JULY 2011 - Stoke-on-Trent City Council

4 Our City <strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong>Palace datea birthdayday outRESIDENTS’ associationstalwart Ethel Harris,pictured, enjoyed aright Royal 80thbirthdaypresentwhen shewas a guestat a gardenparty in thegrounds ofBuckinghamPalace.Ethel, part of theneighbourhood teamworking tirelessly forthe community in theCasewell Road area ofSneyd Green, wasinvited to the threehour summer gatheringby Her Majesty TheQueen.She said:“It was alovely day out andreally special to see theQueen.”Now the association’shard work continueswith, among otherthings, plans forChristmas visits bySanta Claus to localschools.Packed day of citywide actiontidies up eyesoresANOTHER citywideclean up has takenplace as part of<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent CityCouncil’s ongoing Cleanand Green initiative.After the success of threeprevious one-day tidy ups, stafffrom the council’s environmentalservices team joined forces withvolunteers and residentsassociations to strim, prune andplant.Teams started work at 7.30am,targeting overgrown hedges, treesand shrubbery while alsosweeping pavements, removinggraffiti and picking up litter.They were out in several areasincluding Chell, Abbey Hulton,Bentilee, Fenton and Longton.Tree cutting and shrub plantingwas carried out on Parkhall Roadwhile an overgrown area on theA34 in Trent Vale was alsotackled.Councillor Janine Bridges,Cabinet Member for CityServices, said: “Clean and Greendays have proven very successfulso far, not only in improving theareas where work is done, but alsoin strengthening links with localresidents and businesseswho have taken part.“It’s about giving people asense of pride in theirsurroundings and makingsure that people know thearea where they live andwork is being looked after.“We also need the public tohelp us. While we can do lotsof cutting back and planting,litter remains a seriousproblem. Our EnvironmentalCrime Unit does a tremendousamount of work in changing themindset of people who litterdrop. We need the public to thinktwice before dropping litter andto help us keep <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent aclean and safe city.”‘‘It’s about giving people a senseof pride in their surroundings andmaking sure that people know thearea where they live and work isbeing looked after.’’– COUNCILLOR JANINE BRIDGESCountrysideTeam LeaderHelen Meharg andCountryside OperativeAndy Campbell fromthe Country ParksTeam hard at workat Holden LanePools.

<strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong> Our City 5Great workingcity wouldbenefit all wholive here andput us on mapEmilyRobinson, aged 21,of Clayton, checks outtrain times to Londonwhich could be slashed if<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent werelinked to the proposedhigh speed railnetwork.ore high speed rail networkCouncil presses forhigh-speed hubTHE council is puttingforward <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent’scase to benefit from theGovernment’s proposed HighSpeed Railway phase 2 (HS2)that would link London withthe Midlands and the North ofEngland.An interest in securing anintermediate station in the NorthStaffordshire area as part of therapid rail link has been confirmedby <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent City Council inits response to the Government’s HS2consultation. The council believes that asub regional station in or near<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent would bring newbusiness opportunities and economicgrowth to the city.The Government is proposing toconstruct a new Y-shaped high speed railnetwork, with an initial line betweenLondon and the West Midlands andonward legs to Leeds and Manchester.It is forecast that the new network,expected to cost £32 billion to construct,would generate benefits nationally ofaround £44 billion as well as morebenefits totalling a further £27 billion.By expressing a strong interest in theHS2 project, the council is trying toensure that the city benefits from thatinvestment. If HS2 is approved,Make itClick andEasystoke.gov.uk Report ahousing repair:stoke.gov.uk/housingrepairGlasgowManchesterLiverpoolWest CoastMain Line<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-TrentBirminghamA map showing the route of theproposed HS2 rail link whichcould bring massive benefits tothe city’s regeneration if thecouncil’s bid were successful.EdinburghNewcastleEast CoastMain LineLeedsSouth YorkshireEast MidlandsBirmingham Interchange(Birmingham Airport)HeathrowAirport Eustonconstruction could begin in 2017 withthe first trains running by 2025. Atpresent the only high speed route inBritain is HS1 – the Channel Tunnel RailLink.Council Leader CouncillorMohammed Pervez said: “I believe thereis real potential for significantregeneration benefits if we are part ofHS2. If we had an intermediate station itwould open up national and internationalmarkets for businesses in our city.Huge advantage“We know HS2 would bringManchester within 75 minutes ofCrossrail Interchange(Old Oak Common)ParisBrusselsAmsterdamFrankfurtLondon and we would beeven closer. Shorterjourney times to Heathrowwould be a huge advantage,providing real sustainableeconomic growth for ourregion.”Councillor Pervez added:“We must make our city theplace to bring business anda sub regional stationwould definitely enhancethe attraction of<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trentand the rest of thearea forinwardinvestmentas well asLondonprovidingrailconnectivity.“In a timewhen demandon railnetworks issteeplyrising weneed toensure we arelinked intoprojects likeHS2.”By City CouncilChief ExecutiveJohnvan deLaarschotYOU will no doubt have seen the words“Mandate for Change” appear in the centre pagesof this edition of Our City. That phrase, at themoment, might not mean a lot to you, but overthe course of the coming months and years, itwill form the bedrock of how <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent CityCouncil works and what it stands for. The cityfaces unprecedented economic challenges in thefuture, and we must be equipped to meet thesechallenges head on. To do that, we need tochange the way the city council, and the cityitself, functions.We need to make <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent a greatworking city, one where jobs are plentiful andthe city operates as efficiently as a Swiss clock.To enable this, we are promoting four strategicplatforms built on an effective and confidentcouncil. The four key areas are making<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent attractive for new businesses;supporting existing businesses; promotinghealthy and independent lives and making thecity a great place to live.The overriding factor in all of this is a goal tocreate more jobs in the city – from whicheverything else can flourish. More jobs meanmore income, better standards of living,improved quality of life and better choices ofplaces to live. The potential for an EnterpriseZone makes the city more attractive for newbusinesses to relocate here, but we need to domore to market the city on the internationalstage and offer support to firms that want tocome here. Existing companies will be able tobenefit from increased financial advice andsupport, access to business coaches andrecruitment. Helping to develop new localbusinesses is a key part of what we want to do.Effective and confidentIn creating and bringing new jobs to the city,we can make people more financiallyindependent, and that will allow us to make surethe resources we have can be targeted in theright way. We can then do more to help those inneed and help them gain a higher level ofindependence. In that respect, we also need tobuild an effective and confident council, makingourselves leaner and in a better position to putour resources to good use. By prioritising ourservices, we can ensure we get to help the rightpeople, while continuing to offer great value formoney.The end result of all of this is making<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent a great place to live. Creating abetter choice of housing, improving our openspaces, and maximising the attractions wealready have.We are the World Capital ofCeramics, home to the world famous StaffordshireHoard, we host Premier League football and theTour of Britain cycle race, and we will be a hostcity for the Olympic Torch Relay in 2012. All of thismakes us proud, but with this “Mandate forChange”, we will have even more to celebrate.Thiscity deserves no less. Help us make it happen.

6 Our City <strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong>Paul Hackney withhis book Growing BarnOwls in My Garden.Love affair with barn owls isa publishing hoot for PaulA WORD to the wise... if you spota barn owl in North Staffordshireit’s probably due to the dedicatedefforts of Paul Hackney. Paul isthe Assistant Director of LegalServices, heading up the citycouncil’s legal services team.Away from his eyrie in the CivicCentre, the legal eagle becamemore of a mother hen as he keptbreeding pairs of barn owls incaptivity in order to release theiroffspring into the wild.Now Paul has burst into print torecount how his conservationefforts helped to re-stock the localenvironment with around 250 ofthe magnificent creatures thatwere once close to extinction inthis part of the world.The title of his colour illustratedtome – Growing Barn Owls In MyGarden – nicely sums up Paul’swildlife crusade during which heset up ideal barn owl breedingfacilities in the garden of hishome. The book includes thephoto, below right, firstseen in City News –forerunner of Our City –15 years ago showingPaul with a tame femalebarn owl that becamehis close companion.“I’ve always beenkeenly interested innatural history. It’s thanksto some naturalists inthe Lake District where Icome from, that I gotinvolved in efforts tore-stock the barn owlpopulation, and it justsnowballed,” recalledPaul.“Apart from mytame owl, I could notallow myself to becomeattached to the birdsbecause they had to bereleased. However, I stillmonitor the release sites and itgives me great pleasure to seewild barn owls still in the area upto 10 generations later.”Paul wrote the book over afour-year period in betweencommitments of work and raisinga family. As the city’s ReturningOfficer he is a familiar face on TVas the man who announces theresults at local and generalelection counts.Now the city’s expert on barnowls is planning another swoopon the literary world. Paul haspenned the first few words of hissecond book he describes as a“prequel” about his passion fornature before the owls took overhis life – and his garden.● Growing Barn Owls In MyGarden, by Paul Hackney,published by WhittlesPublishing £16.99. Availablefrom good bookshops andonline from Amazon orwhittlespublishing.comResidents can becomea councillor for a dayRESIDENTS can playthe role of a citycouncillor to learnhow important decisionsare made in <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trentand how the public caninfluence them.Fascinating sessions on how thecouncil works are encouragingresidents to get involved inimproving their neighbourhoodsand shaping <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent'sfuture.The free events, entitled ‘Whomakes the big decisions?’, aim toincrease awareness amongresidents and community groupsof how the council goes about itsbusiness, and how the public caninfluence it.Residents will learn more aboutthe role of the Cabinet and othercouncillors, including how thepublic are informed about whatdecisions the Cabinet will make,petitions and consultation.After being given informationon the workings of the council,people who attend practice beingeither a cabinet member whosejob is to make big decisions, or acouncillor who is part of theoverview and scrutiny process,who must ask questions toexplore whether those decisionsare right.The practical, role-playinghour-and-a-half sessions are basedon one of the actual big decisionsthe Cabinet needs to make.The initiative is run by theauthority's Overview and ScrutinyTeam, which also supportscouncillors who monitor andchallenge what the council does,New committees now in businessSTOKE-on-Trent’s new scrutiny committees have started meeting,and agendas are being posted on the city council's website atstoke.gov.ukChairs of the committees are Councillor Bagh Ali (Adults andNeighbourhoods including Statutory Health), Councillor AndyLilley (Business Services), Councillor Dave Conway (Children andYoung People) and Councillor Matt Wilcox (City Renewal).Please check the current topics pages or updates on newreviews and ways to get involved log onto stoke.gov.uk/scrutinyor call 232956.HEATEDDEBATE...Overview and ScrutinyManager John Ross andsecretary Tracy Robertsact out the role of citycouncillors discussinga big decision in thecouncil chamber.to improve services and makesure they respond to customers’needs.For a long time the team hasurged residents to get involved incouncil business by giving theirviews on consultation exercises orreporting any issues or concernsto their ward councillors.Now it is hoped the ‘Whomakes the big decisions?’ sessionswill encourage more and morepeople to take part.Overview and ScrutinyManager John Ross said: “Theyreally are fascinating sessions andthe people who take part leavewith a clearer understanding ofhow the council works.“Often we are able to answerbasic, but very importantquestions and misconceptions.“For instance, we aresometimes asked if residents canask their local councillor for helpif they didn’t vote for them, and,of course, the answer is yes.“Some people also say they feeldecisions at the council are madein secret and without notice. Wesignpost them to the Cabinet’sForward Plan, which is publishedon the council’s website inadvance.“It goes to show that you cannever take anything for granted,and that people who understandthe council’s processes are morelikely to get involved.”

<strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong> Our City 7Fraud team uncover 1,600 peoplemaking false claimsFRAUD investigatorsat <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-TrentCity Council havetracked down 1,616 peopleresponsible for false claimsworth £1.2 million over thepast 16 months.And a special project set up inMay 2008 to tackle so-called“living together fraud” is nowbeginning to bear fruit with 46prosecutions and the discovery ofoverpayments of £1.5 million.One individual had falselyclaimed £63,626.Housing and Council TaxBenefit fraud since April 2010alone has cost the council£712,181. More than 190 peoplefaced sanctions and cautionswhile 78 were prosecuted. Nineof them went to prison and afurther 13 received suspended jailsentences.OverpaymentsAnother 1,421 people claimed£519,415 in Single PersonDiscount from Council Tax whichthey were not entitled to. Thesecases were not treated as fraudbut as errors.Investigators turned thespotlight on housing tenancyfraud from March this year. Theteam is uncovering cases ofproperties lying empty whenthere are thousands on thecouncil’s waiting list who couldbe homed. There are also cases oftenants illegally sub-letting theircouncil homes for profit.There are 55 on-goinginvestigations in this area and sixproperties have been recovered.Benefits overpayments of£17,000 have been identified aslegal proceedings are considered.Direct payments have also beeninvestigated and a case uncoveredin which a man continued tosubmit expenses claims and receiveDon’t miss out on free early education placesPARENTS across <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent arebeing reminded that free part-time earlyeducation places are available to allchildren before they go to school.The places beginning in the term aftera child’s third birthday are provided in avariety of voluntary, independent andprivate childcare settings.Full-time nursery provision meanwhileis provided by the city council at most ofits primary schools with applications forplaces for children born between 1September, 2008, and 31 August, 2009,being taken from October this year tostart nursery in September next year.Parents can register their interest in anursery place at their preferred school,which will then send out an informationpack at the appropriate time. Onlineapplications can also be made from1 October through the council’s websiteat stoke.gov.ukRowena Watkins, the council’s SchoolOrganisation Manager, said:“Parentspayments for the care of histerminally ill father even though hehad died some months before.Corporate Fraud Manager PaulBicknell said: “My team of 10 isdoing a fantastic job ofidentifying the cheats andbringing them to justice. Benefitfraud affects us all because thecon artists are taking money weas a council could be spendingelsewhere – so we have a zerotolerance policy. Our message tothe fraudsters is clear.“We will find you and when wedo, we will prosecute you andbring the full weight of the law tobear, which may result inprosecution and even a prisonsentence.need to be aware that as nurseryeducation is not compulsory, not allNURSERY FUN:applications will result in a place infour-year-oldone of our nursery classes.Freya Cope and her“So it’s a good idea to check themum Kath in thefree part-time places also availableCrescent pre-schooland contact the Family Educationnursery, Meir.Service for more information.“Reception class admissions areentirely separate from nursery classadmissions so it’s worth remindingmums and dads that they will need tore-apply for a reception class place.Attending a nursery class won’tguarantee a place in reception.”● For more information about the freeEarly Education Entitlement and a list ofchildcare settings who deliver earlyeducation contact the Family EducationService on 0800 015 1120.For more information of how to makean application, families can also emailthe council’s admissions team onadmissions@stoke.gov.ukSHOP THE CHEATS:Someone in your neighbourhood could be falsely claimingbenefits and discounts to which they are not entitled.“We can’t catch people on ourown so we’d encourage anyonewho has information about afraudster to get in touch with us.”To report benefit fraudsimply call the hotline at<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent City Councilon 01782 236800 or emailfraud@stoke.gov.ukChance forthe publicto inspectaccountsRESIDENTS are being offeredthe chance to inspect thecouncil’s accounts as part of anongoing commitment toincrease transparency.The period of publicinspection is arranged on anannual basis and lasts for 20working days. This year itbegan on Monday, 4 July andwill continue until Friday, 29July.Individual inspections canbe arranged by calling thecouncil’s financial service teamto book a date and time.Councillor Sarah Hill, CabinetMember for Finance, said:“Weare committed to increasingtransparency at the counciland we have already beenpublishing items of spend over£500 on our website sinceJanuary this year.“I would encourage anyperson who has a questionabout our accounts to contactPeter Bates, Assistant DirectorFinancial Services on 232736to arrange their individualinspection.“It really is a valuable wayfor people to question orunderstand better theworkings of the council andour accounts.”PUBLIC NOTICESTOKE-ON-TRENT CITYCOUNCILNOTICE OF NON-STATUTORYPUBLIC INQUIRY SECTION 15 OFTHE COMMONS ACT 2006Application to register land as a new Town orVillage Green in respect of:–• Land known as part of Park Hall CountryPark and Golf Course, Hulme Road, Park Hall,<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent• Land off Anchor Road, Adderley Green,<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-TrentNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an Inspector hasbeen appointed by the Commons RegistrationAuthority for <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent to hold a nonstatutory Public Inquiry into the followingapplications made under section 15(1) of theCommons Act 2006. The Inspector will attend:-The Council Chamber,Civic Centre, Glebe Street,<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent ST4 1HHOn Monday 8 August <strong>2011</strong> at10.30amTo hold a non-statutory public inquiry into theapplications.The inquiry for the application in respect ofLand off Anchor Road, Adderley Green isexpected to run for up to two days.The inquiry for the application in respect ofland known as part of Park Hall Country Parkand Golf Course, Hulme Road, Parkhall isexpected to run for up to three days.Any person wishing to view the documentsrelating to this application which the Applicantand Objector intends to rely upon may do soafter 29 July <strong>2011</strong> by appointment if theycontact Zoe Carr, Senior Legal Officer, CivicCentre, Glebe Street, <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent ST4 1HH(Tel: 01782 233744).Civic CentreGlebe Street<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-TrentST4 1HHPaul HackneyAssistant Director (Legal Services)Dated: 15 July <strong>2011</strong>Business Services

8 Our City <strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong><strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent Housing SocietyChairman Trevor Jones handsover the keys to Vikki Cave,the first customer at GaribaldiClose, with <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent LordMayor Councillor Terry Followsand Lady Mayoress JacquelinePearson looking on.‘‘It is so much better than anyother property I have seen by amile and is safe for the children.It’s in a good location and I love thedesign of the houses – especiallythe large windows. – VIKKI CAVE’’New homes cutcity’s waiting listLORD Mayor Councillor TerryFollows helped hand overthe keys to the first residentof a £2.5million eco-friendlyhousing development.Mum-of-two Vikki Cave, 28, hasmoved into the scheme atGaribaldi Close, Etruria, which hasbeen built by <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-TrentHousing Society.There are 21 two and threebedroom properties – all well-designedwith eco-friendly features – 18 of whichare for rent and three for sharedownership.The homes are being let and soldby Newcastle-based AspireHousing, although <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-TrentCity Council has theright tonominatepeople fromits housingwaiting listto live there.DelightedVikki Cave withthe keys to hernew homein GaribaldiClose.Senior Housing Needs Officer HayleyPrime said: “We have a very close workingrelationship with the housing associationsdeveloping new properties in <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trentand the council has agreements in place tonominate customers from our waiting listinto those properties.“This is great news as it not only enablesus to reduce the waiting list, but also givescustomers more choice.”<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent Housing SocietyChairman Trevor Jones said: “We haveregenerated a run down area, providingbetter quality homes for the localcommunity.“The unique design of the properties hasmade the area more attractive as well asimproving insulation and reducing heatingbills.“We hope to build on this and developmore new properties and increase socialhousing in <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent.”Vikki, who will live in the propertywith her children Daniel, seven,and Charlie, five, said: “I’m veryexcited to be the first person tomove into this development.It is so much better thanany other property I haveseen by a mile and issafe for the children.“It’s in a goodlocation and I love thedesign of the houses –especially the largewindows.”

<strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong> Our City 9£50 voucher upfor grabs inmag surveyTransport to workgives big jobs boostANEW scheme has beenlaunched that is designed tohelp people in <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trentovercome transport difficulties theymay encounter when trying to accessemployment opportunities.Home to Work – which is jointly funded bythe city council and the European RegionalDevelopment Fund – offers cost-effectivesupport and advice regarding the besttransport options.The help depends on needs andcircumstances, but will include:● A travel information package – highlyindividualised advice and informationgiving tailored door-to-door travelinformation● Public transport tickets – if appropriate –for example those who apply could beoffered a bus pass.● Car share – the Home to Work team will tryto arrange a scheme, which will allow thoseBUSINESSES located in North Staffordshire’sproposed Enterprise Zone (EZ) will be entitledto a whole raft of incentives, which are aimedat stimulating the economy and job creation.If given the green light, the EZ would bespread over three development sites locally –and companies situated in one of the areaswould benefit from tax breaks, relaxedplanning rules and superfast broadband.The target is to create up to 14,000 jobs in anumber of different sectors by attractingpotential inward investors, offering a range ofready-made sites, all with something unique tooffer. The three EZ areas are based at Etruriausing the service to share the cost oftravelling to work.The aim of providing the support is toencourage people to eventually sort their owntravel arrangements while giving them anysupport needed in the meantime. Differentlevels of support are available depending onspecific needs.Work with employersThe project will also work with employersin the city and across North Staffordshire toencourage sustainable travel among theirworkforce.To be entitled to support from the Home toWork scheme people must:● Live in <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent.● Be applying for a job, have a job or a joboffer in the North Staffordshire area.● Be aged 16 or over.Councillor Adrian Knapper, CabinetMember for Transport and Planning, said:Valley, Hadleigh Business Park, in Blythe Bridge,and Keele Science Park in Newcastle.The proposed EZ covers approximately 150hectares and the majority of the land is readyto build on.Hadleigh Business Park is seen as animportant location for large logisticscompanies, while Keele is ideal for creatingknowledge-based and business service jobs.Maitland Hyslop, Chairman of the LocalEnterprise Partnership (LEP) – which isbusiness-led and supported by the city counciland Staffordshire County Council – said:“Twenty one Enterprise Zones are being set upCabinetmembers CouncillorMark Meredith (EconomicDevelopment) and CouncillorAdrian Knapper (Transportand Planning) with the Hometo Work travel packs whichwill help people travelto their jobs.“The Home to Work team will work closelywith our existing staff to ensure the whole ofthe transport network is available to peoplewho are having difficulty getting to work, ordifficulty getting a job where they would needto travel.“It will hopefully increase accessibility forpeople looking for work who are being limitedby their lack of transport, and help others findalternative, sustainable ways of getting to theircurrent job.”Councillor Mark Meredith, Cabinet Memberfor Economic Development, said: “Givingpeople more ways to get to work, or helpingthem with transport so they can get a new job,is part of the city council’s role in helping localemployers maintain a reliable workforce.“By encouraging people to use differenttypes of sustainable transport, we can open upthe job market to people who are restricted inhow they can get to work.”For more details about Home to Work call01782 235367 or email H2W@stoke.gov.ukEnterprise Zone bid to kick start city economyby the Government as a way of encouragingdevelopment. They will benefit from simplifiedplanning rules, discounted business rates of upto £275,000 over five years and funding forsuperfast broadband.”A total of 29 LEPs are bidding for the secondround of 10 EZs. However, the NorthStaffordshire site has received the support ofthe Prime Minister David Cameron.City council Leader Mohammed Pervez said:“It is our intention to make <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent aworking city again and this kind of majorproject is exactly the kick start the citydesperately needs.”£50 worth of vouchers tospend in the city’s popularmarkets are up for grabs forpeople who help the councilto improve Our City.The magazine, which wasnamed the UK’s Best CouncilPublication in 2008, aims toinclude as many people aspossible in promotingeverything good about<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent and tellingresidents how they canaccess the public servicesthey need.But in a bid to make themagazine even better, andhelp it reflect what the city’speople want to see, Our Citywants readers to answer thefollowing questions:● What do you like bestabout Our City?● Is there anything youdon’t like?● What would you like to seemore of in the magazine?Send your answers by emailto ourcity@stoke.gov.uk, orwrite the answers on apostcard including your nameand contact details and sendto Freepost Our City.All answers will be enteredinto a prize draw and thefirst pulled out of the hat on26 August will receivevouchers to the value of £50to spend in the city’smarkets.Learning aboutother culturesSCHOOLCHILDREN and theirteachers have been exploringthe diverse contributionsrefugees bring to the UK as partof a week-long celebration.Pupils worked with officersfrom the Narrowing the Gapteam within the council’sLearning Services.They raised awarenessabout arts, music, food andculture and the difficultiesfacing asylum seekers.The team also worked withschools to raise awarenessabout Gypsy, Roma andTraveller History Month.Jo Softley of the Narrowingthe Gap Team said:“<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent is a city rich inculture and the team supportschools in raising theachievement of children andyoung people from a range ofreligious, social and culturalbackgrounds.“We have been workingwith schools to raiseawareness of Refugee Weekand Gypsy, Roma and TravellerHistory Month by deliveringworkshops to children andstaff.”

10 Our City <strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong>BEFOREAFTERHot-stuffSchmidtcleans up on towncentre pavementsPAVEMENTS across <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent aregetting a hot wash now a £100,000machine is working its magic as partof a new citywide cleaning regime.The Schmidt Hotjet was being usedmainly in the City Centre whenEnvironmental Services ManagerAndy Chesworth took on the serviceand decided to expand it to transformall town centres and public areas.He said:“The machine wasn’t beingused to its full potential so now it iscleaning more areas to make the citymore attractive for residents andPavementsin Burslemtown centrewhich were giventhe Schmidttreatment.visitors alike. Three operatives havenow been trained to use the machineall year round unless frost stops us,and the hotjet can now be seengoing around the city giving a hotwash and scrub to all block pavedand paved areas.”Town centres in Tunstall, Burslem,<strong>Stoke</strong>, Longton, Fenton, Meir andHanley are now on a rota for a regularclean from Monday to Friday whilethe area around <strong>Stoke</strong> Station is alsoincluded as a main gateway into thecity. Paved areas around allmonuments are also included.Andy said:“We were determined tomake the city a much more welcomingplace and the hotjet is playing a majorrole in that. Our main operative DeanParry, pictured, is bringing faded, dirtypaved areas back to their originalgleam and he has already started tobrighten up the city.”● Do you know a pavement theSchmidt could clean up?Write to Freepost Our City oremail ourcity@stoke.gov.ukAre you 19+?Claiming benefits?Looking for work?We’ll help you gain the confidenceand skills you need to get a job.● Assess your skills● Provide adviceand guidance● Training● Interview skills● CV preparation● Sourcing jobopportunities● Support withchildcare, transportand other costswww.jet2work.org.ukemail jet@stoke.gov.uk or call01782 233530 or 01782 232996for more information

<strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong> Our City 11New housingdevelopment, TunstallCauldon CeramicsLimited, TunstallMandate for Change<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent is facing a challenging economicperiod and needs a clear plan focusing on“a working city”.This four page pull-out sets out our mandate forchange, based on four strategic aims allunderpinned by an effective and confident council.■ Make <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent the place to bring business.■ Support and develop existing business.■ Work with people to promote independenceand healthy lives.■ Make <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent a great city to live in.Working with our partners, we will deliver thisplan over the next four years and we are startingnow. We want to share this exciting journey withyou and we want you to get involved.Bringing skilled workto <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-TrentDistilling equipment,Ceram Research,Penkhull<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent has a proudindustrial heritage of hardworking people producing firstclassproducts to a world market.But the industrial landscape haschanged and the city is nowsuffering from a lack of jobopportunities.More jobs mean:■ More income for the city andits residents;■ Better standards of living andbetter quality of life;■ Better choice of places to live,and■ More things to see and do.If we create more jobs in<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent, things will getbetter – it’s as simple as that.We need to make <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trenta GREAT WORKING CITY.

12 Our City <strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong> <strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong> Our City 13Mandate for ChangeMake <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent theplace to bring businessThe best way to create more jobs in the short term isto encourage businesses to locate here. The city hasa tremendous amount to offer.We need to target big businesses and show themwhy they should come to <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent. Thismeans improving the way the city looks, marketingourselves on the international stage and workinghard to develop a world-class Enterprise Zone withan attractive offer of incentives and support. Wewill continue to improve the City Centre, promotingour retail offer and the Central Business District.We want to be a leader in the green revolutionencouraging businesses by promoting self-sufficient,sustainable low carbon energy across the citywith the aim of offering stable energy prices.We will make the gatewaysto the city loud and proud -you will know when youhave arrived in <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent!We have a diverse range ofland and buildings availablefor development. Come andtalk to us. We want to dobusiness with your business.Etruria Valley, potentialEnterprise Zone siteMandate for Change...the four strategic prioritiesEmma Bridgewater,City WatersideSupport and developexisting businessWe need to support our existing businessesand help them to grow which will createmore jobs for our local people. This meansmaking it easier for businesses to operate byhaving an open approach to planning.We will also support businesses by ensuringthey have access to good advice and financepackages as they look to expand and byoffering a range of different accommodationoptions, access to business coaches andrecruitment. We will also provide support topeople who want to set up new businessesand help those looking for work to developtheir skills to fit the needs of local employers.Working closely with local agencies such asthe Chamber of Commerce, we will identifyand support fast growing enterprises byhelping to remove barriers to success.We will boost the North Staffordshireeconomy by giving local businesses thesupport, information and contacts they need topitch for and win major contracts.Vodafone, Etruria ValleySteelite International,BurslemWe need to ensure that businesses can reachtheir customers. We need to improve the flowof traffic through our road network and investin better linkages from our major railwaystation to the City Centre.We need to focus on developing skills bysetting children on the right path, helpingpeople back into work and enabling thosealready working to grow to their potential. Thismeans aligning our schools and universities tofocus on the skills that local businesses want.Supporting our vulnerable childrento reach their full potentialWork with peopleto promoteindependenceand healthy livesWith fewer resources available weneed to make sure that money andservices are targeted at those most inneed and to work with peopletowards greater levels ofindependence.Creating new job opportunities willmean that more people can befinancially independent. By tailoringour care services we can help peopleto take more responsibility for theirown needs.Our offer will include access topersonalised services which meetindividual needs and our aim willalways be to have people back intheir own homes as quickly aspossible.We need to help our communities worktogether to improve their own livesProviding greenhealthy spacesEnablingindependent livingWorking closely with our partners,sharing information and resources,we will continue to protect the mostvulnerable in our communities.Working towards ahealthy lifestyleMake <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent a greatcity to live inWe want to make <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trenta great city to live in. We can dothis if we create a better choice ofhousing to suit everyone’s needs,improve our open spaces and thelook and feel of the city and ifthere are exciting things forpeople to do in their free time.<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent is home to twofootball clubs – the <strong>2011</strong> FACup finalists <strong>Stoke</strong> City FC andPort Vale FC, winners of theFootball League Trophy in 1993and 2001.Mandate for ChangeTackling child poverty and supportingour older people towards greaterindependence will remain keypriorities.Through education and support wewill work with parents and families toensure that children reach theirpotential. A secondary schoolsmodernisation plan will deliver newschools and upgrades across the city.We will work to ensure that familiesof all ages are encouraged to livehealthy lives.and training courses have beencreated to get people out on theirbikes. Our commitment to cyclinghas seen the city host the Tour ofBritain – the biggest free-to-viewprofessional sporting event in theUK – for the past three years, andwill be back in <strong>2011</strong>.In May 2012 we will be a host cityfor the Olympics Torch Relay andevening celebration – a wonderfulopportunity for <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent.Michelin, Trent ValeA ‘red carpet’ approach to inward investmentWe are the World Capital ofCeramics and residents andvisitors can enjoy our factorytours, world class museums,shops and city parks. We arehome to the Staffordshire Hoard– the country’s largest and mostvaluable collection of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.<strong>Stoke</strong> on Trent can provide:■ An extensive and available workforce■ Plentiful brown-field land available fordevelopment■ Excellent connectivity to the rest of the UK –with quick and easy access to major motorwaysand rail networks■ Green, low-cost energy provision■ A possible Enterprise Zone which providesincentives for businesses to trade hereBut we will need to get tough too. We will no longer tolerate:■ Antisocial behaviour■ Crime and disorder■ Benefit fraud■ Council tax arrears■ Housing rent arrears■ Fly tippingIn 2008 <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent wasawarded cycling city status forits network of greenways andbeautiful countryside. Newcycle routes, bike hire centresRegent Theatre,City Centre

