Stockton News March 2010 by Stockton Council

Stockton

news March/April 2010

The community magazine of Stockton Borough Council

contents March/April 2010

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Use the colour coding system to make finding what you’re interested in even easier. Here are some of the highlights... Stockton News March / April 2010

Economic Regeneration and Transport

Stockton Borough is set to change over the next decade.

The Forum – sneak preview

Step closer for world class water course

Work progresses on the Forum in Billingham and major strip out works are now complete with the building now being prepared for the renewal of the fixtures and fittings.

Meldrum Construction will also construct a new £235K canoe storage building as part of the overall redevelopment. The plans will see improvements to the existing white water course and create an international

standard facility at the Tees, attracting world class events and athletes from around the globe.

will use river water to generate electricity making it the UK’s first fully sustainable white water course.

The improvements involve reconfiguring the main course, building a second shorter course and installing four massive Archimedes screws, to pump the water needed to create conditions for canoeists, rafters and other sports activities.

Work on the new, bigger canoe storage building has already commenced.

The four Archimedes screws

The upgraded course will be a catalyst for wider regeneration opportunities along the River Tees corridor. The site has already been confirmed as a Pre-Games Training Camp ahead of the

Funding for the multi million pound world class upgrade has been secured from Regional Development Agency One North East, Stockton Council, Sport England and British Waterways. The new £235k canoe storage building is funded through Sport England Community Club Development Programme and Canoe England.

Better connected The Tees Valley is set to benefit from more than £100 million of investment in its transport network over the next three years. The breakdown looks like this: • A £62 million investment in the Tees Valley bus network A £35 million investment in the first phase of the Tees Valley Metro project A £5 million contribution towards the East Billingham Transport Corridor scheme A £4 million innovative traffic management scheme on the A19 and A66 • • •

The external works have progressed with the vibrant colour scheme of the insulated panels and inside walls are now being built to set out the internal layout of the complex.

London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

The first phase of the Tees Valley Metro due to start in 2010 is designed to link the main centres together using the existing rail network and pave the way for a future tram-train metro system. This phase would include new platforms at Darlington and Middlesbrough stations; relocation of the existing station at Durham Tees Valley Airport; station improvements at Eaglescliffe, Thornaby and Hartlepool and new stations at James Cook University Hospital and one in Redcar and Cleveland. Keep up to date with the scheme on the Councils’ websites or visit www. connectteeesvalley.com

Work to the ice rink

Stockton Council and NHS Stockton-on-Tees are continuing preparations to create a multimillion pound integrated health centre in Billingham. This includes work to secure the £35 million Private Finance Initiative (PFI) credits from the Department of Health, allocated in principle to the Council for the scheme. The facility would offer a whole range of integrated Health and Social Care services including: • Adults and children’s integrated service area (social services) • Integrated PCT care services related to

Stockton to represent the UK Page 12

You can see monthly updates of work on the Forum in the foyer of the old art gallery in Billingham town centre which show progress from when the work started. You can also visit the Council’s website at www.stockton.gov.uk/ newlookforum or www. billingham-forum.co.uk

• • • •

podiatry, heart clinics and dermatology (exact services to be determined) Three GPs Library Stockton Council’s Customer Service Centre Resource rooms

The state-of-the-art centre is proposed for the current site of Billingham’s Council Offices and former art gallery. Services currently located here would move into the new facilities or existing Council buildings. The PFI Credits would also pay for an Extra Care scheme with 50 two-bedroom units in Billingham Town Centre, proposed for the site of Billingham Community Centre and adjacent car park.

If they go ahead, adult education services currently provided in the Community Centre would move to purpose-built accommodation in one of the two new sites. Although not yet finalised, if feasible the plans would bring further investment to Billingham, linking strongly with the Town Centre, the £15 million refurbished Forum and John Whitehead Park. The Council is already talking to Community Centre staff and users to ensure their continuing input to the proposals. And the Council’s Planning Committee has considered a planning brief, setting out the broad principles for site development.

The Forum sneak preview

Stockton News March / April 2010

takes off

Neil Ellison, Environment Expert for Stockton Council, said: “People really liked driving the electric cars. They’re quiet, nippy and really easy to drive.

The national 10:10 campaign, to see everyone reduce their carbon emissions by 10 per cent in 2010, continues. And cutting carbon has the handy benefit of saving money too!

Ohms, James

More than 150 Council staff signed up to the scheme in just four days, with others following. And now we’re asking you to get involved. It’s easy to save money by reducing your emissions – turning down the thermostat by one degree, leaving the car at home for short journeys and not leaving appliances switched on are just some of the simple things anyone can do. Keep the top tips on the outside back page and see how many you can do. It couldn’t be easier to register your commitment to 10:10, just visit: www.stockton.gov.uk/1010 and log in your details. Neil Ellison, Environment Expert for Stockton Council, said: ”Some might question what difference cutting their emissions by 10 per cent will really make. Well I can tell them, it makes a huge difference! “No one person, company, government or country can stop climate change alone, it’s up to us all to take responsibility and make small, simple changes to our lifestyles. All these tiny savings soon add up and, if the whole Borough reduced our emissions by 10 per cent, the impact will be enormous. “Of course, some people still don’t believe in climate change and I’m not going to argue with them now. But I’ll say this – reducing emissions by saving energy also saves you money. Surely that’s another good reason for joining 10:10?”

This summer, Stockton is proud to be representing the UK in Europe’s biggest Environment competition – ‘Entente Florale 2010’. The honour follows our national success in the 2009 Britain in Bloom Competition, when Stockton won the ‘best city’. As 2009 winners, we are not permitted entry into this year’s Britain in Bloom Competition and would need to be nominated in future years to represent our region. As such the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has nominated Stockton-on-Tees to represent the UK in the prestigious Entente Florale. Countries participating include Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands and Slovenia.

town and promotes environmental awareness. If you are a resident, member of a community group or business and interested in becoming involved in the competition, please contact Care For Your Area on (01642) 391959 or email careforyourarea@ stockton.gov.uk for further information.

During February the Council was loaned four electric cars as part of a trial scheme to assess the practicality and acceptability of using electric vehicles in the workplace and for commuting. Cenex - the national Centre of Excellence for low-carbon technology coordinated the trial in the Region.

Stockton has entered the Northumbria in Bloom Competition for more than 30 years - being overall winner in the Best City category for six consecutive years. Now it’s our privilege to be asked to host this year’s award ceremony in September when 400 guests will attend from across the North East region. The competition was also launched in Stockton in early March.

Stockton

Starting in early May, at the Castlegate Quay Watersports Centre, just off the Riverside Road, you can try your hand at sailing, canoeing and kayaking for beginners, as Tees Active Ltd with Tees Achieve bring the fantastic courses through Adult Education. The six week courses, to be held on evenings between 5.30pm – 7.30pm are through the Royal Yachting Association and British

Stockton News March / April 2010

Arts, Culture and Leisure

Canoe Union where you will receive expert tuition by fully qualified instructors. Learning these great sills in such a tremendous location is so exciting and can lead onto bigger and better challenges. For example, imagine being able to try out your new skills at the Tees Barrage White Water Course - due to be open towards the end of the year! You could learn a new skill to take with you on holiday and rule the waves as absolutely everything is provided. All you need to bring is a change of clothes and bags of enthusiasm! Application packs will soon be available from Tees Achieve - to find out more or to register, give them a ring on (01642) 527904 or if you have any questions on the scheme contact Castlegate Quay Watersports Centre on (01642) 528689.

Community Safety

Children and Young People

Adults Services

Arts, Culture and Leisure

Strong Communities

Health and Wellbeing

Your Council

Focus On Your Area

What’s On

“All the major car manufacturers are developing electric and electric-hybrid cars, with volume production worldwide beginning very soon. Data from this trial will aid the automotive industry in producing effective vehicles with realworld performance and range.” The Council will soon be installing electric car charge points at public locations throughout the Borough as part of a government and industry supported scheme to install 620 points across the North East by the end of 2010. More on this in future editions of Stockton News.

Stockton plays host

The 152 households in the area included in the proposed extension received a hand delivered letter with details of all the proposals and were invited to oneto-one sessions with staff from Stockton Council to talk through any queries or concerns they may have. This is the latest development in the £60 million regeneration masterplan for Parkfield Mill Lane. When the Council’s Cabinet first approved the demolition boundary in 2005, many residents just outside the boundary voiced disappointment they were not in it. 85 per cent of residents and landlords affected and of these 82 per cent were in favour of the plans. The Council’s ambitious 15 to 20 year plans for the Parkfield Mill Lane area aim to transform it into a thriving residential neighbourhood and, to date,

has demolished more than 200 properties and built 80 new homes there. Swainby Road residents consulted in October overwhelmingly supported demolition proposals.

Mandale where, to date, more than 1,200 properties have been demolished and more than 1,000 residents successfully relocated into new high-quality housing.

During the consultation, 119 people responded with 99 per cent in favour of the regeneration plans. At the heart of the scheme is an opportunity for residents affected to be initially rehoused and then given priority to return by moving into new homes once built. The area is also soon to benefit from multi million investment in a new academy for secondary school children, state-of-the-art youth facilities for young people at Myppace and an additional 330 new high-quality homes on the former Hills Joinery site. Julie Nixon, Stockton Council’s Head of Housing, said: “Stockton Council has an ambitious housing regeneration programme throughout the Borough and is committed to ensuring that all its residents enjoy good quality housing in safe, well designed neighbourhoods. Together, these two schemes could create more than 600 jobs for local people. Stockton Council continues to work on the successful, ambitious housing regeneration plans at Hardwick and

Annie Collins, a resident of Swainby Road who will benefit from the scheme.

Neil Ellison, with the 1010 pledge.

Environment and Housing

Page 13

Stockton to represent the UK!

The competition aims to improve quality of life for communities. So Stockton must show how it engages with its local communities to achieve a green, sustainable and colourful

Think of Adult Education - it might conjure up images classrooms and flower arranging, pottery or learning a new language - but very soon, right here in Stockton, you can leave the classroom behind and get out on to the River Tees with some fantastic water sport courses.

Page 5

Environment and Housing

10:10

We expect the international jury, to visit Stockton late July or early August.

We are sailing... and you could be too!

Economic Regeneration and Transport

Work continues on health centre plans

Stockton

British Waterways has appointed contractor JN Bentley to start the multimillion pound upgrade to the white water course.

Page 5

Improving the Borough with £500 million Regeneration to the tune of £500 Million will bring about benefits to housing, schools, medical services, leisure facilities and transport. We look at some here. You can read about more on our Environment and Housing and Children and Young People pages.

News Round Up

Spring season in Ropner Park Stockton’s beautiful Ropner Park is there for everyone to enjoy especially now its café, run by “The Friends”, is open again after a short break for redecorating. To tempt your tastebuds all the food is home made on the premises. The popular mid-week lunches are now being served on Wednesdays. Cafe ‘specials’ are advertised in and around the cafe. The Friends of Ropner Park is a registered charity which encourages people to use and enjoy the Park. Any spare money from the café and events helps improve facilities and entertainment in the park. The next major project is the preparation of a scented garden around the bandstand.

Families for tennis? Get families playing tennis together is the aim of a six-week tennis coaching programme at Ropner Park, Stockton. There is a choice of two one-hour sessions each Sunday – either 10 or 11am – at the outdoor tennis courts on the following dates: • 6 June - 11 July • 18 July - 22 August • 29 August - 3 October No need to worry if you don’t have a tennis racquet as all equipment is provided. At just £2 per session, the six week programme costs adults a total of £12. Children accompanied by a participating adult take part for free and must be eight years old or over to join in. To book your place, call (01642) 524964 or email jonathan.hart@stockton.gov.uk

Page 27

Top money saving tips for sports clubs Sign up for tax savings Sports clubs are being urged not to miss out on the chance to get a boost from the tax man and share in a multimillion pound windfall by registering for tax savings. The Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) scheme enables amateur sports clubs to benefit from a range of tax advantages including: • Mandatory relief for 80 per cent of the total business rates bill; • Reclaiming Gift Aid on donations from individuals • Exemption from Corporation Tax on profits if annual income is under £30,000 per year; To be eligible, clubs must encourage participation in a qualifying sport, be open to the whole community without discrimination, and ensure profits go back into the club, benefiting sport. To find out more visit www. hmrc.gov.uk/casc/index.htm or call 0845 3020 203.

Rate relief for sports clubs Local not-for-profit sporting organisations and sports clubs who pay rates for their premises to the Council are being urged to put pen to paper and apply now for National Non-Domestic Rate Relief (NNDRR). Rate relief can provide great help for sports organisations and clubs managing their running costs. Many organisations across the Borough have benefited from this fund so get in touch to make sure you don’t miss out. Download an application form from www.stockton.gov.uk/ nndrr or call (01642) 526690 or email trevor.massey@stockton. gov.uk

We are sailing and you could be too Page 26

Stockton News is published by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and distributed to households across the Borough free of charge. Editor: Vince Rutland, Deputy Editor: Jacky Stevely. To contact the editorial team or if you have not received a copy please call (01642) 526098 or e-mail communications@stockton.gov.uk It aims to provide news and information about the Council, its partner organisations, and local community groups and businesses. Every effort is made to ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date at the time of publication. Your views and comments are welcome.

Stockton News is produced by Stockton Council’s Communications Unit and designed by Bridge Design Group. Pictures courtesy of the Evening Gazette, Peter Mernagh and other sources.

There is an audio version of Stockton News. Please call (01642) 526098 to order a copy or e-mail communications@stockton.gov.uk

news Stockton

News Round Up

With the worst of the winter behind us our highways teams are now busy assessing the impact of the harsh weather and are working flat out on the many repairs to roads and pavements that will be needed. Our attention this month has been particularly focussed on agreeing the medium term financial plan for the next three years. You can read in this edition about the many issues we have been balancing to meet the growing demands for services with the fact that we are operating in very difficult financial times. As always our absolute commitment to delivering value for money sits at the heart of everything that we do.

