Our City issue 30 by i•creation

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Stoke-on-Trent

ISSUE 30: DECEMBER 2012

Our City

City Council backs big appeal to hand out toys to thousands of children See page five

Win a £250 iPod touch in our children’s competition

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City Council praised for saving the Vale

See back page

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Our City D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2

Together we will make it through the challenges By City Council Leader Councillor

MOHAMMED PERVEZ WE are still waiting on the Government to give us our budget settlement for the next two years but judging by their track record I am not expecting good news. These are not my cuts. They are not set by the city council, nor are they our city’s fault. For the last three years the money we are allocated from Westminster to spend on protecting and serving our citizens has been slashed. We have been open and honest about the challenges but at the same time have taken a responsible approach to managing our budgets. We will continue to protect the most vulnerable people in our communities whether through services the city council provides or through the independent sector. The documentary The Year the Town Hall Shrank broadcast by the BBC offered an insight into the process and was not comfortable viewing.

Many success stories I hope it showed the agonising decisions we had to make... and I hope people realise that we set those budgets in response to pressures placed on our city by the Government. Indeed, the very people criticising us for making those decisions would be the first to point the finger if we failed to set a legal budget. What the TV show failed to portray were our city’s many success stories: the new primary and secondary schools and colleges giving our children and young people a better start in life; the new bus station our City Centre has needed for decades and the resurgence in our world famous ceramics industry which is creating jobs and training opportunities, to name a few. Most of all, none of the programmes reflected our hard-working people and their great community spirit. I expect to be in the firing line – it comes with the job. But I want everyone to understand I am passionate about our city, I feel for our people and will not rest until we have come through these difficult times together.

Jon Hewitt, Joint Managing Director of Hygan Products, which distributes specialist foam products to 70 countries. Inset: Production Operative Amanda Wood shows some of the product range.

UCCESSFUL exporters are backing a Government minister’s call for companies to set their sights firmly on overseas markets in a bid to boost their bottom line and generate economic success for the city.

Lord Green, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, stressed to business leaders the need to capitalise on exports during a visit to Stoke-on-Trent. He also said that he was encouraged by the way the city was “reinventing itself” to take advantage of global markets. Engineering specialist Goodwin Plc is a prime example of how vital exports are to a business. The company, which has its headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent and has been a supplier of machine castings since 1883, now generates 80 per cent of its revenue overseas. Chairman John Goodwin said: “Goodwin Plc and its subsidiaries focus much attention on the worldwide

Exporters join city jobs growth drive energy industries be they oil and gas or high efficiency power generation. “Our market size is limited in the UK in comparison to that overseas so there is no question that once the home market is catered for companies have to look to exports. “Our latest information shows that 80.1 per cent of revenue was for export orders – more than 24 per cent from the Pacific Basin, 20.8 per cent from the rest of Europe, 7 per cent from the USA and nearly 28 per cent from the rest of the world.” Hartshill-based Hygan Products, which produces flexible foam products and supplies consumable products for the ceramics sector and other industries, now exports to nearly 70 countries.

Minister backs city vision SPEAKING to our city’s business leaders in the city, Lord Green said:“It is a great pleasure to be in Stoke-on-Trent, this is a city which is reinventing itself. We know the old model no longer works and in the current climate export trade and investment are going to have to play a key role. “There is a mass of evidence that companies that export are more efficient and productive than those that don’t. They are more profitable, create more jobs and are longer lasting.”

Live webcast of full council meetings 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.

MEETINGS of the full council can now be viewed online. To see and hear the debates and decisions which affect life in Stoke-on-Trent, visit stoke.gov.uk and click on webcasting. A list of dates and times of council meetings and committee meetings can be found on our website at stoke.gov.uk/meetingdates

Joint Managing Director Jon Hewitt said: “Exports make up 70 per cent of our sales and we have markets in eastern Europe, the Far East, the Middle East and the Americas. “We took a proactive approach and made sure we moved quickly to develop our business abroad by working with the UKTI, taking part in trade missions and talking extensively to overseas companies about the quality and durability of our products – often face-to-face.”

Be motivated He added: “People shouldn’t be afraid of exporting and they certainly shouldn’t bury their heads in the sand and wait for things to change in the domestic market because this can lead to them going out of business. “There is a lot of support out there from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, UKTI and the local authority but companies still need to be motivated and make the first step themselves towards exporting. I am encouraged by how much the city council, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and business are now pulling in the same direction to create a wealthier city.”

Funding can help pay for training costs COMPANIES can claim up to 80 per cent of some training costs thanks to a new initiative launched by the city council and Staffordshire University. The initiative is targeted at helping ceramics and manufacturing businesses improve the skills of their workforce. Some courses can be tailored to meet a company’s specific needs, and the programmes range from learning and development programmes to a range of short courses which can have an immediate impact on business. To take advantage of the funding, courses must start before 31 March 2013. ● For further information contact Sarah Tudor on 01782 294233.

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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DECEMBER 2012

Our City 3

‘Heart’ will beat prosperity

through whole city M

ULTI-million pound projects to regenerate the City Centre will benefit the whole of Stoke-on-Trent. Cabinet members are confident that hundreds of millions of pounds of investment will act as a vital beating heart pumping prosperity throughout the Potteries. Reassurances have been given that Stoke will become “stronger rather than weaker” when the city council moves 2,000 workers to the Central Business District. Councillor Ruth Rosenau, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “The residents of Stoke-on-Trent have identified the need for jobs as a major priority. This is the basis of the Mandate for Change. A prosperous city needs a successful city centre – it is absolutely key to the vitality of Stoke-on-Trent and for the creation of these jobs. “The completion of the bus station is the start of a journey that will transform the City Centre.” The bus station – based on the former John Street open car park – will open in early 2013. “It will pave the way for work to start on the City Sentral shopping development, providing high quality shops, restaurants and leisure facilities.”

Investment in city centre gateway projects are underway, including projects to improve Albion Street, Percy Street and Tontine Street. Councillor Mark Meredith, Cabinet Member for Economic Development said: “We need a clear strategy to create high quality white collar jobs. The Central Business District is the missing piece in the jigsaw. “It will diversify our economic base and help us become more resilient in the face of future economic challenges.

Ruben Pope, of Etruscan Primary School, a national Young Reader of the Year.

Ruben named UK’s best young reader BOOKS inspired10-year-old Ruben Pope when he visited a Potteries library with his classmates – and now he is one of the country’s Young Readers of the Year. The Etruscan Primary School pupil scooped the National Literacy Trust accolade after it funded a young reader programme of three library sessions for 92 pupils at four city schools. Most Etruscan classes visit the library at least once a year to encourage children to read for pleasure but this was the first time the school had taken part in the Trust project. Ruben and his classmates received two free books and he was hooked. Teacher Vicky Colclough said:“Reading is a huge priority at our school and following his visit, Ruben has definitely shown a much more positive attitude to his reading, changing books regularly. “Hopefully this award will continue to boost his confidence and will also help to promote reading for enjoyment to other children, especially the older boys.” Ruben was chosen for the award ahead of more than 10,000 other children from across the UK. His achievement was recognised with a special school assembly and he now has more books to read – especially his spooky favourites like the Horrid Henry stories.

Positive impact “Our decision to be the anchor tenants in the new Central Business District is a bold one, but it is one that will have a huge positive impact on our city. It will boost private sector confidence in the Central Business District and across the City Centre and beyond. “The development has the potential to create 4,500 new jobs and bring money into our economy. “The increase in income generated through business rates will allow vital services to be protected.”

Council Leader answers City Centre critics CITY Council Leader Councillor Mohammed Pervez has answered critics who questioned the authority’s handling of the two shopping centre development plans in the City Centre. Faced with a decision to back the £350million City Sentral development rather than the £16million Potteries Shopping Centre extension, Councillor Pervez said the Cabinet and senior officers did what was best for the city. He said: “City Sentral developers Realis

have already ploughed millions of pounds into acquiring land for their development. This is a huge investment in our city and we are backing it 100 per cent. “We are being reassured by the developer that this project is deliverable and until such time that this position changes we will continue to give it our full support. How could we turn our backs on a £350million development in favour of a £16million scheme? It just would not add up.”

Above, a computer-generated impression of the proposed first building in the Central Business District, which will house the Central Lending Library, and the ware by famous potter Clarice Cliff which inspired the design.

Developers invited to regenerate Stoke Town EXPRESSIONS of interest are being sought for a landmark development site in the centre of Stoke Town, including the former Spode pottery works, Civic Centre and the historic King’s Hall. The redevelopment of the 15-acre site next to the A500 is expected to attract interest from a range of investors wishing to develop a mixed use scheme involving retailing and a range of other uses, including delivering new jobs and stimulating interest in new housing. The city council is looking for bids from organisations who want to redevelop the site as a whole, and those who may wish

to buy and then sub-lease it into development packages. A marketing brochure has been produced for potential investors outlining potential uses for the site and buildings. These include large retail, leisure and hotel use as well as studios, workshops and gallery space for exhibitions. The redevelopment will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of Stoke Town Centre. One of the aims is to make the best use of the key heritage buildings including those within the former Spode works and the Grade II listed King’s Hall.

There is also potential to explore the opportunity to link into an environmentally-friendly district heating initiative. Council Leader, Councillor Mohammed Pervez, said:“This demonstrates our desire to progress speedily with the redevelopment of the site and the regeneration of Stoke Town.” The city council intends to relocate to the City Centre by summer 2015 and will vacate the Civic Centre at that time. The city council is planning to identify a preferred development partner by the end of next year.

City bids for better deal from Whitehall OUR city is one of 14 areas invited by the Government to bid for radical new powers to help councils boost growth. Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are part of the second wave of City Deal bids. Areas in the first wave have been given more powers, including the ability to “earn back” tax from the Treasury, have their own transport budgets and take control of skills budgets in their cities. The extra investment is expected to drive business expansion and lead to more jobs. Bids will be drawn up and submitted in January, showing the area’s ambition, potential for partnership working and strong leadership from the local authority. City Council Leader Councillor Mohammed Pervez said:“We will show our area’s huge potential and draw on the successes we have already achieved through the Mandate for Change. We will be pressing the area’s case for support from the Government in meeting future challenges, while making sure our city benefits from the outcome.”

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Our City D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2

Commissioner vows to visit all of county STAFFORDSHIRE’S first Police and Crime Commissioner has vowed to visit every part of the county and increase visibility of officers on the streets. Conservative Matthew Ellis, pictured, took up the post on 22 November after being elected to oversee how crime is tackled in the area. He said:“One of my priorities is visibility and making sure everyone can see police on the streets, whether that be officers or vehicles, because I do believe it acts as a deterrent. “That includes cutting some of the bureaucratic things officers currently have to do. I want to take roadshows to every part of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.” Mr Ellis beat Stoke-on-Trent city councillor Joy Garner with 51,237 votes compared to 47,589, out of a total of 98,826. The turnout in Staffordshire was 11.97 per cent.

Advice to make the best choices on

healthcare this winter G

Pharmacist Ernie Amoako, who works in Meir Hay, with some over-the-counter remedies which can prevent a trip to hospital or the doctor.

ET the right treatment in the right place – that’s the simple message to patients across Stoke-on-Trent now the city’s Accident and Emergency Department is under sustained winter pressure. Health bosses are again reminding people to use A&E or call 999 only in genuine emergencies and that minor complaints or conditions can be better dealt with elsewhere. Dr Andrew Bartlam, the Chief Clinical Officer for Stoke-on-Trent Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We’re asking people to take the time to choose the right service for their health problem. Often their own GP can be the best point of call as they know a patient’s medical history.”

Out of hours GP services are also available by calling 01782 719000 or for minor illness and injury, visit a Walk-in Centre like the Hanley Health and Wellbeing Centre in Stafford Street on 0300 123 6759 or the Haywood Walk-in Centre in Burslem on 01782 673500. Pharmacies do more than just dispense prescriptions. Staff can advise on bugs, viruses, coughs, colds, aches and pains, tummy upsets and allergies.

Keep hydrated Self-care is another option so for coughs and colds or the highly contagious winter vomiting bug Norovirus, stay at home, keep warm and keep hydrated with plenty of non-alcoholic drinks. NHS Direct offers expert advice for those people unsure of their symptoms. Call 0845 4647. The service, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is staffed by qualified nursing staff who give professional advice on the best course of action.

Want to improve your prospects in 2013? Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) has a range of part-time work-based and recreational courses for adults starting in January. Subjects include: ● Access to Study ● Art, Design and Creative Studies ● Beauty Therapy ● Business and Administration ● Care ● Construction and DIY ● Education and Teaching ● Electrical ● English and Maths ● ESOL

ARE YOU UNEMPLOYED AND CLAIMING BENEFITS? Our Steps 2 Work programme is specifically designed to get you back into employment. Call our Employment & Training Centre team today on 01782 254126.

● Languages ● Music ● Sports and Fitness

DON’T MISS OUT! For full details on all our courses visit www.nulc.ac.uk, call 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk

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DECEMBER 2012

Our City 5

We should celebrate many good things that happen in great city Lord Mayor Councillor Terry Crowe and Council Leader Councillor Mohammed Pervez help wrap presents ready for Santa to deliver to children around our city.

Thousands of city families helped with

TOYS AT CHRISTMAS A

Christmas toy appeal which delivered gifts to more than 13,000 children last year has been launched for 2012.

Now in its eighth year, the appeal is co-ordinated by a Salvation Army team from its branch in Chesterton. The campaign is being backed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and The Sentinel, as well as Port Vale and dozens of churches, schools and companies. Last year the charity collected 13,242 toys which were wrapped and distributed to homes across North Staffordshire, and this year organisers want to do even better. Teresa Dunn, a Centre Manager for the Salvation Army, said: “Last year’s response

was fantastic and we want to build on that. “A lot of families are struggling due to the recession and this appeal is vital to helping those who are less fortunate across the whole of North Staffordshire.

