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Summer 2016 stoke.gov.uk City News HERE COMESSTRONGER TOGETHER

PAGE 5 Sporting POTTO LOTTO Lord Mayor leads push Innovative for charities prize draw set to help good causes in the city OTTERY fever is set to hit Stoke-on-Trent when the local Lauthority becomes the first council in the UK to launch its own weekly draw... the Potto Lotto. Proceeds will be distributed to PAGE 6 good causes in the city who will be able to apply for support from the Potteries lottery pot. And players will stand a chance of winning great cash prizes, or TV link boosts special jackpots like a holiday, fitted kitchen or a car sponsored visitor figures by a local dealer. Potto Lotto is the brainchild of City Council Leader Dave Conway at Gladstone and the fun competition has a very serious point. Museum As well as giving players the chance to win great prizes it is also hoped the revenue it raises will ease pressure on city council budgets faced with requests for support from a huge range of community groups and charities across PAGE 19 the city. Mr Conway said: “Of course we’d love to write a cheque for every worthy cause who asks for support from the council, but it’s simply not possible. We have to look at ways of making every pound we spend go further, providing better value to the council tax payers of the city. “That’s why I’ve been working on an imaginative initiative to launch the Potto Lotto. “We’re the first council in the UK to do it, and I hope people back us. They will have an opportunity to win great prizes every week and everyone who Summer buys a ticket will be helping good Council-run causes close to home.” See pages 14-15 It is hoped to launch Potto Lotto company to later in the year and tickets will be events on sale throughout the city. build over LOOK OUT FOR THE NEXT ISSUE OFCity News IN NOVEMBER 100 homes City News 2 8/7/16 15:42 Page 1

2 City News SUMMER 2016 Great strides made but now we double our efforts to drive our city forward By City Council Leader Councillor Dave Conway

IN our first year in office the coalition has made great strides to reclaim the city council and everything it does for the people who matter most... the people of Stoke-on-Trent. Now we’re starting to see the fruits of that commitment. The streets are noticeably cleaner and, although there is still a great deal of work to do, we are tackling untidy public areas and clamping down on flytipping. We have transformed the use of the Smithfield development from a replacement civic centre to a top READY TO BUILD ON THE FIRM FOUNDATIONS LAID IN THE FIRST YEAR: tier office complex attracting City Council Cabinet Members, left to right, Randy Conteh, Dave Conway, hundreds of new jobs and big Abi Brown, Janine Bridges,Terry Follows, Ann James and Jack Brereton. names like Severn Trent and United Utilities. Having fought hard to win the Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone we now have developers and employers moving towards building and occupying sites from Etruria to Tunstall. And although we recognise the importance of the enterprise zone and the city centre we have continued to promote progress and development across all six towns. We said we’d support our MINISTER BACKS communities and businesses and that’s exactly what we are doing. I won’t rest until more of the money this council spends remains here in Stoke-on-Trent, and while we must follow the rules in relation to tenders, we will give city businesses as much support as we can to help them put forward strong bids and win the work. CITY’S PROGRESS Money the council spends can strengthen our city’s economy, ECRETARY of State for the city’s streets and clamp supporting local businesses and Communities and Local down hard on flytippers by fuelling growth and job creation. Government The Right investigating and prosecuting. The knock-on for our communities S ● The first artists moving into a is obvious. For the first time in Honourable Greg Clark MP was creative industries hub of units decades the council is building impressed with progress made in at the former Spode factory in quality houses for the private Stoke-on-Trent when he visited Stoke. More improvements and rental market which will provide the city for face-to-face talks facilities at the site will open homes for professionals moving with senior councillors. later this year. here to work, and their families. Councillor Conway said: “We City Council Leader Dave We have achieved so much in the showed him what we’ve Conway updated the minister last year but I can assure you we achieved so far and we were on achievements of the last will not be resting on our laurels. pleased with his response. 12 months since the coalition In fact, with the new City “We have worked hard to took control of the council. Director in place we will be deliver these improvements and Councillor Conway said: “He working even harder to make sure have many more in the asked about our way of working this city benefits the people who pipeline. We want all six towns and our ambitions for the city. Secretary of State for live and work here, providing better of Stoke-on-Trent and our “He was very interested to Communities and Local opportunities for our children and many communities to benefit hear what’s going on in Government Greg Clark young people, more jobs, healthier from city council services. Now Stoke-on-Trent. And while I will pictured during a visit to living and a cleaner environment. we want to build on the first not be going to London with a These are big commitments, but Wade Ceramics with Abi year’s successes and press on begging bowl, we did make it we have big hearts and we are Brown and Jack Brereton. with more initiatives to make clear to him that we wouldn’t passionate to deliver. We answer to sure the council is even more refuse any additional help the you, the people of Stoke-on-Trent, effective, efficient and receives Government can give us.” and we won’t let you down. training. The number has housing company – work has better value for money.” Greg Clark was taken reduced by 30 per cent in the already started to build Greg Clark said: “The through a timeline of progress last year, putting the city well hundreds of new homes. ceramics industry in between the election in May below the national average. ● Launching a £500million Stoke-on-Trent is world 2015 and May 2016. Give us your views ● £5million of funding awarded capital investment programme famous, but clearly over the It included: to restore and refurbish Hanley to benefit the whole city. years there have been some WE want to hear your views on City ● Government approval for the Park. Work is progressing ● Committing over £7.2million very difficult times for the News, so please let us know what you Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone during the summer. to resurface roads and people working in it. like about the newspaper, what you which is already attracting new ● Unemployment in the city pavements and fill in potholes. “Now we see the area is don’t like and what you’d like to see investment and creating new falling by 8.6 per cent, ● Attracting over 400 private undergoing regeneration, and more of. jobs. compared to a national average sector jobs from big name how well-placed it is in terms ● Significant reductions in the reduction of 2.3 per cent. employers to the Smithfield of material science and Email [email protected] or ● write to FREEPOST City News to number of young people in The City was granted site. ceramics is certainly a huge the city who are not in Housing Zone status and ● An environmental task force part of that. It's a fantastic have your say. employment, education or launched a ground-breaking has been launched to clean up opportunity.”