You’re hired! Council praised for apprenticeship success Stockton Council has won praise from the Communities Secretary for its commitment to providing apprenticeships for young people. Government figures show Stockton has one apprentice for every 61 members of staff – one of the highest rates in the North East. Boosting this news, Stockton Council is to receive £24,000 to fund horticultural apprentices to maintain the Borough’s greenspaces and parks. Tees Achieve – previously the Council’s Training and Employment Services – educates and seeks employment for over-16s, encouraging local businesses to look at the possibility of employment and training by offering apprenticeships. Stockton Council supports apprentices who are training in a whole range of services. For information, call (01642) 528261 or email tes@stockton.gov.uk

I am also pleased to see significant progress in many of the projects making up the massive programme of investment in the Borough. You can read in the regeneration pages about some of the highlights of the investment in schools, leisure facilities, transport and housing. We’ll keep bringing you updates as these exciting projects continue to take shape over the coming years. Finally I’d like to congratulate the many young people who we’ve recognised throughout this edition of Stockton News. I’m struck by the wide range of their achievements in apprenticeship schemes, volunteering, sport, music and community work. It’s heartening to see so much potential, enthusiasm and commitment in our young people.

The new horticultural apprentices will join Care for Your Area staff looking after the Borough’s parks while gaining skills and training.

Council keeps budget on course Stockton Council has ratified proposals for an annual Council tax rise of two per cent – half of what the Council originally planned in last year’s budget.

Neil Schneider Chief Executive, Stockton Borough Council

Thanks to putting in place long term financial planning over a decade ago the Council has been able to weather the recent downturn and has continued to provide efficient services and value for money for the Borough’s residents. To find out more visit page 39.

Stockton News March / April 2010

Page 3

Leven Bridge update Young volunteers work into graduate with pride Investigation the damage on Leven Bridge, near Yarm, showed major structural damage. The A1044 Low Lane/Leven Bank Road has remained closed since the discovery of surface damage to the road at the end of February.

(L-R) Stacy Wood, Danni Lorraine, Danny Mazey, Simon Miller, Jamie Dutton, Michaela Hindmarsh and Tom Horrocks celebrate their awards.

Pioneering young people have been rewarded for their outstanding volunteering work at a special graduation ceremony in London. Eight Stockton volunteers, aged 17-22, were among the first ever to receive the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award for National Civic

Service, rewarding their immense contribution to children and young people services. The volunteers were part of Talent Year, a national scheme, launched last year by the National Volunteers Service. It saw the young people contribute 30 hours a week, for 44 weeks in Stockton Council’s Children Services.

Stockton Council brought in specialist marine engineer divers to fully assess the bridge and those investigations revealed a severe loss of scour under the structure, causing it to be unstable. It is estimated these works will take until May at the earliest, during which time the road will remain closed to all traffic except for access. Diversions are in place and bus operators are aware of the situation.

Stockton Council has put in place alternative arrangements for pupils, travelling to Conyers School. Two additional buses will be used to collect pupils who would normally be on the second bus trip. Buses will leave Ingleby Barwick five minutes earlier each morning and leave school at 3.50pm until further notice. Richard McGuckin, Stockton Council’s Acting Head of Technical Services, said: “The works to stabilise the underside of the bridge will be undertaken by specialist marine engineers. “We appreciate the frustration felt by motorists who may face delays at busy times, but we would ask them to bear with us while these essential repairs are carried out. Public safety is our number one priority.”

Hero’s tribute unveiled A Stockton war hero who lost his life in Afghanistan and was posthumously Mentioned in Dispatches has been honoured with a commemorative bench on the High Street. The tribute to Sergeant Lee Johnson, 33, of the 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, was installed outside Stockton Parish Church, where his funeral took place. The Green Howards Association in Thornaby raised funds to pay for the bench and its upkeep. The soldier’s parents, Sandra and Alan Johnson (pictured), were first to sit on the specially made bench, which bears a plaque reading: ‘From friends and family. Never forgotten.’

The Hub is open Stockton’s new centre for active travel, The Hub is open. The Hub – a partnership between the Council, Sustrans and NHS Stocktonon-Tees – provides free cycle storage, advice on walking and cycling routes and cycle maintenance classes. The aim is to get more people walking and cycling as part of their everyday life.

Based on Bridge Road in Stockton town centre (opposite the Thomas Sheraton pub), The Hub is open from 7:30am – 6pm, Monday to Friday. For more information, call (01642) 803441. To find out more about cycling in the Borough, visit: www.doitbycycle.com A full report on the official opening of The Hub will appear in the next Stockton News.

news Stockton

Economic Regeneration and Transport

Improving the Boroug Stockton Borough is set to change over the next decade. Regeneration to the tune of £500 Million will bring about benefits to housing, schools, medical services, leisure facilities and transport. We look at some here. You can read about more on our Environment and Housing and Children and Young People pages.

Step closer for world class water course

British Waterways has appointed contractor JN Bentley to start the multimillion pound upgrade to the white water course. Meldrum Construction will also construct a new £235K canoe storage building as part of the overall redevelopment. The plans will see improvements to the existing white water course and create an international

standard facility at the Tees, attracting world class events and athletes from around the globe.

will use river water to generate electricity making it the UK’s first fully sustainable white water course.

Work on the new, bigger canoe storage building has already commenced.

The four Archimedes screws

Better connected The Tees Valley is set to benefit from more than £100 million of investment in its transport network over the next three years. The breakdown looks like this: • A £62 million investment in the Tees Valley bus network • A £35 million investment in the first phase of the Tees Valley Metro project • A £5 million contribution towards the East Billingham Transport Corridor scheme • A £4 million innovative traffic management scheme on the A19 and A66

The upgraded course will be a catalyst for wider regeneration opportunities along the River Tees corridor. The site has already been confirmed as a Pre-Games Training Camp ahead of the

London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Funding for the multi million pound world class upgrade has been secured from Regional Development Agency One North East, Stockton Council, Sport England and British Waterways. The new £235k canoe storage building is funded through Sport England Community Club Development Programme and Canoe England.

Stockton News March / April 2010

Page 5

gh with £500 million The Forum – sneak preview Work progresses on the Forum in Billingham and major strip out works are now complete with the building now being prepared for the renewal of the fixtures and fittings. The external works have progressed with the vibrant colour scheme of the insulated panels and inside walls are now being built to set out the internal layout of the complex.

Work to the ice rink

Work continues on health centre plans Stockton Council and NHS Stockton-on-Tees are continuing preparations to create a multimillion pound integrated health centre in Billingham. This includes work to secure the £35 million Private Finance Initiative (PFI) credits from the Department of Health, allocated in principle to the Council for the scheme. The facility would offer a whole range of integrated Health and Social Care services including: • Adults and children’s integrated service area (social services) • Integrated PCT care services related to

• • • •

podiatry, heart clinics and dermatology (exact services to be determined) Three GPs Library Stockton Council’s Customer Service Centre Resource rooms

news Stockton

Economic Regeneration and Transport

Energy and process business moves in

Status symbol One of Stockton’s major landmarks, Victoria Bridge, (pictured) has gained Grade ll Listed status from the Secretary of State for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The bridge opened in 1887 to commemorate the Golden

Jubilee of Queen Victoria and replaced an earlier bridge of 1771. Designed by Messrs H Haytor and Charles Neate and built by Whitaker Brothers of Leeds and cost £69,051. The money was raised by local councils with contributions from the Tramway Company, North

Eastern Railway and the Water Board. The bridge has significant constructional interest as an increasingly rare survival of a wrought iron arched bridge with balustrade of cast iron. It also displays a high level of architectural quality in its overall design, detailing and use of materials.

Costain, one of the UK’s leading engineering and construction groups has chosen to base part of its operation in Stockton as an element of its specialist Energy and Process division. The company chose this area because of the region’s strong energy and process industry cluster. This, together with a pool of highly skilled workers will present an excellent opportunity for Costain. Initially the business will employ 30 people based in its office on Preston Farm Industrial Estate.

Support at hand It’s the business In response to the mothballing of the Corus Teesside Cast products plant, more than £1 million is being made available to help individuals start their own business, and companies identify new markets, through the Tees Valley Industrial Programme. This financial support is available to Tees Valley residents and businesses and, those affected by the mothballing. Now 90 per cent funding (previously 70 per cent) will be available for intensive support for people who want to start a business as well as new businesses. Some new businesses will also now be able to benefit from the

expertise of universities and colleges when developing new products and processes through a special voucher scheme - previously only available to established businesses.

Supporting small businesses is at he heart of an ongoing commitment by Stockton Council with the signing of a new ‘Engagement Accord’.

To help existing small and medium businesses identify opportunities and become more innovative, competitive and profitable, 50 per cent funding will help them gain advice and guidance to develop new ideas, products and services.

The Small Business Engagement Accord is a voluntary code of practice produced by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) for local authorities in the North East which looks to encourage communication with local businesses.

Mentoring support will also be available for existing Tees Valley businesses affected by the economic downturn.

The FSB Accord has a number of principles including early stage consultation with businesses; working with Local Strategic Partnerships to ensure they communicate with business representative organisations and nominating representatives to act as ‘business engagement champions’.

If you have been affected by the Corus mothballing. or you know someone who has, and would like to find out more please call Business Link on 0845 600 9006.

Pauline Osborne, Regional Chairman of The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “We are delighted that Stockton Council has signed the Small Business Engagement Accord. This is a clear indication that the authority recognises the importance of small businesses.

To contact Stockton Council’s Business Development Team, call (01642) 528384 or email business.enquiries@stockton. gov.uk

Stop press! New Range

As Stockton News went to print excellent news came through of a new outlet coming to Stockton and bringing with it 150 new jobs. The Range, coming to Portrack Lane Retail Park, will open on Friday, 2 April offering furniture, textiles, garden, DIY and pet care.

Stockton News March / April 2010

Page 7

Celebrating 700 years of Stockton’s Market Affectionately known as ‘Queen of the North’ the bustling Stockton market is at the heart of the town and has been a regular feature of the High Street for hundreds of years.

You can choose from top quality fruit and vegetable stalls to clothes and shoes, plus specialist items such as vacuum cleaner parts to cards and gifts. Casual traders often turn up hoping for a spot on the market and there’s a waiting list for specialist traders.

Many of our readers will remember the market from their childhood and on Wednesday, 12 May, Stockton will celebrate the 700th anniversary of the signing of the charter allowing the town to hold its famous market.

Many of the established market traders who have retail outlets or trade online still prefer to come and enjoy the atmosphere of Stockton.

The Charter, signed by the Bishop Bek, Bishop of Durham, proudly proclaimed: “To our town of Stockton a market upon every Wednesday for ever.” This effectively means it can prevent rival markets within six and two third miles – as the crow flies – deemed to be as far as a man with a mule could travel to market in a day.

Stockton Market from 1825

An extract from the 1310 charter says, “We have ordained, granted and appointed, and by this our present deed we do confirm within the said town of Stockton, a market and fair at certain times in the year to be holden with all things which are known to appear unto the Stockton Market today market and fair, namely market upon every Wednesday for ever.” The market flourishes each Wednesday and Saturday with around 100 different stall spaces selling around 70 different types of goods.

James Glancey, Town Centre Manager, said: “Our market has been at the centre of the town’s life for an incredible 700 years and remains a hugely important part of our lives. “The market stalls are out there, come rain or shine. Some stall holders have been running their businesses here for years and know their regulars by name. “We’ll be celebrating this landmark anniversary throughout the year with special events, farmer’s markets and more.”

Wednesday, May 12 – Market Celebration Day! Although the signing of the charter actually took place on 11 May 1310, we’ll be celebrating the occasion on Wednesday, May 12 (the town’s traditional market day) with a host of fun events going on all day. Get down early and soak up the atmosphere and see what surprises we have in store!

news Stockton

Economic Regeneration and Transport

Entrepreneurs of the future real business, the students then designed a company identity, produced a business plan complete with financial planning and came up with advertising ideas. After a morning of hard work, three finalists were chosen - Active Attitude, a company providing the school with interactive dance classes and equipment rental; Design n Go, a company providing personalised sports clothing for the school’s clubs and classes; and Pure Plims, a company providing personalised plimsolls from a crew of creative designers. A team of ‘dragons’ made up of local business and enterprise specialists listened to the creative and energetic pitches of the three finalist teams. The teams faced a series of questions about their businesses and all responded professionally and effectively.

Active Attitude, the winners of the challenge

Year 10 pupils at Northfield School, Billingham, recently had the chance to develop their talent and start a real business in a special entrepreneurial challenge day organised by Stockton Council’s enterprise culture project. Splitting into tutor groups, more than 70 students produced company portfolios which set out ideas for businesses they would like to see set up in their school. These included stationary sales, exercise clubs and bicycle hire. Working through all the stages they would need to set up a

The dragons chose Active Attitude as the winning team. They will receive support and funding from the Council’s enterprise culture project to set up their business over the coming months. Design n Go and Pure Plims were invited to resubmit their ideas a group of local entrepreneurs and enterprise champions to re apply for funding. The day was hailed a great success and will be repeated in April. The Enterprise Culture Project is funded by Stockton Council’s Communities Fund and the European Regional Development Fund 2007-13 (ERDF) with investment secured through One North East.

Just what the doctor ordered Neil Gutteridge, 57, (pictured) is embarking on a new career following help from an employment advice service offered by 15 GP surgeries across the Tees Valley.

years. Neil’s adviser showed him how a new career could improve his health and self-confidence and referred him to the NHS Condition Management

Neil said: “My previous employment started to affect my health and I knew I needed to do something about it. The Condition Management Programme was excellent. After only a few weeks I felt in control of my situation and was once more able to return to work.”

Neil, from Norton’s Glebe Estate, now drives for NHS Tees and NHS Darlington after a Jobcentre Plus adviser, based at his GP surgery, helped him back into work. Jobcentre Plus is working with the surgeries to offer support for people on incapacity benefits as part of the Government’s Pathways to Work scheme. Neil’s GP referred him to the scheme after he had to stop working as a commercial heating engineer after 40

After several sessions working with his CMP Practitioner, a life coach and a specialist on relaxation techniques, Neil began to look for a new job. He seized the opportunity when he saw a vacancy for an NHS driver – a perfect chance to help others out of work due to health reasons.

Programme (CMP). This offers support from healthcare professionals to help people claiming Employment and Support Allowance or Incapacity Benefit with their long-term health conditions.

CMP is open to anyone claiming Employment and Support Allowance or Incapacity Benefit who feels they need support with their health condition before they can return to work. To find out more, call 01740 665055.