Amazed by the support “We are always amazed by the support of the public for the appeal and every toy we receive will help make a big difference at what should be a happy time of the year for everybody.” All the presents donated to the appeal must be new, good quality and suitable for children aged from birth up to 16 years old. Collected toys will be wrapped and distributed to less fortunate families in time to be opened on Christmas morning.

The Salvation Army is also looking for volunteers to help wrap and distribute the presents. Toys can be left at the Civic Centre, Swann House, Swift House, Gordon House, the contact centre, Stoke One-Stop Shop or at The Sentinel, on Forge Lane, Etruria. Councillor Mohammed Pervez, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We are delighted that, once again, we are supporting this very important appeal. “This year has been tough for many in the area but I am always amazed by the generosity of the public, as well as all of the schools, companies and organisations which donate to the appeal.” ● For more information call the Salvation Army Centre on 01782 564529.

Independent panel to advise on early years changes EXPERTS on early education and a campaigning city mum have joined an independent panel which will advise councillors on changes to boost achievement in Stoke-on-Trent’s schools. Parents and teachers are being consulted over proposals to change the current system which sees Stoke-on-Trent with the UK’s worst results at Key Stage One in reading, maths and writing. A redesign of services is proposed to improve children’s performance at Key Stage One and close the gap between those achieving well and those not. The city council wants to make better use of resources in schools, children’s centres and in private and voluntary providers. It will work with midwives and health visitors, to identify and

support vulnerable children early. Priority will be given to the most vulnerable children, to increase the number of children who are ready for school. At the same time the council will meet its statutory duties for all two, three and four year-old children. The city council is one of only two local authorities in the country offering 30 hours’ free nursery education to three and four year-olds, but achievement does not reflect the extra hours. The panel will be

chaired by Eleni Ioannides, Children’s Services Advisor to the Director of Children’s Services Leadership Programme, and will include full time mum Millissa Beydilli, from Blurton. She is a school governor and led a campaign by parents to keep children’s centres in Stoke-on-Trent open. Other panel members are City Councillor Shaun Pender, Nursery School Chair of Governors Ann Harvey and Lyn Three-year-old Aqeeb Murad enjoys learning at one of the city’s children’s centres.

Beckett, an early years expert from the Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in Children and Young People’s Services (C4EO). Councillor Alan Dutton, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “We intend seeking the views of parents and the wider community. We will be talking to other local authorities who have successfully developed their early years’ provision in different ways. “We want the very best for our city’s children, and want to make decisions that will affect their future with the very best information at our disposal.” The panel will listen to evidence and consider national best practice before reporting to the city council’s Cabinet at the end of January.

By City Council Chief Executive

John van de Laarschot AS we approach Christmas it is worth reflecting on the past year and looking at just what the city council and its dedicated staff have delivered across this great city of ours. The reduction in local government funding has been well documented and as I write we have just begun consultation on our latest round of budget savings – many of which will quite rightly attract media attention and may provoke campaigns as people fight to save a service they value. This is totally understandable. However, I do think there is a tendency to always look at the glass as being half empty and to sometimes forget the good things that are happening under our very eyes. So for once I thought it would be useful to consider the glass as half full and to celebrate all of the good things that have been delivered across the city by staff who yet again are facing an uncertain future, some of whom are at risk of losing their jobs.

Great working city I am not talking about the major regeneration initiatives but the day-to-day services that often go unnoticed, such as the 556 million bin collections we carry out every year; the 34,000 street lights that are maintained helping to make our city safer at night; the 11,000 school admissions determined every year and of course the services that have a direct impact on quality of life. For example the council provides 83million hours of home care to vulnerable residents, it provides nursery, primary and secondary school places for 35,000 children across the city and maintains 590 miles of road – that’s just 12 miles short of the equivalent route from John O’Groats to Lands End! I am not looking for compliments for the city council, but for recognition that in these times of austerity not everything is bad. Despite the need for savings there is a lot going on – much behind the scenes – to ensure this city moves step by step back towards its rightful position as a truly great working city.

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DECEMBER 2012

Hotels urged: ‘Look out for victims of child abuse’ H

OTELS and bed and breakfasts across Stoke-on-Trent are being warned about child sexual exploitation taking place on their premises.

The city’s Safeguarding Children Board is sending out letters urging heightened awareness by proprietors, managers and staff to the possible exploitation or trafficking of girls and boys, often for sexual purposes. Board Manager Carole Preston said: “Young people can be passed between networks of predators and forced or coerced into sexual

activity with multiple adults. Much of this activity often takes place in unsuspecting hotels and guesthouses. “At busy times of the year such as this, it can be difficult for staff to notice some of the key signs. So we are asking them to make extra effort and be vigilant.” Staff are being asked to be extra aware of: ● Young people being visited by many adults. ● Children and young people seemingly alone but loitering as if waiting to meet others. ● Repeat visits by young people with different adults. ● Older adults coercing or

Magical Mystery Tour brings Alan back to the King’s Hall GUESTS at this year’s Lord Mayor’s ball were thrilled when the city’s Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Alan Dutton sang to entertain the audience before a Beatles tribute act performed. But few would know it was approaching 50 years since Alan last performed at the King’s Hall... opening the bill for the real Fab Four. It was 19 April, 1963 when Alan, then 16, performed in a Merseyside Showcase featuring Billy J Kramer and the Dakotas, Gerry and the Pacemakers and, of course, John, Paul, George and Ringo. This year he was warming up the crowds for a set by the Fab Beatles, hailed by many as the leading Beatles tribute band. It was an emotional return for Alan, who started performing aged 14 and performed in pubs and clubs all over the north of

England while he was studying as an apprentice electrician at Norton Colliery. “I’d be singing in Birmingham, getting home at two in the morning and be up again at five for work,” he said. He was well-known in the area as vocalist in a five-piece band called The Presidents, and as a session musician also worked with big names including Elton John, Rod Stewart, The Rolling Stones and blues legend Long John Baldry. And he was paid just £10 to play on the protest song It’s Good News Week, which made it to number five in the UK hit parade and charted around the world. Alan included the hit in his 2012 performance. “I was well-known around North Staffordshire for covering the pop hits of the day and they were happy days.”

Champion Wiggo makes his mark IT’S not quite a “Banksy” but cycling legend Bradley Wiggins left his own special calling card when he ended this year’s Tour of Britain stage in the City Centre. The Team Sky hero – who won the summer’s Tour de France and Olympic Gold – spent time with young fans, giving away his cap, drinks bottle, signed photos and other memorabilia. And before he hopped back on the Team Sky bus, he also

signed a British Telecom junction box at the top of Lichfield Street. ● Our picture shows Izaak Curtis, aged six, checking out the champion’s autograph.

encouraging young people to drink alcohol. ● Repeat guests visiting with different young people. ● Unregistered young people who seem very familiar with the hotel or guest house. ● Adult guests arriving with a young person but going out alone. ● Suspicious signs in rooms or restricted access. ● Young girls made up or dressed to look significantly older ● Any signs of physical abuse Carole added: “We also want people working in the leisure, tourism and hospitality sectors – people like taxi drivers, hoteliers, club and bar staff for example – to be extra vigilant as well. “Child protection is everyone’s responsibility – if you do see something that you think is suspicious, please do not hesitate to seek advice.” ● For further information about child sexual exploitation or child trafficking, please visit www.safeguardingchildren. stoke.gov.uk

“”

Child protection is everyone’s responsibility – if you do see something that you think is suspicious, please do not hesitate to seek advice.

Networks of predatory paedophiles can use hotels as bases... the industry is working with the city council to protect children and stamp out abuse.

Alarm service throws 999 lifeline to Irene A community alarm system has been described as a lifesaver after coming to the aid of a woman with Alzheimer’s disease. The Lifeline service incorporates a number of features aimed at keeping people safe in their own homes. As well as a pendant with an alert button to call for help, a response service can also provide help after a fall, first aid, or check on a person if the control centre – linked to the house via equipment connected to a phone line – cannot get hold of them. Irene Sims had sensors fitted on her doors to detect if she went out alone and an alarm was triggered when she left the

house in the early hours one morning. Responders were sent to her home and the 85-year-old was found wandering the streets nearby with a dangerously-low body temperature. Her daughter Janet Wheeldon said: “Without Lifeline, we would not have known mum was missing until much later on. “Her body temperature was so low she could have died of hypothermia within 30 minutes. We were very fortunate. It’s a lifesaver.” Lifeline receives 8,000 to 9,000 calls a month, helping clients to get support from family, carers and emergency services. ● For more information, call 01782 234545.

Team Leader Russ Booth and Irene Sims with the Lifeline unit in her hallway.

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Our City

Five more councillors speak to Our City for the latest in our on-going series where we delve into their backgrounds to find out what makes them stand for election in the first place and what makes them serve the city and its people.

Pictured at the Civic Centre are, left to right, Sheila Pitt, Glenys Ward, Martin Garner, Matt Wilcox and Shazad Hussain.

Councillor

Sheila Pitt

Glenys Ward City Independents Blurton East

Martin Garner

Matt Wilcox

Labour Bentilee and Ubberley

Shazad Hussain

“

This is my second spell as a councillor after also working in the role between 2004 and 2008. I made a large number of friends the first time and, after a time away, I thought I would give it another try. I was really pleased to get re-elected. I think the people of Stoke-on-Trent deserve good councillors who will work hard for them. My work has included various projects using my ward budget with Bentilee Volunteers, providing seating for elderly people on the Moss Green estate and towards the cost of trips for pensioners in Berryhill. I try hard to spread help and advice whenever necessary and I get a lot back from that. Some people in Bentilee have quite a lot of needs but they are really nice people. I enjoy meeting up with them, interacting with them, being there for them and working to solve their problems.

”

Labour Ford Green and Smallthorne

Labour Goldenhill and Sandyford

“

I am proud to be Independent as people are far more important than party politics. Living in the area that I serve is important. Being married and having brought up children, I realise what people are facing in these difficult times and I always try my best to help residents. I know people get frustrated with how council politics can operate. So for me, it is important to listen to people in my ward. Being part of the City Independents group gives me the option of listening to a political debate but retain my independence so that I can vote with my conscience and on behalf of the people I serve and in the best interests of the city. I believe that people should vote for a local person who will represent them, rather than a detached political party. I am easily contacted and I believe independence gives me an advantage when dealing with residents’ issues.”

”

“

My democratic socialist principles were instilled by my mother, so when I joined the Labour Party at the age of 16 it was a natural progression. Public service runs in the family. My wife and sister-in-law are also councillors. I was first elected in the mid-1990s at a time when young councillors received very little support. It was also a difficult balancing act with work so I didn’t continue for another term. On returning to the council in 2011 after a long break I was pleased to see there had been a change for the better and younger members are now encouraged to play a full role in the authority. I’m proud to serve the Goldenhill and Sandyford Ward where I have long-standing family ties. It’s a great area to represent with a strong sense of community and I’m fortunate to have active residents’ associations in my ward to work alongside.

”

Labour Dresden and Florence

“

A lot of my work in the past had been around youth and community. I had previously investigated how to become a councillor, so when Councillor Adrian Knapper suggested it to me I jumped at the chance. Being a councillor is probably not something most people my age aspire to do or even have time to do but it is a challenge and a massive learning experience that I feel has contributed to my own personal fulfilment. My best experiences have come from chairing the City Renewal Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the past two years and scrutinising decisions that are being made in regard to our ever-changing city. The next five years are going to be really exciting with City Sentral coming to life and I can be proud to say I have played a part in making our city a better place to live.

”

“

I was born in Dresden and have lived in Normacot all my life and over the years saw how things went from bad to worse. I was worried about the lack of future opportunities for our children. For many years I have complained about how things are done and that services should be improved. So when the opportunity came, I stood in the elections and here I am, trying to make a difference. I was elected as a councillor for the first time in May 2011 and I’ve spent my time since then helping and supporting residents with any difficulties they may have. It’s one thing to stand on the sidelines and complain and completely another to actually get involved to try and influence positive change for communities across the city. So I’m glad I took the step and stood for election as a councillor. It’s very satisfying and one of the best things I’ve ever done.

”

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Our City D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2

COMPETITION

Help drive our city forward – you could win a £250 iPod CHILDREN in Stoke-on-Trent are being asked to put forward imaginative ideas for the future of our city... and the best one could scoop an amazing new model iPod Touch. The city council has teamed up with Kier Stoke to offer the hi-tech prize in a special Our City competition. It is open to anyone currently attending a school in the city. All students and pupils have to do is send their ideas to answer the question below:

Sergeant Zoe Kelsall talking to ex-offender David Beal who has received support to help him go straight.

Support helps offenders

turn backs on crime P

What is the one thing you would like to see which would improve life in Stoke-on-Trent the most? You can write, draw or record your answer, and either post it to FREEPOST Our City, or email to: ourcity@stoke.gov.uk Please provide your name and address, the school you attend and a daytime telephone number. The closing date for entries is 17 January 2013 and the winner will be notified by telephone.* Kier entered into a joint venture partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council in February 2008 to form Kier Stoke and provides responsive repairs and home improvements for over 19,100 council properties and 450 public buildings. It is dedicated to improving the lives and living conditions of social housing tenants and residents and is committed to providing the highest standard of customer service. A number of groups have been set up which specifically work with different aspects of customer relations. Kier Stoke is also committed to training and offers apprenticeships in a range of trades. * The editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Sponsored by:

OLICE officers and probation officers from the Staffordshire and West Midlands Probation Trust have moved into a new unit along with other partner agencies aimed at changing the ways of offenders. The new 180° Integrated Offender Management Unit at Longton Police Station involves Staffordshire Police, probation, the local authority, drug and alcohol services, accommodation providers and other organisations that address key factors that cause re-offending. The unit targets 300 offenders who are causing the most harm to the communities of North Staffordshire and encourages them to either change their ways and stop offending or potentially be sent back to prison. Sergeant Zoe Kelsall said: “Having all the agencies working together is driving down the

re-offending of some of our most problematic offenders in Staffordshire by tackling issues quickly.” Police and probation officers are working in their communities supporting offenders who are motivated to change their ways, or making life difficult for those who choose a life of crime. Ex-offender David Beal spent most of his life involved in crime before turning to the programme. Now he has gained qualifications, become drug-free and has got involved with helping others. The 31-year-old, who lives in Stoke-on-Trent, said: “I never really got on with the police but they gave me the opportunity to do something constructive and it has worked. I was at the point where I had to change and I have received a lot of support. If it wasn’t for this, I’d be dead or in jail.”