LIVE WEBCAST of full council meetings Web: stoke.gov.uk MEETINGS of the full council can now be viewed online.To see and City News is printed on paper from hear the debates and decisions which affect life in Stoke-on-Trent, Facebook: facebook.com/ sustainable sources.When you have visit stoke.gov.uk/webcasting. sotcitycouncil finished with this publication please A list of dates and times of council meetings and committee meetings Twitter: @SoTCityCouncil help the environment by passing it can be found on our website at stoke.gov.uk/meetingdates on to a friend or recycling it. twitter.com/SoTCityCouncil City News 3 8/7/16 14:19 Page 1

SUMMER 2016 City News 3 400 JOBS HAVE HUGE FINANCIAL KNOCK-ON UNDREDS of jobs being NHS Clinical Commissioning created in the showcase Groups. Also later this year, Smithfield buildings will have Staffordshire Police will move out of H Hanley Police Station and into the a multi-million pound knock-on for multicoloured One Smithfield. the city. The development’s success is News that business giants Severn attracting lots of interest, with more Trent Water and United Utilities’ than 10 employers already in talks joint venture Water Plus is locating with the city council about taking its retail team in the prestigious space. development has travelled fast, Meanwhile, experts have estimated attracting even more interest in the that the 400 Water Plus jobs alone – remaining space. many of which are expected to go to Water Plus has signed a 15-year local people – will generate an lease to take over the top two floors additional £5.5million spending of the brick Two Smithfield building, power in the city, which in itself is where they will be joined later in the likely to generate more than 100 year by 150 staff from the area’s additional new jobs. Stoke-on-Trent City Council leader Dave Conway said: “This is extremely welcome news for Why Smithfield Stoke-on-Trent. “To have such a major new employer commit to won the day... Stoke-on-Trent clearly demonstrates that the city is a place to do business. STOKE-on-Trent beat off “This means hundreds of new jobs competition from another for people in Stoke-on-Trent – it is major UK city to attract quite literally life-changing. Water Plus to Smithfield. “The news will also bring a Sue Amies-King, Chief number of wider economic benefits Executive of Water Plus, for the city as a result of having up explained: “Our decision to to 400 extra people working right in lease Two Smithfield was the city centre. made very simple. It’s a “We have the connectivity, beautiful building in a bright infrastructure, talented workforce and vibrant place to do and accessible, affordable land to be business. a great location for any business to “We are proud that our locate to. This is a major move to the city has already achievement for Stoke-on-Trent, and seen 230 new roles being we will continue to work closely with filled by people from the the new company to support them as WELCOME TO SMITHFIELD: local area, with more in the they move to our city.” City Council Leader Dave Conway greets Water pipeline and we can already ■ Remaining office space at Two Plus Chief Executive Sue Amies-King in the new see the positive impact this is Smithfield will continue to be offices, as her colleagues work in the background. having on local businesses.” marketed proactively to employers looking for the best new offices. Search is on for photographs of the Hanley Park dragons

THERE be dragons… and the valiant folk park’s refurbishment which has been of Stoke-on-Trent are being asked to enabled by a £4.5million Heritage flush them out. For many years four of Lottery Fund award. the mythical creatures graced the Work on the fountain together with terracotta fountain in Hanley Park but at the park’s entrance gates and boundary some point they disappeared. walls is scheduled to begin in October, Now an appeal is going out to the with Phases Two and Three of the public for information about their project following early next year to whereabouts or old photos of them in include the main central terrace, place so specialist craftspeople can pavilion, bandstand and canal footbridge. create look-alike replacements. Rob added: “We would really Information that reveals the current appreciate it if people would send in old location of one of the dragons, or the photos and memories of the park so that best old photo, will win a prize of we can understand its history better.” afternoon tea with the Lord Mayor. ■ Please email information to “The Hammersley Fountain in the [email protected] or post to Cauldon Grounds part of the park is very FREEPOST City News. historic dating back to 1896,” said Rob Belcher, Hanley Park Project Manager. “The four-metre high terracotta structure in the middle was flanked by four dragons or winged sea serpents which can just be made out on old postcards. “However the dragons, technically known as wyverns, disappeared many years ago perhaps because they had been damaged. “Our aim is to create and install replicas which will be more robust and coloured to complement the terracotta structure – but more information would DRAGON HUNT: help us to make more accurate moulds.” Chair of Friends of Hanley Park Carole The original dragons, which spouted Ware and Project Manager Rob Belcher by the water, are shown in the prospectus for Hammersley Fountain with its four missing dragon figures. the park published by its designer Pictured bottom right is an artist’s drawing of the fountain Thomas Mawson. done in 1894 when the dragons were in place. The replacement sculptures will be installed as part of the first phase of the City News 4 8/7/16 16:40 Page 1

4 City News SUMMER 2016

DAVID SIDAWAY took over as the council’s City Director in April this year. Here, in his first interview in the city, he talks about success, challenges the city faces and a “Boy’s Own”dream that almost took him all the way to the England schoolboys’ football team... Now is the time to get things done

S the ink dried on the deal to and not letting go until the deal bring 400 new jobs to the was done. City Centre Smithfield site, “Our competition was from A other UK cities but David Sidaway and his team could Stoke-on-Trent won the deal. spend a moment to reflect on the Now many of those new jobs will significant success. go to local people.” It was, perhaps, a game Also transforming perceptions changing moment. Stoke-on-Trent of Stoke-on-Trent, and bringing had punched above its weight and with it significant investment, is fought off serious competition the Ceramic Valley Enterprise City Director David Sidaway. from other major UK cities. Zone which stretches much of Water Plus – a joint venture the length of the city and aims to between business giants Severn create 9,000 new jobs. Trent and United Utilities – It carries financial incentives “The Government recognised bidding together and I would agreed to occupy two floors in for companies who relocate to the strength of our bid. Winning urge anyone not yet involved to the prestigious building – a move development sites in Cliffe Vale, enterprise zone status was about follow the @sot2021 Twitter feed Improving life which has pricked up the ears of Etruria Valley and Ravensdale. making connections in the right and join in.” the business community around Business rates and tax breaks, places and grabbing the attention For the future, a key strand of the UK and sent out a strong Stoke-on-Trent’s location and of people in Whitehall. the vision is to change the skills for residents message that Stoke-on-Trent is, road and rail links have already “They understood the land we offer which is an essential part of AWAY from “shiny” bricks indeed, a place to do business. attracted development and jobs. have available for development, the jigsaw when continuing to and mortar, the City Director It’s indicative of a new,“can do” Without mentioning names, our unique position at the heart attract new investment in has a very clear view on how approach being hammered home world famous employers are in of the UK and our passion for decades to come. a “common sense approach” by the new City Director, advanced talks with the city making things happen.” Staffordshire University’s to day-to-day issues will challenging each and every city council and its partners on David is also at the forefront of investment of more than improve quality of life for council employee and partners in moving into the Zone. supporting the bid to make £40million in new buildings everyone who lives in the city to make a difference. In “Our approach is about making Stoke-on-Trent the UK’s City of on its Stoke Campus, and its Stoke-on-Trent. David Sidaway’s own words: it easy for them,” explained Culture for 2021. “It’s not just a decision to move to the city this “We must concentrate on “Let’s get things done and make David,” that’s really important for council bid,” he said. “It’s great to year is a significant step in the what it feels like when you it happen.” investors. see the whole city on board and right direction in meeting this come out of your front door, “We were always going to make challenge. and how we can improve Water Plus happen,” explained “A key element is about student that experience,” he said. David, “through desire, retention,” said David. “An example is the commitment and a will to Right hashtag...Stokeisontheup “The university’s investment no-nonsense approach we succeed. will further transform the city, have taken to flytipping. We and will help us change the skills “The city council has to think AS well as his love of music – Oasis are his favourite have invested in tidying up base to meet the requirements of and act more commercially, band – David Sidaway is quite a prolific tweeter. the city, which residents can every potential investor.” understanding the market and Residents can follow him on Twitter at @1Sids, and appreciate. We are trying to So the city’s mid-to-long-term the competition. since he is such a vocal supporter of Stoke-on-Trent, change behaviours as people strategy is to accelerate progress “In the case of Smithfield that fighting the city’s corner wherever he can, he often understand if they illegally and build on the significant steps meant forging strong # uses the hashtag #Stokeisontheup dump rubbish we will relationships with Water Plus forward now being achieved. investigate, identify and prosecute.” Keen sportsman has a Vision shapes an marathon tally of five exciting future THE City Council’s “Stronger MARATHON runner David But it could have all been so Together” vision is shaping Sidaway is a keen sportsman different. As a teenager David how the authority works who also enjoys his cycling was a good enough footballer with residents, partners and and football. to reach the fringes of the government to deliver great His marathon tally has now England under-16 squad. services and best value. reached five and he once He played at the Football Central to this is a completed the gruelling Association national training commercial approach which London and Paris races centre at Lilleshall, playing improves the potential for within a week. He raises alongside lads who would local business and keeps the money for charities including become greats, including Stoke-on-Trent pound in Multiple Sclerosis, the British Liverpool and England great Stoke-on-Trent. Heart Foundation and Breast Steve McManaman and Leeds David said: “I want to Cancer Awareness. and Glasgow Rangers bring the ‘Stronger Together’ He is married with a son champion Rodney Wallace. vision to everything the Rod Wallace, left, seen in aged 13 and a 10-year-old David said: “It wasn’t to be. council delivers to improve action for Glasgow Rangers daughter, and decided to work I remember one game, when I services for the people we in a derby against Celtic. Once in the public sector because of marked Steve McManaman. serve. Having ‘one council, he was marked by a young a “desire to make a difference “All I can remember seeing one vision, one team’ is a key defender called David Sidaway. to the lives of the people we was his heels as he ran away part of changing the way we serve”. from me!” will work.” City News 5 8/7/16 16:01 Page 1

