance of council housing. The account is ‘ring-fenced’, which means that rents cannot be subsidised from council tax or vice versa.

The city council owns 19,297 properties and spent £52.8m on maintaining them, managing the service and meeting other costs, such as interest on loans to fund improvements. At the end of the year, the Housing Revenue Account made a surplus of £3m. This will be reinvested in future maintenance and improvements to the housing stock.

Net Worth At the end of each financial year the city council draws up a balance sheet.

This represents how much the assets of the city council are worth, what is owed to the city council, and what is owed by the city council.

The net worth of the city council is worked out by comparing everything that it owns (its assets) with everything that it owes (its liabilities). A summarised balance sheet is shown below.

Effective spending achieves successes across a huge

range of services O

VER the year the city council has targeted spending to specific areas to result in the following improvements across a diverse range of services in Stoke-on-Trent.

Children and Young People ● 51 per cent of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage achieving the expected level of progress in 2009, up from 43 per cent in the two previous years. ● Secondary school persistent absence rates have fallen from 7.7 per cent in 2007 to 5.8 per cent in 2009, which means 300 fewer pupils are missing school. ● Climbed to the top 25 per cent of local authorities for carrying out initial assessments of children in need within seven working days of referral.

● A continued fall in the number of young people aged 16 to 18 who are not in education, employment or training, down to 761 in 2009-10, from a figure of 1,356 in 2006-07.

Adult Social Care, Health and Communities ● The most recent customer survey shows that 91 per cent of people using our services are ‘quite’, ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ satisfied. ● All services operated by the local authority are now rated ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ and 90 per cent of independent placements are rated as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’. ● A number of our services were nominated for and received awards including The Meadows Centre of Excellence. ● More people have been safeguarded from abuse, neglect and self-harm than ever before.

● The Staffordshire Hoard exhibition at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery attracted over 55,000 visitors in the space of three weeks, and culminated in a successful Royal visit involving HRH the Prince of Wales and HRH the Duchess of Cornwall.

Com ● Helping more young people stay P fit and active through the C Football Action programme which engaged nearly 900 young people and Streetgames, which offered 3,500 hours of free sports activity.

Housing, Environmental and Neighbourhood Services (HENS)

The city council’s net worth at the end of March 2010 was £375.9m, represented by Capital and Revenue Reserves.

● Delivered £3m of improvements within neighbourhoods using Ward Budgets. ● Established the first No Cold Calling Zone in the city and monitored its effect on doorstep crime against elderly and vulnerable residents. ● Enabled the delivery of 144 new affordable homes, brought 50 empty homes back into use and delivered 84 equity loans to vulnerable homeowners to improve property standards. ● Delivered support to 6,000 vulnerable people to help them to live independently and provided support to 1,013 households to help them avoid homelessness.

Revenue Reserves and Balances

Safer City Partnership

31st March 2010 £m Land, Buildings and Other Fixed Assets Other Assets (including cash) Money Owed to the City Council Money Owed by the City Council Net Worth (Total Assets less Total Liabilities)

1,323.5 30.5 75.1 (1,053.2) 375.9

Represented By Revenue Reserves and Balances Capital Reserves Total Reserves

Reserves and Balances General Fund Working Balance HRA Working Balance Earmarked Reserves Education PFI Street Lighting Insurance Other School Balances Other Balances Total

88.7 287.2 375.9

31/03/09 £m

31/03/10 £m

4.7 5.3

5.3 8.3

30.6 7.9 7.6 18.0 7.1 9.8 91.0

31.5 7.3 6.7 15.8 6.0 7.8 88.7

The city council has a duty under legislation to maintain a prudent level of General Fund Reserves. Due to an underspend of £600,000 against the budget during 2009/10, the Reserve has increased from £4.7m to £5.3m.

The full statement of accounts including glossary of terms is also available on the city council’s website at stoke.gov.uk Alternatively, you can contact: Corporate Accounting, Stoke-on-Trent, City Council, Central Services Directorate, Finance Division, PO Box 62, Swann House, Boothen Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 4UJ Telephone – 01782 231639

Email – finance@stoke.gov.uk

Principal Collections Officer Deb Klemperer shows part of the Staffordshire Hoard to The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall during their visit to Stoke-on-Trent.