“”

Having all the agencies working together is driving down the re-offending of some of our most problematic offenders.

Keeping track on a gritter? Just turn to MOTORISTS can pick up the latest information from gritting teams via the city council’s Twitter account. Updates about gritting activity in bad weather are promoted under the hashtags #twitgrit and #wmgrit on the @sotcitycouncil account. The hashtag #wmgrit is used to link in with an independent Twitter account called @wmgrit which pulls together tweets from all the local authorities in the West Midlands to give information to drivers who may be travelling outside the boundaries of the city for work or leisure. More information on the city council’s gritting policy, as well as maps of routes covered by gritters, can be found at stoke.gov.uk/gritting

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DECEMBER 2012

City Council asks residents for their views on how it meets Government cuts

Jobs and growth remain

key to city’s future S

TOKE-on-Trent City Council has begun consultation on proposals to focus its resources on maintaining services for the city’s most vulnerable people while continuing to promote economic growth through Mandate for Change.

The proposals include plans to meet the tough savings target imposed by the Government’s austerity measures which continue to reduce grant funding available to councils such as Stoke-on-Trent. Savings and cost pressures of more than £21m have been identified which are now subject to a six week-long consultation with residents, businesses and partners across the city. In proposing the budget, Council Leader Mohammed Pervez, urged people to have their say. He said: “These Government cuts are equivalent to just less than £200 for every household in the city next year. “Despite our best attempts, the sheer magnitude of these cuts makes it impossible for us to keep all services running. “Sadly it also means the loss of more jobs at the city council, but this is unavoidable as the Government continues to pursue its austerity measures. “We genuinely want people to engage with us, but we have to save this money. They have to come up with alternative proposals that will save us £21million.” The city council’s budget also includes

“”

It is vitally important that we continue to create the right conditions for economic growth in the city to get those much needed jobs for our people. COUNCILLOR MOHAMMED PERVEZ CITY COUNCIL LEADER

Have your say on the city’s budget FOR more detailed information and to have your say on the budget log on to stoke.gov.uk/budget2013. You can also ask for paper copies of the budget survey at any council building.

plans to freeze council tax for residents. Councillor Pervez said: “I think it is only fair that we freeze council tax, especially given the Government changes to benefits which mean some people on low incomes will be asked to pay. The Government is only offering us the equivalent of a one per cent rise to offset this – this is around £600k. “In drawing up this budget strategy we have looked at what services we are required to provide by law, what services we provide that are non-statutory and where we can look at working with other providers to ensure the people of Stoke-on-Trent still have access to the support they may need.

Support the most vulnerable “We will continue to work with partners and other sectors to promote independence for our residents and ensure we can support the most vulnerable in our city.” Included in the budget strategy are proposals to: ● Put more focus on providing adult social care in people’s own homes by growing the independent sector. ● Undertake a review of all early years services that will allow the council to meet its new obligations to extend free nursery care to some two-year-olds from September and improve outcomes for our children. ● Cross cutting service reviews to drive savings from procurement, back office changes, marketing and streamlining support services. Councillor Pervez pledged to continue with a plan for growth for the city. He said: “It is vitally important that we continue to create the right conditions for economic growth in the city to get those much needed jobs for our people. “Our city has a lot of potential to grow and we need to take advantage of this as this will also be the key to generating

income through localised business rates. “Mandate for Change is the key to the city’s recovery and if we secure the City Deal then we will gain additional powers to speed up development adding momentum to our already ambitious plans (see page three). “Our message is Stoke-on-Trent is the place to invest and we are open for business.” Other budget savings identified are from service redesigns including moving towards a paperless office environment through improved use of technology, merging children’s and adults departments to form a single “people” department, reducing costs of senior managers and administration. There are also proposals to save money by reducing council funding for trade union posts to reflect the size of the local authority workforce. Councillor Pervez added: “We have already taken out £56million over two years. For 2013/14 it is another £21million and the year after looks like being the same. “The constant reductions in funding for councils like ours mean, services are disproportionately hit compared to some other areas. “But if the council doesn’t produce a legal budget then it would be a dereliction of our duty to the people of Stoke-on-Trent. Of course it goes without saying we will continue to lobby Government for a fairer deal for our city.” ● Stoke-on-Trent City Council receives majority of its funding direct from Government. At the time Our City went to print the city was yet to hear how much it would receive for 2013/14.

“”

Of course, it goes without saying we will continue to lobby Government for a fairer deal for our city. COUNCILLOR MOHAMMED PERVEZ CITY COUNCIL LEADER

Our City

Our City p10

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10 Our City

11:43

Page 1

DECEMBER 2012

Trust takes over youth centre to prove power of local communities Mums-to-be urged to have flu jab

EARNING Support Assistant Di Brookes is so passionate about the difference Packmoor Youth Centre makes to the lives of her pupils – she pulled her community together to save it from closure.

Budgetary constraints and a drop in footfall meant the centre in Lorraine Street was under threat despite a £25,000 transformation with a government grant in 2009. But Di, who uses the centre on a weekly basis with up to 22 of her Middlehurst Special

PREGNANT women are being urged to protect their unborn child by getting a flu jab. The vaccination is free for mums-to-be, who just need to contact their family doctor or midwife to find out more. Staffordshire PCT’s Medical Director Dr Ken Deacon said: “Pregnant women are at increased risk of illness if they catch flu. The earlier you have the vaccine the better you will be protected for the whole winter. ”The seasonal flu vaccine is safe, and has been given routinely to pregnant women in the US and in other European countries for many years.” ● For more information visit www.nhs.uk/flu

School pupils, was determined to keep it open so she enlisted the help of her Head Teacher Jonathon May, her MP Joan Walley and Councillor Janine Bridges. City-based charity VAST gave advice as three schools – Middlehurst, Packmoor Primary and the Ormiston Horizon Academy – set up the Packmoor Youth and Adult Trust charity to manage the centre. Each school has contributed £1,700 to cover running costs for the first year. Di, who now serves as one of six Trust directors, said: “I was absolutely outraged that such an amazing facility could be closed. I mentioned it to Jonathon and he was disappointed too so we started making a few phone calls. “I didn’t believe we could actually pull it off, there seemed to be too many obstacles, so I’m quite overwhelmed now.” Jonathon said: “We didn’t want to lose the centre, that would have been criminal. Now we’re giving the children of the area a positive experience in a well-structured, quality environment.”

Develop social skills

Lots to do at the centre... Matthew Wilde, 11, and Rakeeza Sharif, 12, using papier maché to make bowling pins.

Now a truly community facility with plans for the future, the centre is used by local police officers, girl guides, all the schools involved and the Aiming High for Disabled Children programme. Quality facilities on site include a softball play area, café with kitchen, a mini cinema with plasma screen, two pool tables, table tennis and a huge arts and crafts area. “It’s great for our children because they can make their own choices and decisions. The centre helps them develop their social skills and really is giving them skills for life,” Di concluded.

Top quality facilities at former colliery are open for business BUSINESSES operating from home can benefit from facilities at an enterprise centre. A home business centre has been set up at Chatterley Whitfield Enterprise Centre providing meeting and conference rooms, hot desking areas, networking space and on-site business support. Business Centre Manager Bouchaib Obada said:“Operating from the centre can give businesses which are usually based at home a bit more credibility when it comes to meeting clients or suppliers. “Our facilities can be used for anything from meetings to training activities and interviews and booked as and when they are needed. “The aim is to give people somewhere to meet in a business environment and at a reduced cost. “By doing that, we hope to put businesses in a position where they can grow, flourish and create more jobs in Stoke-on-Trent.” The centre, off Biddulph Road, is the refurbished registered office of Chatterley Whitfield Collieries. Other facilities include wireless broadband, printing and photocopying, disabled access and free parking.

Business Centre Manager Bouchaib Obada and Business Centre Officer Liz Brockley check out amazing cakes made by Maisie Parrish, who runs her business from Chatterley Whitfield. ● For more information, call 01782 823606 or 01782 234606. Alternatively, email enterprise.centres@stoke.gov.uk

Our City p11

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Page 1

DECEMBER 2012

Children’s Centre

UPDATE

News and information from Stoke-on-Trent’s Children’s Centres

December 2012

Our City

Tel: 01782 231096

Tel: 01782 238989

Tel: 01782 231096

Tel: 01782 232977

Tel: 01782 236655

Tel: 01782 238352

TOKE-on-Trent’s youngest residents have been covering Christmas trees at their local children’s centres with the very best home-made decorations. Children were set the challenge of decorating trees in all 16 of the city’s centres with their best artwork. The best decoration at each centre will win a special prize. It is part of a drive to involve as many people as possible in events at the children’s centres, and introduce them to the huge range of facilities and services that each has to offer. Danielle Holdcroft, who manages the children’s centres in the North of the city, said: “Thousands of families make the most of their children’s centres and lots of children and their parents really benefit from what we offer. “But we genuinely do offer something for everyone, so we would urge anyone who hasn’t visited their centre yet to come in and have a look.” All children who bring a home made decoration into their local children’s centre before Christmas will be able to hang it on the tree and will be entered into the prize competition.

Visit your children’s centre to find out more about: • Childcare and information for parents • Family support • Health services • Volunteering • Fun family activities • Training • Healthy eating • Benefits and money matters

Eight-monthold Harvey Copeland puts his decoration on the tree at Penkhull Children’s Centre.

Tel: 01782 236333

Tel: 01782 234357

Tel: 01782 237100

Tel: 01782 231815

Tel: 01782 596421

Tel: 01782 237650

Tel: 01782 233775

Tel: 01782 234024

Tel: 01782 233670

Tel: 01782 237500

Bite-sized news from your children’s centres... turn to page 14

Our City p12-13

30/11/12

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Page 1

PULL OUT GUIDE TO CHILDREN’S CENTRES ACTIVITIES CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE NORTH OF THE CITY Families welcome to 01782 238989

01782 231096

Vale Park, Hamil Road, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 1AW

Ball Green Primary School, Whitfield Road, Ball Green ST6 8AJ MONDAY Stay and Play Drop-In

9:30–11am

FRIDAY Little Sprouts Sensory Stay and Play 1:30-3pm

MONDAY Maths Course and Crèche # 9:30-11:30am Stay and Play Drop-In 1-2:30pm

OTHER SERVICES Saturdads # (1st Saturday of every month) Jumping Beans Sensory Group TUESDAY Young Parents Group English Course and Crèche # 9:30-11:30am Tiny Talkers Growing Together * 1-2:30pm Family Support Outreach # Play and Learning Outreach # WEDNESDAY Volunteering Program # Baby Massage Drop-In 9:30-10:30am Toy Library # Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am

OTHER SERVICES Saturdads # Jumping Beans Young Parents Group Tiny Talkers Lets Get Creative Family Support Outreach # Play and Learning Outreach # Volunteering Program # Toy Library #

THURSDAY Tiny Explorers Baby Group 9:30-11am (0-18mths or confident walkers) Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11:30am Adult Learning and Crèche # 12:45-2:45pm FRIDAY Lets Get Creative Stay and Play (Messy play,please bring a change of clothing) 9:30-11am Parent Forum Meeting 1:30-2:30pm (First Friday of every month)

01782 231096 MONDAY English Course and Crèche # 1-3pm TUESDAY Sweet Peas Baby Group 9:30-11am (0-18mths) Young Parents Group 10-Noon Midwife Antenatal▲ 9:30-4pm Adult Learning and Crèche # 1-3pm WEDNESDAY Stay and Play Drop-In

Bishop Road, Chell Heath, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6QW

OTHER SERVICES Saturdads # Jumping Beans Sensory Group Tiny Talkers Lets Get Creative Family Support Outreach # Play and Learning Outreach # Volunteering Program # Toy Library #

MONDAY Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am Parent Forum Meeting 9:30-11:30am (Whitfield Valley.Last Monday of every month) Adult Learning and Crèche # 1-3pm TUESDAY Messy Monkeys Baby Group (0-18mths or confident walkers) 9-10:30am Health Visitor Drop-In 9-10:30am Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am (Whitfield Valley) English Course and Crèche # 12:45-2:45pm

9:30-11am

THURSDAY Childminders Stay and Play Drop-In (Childminders only) 9:30-11:30am Growing Together * 1-2:30pm

WEDNESDAY Stay and Play Drop-In

FRIDAY Maths Course and Crèche # 9:30-11:30am Parent Forum Meeting 1:30-2:30pm (Third Friday of every month)

9:30-11am

FRIDAY Growing Together * 9:30-11am Walking Group # 1-2:30pm (All the family can take part in walks around the locality) OTHER SERVICES Rumble Tummies Café (Mon-Fri,open to the public) 10:30am-1:30pm Saturdads # Jumping Beans Young Parents Group Sensory Group Let’s Get Creative Family Support Outreach # Play and Learning Outreach # Volunteering Program # Toy Library #

THURSDAY Maths Course and Crèche # 9:30-11:30am Tiny Talkers # (Building language skills and early communication) 1-2:30pm

WEDNESDAY Adult Learning and Crèche # 9:30-11:30am Mum 2 Mum Breastfeeding Café Drop-In 9:30-11:30am THURSDAY Stay and Play■ 9:30-11am Young Parents Group 10-Noon Midwife Antenatal▲ 9:30am-4pm English Course and Crèche # 12:45-2:45pm

● specialist support for children with additional needs ● outreach workers ● information for parents ● activities to help parents and carers back to work. Each children’s centre also delivers additional services tailored to meet local needs. There are even opportunities to volunteer and learn new skills that could lead to qualifications, a job or career change. Contact details are included with each centre’s calendar. Alternatively, follow your centre on Facebook.