Stockton News March / April 2010

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Checking the Borough for potholes Following the recent freezing weather, Stockton Council’s highway maintenance teams have been out and about checking the Borough’s roads for surface damage. Like many areas across the country, some roads have suffered damage caused by the frost, ice and corrosive nature of the gritting salt. Teams have been deployed to identify any roads in need of repair due to the adverse weather conditions and additional resources will be used to repair potholes or cracked road surfaces. Richard McGuckin, Stockton Council’s Acting Head of Technical Services, said: “Once the freeze started to thaw, damage to roads became apparent. We are currently assessing the Borough’s road network, which covers more than 500 miles. Estimates to date show the cost of resurfacing and repairing damaged roads may be more than £500,000. • You can report damaged roads or potholes through the Stockton Council website by clicking on the ‘report it’ section on the homepage, or by calling (01642) 391959.

Business park welcomes new company A significant investment has given a further boost to a buoyant Tees Valley development CableCom Training Ltd is spending a sevenfigure sum relocating its head offices to the Westland Way business park on the outskirts of Stockton. The company, currently based in Thornaby, has commissioned a new office building at TM Urban Development’s 18-acre site. CableCom’s new 8,000 sq ft premises will provide three times more space than its present location. The rapidly expanding business was set up in 2000 to provide training for clients in a wide range of sectors including telecommunications, waste management, security, driver CPC, management, transportation, teaching and health and safety. It has also recently launched new apprenticeship programmes for employed and unemployed people, working closely with local colleges.

Left to right:Tony Horridge, CableCom’s Training Manager, MD Clive Donnison, Anthony Wattis, MD of TM Urban Developments and Sean Ratchford, Director of CableCom.

news Stockton

Environment and Housing

More than five million people in England and Wales live or work in properties at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea. Within the Stockton Borough, Seal Sands, Lustrum Beck, Yarm and Port Clarence are some of the areas identified by the Environment Agency as being liable to flooding and the Council is encouraging people to take precautions and sign up to a free early warning system. Richard McGuckin, the Council’s Acting Head of Technical Services, said:

Flood Warning!

“During the major floods of 2007, 5,000 properties were flooded in England, with around 7,000 people being rescued by the emergency services. Worse still, thirteen people sadly died.

“Of course, we’re doing everything we can to avoid our residents being flooded but the fact is we can’t control the elements. We need all residents who may be at risk to register for the alert system. At the moment only 47 per cent of those who are potentially at risk from flooding in Yarm have registered, leaving more than 400 properties unregistered and at risk.” To check if your home, workplace or vulnerable (elderly/frail) friends or relatives are at risk visit the Environment Agency’s website http://www. environment-agency.gov. uk/flood or speak to an operator on 08459881188 (Typetalk 0845 602 6340). If you are at risk, sign up for “flood warnings direct” a free service run by the Environment Agency to warn people of impending floods.

Stockton News March / April 2010

Tenants have their say on multi-million pound housing investment In the last edition of Stockton News we told you that Stockton had been named as one of six councils to be offered a place on the Government’s housing stock transfer programme. The news puts Stockton a step closer to transferring its Council homes to a new-style Tristar Homes.

whether they support transfer, each will receive an ‘Offer Document’. Shaped by tenants from across the Borough, this contains details about the kind of improvements to homes and services tenants want to see. It will then be followed by a 28-day consultation period where tenants are encouraged to comment.

If tenants support the proposal, it will open the way for a £600 million investment in modernising 10,500 homes over the next 30 years – £140 million of it in the first five years.

Julie Nixon Head of Housing, said: “I would encourage every tenant to read the Offer Document and feed back their comments to the Council. The views of all tenants are important to us and we will only decide whether to hold a formal tenant ballot once we know what people think. Transfer is not a foregone conclusion.”

The new-style Tristar Homes will deliver a new and improved housing service to tackle the issues which really matter to tenants and the transfer would unlock the money to get things done. Liz Kidd, a tenant and chair of the Housing Customer Futures Group (the tenant consultation group) said: “This is great news and reflects the massive amount of work tenants and the Council has done. Transfer will mean massive investment into our homes and services and that’s what tenants have told us they want.” Before tenants are asked to decide

During the consultation period, representatives from both the Council and Tristar will try and make personal contact with every tenant across the Borough. For further information please contact the Council’s Housing Futures Team on freephone 0800 432 0891 or email housing.futures@stockton.gov.uk Alternatively Council tenants can contact the appointed Engage Associates (the Independent Tenant Advisor) tel. 01845 537145 email info@engage3.org

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Help to repair your home If you are a homeowner and struggling to keep your home safe and comfortable to live in an affordable loan from the Council may be just what you need. From 1 April 2010 the Council will be introducing a new set of financial assistance products to help low income homeowners who are experiencing difficulties obtaining loans from high street Banks or Building Societies to repair and maintain their homes. If you are eligible for help you could be offered a loan between £500 and £35,000 through either a low interest repayment loan, an equity loan or an interest free loan. The type of loan offered depends on the applicants financial circumstances. The Council has tried to make its loans as affordable as possible which means there are no loan set up charges or penalties should the loan be repaid early. Those not successful obtaining a loan will be offered a free survey of their home, provided with a schedule of work and details of local contractors who can undertake the work. If you think you may be eligible and have lived in your home for more than 12 months please contact the Private Sector Housing Division on( 01642) 527797 for further details.

news Stockton

Environment and Housing

10:10

Stockton to represent the UK!

takes off

The national 10:10 campaign, to see everyone reduce their carbon emissions by 10 per cent in 2010, continues. And cutting carbon has the handy benefit of saving money too! More than 150 Council staff signed up to the scheme in just four days, with others following. And now we’re asking you to get involved. It’s easy to save money by reducing your emissions – turning down the thermostat by one degree, leaving the car at home for short journeys and not leaving appliances switched on are just some of the simple things anyone can do. Keep the top tips on the outside back page and see how many you can do. It couldn’t be easier to register your commitment to 10:10, just visit: www.stockton.gov.uk/1010 and log in your details. Neil Ellison, Environment Expert for Stockton Council, said: ”Some might question what difference cutting their emissions by 10 per cent will really make. Well I can tell them, it makes a huge difference! “No one person, company, government or country can stop climate change alone, it’s up to us all to take responsibility and make small, simple changes to our lifestyles. All these tiny savings soon add up and, if the whole Borough reduced our emissions by 10 per cent, the impact will be enormous. “Of course, some people still don’t believe in climate change and I’m not going to argue with them now. But I’ll say this – reducing emissions by saving energy also saves you money. Surely that’s another good reason for joining 10:10?”

Neil Ellison, with the 1010 pledge.

Stockton plays host Stockton has entered the Northumbria in Bloom Competition for more than 30 years - being overall winner in the Best City category for six consecutive years. Now it’s our privilege to be asked to host this year’s award ceremony in September when 400 guests will attend from across the North East region. The competition was also launched in Stockton in early March.

Stockton News March / April 2010

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The Smart EV cars like the one pictured were adapted to run on a battery and can be charged from a normal power socket. Able to hit a top speed of 60mph and travel more than 50 miles on a full charge, they were perfect for the short distance journeys council staff often make. Neil Ellison, Environment Expert for Stockton Council, said: “People really liked driving the electric cars. They’re quiet, nippy and really easy to drive.

Ohms, James During February the Council was loaned four electric cars as part of a trial scheme to assess the practicality and acceptability of using electric vehicles in the workplace and for commuting. Cenex - the national Centre of Excellence for low-carbon technology coordinated the trial in the Region.

“We used two at the Council and based the other two with partner organisations. After each journey, technical information was recorded, as well as the driver’s views. Cenex can now assess the results to see how electric cars perform in a working environment. “All the major car manufacturers are developing electric and electric-hybrid cars, with volume production worldwide beginning very soon. Data from this trial will aid the automotive industry in producing effective vehicles with realworld performance and range.” The Council will soon be installing electric car charge points at public locations throughout the Borough as part of a government and industry supported scheme to install 620 points across the North East by the end of 2010. More on this in future editions of Stockton News.

Ambitious housing plans agreed The Council’s Cabinet has agreed ambitious housing regeneration proposals to transform two Stockton neighbourhoods. Following consultation with residents and landlords the boundary for the existing Parkfield Mill Lane housing regeneration scheme will be extended, by extending the boundary in Phase 2 to Dovecot Street. The 152 households in the area included in the proposed extension received a hand delivered letter with details of all the proposals and were invited to oneto-one sessions with staff from Stockton Council to talk through any queries or concerns they may have. This is the latest development in the £60 million regeneration masterplan for Parkfield Mill Lane. When the Council’s Cabinet first approved the demolition boundary in 2005, many residents just outside the boundary voiced disappointment they were not in it. 85 per cent of residents and landlords affected and of these 82 per cent were in favour of the plans. The Council’s ambitious 15 to 20 year plans for the Parkfield Mill Lane area aim to transform it into a thriving residential neighbourhood and, to date,

has demolished more than 200 properties and built 80 new homes there. Swainby Road residents consulted in October overwhelmingly supported demolition proposals.

Mandale where, to date, more than 1,200 properties have been demolished and more than 1,000 residents successfully relocated into new high-quality housing.

During the consultation, 119 people responded with 99 per cent in favour of the regeneration plans. At the heart of the scheme is an opportunity for residents affected to be initially rehoused and then given priority to return by moving into new homes once built. The area is also soon to benefit from multi million investment in a new academy for secondary school children, state-of-the-art youth facilities for young people at Myplace and an additional 330 new high-quality homes on the former Hills Joinery site. Julie Nixon, Stockton Council’s Head of Housing, said: “Stockton Council has an ambitious housing regeneration programme throughout the Borough and is committed to ensuring that all its residents enjoy good quality housing in safe, well designed neighbourhoods. Together, these two schemes could create more than 600 jobs for local people. Stockton Council continues to work on the successful, ambitious housing regeneration plans at Hardwick and

Annie Collins, a resident of Swainby Road who will benefit from the scheme.

news Stockton

Environment and Housing

The ten commitments Plastic sacks get sacked!

Residents can be sure they receive a value-for-money waste and a recycling service which meets their needs, as Stockton Council signs up to a new Waste Collection Commitment.

This is based on research into what people like and dislike about their services and issues that are important to them. To find out more about collection services available, call Care for your Area on (01642) 391959. More information on the Commitment can be found at www.wrap.org.uk/lacommitment 1 Explain clearly what services you can expect to receive 2 Provide regular collections 3 Provide a reliable collection service 4 Consider any special requests that individual households may have 5 Respond to complaints we receive about our services 6 Collect as many materials for recycling as we can and explain to you what happens to them

7 Tell you in good time if we have to make changes to your services, even temporarily 8 Explain clearly what our service rules are and the reasons for them 9 Design our services and carry out collections in a way that doesn’t produce litter 10 Tell all our residents about this commitment to collecting waste

Help with mortgage problems Having trouble with your mortgage payments needn’t mean losing your home, as there are several government schemes to help. Aimed at people who’ve had a temporary loss of income, such as a cut in working hours or wages, or job losses, Homeowners Mortgage Support (HMS) could allow you to put off paying some To apply for HMS, contact: • Stockton & District Advice & Information Centre, Bath Lane, Stockton • Consumer Credit Counselling Services (CCCS) – visit www.cccs.co.uk • National Debtline – visit www.nationaldebtline. co.uk • Payplan – visit www.payplan.com • Shelter - visit www.shelter.org.uk

of your mortgage payments for up to two years. You must pay the money back at a later date, with interest on the money owed. However, the scheme may give you time to improve your finances.

Support for Mortgage Interest If you’ve lost your job, you’re ill, disabled or retired, you may be able to get help towards paying mortgage interest with Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI). To qualify, you need to be on certain benefits. Payment starts 13 weeks after you make your claim (immediately if you are on pension credit). For more information visit www.adviceguide.org.uk To find out more about the various schemes call (01642) 633877 or visit www.mortgagehelp.direct. gov.uk

More affordable housing 28 units of much needed affordable housing accommodation will be built on the former Rosebrook School site in Roseworth, following recent planning approval. The new homes will be a mix of two and three bedroom family houses and two bedroomed bungalows for elderly/disabled residents the majority of which will be for affordable rent. The new homes will be developed by Housing Hartlepool, a local registered social landlord and managed by Tristar Homes. The scheme has secured £1,340.000 million pounds worth of funding by the North East Homes and Communities Agency. Future editions of Stockton News will bring further details on the scheme.

Stockton Council is committed to recycling and reusing wherever possible, and our popular kerb-side collection service recycles paper, green garden waste, cardboard, bottles, tins and plastics. Now the service is even better – from April, we’ll be delivering a free reusable green waste sack, which can hold more than double the amount of the old plastic sacks. Just fill it up, leave it out on the usual pick-up day and our recycling team will empty the contents into the van for recycling and leave the sack back in your garden. Jamie McCann, the Council’s Head of Direct Service, said: “This is a much improved method of recycling and will be a lot less hassle for most people. Additional sacks are available for people with very large gardens for only £1.50 but there is of course no charge for collection no matter how many sacks you leave out.” The sacks will be delivered with an information leaflet. Additional Green Waste bags can be bought from the receptions at Municipal Buildings, Cowpen Dept and the Multi-Service Centre at Thornaby Library. Residents can still purchase rolls of the plastic green waste sacks should they wish to use to them.

Stockton

news

Community Safety

Page 15

New heads at the helm It’s all change at the top for Cleveland Police and Cleveland Fire Brigade. Superintendent Darren Best is Stockton’s new District Commander taking over from Dave Brunskill who recently retired from the force.

It’s not just the Police who have a new face at the top. Ian Hayton (pictured below) has recently stepped into the role of Cleveland Fire Brigade’s new fire chief.

Dave Brunskill joined Stockton’s police team in April 2004 as Operations Superintendent. In July 2005 he was made District Commander. During his tenure Dave worked tirelessly to make Stockton a safer place and crime in the Borough reduced by 41 per cent, from 20,534 recorded crimes in 2003/4 to 12,000 - the projected figure for 2009/10. As well as being a leading player in driving crime down to levels not seen since the 1970s, Dave has been fully committed to working with colleagues from the Council and other public sector bodies to improve and promote the economic, environmental and social well-being of the Borough of Stockton. Darren Best takes over from Dave as District Commander after spending two years with Professional Standards at Police Headquarters. Before this he was a Detective Chief Inspector based in Stockton. Living and working in the Borough has given him a unique insight for his new role, he said: “I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and building on the successes of the team in Stockton. Crime levels have been reduced and I want to keep the momentum going to make sure that we keep the public’s confidence and belief in what we do. Mike Batty, Stockton Council’s Head of Community Safety, said: “Over the past six years Dave Brunskill has worked with dedication and enthusiasm. It is testament to his commitment to the Safer Stockton Partnership that he leaves Stockton in a secure position as the title holder of safest place to live in the Tees Valley. We wish Dave Brunskill every happiness in his retirement and we very much look forward to working with Darren in his new role.”