● Achieved a 27 per cent reduction in serious acquisitive crime, which includes burglary, robbery and vehicle theft. This was 1,343 fewer offences. ● Reduced the rate of adult re-offending by 8 per cent more than the predicted level.

Capital expenditure benefits communities CAPITAL expenditure is accounted for separately from the cost of providing services. This type of expenditure represents investment in purchasing, upgrading or improving city council assets such as land and buildings.

The local community benefits from capital expenditure over a longer period of time. In 2009/10, the city council spent £119.1 million on capital expenditure, analysed in the table on the right.

The programmes with the most significant spend in the year include: ● Regeneration initiatives for the city centre £7 million. ● The ongoing development of a country heritage park at Chatterley Whitfield funded by the Homes and Communities Agency £4.8 million. ● Continuing investment through the RENEW Housing Pathfinder programme £34.9 million. ● Housing Capital Programme £27 million.

● Investment from the Department of Transport into the Cycle City and Local Transport Plan projects £7.5 million. ● Education Service development programmes £12.7 million.

The capital programme is funded through a variety of sources as shown in the table below Funding Grants Major Repairs Allowance Revenue Other Contributions Capital Receipts Borrowing Total

£m 64.8 13.7 2.2 4.2 5 29.2 119.1

● ●

N R ●

●

●

●

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Our City

FACTS AND FIGURES

es

The cost of running city council services The cost of providing services is shown in the Authorities Income and Expenditure Account. The Council spent £750.3m on providing day to day services such as waste collection, street cleaning and leisure services, as shown in the following graph.

es

Corporate £6.1m (0.8%)

Non-distributed costs Central Services (mainly pensions) £29.7m (4.0%) £7.3m (1.0%) Coroners Court £1.0m (0.1%)

Adult Social Care £102.3m (13.6%)

n

Culture, Environment etc. £92.1m (12.3%)

Housing Revenue £47m (6.3%)

,

Safer City Partnership Officer Justine Scott, right, pictured with hter Community Crime Fig d an ck nco Ha ne Pauli Chair of the Newford Residents’ Association Neil Hawkins.

General Fund Housing £114.4m (15.2%)

Education £321.9m (42.9%)

Highways and Transport £28.5m (3.8%)

The income comes from various sources, specific grants such as Private Finance Initiatives (PFI), fees and charges like car parking charges, leisure centre income, income from central government, in the form of revenue support grant, contributions from the business rates pool, and from local residents in the form of council tax, as shown below.

● Reduced the number of antisocial behaviour reports by 4,809. ● Screened and advised over 2,500 people for alcohol misuse issues and increased the numbers in effective drug treatment programmes to 1,473.

Funding

North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership ● The University Quarter commenced construction work on the Sixth Form College, opened the Further Education Stoke College Lifestyle Building and started the stage D design for the University Boulevard. ● Placed over 500 people into work, helped 230 people into volunteering placements and helped 52 people to start their own business. ● The Build Up construction supply chain network registered over 700 supplier companies with an opportunity to bid for construction contracts worth £1.5bn, and supported a further 920 businesses. ● Enrolled 4,000 people in the adult learning service and helped 2,500 people gain literacy and numeracy qualifications.

Central Government Grant Non Domestic Rates Collection Fund/Council Tax Specific Grants Fees and Charges Total

£m 50.0 100.0 79.3 340.9 180.7 750.9

Financial Highlights 2009/10 ● The city council achieved savings of £600,000 against the annual revenue budget. ● HRA Reserves increased by £3 million. ● The city council spent £119.1 million on capital projects.

Feedback Stoke-on-Trent City Council is always striving to provide the best information for its residents, and would welcome feedback on these summary accounts.

If you wish to provide feedback, please fill in the form below and return it to: Feedback, Corporate Accounting, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Central Services Directorate, Finance Division, PO Box 62, Swann House, Boothen Road, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4UJ Alternatively you can email your comments to finance@stoke.gov.uk

Gardener David Simcock is now working at NCA Enterprises market garden at Blurton which includes a poultry farm.