MONDAY Growing Together * 10-11:30am Family Links & Crèche*12:45-2:45pm

FRIDAY Breastfeeding Café 10:30-Noon Play Together 10:15-11:30am (Carmountside Primary School) Growing Together * 1:15-2:30pm (Abbey Hulton)

TUESDAY Baby Weighing Clinic 9-10:30am Midwife Clinic 9-12:30pm Chill & Chat (No crèche) 1-2:30pm Volunteering Group & 9:30-11:30am Crèche (Weeks parent forum not on) Parent Forum 9:30-11:30am (1st Tuesday of every month)

OTHER SERVICES Toy Library (By request) Sensory Room■ Speech and Language Support* Play and Learning Home Visiting Kingsland Kindergarten (Day Care) Job Centre (every Thursday) Volunteering Programme

WEDNESDAY Play Together (PICL) 10-11:30am Baby Massage* 1-2pm Time to Talk * 1-2:30pm (Communication & language group) THURSDAY Midwife Clinic ■ All Day Ready Steady Learn * 9:30-11:30am Baby Weighing 1:30-3:30pm (Abbey Hulton Clinic) Christmas Party 12:30-2:30pm (13 Dec.Venue to be confirmed)

THURSDAY Ready,Steady,Go* 9:30-11:30am (Transition crèche to NEG/School) Hands from Around the World 10:30-Noon FRIDAY Triple P* 9:30-11:30am (Limited crèche available) Mandarin Group 12:30-2pm Tiny Talkers* 1:30-2:30pm Play & Learning in the Home* 1-4pm OTHER SERVICES Saturday Story Time (City Central Library) Parent Forum Volunteering Programme

WEDNESDAY ■ 9:30-11:30am ESOL (Limited crèche.Term time) Play Together (0-18mths) 1:30-3pm Growing Together* 1-2:30pm

▲

WINTER ACTIVITIES

TUESDAY Play Together Group ■ 9:30-11am Start Up Literacy 12:30-2:30pm Christmas Party ■ (18 Dec) 1-2:30pm

For the latest news about winter events, pop into your local Children’s Centre.

WEDNESDAY Baby Jabadao■ (0-First steps) 9:30-11am Baby Clinic 1:30-3:30pm (Blurton Health Centre) Start Up Numeracy 12:30-2:30pm Parent Forum (Fortnightly) 1-2:30pm

Appointments Only. * Referral Only. # Ask at reception.

■

Book at Reception

11-Noon

MONDAY Play Together Drop-In(0-5yrs) 9:30-11am Christmas Party (17 Dec) 9:30-11:30am Parents Forum (14 Jan) 1-2:30pm Not Just Mums (10 Dec,21 Jan) 1-2:30pm

FRIDAY Play Together Drop-In 9:30-10:45am (0-5yrs,Stoke Library) Tiny Talkers * (Stoke Library) 1-2pm Growing Together * 1:15-2:45pm

TUESDAY Transition Crèche * 9:30-11:30am Play Group Drop-In 9:30-11:30am (St John’s Church.Term time only.£1) Christmas Party (11 Dec) 11-1pm Breastfeeding Café Drop-In 10:30-Noon Growing Together * 1:15-2:45pm (PICL,0-5yrs)

OTHER SERVICES Toy Library Sensory Room (By request) Speech and Language Support* Play and Learning in the Home* Family Support in the Home* Volunteering Programme

WEDNESDAY Wellbeing Course ■ 9:30-11:30am THURSDAY Family Links * (13,20 Dec) 9:30-11am Health Visitor/Baby Weighing Clinic Drop-In 9:30-11am Play Together Drop-In 10-11:30am Christmas Party (20 Dec) 10-11:30am (Term time,0-5yrs,St John’s,Trent Vale)

01782 237100 College Road, Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DQ MONDAY ESOL■ (Term time only) 9:30-11:30am Ready Steady Learn* 1-3pm (Transition based group) TUESDAY Home Play Sessions* 9:30-Noon Growing Together* 1-2:30pm (PICL.0-2yrs) Family Links Course * 12:45-2:45pm (Starting January 2013)

FRIDAY Ready Steady Learn* Tiny Talkers Drop-In

9:30-11:30am 1-2:30pm

OTHER SERVICES Speech and Language Support* Play and Learning in the Home* Family Support in the Home* Volunteering Programme

WEDNESDAY Play Together Drop-In 1-2:30pm (PICL.0-5yrs.Held at TBCC) ■ Christmas Party Play Together (19 Dec.Book – 40 places) 1-2:30pm THURSDAY Parent Forum Drop-In 9:30-11:30am Health Visitor and Baby Weighing Clinic Drop-In 1:30-2:45pm

▲

THURSDAY Baby Clinic Drop-In Baby Massage ■

11-Noon 1-2:30pm

01782 236333 Greatbatch Avenue, Penkhull, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7JU

Eaves Lane, Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 9AS

TUESDAY Connect Group ^ 9:30-11:30am Baby Massage ■ 9:30-11am Health Visitor Drop-In Hanley Health Centre 9:30-11:30am Shelton Primary Care Centre (0-1yrs) 1:30-3:30pm Play & Learning in the Home * 1-4pm Growing Together* (0-1yrs) 1-2:30pm ■ Christmas Party (18 Dec) 1-2:30pm

OTHER SERVICES Nibbles and Giggles Café (Mon-Fri, open to the public) 10:30am-1:30pm Saturdads # Tiny Talkers Sensory Group Let’s Get Creative Family Support Outreach # Play and Learning Outreach # Volunteering Program # Toy Library #

Book at Reception

MONDAY Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-4pm ■ 11:15-Noon Jo Jingles (1-5yrs,£2 per family,term time only) Growing Together**(0-5yrs)1-2:30pm Family Support Drop-In 2-3pm (Blurton Primary School,term time only)

01782 238352

MONDAY Play Together 9:30-11am (18mths-5yrs) Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11:30am Play & Learning in the Home* All Day Chill & Chat (No crèche) 1-3pm Crèche * 1-3pm

FRIDAY Busy Babies Baby Group 9:30-11am (0-18mths or confident walkers) Childminders Stay and Play Drop-In (Childminders only) 1-3pm Parent Forum Meeting 1-2:30pm (Every second Friday of the month)

■

Oakwood Road, Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 3AR

Garth Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 2DA

Woodland Street, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6AP

TUESDAY Growing Together * 9:30-11am Baby Massage 11:30-12:30pm Drop-In Jumping Beans■ 1:30-2:30pm (Music and movement)

EVERY family in Stoke-on-Trent can make the most of a great range of services and facilities at the city’s children’s centres. The teams reach out into their local communities to support families and give children the very best start in life. Anyone is welcome to pop into their local centre and take part in one of the activities featured in this pull out and keep guide. Children’s centres provide a range of services including: ● childcare and children's learning and development ● health services ● family support

01782 596421

01782 231815

01782 234357

01782 236655 MONDAY Stay and Play■ 9:30-11am Maths Course and Crèche # 12:45-2:45pm

take part in packed activity programme

CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE CENTRE OF THE CITY 01782 232977

St Nicholas Avenue, Norton, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 8JW

CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE SOUTH OF THE CITY

Appointments Only. ^ Limited crèche available. * Referral Only. PICL – Parents Involved in Children’s Learning.

FRIDAY Family Support Drop-In (Newstead Primary School,term time only) 9-10am Growing Together** 9:30-11am (0-5yrs) ■ Play Together (Newstead Primary School,term time only) 1:30-3pm Birth Prep (book with Midwife,first Friday of the month) OTHER SERVICES Family Kitchen Indoor and Outdoor Playspace (Open Monday to Friday) 9-4:45pm Crèche (Available for parents undertaking Parent Forum,Volunteering, Training and Respite) Mon 9:30-11:30am Wed 12:30-2:30pm Thur 9:30-11:30am Baby Massage* (one-to-one sessions) Volunteering Programme Training Programme Sensory Room

Pinewood Crescent, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 6HZ MONDAY Jo Jingles■ (£2 per family) 10-10:45am Outreach Drop-In 8:45-9:45am (Weston Coyney Infant School.Term time) Parent Forum 9:45-11:30am (Runs every fortnightly.Limited crèche) Baby Jabadao Drop-In 1-2:30pm (0-First Steps) TUESDAY Child Health Clinic 9:15-11:30am Play Together 9:15-11am (0-5yrs.Weston Coyney Infant School. Please book via 596848) Play Together Drop-In 9:30-11:30am

01782 237650 Travers Court, Temple Street, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4NR MONDAY Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11am Fenton Book Buddies 11:30-12:30pm (Meet monthly,17 Dec) Growing Together* (0-5yrs) 1-2:30pm TUESDAY Play Together (0-5yrs) 9:30-11:30am Busybodies 1-1:45pm (£2 per family.Term time only) Baby Massage * 1:30-3pm WEDNESDAY Breastfeeding Café 10:30-Noon Various Training Courses (6wk courses. Limited Crèche places) 12:45-2:45pm Teenage Pregnancy Group * 1-3pm THURSDAY Play Together (0-5yrs) 12:30-2:30pm FRIDAY Parent Forum (14 Dec) 9:30-11:30m Fenton Families First 9:30-11:30m (21 Dec) Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm

OTHER SERVICES ■ Children’s Christmas Party 10-12pm (10 Dec) Outreach Drop-In at Fenpark Playgroup (13 Dec) 10-11am Toy and Book Library Community Garden Play and Learning Home Visits Sensory Room ■ Volunteering Programme

WEDNESDAY Growing Together ** 1-2:30pm (0-5yrs.PICL) Triple P 9:30-11:30am (For more information or to book contact First Steps on 0300 123 0977) THURSDAY Child Health Clinic 9-11am (Weston Heights Community Centre) FRIDAY Growing Together ** 1-2:30pm (0-5yrs.PICL) OTHER SERVICES Crèche Training,Volunteering,Respite Mon,Wed,Thur,Fri 9-11:30am Thur 12:30-3pm ▲ Midwife Clinic (Tue,Wed,Thur) 9-1pm Dads Saturday 10-Noon (First Saturday of each month) Volunteering Programme (Please speak to The Community & Economic Development Officer Caz Gotham) FREE Home Safety Advice & Equipment (Speak to Kerry from The Early Intervention Team)

01782 233775

01782 234024 Jubilee Road, Trentham ST4 8EF

Normacot Grange Road, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 7AW MONDAY Play Together Drop-In 9:15-11:15am (0-5yrs) Outreach Drop-In 8:45-9:45am (Weston Coyney Infant School.Term time only) Outreach Drop-In 9-10am (Grange Nursery School.Term time only) TUESDAY Midwife Clinic ▲ 9:30-1pm Parent Forum 10:15-11:30am (Every fortnight.Limited crèche) Busybodies (£2 per session)9:15-10am

FRIDAY Baby Jabadao Drop-In (0-First steps) Growing Together ** (0-5yrs)

9:30-11am 1-2:30pm

OTHER SERVICES Dads Saturday 10-Noon (First Saturday of each month) Volunteering Programme (Please speak to The Community & Economic Development Officer Caz Gotham)

WEDNESDAY Growing Together ** 9:30-11am (0-5yrs) ■ Children’s Christmas Party 1-2:30pm (12 Dec)

MONDAY Play Together Baby Jabadao

TUESDAY Growing Together** 9:30-11am (Family Support available for advice and support) WEDNESDAY Crèche for Training and Parent Forum 9:30-11am Parent Forum (Fortnightly) 9:30-11am Festive Fun Session 9:30-11am (19 Dec) Pandas Group (0-5yrs) 12-2:30pm Family Support Drop-In 2:30-3:30pm (Priory Primary School,term time only) THURSDAY Breastfeeding Café Growing Together**

THURSDAY Jo Jingles ■ (£2 per family)10-10:45am Child Health Clinic 1:15-2:45pm

9:30-11am 12:30-2pm

Dawlish Drive, Bentilee, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 0HW

THURSDAY Fitness Group ▲ Growing Together**

10-11am 1-2:30pm

FRIDAY Moss Green Growing Together** (Riverside Housing Office) 9:30-11am Play Together 12:30-2pm Antenatal Group 1-2:30pm ■ Children’s Christmas Party 12:30-2pm (14 Dec,St Stephens Church Hall)

OTHER SERVICES Outdoor Play Area Volunteering Programme

10:30-Noon 1:30-3pm

0 01782 23750

01782 233670 MONDAY OTHER SERVICES Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm Crèche (Mon,Wed,Thur) 9:30-11:30am 9-3:30pm Midwife Clinic ▲ TUESDAY (Mon,Wed,Thur,Fri) Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11am Playspace 9-3pm Growing Together** 9:30-11am (Mon,Tue,Thur,Fri.Open to the public) WEDNESDAY Café (Tue,Thur) 10-Noon Parent’s Forum 9:45-11am Start-Up Courses available (12 Dec,9,23 Jan) (Term time only) ■ Baby Massage (0-12mths) 1-2:30pm Volunteering Programme Start Up – SMILE 10-12pm (SMILE Training & Employment Drop-In)

FRIDAY Play Together (0-5yrs) 9:30-11am (Family Support available for advice and support) Foster Carers’Group Noon-3pm (11 Jan,8 Feb,15 March)

Buccleuch Road, Normacot, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 4RF MONDAY Play Together 9:30-11:30am Twins and More Siblings 10:30-Noon TUESDAY Post Natal/New Baby 10-11am (Mums and Babies up to 9mths) Busybodies 11:15-Noon (£2 per session.Term time only) Baby Clinic ▲ 4:30-6pm (First Tue of every month) WEDNESDAY Speech & Language Therapy ▲ 9-5pm Family Links Group * 9:30-11:30am Please speak to Early Intervention Team. Development Checks ▲ 9:30-1pm Play and Sing Together 1-2:30pm THURSDAY Breastfeeding Cafe 10:30-Noon Baby Clinic 1-2:45pm Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm

* Referral Only. ** Bookable places with Play & Learning Team.