SUMMER 2016 City News 5 A truly sporting Lord Mayor

PORT is certainly in the blood of Matthews Coaching Foundation new Lord Mayor Anthony and the Lou Macari Foundation. Munday. Passionate about Then on September 21, a Lord S Mayor’s Charity Golf Day has been football from an early age, he was organised at Trentham Park Golf both club secretary and Club. Teams of four are being right-winger of his local team at asked to sign up for the Stableford competition, making it ideal for the tender age of 15. local business and other Later after a broken leg robbed organisations to get involved. All him of a promising soccer career, money raised will again go to the other pursuits became more three Lord Mayor’s charities. prominent – such as golf and Councillor Munday added: cycling. “These three good causes I’ve He also turned his hand to chosen are not only close to my successful football coaching with heart but also continue the his son Tom’s Ladsandads team sporting theme in one way or and through his 30-year career as another. a journalist covered memorable BIKING FOR GOOD CAUSES: sporting occasions locally and In memory of friends Lord Mayor Anthony Munday nationally. Now he is using his “My lifelong friend Colin Stair, is pictured at the launch of his position as the city’s first citizen to who managed Hanley Town, died Coast to Coast charity cycle ride give everyone, whatever their suddenly of a heart-related fundraising with soccer legend background, a sporting chance in condition when he was 50 and Lou Macari and former world life through a series of charity we’ve been raising money in his squash champion Angela Smith. fundraisers. memory for the last three years. He’s also playing a prominent “In addition, my fellow role in promoting Stoke-on-Trent councillor, Paul Breeze, who as European City of Sport, which was so supportive of me when encourages people to become I started as a councillor, also more active whatever their ability. died of a heart attack and is The Baddeley Green, Milton and sorely missed too. So the Norton Councillor said: “Sport has North Staffs Heart Committee always been a big part of my life seemed very appropriate. so it seems really important to “I’ve been a friend of Lou have that theme running through Macari since my time as a my year in office. journalist covering Stoke City “I feel so proud and privileged and he is doing a great job not only to be representing the through his centre for the city as Lord Mayor but also to be homeless and his new charity involved in European City of Sport foundation will benefit so and encouraging people to take many other people too. part in whichever way they can. “The Sir Stanley Matthews Lead by example Coaching Foundation is doing “But I also feel it’s important a great job promoting and that I’m not just telling people supporting coaching in all what to do – I want to practice sports at all levels. It is not what I preach. That is why I’ve elitist and epitomises organised two big sports-themed everything we are trying to charity events in which I will be achieve through The taking part. European City of Sport.” “If I can lead by example I’m He added: “I really do hope hoping it will inspire others to people support the events, have a go.” either by taking part or The first event, which takes throwing some money in. I’ve place at the end of July, is a got another sports-themed 120-mile coast-to-coast cycle ride charity event in the pipeline following the Hadrian’s Wall route for early 2017, so by the end in the north of England. of my term in office I hope we The Lord Mayor and around 10 can have supported three SWINGING IN THE RAIN: despite a downpour the Lord Mayor is all smiles at the launch his Charity Golf other riders will undertake the fantastic causes and inspired Day which will take place at Trentham Park Golf Club in September. Looking on, left to right, are Golf gruelling three-day ride to support people to take up an activity Club General Manager Jon Farmer, former Port Vale Manager and Stoke City Director of Football John his charities – the North Staffs and have fun while exercising Rudge and former Vale star Phil Sproson. Both John and Phil are entering teams at the Golf Day. Heart Committee, the Sir Stanley more.” Annual civic ball is set to be a great glittering party THIS year’s traditional Lord Mayor’s Ball, from the Lady Mayoress, his wife Paula. status this year as European City of Sport. which has the theme “Sporting Soul of Top of the bill is the UK’s leading soul “I’m delighted that a sell out already the City Night”, is heading for a sell out. and Motown singer Diane Shaw and her looks assured – and I’d like to thank the There has been unprecedented early fabulous nine-piece band. In between her Stoke-on-Trent businesses and friends ticket sales for the glittering evening at two spots, vocalist Trevor Moray will take who are supporting the occasion by the King’s Hall – one of the highlights of to the stage to belt out some Elvis reserving tables.” Stoke-on-Trent’s civic calendar on Friday classics. “Although it is a dinner and ball, Tickets for the black tie ball, which 25 November. we want it to be a great party and includes a four-course meal, are £45. And the capacity 400 guests will be celebration of the wonderful community Anyone who would like to attend should treated to a top quality entertainment we live in,” said Councillor Munday. contact the Lord Mayor’s Secretary line-up which has been personally “The theme of the night reflects the Denise Powell by email at denise.powell booked by the Lord Mayor, Councillor brilliant soul and Motown act we have @stoke.gov.uk or telephone on Anthony Munday – with a little advice and a nod towards Stoke-on-Trent’s 01782 232625. City News 6 8/7/16 14:37 Page 1