Born and raised on Teesside, Ian promises to build upon the excellent work of his predecessor John Doyle, with an innovative, creative and proactive approach to community safety. The first challenge, he said, will be to deliver better outcomes for local people and to design fire brigade services to meet the community’s needs and demands. Ian said: “This is an enormous and hugely exciting challenges; and I am confident that, with everybody’s support, we can achieve more for our local communities.” Picture shows Dave Brunskill (left) shaking the hand of his successor, District Commander for Stockton, Darren Best (right).

news Stockton

Community Safety

Successful operation In February, police in Stockton saw the successful culmination of more than a year’s thorough investigation to expose a drugs operation network in the area. Operation Stockholm resulted in the arrest of 40 people, with 34 jailed for a total of more than 105 years. Six others received Community Service Orders. This intelligence-led investigation saw Cleveland Police and other partners identify groups of no less than ten well organised networks of drug dealers. After the court case, Detective Inspector Mark Buckley said: “We are exceptionally pleased with the outcome of this long and intensive investigation.

Smoke on the water A new purpose-built rescue craft capable of up to 36 nots is helping Cleveland Fire Brigade in their work on the River Tees and throughout the Tees Valley. The new addition provides the Water Rescue Team at Thornaby Fire Station with the best equipment to respond to a wide range of calls for help.

A fair measure Motorists can be confident they’re getting a fair measure on the forecourt thanks to a new scheme to check the accuracy of Tees Valley petrol dispensers. As fuel prices continue to rise, the scheme aims to boost consumer confidence. Garages receive regular checks by inspectors from Tees Valley Measurement, a partnership operated by Middlesbrough, Stockton, Redcar & Cleveland and Hartlepool Councils. They inspect each pump at least every two years for measurement accuracy - 860 nozzles in 2009. Dispensers found outside legal boundaries are shut down until they are repaired, retested and sealed to prevent tampering.

Jim Tann, of Tees Valley Measurement, said: “We hope this labelling scheme will raise awareness of our work behind the scenes and reassure drivers they are getting what they’ve paid for.” The stickers started appearing on dispensers in January and show when the last check was carried out and its next due date.

“These organised networks ran profitable and structured businesses. Operating a hierarchy with a clear chain of command, the ‘king pins’ allocated members specific roles from taking orders to preparing and delivering the drugs.” Inspector Steve Young of Stockton Police said: “We received a significant amount of information from the general public and we want to thank them and local communities for their support.” Stockton police also work closely with partners Reproduced courtesy of such as Evening Gaz ette Stockton Council’s Drugs and Alcohol Team (DAAT) to ensure people involved in drug use are referred to treatment providers and receive the support and guidance they need to turn their lives around by diverting them into drugs treatment programmes. Marilyn Davies, Community Safety Manager for Stockton Council, said: “Support for drug users formed part of the Operation and, whilst the criminals are incarcerated and paying for their crimes, we hope their victims will take up the support offered to help them turn their lives around and become drug free.” Detective Inspector Mark Buckley added: “We hope this sends a clear message to anyone dealing in drugs that the police and other agencies are watching you and it is only a matter of time before you receive the same kind of fate. We will take action against you.”

Stockton News March / April 2010

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news Stockton

Community Safety

Stockton News March / April 2010

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Together we can beat crime and anti social behaviour Stockton Council and Cleveland Police are warning lawbreakers that crime is an even riskier business than normal, after crime detection rates rose across the Borough.

Council. Successfully working in partnership with Cleveland Police and Cleveland Fire Brigade, the Council’s own

specialised Anti Social Behaviour team have clamped down on unruly behaviour and rates of anti social behaviour

December and January proved to be the most successful months for Stockton on record to date, with nearly half of all reported crime successfully detected. With a 20 per cent reduction in the number of victims of crime, the Borough’s residents can feel safe and reassured that criminals are being brought to justice.

in the Borough continue to fall. The Safer Stockton Partnership has also increased uniform presence in the Borough through the Council’s Anti Social Behaviour Team and Neighbourhood Enforcement Service. The Partnership also supported the recruitment of 50 additional PCSOs for Stockton. To report any act of anti social behaviour please call Stockton Council’s 24 hour anti social behaviour hotline on (01642) 607943.

DID

YOU KNOW?

Crime in Stockton is now at an all time low. Over the last three years violent crime has reduced by 20 per cent, robbery has reduced by 18 per cent and drug offence detections have risen by 24 per cent.

Police officers in the Borough spend 80 per cent of their time on patrol.

Anti social behaviour is a key priority for Stockton

We’re getting Trolleywise Unsightly abandoned shopping trolleys are the target of a new pilot scheme to see them returned to their rightful place. The initial 12-month scheme will see Stockton Council’s Neighbourhood Enforcement Officers work with Trolleywise – a national trolley retrieval company – to collect and return abandoned trolleys to the retailer. As part of their patrols, Council enforcement officers will collect trolleys abandoned away from the retailer’s premises. They will challenge people seen misusing or abandoning trolleys and, where appropriate, can issue fixed penalty notices and pursue litter or fly tipping prosecutions.

After recording the collection, officers will then contact Trolleywise to hand over the trolleys and relevant paperwork. The Council will regularly share information about abandonment ‘hot spots’ with Trolleywise, who will be able to carry out their own patrols to support enforcement officers. Mike Batty, Stockton Council’s Head of Community Protection, says: “This is the first scheme of its kind where Trolleywise has formed such close links between retailers, their own teams and a local authority. We are pleased to be at the forefront of this innovative partnership. “Abandoned trolleys are not only an eyesore but are often misused, causing damage to property. They are also used in anti social behaviour

which impacts on the local community. “Since last April, the Council has dealt with more than 1,000 requests for officers to deal with trolleys or related anti-

social behaviour. So we want to remind shoppers to return their trolleys at the end of their shopping trip to the designated place to help retailers prevent the problem.”

news Stockton

Children and Young People

Young people shape £5M place of their own

Young people across Stockton have moved a step closer to gaining a world-class youth facility of their own. Stockton Council’s Planning Committee has approved a proposal to build an iconic, multi-million pound building on a site off Norton Road. The state-of-the-art youth facility is one of several investments earmarked for the northern part of the town. It is proposed that a new multi-million pound Academy for secondary school children will be built next to it. A significant housing regeneration scheme is also planned for the surrounding area which will see homes on Swainby Road demolished and replaced with new properties and an additional 330 new high-quality homes

built on the Queens Park North site. The groundbreaking onestop shop will provide youth social areas, a wide choice of activities and also offer 13-19 year olds a range of health and educational support services offered by partner agencies. The project began in March last year with the announcement that Stockton Council and six key partners had succeeded in their bid to secure nearly £5 million from the national, Government-funded “myplace” initiative. Since then, young people

from across the Borough have been working hard to develop design ideas and suggest the facilities the building should offer. Young people will continue to be involved throughout its construction and will also influence the way the centre is run. They will be at the heart of all decision making and will consider issues such as transport, opening hours, a name for the centre and the choice of activities it offers. The project will be funded through the Department of Children, Schools and Families’ (DCSF) £270 million “myplace” programme,

which aims to deliver world class places for young people to go and transform the way facilities for them are planned, delivered and administered. The facility will be open to young people seven days a week, from 10am until 10pm. The venture is an exciting partnership project involving Stockton Council, A4E, The Children’s Society, Five Lamps, Eastern Ravens Trust, Brook and Cleveland Police Authority. Myplace is funded by the DCSF and administered by the Big Fund (BIG), the non-Lottery funding operation of the Big Lottery Fund.

Stockton News March / April 2010

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Amy makes a difference Have fun One fantastic student has received the national Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award, which recognises young people who make a real difference to the lives of people in their local community. Amy Smith, pictured here with Headteacher Joe White, from St Michael’s RC School in Billingham, has worked tirelessly in organising and running successful sports tournaments with all the feeder schools where she also coached. A leading light in musical events and productions and an active charity fundraiser, Amy both shone academically and touched the hearts of many. With Amy’s achievement adding to the 24 previous St. Michael’s students to receive this prestigious award, the school has also been awarded the Princess Diana Silver and Gold Awards for achievement. Teacher Patricia Carroll, who nominated Amy for the award said: “Amy thoroughly deserves this recognition and it is an example of the fantastic work that goes on in St. Michael’s School by our students.”

Three bidders short-listed for £180 million Building Schools for the Future contract Three private sector organisations have been shortlisted to bid for the multi-million pound contract to design, build and maintain 12 Stockton Borough schools. BAM Construct UK Ltd, Environments for Learning and Shepherd are all hoping to win the £180 million Building Schools for the Future (BSF) contract. Neil Schneider, the Council’s Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted such high calibre organisations would like to help us implement our exciting vision. “I’m confident the successful consortium will help us create learning environments which will enable us to provide our young people with access to first class learning opportunities and ensure they have the best possible future life chances.” Bishopsgarth School and Ian Ramsey Church of England School will be the Borough’s first secondary schools to benefit from BSF investment. Over the coming months the three shortlisted organisations will work with the Council and schools’ representatives to develop designs and outline how they would use their resources to deliver Stockton’s exciting BSF vision.

In June the Council will evaluate the bidders’ ideas to decide which two should progress to the next stage of the procurement process. The selected bidder is expected to be approved towards the end of this year with construction anticipated to start on the first two schools, Bishopsgarth School and Ian Ramsey Church of England School, in June 2011. The programme includes the remodelling and refurbishment of seven mainstream secondary schools, two special schools and a pupil referral unit as well as the construction of two new-build Academies. Although this initial phase of Stockton-onTees’ BSF project does not include All Saints Church of England School, Conyers School and Egglescliffe School, funding has been agreed for ICT in these schools to support learning, so pupils have a more flexible and personalised learning experience. Meanwhile, Council officers continue to explore several options for the schools in the south of the Borough so that a solution which best matches the demand for school places in each community can be implemented when BSF, or any future form of funding becomes available.

being healthy

Young people are encouraged to ‘have fun being healthy’ on Thursday, 8 April. An interactive event open to everyone across the Borough aged 11-24, ‘Have fun being healthy’ is supported by Stockton’s Children Trust Board in partnership with a wide range of other organisations and services including young volunteers. The event, at Trinity Gardens, Stockton, will give young people information and top tips about healthy lifestyles including sexual health, relationships, alcohol, substance misuse, exercise and smoking. Activities include creating a giant collage, sports, sampling non-alcoholic cocktails and receiving stressbusting hand massages. Services attending include Chlamydia screening, Cleveland Fire Service, Brook and A Way Out. Young people can also find out about finance and budgeting with the support of the Infinity project, which offers local people financial guidance. There’s no need to book so why not come along on the day for your chance to get informed, involve yourself in some fantastic activities and win prizes. To find out more call (01642) 526828.

news Stockton

Children and Young People

Celebrating Stockton’s youth A special award ceremony has celebrated the achievements of young people aged 13-25 years across the Borough. On 4 February those nominated for demonstrating outstanding commitment to their community or youth project came together at ARC in Stockton to enjoy an Oscars-style evening. Stockton Council’s Integrated Youth Support Service (IYSS) hosted the awards. Every participant in an IYSS or partner-funded project received a certificate of achievement from the Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Paul Kirton. Luke Hopwood won the Young Person of the Year Award for his exceptional efforts in contributing to and mentoring others on Stockton Council’s bicycle restoration project. Young Volunteer of the Year was Anthony Simms, for his commitment, enthusiasm and

dedication in volunteering roles on the Youth Assembly, St Ann’s Development Board and Cleveland Police’s Youth Independent Advisory Group. Anthony is also a volunteer youth worker at The Willows Youth Club, Portrack. The Mucky Hand Gang won the Youth Group Achievement Award for their impact in their community. The young carers from the Eastern Ravens Project used their holiday time to return an old bicycle into use for another carer who had previously had her bike stolen. The gang gave the bike to her to help her be mobile and carry out her caring role. The Outstanding Achievement Award was given to John Boy Sykes who, despite personal difficulties, has turned his life around while contributing to his community. John Boy has been responsible for introducing and establishing a boxing project at Fairfield Boys Youth Club, where his commitment has been an inspirational role model to young people.

John Boy Sykes receives his Outstanding Achievement Award from the Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Paul Kirton.