■

FRIDAY Parent Forum (14 Dec) Baby Massage ▲ Growing Together ▲

9:30-11:30am 10-Noon 1-2:30pm

OTHER SERVICES Soft Play Area (Mon-Fri) 8:30-5pm ESOL Tue,Thur,Fri 9:30-11:30am Tue,Fri Noon-2pm Midwife Clinic (Mon-Fri) ▲ Crèche Training,Volunteering and Respite Mon 12:30-3pm Tue-Fri 9-11:30am Asian Ladies Advice Group Drop-In (13,18 Dec) 11:30-1:30pm Play and Learning Home Visits (Mon,Wed,Thur,Fri) Volunteering Programme Early Intervention Team Training and Employment Support

Book at Reception.

▲

Appointments Only.

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PULL OUT GUIDE TO CHILDREN’S CENTRES ACTIVITIES CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE NORTH OF THE CITY Families welcome to 01782 238989

01782 231096

Vale Park, Hamil Road, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 1AW

Ball Green Primary School, Whitfield Road, Ball Green ST6 8AJ MONDAY Stay and Play Drop-In

9:30–11am

FRIDAY Little Sprouts Sensory Stay and Play 1:30-3pm

MONDAY Maths Course and Crèche # 9:30-11:30am Stay and Play Drop-In 1-2:30pm

OTHER SERVICES Saturdads # Jumping Beans Young Parents Group Tiny Talkers Lets Get Creative Family Support Outreach # Play and Learning Outreach # Volunteering Program # Toy Library #

Bishop Road, Chell Heath, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6QW

OTHER SERVICES Saturdads # Jumping Beans Sensory Group Tiny Talkers Lets Get Creative Family Support Outreach # Play and Learning Outreach # Volunteering Program # Toy Library #

9:30-11am

THURSDAY Childminders Stay and Play Drop-In (Childminders only) 9:30-11:30am Growing Together * 1-2:30pm

WEDNESDAY Stay and Play Drop-In

FRIDAY Maths Course and Crèche # 9:30-11:30am Parent Forum Meeting 1:30-2:30pm (Third Friday of every month)

9:30-11am

THURSDAY Maths Course and Crèche # 9:30-11:30am Tiny Talkers # (Building language skills and early communication) 1-2:30pm

MONDAY Growing Together * 10-11:30am Family Links & Crèche*12:45-2:45pm

FRIDAY Breastfeeding Café 10:30-Noon Play Together 10:15-11:30am (Carmountside Primary School) Growing Together * 1:15-2:30pm (Abbey Hulton)

WEDNESDAY ■ 9:30-11:30am ESOL (Limited crèche.Term time) Play Together (0-18mths) 1:30-3pm Growing Together* 1-2:30pm

▲

WINTER ACTIVITIES

TUESDAY Play Together Group ■ 9:30-11am Start Up Literacy 12:30-2:30pm Christmas Party ■ (18 Dec) 1-2:30pm

For the latest news about winter events, pop into your local Children’s Centre.

WEDNESDAY Baby Jabadao■ (0-First steps) 9:30-11am Baby Clinic 1:30-3:30pm (Blurton Health Centre) Start Up Numeracy 12:30-2:30pm Parent Forum (Fortnightly) 1-2:30pm

Appointments Only. * Referral Only. # Ask at reception.

■

Book at Reception

11-Noon

MONDAY Play Together Drop-In(0-5yrs) 9:30-11am Christmas Party (17 Dec) 9:30-11:30am Parents Forum (14 Jan) 1-2:30pm Not Just Mums (10 Dec,21 Jan) 1-2:30pm

FRIDAY Play Together Drop-In 9:30-10:45am (0-5yrs,Stoke Library) Tiny Talkers * (Stoke Library) 1-2pm Growing Together * 1:15-2:45pm

OTHER SERVICES Toy Library Sensory Room (By request) Speech and Language Support* Play and Learning in the Home* Family Support in the Home* Volunteering Programme

FRIDAY Ready Steady Learn* Tiny Talkers Drop-In

9:30-11:30am 1-2:30pm

OTHER SERVICES Speech and Language Support* Play and Learning in the Home* Family Support in the Home* Volunteering Programme

▲

THURSDAY Baby Clinic Drop-In Baby Massage ■

11-Noon 1-2:30pm

01782 236333 Greatbatch Avenue, Penkhull, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7JU

Eaves Lane, Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 9AS

Book at Reception

01782 238352

MONDAY Play Together 9:30-11am (18mths-5yrs) Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11:30am Play & Learning in the Home* All Day Chill & Chat (No crèche) 1-3pm Crèche * 1-3pm

FRIDAY Busy Babies Baby Group 9:30-11am (0-18mths or confident walkers) Childminders Stay and Play Drop-In (Childminders only) 1-3pm Parent Forum Meeting 1-2:30pm (Every second Friday of the month)

■

Oakwood Road, Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 3AR

Garth Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 2DA

Woodland Street, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6AP

TUESDAY Growing Together * 9:30-11am Baby Massage 11:30-12:30pm Drop-In Jumping Beans■ 1:30-2:30pm (Music and movement)

01782 596421

01782 231815

01782 234357

01782 236655 MONDAY Stay and Play■ 9:30-11am Maths Course and Crèche # 12:45-2:45pm

take part in packed activity programme

CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE CENTRE OF THE CITY 01782 232977

St Nicholas Avenue, Norton, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 8JW

CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE SOUTH OF THE CITY

Appointments Only. ^ Limited crèche available. * Referral Only. PICL – Parents Involved in Children’s Learning.

01782 233775

01782 234024 Jubilee Road, Trentham ST4 8EF

FRIDAY Baby Jabadao Drop-In (0-First steps) Growing Together ** (0-5yrs)

9:30-11am 1-2:30pm

OTHER SERVICES Dads Saturday 10-Noon (First Saturday of each month) Volunteering Programme (Please speak to The Community & Economic Development Officer Caz Gotham)

WEDNESDAY Growing Together ** 9:30-11am (0-5yrs) ■ Children’s Christmas Party 1-2:30pm (12 Dec)

MONDAY Play Together Baby Jabadao

THURSDAY Jo Jingles ■ (£2 per family)10-10:45am Child Health Clinic 1:15-2:45pm

9:30-11am 12:30-2pm

Dawlish Drive, Bentilee, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 0HW

THURSDAY Fitness Group ▲ Growing Together**

10-11am 1-2:30pm

FRIDAY Moss Green Growing Together** (Riverside Housing Office) 9:30-11am Play Together 12:30-2pm Antenatal Group 1-2:30pm ■ Children’s Christmas Party 12:30-2pm (14 Dec,St Stephens Church Hall)

OTHER SERVICES Outdoor Play Area Volunteering Programme

10:30-Noon 1:30-3pm

0 01782 23750

FRIDAY Play Together (0-5yrs) 9:30-11am (Family Support available for advice and support) Foster Carers’Group Noon-3pm (11 Jan,8 Feb,15 March)

* Referral Only. ** Bookable places with Play & Learning Team.

■

FRIDAY Parent Forum (14 Dec) Baby Massage ▲ Growing Together ▲

9:30-11:30am 10-Noon 1-2:30pm

Book at Reception.

▲

Appointments Only.

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Our City D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2

Children’s Centre

Children’s Centres in Stoke-on-Trent are having a big impact on the lives of families across the city. Here, Our City gives some bite size news of what’s happening around the centres – families can pop in or call to find out more.

UPDATE

STOKE NORTH: Growing Together takes place every Friday, 9:30-11am. Come along to and be involved in your child’s learning. Using video observation and the opportunity for parents and practitioners to work uniquely together to reflect on your child’s development using research based theories that encourage your child to be a strong, independent and active learner (referral only, please call the centre for more details).

TUNSTALL: Baby Massage group runs every Tuesday 11:30-12:30pm at Tunstall and is a drop in session. There are many benefits of baby massage the main ones being – promotes attachment and bonding between parent and baby, it’s a natural way to relieve stress for the parent and infant.

Tel: 01782 232977

Tel: 01782 231096

Tel: 01782 236655 BURSLEM: Saturdads takes place at Burslem Children’s Centre on the first Saturday of the month, 10:30-noon. All dads, uncles, brothers and grandads welcome to take part in fun games and Christmas arts and crafts.

Tel: 01782 238989

HOPE CHILDREN’S CENTRE: The Connect Group (a group set up by enthusiastic parents in the Hope area) have made a collection of beautiful handmade Christmas cards which are available to buy from reception for 65p each or £3 for five. THOMAS BOUGHEY: Eating together as a family provides great opportunities for communication. Even very young children sitting at the table in a high chair have the opportunity to hear more spoken language and to learn the pattern and turn taking involved in conversations. With this in mind Thomas Boughey has worked with a group of parents to choose a dining table, chairs and high chairs for our community room.This means that parents who have made delicious meals at our ‘cook and eat’ sessions can now relax after all that hard work and enjoy a family meal time. PENKHULL: Not Just Mums (a group set up by enthusiastic parents in the Penkhull area) are now running a play group on Tuesday 9:30-11:30am at St John’s Church in Trent Vale. Sessions are £1 per family and include refreshments. The group will be raising funds between now and Christmas so pop into the centre to find out what’s going on.

NORTON: Delivering Courses, Literacy Monday 1-3pm, Numeracy Friday 9:30-11:30am. Contact the centre for more details and what other courses we have on offer.

Tel: 01782 238352

KINGSLAND: The innovative new sensory room will be officially opened at Kingsland Children’s Centre on 16 January. It will then be available for families to book. For more information contact reception.

Tel: 01782 234357

Tel: 01782 233670

TREEHOUSE: Our café has now re-opened so come along and have a drink at our volunteer run café every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-noon.

Tel: 01782 237100

Tel: 01782 237650 FENTON: A Maths course is being hosted at Fenton in conjunction with Stoke on Trent College. It will be held every Wednesday, commencing 9 January, between 12:45 and 2:45pm. Creche places are limited.

Tel: 01782 236333

THE CRESCENT: Would you like to receive information via our ParentMail texting Service? ParentMail is an electronic service for keeping parents up to date with events If so please leave your name, mobile and email address with reception.

Tel: 01782 596421

BLURTON: Blurton Children’s Centre is working with Adult Community Learning to develop a series of family language play sessions. From Rocking Tots (for babes in-arms) to Stoke Speaks Out in the New Year, we have some fab sessions booked over the winter months. Why not give us a ring to find out more and book your place?

Tel: 01782 231815

Tel: 01782 237500

Tel: 01782 234024 HANFORD: Parent Forum, Wednesdays, 9:30-11am (Fortnightly). Come and join us to share your ideas and suggestions for the Children’s Centre. The forum is a great way for you to meet people and gain new skills, and also a huge support to the centre’s work.

WESTFIELD: Why not pop along to Westfield Children’s Centre and join in a session of Baby Jabadao each Thursday, 1-2:30pm (birth-first steps). Baby Jabadao is a parent-child interaction group, designed to promote children’s physical development through movement and sensory play.

Tel: 01782 233775 THE GRANGE: Volunteering Opportunities. Come and join our friendly team. We are always looking for volunteers to support the work of the Children’s Centre and will provide guidance and training along the way.

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DECEMBER 2012

Investors to back businesses

with advice and cash E

NTREPRENEURS will be teamed up with successful business professionals to benefit from their cash, time and experience in a new support scheme. The North Staffordshire Business Growth Network will link new companies to investors and is now taking applications from people who are interested in getting involved. It is the result of a partnership between Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, and more than 50 people attended its launch. Investors will offer different levels of commitment and live within an hour of the business. Other benefits of the network include regular investor meetings to promote the sharing of good practice and to help build contacts.

Crucial for growth Practice workshops will also be staged to help support investors and businesses. Councillor Mark Meredith, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “The city council, through the Mandate for Change, sees this as a key initiative and another opportunity to offer financial assistance to companies. “In addition, the advice that the investors will impart will be crucial for growth and success and I would encourage businesses and investors to visit the web portal to see the range of information OPEN FOR available. BUSINESS... Simon “We want to help build the Woodings is a partner companies of Stoke-on-Trent into sustainable, high growth at Beswicks Solicitors businesses.” and a member of the Simon Woodings, a member of Staffordshire Business the network and a partner at Growth Network. Beswicks Solicitors at Festival Park, plans to help companies on his books by signposting them to the network. He said: “We totally agree with the vision for this network that key skilled individuals, as well as cash, are the catalyst for growing and sustaining business. “It is a much-needed and innovative approach.” ● To find out more or to sign up and take part please visit www.businessgrowthnetwork.org.uk

“”

We totally agree with the vision for this network that key skilled individuals, as well as cash, are the catalyst for growing and sustaining business.

Families back ‘amazing’ new care centre

Iris Portas and her daughter Jennie, who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, who loves the facilities at Waterside.

A £1.8million centre has been launched to offer a state-of-theart facility for adults with complex and multiple learning disabilities. The Waterside service features pioneering technology to enable some of the most vulnerable people in the city to develop and maintain their independence, skills and confidence and improve their health and well-being. An 18-month makeover saw the former Newstead Day Service building in Blurton transformed into a place that provides a sensory relaxation room, an interactive music suite, a physiotherapy room, a dining area and a chill-out space leading to the garden. The city council service also hosts the city’s first exclusivelydesigned ‘soft room’ for service users with the most severe or restricted mobility issues.