6 City News SUMMER 2016 TV boosts visitor numbers

ISITOR numbers are continuing to seven days a week to being open from rise at Gladstone Pottery Museum Tuesday to Saturday. But we are now as a resurgence in clay-based achieving the same figures that we V used to in seven days in just those five. crafts and a versatile and lively series of “This has certainly been helped by events is firing up even more interest. publicity from 24 Hours in the Past and Numbers were up nearly a third our national Visit England Award (32 per cent) at the Longton-based which we won last year. attraction last year and a series of “But another major reason is our hands-on summer activities this time excellent customer service, venue and around aim to continue the boost in lively events programme. visitor numbers. “There is a real resurgence in December 2015 saw a massive pottery crafts and clay is very 60.7 per cent increase and there has fashionable, so we are seeing many been a steady rise throughout the more adults wanting to take part in winter and spring of 2016. workshops as well as children.” Meanwhile, popular TV shows like Gladstone is the only complete 24 Hours in the Past – which saw Victorian pottery factory and boasts celebrities actually live and work at bottle kilns, cobbled yards and original Gladstone in a 19th century setting – workshops. It is also home to the FUN are believed to have significantly Flushed With Pride toilet exhibition ON A PLATE... helped too. which explores the history of the young visitor Gladstone Audience Development lavatory. Jessica Arnold in the Officer Nerys Williams said: “The A packed event programme is figures show that 2015/16 was a great planned for the summer culminating Colour Gallery at year for Gladstone Pottery Museum. in a Heritage Day in September which Gladstone Pottery “In 2014 the museum went from is free to attend. Museum. City News 7 8/7/16 16:09 Page 1

SUMMER 2016 City News 7 E-bulletins to help motorists Roads ahead to avoid traffic congestion

THE council’s email newsletter, Stay Connected, has been extended to be much better include weekly bulletins on road and footpath repairs and resurfacing. N unprecedented More than 27,000 people multi-million pound have already signed up to programme of road e-news service since it was A launched last October and and pavement repairs is they receive useful now underway – which will information on 50 different have a big positive impact topics including adult learning courses, job on the city’s highways vacancies, dementia care network over the next nine and a what’s on events months. listing. A total of £7.2million – The latest topic, called with a city council Our Roads, follows the contribution of £5.25million success of a winter gritting – is being invested in the e-newsletter which kept resurfacing of 56 kilometres residents informed when of roads and 79 kilometres and where the gritting of footways with all works teams were operating. scheduled to be completed Karen Steel, the council’s by next March. Digital Manager, said: Included in this “People seemed to find the spending is £600,000 gritting updates really allocated for a blitz on helpful. pothole hotspots – in “Now the council is addition to the existing embarking on an day-to-day pothole repair unprecedented programme service. Where there are of road and footpath numerous potholes in one resurfacing and repair, it location, instead of made sense to use the same individual repairs, a system to alert people to section of road will be where we would be working completely resurfaced. so they can better plan their Councillor Jack Brereton, journey routes to avoid any Cabinet Member for TRANSFORMING ROADS: congestion.” Transport and Heritage, A road resurfacing team ■ To sign up to the said: “We know the carrying out major works on e-newsletter go to standard of our roads and the A527 at Brindley Ford. stoke.gov.uk/stayconnected pavements is a big concern for our residents, which is why we are making this level of investment. “The number of roads and are generally in good the taxpayer in the long and pavements we will condition, estate roads run because we won’t have repair over the next where people actually live to keep coming out to the 12 months is an have gradually deteriorated same road. unprecedented amount over a period of time. “It is much better to and will make a big “It’s clear that we have to carry out this work now difference to people’s lives do something to bring our and reduce the need for by improving the state and roads up to a good repairs to be carried out in appearance of streets and standard. By carrying out the future.” neighbourhoods. this work now, it will A total of 230 roads and “We have listened to reduce the chance of 130 pavements will have residents who told us that potholes and other defects been improved with while main roads have appearing at later dates. resurfacing work by the work carried out on them “This will save money for end of the programme. Building maintenance review looks to support local business FUTURE options are being examined for on 9 August, and the recommendation is the maintenance and repair of council likely to be to create a council-owned housing and public buildings in the city. company to provide a high quality service Around 18,500 houses and a number of to tenants, generate income and protect public buildings are owned by the city frontline services. council, which has operated a joint It would also create opportunities to venture with property management carry out third party work as a way of company Kier Stoke Limited to maintain generating income into the council so it and repair them since 2008. can be more sustainable for the future. The joint venture is due to end in Council leader Dave Conway said: “My February 2018, and options are being focus has always been on the quality of examined to carry out the work in the service for tenants. future. “I called for the review of options in the The council’s cabinet will be asked to weeks after I became leader of the council make a decision on options at its meeting following the local election last May. “It is no secret that I have had some concerns with the joint venture with Kier Stoke, but I wanted this review to be Blades amnesty undergone fairly, robustly and in a measured way. It is right that this has The public are being urged to hand been examined independently in good in any illegal or unwanted blades time ahead of the contract ending in early as part of an amnesty aimed at 2018. getting knives off the streets. “We work closely with Kier Stoke and Knives can be handed in at any this will continue. We don’t want tenants police station or city council to experience any disruption and we want household waste recycling centres to further improve services. before 26 July. “We need to be looking at ways to Bin the Blade was launched by generate income, while also doing more to Staffordshire Police and supported support our excellent local businesses in by partners across the county. bidding for work locally.” City News 8 8/7/16 16:13 Page 1

8 City News SUMMER 2016

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Waste Management Officer Emma Tomlinson at the Federation Road recycling centre with It’s vital waste that cannot be recycled because it is contaminated with to use the food or liquid. right bin

IRTY nappies, crusts left in pizza boxes around the mid-30 per cent mark. This is and half full bottles of pop are among often down to people looking to recycle the most common items wrongly but putting the wrong materials in the D wrong bins. This in turn leads to disposed of in recycling bins. contamination in the recycling truck and Now the council has launched a major means the contractor isn’t able to process bid to clamp down on waste contamination the material. A good example is a – which is costing significant amounts of takeaway pizza box. Often people will put money to process and hampering the city’s the cardboard box in their blue bin, which bid to hit European-wide recycling targets. is correct. However, they will leave A six-strong Waste Minimisation Team unwanted crusts in it – these should go in has been set up to help educate people the brown bin. about what should go into each bin – and “Dirty nappies are also wrongly placed where mistakes can be made. In addition a in blue bins. People see a recycling sign on new handbook is being produced giving the packaging and think they are doing residents an easy-to-follow guide to the right thing. But soiled nappies are recycling. certainly not recyclable. Around 12,000 tonnes of garden and “Another common mistake is to put a food waste is recycled from brown wheelie plastic bottle into the blue bin still bins each year in Stoke-on-Trent. containing pop or some other liquid. If Additionally, 14,000 tonnes is recycled people just poured the unwanted contents from blue household wheelie bins, which away in the first place there would be no should be used for plastic, tin cans, problem whatsoever. cardboard and glass. “I’m sure that if people just took a little However, recycling specialists are bit more time when recycling items like meetings with residents associations to get and these show at a glance what can and convinced the figure could be much this it would have a major impact on our the message across. Most people are very can’t go in each wheelie bin.” higher if people took a little more care. household recycling rate.” Nick added: receptive and positive about the advice Waste Client Manager Nick Bentley said: “Our Waste Minimisation Team is now up they are receiving. It is leading to fewer ■ Anyone who wants further advice “We have a target of recycling 50 per cent and fully running visiting households mistakes and contamination. about household recycling should call of household waste by 2020 but at the where there has been a issue. “We are also issuing handbooks which the Waste Minimisation team on moment we seem to have plateaued “They also stage roadshows or have should reach households over the summer 01782 232455. Garden waste COMPETITION collections now operating nine months a year Chance to WIN