Parent know-how Free support service Stockton Families Information Service has developed a handy online directory of services specifically designed for parents. The directory offers an easy way to find local and national family services, including leisure activities and things to do, education, training and specialist support groups dealing with subjects such as family and relationships, health, behavioural difficulties, money advice and counselling. The service, part of the national ‘Parent Know How’ programme, means families can find the information and support they need with a click of a mouse. To access ‘Parent Know How’ log on to Stockton Families Information Zone at www.stocktonfiz.org.uk

for families

Finding the right childcare to suit your family’s needs can be a stressful and costly business. If you are struggling with all the options available, or would just like advice, then get in touch with Stockton Council’s Families Information Service who can help you find what’s best for you. The service can also help you work out whether you are getting all the help you are entitled to. So if you’re baffled by Working and Child Tax Credits, free entitlement for three and four year olds, childcare vouchers\salary sacrifice and additional needs support – give them a ring on (01642) 527225, email fis@stockton.gov.uk or visit www.stocktonfiz.org.uk

Stockton News March / April 2010

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Our golden girls Two promising local sprinters returned victorious from the North East Indoor Athletics Championships at Gateshead, in January. 15-year-old Ellie Mullen and Rachel Highfield, 13, both members of Middlesbrough AC (Mandale) and Tees Active Sports Academy, stormed to victory in the 60 metres. Ellie, a pupil at Northfield School Marsh House site, is coached by Cyril Banks and said: “It was great to win the Under 17 title although it’s been difficult to prepare for the championships as the recent

Ellie Mullen

snow and ice made training at Clairville stadium impossible. Fortunately I’ve maintained my general fitness by training at the Activ8 gyms.” Rachel, from St Patrick’s RC school Thornaby, set a new personal best of 7.99 seconds and received the competition’s Best Performance Award. Also coached by Cyril, her superb form continued at the Northern Athletics Indoor Championships at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield. Narrowly pipped in the 60m to gain silver, she gained revenge over Kate Wasyliw of Halifax in the 200m, winning gold in 26.06 seconds.

conditions training has been difficult but I’ve been fortunate enough to have a couple of sessions indoors at Gateshead, where Richard Kilty gave me some great tips. The wins are great but there’s a lot of hard work to put in before the outdoor season.” To find out more about Tees Active Sports Academy, call Allan McDermott on (01642) 528772 or visit www.teesactive.co.uk

Rachel said: “Due to the weather

Rachel Highfield

Changes to free early learning In September, free early years provision for 3 and 4 year olds in school nurseries and private childcare settings is set to increase from 12.5 hours to 15 hours a week and can be delivered more flexibly. The 15 hours can be taken over a minimum of three and a maximum of five days per week between core hours of 8am – 6pm for a maximum of 8 hours in any one day, from the term following the child’s third birthday. It is up to you where you use your child’s free entitlement, either at a school or a private childcare provider and you may be able to choose which days. You can split the 15 hours between two providers if you need to. This is subject to ‘reasonable’ parental demand and whether the provider can accommodate your choice. If your child is already attending a maintained school nursery or private childcare setting speak to them about what they can offer. For more information contact the Families Information Service on (01642) 527225 or email fis@stockton.gov.uk

Calling young people: Stockton Parent Support is looking for young disabled people aged 13 and over to join their Youth Disability Forum. If you would like to have your say on services in the Borough please contact Amanda Vince on (01642) 878137 or email Stocktonps@ yahoo.co.uk

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Adults Services

Personal care Winter warmth at home At some point in your life you, or someone close to you, may need assistance, support and personal care to help maintain independence and quality of life. Personal care means help with everyday tasks such as getting up, dressed‚ washing and bathing. Local providers of this kind of care locally include Stockton Council’s Health and Social Care services‚ private care agencies and voluntary organisations. All agencies must register with the regulatory body, Care Quality Commission (CQC). You can see details of local home care providers accredited by Stockton Council at www.stockton. gov.uk/homecare or at the CQC website www.cqc.org. uk

The Council is the main provider of assistance for local people, with most entitled to an assessment to find out their needs and how they can be met. Even if you don’t want the Council to arrange services for you‚ the assessment is a useful way of identifying what services might benefit you. It will also show whether you meet the eligibility criteria for the services the Council has a duty to provide. To find out more, call (01642) 527764 any weekday from 8.30am – 5pm (4.30pm on Fridays) or email firstcontact@stockton.gov.uk You can also send a query online at www.stockton. gov.uk/citizenservices/ firstcontact/fc/ or call at our offices at Bath Lane, Stockton. We can arrange interpreters if required.

Time to reminisce Older residents came together to reminisce about favourite books from their childhood to mark World Book Day at Stockton’s Libraries.

Claire Pratt, Stockton Council’s Reader Development Officer,

said: “The books we read as children often hold a special place in our hearts. It was lovely to see residents come along and share their experiences and some even brought along their battered, dog-eared favourites with them.”

Tristar Homes have taken steps to ensure their vulnerable and elderly customers are safe during one of the coldest winters for decades. Employees have gone the extra mile to ensure vulnerable and elderly customers can manage during the prolonged cold spell by contacting and visiting customers who might need help, checking they are comfortable, warm and well supplied with food and drink. Mrs Eva Collinson, 84, from Roseworth, pictured

here with Carron Diddams from Tristar Homes, was so touched by the gesture she sent in a thank you card to show her appreciation! Linda Minns, Support Services Associate Director at Tristar Homes, said: “Although many of our vulnerable and elderly customers have the assistance of family and other organisations, some do not have this support network. Our Patch Managers are always in regular contact with customers but, because of the recent weather, we really wanted to make sure people were safe and help out where possible.”

Improving veterans’ health A bid by Stockton and other North East councils to help meet the health needs of the region’s veterans and their families has won national backing. The Centre for Public Scrutiny, using funding from the Department of Health, will provide cash and expert advice for the project,

launched last month by the health overview and scrutiny committees from all 12 North East local authorities. Examining the physical, mental and broader health needs of ex-servicemen and women and their families, the study will also assess how local and national agencies are meeting these needs, as well as how aware they are of those services.

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Arts, Culture and Leisure

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To infinity and beyond...

Book a date in your diary for the evening of Sunday, 2 May as we mark the coming of spring with an exciting event to celebrate the anniversary of the opening of the iconic Infinity Bridge. The bank holiday event will see the Borough’s school children and community groups lead local people in a magical lantern parade from bridge to bridge via the Riverside, culminating in the release of biodegradable Chinese style sky and river wish lanterns.

Starting from the Princess of Wales Bridge the procession will carry homemade lanterns, big and small and made out of willow, tissue and glue, to the Infinity Bridge and beyond. Bring all the family down to the Riverside to marvel at the spectacle and join in the sunset procession. Look out for more details at www. stockton.gov.uk/ infinity or telephone (01642) 527696 as the May bank holiday approaches.

Talented local writers Two very different local writers have seen their work published. Keen poet Janis Landless, 53, lives in Stockton and her book ‘Verse Variations’ touches on human emotion of the heart – lost love and wanting love as well as spiritual poetry about angels. If you would like a copy email janislandess@hotmail. co.uk 78-year-old Jim Haggas is from Yarm and reflects on how he feels his generation was fortunate to be born in the right place at the right time in his third book ‘No Ordinary Man’. For a copy, contact Atkinson Printers on 01429 267849 or call Jim direct on (01642) 784357.

DID YOU KNOW?

Stockton Borough Libraries is on Facebook with all the latest library information.

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Arts, Culture and Leisure

We are sailing... and you could be too! Think of Adult Education - it might conjure up images classrooms and flower arranging, pottery or learning a new language - but very soon, right here in Stockton, you can leave the classroom behind and get out on to the River Tees with some fantastic water sport courses. Starting in early May, at the Castlegate Quay Watersports Centre, just off the Riverside Road, you can try your hand at sailing, canoeing and kayaking for beginners, as Tees Active Ltd with Tees Achieve bring the fantastic courses through Adult Education. The six week courses, to be held on evenings between 5.30pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7.30pm are through the Royal Yachting Association and British

Stockton News March / April 2010

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Strong Communities

Sing for your supper

Are you ready for the General Election? The Council is urging residents to follow simple advice from the Electoral Commission to make sure nothing stops you from voting. If you are concerned you may find it difficult getting to your local Polling Station on Election Day, you can make use of voting by post or proxy. Postal voting is done entirely by post. A ballot paper is sent to you, which you complete and return by post.

The invitation is out for everyone to come together in song in an exciting new project. Based at ARC in Stockton and managed by Stockton Council’s Tees Achieve, Sing For Your Supper unites the community through gospelstyle singing and tasty food in a unique project. Hosted by Mike McGrother – of The Wildcats of Kilkenny and The Diaspora Vocal Collective (DVC) – the monthly evenings bring together the Borough’s newer residents – refugees, those seeking asylum and people who have come to the UK to work – with longer-term residents. The first event, in January, saw more than 80 people, aged four months to 78 years, enjoy themselves. The evenings are very informal, completely free and fun – designed so anyone can join in. “Sing For Your Supper is as much about friendship and sharing what we have in common as it is music,” says Mike, who formed The Diaspora Vocal Collective (DVC) over a year ago.

“The DVC meets weekly and is always open to new members but we thought these events would open up what the choir is about to a wider audience. It was amazing to see a 78-year-old lady from Stockton chatting and laughing away with a young man from the Congo, and lads from Billingham singing and dancing with others from Iran, Iraq and beyond!” Annabel Turpin, ARC Chief Executive, says: “It is great to be able to offer a free activity open to absolutely anyone. I was delighted to see such a large gathering of the community in our venue.” Sing for your Supper forms part of the work the Council does to help migrants settle into the Borough. Tees Achieve are now developing sports and festival activities. For details of the Diaspora Vocal Collective, contact Mike at dvc.mike@stockton.gov.uk The next Sing For Your Supper event is on 8 April, 6 – 9pm, at ARC. Entry is free but children should be accompanied by an adult. For details, contact the ARC box office on (01642) 525199 or visit www.arconline.co.uk

Proxy voting allows you to apply for someone else to vote for you. Your ‘proxy’ then votes at your polling station, or they can even ask to vote on your behalf by post. If you would like to apply to vote by post or proxy you need to contact the Council’s Electoral Services team on (01642) 526196 or email electoral@stockton. gov.uk Alternatively you can download and complete an application form at the Council’s website www. stockton.gov.uk If you are not on the Voter (Electoral) Register, you will not be able to vote, so act now and make sure you are on it – especially if you have moved address recently. You can print a registration form from the Council’s website, or request one from the Electoral Services team, details above.

Stockton News March / April 2010

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Viva Volunteers – Visit the Borough’s ‘virtual’ hall of fame Do Something different! Anyone can volunteer, so it was balloons away at the recent official launch of Viva Volunteers in February a brand new and exciting volunteering service for Stockton on Tees. Viva is a partnership between Tees Valley PSG, Catalyst Stockton, Stockton Council and Stockton Residents. It is unique in that it will bring a cross section of organisations together to form a solid group of volunteers to create meaningful volunteer opportunities in public, private and third sectors.

Viva can help individuals looking to volunteer, organisations in search of volunteers and private sector businesses wanting to become socially responsible. It plays a crucial and major part within communities on all levels whether for older people, groups or working with young people. To find out more about Viva, whether it’s to become a volunteer, find a volunteer or to learn more about social responsibility , call 0800-8600-214 or visit www. viva-volunteers.org.uk or Text ‘Viva’ to 82010.

Last year a virtual hall of fame was launched on the Council’s website to celebrate and acknowledge people from the Borough’s past and present who are worthy of special recognition. Local peoplewere asked to nominate deserving people who had a link to the Borough and these ideas went before a commemoration panel.

• George Stephenson, engineer of the Stockton to Darlington Railway (pictured).

If you can think of anyone who should be in the hall of fame, please get in touch. Email your nominations to halloffame@stockton.gov. uk or post them to Hall of Fame, Room 66, Municipal Buildings, Church Road, TS18 1LD.

The website www.stockton. gov.uk/halloffame will show who currently features, these include: • Brass Crosby, Stockton’s own Dick Whittington • Harold Macmillan, former UK Prime Minister • John Walker, friction match inventor

Mosque takes shape

On tour Some residents took part in bus tours to unfamiliar parts of the Borough recently, as part of a scheme to bring communities together. The tours, funded by the North East Improvement and Efficiency Partnership, visited several neighbourhoods where residents could see where regeneration and development is taking place. Those taking part were surprised at what was going on, one commenting: “I can’t believe the immense amount of work which has, and still is, being developed across the Borough. This tour has

Building work on Stockton’s new purposebuilt mosque, between Bowesfield Lane and Westbourne Street, is progressing. opened my eyes to the size and amount of work which has taken place.” Representatives from the Area Partnerships showed the residents exactly where their involvement has helped make improvements. The Area Partnerships bring representatives from various sectors together including public, voluntary and community, local businesses, agencies and resident associations to give local people a chance to influence developments in their area. A DVD showing the Area Partnerships’ work will be available from April 10 – for a copy call the Partnerships and Engagement team on (01642) 528677.

It will replace the existing mosque on nearby Hartington Road, which became too small as worshippers increased. It will provide larger and improved prayer halls,

ablution facilities, a dining room, community library and educational resources for the local Muslim and non-Muslim community. Designed by West Yorkshire architects, Archi-Structure Ltd, the finished mosque will boast traditional Islamic features. Private businesses, organisations and residents have donated £2.2 million.

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Strong Communities

Seeing red!

Tees Achieve boosts hospice fund-raising Over the past seven years Barbara Alderson has been making and selling crafts and cards to raise funds for the Butterwick Hospice. After attending a Tees Achieve course in Photoshop Elements at Billingham Community Centre, Barbara is now producing her own card designs to sell on the internet. The cards have gone down a storm and Barbara has been able to sell hundreds in a short time – boosting the amount she can raise for the hospice.

If you see a red chair – don’t be surprised – it’s all part of the Evening Gazette’s Talk Up campaign to find out what you think makes our region so special. The idea is to find out what’s happening in local areas – and champion the great people and places in various corners of the Teesside community. The first 20 location to feature in the campaign are Normanby, Billingham, Linthorpe, Redcar, Ingleby Barwick, Berwick Hills, Nunthorpe, Thornaby, Beechwood, Loftus, Central Stockton, Thorntree, Eston,

Eaglescliffe, Hemlington, Marske, Norton, Central Middlesbrough, South Bank and Faifield.

Sue Appleton, Tees Achieve Subject Leader for Art, Crafts and Digital Media, said: “Barbara gained lots of new skills over her 10week course. It’s fantastic that she is using these in an enterprising way to help the local community.” If you are interested in joining a Tees Achieve course visit www.stockton.gov. uk/adulted or call (01642) 527901 to see what’s on offer. You can find Barbara’s craft making sheets at www. craftsuprint.com

Look out for Tfm’s presenter Wayne Allen who is heading out on the road to meet local people to hear their local stories. You can find out more about the Tees Pride Talk Up campaign by visiting www. gazettelive.co.uk/talkup Complete the online questionnaire to say what you love best about your local area and what we should be proud of. You can also suggest community ambassadors by emailing talkup@eveninggazette.co.uk

Teens prevent terrorism In partnership with Cleveland Police, Stockton Council hosted an innovative conference designed to provide young people with the opportunity to discuss terrorism and radicalisation in a safe environment.

At the end of last term, she decided to try her hand at

designing cards for other crafters to make, using the skills and confidence gained from the course.

The police developed the Youth Prevent conference as part of the Government’s ‘Prevent’ strategy, which aims to prevent people from becoming terrorists or supporting violent extremists. Schools across the Tees Valley took part in the conference which saw young people take part in a series of informative and challenging workshops.