Iris Portas’s daughter Jennie, who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, has been attending the facility for more than 20 years. Iris, from Trentham, said: “It has always been a fabulous place with great staff but the building was not up to scratch. “The changes have created an amazing facility with the same friendly atmosphere. Every area should have a place like this. Jennie loves the sensory and music rooms.” There are currently 224 adults with severe learning disabilities in the city, and 832 with moderate or severe learning disabilities. The figures are set to rise to 245 and 907 respectively by 2030. Waterside will be able to help more people from across the city than before on a referral basis. ● For more information call 01782 233191.

Our City

Top tips to avoid being ripped off STAFFORDSHIRE Police has published ten top tips for people buying goods and services on the doorstep. Advice to help householders avoid being ripped off by door-to-door sellers is contained on the force’s Facebook page, or it can be reached by scanning the QR code here on a smartphone. The tips include don’t sign on the spot, always check a trader’s identity, be wary of any special offers or warnings about your home, always shop around for the best price and read documents carefully to check the small print before signing for anything. Police advise that some rogue traders use pressure selling and even illegal tactics to persuade people to part with their hard-earned cash. The top tips are aimed at giving people the confidence to say no when they need to.

WRVS looks out for volunteers VOLUNTEERS are needed to help a charity deliver support to older people. The WRVS is looking for volunteers to staff its reception in the City Centre, help organise activities and lunch clubs and to support their community transport service by driving people to and from hospital appointments or the shops. A befriending service, which sees volunteers provide company and practical help to people who would otherwise be on their own, is also in need of support. ● To volunteer, or for more information about the charity and its services, call Helen Podmore or Nigel Edwards on 01782 213489.

Call now for free fire safety visit STAFFORDSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service offers a free home fire risk check service which provides safety advice, information on escape routes and fitting of free equipment such as smoke alarms and fire guards. A firefighter or safety technician visits properties and will offer advice and equipment which could save lives. The FREEPHONE number to ring to request a check and arrange a mutually convenient time for the visit to take place is 0800 0241 999, or residents can book online at www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk Bookings can also be made online at www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk All firefighters and Service Technicians carry an identity card and will travel in service vehicles. Although checks to the elderly and vulnerable are prioritised, the service is open to everyone.

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11:13

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DECEMBER 2012

Fraud campaign could be rolled out across UK A trail-blazing campaign by Stoke-onTrent City Council to crackdown on fraud is proving so successful it could be rolled out across the whole country. Spot the Cheater is set to be recommended to 400 local authorities across the UK who will pay if they want to use it. The city council’s anti-fraud work has already been praised by the Audit Commission as “stand out” and “excellent” while the Chartered Institute of Housing said:“We have been really impressed with the counter-tenancy fraud work in Stoke.” The campaign to tackle Tenancy, Blue Badge, Benefit and Council Tax fraud was launched in May. Calls about suspected fraud have leapt 22 per cent since then compared to the same period last year, with 1,074 referrals. More than 110 people have either been prosecuted, given an administrative penalty or a formal caution in that period. Corporate Fraud Manager Paul Bicknell said:“Not only are we saving money for the public purse by tackling fraud, but our campaign is also raising revenue which makes us more cost effective.” ● If you suspect someone of committing fraud, call the Fraud Hotline on 01782 236800 or report it online at stoke.gov.uk/reportfraud

Developers join bid to build a

great city P

RIME sites that are ready for development were showcased at an event for house builders aimed at driving up the quality and quantity of new homes.

The city council hosted a working breakfast to highlight Building locations, support and for the future... incentive packages available to developers as part of the City Council Leader new fast-track approach to Councillor Mohammed housing development. Pervez tells delegates of Experts from the city exciting development council’s regeneration, opportunities in planning and housing Stoke-on-Trent. departments were on hand to provide advice and support and to discuss the first releases of key sites. connectivity and we are taking The summit, which was an innovative approach to held at the Britannia Stadium, respond to the economic also formed part of one of the challenges we face. key elements of the city “Last year we launched our council’s Mandate for Change. Mandate for Change and we Council Leader Councillor are working with house builders Mohammed Pervez, said: to make Stoke-on-Trent a great “Stoke-on-Trent is city to live in. transforming. It is a city which “Stoke-on-Trent City has always enjoyed great Council is committed to saying

yes to good development, offering a red carpet approach to developers with a single point of contact, streamlined planning, access to external funding, incentives and access to labour markets.” The Mandate for Change is based on four pillars of success:

22-24 Andrew Place Newcastle Staffordshire ST5 1DL Tel: 01782 660387 / 662720

Celebrate with us this Christmas From 17th - 21st December we’ll have a tasty new Christmas Menu in Cafe Red. Call in for a mince pie and a coffee, or stay and enjoy a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings! There’s always lots happening at Rendezvous, including full or half day sessions and individual activities. In December we’ll be having a special Christmas party for our service users to enjoy some Christmas cheer. To find out more about what’s on and book, either pop in and see us, or call: 01782 660387 / 662720.

Choices Lifestyles offers bespoke packages of care and support to vulnerable people in their own homes and communities, including: ● Personal Care ● Activities ● Respite Working in partnership with Rendezvous to support a community based resource for vulnerable people in the local area. For more information, please call: 01782 254026 or visit: www.choiceshousing.co.uk Industrial and Provident Societies Reg No: 26995R Registered Social Landlord Reg No. L4178

making Stoke-on-Trent a great city to live in; supporting and developing existing businesses; working with people to promote independence and healthy lives; and making Stoke-on-Trent the place to bring business.

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DECEMBER 2012

Our City 17

Sustainable travel... healthier, cheaper and reducing congestion

First runs services to Festival Park and Etruria Valley every ten minutes to encourage thousands of people based at big employers like Vodafone and bet365 to travel to work by bus.

Ambitious bid wins £5m to

promote green travel G

REEN travel in Stoke-on-Trent is set for a major boost after the city council led a successful bid for almost £5million of Government funding.

The Stoking Employment in North Staffordshire initiative will meet the Department for Transport’s twin objectives of supporting the local economy while reducing carbon emissions. Part of the project is encouraging residents to think about how they travel to work to get healthy and fit, protect the environment and save money. The city council – which is leading the initiative in partnership with Staffordshire County Council and North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry – will work with large employers and help their businesses grow by improving sustainable transport to important employment sites like Festival Park, Etruria Valley, the University Quarter, Trentham Lakes and Chatterley Valley. Proposed initiatives include reducing bus journey times, additional pedestrian and cycle routes and personal assistance for staff considering changing their travel habits. Michelle Harris is Sustainability Manager at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, whose new site includes cycle-friendly facilities and promotes public transport. She said: “We all know that being more active boosts our health and is a more environmentally friendly way

“”

We all know that being more active boosts our health and is a more environmentally friendly way of getting from A to B. MICHELLE HARRIS

of getting from A to B. There are many reasons to consider commuting to work more actively. Cycling reduces the cost of running a vehicle, cuts the amount of traffic and congestion and tackles what might be an expanding waistline. The vast number of people who have signed up to our cycle scheme say they feel much better for doing so. “It’s important for the hospital to have a healthy and happy workforce and getting more people on to bikes could see a positive impact for patients.”

How the cash will boost our travel network Better buses: improved bus passenger information, traffic management with bus priority measures and better services. Smart Choices: marketing and promotion of alternatives to the car, and travel planning for workplaces, schools and the railway station. Cycling and walking: completion of cycle network routes and better facilities for pedestrians.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council Press Officer Ciara Hill checks the pressure on her car’s tyres to prepare for winter weather ahead.

Cycle commuter Gail Lowe – a Social Care Assessor at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire – parks her bike in facilities provided at the new hospital site.

Free cycle safety lessons YOUNGSTERS with bikes, especially those who receive a cycle for Christmas, are being offered free safety training by the city council. This year’s sessions take place at Fenton Manor on 2 January: Learning to Ride, for five to eight year-olds (switching from stabilisers to two wheels) – 10.00am until noon; Bikeability Level One, for seven to nine year-olds (building young children’s cycling skills) – 12.30-2.30pm; Bikeability Level Two, for nine to sixteen year-olds (introduction to cyclist training on the road) 3.00-5.00pm (weather permitting). The first 50 people to turn up will receive a free cycle helmet, sponsored by Michelin. Cycling Development Officer Stuart Aldridge said: “The course will give young people the confidence and skills to ride safely.”

Winter safety advice to keep bright when out after dark SAFETY advice for walkers, cyclists and motorists is being promoted by city council experts. Now winter has well and truly arrived, many people are travelling to work, school or college in the dark and the need to be properly kitted out is vital. Pedestrians and cyclists need to wear bright clothing and reflective equipment. Reflective strips on coats and bags help other road users to see anyone walking or cycling. Cyclists also need to ensure they have front and rear lights and that they use them. It is against the law to ride without lights during the hours of darkness, and anyone riding without lights is putting themselves and other road users at risk. Low cost lights are available from local cycle dealers and could be a lifesaver. Motorists also need to make sure their cars are prepared for winter. That means having a fully-charged

battery, coolant levels with enough anti-freeze, windscreen wipers that are not split or worn and correctly-inflated tyres with sufficient tread. Another good tip is to buy essential winter items for the car before colder weather sets in. An ice-scraper, de-icer, screen wash and a de-misting cloth do not cost much but are essential for winter motoring. Brian Edwards, of the city council’s Sustainable Transport Team, said: “It’s amazing how many times motorists pull out of their driveway peering out of a small hole in the ice on their windscreen rather than defrosting their car before they drive off! “They need to make sure heaters are working and give themselves enough time to clear all the windows before they leave.” For extreme weather such as heavy snow drivers should carry a spade, spare clothing and make sure their mobile phone is charged up in case there is an emergency.

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18 Our City D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2

Stoke-on-Trent City Council – Summary Accounts 2011-12 FACTS AND FIGURES The Housing Revenue Account The city council owns just over 19,000 dwellings that it rents out to tenants as a landlord. It accounts for all the expenditure and income associated with managing and maintaining these properties in a separate ‘ring-fenced’ account known as the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).The HRA cannot be subsidised by the rest of the city council, or vice versa. The city council received almost £62million in rent and charges and spent just over £48million carrying out day to day repairs and improvements, collecting rents and managing the service. It spent a further £14million on loan interest and central government payments. The HRA made a small deficit of £0.518million for the year which was met from reserves built up from previous years. At the end of the year the HRA had a balance of £7million which is planned for use to further improve council housing stock and provide a cushion against any unexpected costs in future years.

Net worth 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). At the end of each financial year the city council draws up a balance sheet. This shows how much the assets of the city council are worth, what is owed to, and what is owed by the city council, the majority of which is in the future. A summarised balance sheet is shown below. Summary Balance Sheet

31/03/12 £million

Land, buildings and other fixed assets Other assets (including cash) Money owed to the council Money owed by the council Net worth (total assets less total liabilities)

1,175 53 46 (825) 449

Represented By Usable reserves Unusable reserves Total reserves

123 326 449

The city council’s net worth at the end of March 2012 was £449million which is represented by usable reserves and unusable reserves; representing balances which cannot be spent now but will become usable sometime in the future.

What usable reserves does the city council have? The city council holds several usable reserves, some of which are held for a specific future use (earmarked) and some which are held as a contingency for unforeseen circumstances.The city council continually reviews these reserves to ensure they remain reasonable and adequate and are neither too high nor too low.The table below summarises the position at the end of the year. Reserves and Balances

31/03/11 £million

31/03/12 £million

Non-Earmarked Reserves General fund working balance HRA working balance Capital receipts and grants

5.8 7.5 20.9

7.5 7.0 21.1

Earmarked Reserves School balances Reserves for future PFI charges Self insurance Revenue grants Housing capital reserve Other earmarked reserves Total

5.4 22.6 5.8 8.1 1.8 19.9 97.8

6.4 31.1 6.2 12.3 1.1 29.8 122.5

More detailed information, the full Statement of Accounts, including glossary of terms, are available on the city council’s website at stoke.gov.uk Alternatively, you can contact: Corporate Financial Services, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Corporate Services Directorate, Financial Services Division, Civic Centre, Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1HH. Telephone – 01782 238052 Email – finance@stoke.gov.uk

Investing in city infrastructu working hard to balance the

very challenging y F

INANCIAL pressures imposed by the Government have put unprecedented pressure on the city council to balance the books.

In October 2010 it was announced at Westminster that there would be a 28 per cent reduction in funding for local Government throughout 2011-12 to 2014-15, with most of the cuts taking place in the first two years. Stoke-on-Trent City Council received the 284th worst financial settlement out of the 324 local authorities in the UK and is surrounded by local authorities who have received significantly smaller reductions. It meant the city council had to reduce its budget by £36million without any increase in Council Tax, making 2011-12 a hugely challenging year. Inevitably some frontline services were affected, but the majority of savings were achieved by redesigning services, removing layers of management and other efficiency measures. During the year there were additional pressures but all necessary steps were taken to remain within the budget and deliver quality services across the city. Throughout these challenging times the city council was able to deliver £131million worth of investment in the city’s infrastructure and environment (see below) which will benefit the people of Stoke-on-Trent for decades to come, and help the city deliver its promise of the Mandate for Change. This pledge to make Stoke-on-Trent a great working city, delivering investment, jobs and a better quality of life for all,

showed the city council’s ambition to meet challenging times head on, and strive to change the city for everyone who lives and works here.

Financial Highlights 2011-12 When resources are tight and challenges need to be addressed head on, financial resilience, reassurance and good financial management have been key drivers in delivering those challenges. Independent scrutiny of the accounts and the financial planning and reporting processes and procedures that deliver financial probity is carried out by an independent auditor, the Audit Commission. The District Auditor stated in an annual audit letter to the city council that: “With regard to financial resilience I

consider that the council continues to manage its finances well,” concluding that: “The city council has robust systems and processes to manage financial risks and opportunities and to secure a stable financial position that enables it to continue to operate for the foreseeable future.” The District Auditor further added that the planning and use of the finances both now and in the future is well managed against a backdrop of reducing resources with the need to deliver cost reductions and improvements to efficiency while maintaining a focus on the delivery of services. A copy of the Auditor’s annual audit letter is on the Council’s website. In spite of the challenges the city council has achieved some notable successes during 2011-12:

Children and Young People

● Increased number of pupils

ROBUST SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES... Cabinet Member for Finance, Procurement and Commissioning Councillor Paul Shotton and Assistant Director of Financial Services Peter Bates.