Please put a tick in the boxes, with 5 meaning you strongly agree with the statement, and 1 meaning you strongly disagree with the statement.

1

1. I found the summary accounts informative

s

Capital Expenditure 2009/10 (119.1m)

2. I found the summary accounts easy to understand 3. The layout made the summary accounts easier to read

IT £4.6m (3.9%)

Corporate Assets £6.6m (5.5%)

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3

4

5

■■■■■ ■■■■■ ■■■■■

4. Do you have any other comments? Is there any other information you would like to see included in the summary accounts? ..........................................................................................................................................................

Housing £27.0m (22.7%)

Regeneration Initiatives £51.5m (43.2%)

..........................................................................................................................................................

Children and Education £15.6m (13.1%)

Adult Social Care £2.3m (1.9%)

..........................................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................................................................

✁

Highways and Transport £11.5m (9.7%)

Tyler Surtees, aged 10, who enjoys cycling on the city greenways with his family, shows a couple of the Leisurely Cycle Rides maps.

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Residents work out at

Queen’s Park Partnership Events Co-ordinator Steven Malam pictured with Sandra Fishwick who is working out on a pull down exerciser at the park’s outdoor gym.

gym in the park Y

OU never know who you’ll be working out with if you go to the city’s first outdoor gym at Queen’s Park in Longton.

For the new £35,000 amenity which opened in August is attracting people of all ages – from the minimum age limit of 12 to a lady of 86!

Members of an Age Concern group meet up every week for a Monday afternoon fitness session on the equipment, and other regular users include the local Townswomen’s Guild, members of the Park Partnership and organised school parties.

Whatever their age, all the outdoor gym users enjoy staying in shape with the free sessions during which they can exercise on all six pieces of equipment – pull down exerciser, skier, leg press, chest press, space walker and body twister.

Kay Steele, Park Keeper at Queen’s Park, said: “I’m quite surprised at how well the gym has done – it’s still busy even after the school summer holidays. The gym attracts all sorts of groups and people of all ages. In fact the sessions are a social occasion for many of the older users. Many of them have a go on all the equipment so they enjoy the benefit of all-round exercise.”

Four pieces of the outdoor gym’s equipment were donated by Wicksteed Playscapes and two were funded by the Queen’s Park Partnership through an Awards for All grant. The gym was officially unveiled

by Stoke City soccer legends Alan Hudson and Jackie Marsh.

In addition to the gym, visitors to Queen’s Park will also notice some impressive improvements to the two lakes – thanks to a £50,000 grant from the Big Lottery Community Spaces Fund.

Community angling tuition

Park Keeper Kay Steele with Sheila Harrington, an Age UK walking club volunteer, who is exercising on the outdoor gym skier.

The improvements include a new fountain in the bottom lake and the installation of fixed fishing pegs around the larger lake to provide angling coaching and tuition to members of the community – in particular young people – and to develop angling in the lake.

In addition repairs and improvements to the cascade between the two lakes has created a pleasing water feature which also provides areas of wildlife habitats that can be used for environmental education. ● The Queen’s Park Partnership, a voluntary group set up two years ago to promote the community use of the park, have organised 16 events this year.

Anyone wishing to Susan Whalley, Chairperson of join or help out can the Partnership, admires a new come to their solar-powered water feature in meetings held on the one of the park’s lakes. first Thursday of every month at the Elim Penticostal Church, Dresden, starting at 7.30pm.

For all city council services

contact 234234

Your

HEALTH CENTRES

ABBEY HULTON (Main) 0300 123 0976 Children and Adolescents 0300 123 0987 Mental Health Service BENTILEE

01782 231300

BLURTON (Main) 0300 123 0971 Children and Adolescents 0300 123 0977 Mental Health Service BURSLEM

0300 123 0979

WHITFIELD VALLEY

01782 425720

FENTON

01782 743100

HANFORD (Main) Children's Airway Support Team

0300 123 0974 0300 123 0977

HANLEY

0300 123 0980

LONGTON

0300 123 0993

LONGTON COTTAGE HOSPITAL

0300 123 0993

MEIR

01782 425676

NORTON

01782 534599

PACKMOOR

01782 794600

PICCADILLY CENTRE (Main) 0300 123 0985 Sexual health helpline 0300 123 0970 SMALLTHORNE