Raising funds for young and old Nearly £6,000 was raised for the Mayor of Stocktonon-Tees’ Benevolent Fund at the Mayor’s annual charity dinner dance. Councillor Paul Kirton, Mayor of Stockton and the Mayoress, Mary Kirton, hosted the ball at the Wynyard Rooms. So far the Mayor’s fund

has supported both older and younger people in the Borough through an Active for Life Group for the older residents of Queen’s Park Housing Estate; music events; sporting activities such as football, rugby, rowing and golf; groups of girl guides, air cadets and disabled children in the area as well as assisting projects in Canada, Africa and Uganda.

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Calling for Community Carnival It’s time to look ahead to the annual Stockton Community Carnival and, if you feel like doing something really different this year, Stockton Council’s Arts Development Team is looking for local groups and individuals to take part.

The ‘big baby’ in 2009 Community Carnival

Stockton Community Carnival is one of the high spots within Stockton International Riverside Festival and brings together more than a thousand local people in celebration.

We are looking for school, youth, community groups and individuals from across the Borough to take part in this year’s parade on Saturday 31 July. The Carnival is a fantastic opportunity to become involved in Stockton’s largest community celebration and you can take part in costume-making, dance and drumming. If you would like to know more call Lyndsey Stephenson on (01642) 527696 or email lyndsey.stephenson@ stockton.gov.uk

A rocking ride Pupils at Westlands School’s primary unit in Thornaby now have a new classmate. Shuttle, the rocking horse, was donated to the school by Middlesbrough Erimus Rotary Club, who raised funds to pay for it – and even hand made the beautiful horse themselves. The rocking horse is named in memory of Ian Shuttleworth, a Founder Member and former President of the Rotary Club who passed away last year. The club choose Westlands School as a worthy home for Shuttle, where he would be appreciated, well looked after and frequently ridden. The school is for children and students with learning difficulties and has 21 pupils in the primary unit where Shuttle will be stabled. The

opportunity to ride Shuttle will be allocated to children as a reward for good work and good behaviour.

Northern Area Partnership Board – New Life Resource Centre 5th April, 5.45pm 3rd May, 5.45pm

Eastern Area Partnership Board – Five Lamps Organisation 20th April, 5.30pm 25th May, 9.30am

Western Area Partnership Board – Municipal Buildings Stockton 26th April, 6pm

Central Area Partnership Board – Education Centre 29th April, 2pm 27th May, 10am Contact Sarah Upex on (01642) 526498 www.stockton.gov.uk/renaissance

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Strong Communities

Asylum seekers Continuing the real story… ...and busting the myths

In the last Stockton News we featured the plight of asylum seekers – we continue with another young person’s experiences.

Assessment, over a period of time, by qualified professionals, often using an interpreter, is designed to gain information about a child’s background, family tree, previous education, religion, country of origin, the journey and how they present themselves.

Firstly, imagine being moved to another country where you know nothing whatsoever about the culture and don’t speak one word of the language……

Often children don’t have any documentation to show their age, as not all countries and cultures attach the same importance to chronological age, and birth records and calendars are different in some counties. Illegal trafficking may mean a child is portrayed as being older to avoid immigration controls or checks by Health & Social Care.

This happened to John, (name changed), from Eritrea. His life was turned upside down and his home taken away because his father was arrested for airing his political views. Initially John and his siblings stayed with his uncle. However, it was not safe so his uncle made arrangements for them to flee the danger.

On arrival in Stockton John was immediately registered with a local college to learn to speak English and over the next few years he became heavily involved in supporting others in the same position. He became a community warden and registered with the Prince’s Trust whilst being involved with many community projects and voluntary work.

imagine being moved to another country where you know nothing whatsoever about the culture and don’t speak one word of the language...

Arriving in England with very little belongings, frightened and confused, John was allocated to stay in London and was treat as though he was over 18. Normally young people under 18 stay, and are supported, in the area of the UK where they first arrive. However, John’s demeanour indicated he was under 18 and unable to cope living on his own. A referral was made to Health & Social Care with a request to assess his age. This requires special skills and qualifications. Although carried out with sensitivity and care, an age assessment medical examination can be extremely upsetting and John had to endure several.

After nearly ten years in the UK, and putting an immense amount of time and energy into the community, John is still waiting for a decision from the Home Office. Local registered charity Justice First works across the Tees Valley with people who have been refused asylum and help vulnerable people to find legal representation and emergency support. Justice First works closely with a number of other local agencies including the Mary Thompson Fund and the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture.

Asylum seekers… Myth: Nine out of ten asylum seekers are bogus The truth: The UK has a very tough system. Asylum seekers must provide credible evidence of their plight and persecution. Many applications are refused. Myth: Asylum seekers are linked to rising crime The truth: A small minority can who spoil it for the rest. The Association of Chief Police Officers state there is no evidence migrants commit any more crime than anyone else. Recent findings, presented to the Home Secretary, found offending rates are in line with those in the general population. They are more likely to be a victim of crime, suffering racial harassment and discrimination. Myth: Asylum seekers are given priority over other council tenants for properties. The truth: They are housed by organisations who are paid directly by the Home Office. such as private landlords or with the local authority. Myth: They are stealing our jobs The truth: Once granted status they are entitled to work. Many must retrain as their qualifications are not recognised here. For a doctor this means another three years study.

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Health and Wellbeing

Ready 4 Baby? Getting ready to have a baby can be a daunting time for anyone – but a Children’s Centre parenting course is helping put the fears of parents-to-be aside as they prepare for their new arrivals. Ready 4 Baby is a 12-week course designed to give pregnant women and their partners a helping hand to prepare for the birth and first few months of their baby’s life. It offers advice and guidance on everything from basic baby care skills and healthy eating tips to learning how to coast the emotional highs and lows of parenthood. People are referred to the course through a number of partners who work closely with the programme. These include midwives, Sure Start staff, social workers and other specialist support staff. The course which was successfully piloted in 2009, at Stockton’s Redhill Children’s Centre, is this year being rolled out to other Children’s Centres across the Borough. Carolyn Lakin, Stockton Council’s Positive

Parenting Tutor leads the course. She says: “By bringing mums and dads-to-be together we are able to build their confidence, providing the opportunity to develop their knowledge of labour, birth and caring for a newborn baby.” Parents attending the course are able to gain a qualification through the Open College Network and, after the course has finished, the new parents are offered support to access other services. Bridie Mahoney, new mum to Macy-Elizabeth, attended the Ready 4 Baby course last year. She says: “I haven’t been brought up around babies and so didn’t know how to feed her or anything. The course helped us with everything from handling labour to bathing your baby.” Gemma Deighton who attended with her partner Paul Johnson, said: “I really enjoyed it. There were things I didn’t know even though I already have children.” To find out more contact Carolyn Lakin on (01642) 524683 or email carolyn.lakin@ stockton.gov.uk

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Head this way Headway Teesside is a local charity which supports brain injury survivors, their families, friends and carers. Based at Newport Community Centre on St Paul’s Road, Middlesbrough, it offers free drop-in sessions, activities and therapies, plus information and support every Wednesday (12 noon - 2pm). There is no need to book – just turn up. To find out more contact Sue Moore on (01287) 642 389, email s.moore971@ btinternet.com or visit www. headwayteesside.org.uk

Time to change NHS Tees has launched a new campaign to help raise awareness and reduce stigma about mental health problems. ‘Time to Change’ helps challenge and address some of the prejudices which mental health sufferers can experience, by highlighting how one in four people suffer from mental health problems, such as stress and depression. NHS Tees will also host a series of community roadshows across the Tees Valley, inviting as many people as possible to pledge their support for the campaign’s message. If you are worried that you, a friend, work colleague or family member could be suffering from a mental health problem, speak to someone or contact your GP as soon as possible.

Gemma Deighton with partner Paul Johnson and baby Chloe

It’s never too late to ask for help and, with the right support, people with mental health problems can – and do – usually make a full and complete recovery. For more details visit www.tees.nhs.uk

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Health and Wellbeing

Stockton News March / April 2010

A DAY IN THE

LIFE STEVE LASKEY

One man who walks around 2,000 miles a year to help others to lead a fit and healthy lifestyle is Steve Laskey, health worker, for the Council’s Sports Development team. In 2003 the Council started Stepping Out in Stockton, a programme of health walks to encourage people to take simple steps, get active and improve their health. It

general feeling of better health and wellbeing. Steve, 47, says health is just one of the reasons people take part in the walks. As he explains: “Our walkers come from a wide range of different backgrounds and attend for all kinds of reasons. For some, it’s for exercise, for others it’s to help manage their weight. Some attend purely as a social event – to have a chat and get out of the house. Whatever the reason, they are a committed bunch and will turn up in the most atrocious conditions. “On almost every walk we have someone who has a story about how much the walking has improved their health, either physical

“My record is five walks in one day and I cover around 2,000 miles a year.” proved so popular that, six years later, Steve and a team of volunteer walk leaders now lead 11 weekly and four fortnightly walks across the Borough. Exercise is good for everyone but experts hail walking, in particular, as the ‘almost perfect exercise’. Regular walking brings many long-term health benefits – reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, bowel cancer and the development of osteoporosis. The short-term benefits include weight loss, better strength and mobility, improved mood and a

or mental. It’s extremely rewarding to know you are, in some way, helping them.” Steve has worked for the Council for two years. Normally his day starts in the office before pounding the Borough’s pavements on his first walk of the day. “We run at least one walk every day, meet at a regular venue, register the walkers, discuss the route and then we’re off. We rely heavily on our volunteer walk leaders, a fantastic group of people

who freely give their time to ensure the scheme is such a success. “I also organise regular ‘away days’ to places such as Durham and Barnard Castle to make the most of the region’s natural beauty. These regularly attract around 70 walkers,“ he said. And leading several walks a day means Steve certainly covers the miles. “My record is five walks in one day and I cover around 2,000 miles a year.”

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In Steve’s spare time he spends time in the countryside near his Great Ayton home, exploring the North Yorkshire Moors, where he also works as an assistant ranger for the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. To find out more about health walks, contact Steve Laskey on (01642) 526692 or email steve.laskey@ stockton.gov.uk

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Health and Wellbeing

Get lively...

Over 50s get fit and active Last year Stockton Council and NHS Stockton-on-Tees funded a number of projects which helped the over 50s enjoy the outdoors, get fit and meet new people. These included a gardening course, rowing, running, bowling, croquet, mobility walks, short walks and themed scenic walks. Funding is again available to support new and innovative projects in the Borough.

The crew at St Bede’s RC Primary

...at lunchtime

The Lively Lunchtime Crew is an exciting new programme set up by Stockton Council to work in primary schools. Designed to refresh school lunchtimes and teach children about healthy eating and physical activity, the programme is led by the Council’s Healthy Schools team. The Crew is run by a specially trained team

of children selected by each of the schools. By using games and a reward scheme, the pupils get stuck into eating healthy and getting active. So far, pupils have shown outstanding commitment and enthusiasm towards the programme. To find out more about the programme, call Jennifer Edwards on (01642) 524733.

New standards of care From April, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) – a new, independent regulator – is gradually introducing a new system for standards of care across all health and adult social care services in England. Services, which will be regularly monitored by CQC, will be licensed providing they meet essential standards. This means you can expect services to meet standards of quality and safety which respect your dignity and rights. NHS Trusts are the first to come into the new system when, for the first time, all NHS

hospitals must, by law, be registered with CQC. Assessors and inspectors are currently reviewing NHS Trusts before licensing them to operate. CQC will publish information on its website about the status of your NHS hospital which will be updated with new information over the year. Your voice will count in helping CQC decide what judgements to take and they are developing ways to enable you to feedback your comments directly. CQC have greater powers to ensure they can take swift action where care providers are failing people. To find out more about the new system visit www.cqc.org.uk

One of the clubs awarded funding last year was Ropner Park Bowling Association which ran a bowling for beginners course. The funding improved the club’s facilities and delivered 90 hours of coaching over a sixweek period. The club saw an increase in season ticket holders and casual bowlers thanks to the popularity of the over 50s course. Watch out in future editions of Stockton News for details about the courses on offer or call (01642) 526274, or email andrea.hogg@stockton.gov. uk

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Your Council

New guide to help the bereaved The way A loved one’s death is traumatic forward… enough, so being faced with registering the death, organising a funeral and dealing with the Estate can be overwhelming. The Council’s Bereavement Service has produced a Bereavement Guide, offering a range of advice from the registration of a death to dealing with probate. The allencompassing guide is available free from the Register Office in Balaclava Street, Stockton and, shortly, from other Council buildings and GP surgeries.

of music, readings, named people to speak at the funeral, choice of flowers and where your cremated remains should be scattered.” Both documents are free and available by contacting Bereavement Services on (01642) 527341 or 527342.

In the last edition of Stockton News we gave details of the way forward for the Council’s ‘executive arrangements’ for how the Council is run – either by a Council Leader or a directly elected Mayor and Cabinet. All residents will be receiving a letter explaining in detail how the arrangements would work and asking for views. Those views will be taken into consideration and taken forward to the Council’s Cabinet meeting. The final outcome should be known by September.

James Dooley, Bereavement Services Officer, said: “Dealing with a bereavement can be difficult but we hope this guide will help families with some of the practicalities. “The guide can also be used alongside our ‘funeral wishes’ booklet, which can be completed to record your personal wishes for your own funeral. This could include your choice of hymns or pieces

A sound plan for the Borough A strategy for future development in the Borough has received the green light from an independent Planning Inspector. The Core Strategy Development Plan Document is the first in a series of planning documents prepared under a new local planning system. It sets out the Council’s broad strategy for future development for the next 10 to 15 years. In January, the Inspector declared the plan as being right for the Borough – the culmination of several years’ work and extensive consultation with residents and other organisations. As well as the Council’s vision and objectives for the Borough, the Core Strategy has policies on sustainable transport, travel and living,

the economy, town centres, the provision of community facilities, housing, the environment and planning obligations. Policies set out how the objectives will be met and, in some cases, give broad locations where development should take place. The strategy will now be used to inform other documents and determine planning applications. Work will now focus on other Local Development Framework documents, in particular the Regeneration Development Plan Document and Yarm and Eaglescliffe Area Action Plan. The Core Strategy will be available from mid April. For a copy or to find out more visit www.stockton.gov. uk/spatialplanning or call (01642) 526197.