Capital Expenditure 2011-12 (£130.78million) Education Services Green Spaces Other Schemes £10.5m (8.0 per cent) £2.6m (2.0 per cent) £7.9m (6.0 per cent) Regeneration Initiatives £5.3m (4.1 per cent)

Building Schools For The Future £70.4m (53.9 per cent)

Housing Capital Highways Projects RENEW Housing Technology Centre Programme £5.5m (4.2 per cent) Pathfinder £4.5m (3.4 per cent) £16.7m (12.6 per cent) £7.4m (5.8 per cent)

Investment co THE city council provides a huge range of day-to-day services to Stoke-on-Trent’s population. And while facing up to the challenges of the worst-ever Government cuts, it drove forward ambitious and successful plans to improve life for everyone in the city. It spent £130.78million on land, buildings, vehicles and equipment to regenerate the city through capital investment in education, infrastructure, housing, regeneration and private sector-led projects. Continuing with this investment programme is an important part of the city’s Mandate for Change.

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FACTS AND FIGURES

ture while he books in

The cost of running council services THE city council’s gross expenditure on services was £742.5million. The net budget requirement for 2011-12, on which the Council Tax is based, was set at £211.7million.

g year

obtaining at least five A-C grades at GCSE (including English and maths) with 52 per cent of children achieving these grades compared to 48 per cent in 2010-11; ● Continued improvement in schools inspections results with 65 per cent of schools judged as “good” or “outstanding”; ● Continued improvement of schools facilities through the Building Schools for the Future programme, six schools due for completion during 2012; ● Put in place plans to develop smaller group homes to enable more vulnerable children to live within the city rather than being placed in out of city residential provision; ● 67 children permanently adopted or legally confirmed as living with a ‘special guardian’.

Adult and Neighbourhood Services

● Increased the independence of 703 people through re-ablement services; ● The “safer places” scheme – a new city-wide initiative to provide temporary safe havens for adults with learning difficulties who find themselves in vulnerable situations; ● Joint working with University Hospital of North Staffordshire to prevent inappropriate hospital admissions and facilitate timely discharge of patients from hospital; ● Assessed 3,060 people in hospital with the lowest level of discharge delays in the region.

City Renewal Services

● New bus station scheduled to open in early 2013; ● Construction of University science and technology centre

Revenue Expenditure 2011-12 £742.5m Environmental Highways and Services Transport £38.8m (5 per cent) £25.1m (3 per cent)

Adult Social Care £99.1m (13 per cent) Council Housing Services £123.4m (17 per cent) Planning Services £20.9m (3 per cent)

The Co-operative Academy, now open, was one of the big Building Schools for the Future projects brought to fruition during 2011/12. on land provided by the city council; ● Completed the Centre of Refurbishment Excellence providing a national centre of learning and skills development for the construction industry; ● Approved City Sentral development to regenerate the City Centre.

Housing Services

● Committed to a programme of housing retrofit works with three energy suppliers investing £8million into the housing stock, improving over 1,000 homes with new heating and/or solid wall insulation; ● Continued to offer a free loft and cavity wall insulation service to all residents in the city which has improved the energy performance of over 1,400 homes since July 2011; ● Concerted effort to bring empty homes back into occupation; ● Completed a supported housing development, comprising 11 units of accommodation, for women fleeing domestic violence;

● Significantly improved our council housing repairs and maintenance service, culminating in a national award and currently in the top three for national Building and Maintenance Award.

Economic Development, Culture and Sports

● Jobs Enterprise Team engaged with 800 employers, compared with 560 in the previous year; ● Over 7,000 enrolments on adult learning courses; ● Supported the British Ceramics Biennial to achieve 35,000 visitors over six weeks in October and November 2011. 45 per cent of visitors were from outside the West Midlands area; ● Won Museums and Heritage Awards 2011 for best exhibition project on a small budget; ● Fenton Manor Sports Complex hosted a total of 229 event days attracting 74,022 visitors to the venue. Working with British Gymnastics, the facility has secured future bookings for a national event for rhythmic, acrobatic and team gymnastics.

continues under Mandate for Change The most significant capital investment programmes in 2011-12 include: ● Regeneration initiatives for the City Centre (£5.3million), including the bus station. ● Building Schools for the Future (£70.4million) with six schools expected to be completed during 2012. ● The Technology Centre at the Centre of Refurbishment Excellence was completed in December 2011 (£4.5million). ● Continuing the investment previously funded through the RENEW Housing Pathfinder programme (£7.4million).

Cultural Services £26.2m (4 per cent) Corporate and Other Services £38.1m (5 per cent)

● Investment from the Department of Funding of capital expenditure 2011-12 £million Transport into the Grants 87.78 Local Transport Major repairs allowance 8.56 Plan and other Highways Projects Revenue 2.92 (£5.5million). Other contributions 0.59 ● Housing Capital Capital receipts 4.51 Programme Capital grants reserve 6.86 (£16.7million). Section 106 contributions 0.81 ● Education Service Borrowing 18.75 development Total 130.78 programmes including Primary including completed projects at Capital and Devolved Capital Tunstall Park, Anchor Road and Goms budgets (£10.5million). Mill. ● Green space projects (£2.6million)

Education and Children’s Services £259.0m (35 per cent)

Other Housing Services £111.9m (15 per cent)

How did we pay for day to day services? The income comes from various sources such as service specific grants, fees and charges e.g. Funding of Revenue Expenditure 2011-12 £million car parking charges, housing rents, leisure Revenue Support Grant 30.7 centre income, Council Tax and Community Charge Surplus 81.7 income from central Business Rates 99.3 government (in the form of revenue Net Budget Requirement for 2011-12 211.7 support grant and Other Sources of Funding non-ring fenced Capital Grants 105.5 grants), contributions Specific Grants 297.7 from the business rates pool, and from Non Specific Grants 33.7 local residents in the Fees and Other Charges 95 form of Council Tax Total Revenue Income 2011-12 743.6 as shown below.

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Protection in festive period RESIDENTS have been urged to think about where they store their Christmas presents in order to avoid becoming an easy target for burglars. Nicky Jolley, South Locality Co-ordinator Lead for Crime and Disorder, said:“People have a lot on their minds when they are rushing around buying or delivering Christmas presents but they can take simple steps to protect themselves from burglaries and vehicle crime.” Top tips for protecting property include: ● Don’t leave anything unattended or on show in vehicles, and keep shopping with you until you return to your car. Otherwise, lock items in the boot and park in a busy well-lit area. ● Keep wrapped gifts out of sight in cars and in the home. ● Timer switches and lights should be used in homes when out celebrating to give the impression someone is in. Also remember to close curtains. ● If you are going away for the festive season, let your neighbours know. ● Electronic and other valuable gifts should be property marked with a postcode. ● Once Christmas is over, take any boxes from valuable gifts to your nearest household waste site if possible. Leaving them outside for roadside bin collection advertises new purchases to potential thieves. ● In an emergency, call 999. For non-emergency calls and general police enquiries dial 101.

Helping carers and families FAMILY members and carers of people with substance misuse problems can receive support and assistance from a dedicated advice group set up to help them. ASSIST has run for more than ten years and offers informal and confidential help for those coming to terms with substance misuse. It meets on a Monday night and is organised through the Adult Community Drug Service. Chair Les Wade, whose son was involved in substance misuse, said: “The ASSIST sessions provide a sounding board for families and respite through organised weekend breaks for families and carers.” ● For more details contact the Adult Community Drug Service on 01782 219777.

Activities for all help slash antisocial behaviour by half T

HE Safer City Partnership is winning the battle against antisocial behaviour with the number of recorded incidents being slashed by half over the last four years.

The latest crime figures show that since April 2008 there have been almost 12,000 fewer reports to police in the city – a drop of 51 per cent. A number of factors have played a role in this reduction. These include: ● A dedicated team of Safer City Partnership officers focusing on the most problematic cases of antisocial behaviour. ● An increased use of warning letters at an early stage to parents of young people who have been involved in low-level antisocial behaviour. ● Respect events targeting the most problematic neighbourhoods, working closely with partners to tidy up the area and reduce environmental antisocial behaviour. ● Activities to engage young people in sporting activities that reduce the possibilities of them becoming bored and getting involved in antisocial behaviour. Two of the schemes that are having a real impact with young people are StreetGames and Sporting Ventures, which are both funded by the Safer City Partnership. StreetGames runs a number of activities across the city, including football, cricket,

dodge ball and basketball for youngsters aged eight to seventeen. Some events attract up to 30 people at one time – and some areas are working with their local residents’ association to apply for funding to extend the sessions further. For StreetGames information email david.hardwick@stoke.gov.uk Meanwhile, Sporting Ventures runs a number of courses and schemes in schools aimed at young people. These include Friday evening sessions at the YMCA Activity Centre, Hanley, which brings members of the local community together to experience a variety of sporting activities.

All join in The diversity of the course also allows it to engage with different cultures and people from the Polish, Slovakian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Romany gypsy traveller communities all join in. For more details about Sporting Ventures email Rob Simms on info@sportingventures.co.uk Jon Connolly, Central Locality Co-ordinator and Lead for Antisocial Behaviour, said: “The reduction in The Safer City antisocial behaviour is a Partnership is testament to the hard work looking to recruit more of a number of partners. “The diversionary work volunteers to help deliver of initiatives like the sessions. To get StreetGames and involved call Jon Connolly Sporting Ventures is a on 01782 235434 or direct response to those email jon.connolly@ who say there is nothing for stoke.gov.uk young people to do. This clearly isn’t the case.”

Pupils Aaron Turner, ten, and Archie Seale, seven, playing dodge ball with Rob Simms at Harpfields Primary School.

Alcohol support extended to make access easier Participation Worker Craig Morris and Project Worker Kay Morgan pictured at Cobridge Health Centre.

A charity has extended its services to make it easier for people affected by alcohol, gambling and substance misuse to get help. Midlands-based Aquarius, which runs Stoke-on-Trent’s Community Alcohol Service, has opened three outreach venues at health centres in Cobridge, Meir and Tunstall. Each offer weekly drop-in sessions and can help people get treatment and support. Senior Manager Paul McTague said: “We want to grow our points of contact so we can reach more people without them having to travel to see us. The outreach venues give people the opportunity to speak to a specialist, get advice and be assessed into treatment where necessary.” A participation worker has been recruited to help engage people with services and a recruitment process is underway for a volunteer and peer mentor co-ordinator. The service is funded by the Safer City Partnership. Its central base continues to be at Balwant House, in Shelton. Drop-in sessions take place at Cobridge Community Health Centre on Church Terrace between 3pm and 5.30pm on Mondays. Meir Primary Care Centre on Weston Road hosts sessions from 1pm until 4.30pm on Tuesdays, and Tunstall Primary Care Centre on Scotia Road has Aquarius staff on hand between 1.30pm and 4pm on Fridays. ● For more information, call 01782 283113 or email stoke-on-trent@aquarius.org.uk

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Partners spread ‘safe nights’ call

Safer City Partnership Officer Jenny Lawson, right, and PCSO Mel Bartholomew talk to Hanley resident Margaret Kabwechere about how partners are making the City Centre a safer place this Christmas.

REVELLERS are being urged to have a safe time during the Christmas and the New Year celebrations. The chances of being the victim of an assault are extremely low throughout the city, but concerted efforts will be made to prevent any violence with a particular focus on alcohol-related crime. High visibility police patrols, as part of Staffordshire Police’s Operation Safer Nights, will provide reassurance and a strong on-street presence. Officers can serve notices on people suspected of becoming involved in disorder making them leave an area. They will also be able to refer people, where appropriate, to the Stoke-on-Trent Community Alcohol Service, Aquarius. They will be supported by the Stoke-on-Trent Nightlife Partnership, which brings together licensees, door staff

and city council licensing officers. Members share intelligence about known troublemakers, keep in touch through a radio system linked to the police and to the city council CCTV control centre and operate a Barred from One, Barred from All policy. Marshalls at taxi ranks will make sure people can leave the City Centre swiftly and safely while Street Pastors will be out and about providing support and guidance to vulnerable people. “A spokesperson for the Safer City Partnership said “This is traditionally a time when families and friends can enjoy all of the excitement that is on offer at this time of the year and all members of the Partnership will be working as hard as ever to ensure that Stoke-on-Trent will be a safe place for local residents for locals and visitors alike.”

‘Invaluable support’gives Sophie

future hopes R

ECOVERING alcoholic Sophie Oldfield is looking forward to a happy and sober Christmas with her daughter this year – because last December marked the low point in her ten-year battle with booze.

The 25-year-old mum of one admitted: “I was so drunk I couldn’t remember spending Christmas Day with my daughter. My nan had to show me the photographs five days later – that was the only way I knew I’d seen her. I felt like the worst parent alive.” She knew she had to get help and 12 months later Sophie has been through detox, graduated from an 18-week residential rehabilitation programme at the BAC O’Connor Centre and now volunteers as a Recovery Champion for RIOT – the Recovery Is Out There project Led by former service users supported by five full-time staff, the whole team inspire

other addicts to find recovery so Sophie spends six hours a week at drop-in clinics in Stoke-on-Trent and talking to patients in hospital. She is also studying for an NVQ so she can take up mentoring as a career. Sophie said: “When I was drinking I lost everything – my daughter, my family, my friends and my home. “I used to have fits and seizures. It was like a living hell. Last year I went to see my doctor who said ‘I give you six months.’ Now I’ve got my life back. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family and RIOT has been invaluable. It’s helped me through and given me a future.” RIOT Co-ordinator Kim Calve said: “All our volunteers are fine examples of recovery. I’m proud that they give hope and inspiration that addicts do recover.” ● For more information about RIOT, go to recoverychampions.co.uk or call 01782 651190.