GARDEN waste collections have now been extended permanently following a metal detector further demand from residents. A treasure trove of metal detecting As a result, the city council will equipment is up for grabs in a fun City News continue to empty brown wheelie competition. Detectorists around the city are bins for an additional two months – being urged to send in details of the November and March – meaning the amazing, rare or unusual things they have service operates for nine months of unearthed in the city’s green spaces, back the year. Councillor Terry Follows, Cabinet gardens and other locations – along with Member for Greener City, photos of their finds. Development and Leisure, said: The discovery judged to be the most “Listening to what our residents were amazing by Council Leader Councillor Dave telling us, we had a look at the Conway will win a new metal detector to add service and found that demand was to their existing equipment. likely to be high for the brown bins in Dave said:“Large or small, a metal November and March, so a decision detecting find can be fascinating – we want was made to extend our collections as people to tell us what they are unearthing a trial period. THAT’S THE WAY TO DO IT: “The results have shown us there is Milton resident John Tunstall puts because it keys into the heritage of the city still a need for these collections to garden waste in his brown bin. and gives us a glimpse into our past. take place in November and March. “Equally the back stories behind the finds “We received lots of positive can be amazing – who knows, there may be feedback from residents who tell us another Staffordshire Hoard out there, so they were very pleased the “They also told us they felt five issued to households. They advise good hunting!” collections were being extended months was too long to go without a residents that brown bins will now be Send metal detecting find details and because they were still finding garden waste collection.” collected from the beginning of photos to FREEPOST City News or email themselves working in their gardens Collection calendars have been March until the end of November [email protected] closing date during those months. updated and are currently being each year. for entries is 31 August 2016.

SUMMER 2016 9

FORMER Coronation Street actress, and playwright DEB MCANDREW has made Stoke-on-Trent her adopted home, and is a member of the forum co-ordinating Stoke-on-Trent’s 2021 City of Culture bid. Here is the story of her perfect day... WORKING TOGETHER TO BACK THE BID: Deputy Council Leader Abi Brown, left, prior to a Cultural Forum meeting at the CoRE building in Longton with, left to right, Deb McAndrew in Staffordshire University Head of Business School Paul Williams, her city allotment. Staffordshire University Senior Lecturer in Youth and Community Work Nic Gratton and Artistic Director of B Arts Susan Clarke.

Great walks in striking distance of Forum set up to lay the groundwork for a strong entry my allotment I spend a lot of my time running all over the six towns for work and leisure, so to TOKE-ON-TRENT’S bid to become the submitted to the Department for The Forum will bring together spend a “perfect” day I’d want to slow the UK City of Culture 2021 is gathering Culture, Media and Sport next Spring. strategic thinking on the development of pace down. For this imaginary day I’m momentum due to “fantastic It consists of more than 60 members the bid and decide how it is to be assuming fine weather, and I’m keeping S representing the city council, the arts promoted and publicised. everything within striking distance of my support” from interested parties. and culture sector, education, health, A cultural legacy will be developed, allotment near the university. That way I Already the city is benefiting from an housing, commerce, media and along with ways of ensuring funding is could ditch the car and walk everywhere. increased profile thanks to a focus on Stoke-on-Trent’s three MPs. enhanced beyond 2021. Whenever possible I like to walk around the city’s varied cultural offering in both Focusing on the creative contribution Stoke-on-Trent’s bid received national Stoke-on-Trent. There’s history and national and local media. of the city, the bid will focus on coverage at the weekend when it heritage on every street corner, and A real sense of excitement is gathering Stoke-on-Trent’s special character and featured on BBC News and Radio 4’s surprising beauty too if you take your time around a series of interviews broadcast the strength of its communities. Today programme. The coverage follows to look. by BBC TV,the widely-publicised events “It is a national competition that we a visit earlier this year from BBC The allotment is a fairly new acquisition linked with the current European City of are entering and we have to put reporter Nick Higham, who has been and there’s lots of work to do, but there are Sport 2016 status and the ongoing together a strong entry with the already beets, neeps and caulies coming doing a series of reports from cities interest in the Staffordshire Hoard. involvement of all sectors,” said along nicely. The site is so peaceful and To develop the bid a Cultural Forum Councillor Abi Brown, Deputy Council bidding for the UK City of Culture 2021. full of birds and wildlife you’d never know has been set up, comprising a wide Leader and lead Council member on the We are one of six cities that will be it was a stone’s throw from the city centre. cross-section of the city’s stakeholders bid. “So far we have received fantastic featured. Coverage of the bid is also After my horticultural exertions I’d be in who will lay the groundwork for a support from across the city and we available in the BBC News Magazine. need of some lunch. Walking distance from genuine “people’s bid”. have had a huge amount of interest The bid team are keen for as many my allotment is the TSP cafe at the bottom The forum is tasked with defining the from the regional and national media. people as possible to see the coverage of Piccadilly in Hanley. I love it there – and character and style of a unique and “In choosing to enter we have already so that they know more about the issue although it’s quite trendy I’m sure they distinctive narrative which will be started to benefit.” and are able to pledge their support. wouldn’t mind me in my wellies. Afternoon would be spent beekeeping. This is another of my hobbies People are being urged to get that forces me to slow down my behind the bid. For more details hectic pace. I help manage an apiary in Stoke for the North go to the special website at Staffordshire Beekeepers’ www.sot2021.com Association. That’s about a half hour walk from TSP – taking in the wonderful Hanley Park on the way. When you work with bees you have to move slowly and smoothly at all times. Spending Volunteers needed to support valued befriending service time looking through the colonies is so absorbing it’s almost meditative. VOLUNTEERS are needed to help supported in this way and every year the life or can take them out to local The afternoon would fly by. provide a vital service befriending older Carelink service makes around 12,000 community groups so they can meet My whole life revolves around people in the city through regular phone valued calls. other people. the theatre, so at the close of my calls. The aim is to provide support which Saltbox Chief Executive Lloyd Cooke perfect day I would take a break The Carelink service, run by local encourages the older people to live lives said: “I’m delighted that CareLink has from the drama and head to the pub. charity Saltbox, makes sure older people which are as independent and healthy become such an important service that I can walk to The Glebe in Stoke from who live alone or don’t get out receive as possible. helps local older people struggling with the apiary. I like the atmosphere there, and regular calls to check they are OK and As well as providing regular isolation and loneliness.” a corner table with a good single malt have a chat about anything from their conversations on the phone, Carelink ■ To find out more about becoming a whisky would round off my perfect day – lives, their needs or just the weather! can help its clients get special volunteer call 01782 810320 or email perfectly. Over 100 older people in the city are equipment to improve their quality of [email protected] City News 10 8/7/16 16:17 Page 1