It’s a wrap The Council’s Animal Welfare Service needs donations of bedding for the dogs in their care. The service, based in Stockton’s Church Road, takes in around 70 dogs each month. If you have any old blankets, towels, duvets or sheets you could donate, please contact Animal Welfare Officers on (01642) 526575 or email animal.welfare@stockton.gov.uk

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Your Council

Stockton News March / April 2010

Value for money and efficiencies help keep Council budget on course Despite the effects of the ‘credit crunch’ and rising pressures on services, Stockton Borough Council ratified proposals for an annual Council tax rise of 2 per cent – half of what the Council originally planned in last year’s budget.

demands on services such as benefits, safeguarding vulnerable people and personal care for an aging population are increasing.

Thanks to putting in place long term financial planning more than a decade ago, the Council has been able to weather the recent downturn and has continued to provide efficient services and value for money for the Borough’s residents.

Neil Schneider, Stockton Council’s Chief Executive, said: “Although the times have been testing for all local authorities, Stockton has fared well. The Audit Commission has recognised this by giving us a top ‘excellent’ rating for the way we use our resources. We are one of the top three English unitary or county councils to have achieved this.

For Band A Council Tax payers – almost half the Borough’s total – the rise will mean an extra 31 pence a week. The Council estimates it will save £12m by 2013 through various initiatives. These include its Efficiency, Improvement and Transformation Programme which started last year, reviewing travel allowances for Council staff, looking at ways of extending partnering with others such as the groundbreaking public sector partnership already established with Darlington Borough Council, and by making the procurement process more effective. These savings will be achieved at the same time as protecting front line services and jobs and at a time when both Government funding and income are reducing and

The budget has been put forward by the Council’s power-sharing administration formed by Labour and Conservative Councillors.

“We are aware that the recession has hit residents hard, which is why we have tried to make the increase in Council Tax as low as possible. Long term, robust financial planning has allowed us to achieve this. “Over the last year we have undertaken a wide range of reviews of our services to see whether there is a way in which we can deliver quality services more efficiently for our residents. “We are a resilient organisation and will keep on track with our programme of investment, although we are aware of the need to plan for the increased demands we are facing.”

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Make a call Roseberry Library has a new telephone linking direct to the Council’s Customer Service Centres. Free to use, it is the first of what may be a small number of access points to be trialled at the Borough’s libraries over the coming months. It is another example of our commitment to making it as easy as possible for people to contact services such as bulky household waste removal, council tax, planning, school admissions, highway maintenance and many more.

A year from now… A census takes place every ten years and, a year from now, the next one is due. The Office for National Statistics will carry out the census across England and Wales on Sunday, 27 March 2011. Everyone is asked the same questions on the same day, to give a snapshot of the population. The information is used to plan services and resources such as transport, housing, healthcare and education. Respondents can complete answers online or post questionnaires back. It’s vital everyone takes part to give the best picture possible, so mark the date in your diary.

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A caring boy Matthew Dovaston from Billigham has a busy schedule for a 14-year-old. Living with his parents and family, Matthew is the eldest of four children. Nothing remarkable in that, you might think. However, with both parents in ill health, they rely on Matthew to help them – and that’s where the real story starts.

DID YOU KNOW?

In the Borough’s northern area, criminal damage is down 25 per cent and vehicle crime down 24 per cent (April - December 2009 compared with the same period of 2008).

WARD SURGERIES 1st APRIL 2010 – 30th MAY 2010

www.stockton.gov.uk/wards BILLINGHAM CENTRAL 6:30PM – 7:30PM

www.stockton.gov.uk/ billinghamcentralward 21 Apr Billingham Youth & Community Centre 12 May Billingham Youth & Community Centre COUNCILLORS MRS ANN McCOY Tel: 01642 535604 Email: ann.mccoy@stockton.gov.uk BARRY WOODHOUSE Tel: 01642 371638 Email: barry.woodhouse@stockton.gov.uk BILLINGHAM EAST www.stockton.gov.uk/ billinghameastward 30 Apr New Life Family Centre 5:00pm – 5:45pm Synthonia Scout Group Hall 5:50pm – 6:30pm 28 May New Life Family Centre Synthonia Scout Group Hall 5:00pm – 5:45pm 5:50pm – 6:30pm COUNCILLORS ALEX CUNNINGHAM Tel: 01642 551251 Email: alex.cunningham@stockton.gov.uk MICK STOKER Tel: 01642 371641 Email: mick.stoker@stockton.gov.uk

BILLINGHAM NORTH 6:30PM – 7:30PM

www.stockton.gov.uk/ billinghamnorthward 12 April High Grange Community Centre 10 May North Billingham Methodist Church COUNCILLORS HILARY AGGIO Tel: 01642 565016 Email: hilary.aggio@stockton.gov.uk

MRS LYNNE APEDAILE Tel: 01740 645216 Email: lynne.apedaile@stockton.gov.uk COLIN LECKONBY Tel: 01642 872896 Email: colin.leckonby@stockton.gov.uk

For Matthew, a typical morning begins around 6.30am by ensuring the whole family is set up for the day. This involves helping his parents get up and dressed and the others have their breakfast. His dad John, 54, believes he’s very lucky to have such a caring, thoughtful and considerate son. “Matthew is my little hero,” he said. “It’s unbelievable how quickly an illness can take over your life and my son is always there for the family – he is extremely caring and would do anything for anyone.”

BILLINGHAM SOUTH 6:00PM – 7:00PM

www.stockton.gov.uk/ billinghamsouthward 8 Apr Billingham Branch Library 13 May Billingham Branch Library COUNCILLORS MRS JEAN O’DONNELL Tel: 01642 559717 MICHAEL SMITH Tel: 01642 371782 Email: michael.smith@stockton.gov.uk

BILLINGHAM WEST 6:00PM – 7:00PM

www.stockton.gov.uk/ billinghamwestward 30 Apr Wolviston Court Community Centre 28 May Wolviston Court Community Centre COUNCILLORS MRS MARY WOMPHREY Tel: 01642 555755 MICK WOMPHREY Tel: 01642 555755

NORTHERN PARISHES 7:00PM – 8:00PM www.stockton.gov.uk/ northernparishesward 1 Apr Wolviston Common Room 6 May Grindon Parish Hall, Thorpe Thewles COUNCILLOR JOHN GARDNER Tel: 01740 645357 Email: john.gardner@stockton.gov.uk

Matthew Dovaston with his dad John

Despite Matthew’s busy schedule, he takes time out to be involved in local children’s charity the Eastern Ravens Trust. This charity supports children and young people in a situation like Matthew’s by offering them the opportunity to take part in various activities. The trust is based in Newtown Community Resource Centre, Stockton, and Matthew really enjoys having breaks such as visits to the cinema and pizza nights and even holidays. He said: “I only found out about Eastern Ravens by chance when I had an asthma attack and the nurse told me about it. I really enjoy going there and meeting up with everyone.” To find out more about Eastern Ravens Trust and its work call (01642) 678454 or email info@ easternravenstrust.org

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WARD SURGERIES 1st APRIL 2010 – 30th MAY 2010

www.stockton.gov.uk/wards INGLEBY BARWICK EAST 6:00PM – 7:00PM

(Joint surgery with Ingleby Barwick West) www.stockton.gov.uk/ inglebybarwickeastward 8 Apr All Saints C of E Secondary School 6 May All Saints C of E Secondary School Maltby & Hilton Ward Surgeries are held for 30 minutes prior to each Parish Council meeting in the Village Halls on an appointment only basis. Please contact Councillors Faulks, Harrington or Larkin to book an appointment. Residents are very welcome to attend the monthly Ward Surgery held in Ingleby Barwick COUNCILLORS KEVIN FAULKS Tel: 01642 764874 Email: kevin.faulks@stockton.gov.uk DAVID HARRINGTON Tel: 01642 764652 Email: david.harrington@stockton.gov.uk ANDREW LARKIN Tel: n/a Email: andrew.larkin@stockton.gov.uk

INGLEBY BARWICK WEST 6:00PM – 7:00PM

(Joint surgery with Ingleby Barwick East) www.stockton.gov.uk/ inglebybarwickwestward 8 Apr All Saints C of E Secondary School 6 May All Saints C of E Secondary School COUNCILLORS KEN DIXON Tel: 01642 764650 Email: ken.dixon@stockton.gov.uk JEAN KIRBY Tel: 01642 762092 Email: jean.kirby@stockton.gov.uk ROSS PATTERSON Tel: 01642 764865 Email: ross.patterson@stockton.gov.uk

MANDALE & VICTORIA

www.stockton.gov.uk/ mandalevictoriaward No April surgeries 8 May Thornaby Library 11:00am – 12:00 noon COUNCILLORS TINA LARGE Tel: 01642 671903 Email: tina.large@stockton.gov.uk MRS ALLISON TRAINER Tel: n/a STEVE WALMSLEY Tel: 01642 604176

STAINSBY HILL

www.stockton.gov.uk/stainsbyhillward 15 Apr South Thornaby Community & Resource Centre 6:00pm – 7:00pm 15 May Thornaby Pavilion 11:00am – 12:00 COUNCILLORS MRS EILEEN CRAGGS MBE Tel: 01642 764858 Email: eileen.craggs@stockton.gov.uk MRS SYLVIA WALMSLEY Tel: 01642 602375 Email: sylvia.walmsley@stockton.gov.uk

VILLAGE 5:00PM – 6:00PM

www.stockton.gov.uk/villageward 12 Apr Thornaby Pavilion 10 May Thornaby Pavilion COUNCILLORS IAN DALGARNO Tel: 01642 882985 MICK EDDY Tel: 01642 765919

Let the journey begin

An African adventure A group of Year 9 and 10 pupils at All Saints School are racing against the clock to raise £20,000 to fund a life-changing visit to South West Africa. Through sponsored walks, raffles, supermarket bag packs and cake stalls the youngsters have already raised an incredible £20,000 to fund the trip which will see them volunteer in a school in rural Namibia. But they have only got months to raise the rest of the money. Jordan Boyd (pictured) is one of 20 youngsters hoping to go on the trip. She said: “If we do not make £20,000, our parents will have to find the excess and it may cause some students to drop out, including me as my mum could not afford to pay this much.” Anyone able to help the students can get in touch with Mr Belshaw at All Saints School on (01642) 754650.

Poet in residence at Thornaby Central Library, Mike Edwards, had the brilliant idea of creating lasting memories and thoughts of the community, with the Journeys project. Along with Mike’s own poems, members of the public added their own thoughts and verses to a blank book which will contribute to the history of tomorrow. Workshops also took place with library users, young and old alike and students studying English as a second language to encourage them to think about writing stories, poetry and songs. You can find the book at Thornaby Central Library

where you can borrow it for up to three days or use it within the library. The whole project was managed by performer Richard Bliss with Stockton Library Service and Apples and Snakes a leading organisation who arrange workshops for performance poetry in the UK.

DID YOU KNOW?

In the Borough’s eastern area, dwelling burglary is down 36 per cent and motor vehicle theft is down 31per cent (April - December 2009 compared with the same period of 2008).

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WARD SURGERIES 1st APRIL 2010 – 30th MAY 2010

www.stockton.gov.uk/wards BISHOPSGARTH & ELM TREE (STOCKTON)

www.stockton.gov.uk/ bishopsgarthelmtreeward 13 Apr Elm Tree Community Centre 6:00pm – 7:00pm 10 May Bishopsgarth School 6:00pm – 6:30pm 11 May Elm Tree Community Centre 6:00pm – 7:00pm COUNCILLORS MRS SUZANNE FLETCHER MBE Tel: 01642 787652 Email: suzanne.fletcher@stockton.gov.uk MRS JULIA CHERRETT Tel: 01642 785473 Email: julia.cherrett@stockton.gov.uk

FAIRFIELD 6:00PM – 6:30PM

www.stockton.gov.uk/fairfieldward 12 Apr Fairfield Library 10 May Fairfield Library COUNCILLORS MAURICE PERRY Tel: 01642 586914 BILL WOODHEAD Tel: 01642 584409

Hedging your bets Volunteers got their hands dirty by planting 600 new saplings at Bowesfield Pond (known locally as The Brickie). The Environment Agency is funding the venture, which it is carrying out jointly with Stockton Council, Natural England and Groundwork. The hedgerow consists of native species such as

hawthorn, blackthorn and hazel and the new saplings will fill any of the gaps in the existing hedge. This will be the first in a series of improvements to the site, with all the partners contributing. For more information, contact Terry Douthwaite, Stockton Council’s Local Nature Reserves Officer on (01642) 676407 or email terry.douthwaite@ stockton.gov.uk

GRANGEFIELD 6:00PM – 7:00PM

www.stockton.gov.uk/grangefieldward 5 Apr Fairfield Library 8 Apr Grays Road Institute 10 May Hartburn Scout Group Hut 13 May Grays Road Institute COUNCILLORS PHILLIP BROUGHTON Tel: 01642 765325 Email: phillip.broughton@stockton.gov.uk AIDAN COCKERILL Tel: 01642 613258 Email: aidan.cockerill@stockton.gov.uk

HARDWICK WARD 6:00PM – 7:00PM

www.stockton.gov.uk/hardwickward 9 Apr Hardwick Community Centre 23 Apr Hardwick Community Centre 7 May Hardwick Community Centre 21 May Hardwick Community Centre COUNCILLORS MRS LIZ NESBITT Tel: 01642 601731 BILL NOBLE Tel: 01642 671609

HARTBURN 6:45PM – 7:30PM

www.stockton.gov.uk/hartburnward 12 Apr Elmwood Community Centre 10 May Holy Trinity Rosehill CE Primary School COUNCILLORS TERRY LAING Tel: 01642 587356 Email: terry.laing@stockton.gov.uk KEN LUPTON Tel: 01642 587286 Email: ken.lupton@stockton.gov.uk

NEWTOWN 6:00PM – 7:00PM

Secret garden One tranquil area near to the town centre is undergoing improvements. Work to the Parish Gardens includes the removal of the majority of existing shrubs to allow selective replanting of replacements, as well as spring and summer bulbs to create all year round floral colour. There will also be repairs to paving and the ornamental perimeter fencing and replacement of bins and benches. The Council is working with Tees Archaeology, with supervised offenders from Kirklevington Prison carrying out the initial removal of the shrubs.