“NOW I’VE GOT MY LIFE BACK”... recovering alcoholic Sophie Oldfield is looking forward to happier times after support from a residential rehabilitation programme. She is pictured with her nan Christine Cliff.

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Key role in emergency responses FLASHING blue lights at incidents in the city usually mean emergency service attendance – but it is not always so obvious that the local authority is doing valuable work in the background. Finely-honed civil contingency plans kick into action about once a month as the city council and its partners support residents affected by anything from fires to severe weather and gas leaks to police emergencies. Plans for national and local emergencies are overseen by a team of two who carry out de-briefs after each incident to learn any lessons and improve plans for future use. Earlier this year the city council worked with the British Red Cross and the WRVS as a four-day armed siege meant some residents in Shelton needed temporary accommodation at rest centres. Transport was also provided. Deputy Council Leader Councillor Paul Shotton said:“It’s vital that we get things right in these instances for the safety and well being of the people in our city. “The fact that what we do when incidents like these happen often goes completely unnoticed shows that we’re doing a great job in supporting residents when they most need our help.”

Appeal on adoption ADOPTIVE parents are being urged to help brothers and sisters in the city stay together. There are five recently approved adoptive families in the city, but 50 children in need of adoption – 28 of them siblings who would benefit from being kept together. To find out more please call 01782 235020, email duty.adoption@stoke. gov.uk or visit stoke.gov.uk/adoption

Spotlight on our city’s RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS Fenton Events Board Chairman Mike Bouchet, pictured in the town’s Albert Square shows Councillor Karen Clarke photographs of events the association has organised.

Celebrating a busy first year DESPITE only being set up a year ago, Fenton Events Board has already hosted a series of memorable days for residents. Members work to boost community spirit and bring families together through events in and around Albert Square, by the town’s cenotaph. Their first event was last year’s Christmas lights switch-on by Fenton-born Stoke City star Ryan

Shotton. Since then, the community has come together for fun and games at a party for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and a Halloween event which saw 350 people gathered for activities including a bush tucker trial at the scout hut in Heron Cross. This year’s Christmas event on

December 5 provided a live nativity scene among other attractions. Group chairman Mike Bouchet said: “We want our events to bring the whole community together but it is not just for the people of Fenton. Our events are open to anyone and we welcome people from all over the six towns.”

EATON Park Residents’ Association takes road safety very seriously. After tackling parking problems outside Eaton Park Primary School, the group has now moved on to a campaign to slow motorists down – and its community speed watch programme is proving to be an effective tool. A third of the 15 committee members have been trained up to operate a speed gun outside the Arbourfield Drive school.

All join in

Speed reduced in

safety drive Pictured left to right are John Caulkin, Chair of the Eaton Park Residents’ Association, 67, Speedwatch Team Members Brian Bowyer, 75 , and Ray Griffin, 79 and Speedwatch Co-ordinator Paul Thomason, 73.

Signs have gone up to raise awareness of their work and, so far, around 1,500 people have passed through the 30mph spot on action days but none have needed to be prosecuted. Chairman John Caulkin said: “Our aim is to educate so we don’t need to prosecute and it really seems to be working.” Set up in September 2009, members also put a lot of work into fund-raising for good causes. They have raised £1,450 so far and will boost the total with events in December.

Smart move makes a mark in fight against crime

Packmoor Residents’ Association Chairman Sarah Meakin with one of the Smartwater property marking kits.

MEMBERS of Packmoor Residents’ Association are lucky to only have a few problems in their area – but when issues do crop up, the group makes sure they are not around for long. In the four years since the organisation was formed, members have helped to get more equipment for the play area on Turnhurst Road, had benches installed at a popular bus stop, organised tribute nights and hosted several popular summer fairs. Now they are working with the city council and Staffordshire Police to offer

forensic property markers to residents. Group Chairman Sarah Meakin said:“Fortunately, we don’t have many big issues to deal with in Packmoor, but what has become a problem is crime on the Blackbird Way estate. “SmartWater kits allow residents to mark their items so they can be traced back to where they came from.” More kits will be available soon. Information can be found on the noticeboard outside Packmoor Pharmacy, Samuel Street.

Does your residents’ association have a story for Our City? email the details to ourcity@stoke.gov.uk

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Your

Baddeley, Milton and Norton

GWEN HASSALL (Labour) (01782) 263166 07557 848765 gwen.hassall@ stoke.gov.uk

ANDREW LILLEY (Labour) 07717 714010 andy.lilley@ stoke.gov.uk

Birches Head and Central Forest Park MARK MEREDITH (Labour) 07717 714020 mark.meredith@ stoke.gov.uk Twitter: @markmeredith01

Broadway and Longton East

GURMEET SINGH KALLAR (Labour) 07900 604232 gurmeetsingh.kallar@ stoke.gov.uk

Etruria and Hanley

Hartshill and Basford

Tunstall

RANDOLPH CONTEH (City Independents) (01782) 256869 07920 835902 randolph.conteh@ stoke.gov.uk

SHAZAD HUSSAIN (Labour) 07899 771815 shazad.hussain@ stoke.gov.uk

Ford Green and Smallthorne

KAREN CLARKE (Labour) 07917 270594 karen.clarke@ stoke.gov.uk

MATT WILCOX (Labour) 07810 825600 matt.wilcox@ stoke.gov.uk

TERENCE FOLLOWS (City Independents) (01782) 318127 07944 055379 terence.follows@ stoke.gov.uk

Joinerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Square

KATH BANKS (Labour) (01782) 399759 07790 699379 kath.banks@ stoke.gov.uk

RUTH ROSENAU (Labour) (01782) 501940 07870 503575 ruth.rosenau@ stoke.gov.uk Twitter: @CllrRuthRosenau

Sandford Hill

PETER HAYWARD (City Independents) (01782) 644052 07920 835839 peter.hayward@ stoke.gov.uk

Lightwood North and Normacot ALASTAIR WATSON (Labour) 07736 837822 alastair.watson@ stoke.gov.uk Twitter: @CllrActional22

Meir Park

Meir South ABI BROWN (Conservative) 07793 844169 abi.brown@ stoke.gov.uk

Sneyd Green OLWEN HAMER (Labour) 07717 714207 olwen.hamer@ stoke.gov.uk

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

DEBBIE WHEELDON (Labour) (01782) 595043 07870 777807 debbie.wheeldon@ stoke.gov.uk

Springfields and Trent Vale DEBRA GRATTON (Labour) 07917 854981 debra.gratton@ stoke.gov.uk Twitter: @debra_gratton

JACKIE BARNES (City Independents) (01782) 845619 / 07813 539410 jackie.barnes@stoke. gov.uk

FORTHCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS AT THE CIVIC CENTRE, STOKE:

Weston Coyney LEE WANGER (City Independents) 07971 303729 lee.wanger@ stoke.gov.uk

Dresden and Florence

Fenton West and Mount Pleasant

Hollybush and Longton West

Meir North

Penkhull and Stoke

ANDY PLATT (Labour) 07919 660221 andy.platt@ stoke.gov.uk Twitter: @CllrAndyST4

Hanford and Trentham

MUHAMMAD AUMIR (Labour) 07886 581082 muhammad.aumir@ stoke.gov.uk

MOHAMMED PERVEZ (Labour) (01782) 232468 mohammed.pervez@ stoke.gov.uk Twitter: @pervezstoke

Boothen and Oakhill

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

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

SHAUN PENDER (Labour) (01782) 632104 07825 142327 shaun.pender@ stoke.gov.uk

Meir Hay

Burslem Park

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

JANINE BRIDGES (Labour) (01782) 851842 07989 385631/ 07717 714205 janine.bridges@ stoke.gov.uk

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

Moorcroft

Fenton East

ALISON WEDGWOOD (Labour) 07968 477901 alison.wedgwood@ stoke.gov.uk

NEIL DAY (Labour) (01782) 598844 07796 040002 neil.day@stoke.gov.uk

ALAN DUTTON (Labour) (01782) 824051 07982 231567 alan.dutton@ stoke.gov.uk

Great Chell and Packmoor

AMJID WAZIR (Labour) 07747 830461 amjid.wazir@ stoke.gov.uk

Little Chell and Stanfield

Blurton West and Newstead

Burslem Central

MAJID KHAN (Labour) 07989 441707 majid.khan@ stoke.gov.uk

MARTIN GARNER (Labour) (01782) 768846 martin.garner@ stoke.gov.uk

SHEILA PITT (Labour) 07957 948896 sheila.pitt@ stoke.gov.uk

GLENYS WARD (City Independents) (01782) 312670 07922 909545 glenys.ward@ stoke.gov.uk

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

TERRY CROWE (Labour) (01782) 269422 07818 044755 terry.crowe@ stoke.gov.uk

Hanley Park and Shelton

DUNCAN WALKER (Labour) (01782) 912422 07748 504149 duncan.walker@ stoke.gov.uk

Blurton East

PAUL BREEZE (Unaffiliated) (01782) 279684 paul.breeze@ stoke.gov.uk

Goldenhill and Sandyford

ADRIAN KNAPPER (Labour) 07714 334453 adrian.knapper@ stoke.gov.uk

Bentilee and Ubberley

JACK BRERETON (Conservative) 07855 916134 jack.brereton@ stoke.gov.uk

Eaton Park

Abbey Hulton and Townsend

Councillors

Bradeley and Chell Heath

Our City

MATTHEW FRY (Labour) 07826 891801 matthew.fry@ stoke.gov.uk

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

Cabinet meetings are scheduled at 5.30pm: 13 December 2012, 31 January 2013, 7 March 2013 and 28 March 2013.

Full City Council meetings are scheduled at 5.30pm: 6 Dec 2012 (Extraordinary Meeting), 20 Dec 2012, 24 Jan 2013, 28 Feb 2013 (Budget) and 21 Mar 2013.

For more information on your councillors go to stoke.gov.uk/councillors Councillors can also be contacted through the Councillor and Civic Support Team who can take messages and forward them on. They can be contacted on (01782) 231922 or 231924.

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New era starts as club thanks council

for saving THE VALE T

HE city council has been praised for taking “brave” action which saved Port Vale Football Club from going out of existence. The club’s survival was in jeopardy earlier this year with mounting debts, wages not being paid and no owner at the helm. However, the council – the club’s major creditor – applied for Vale to be placed into administration and agreed to contribute to its running costs. The key move bought time for potential investors to come forward, culminating in the successful £1.25million takeover by

businessmen Paul Wildes and the Alchemy Investment Group. Bob Young, Director of the club’s administrators Begbies Traynor, said the council had done what was best for the club, its supporters and taxpayers.

Strong decision He said: “The city council has been extremely helpful, totally supportive and certainly the major player in saving Port Vale Football Club and safeguarding professional football for supporters. There was a very difficult situation in the spring when the club was facing a winding-up petition and could have gone out of business.

Vale super striker Tom Pope celebrates a hat-trick against his former club Rotherham before going on to score a fourth in this season’s 6-2 home victory.

“The city council took a strong decision to apply for the club to be put into administration and agreed to write off a significant portion of its loan to Port Vale. The city council also agreed to meet the running costs, which allowed the club to keep trading until the end of the 2011/12 season.” As part of the deal, the city council’s contribution to running costs during administration, combined with the agreement to pay back part of the outstanding loan, will mean the authority will get back around £750,000. Bob added: “In my view this is the best deal for taxpayers in the city. There are community and economic benefits and there is also a lot to be said for community spirit. “In safeguarding football, the city council has made sure it has engendered this spirit into the future.” Pete Williams, Chair of Port Vale Supporters Club, said: “The Council Leader Mohammed Pervez came back to us and said ‘what are the fans wishes?’. “We told him we wanted a club that was run openly and honestly and we needed action taken to put the club into administration. “He and the council took the

TOP OF THE LEAGUE... Vale Manager Micky Adams thanks Council Leader Mohammed Pervez for saving Port Vale in the club’s hour of need.

As part of the deal, the city council’s contribution to running costs during administration, combined with the agreement to pay back part of the outstanding loan, will mean the authority will get back around £750,000. decision to apply to put the club into administration and we should be ever in his and their debt because they saved our club. “All supporters owe a great debt to the city council. Without its help and intervention Port Vale would have disappeared, there is no doubt about that. “The council looked at the

Stanley Head offers party treats HEN and stag parties with a difference are raising cash to help a popular outdoor activity centre run by the city council continue to offer fresh air fun to hundreds of children. Schools and youth groups from across the city and further afield use facilities at Stanley Head for anything from a three-hours visit to a week’s stay. Activities can be tied into students’ studies, with Stanley Head staff organising fun sessions on themes like literacy, the Victorians, the environment or science challenges. Now, adult groups of friends, companies and organisations can enjoy outdoor sessions at the centre, at Stanley in the Staffordshire Moorlands, with activities including high rope

walking, climbing and abseiling. Afterwards they can tuck into a tasty, home cooked meal. Head of Centre Adam Geens said more and more companies were signing up to bring their employees to Stanley Head for team building and conferences. He said: “They really appreciate the mix of outdoor activities and the facilities we have here. We expect our parties to be very popular. After all, what could be better than climbing or abseiling in the fresh air to work up an appetite for a great meal.” ● For information visit www.stanleyhead.org.uk or to make a booking please call 01782 503208.

long-term situation and made a brave decision, which I believe was the right one for taxpayers and fans. “The council’s insistence that the new owner signs a restrictive covenant agreement guarantees football at Port Vale and that is very good news for people in Stoke-on-Trent.”

Thomas Knight, 11, of the Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy, enjoying a climbing session at Stanley Head.

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