10 City News SUMMER 2016 Boost for top venue ORE than £500,000 is space car park right outside and being invested in making more close by. the King’s Hall an even Ian Tamburello, the city M council’s Strategic Manager better place to stage events from responsible for venues, said: “We awards ceremonies to weddings. receive a lot of positive feedback Money will be spent from people who say their modernising the visitor toilets, parties and events have been a bars, lighting, PA system and tremendous success, ran Dozens of 90-year-olds celebrate Queen’s birthday stage equipment. The popular smoothly and were venue already receives well-managed by our team. tremendous feedback from “We will soon be appointing a hirers who have praised council venue sales administration and city anniversary at a special civic tea party teams’ “brilliant help and officer to make the booking and service” and venues they event organisation service even DEVOTED couple Margaret and celebrate their 70th wedding Attendees to the afternoon tea described as “just perfect”. better.” Wilfred Bridgewood turned back anniversary next year, first met party were greeted with bunting The hall, which can hold 1,300 If event organisers need a the years when they joined at the venue. and a video marking the Queen’s people standing and seats bigger venue than the King’s dozens of other nonagenarians Earlier this year the then Lord birthday and looking back at her around 400 for dinner, is popular Hall they can look at using the for a civic tea party to celebrate Mayor, Councillor Jean Bowers, life. the Queen’s 90th birthday and invited anyone over 90 to join As well as the Lord Mayor the for events from meetings and venue at Fenton Manor Sports nine decades of city status. her at the Civic Centre for the event was also attended by dances to awards ceremonies Complex, which is used for beer Margaret, 92, and Wilfred, 95, double celebration. several other dignitaries, and dinners. festivals, sporting events and big The council team provides shared a cuppa with Lord Mayor The event, which was including the Lord Lieutenant of presentation evenings. Anthony Munday (pictured above) publicised through the Spring Staffordshire Ian Dudson. catering choices for customers to ■ Bookings and enquiries for during the popular event, which issue of City News, was so Penkhull Village Brass Band hire the hall’s kitchens for a the King’s Hall can be made took place at the King’s Hall. popular it quickly became were also on hand to help the small fee instead of in-house on 01782 232832. To book It brought memories flooding oversubscribed and a second event go with a swing with their catering options, and parking is Fenton Manor hall please back as the couple, who party was arranged. distinctive sounds. no problem as there is a 190+ telephone 01782 234200.

• Achieve a qualification in English, maths or ICT, which is equivalent to a GCSE.

• Learn with our team of experienced and dedicated tutors who will guide and support you. • Learn at the right level for you. • Courses are available free of charge to most people of working age.

• Art, Languages and sewing • Emergency First Aid at Work • Food Safety in Catering • ESOL – (new for 2016)

For more information call: 01782 234775 Email: [email protected] Website: stoke.gov.uk/adultlearning Facebook.com/AdultLearningStoke City News 11 8/7/16 15:07 Page 1

SUMMER 2016 City News 11

SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME: The impressive new bet365 offices provide a striking gateway to the whole development area.

Briefings to help local firms win council contracts MORE JOBS FOR TWO breakfast briefings for small businesses in Stoke-on-Trent aimed at encouraging them to bid for city council contracts have been held at the Civic Centre. The initiative has been lead by Council Leader Dave Conway who wants to streamline procurement CERAMIC VALLEY processes to make it easier for firms to submit quotes and tenders. EST Midlands Ambulance Service is the enhance operational performance, ensuring site which can offer financial incentives He said: “I want to see as latest big name employer to commit to we continue to provide the highest levels of including business rates discounts. many local businesses as move to Stoke-on-Trent’s flagship patient care to the residents of Stoke-on-Trent Other progress includes news that possible bid for our contracts W and North Staffordshire.” manufacturer Q-railing announced it was and I want to give them every Ceramic Valley enterprise zone. A planning application has also been building a 40,000 sq ft headquarters at the opportunity to do so. Spending It has submitted a planning application to received from Tile Mountain, to build a Tunstall Arrow site (see centre pages). money locally will boost our move its existing depot from a site near the logistics and retail hub at the Highgate Councillor Jack Brereton, Cabinet Member economy and support local jobs. main hospital to a purpose-built, extended Ravensdale site, and there are plans for for Regeneration and Transport, said: “We are “We’re open and honest centre at Etruria Valley. another distribution unit on the former H&R extremely pleased with the progress which is about the way we do business It would give them the space to grow and Johnson sports field. Elsewhere at Etruria happening even faster than we could have and these events have given create new jobs which is simply not available Valley distribution giant DPD has moved into hoped and is a real vote of confidence in the businesses the chance to meet at the current site. a major new hub, a Greene King pub has Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone. It means we face-to-face with procurement A West Midlands Ambulance Service opened creating 65 new jobs and bet365’s are delivering development and jobs on these officers, find out exactly how spokesman said: “The Trust is looking to impressive new offices – even though they sites and the word is getting out that we are to submit good tenders and relocate to a brand new state-of-the-art hub are not part of the Ceramic Valley project – open for business with a thriving city have their questions in Stoke which will bring many benefits for form a striking gateway to the whole area. economy.All these developments will act as a answered.” staff and patients alike. Housing modern Five large property developers have joined catalyst to attract even more employers to the Last year the city council facilities, the hub, which will be based at the council to drive forward development and rest of the Enterprise Zone.” spent £71.2million with private Festival Park, Etruria, will be a huge boost to job creation across the Enterprise Zone. ● To find out more and contact the team sector companies and has staff and will become the biggest in the Trust. And a significant number of businesses are please visit www.makeitstokestaffs.co.uk/ already committed £470million “The central location in the city will help to showing major interest in relocating to the locations/ceramic-valley-enterprise-zone/ spending over the next five years on capital projects. ● Sign up for tender updates through the council’s American investment interest after expo meeting e-newsletters at stoke.gov.uk