0300 123 0982

STOKE Out of Hours District Nursing Service

0300 123 0986 0300 123 0989

TRENT VALE TUNSTALL (Main) Dental Advice Line

01782 425260 0300 123 0972 0300 123 0981

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

0845 46 47

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

Fire & Rescue contact numbers S-O-T AREA COMMAND AREA COMMANDER

ASSISTANT AREA COMMANDER – BURSLEM

Wayne Bowcock 01785 898894

Ruth Watchorn-Rice 01785 898554

ASSISTANT AREA COMMANDER – LONGTON

Glynn Luznyj 01785 898693 ASSISTANT AREA COMMANDER – HANLEY

Andy Leedham 01785 898765

HEAD OF STOKE-ON-TRENT RISK REDUCTION

Kelvin Knapper 01785 898882 ADMINISTRATION MANAGER Paula Goodwin 01785 898895

COMMUNITY SAFETY ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS Chris Thompson 01785 898883

RISK REDUCTION OFFICERS Donna Broadhead 01785 898904 Jim Taaffe 01785 898976

Neil Cheshire Burslem 01785 898498 Mick Warillow Hanley 01785 898902

Dave Gallimore 01785 898885

Rehana Iqbal 01785 898891

Pete Hall Safer City Partnership Officer

Paul Shaw 01785 898755

Tracey Cresswell Longton 01785 898951

07967 573263

To book your home fire risk check ring: 0800 0241 999

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NOVEMBER 2010

Abbey Green

COUNCILLORS

ELLIE WALKER (Community Voice) (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 (Labour) 07714 334453 adrian.knapper @stoke.gov.uk

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

Burslem South

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

DEBRA GRATTON (Labour) 07748 251695 debra.gratton@ stoke.gov.uk

MOHAMMED PERVEZ (Labour) 01782 232468 07919 917632 mohammed.pervez@ stoke.gov.uk

GWEN HASSALL (Labour) (01782) 263166 07851 751813 gwen.hassall@stoke.gov.uk

SARAH HILL (Labour) (01782) 845044 07584 607624 sarah.hill@stoke.gov.uk

PAUL SHOTTON (Labour) (01782) 434445 paul.shotton@ stoke.gov.uk

TOM REYNOLDS (Labour) 07850 828717 tom.reynolds@stoke.gov.uk

ZULFIQAR ALI (Liberal Democrat) 07838 262062 zulfiqar.ali@stoke.gov.uk

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

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

MARGARET BARBER (Labour) (01782) 305514 07825 882059 margaret.barber@ stoke.gov.uk

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

JANINE BRIDGES (Community Voice) (01782) 851842 07989 385631 janine.bridges@ stoke.gov.uk

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

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

AMJID WAZIR (Labour) 07747 830461 amjid.wazir@ stoke.gov.uk

OLWEN HAMER (Labour) (01782) 657133 olwen.hamer@ stoke.gov.uk

Norton and Bradeley

DAVE SUTTON (Liberal Democrat) (01782) 542998 07512 564815 dave.sutton@stoke.gov.uk

ALAN RIGBY (Christian Independent) (01782) 542364 07790 374152 alan.rigby@stoke.gov.uk

JEAN BOWERS (Liberal Democrat) (01782) 262613 07712 350430 jean.bowers@stoke.gov.uk

KIERAN CLARKE (Liberal Democrat) (01782) 788010 07886 358143 kieran.clarke@stoke.gov.uk

Trentham and Hanford

MARK WRIGHT (Conservative & Independent Alliance) (01782) 642653 07814 744775 mark.wright@stoke.gov.uk

MOHAMMAD IQBAL (Labour) (01782) 266893 07792 071266 mohammed.iqbal@ 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 (Community Voice) (01782) 533542 07977 843026 mick.salih@stoke.gov.uk

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

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

MATT WILCOX (Labour) 07810 825600 matt.wilcox@ stoke.gov.uk

JOANNE POWELLBECKETT (Conservative & Independent Alliance) 07816 518275 joanne.powell-beckett@ stoke.gov.uk