14 Our City <strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong>Mandate for ChangeDevelop aneffective andconfident council<strong>Stoke</strong> City FC fans atthe FA Cup Final <strong>2011</strong>In order to deliver our fourstrategic aims and to support thefundamental changes to the city,the council itself needs to change.It needs to deliver more for less indifferent and innovative ways.We have already begun to make thecouncil leaner and more effcient.We need to continue the journey bybeing careful about the way wespend every penny of public moneyand by using the right technologyto support our services.Working together withour partners our Mandatefor Change means wewill do the best we canfor <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-TrentPicture courtesy of Staffordshire Sentinel News & MediaCleaning and greening<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-TrentSection of the Centenaryoil painting of the Councilin 2010 by Rob PointonThank you for reading this Mandate forChange for <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent.We now have a four year period ofstable political leadership which willbe crucial in shaping <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trentand what the city can offer to itscommunities and its businesses.Our aim is to bring the economy of<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent alive again.Our journey has begun and in the faceof significant financial challenges wehave successfully reduced our costswhilst protecting the most vulnerablein our society.Work has started on the new citycentre bus station, our UniversityQuarter is expanding, a new sixth formcollege has been built anddevelopment continues at CityWaterside (new housingdevelopments). We also have a Centreof Refurbishment Excellence (CoRE – aunique scheme showcasing bestpractice in refurbishment) and we arealso creating a central business districtand a new shopping centre aligned tothe bus station.Working in partnership with private,public and voluntary organisations, wehave a dedicated team of councillorsand officers in place to transform ourcity.Port Vale FC,BurslemPicture courtesyof StaffordshireSentinel News &MediaTour of Britain, <strong>Stoke</strong>on-Trent2010Now we need you. We have to getthis right and we need to knowwhat you think.So tell us! Here’s how you can getin touch:Please write to Freepost Our City,or you can email us at:mandate@stoke.gov.ukYou can fill in a form online at:stoke.gov.uk/mandateThank you for taking the time toshare your thoughts with us. Wewill publish your views over thenext few months.Councillor Mohammed PervezLeader of the CouncilJohn van de LaarschotChief ExecutiveArtists impression of EastWest Precinct, City Centre

TLC Responder Paul Gallagher is oneof the staff available around the clockto help members of the scheme.<strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong> Our City 15Lifeline offeredall day, every dayAN emergency response service that offers a lifeline toelderly and vulnerable people who fall ill or are injured intheir homes is now providing around-the-clock support.The Response Service – which is part of the Telecareand Lifeline Service – is now accessible any time of theday and night, including bank holidays.Clients are issued with pendants that they press ifthey feel unwell. A responder – who is trained in FirstAid, moving and handling and fire and home riskassessment – can be with them quickly to get themback on their feet and deal with the problem, withoutan unnecessary hospital visit.It is free to people who pay for the Lifeline Service(which costs 51p per day), or who receive Telecare supportfollowing a social care assessment.Telecare Manager Peter Ball said:“We have about 1,000clients registered for the Response Service and evenbefore going 24/7 the team handled at least 50 call outsper month.“These were dealing with falls, carrying out welfarechecks and even administering first aid on occasions.“Every month, the combination of telecare andemergency responder prevents dozens of hospitaladmissions and helps people to stay safe at home.”● For more details about the Telecare, Lifeline or ResponseService log onto stoke.gov.uk/telecare or call 01782 234545.Close team leadsthe battle againstlitter anddog foulingAS an InvestigationsOfficer for the city’sEnvironmentalCrime Unit, DominicGratty is used to his fairshare of verbal abuse fromangry and frustratedmembers of the public.Issuing fixed penalty notices forlittering and dog fouling is notthe easiest job in the world –particularly as people do notalways see the bigger picture andunderstand why a zero toleranceapproach is necessary.“People will ask me ‘What is theharm in dropping a cigarette butt?’or ‘There’s a lot worse crime outthere – why are you fining me forthis?’ They don’t think they aredoing any damage,” he said.“However, the fact is we haveto have a zero tolerance approach.People need to know that litteringand dog fouling will lead to a finein all circumstances. The vastmajority of people know that it iswrong and illegal and we willenforce this.“Dropping litter soon adds uptoo – and then the cost to the cityin terms of cleaning up all themess really starts to rise.“It eats away at preciousresources that could be betterspent elsewhere.“That’s the message we aretrying to get across and that’s whywe work with the public to ensurethey know that littering and dogfouling is not just bad for theenvironment it also impacts onthe local economy.”Being part of a small team,Dominic and his colleagues verymuch depend on the vigilance ofmembers of the public in order tohelp them carry out their job.They are on the look out foreverything from people discardingcigarette butts in the streets tothose who unscrupulously fly-tiplarge amounts of waste.Tip-offs are lifebloodHe said: “<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent is abusy area to cover for a team ofjust eight people so there is onlyso much we can observeourselves.“That is why we work closelywith residents’ associations,businesses and individuals whoact as our eyes and ears.“Tip-offs and calls from thepublic are our lifeblood and wealways welcome people calling usto give us information.”Dominic’s role comes with thepowers to issue fixed penaltynotices of £80 for anyone foundlittering and £50 for dog fouling.He also works closely withStaffordshire Police, the citycouncil’s CCTV control centreand otherorganisationswhen the needarises.He added:“Verbal abuse isa day-to-dayoccurrence andwe tend to dealwith that bytalking thingsthrough withthe personinvolved.“Butsometimesmembers of thepublic will giveus false namesor details toattempt toavoid the fine.“This in itselfis an offenceand by workingwith the policeand other organisations we areable to track them down and takecourt action.”The partnership approach paiddividends earlier this summerwhen the team’s work resulted in22 successful prosecutions againstpeople who failed to pay thenotices for littering or dog fouling– totalling £6,300 in fines.Where possible theEnvironmental Crime Unit try totake a proactive and educationalapproach, by working withmembers of the community aswell as businesses andorganisations.A good example was theEco-School event held in June.This involved representativesfrom 100 schools around the citytaking part in an educationalworkshop at the King’s Hall,<strong>Stoke</strong>, highlighting the issuessurrounding dropping litter.Working together to clean upthe neighbourhood... DorothyMatthews, of Tunstall NorthResidents’ Association, acts asthe council’s eyes and ears bypointing out a clean-up issueto Investigations OfficerDominic Gratty.“Our role is two-fold,” addedDominic. “First it is to re-educatepeople and to get them tounderstand why littering and dogfouling can not be taken lightly,and secondly it is enforcement –where and if it is needed to issuethe fixed penalty notices toreinforce the message.”● To contact the EnvironmentalCrime Unit with any informationcall 01782 232233.

16 Our City <strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong>Supportturns livesaroundTHOUSANDS of vulnerablepeople in <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent areturning their lives around thanksto the city council’s SupportingPeople Programme.Ex-offenders, people at risk ofdomestic abuse, older people,refugees, those with mentalhealth needs or drug or alcoholproblems, learning disabilities orpeople with HIV/Aids are justsome of those who receivesupport that helps them liveindependently.A network of council services,agencies and voluntary sectororganisations are commissionedby the team to provide supportwhich is usually housing-relatedbut can also provide help inother ways like benefits adviceand access to training andemployment.During the year 2010/11alone, more than 1,700 peoplewere supported with short-termservices, while many others arehelped on a longer-term basis.Supporting People helpedpeople achieve more than 8,000outcomes in 2010/11 – includinghelping them move on toindependence, manage debt,maximise income, attendtraining or education and find ajob.Samantha Williamson,Research and DevelopmentOfficer with the SupportingPeople Team, said:“The emphasison what we do is to helpvulnerable people to leadindependent lives, or to provideolder people with support tocontinue to live independentlyin their own home.”● For more information or toget involved in theIndependent Advisory Teamphone 01782 232123 or emailsupporting.people@stoke.gov.ukHeads takeon UK rolesHEADTEACHERS RachelBeckett and Dianne Masonhave been selected forleading UK-wide roles insupporting schools inchallenging circumstances.They are two of only 100 tobe appointed to the role ofNational Leader of Education(NLE) in its latest recruitment.Rachel – Headteacher atSandon Primary School inMeir and ExecutiveHeadteacher at HollywallPrimary School – and Dianne– Executive Headteacher atSt. Wilfrid’s Catholic PrimarySchool, Tunstall and St. Peter’sCatholic Primary – will gaintraining to drive forwardimprovements in schoolsfrom the National College forLeadership in Schools andChildren’s Services.EthanHoskins, 10, ofSt. Joseph’s atGoldenhill, and KeeleyReynolds, 10, ofGoldenhill PrimarySchool.Pupils forge funlinks with localfirefightersCOMMUNITYrelationships at thenew Sandyford FireStation really are growingin more ways than one –especially now localchildren have teamed upwith firefighters to tendfour allotments at the site.The £4.5 million facility isalready proving a big hit after itopened as the city’s first everfull-time community station inOctober last year.Several organisations andgroups use it for meetings, one-offopen days have been staged thereand local people even use thestate-of-the-art gym facilities.Now four schools have joinedforces with the four differentwatches at the station to growfruit and vegetables in plots onthe site.One and a half hour sessionsare staged for youngsters fromHaywood Engineering College aswell as younger pupils fromGoldenhill, Summerbank andA NEWLY-FORMED cycling club has very close linkswith Sandyford Community Fire Station and creditsStaffordshire Fire and Rescue Service with helpingthem to get started.Members of the Kidsgrove Wheelers, formed in 2007,started staging their monthly meetings at Sandyford assoon as the station opened in 2010.They use the community room for free each monthand up to 16 members attend ‘turbo training’ with theirbikes one night a week during the winter off-season.Club Treasurer Pauline Wilkinson said:“The ladsattach their bikes to the turbo machine, whichSt. Joseph’s Catholic primaryschools.Watch Manager Pete Hall, whois also NeighbourhoodCo-ordinator, said: “We look atSandyford as a community facilitywith a fire station attached sowe’re trying to break downbarriers. In the past people justwalked past the bay doors.“Now we get all sorts of peoplein. It really is the bees knees. Twoscout groups have their meetingshere, Approach staged anAlzheimers open day and theKidsgrove Wheelers are basedhere too.“Our community room isfantastic. But for our latestinitiative we decided to go outsideand set up the allotments.“The kids learn about roadsafety as they come down hereand all sorts of other things whilethey’re weeding, planting andgrowing, like measuring andmaths.“We are also hoping to tie inhealthy cooking and cookingsafety, adding some simple firesafety messages.”Children aged eight to 11 fromGoldenhill Primary School areamong those enjoying gettingtheir hands dirty.Assistant Head Teacher SarahHowson said: “We’re trying to getour Eco Silver Award at themoment so we were looking at alarge initiative to help us do this.”Two classes have already beento the station armed with seedsCyclists think station is wheely greatmeasures their performance, and they get instructionsfrom a DVD on the community room’s TV screen.“The firefighters at Sandyford are brilliant. Everyonetakes care of us and it’s a massive help to us that it’sfree. We didn’t have much money when we first formedthe club so it’s a real asset that we don’t have to pay.”The club recently rook part in a family fun day at thestation and is using it as the start and finish point of itsHill Billy 50 mile challenge ride on 4 September.● Partner and community groups canbook the facilities by ringing 01785 898897during office hours.HarrietHockins, aged9 and Ryan Taylor,10, from St. Joseph’sof Goldenhill, tendto the runnerbeans.and planted their L-shaped plotwith runner beans, lettuce, herbs,a pumpkin, courgettes and evenstrawberries.Children take turns and goalong four times a term, thoughthe school is considering fivetermly trips instead.“They love it and it’s beenreally useful helping them learnabout the life cycle of plants.Some children don’t know wheretheir food comes from so this is alovely experience for them.“They also like getting theirhands dirty,” said Sarah.“It’s a wonderful place and thefirefighters are so helpful.“The community room has aninteractive white board so we’reable to take lessons down there.“Altogether it’s been very goodand one of the watches looks afterour allotment in between times.“They really do look after uswhich is great – just so long asthey don’t eat all ourstrawberries!”

<strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong> Our City 17Public asked to vote for theirschool patrol champTHE hunt is on for<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent’s nextSchool Crossing PatrolWarden of the Year.Parents, children and evenmotorists are being urged tonominate their favourite as theevent, which recognises those whohelp pupils across roads nearschools, enters its sixth year.Kath Steele, the council’s SchoolCrossing Warden Area Manager,said: “We have 84 wardens whocover between 80 and 90 schools,making sure our children stay safe,come hail, rain or shine.“And we think it’s important torecognise their fantasticcontribution so we want you to tellus about the qualities of yourfavourite. Whether they’re reallycheerful and friendly, fantasticcommunicators or just really hot onroad safety, write in and tell us.”Two wardens won last year, RoyBaggaley, of Norton PrimarySchool, who has been triumphantthree times so far, and 59-year-oldSheila Walker, who works at thejunction of London Road andRookery Lane in <strong>Stoke</strong> near OakhillPrimary School.Sheila, who has been a warden for11 years, said: “I couldn’t believe itwhen I won last year. It wasbrilliant.Big smile on face“I really enjoy my job. I knowmost of the names of the little ones.Those I’ve seen through nursery areleaving this year so that’s a little sadbut mostly it puts a big smile on myface. I’ve got one little lad whobrings me bunches of privet leavesas a present.“The other day he brought me astick!”Nominations for this year’s awardshould include the name of thewarden if known, and the locationwhere they work.The letter should say, in no morethan 30 words, why the nominatedwarden deserves to win.Entries will close on 9 Septemberand a panel of judges will announcethe winner in October beforehanding over the winner’s shield anda certificate. Send your nominationto School Crossing Patrol Warden ofthe Year, PO Box 1855, CromerRoad, <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent, ST1 6YS.Foster carers... our city needs you all year roundFOSTERING Fortnight is over for anotheryear but foster carers are needed in<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent all year round.So people interested in providing ahome and helping local children stay localare again being urged to come forward.Did you know that:● There are around 400 children in care in<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent● There are 189 foster families.● There is no such thing as a typical fosterfamily – they are as diverse as the childrenthey care for.Keeping children local is important.Paul <strong>Stoke</strong>s, Principal Manager, Fostering,at <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent City Council, said:“Fostering for <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent is not justabout working for an outstanding service,it is about working with the children ofour city.“We need to encourage local people tocome forward to look after the youngpeople of <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent so they canretain vital contacts with theircommunities, continue to attend the sameschools and see their friends and families.Last year’schampion schoolcrossing patrol SheilaWalker, picturedat work outsideOakhill PrimarySchool.“We want to help them live life asnormally as possible even though they’renot waking up in their family home.”<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent Fostering Service, whichwas rated outstanding by Ofstedinspectors in October 2010, provides fulltraining and support for its foster carers.It also operates Friday morning drop-insessions so people can talk to teammembers about fostering.● Interested? Call 01782 234555, contactduty.fostering@stoke.gov.uk or visitstoke.gov.uk/fosteringOur City reports back onconvictions secured to make<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent safer for us all...MOST-WANTEDARRESTED INTENERIFE:It took two years butJonathan Lejman waseventually trackeddown to a beach onthe holiday island andextradited back to <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent toface justice. The 30-year-old of no fixedaddress had gone on the run aftercarrying out a masked knife attackduring a break-in at a house in Tunstall.His victim suffered a fracturedcheekbone and knife wound to his face.Mobile phone records and bloodstainslinked Lejman to the incident and hewas jailed for six years and eight monthsat <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent Crown Court foraggravated burglary.STREET ATTACK PAIRLOCKED UP:Two men who kickedand clubbed anotherman with a metal barhave been sent to ayoung offenders’institution. JohnLeyland and CraigGaunt, both aged 20,targeted their victimamid claims he hadbeen at a party wherethere had been adispute over moneyfor alcohol. He was tripped up, kickedabout five times, struck with the bararound ten times and needed stitches inhospital. Leyland, from Carson Road,Stanfields, was sentenced to 30 monthsafter he pleaded guilty to woundingwith intent. Gaunt, of High Street,Tunstall, admitted unlawful woundingand was given eight months.REPEAT CAUGHTON CCTV:Burglar Mark Cookson,who has been introuble since he was14, has been jailed forthree years for hislatest crimes. Securitycameras captured the 39-year-oldclimbing a wall and trying to get into ahouse in Sneyd Green. Minutes later hestole gardening equipment from anearby garage. When neighboursconfronted him, he was wearing a jackethe had just taken. Cookson, of no fixedaddress, admitted four offences in courtand asked for a shop theft to be takeninto consideration.The court heard hehad 51 previous convictions for 149offences.HEROIN DEALER JAILED:Police found more than£10,000 cash and 12wraps of heroin duringtwo car searches andtwo raids on DerekBeech’s home. He wasfirst stopped in May lastyear and his address inNewchapel Court in Tunstall wassearched. His home was again raided inSeptember and his car searched 12 dayslater. Beech, aged 56, was convicted at<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent Crown Court on threecounts of possessing heroin with intentto supply and was jailed for six years.Thecourt was told he was a prolific gamblerwith losses of £16,000 on bets placedtotalling £147,724.

18 Our City <strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong>Mums-to-beoffered helpand supportTHE Safer City Partnership isfunding a service that helpsmums-to-be who havesubstance misuse issues.The Pregnant Drug UserClinic, which is run by CRI, isbased at the antenatal clinicat the University Hospital ofNorth Staffordshire’sMaternity Unit.A team of communitynurses, midwives and otherhealth and wellbeing expertswork with women through allstages of their pregnancyoffering specialist advice andsupport.They look at all aspects oftheir lives including healthproblems related to drugmisuse that might beaffecting the unborn babies,as well as the wider socialpicture.Community Nurse KerriBates said:“We look at allaspects of their lives fromhealth problems to socialproblems and any issues thatmight be affecting them,such as domestic abuse.“We also work with otheragencies such as Adsis andthe Womens Project, andwhere possible we refer thewomen into their services.”Kerri added:“We haverecently encountered ageneral increase in thenumber of women referredto the clinic.“They are engaging reallywell with us and in mostcases are focussed onmoving on putting their druguse behind them so they canlook after their new-bornchild.“Our role is to aid them inthis recovery.”● For more informationabout the Pregnant DrugUser Clinic call 01782 212800.OFFENDERS took to the stage in aninnovative theatre project designed tooffer them a positive new beginning.The group of 17 actors, who are or have beenunder the supervision of Staffordshire and WestMidlands Probation Trust, starred in the playFor Better or Worse, performed in front of a100-strong audience at the New Vic Theatre inNewcastle-under-Lyme.Most members of the Chapter 2 theatregroup had a history of re-offending and at leasttwo of them were facing court appearances withthe risk of being sent to prison in view of theircriminal records.However the courts were impressed with thepositive impact of the project – a partnershipbetween <strong>Stoke</strong> on Trent College’s City Breakinitiative and the New Vic Theatre’s BorderlinesTheatre Company community scheme. Both ofA PROJECT is underway tosupport volunteers to tackleantisocial behaviour.The volunteers have beentrained by North StaffordshireMediation Service to deliverrestorative justice and familygroup conferencing. This is anapproach that focuses on theneeds of victims and offenders,instead of punishing the offender.Victims take an active role inthe process, while offenders areencouraged to take responsibilityfor their actions, repairing theharm they have done byapologising, returning stolenmoney, or through communityservice.The volunteers encouragedialogue between victims andoffenders, leading to the highestrates of victim satisfaction.Jon Connolly, who is theAntisocial Behaviour Lead fromthe Safer City Partnership, said:“Itis pleasing that we haveexcellent people who arecommitted to improvingcommunities.“These volunteers are highlymotivated people. I am lookingforward to them working toresolve issues around antisocialbehaviour and being able tohelp resolve issues that affectvictims and communities.”Volunteer Chris Smith hasbeen working with the Safer CityPartnership and StaffordshirePolice to tackle graffiti inBurslem Park.He said:“I hope the project issuccessful in giving victims theopportunity to receive reparationand an apology.”them supplied the courts with characterreferences with the result that none of theoffenders were given a custodial sentence.Before going into the spotlight, the castattended a series of half-day workshops over 12weeks, during which, each participant made apromise which was played over loudspeakersduring the performance. At the centre of theplay’s theme of “new beginnings” was thewedding of two characters whose choices areaffected by the people around them.Change their behaviourCity Break works with key companies andorganisations to support individuals with ahistory of re-offending but who want to changetheir behaviour. The award-winning Borderlinescommunity programme works with some ofNorth Staffordshire’s most disadvantagedcommunities.Actorstake part in oneof the innovativeChapter 2 workshopsat the New Vic Theatreand, inset, JamieSherratt with hiscertificate ofachievement.Cast of ex-offenders start anew chapter in their livesVolunteers help victims find justiceHelping victims and cutting antisocial behaviourare, left to right, Restorative Justice volunteers MarkCotton, Margaret Billingham, Emma Barbour, LauraPaterson, John Mosley and Amanda McDonald.The Chapter 2 project was jointly funded by<strong>Stoke</strong> on Trent College and The ManchesterCollege’s On Trak project, with support fromthe YSS voluntary organisation.<strong>Stoke</strong> on Trent College Project CoordinatorMike Thornley, who also acted in the play, said:“I’m so proud of the whole group. Theirdiligence, character and personalities shonethrough. For most of them this is just thebeginning. The New Vic say this was the one ofthe best collaborations they have had.“We will shortly be looking to develop asimilar programme and use some of the originalparticipants to support the new group.”One of the cast, 25-year-old offender JamieSherratt who is currently on probation, said: “Itwas a brilliant experience and one I will neverforget. It has had a positive effect and I feel thatwhat has happened will change my life for thebetter.”Opportunityto sign up totrain as asports coachINTERESTED in being aqualified sports coachvolunteer?The Safer CityPartnership is nowrecruiting for Tunstall,Burslem, Goldenhill andSandyford, JoinersSquare, Blurton Westand Newstead.For more info emaildavid.hardwick@stoke.gov.uk or tel 01782235001 or visit‘Streetgames <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent’ on Facebook.

<strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong> Our City 19Open day sheds spotlight onAlcohol Service launchMEMBERS ofthe publicandprofessionals attendedan informative openday which promoted anew integratedcommunity alcoholservice.The new service – whichis funded by the Safer CityPartnership – bringstogether the work ofalcohol support agenciesincluding Adsis and NorthStaffordshire CombinedHealthcare Trust.It provides seamlesssupport for people referredfor support for alcoholmisuse.IntegratedThe launch comes afterthe partnership significantlyexpanded its alcoholtreatment services last yearand secured a new centralbase in Havelock Place,Shelton.Suzie Kelly, Safer CityPartnership AlcoholProgramme Lead said “Theopen day highlighted howthe new, co-ordinatedservice operates and how itworks with other supportservices.“It also demonstrated thekind of training and carethat is provided. From aprofessional point of view itwas a useful networkingevent and showed agencieshow they could interlinkwith the service.“From a member of thepublic perspective itexplained the variety ofsupport on offer and howpeople can access it.”Also being demonstratedwas a new alcohol harmAbove, visitor StevenSmith receives advicefrom an Adsis expert.Right, Safer CityPartnership AlcoholProgramme Lead SuzieKelly with one of thenew toolkits.reduction toolkit.It is available toprofessionals and providesservice information,statistics and resourcesincluding a unit measure,screening tools and posters.● The Safer CityPartnership funds a rangeof services to supportpeople wishing to reducetheir alcohol intake orbecome abstinent. Toaccess any of the servicesmentioned, please contactAdsis on 01782 271096.Detox programme gives Julie her life backAS a 16-year-old, Julie started drinkingbecause she lacked confidence and feltalcohol was just the boost she needed.That crucial teenage decision 30 yearsago, was something that almost went on todestroy her life. Over the next three decadesshe used alcohol as a coping mechanismduring stressful situations and found herselfturning to the bottle more and more.By the start of 2010 the 46-year-old mumwas at her wits end. She had lost her drivinglicence, was heavily dependent on alcoholand her relationship with her partner andchildren had become confused.Then last April, she was offered a homedetoxification by community nurses. Theirhelpful, re-assuring and understandingapproach got her life back on track.Unfortunately, it did not last. Just beforeChristmas she attended a party and thoughtshe was strong enough to have a “social”drink. The first drink quickly led to another,then another and soon she was drinking asmuch as before.Julie said:“I really thought I could cope. Ithought I had cracked it and had had nocravings of alcohol since the detoxification.“But I soon found myself dependent onalcohol again. I had to have a lot of time offwork and it was affecting the familyfinancially. I knew I needed help again.”Julie attended a drop-in session at Adsis,was referred to the community nurses andwas offered a second home detoxification.She said:“I felt ashamed and worriedabout what people would think of me. Butthe nurses put me at ease. From day one ofthe detoxification the nurses were so kindand understanding. I can’t stress how muchthey helped me.“The first couple of days were scary butthey visited me twice a day and were alwaysat the end of a phone to support me withany problems. The nurses also offeredsupport to my family with any concerns theyhad. Their care was second to none.”Following the detoxification Julie wasprescribed anti-craving drugs and nowattends Adsis groups for relapse prevention.A month after the detoxification Julie ishappy that life is good again. Herrelationship with her partner and children isback to normal and she is back at work,easing their financial situation.She said:“It’s hard to believe that onlyweeks ago I was an alcohol-dependentemotional wreck. I can’t thank the nursesenough for giving me and my family ourlives back. I would recommend a homedetoxification to anyone.”Funding securedfor more popularRespect weeksFUNDING for Respect Weeks and Daysof Action in neighbourhoods has beensecured by the Safer City Partnershipfor the rest of the year.So far events have been held in thePortland Street and the Elder Roadareas of Cobridge.Residents identified environmentalissues such as litter and fly tippingproblems.As a result, skips were provided onthe estates so residents could disposeof their bulky waste – and over 30tonnes were collected over the threedays.In addition, overhanging trees werecut back, grassed areas trimmed andtrip rails repaired. All the work wasoverseen by the council’sEnvironmental Services Team.Staffordshire Police and StaffordshireFire and Rescue Service were on hand tooffer crime prevention and fire riskadvice and Street Pastors engaged withresidents and provided support andadvice.Meanwhile, following the complaints,the Environmental Crime Unit is alsoactively pursuing lines of enquiry inorder to prosecute offenders forfly-tipping.Bill James, Respect Programme Leadfor the Safer City Partnership, said:“Byworking in partnership on thosematters that are important tocommunities we are determined tomake a difference to the quality of lifefor residents, businesses and visitors tothe city.”Now more initiatives will be held incommunities and on estates throughthe year as part of an ongoing schedule.Residents ask forcold calling zoneTHE latest in a series of highly-successful NoCold Calling Zones has been launchedfollowing a number of doorstep crimes.Lord Mayor Councillor Terry Followsofficially launched the new zone, whichcovers two sheltered housing schemes –Doris Robinson Court and Sandon Court,Meir, as well as adjacent Viscount Walk andDentdale Close.It was set up after a consultation withresidents came back with a 100 per centapproval rating, due to a spate of doorstepcrime.Councillor Gwen Hassall, Cabinet Memberfor Housing and Neighbourhoods said:“Doorstep crime is a serious issue that isnow being addressed by the number of NoCold Calling Zones we have across the city.“We work closely with the police so weare aware of when incidents are reportedand we are then in a position to dosomething about them. In this case, all theresidents we spoke to were in favour ofsetting up a No Cold Calling Zone so we’reanswering their concerns.”

20 Our City <strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong>MONEYmattersContactsfor helpand debtadviceFOR more informationabout managingfinances or dealing withdebt log ontostoke.gov.ukOther useful contactsinclude:National Debtlinewww.nationaldebtline.co.uk 0808 808 4000 –free independent advice.Payplanwww.payplan.com0800 716239 – for debtcalculating, debtsolutions and budgeting.Shelterwww.shelter.org.uk0808 8004444 – housingadvice, including rentand mortgage arrearsrepossessions andeviction.Turn 2 Uswww.turn2us.or.uk0808 802 2000 – offersbenefits advice anddetails of grant-givingcharities.Financial ServicesAuthoritywww.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk – interactivetools for budgeting andborrowing, informationand leaflets.Supportavailableon housingHELP is available forpeople who need adviceand support abouthousing issues.The city council’sHousing Solutions Serviceteam can answer queriesin relation to a range ofissues from mortgageproblems to debt orarrears.The service worksclosely with the CitizensAdvice Bureau,Staffordshire Credit Unionand colleagues across theWest Midlands to helppeople stay in theircurrent home despitefinancial problems.For more informationcontact the service on01782 233696 or emailhousing.advice@stoke.gov.ukTraining prepares partners to fightillegal lending racketsSPECIALIST training has beentaking place as the city council andpartner agencies in <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trenttarget loan sharks.Up to eight awareness sessions on illegalmoney lending will have been staged by the endof August for more than 100 people.Frontline council employees from servicesincluding revenue and benefits, housing andsocial care have all taken part.Third sector partner organisations includingGingerbread, ARCH and Rethink also joined inas well as representatives from housingLOAN shark victims across<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent are being remindedthey do not have to suffer in silence –specialist investigators working inpartnership with the city council canhelp.The England Illegal Money LendingTeam is based in Birmingham, but,working in partnership with localTrading Standards, is on hand to dealwith any complaints and casesreported by people in the city.The team works alongside TradingStandards Officers at the council andsupports other agencies like housingassociations, credit unions,associations, Staffordshire Police andStaffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.The training, delivered by the BirminghambasedIllegal Money Lending Team, wasdesigned to help those taking part to better spotthe symptoms of illegal money lending andsignpost victims to support services.Designed to help everyoneThe idea for the sessions came from the city’sFinancial Inclusion Group and were organisedby the city council’s Executive Support ManagerAnnette Lees. She said: “The two-hour sessionswere designed to help everyone taking part spotStaffordshire Police, the CitizensAdvice Bureau and other debt adviceservices to tackle illegal lendingactivity.Tony Quigley, Head of the EnglandIllegal Money Lending Team, said:“People turn in desperation to loansharks. Quite often loan sharks startout friendly but their behaviourchanges if a payment is missed.“There’s mostly little or no paperwork involved, they refuse to tell theborrower the interest rate, how muchthey owe or how long they’ll bepaying back.“They even take items likepassports or bank cards as security.“We’ve seen cases where theannual percentage rate (APR )rose ashigh as 131,000 per cent.“Sometimes the lenders resort toextreme methods to reclaim theseillegal debts, such as violence orblackmail.“Remember debts are illegal andnot enforceable through the courts.”The Illegal Money Lending Teamsinvestigate and prosecute illegallending and any related activity,which can include threateningbehaviour, violence, intimidation,drug offences, kidnap and even rape.ExecutiveSupport ManagerAnnette Lees withposters which warnthe public not to getbitten by a loanshark.the signs when speaking to customers andclients so they could then offer them supportand signpost them to investigators.“It was by invitation only but still massivelyover subscribed so we organised an extra sessionfor August.“In these tough times, the vulnerable are moreat risk from loan sharks than ever before so itsvital we do all we can to prevent them fromfalling into the clutches of sometimes dangerouspeople.“This training means another 100 peopleinvolved in frontline services now have theknowledge to intervene and offer help.”Special investigators can bite back at loan sharksThe teams are making a difference.Latest national figures show theyhave helped 16,000 victims andprosecuted at least 190 people.Those cases have resulted in jailsentences totalling 107 years.● A 24-hour a day, seven day aweek confidential hotline has beenset up so people can report illegallending. You can speak to a trainedinvestigator by calling 0300 5552222. You can also text ‘loan shark’plus your message to 60003 oremail reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk

GOOD NEWS FOR THE ’MITCH’ AND BETHESDA... CULTURAL QUARTER ICONSCurtain up as new facilities unveiled atstunning theatre complexSHOWTIME is back atthe Mitchell ArtsCentre now a £4.3million re-vamp hastransformed the iconiccommunity andperforming arts venue intoa theatre fit for the 21stCentury.The new look ‘Mitch’ isalready getting a massive thumbsup from audiences andperformers alike and advancedbookings mean shows are alreadyplanned until December 2012.Two dance shows were stagedin the opening weeks with TheAngela Beardmore School ofDance getting the honour ofchristening the stage for the firstperformance in two years.Executive Officer IanHutchinson, who ran PlymouthArts Centre for 10 years beforetaking up his appointment in theCity Centre, said: “It’s been abrilliant start and people whoknew the old ‘Mitch’ can’t believethe transformation.“It’s great to come to a citywhere regeneration puts a theatrelike this at the heart of itscultural life. It really is a fantasticthing.”Mitchell Memorial Youth ArtCentre Trust Chairman FredHughes said: “It really is one ofthe best community performancevenues that I’ve seen in a verylong time.“It’s state-of-the-art and alsohas excellent conference andcorporate facilities. We’replanning a massive event inSeptember at the start of Battleof Britain Week so watch thisspace.”WHERE SPITFIRE MEETSSPACE AGE...Mitchell Arts Centre ExecutiveOfficer Ian Hutchinson outsidethe new-look, fully refurbishedbuilding. Below, rehearsalsunderway in the revampedauditorium.New look facilities include a1,000 square foot dance studio,updated toilets, dressing rooms, anew balcony, a roof terrace and aglass-fronted café.● Bookings for facilities at thearts centre can now be made bycalling 01782 409307.Friends celebrate windows, pulpit and organbringing chapel back towards its former gloryCATHEDRAL OF THE POTTERIES...Deputy Chair of the Friends of Bethesda Chapel JohnBooth as restoration work continues in the background.A CELEBRATION day has beenstaged to mark the completion ofthe second phase of repairs costing£620,000 at the historic BethesdaMethodist Chapel in the City Centre.Latest work included the repair ofa suite of stained glass windowsand the famous mahogany pulpitwith its double flight of stairs, thereinstatement of the ceiling and theinstallation of an historic organ toreplace the badly vandalisedoriginal.Floor tiling has been repairedwhile attention has also been paidto structural timberworksupporting the galleries. Decorativerailings and gates, made to theoriginal pattern, have beeninstalled outside in Albion Street.Money for the repairs came fromthe Heritage Lottery Fund, EnglishHeritage and various grant-givingtrusts with an additional £20,000from Friends of Bethesda.Sir Alan Beith MP, the chairman ofthe Historic Chapels Trust whoacquired the building in 2002,attended the celebrations alongwith Bethesda Friends, Lord MayorCouncillor Terry Follows and theLady Mayoress Jacqueline Pearson.There was a blessing, organrecitals, choral performance and thechapel was then opened to thepublic.A third phase of repairs, likely tocost £1 million, is due forcompletion in 2013 and will includemodern services such as toilets,heating, lighting and sound andvisual systems. When restoration iscomplete, the chapel will be usedfor a wide range of communityevents like concerts, exhibitions andcivic functions.<strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong> Our City 21Support helps16 people intoemploymentA TRAINING, mentoring and workexperience programme which hashelped more than a dozenunemployed people so far intosustainable jobs in adult social carein the last eight months has beenrelaunched.The 13-week <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent CityCouncil-led programme providespeople with mentoring, and theopportunity to develop the skills,behaviour and experience to gainlong-term employment. 16 of the20 people who have alreadycompleted the training are now insustainable employment in theadult social care sector. And halfthe people who are due to finishan existing training programmenext week have already securedpermanent employment, as have20 per cent of those due to finishin September.Councillor Olwen Hamer, cabinetmember for adult social care,health and commissioning, said:“This initiative can rightly becelebrated as a success. It isproving very popular with localpeople and employers alike.”● Employers interested in howthe scheme could help with theirrecruitment, or people lookingfor a career in adult social carecan call the team on 01782235300 or emailsasces@stoke.gov.uk.Software totarget parkingproblem areasA NEW parking enforcement carthinks for itself to target areas ofthe city with the biggest problems.The vehicle, which records thedetails of offenders outsideschools, hospitals and other illegalparking hotspots, now needs justone person to drive it round thecity. Previously there was anoperator too.Cabinet Member for CityServices Councillor Janine Bridgessaid: “It’s useful where peopleblock a road near a school orhospital, preventing essentialaccess or potentially causing anaccident.“The camera car has so fargenerated about £120,000 as aresult of enforcement action, but,of course, it is only penalisingpeople who have contravenedmotoring restrictions.”Make itClick andEasystoke.gov.uk Find out aboutevents in the city:stoke.gov.uk/events

22 Our City <strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong>Summer breakwarning issuedover grass firesChiefInspectorJeff Moore takespart in an afterschoolsports trainingsession with13-year-old LaurenAusterberry.YOUNG people are beingwarned ahead of the schoolsummer holidays about thedevastating and expensiveconsequences of deliberatelystarting grass fires.Staffordshire Fire andRescue Service want to cutdown on the dozens of firesthat are started during thesummer break – often byteenage boys.Not only do they endangerlives but put an unnecessarystrain on the services’emergency resources.Grass fire hot spots in<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent includeBerryhill Fields and ParkhallCountry Park.Posters warning about thedangers of setting fires havebeen distributed to schoolsto spread the safetymessage.Staffordshire Fire andRescue Service’s PreventionManager Mick Daniel said:“Young people who startgrass fires seem oblivious tothe fact that they areendangering their own livesas well as firefighters.“A grass fire can quicklyspread and it does not takemuch for clothing to set onfire and before you know it,you have horrific burnswhich could claim your life.”He added:“For every callwe receive about a grass firethere could be a persondesperately trying to get outof a burning building ortrapped in a car crash inurgent need of ourassistance.”● For more details log ontostaffordshirefire.gov.ukFor all city council servicescontact 234234YOUR HEALTH CENTRESABBEY HULTON (Main) 0300 123 0976Children and Adolescents 0300 123 0987Mental Health ServiceBENTILEE 01782 425900BLURTON (Main) 0300 123 0971Children and Adolescents 0300 123 0977Mental Health ServiceBURSLEM 0300 123 0979WHITFIELD VALLEY 01782 425720FENTON 01782 743100HANFORD (Main) 0300 123 0974Children's Airway 0300 123 0977Support TeamHANLEY 0300 123 0980LONGTON 0300 123 0993LONGTON COTTAGE 0300 123 0993HOSPITALMEIR 01782 425676£10,000 funding pots given tostudent innovatorsSCHOOLS havebenefited to the tuneof thousands ofpounds through a schemeto reward innovativesporting, social and healthprojects chosen anddevised by pupils.● Sandon Business andDuring a year-long initiative,Enterprise College – productionstudents at three schools –of a DVD to explore the mythsSt. Thomas More in Longton,surrounding antisocial behaviourSandon Business and Enterprise● Edensor Technology College –College, Meir, and Edensorimprovements to multi-accessTechnology College, Longton –centres (MACs) and thewere invited to develop ideas andproduction of an explanatoryput in bids.booklet.The top two ideas from eachTapping potentialNORTON 01782 534599PACKMOOR 01782 794600PICCADILLY CENTRE (Main) 0300 123 0985Sexual health helpline 0300 123 0970SMALLTHORNE 0300 123 0982STOKE 0300 123 0986Out of Hours District 0300 123 0989Nursing ServiceTRENT VALE 01782 425260TUNSTALL (Main) 0300 123 0972Dental Advice Line 0300 123 0981For more information andadvice on health issues pleasecall NHS Direct – 24 hrs a day0845 46 47or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.ukor www.nhs.ukschool went forward to apresentation at the King’s Halllast May. Pupils were then given15 minutes to make their pitch toan audience of professionals frompartner organisations and schoolcouncil representatives.The best three projects wereawarded £10,000 each and therunner up £4,000. The projectwas co-ordinated by StaffordshirePolice and the council andfunding came from the twoorganisations along with the TakePart initiative.The winning projects, eachreceiving £10,000, were:● St Thomas More – assessmentof activities to create an afterschool sports programme.Chief Inspector Jeff Moore,Commander of the Central LocalPolicing Team in <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent,said he was delighted by theenthusiasm and response to theproject. He said: “This is theculmination of 12 months workwhere we have liaised closely withthe schools and pupils and gotFire & Rescue contact numbersEMERGENCY RESPONSE MANAGERWayne Bowcock01785 898894PREVENTION AND PROTECTIONMANAGERRebecca Bryant01785 898542RISK REDUCTION MANAGERMick Daniels01785 898927HANLEY & BURSLEM STATIONMANAGERIan Read01785 898591LONGTON STATION MANAGERRich Williams01785 898594SANDYFORD STATION MANAGERGlynn Luznyj01785 898693HANLEY NEIGHBOURHOODCO-ORDINATORMick Warrilow01785 898902LONGTON NEIGHBOURHOODCO-ORDINATORTracey Cresswell01785 898951some fantastic results. The projectis about tapping into the potentialof young people – encouragingthem to come up with ideas andsolutions to tackle the things thatare important to them.“They have put a great deal ofeffort in over the last 12 monthsand it was inspiring to see 12 to16-year-olds stand up in front ofa room of more than 100 peersand adults and speak so well andpassionately.”Lisa Whitemore, Head of PE atSt Thomas More, also praised thesuccess of the scheme. She said:“The money has been used toexplore the popularity of all kindsof sporting activities and then laythese on in an after-school sportsprogramme.“It means we can offereverything from kick boxing tojuggling and give the pupils achance to take part in more nichesporting activities. It has been agreat success and the hard workof the pupils has really paid off.”SANDYFORD NEIGHBOURHOODCO-ORDINATORPete Hall01785 898886RISK REDUCTION CO-ORDINATORRehana Iqbal01785 898891SAFER CITY PARTNERSHIPOFFICERDonna Broadhead01785 898904To book your home fire risk check ring: 0800 0241 999IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 999 ANDASK FOR THE FIRE SERVICE

<strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong> Our City 23Baddeley, Milton and NortonYourCouncillorsAbbey Hulton and TownsendGWEN HASSALL(Labour)(01782) 26316607851 751813gwen.hassall@stoke.gov.ukBentilee and UbberleyADRIAN KNAPPER(Labour)07714 334453adrian.knapper@stoke.gov.ukJACK BRERETON(Conservative)07855 916134jack.brereton@stoke.gov.ukANDREW LILLEY(Labour)07717 714010andy.lilley@stoke.gov.ukDUNCAN WALKER(Labour)(01782) 91242207748 504149duncan.walker@stoke.gov.ukSHEILA PITT(Labour)07957 948896sheila.pitt@stoke.gov.ukALISON WEDGWOOD(Labour)07968 477901alison.wedgwood@stoke.gov.ukBirches Head and Central Forest ParkBlurton EastBlurton West and NewsteadBoothen and OakhillPAUL BREEZE(Unaffiliated)(01782) 279684paul.breeze@stoke.gov.ukMARK MEREDITH(Labour)07717 714020mark.meredith@stoke.gov.ukGLENYS WARD(City Independents)(01782) 31267007922 909545glenys.ward@stoke.gov.ukNEIL DAY(Labour)(01782) 41719607796 040002neil.day@stoke.gov.ukANDY PLATTLabour07919 660221andy.platt@stoke.gov.ukBradeley and Chell HeathBroadway and Longton EastBurslem CentralBurslem ParkDresden and FlorenceGURMEET SINGHKALLAR(Labour)07900 604232gurmeetsingh.kallar@stoke.gov.ukTOM REYNOLDS(Labour)07850 828717tom.reynolds@stoke.gov.ukALAN DUTTON(Labour)(01782) 82405107982 231567alan.dutton@stoke.gov.ukJOY GARNER(Labour)(01782) 76884607986 442770joy.garner@stoke.gov.ukSHAZAD HUSSAIN(Labour)07899 771815shazad.hussain@stoke.gov.ukEaton ParkEtruria and HanleyFenton EastFenton West and Mount PleasantFord Green and SmallthorneTERRY CROWE(Labour)(01782) 26942207818 044755terry.crowe@stoke.gov.ukMAJID KHAN(Labour)07989 441707majid.khan@stoke.gov.ukPAUL SHOTTON(Labour)(01782) 434445paul.shotton@stoke.gov.ukKAREN CLARKE(Labour)07917 270594karen.clarke@stoke.gov.ukMATT WILCOX(Labour)07810 825600matt.wilcox@stoke.gov.ukGoldenhill and SandyfordMARTIN GARNER(Labour)(01782) 76884607759 863615martin.garner@stoke.gov.ukGreat Chell and PackmoorJANINE BRIDGES(Labour)(01782) 85184207989 385631/07717 714205janine.bridges@stoke.gov.ukANN JAMES(City Independents)(01782) 836766ann.james@stoke.gov.ukHanford and TrenthamTERENCE FOLLOWS(City Independents)(01782) 31812707944 055379terence.follows@stoke.gov.ukPETER HAYWARD(City Independents)(01782) 64405207920 835839peter.hayward@stoke.gov.ukHanley Park and SheltonHartshill and BasfordHollybush and Longton WestJoiner’s SquareLightwood North and NormacotAMJID WAZIR(Labour)07747 830461amjid.wazir@stoke.gov.ukSuspended until29/7/11SHAUN PENDER(Labour)(01782) 63210407920 835836shaun.pender@stoke.gov.ukKATH BANKS(Labour)(01782) 39975907920 835934kath.banks@stoke.gov.ukALASTAIR WATSON(Labour)07736 837822alastair.watson@stoke.gov.ukBAGH ALI(Labour)(01782) 34324607973 848428bagh.ali@stoke.gov.ukLittle Chell and StanfieldMeir HayMeir NorthMeir ParkMeir SouthDAVID CONWAY(City Independents)(01782) 790922david.conway@stoke.gov.ukMUHAMMAD AUMIR(Labour)07413 205979muhammad.aumir@stoke.gov.ukRUTH ROSENAU(Labour)(01782) 50194007870 503575ruth.rosenau@stoke.gov.ukABI BROWN(Conservative)07793 844169abi.brown@stoke.gov.ukDEBBIE WHEELDON(Labour)(01782) 59504307870 777807debbie.wheeldon@stoke.gov.ukMoorcroftPenkhull and <strong>Stoke</strong>Sandford HillSneyd GreenSpringfields and Trent ValeMOHAMMEDPERVEZ(Labour)(01782) 23246807919 917632mohammed.pervez@stoke.gov.ukRANDOLPH CONTEH(City Independents)(01782) 25686907920 835902randolph.conteh@stoke.gov.ukOLWEN HAMER(Labour)07717 714207olwen.hamer@stoke.gov.ukDEBRA GRATTON(Labour)07748 251695debra.gratton@stoke.gov.ukSARAH HILL(Labour)(01782) 84504407584 607624sarah.hill@stoke.gov.ukTunstallWeston CoyneyFORTHCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS AT THE CIVIC CENTRE, STOKE:LEE WANGER(City Independents)07971 303729lee.wanger@stoke.gov.ukMATTHEW FRY(Labour)07826 891801matthew.fry@stoke.gov.uk● Cabinet meeting is scheduled for 25 August at 5.30pm.● Full city council meetings 8 September at 2.30pm and 20 October at 2.30pm.For more information on your councillors go to stoke.gov.uk/councillorsInformation on city councillors was correct at the time of going to press.

24 Our City <strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2011</strong>Sports coaching sessionsbreak down prejudiceWHEELCHAIR athletes are coachingnon-disabled youngsters in a rangeof paralympic sports to help fightprejudice towards people withdisabilities.Members of <strong>Stoke</strong> SpitfiresWheelchair Basketball Team areworking with <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent CityCouncil to raise awareness among 11to 16-year-olds through ProjectSpitfire made possible by a £23,717Big Lottery Fund award to the council.Two day-long events will be heldeach year over the next five years atDimensions Leisure Centre with theaim of attracting around 50 youngpeople.Lindsay Leighton, <strong>Stoke</strong> Spitfires DevelopmentOfficer, lines up a shot at the hoop on court atDimensions Leisure Centre.They will have the opportunity toparticipate in sports for disabledpeople – such as wheelchairbasketball, new age curling andsitting volleyball.Lesley Brownsill, of the citycouncil’s Access Team, who is workingin partnership with the <strong>Stoke</strong>Spitfires, said:“The idea is to showthat sports for people withdisabilities are just as tough andchallenging as those for non-disabledpeople. Project Spitfire aims to dispelmyths and break down barriers byshowing youngsters what peoplewith disabilities can do instead ofwhat they can’t do.”Young people whoattend the activity dayswill also have theopportunity to betrained in areas such asdeaf awareness, Britishsign language andvisual awareness – skillsthey will have for life.Lindsay Leighton,Development Officerfor <strong>Stoke</strong> SpitfiresWheelchair BasketballTeam, said:“We areexcited about thisproject as we are acommunity-basedorganisation. We lookforward to sharing ourexperiences as disabledpeople and as sportsmen and women.”● The first activityday will be onWednesday 3 Augustfollowed by anotheron Thursday 25August. For moreinformation contactthe Access Team on01782 232236 or01782 236667 oremail spitfire@stoke.gov.ukNo excuse to be bored as councillays on packed events programmePACKED programmes of summerevents will keep the school holidaysbuzzing for youngsters in <strong>2011</strong>.A host of free events meanchildren and young people have noexcuse to be bored over thesix-week break.A huge range of events andactivities will be staged at parks,recreation grounds, sports facilities,libraries, youth centres andchildren’s centres across the city.Art Brasil will run lively dance anddrumming workshops, while theaptly named Circusology will stageplate spinning, juggling and stiltwalking workshops. Otherattractions include a roller disco,trampolining, basketball, football,archery, street dance mini beast bughunts, pond dipping, art and crafts,bush crafts and cycle training.And one of the highlights will bea set of oversized board games,featuring Connect 4 and Twister.The summer of fun will end with abig finale event at NorthwoodStadium on Friday 2 Septemberfrom 3-7pm.For more information check outthe city council’s website atstoke.gov.uk/summereventsPEOPLE are being urged tonominate their local sportingand community heroes for thechance to be an Olympic Torchbearerduring the exciting build up to nextyear’s London Games.The iconic Torch will be paraded in<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent on Wednesday, 30 May 2012as part of a UK-wide relay.Now the search is on to find inspirationalpeople of all ages for a “once in a lifetime”opportunity to bear the famous symbol of theGames during the 70-day nationwide parade.<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent Olympics Co-ordinatorVanessa Darlington said: “This is a wonderfulopportunity to put someone’s name forward tomark their achievements.Contribution to community“Nominees have to be aged 12 or over andhave to demonstrate they have made acontribution to their community. This could bea coach for their dedication supporting youngathletes, a neighbour who is always helpingothers or a young person achieving theirpersonal best.“Although many nominations have beensubmitted there is still time throughout thesummer to put someone’s name forward.”Among those who have already beennominated locally are archer Rebecca Martin,local historian Fred Hughes, STAR AnglingTeam member Sonia Bee, athletics coach<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trentarcher RebeccaMartin, who hopes torepresent Great Britain inthe 2012 Olympic Games,pictured in the City Centrewith a prototype of theTorch which will beused in next year’srelay.Local heroesneeded to bearOlympic Torchthrough cityGeorge Cooper and Chair of Lads and Dadsfootball Clive Dean.A total of 8,000 people are due to carry theOlympic Torch around the UK before it headsto London on 21 July ahead of the Games’Opening Ceremony on 27 July.Up to half of the places will go to those agedbetween 12 and 24 years and judging panelswill be set up in each region to select thesuccessful Torchbearers.People can nominate through schemes set upby the official Torch Relay partners Coca-Cola,Lloyds TSB and Samsung.Coca-Cola have launched a national searchto find the UK’s Future Flames which islooking for young people with a passion forsport, physical activity, music and dance,community and the environment. Nominationscan be made by logging ontowww.cokezone.co.uk. The deadline is 5September <strong>2011</strong>.Lloyds TSB have also launched their nationalcampaign to find 800 Torchbearers to carry theFlame.The organisation is looking for people whohave made a difference in their localcommunity and whose story will inspire others.Nominations can be made atwww.lloydstsblondon2012.co.uk/carrytheflame until 12 September <strong>2011</strong>.Samsung has also launched their campaign andpeople can nominate online by logging ontowww.samsung.com/london2012.Nominations close on 30 September <strong>2011</strong>.Our City is published by a partnership of<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent City Council, NHS <strong>Stoke</strong> on Trent, StaffordshirePolice, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue and Jobcentre PlusContact us by mail at FREEPOST Our City or by email at ourcity@stoke.gov.uk or telephone 01782 236703