www.stockton.gov.uk/newtownward 2 Apr Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre 16 Apr Newtown Community Resource Centre 30 Apr Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre 14 May Newtown Community Resource Centre 28 May Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre COUNCILLORS PAUL BAKER Tel: 01642 608406 Email: paul.baker@stockton.gov.uk BOB GIBSON OBE Tel: 01642 614482 Email: robert.gibson@stockton.gov.uk NORTON NORTH 6:00PM - 7:00PM www.stockton.gov.uk/nortonnorthward 14 Apr Norton North Community & Resource Centre 28 Apr Norton Library 12 May Frederick Nattrass Primary School 26 May Norton North Community & Resource Centre COUNCILLORS MAURICE FRANKLAND Tel: 01642 552861 MRS KATH NELSON Tel: 01642 555729 Email: kathryn.nelson@stockton.gov.uk

NORTON SOUTH 6:00PM – 7:00PM

www.stockton.gov.uk/nortonsouthward 9 Apr Albany Resource Centre 23 Apr Assembly Hall, St John Ambulance 7 May Lustrum Community House 21 May Albany Resource Centre COUNCILLORS BOB COOK TEL: 01642 890058 Email: robert.cook@stockton.gov.uk STEVE NELSON TEL: 01642 534417 Email: steve.nelson@stockton.gov.uk

NORTON WEST 6:00PM – 7:00PM

www.stockton.gov.uk/nortonwestward 6 Apr The Education Centre 4 May The Education Centre COUNCILLORS MRS ANN CAINS Tel: 01642 555394 Email: ann.cains@stockton.gov.uk DICK CAINS JP Tel: 01642 555394 Email: dick.cains@stockton.gov.uk

PARKFIELD & OXBRIDGE 6:00PM – 7:00PM

www.stockton.gov.uk/ parkfieldoxbridgeward 1 Apr Parkfield Community Centre (Cllr Javed only) Oxbridge Christian Fellowship (Cllr Rix only) 15 Apr Oxbridge Christian Fellowship 6 May Parkfield Community Centre (Cllr Javed only) Oxbridge Christian Fellowship (Cllr Rix only) 20 May Oxbridge Christian Fellowship COUNCILLORS MOHAMMED JAVED Tel: 01642 602420 ROY RIX Tel: 01642 674861 Email: roy.rix@stockton.gov.uk

ROSEWORTH

www.stockton.gov.uk/roseworthward 12 Apr Kiora Hall Youth & Community Centre 5:15pm – 6:15pm 11 May Kiora Hall Youth & Community Centre 2:00pm – 3:00pm COUNCILLORS JIM BEALL Tel: 01642 602510 Email: jim.beall@stockton.gov.uk MISS BARBARA INMAN Tel: 01642 586564 Email: barbara.inman@stockton.gov.uk

STOCKTON TOWN CENTRE 6:00PM – 7:00PM

www.stockton.gov.uk/ stocktontowncentreward 1 Apr The Willows Centre 8 Apr Parkfield Community Centre 15 Apr Victoria Community Centre 22 Apr Cornerhouse Community Resource Centre 6 May The Willows Centre 13 May Parkfield Community Centre 20 May Victoria Community Centre 27 May Cornerhouse Community Resource Centre COUNCILLORS DAVID COLEMAN Tel: 01642 673952 Email: david.coleman@stockton.gov.uk PAUL KIRTON Tel: 01642 559331

DID YOU KNOW?

In the Borough’s central area, robbery is down 54 per cent and theft from a motor vehicle down 31 per cent (April - December 2009 compared with the same period of 2008).

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WARD SURGERIES 1st APRIL 2010 – 30th MAY 2010

www.stockton.gov.uk/wards EAGLESCLIFFE

www.stockton.gov.uk/eaglescliffeward 9 Apr Trinity Methodist Church 6:30 – 7:30pm 20 Apr Egglescliffe Parish Hall 6:00 – 7:00pm 7 May Trinity Methodist Church 6:30 – 7:30pm 18 May Egglescliffe Community Centre 6:30 – 7:30pm COUNCILLORS JOHN FLETCHER Tel: 01642 787652 Email: john.fletcher@stockton.gov.uk ALAN LEWIS Tel: 01642 784910 Email: alan.lewis@stockton.gov.uk MRS MAUREEN RIGG Tel: 01642 785689 Email: maureen.rigg@stockton.gov.uk

WESTERN PARISHES

www.stockton.gov.uk/ westernparishesward 6 Apr Stillington Village Hall, Stillington, 6:30pm – 7:00pm 20 May Elton Hall Nursing Home, Elton 6:15pm – 6:45pm COUNCILLOR FRED SALT Tel: 01740 630771

YARM

www.stockton.gov.uk/yarmward 6 Apr Levendale Primary School 6:00pm – 6:45pm 4 May Yarm Library 6:00pm – 6:45pm COUNCILLORS MRS JENNIE BEAUMONT Tel: 01642 785304 Email: jennie.beaumont@stockton.gov.uk JACKIE EARL Tel: 01642 786346 ANDREW SHERRIS Tel: 01642 786767 Email: andrew.sherris@stockton.gov.uk

Bonjour Beth Rower Beth Bryan, 16, recently returned from an intensive training camp in France with Great Britain’s junior rowing team. A pupil at Egglescliffe School, Beth was one of 16 youngsters selected nationally to be part of the GB under-18s rowing team. She is part of the British Rowing Siemans World Class Start Programme and a member of Tees Active Sports Academy. Beth and other potential GB junior team members were

Preparing for the season Yarm Cricket Club has started its indoor nets at All Saints School, Ingleby Barwick (next to Tesco) on Mondays 6 - 8pm for juniors under 15, and Tuesdays 8 - 9pm for seniors. All old and new members welcome, call M. Green 07904 386 085 for more information.

put through their paces at the camp. They trained up to four times per day, with water sessions on the River Loire and indoor gym sessions. She said: “The camp was tough but really enjoyable. I was delighted to be selected for the squad and my main aim is to gain selection and become an established member of the Great Britain junior team.” To find out more about Tees Active Sports Academy, call Allan McDermott on (01642) 528772 or visit www. teesactive.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW?

Violent crime in this part of the Borough is down by 32 per cent. Other theft is down by 33 per cent (April - December 2009 compared with the same period of 2008).

s ’ t a h W O

r Regula Events

A look at what’s going on around the Borough during

Ethnic Benefit Advice

Thornaby Library Westbury Street Tuesdays 2 – 5 pm Advice and information. Tel 528150

Let your kids get crafty There’s a new Art & Craft club for 5 – 8 year olds and 9-13 year olds at Fairfield Library. 5-8 years olds meet fortnightly on Saturday mornings from 10.30am – 12.00pm and 9-13 year olds meet fortnightly on Wednesday evenings 5.30pm-6.30pm. To find out more call the library on (01642) 527962 for more details.

Wednesday talks

3 April Stockton Calling

ARC, Georgian Theatre, Ku, 12noon-12 pm Experience first class live music on your doorstep. See local acts ‘Russell and the Wolves’, ‘Idiot Savant’, ‘Be Quiet, Shout Loud’, ‘Lifeless’, ‘Jimmy and the Sounds’ and ‘Dirty Weekend’ plus touring bands. For the full line up visit www.arconline.co.uk or tel 525199

Norton Library. Every first Wednesday of the month – 3pm. Guest speaker and Refreshments. Free. Tel 528019

Two o’clock Rhymetime

Norton Library. Every Wednesday 2pm Stories, rhymes and activities for the under 5s Tel 528019

Saturday storytime Books, biccies and teenz tales Do you have a child who enjoys reading? Would you like be the first to get your hands on a selection of brand new books for 7–11 and 11–16 year olds? Why not encourage them to join Fairfield Library’s Book ‘n’ Biccy Club or Teenz Tales reading groups. Both groups meet monthly on Mondays, 5.30 - 6.30pm Tel 527962

Norton Library. Every Saturday 2.15pm Stories for the under 5s Tel 528019

Scrabble group

Norton Library every Wednesday 1pm Tel 528019

Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park, 10.30am-noon Come along to the Woodland Park’s Visitor Centre and have a go at making a crafty seasonal gift. All materials are supplied free. Please book in advance. Tel 371633

6 April Hester Hare’s Great Easter Egg Hunt

Hula fitness

Each Monday – 5-11 years, 4.30pm - 5.30pm Ingleby Barwick Community Centre, Haresfield Way £2 per session. To book a place tel 524599

4 April Crafty Easter

April

Wynyard Woodland Park, 1.30pm – 3.00pm Find Hester Hare’s Easter Eggs hidden around the Park and take part in our fun family photo quiz. Meet outside the railway carriage. Tel 01740 630011

1, 9, 16, 23 April Public observing

Wynyard Woodland Planetarium and Observatory 9pm onwards Tel 01740 630544

Colouring Club

Roseworth Library Every day except Wednesday 3pm – 6pm Tel 528098

Colouring Club

Billingham Library Every Saturday 10.30 – 11.30am Materials provided. Tel 527895

Parent and Toddler Group

Fairfield Library Every Wednesday 10 – 11am Group for under fives and their carers Tel 527962

2 April Easter Fun at the Beck

Billingham Beck Valley Country Park, 1.30-3.00pm Come and decorate an egg and then have a short walk to the highest point in the valley to see who can roll theirs the furthest distance. Please bring two hard-boiled eggs! Meet at the Ecology Park Visitor Centre. Tel 360376

3 April Alpine Garden Society Show The Cleveland Group of the Alpine Garden Society will be holding its Annual Show from 12 noon to 4pm at Ian Ramsey C of E School (North Site), Fairfield Road, Stockton. Admission £2 ( free to AGS member, and children accompanied by adults ). See wonderful display of Alpine Plants/ shrubs also for sale.

7 April What did you do in the war Gran?

Norton Library 3pm Free talk from Margaret Flick with her wartime experiences in the A.T.S. and Bletchely Park Tel 528019

7 April Orienteering in the Park

John Whitehead Park, 10am -12pm Have you ever wanted to put your map reading skills to the test? Then why don’t you drop in to John Whitehead Park and take part in our free introduction to orienteering event. Come appropriately dressed for the weather conditions. Meet outside the café.

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March, April and May 8 April Have fun being healthy

May

Trinity Gardens, 11-3pm A fun, interactive event open to all young people from 11-25 years. Come along for information and advice on healthy lifestyles, plus fantastic activities and prizes. Tel 526828

2 May Early Birds 13 April Grow your own

Norton Library, 2-3.30pm Veg growing advice from the experts Come and ask the panel. Free. Refreshments. Tel 528019

Billingham Beck Valley Country Park Meet at the Ecology Park Visitor Centre 7– 9am Come along on this early morning bird watch to see what birds can be discovered in which habitats at Billingham Beck. Tel 360376

2 May Leven Loop Walk

10.00am-3.00pm An 11-mile walk through the picturesque Leven Valley taking in Middleton-on-Leven and Crathorne. Meet: Outside the Crown Hotel, Kirklevington. NB. Please do not use the Crown’s car park, but park considerately in the village.

9 May Competitive Futsal (indoor football)

Thornaby Pavilion 1.30pm Spectators most welcome - M’bro Futsal Club

9 May 2010 Didgeridoo Workshop

Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park, 1pm-4pm Come along and have a go at playing this mysterious instrument. There are limited places available on this event, so book early to avoid disappointment. £3.50 per person. Tel 371633

15 May 2010 Bat Watch

Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park, 8.30pm10.00pm Find out about the Park’s bats from a local enthusiast. You will be able to use bat detectors and ask plenty of questions. Tel 371633

2 May Infinity Spring Festival Celebrate the beginning of spring with activities around Infinity Bridge. Bring the family. www.stockton.gov.uk/infinity or tel 527696 for details.

Tees Regatta

10 April British Junior Wrestling Championships

Come down to River Tees Watersports Centre on Northshore between 9am-6pm where rowing races take place on the 850m course between Tees Barrage and Princess Diana Bridge. Rowers from clubs, schools and universities from across the region.

Thornaby Pavilion 10am

13 April Beaky Birds and Balancing Bugs

Preston Hall Museum, 10.30am – Noon & 1.00pm - 2.30pm Come and meet Preston Park’s resident birds of prey at close quarters, including our barn owl, kestrel and buzzard, Then make a gravity defying craft bug to take home. Charge £2. Booking essential. Please call 527562

15 May Disabled Scooter Ramble

May 3 Tees Barrage 10K Road Race The race commences at 10.30am beginning and ending at the Tees Barrage, circumnavigating the river Tees between the Newport and Millennium bridges. Maximum 500 entries. Forms are available on www. teesbarrage10k.co.uk

3 May Nursery Rhyme Ramble

Wynyard Woodland Park 1pm– 2.30pm. A short walk for young families through the woods and meadows stopping along the way to hear tales of our favourite nursery characters. Booking essential. Meet outside the railway carriage. Tel 01740 630011

18 April Competitive Futsal (indoor football)

5 May The stars fell on Stockton

Thornaby Pavilion 1.30pm Spectators most welcome M’bro Futsal Club. Tel 760971

Norton Library 3pm In local history month come and find out about the Globe theatre and the stars who performed there. Tel 528019

25 April Competitive Futsal (indoor football)

May 6 and 12 Walk through Saxon & Medieval Norton.

Thornaby Pavilion 1.30pm Spectators most welcome M’bro Futsal Club. Tel 760971

May 15

Meet at Norton Library 2pm. One mile walk. Not suitable for wheelchairs. Booking essential on 528019.

Stockton – meet by the Swallow Hotel, 11am – 4pm A seven mile ranger led excursion, planned for users of electric scooters. The route runs along the river stopping at the Tees Barrage for lunch before continuing through two Wildlife Trust nature reserves. Either bring a packed lunch or have lunch at the café. Remember to wrap up warm. Please call 527562 to book a place. Electric Scooters can be booked through Stockton Shopmobility on 605676.

16 May Competitive Futsal

Thornaby Pavilion 1.30pm (indoor football) Spectators most welcome M’bro Futsal Club

17 May Health Walk

Billingham Beck Valley Country Park, 10am – 12pm ‘Walking the way to health’ is an initiative to encourage people to undertake daily exercise. Meet outside the entrance to Boyes, Billingham Town Centre. Stout footwear recommended. Suitable for all ages. Tel 360376

May 19 and 25 St Mary’s Church guided visit. Meet at Norton Library 5.30pm. Lasts one hour. See this building at the heart of the community for 1,000 years. Booking essential tel 528019.