TWO American companies are to visit Stoke-on-Trent over the next few months with a view Promoting early to building factories in the Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone. They met a delegation from love of reading the city council’s Make it PRIMARY school pupils are Stoke-on-Trent and being encouraged to read Staffordshire team and some of the most popular companies already based in the children’s books through a city at a global ceramics expo in new city-wide scheme. Ohio earlier this year. Parents, teachers and other A Californian company which members of the community makes ceramic components for a were asked to suggest their range of industries and an Ohio favourite books, from which a company which makes ceramic Stoke 100 Reads list has been bearings, including parts for the compiled. Mempro’s space programme, have both A special poster has also new mascot expressed an interest in setting been produced featuring the Nanofibre up business here. “The expo was a great success. Stoke-on-Trent, launched an titles. The idea is that children Man. One of the businesses who Not only did we attract new interactive package of videos, can colour in each book title joined the city at the expo – interest in the city, but the web and social media links and on the poster as they read it. Mempro, which uses hi-tech companies that we took out also opportunities to contact the Posters are available at the ceramic nanofibres in a variety did some good business with the council to find out more. city libraries, through schools of industrial applications – is US market.” Hundreds of visitors to the and on the Little Library Van setting up a UK business in The Make it Stoke-on-Trent stand were also given a postcard – the mobile storytelling North Staffordshire this year. and Staffordshire team also which they could scan away service which travels to At the expo Mempro launched launched an innovative app in from the expo and access the families across the city. its new cartoon mascot Ohio which enabled delegates to material. The idea of the initiative is ■ Nanofibre Man, who was scan the exhibition stand using To see how the AR app to promote a love of reading designed in Stoke-on-Trent their mobile phone or tablet and works, download Ceramic across the city and encourage after a business link-up made access a host of interactive Valley AR from your app store more parents to read with through the Expo project. material about the city and all it and scan the logo above. Once their children. Strategic Manager Economic has to offer. The augmented the presentation starts, double ● To find out more visit Growth Jonathan Phipps said: reality (AR) app, built in tap for a full screen view. stoke.gov.uk/libraries.

Follow the 2021 City of Culture www.sot2021.com or Twitter @sot2021 City News 12-13 8/7/16 15:49 Page 1

12 City News SUMMER 2016 SUMMER 2016 City News 13 HANLEY FENTON Flytippers are News from facing legal SIX around the action in big appeal towns clampdown

FLYTIPPERS have been warned they face prosecution and fines under the council’s zero tolerance approach to STOKE illegal dumping. Four quick response teams have been set up to tackle the problem of rubbish being thrown at the side of the road, in back alleys and other public spaces. As well as clearing away waste they seek evidence to identify the people who have dumped it. The approach has paid off with a number of prosecutions. The council’s legal team currently has 80 cases awaiting court action, with over 480 ongoing investigations into environmental crime A computer generated image of A new lease of life for Fenton Community Hall – pictured are offences. how the Stafford Street area will be Chairman of the Hall Trustee Derek Capey, right, Activities Co-ordinator ■ Residents who want to use transformed by the public realm works. Nigel Macdonald, left, with service users Tom Bagnall and Irene Smith. the council’s great value bulky waste service should contact 01782 234234 or visit any council local centre for more information.

Councillor Jack Brereton, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Consulting on Transport, at Winton Square, Stoke, where a pedestrianisation and traffic management scheme will improve key decisions the area outside the station. MORE EXCITING PROJECTS A strong working relationship has been forged between the Cabinet and the unions over the last 12 months. Union representatives believe early consultation on issues like personnel changes TUNSTALL has helped to improve the process, given employees a PROGRESS IN ALL TOWNS real say on decisions that affect them and has also rooms are being created in the and Stoke will start in August. Community volunteers in which will create dozens of new helped to protect frontline OMMUNITIES throughout jobs. Stoke-on-Trent’s six towns are School of Art. When the centre The first works will make Fenton aim to reach out to even jobs for local people. Preparatory opens in September there will be Thornton Road, Spencer Road more people after working with works have been carried out on Steve Williams, Convenor Cbenefiting from the council’s an ICT Window on the World and Glebe Street more pedestrian the council to take on the town’s site since early spring. BURSLEM for UNITE the Union, said: commitment to support them all. room and a specialist computing friendly, including attractive community centre. Building works are due to be “We had a good introduction Real progress is being made to lab as well as an art studio, a repaving of the corridor between The team, who also run the completed towards the end of the to working with the leading create jobs, provide new facilities design and technology workshop the railway station and the civic town’s Grocott Centre providing a year, with the new store set to councillors and that has and bring communities together. and a science lab. centre. range of services for people with begin trading in early 2017. continued over the last 12 Here’s our latest run down of In addition, a common room The works will complement the physical and mental disabilities, The arrival of the international months. We appreciate the fact just a few of the exciting things and café – inspired by the designs £40million investment to build will introduce new events and discount brand marks the final that if there are any proposed happening in the city. of students – will also feature. new teaching and learning services aimed at everyone living phase of development at Phoenix changes or other key decisions The development marks accommodation at Staffordshire in the town when they take over Park. Two industrial warehouse that Councillor Dave Conway A landmark production, another exciting step forward for University. the community centre in October. units totalling 9,525 sq ft will also and the Cabinet always warehouse and showroom facility the town, where new businesses Plans for the area around the Great value taster sessions in be built as part of this latest consult us early in the process. for a global glass railing and are setting up to provide services railway station, which are subjects like woodwork and phase, and are expected to “It provides us with the balustrade supplier is to the sixth form and its students. currently the subject of talks with needlework will bring older generate a further 20 job chance to have our say and kick-starting a 28 acre Network Rail, include traffic people from the community opportunities for local people. also to understand fully the Q-railing General development site at Tunstall. STREET works worth £2.5million management and bus priority together. The site is home to big name city council's view on any Manager Bruce Bradshaw The Tunstall Arrow site, near will start this year to create measures. Popular sessions like ballroom brands including Curry’s PC changes. It also gives us will soon be moving the the JCB logistics centre in attractive and versatile public Plans are being developed to and sequence dancing and indoor World, Smyths Toys, Brantano confidence in the process and business HQ into the city at Chatterley Valley, has only just spaces in the city centre. replace short stay car parks bowling will continue, and the Footwear and Pets at Home. ensures we have an effective the Tunstall Arrow site. been put to the market. Another £7.5million will be opposite the station entrance with hall will continue to be available There is also a McDonald’s role in shaping future Q-railing has signed a deal to spent in the next two financial high quality landscaping and for private hire for parties and drive-thru restaurant and a decisions." take a 40,665 sq ft development years to provide the missing link seating in Winton Square, with other events. family pub and restaurant. which will help it to continue its in some of Hanley’s busiest alternative parking provision Chairman of the hall Trustees, Euan Lindsay, Senior expansion. squares. made nearby, including at the former Lord Mayor Derek Capey, Development Manager at St The company has provided Designs for the next phase of rear of the station. said discussions were under way Modwen, said: “Securing an LONGTON high quality glass railing solutions work, in Crown Bank, upper Road crossings in the area will to arrange other regular events to international retailer like TK Hazel Trees for world famous venues like Piccadilly and around the Victoria be improved and junction provide a community focus and Maxx for the final phase is Brazil’s Maracana stadium. Hall are being refined after the changes along Leek Road will support those elderly or disabled testament to Phoenix Park’s General Manager Bruce public had their say on the works. reduce traffic congestion. people who need to get out and success and will further enhance centre opens Bradshaw said: “We are delighted As well as providing open When complete, the meet others. Longton as a shopping to have made the commitment. spaces for events, pop up markets improvements will radically He said: “There is a real sense destination.” A new council centre has Q-railing is growing fast and we and exhibitions, the next phase improve the university and of togetherness in Fenton and the opened to support families are rapidly out-growing our includes demolishing the public station quarter, reducing the community centre is a focal point City Councillor Jack Brereton, with education, health and existing premises in Wolstanton. conveniences at Crown Bank amount of traffic around the for people of all ages to come Cabinet Member for Regeneration care needs. We are confident that the new which have been closed since railway station and provide better together and support each other. and Transport, said: “The group Hazel Trees, based at the building will be a credit to us and November after becoming a experiences for pedestrians and “We have an elderly population taking over Fenton Community former Kemball Special to the local community.” magnet for antisocial behaviour. cyclists. and people in our community Centre are such a fantastic School site in Fenton, means A more secure public toilet will The initiative to transform the with dementia who need our charity with a huge commitment specialist teams can pool WORK worth £1.5m has started be provided as part of the works. area around the station is support. to the local community. I can’t resources and share best to refurbish Burslem’s historic The next financial year will see part-funded by the Staffordshire “The Grocott Centre will carry think of a better group for us to practice. School of Art and provide work start in Tontine Square, Local Enterprise Partnership, on as normal but taking over the work with to support the town’s Specialists from the teaching and learning space for Fountain Square and Market whose Chairman David Frost running of the community centre community. Children’s Disability Team students at the Haywood Sixth Square to complete works to said: “Improving this major makes sure this much-loved and “Investment at Tunstall and started moving into the Form Academy. improve the key areas between gateway will see a real well-used resource has an Longton show developers’ and converted building in the late In a package supported by the intu Shopping Centre and transformation taking place in exciting future.” retailers’ confidence in the city Spring and were followed by city council and The Prince of Piccadilly. this important area. It will be the and its economy. the Early Years intervention Wales’s regeneration charities, first in a sequence of Over 65 tonnes of steel “They follow on from additional service and health partners. Steelworks are rising out of the ground on the site of the new TK Maxx community organisations have A series of road and public improvement schemes that will framework is being craned into investment in new shops at As well as meeting and store at Phoenix Park. Pictured, left to right, are Caddick Construction moved out into the Wedgwood realm improvements which will improve the transport network to position in Longton, as Festival Park and the restaurant Haywood Sixth Form Academy students Aron Bourne and Anna George had consultations rooms there is Site Manager Jim Weaver, St Modwen Development Manager Euan Institute across the road. bring an appealing university reduce congestion and enable construction gets underway on a and cinema complex at the opportunity to see progress on the £1.5million refurbishment of Burslem an occupational therapist area Lindsay and Prosurv Construction Quantity Surveyor Domenico Angotti. Four dedicated subject teaching campus feel to parts of Shelton growth in the city.” new 20,000 sq ft TK Maxx store intuPotteries.” School of Art to provide teaching and learning space for the Academy. and a parents’ room. City News 12-13 8/7/16 15:49 Page 1