East Valley

KASSEM AL-KHATIB (Labour) (01782) 849823 kassem.al-khatib@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 (Community Voice) (01782) 870065 07850 939611 michael.barnes@ stoke.gov.uk

CLIVE BRIAN (Conservative & Independent Alliance) (01782) 315702 07950 285366 clive.brian@stoke.gov.uk

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

ABI BROWN (Conservative & Independent Alliance) 07793 844169 abi.brown@stoke.gov.uk

Stoke and Trent Vale

DUNCAN WALKER (Labour) (01782) 533198 duncan.walker@ stoke.gov.uk

Tunstall

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

MERVIN SMITH (Labour) (01782) 537211 07584 607623 mervin.smith@ stoke.gov.uk

Hartshill and Penkhull

Longton South

DENVER TOLLEY (Labour) (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 (Labour) 07813 473625 mark.davis@stoke.gov.uk

TONY FRADLEY (Labour) 07919 528515 tony.fradley@stoke.gov.uk

31

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

JEREMY DILLON (Labour) 07505 777571 jeremy.dillon@stoke.gov.uk

PAULINE JOYNSON (Community Voice) (01782) 413683 07813 836057 pauline.joynson@ stoke.gov.uk

Weston and Meir North

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

MAJID KHAN (Labour) 07989 441707 majid.khan@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

RUTH ROSENAU (Labour) (01782) 501940 07870 503575 ruth.rosenau@ stoke.gov.uk

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Our City N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 0

Tour of Britain boosts

WIN WIN: Greg Henderson raises his arms in triumph after speeding through the finishing line in the city centre to win the heat – hailed a great success by race organisers.

city’s economy H

UNDREDS of thousands of pounds has been pumped into the local economy as a result of the city playing host to the country’s highest profile cycling tour, organisers believe.

The spotlight was turned on Stoke-on-Trent when some of the best professional cyclists in the world rode into town for a pivotal stage of the Tour of Britain.

The stage started in Burslem, and the finish was watched by large crowds outside Hanley Town Hall in the city centre.

Thousands of people lined the streets to see New Zealander Greg Henderson win the heat in front of television cameras.

And to link in with the centenary celebration of the federation of the city’s six towns, the race was exactly 100 miles long and followed a route to take in each of the towns.

The race was hailed a great success with Hugh Roberts, chief Executive of the Tour of Britain saying the race is “absolutely

Organisers ‘absolutely committed’ to return after major success committed” to return to Stoke-on-Trent.

Meanwhile, organisers are confident that an independent study into the impact of the Tour of Britain, and the follow up Prostate Charity Tour Ride, will show the city has benefited economically in the region of hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Richard Radcliffe, Programme Manager for 2010 said: “It was the second year running that the Tour Ride has come to the city and most people agree it was the best event of this kind we have ever staged.

“At no cost to the city, the event has had a real economic and social impact for the city and the area and saw people from all over the UK come to Stoke-on-Trent.”

He added: “The economic impact

reports are not yet available but we are confident that the independent study will show that the city will have received an economic benefit in the region of hundreds of thousands of pounds.

CARNIVAL ATMOSPHERE: Thousands of spectators enjoyed the free top-class sporting entertainment.

RAISING THE CITY’S PROFILE: Lord Mayor Councillor Denver Tolley is interviewed on national television.

Our City is published by a partnership of

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

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

“Research has already shown that local hotels saw a significant impact from both events and the Tour of Britain being shown on ITV4 for an hour on the evening of Sunday 12 September had an advertising value equivalent for the region in excess of £450,000.”

City council Leader Mohammed Pervez said: “It is fantastic to have such a high profile event in the city. People travelled here from other cities across the country and have visited city shops and hotels.”

■ Record numbers of people also turned out for the Prostate Cancer charity Tour Ride which followed the same route as the Tour of Britain stage. Almost 2000 participants of all ages saddled up for a 100 mile pro ride, a 50-mile Challenge Ride and 16.5 mile family ride, helping raise tens of thousands of pounds for charity.