12 City News SUMMER 2016 SUMMER 2016 City News 13 HANLEY FENTON Flytippers are News from facing legal SIX around the action in big appeal towns clampdown

14 City News SUMMER 2016

Summer events Space scheme blasts off to make a big difference in communities ParkLives Coach Craig Gilchrist leads a parents and tots exercise session at Central Forest Park.Taking part are, left to right, Laura Charlesworth-Hayes and her daughter Kacey Rose, Hayley Marie-Ashley and her daughter Beaux and Kerry Aubrey with her son Isaiah.

A popular programme of activities, which aims to increase skills, improve health and engage Activities bring young people, is about to blast off for a second summer on the trot. The Space scheme, will see thousands of 11 to 17 year olds in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire enjoy multi-sports, photography, drama and free running. The original Space the parks to life programme was an activities scheme led by UNDREDS of free activities are being police in Staffordshire during the 80s and 90s to held this summer at parks and green provide fun for young Hspaces in Stoke-on-Trent as part of people during the summer the national ParkLives initiative. holiday. The scheme, which is delivered by Coca Activities are planned Cola Great Britain in partnership with and delivered by bringing the city council, aims to bring together public and communities together to enjoy fun, voluntary organisations outdoor sessions for all ages and that work with the Police abilities. and city council. There are 15 different activities at The scheme runs from 10 locations including Zumba Monday 25 July until dancing, walking football, rounders, Friday 2 September and volleyball, Tai Chi classes and covers all six towns. After a exercise circuits for parents and terrific response it has their tots in pushchairs. Zumba returned for a second year The sessions are led by with another packed dancing at specially-trained leaders and will Westport are programme through the run through to September. The 10 summer break. locations are Hanley Park, Parklives Session Space 2016 has been Longton’s Queen’s Park, Westport Leader Ange Pepper launched by Police and Lake, Central Forest Park, with residents, left Crime Commissioner for Bucknall Park, Fenton Park, to right, Melanie Staffordshire Matthew Tunstall Park, Park Hall Country Seiffert,Janet Ellis to increase young Park, Hanford Park and the Howell and people’s skills, improve Whitfield Valley. Lynn Rivers. their health and wellbeing, Councillor Terry Follows, Cabinet and create opportunities Member for Greener City, for young people to take Development and Leisure, said: part in positive activities to “We’re delighted to be one of 10 help make communities locations across the UK hosting safer. ParkLives this year. This is the first During the summer time this national programme has come holidays, there are a range to Stoke-on-Trent so it’s a real coup for of activities taking place us to be involved, particularly during our throughout Staffordshire year as the UK’s European City of Sport. and Stoke-on-Trent as part “We have some fantastic parks in our of Space 2016. You can find city and the activities we are going to be out more at putting on will give residents a great www.staffordshirespace.uk reason to get more exercise, socialise and follow Space 2016 on make the most of our wonderful open Twitter @StaffsSpace and spaces. I would encourage everyone to find the project on get involved with the many fun activities Facebook. that are going to be on offer.” ParkLives launched in 2014 and is part of a £20million commitment by Coca More information, Cola Great Britain to invest in community-based projects that help including a calendar of people be active. events,is available by visiting staffordshirespace.uk TURN UP AND TONE: People who want to volunteer can Residents can view the full ParkLives instructor Claire Kinsey holds a express their interest by emailing ParkLives timetable and reserve a fitness class in Queen’s Park with, left to space@staffordshire space online at www.parklives.com right, residents Karen Harper, Carol Harper, .pnn.police.uk Amanda McDonald and Alan McDonald. City News 14-15 8/7/16 15:29 Page 2

SUMMER 2016 City News 15

Summer Sports for all events ‘Whodunnit’ ages and tastes N extensive range of novels to be StreetGames sessions for A young people, community brought to life focused events designed with the help of residents and the thrills of dragonboat racing are all on with readings the cards this summer. People of all ages and abilities at museum will be able to take advantage of the activities, which range from MURDER mystery fans are in street hockey, dogdgeball and for a treat this summer as basketball, to indoor athletics, characters from Agatha cricket and boxing. Christie’s best-selling Venues all around the city will “whodunnit” novels are be used to stage the sessions brought to life through which help to celebrate the city’s dramatic readings and European City of Sport status authentic art-deco costumes and increase awareness of at the Potteries Museum & opportunities to get involved in Art Gallery. sport and physical activity. The likes of Poirot, Miss StreetGames is a national Marple and an array of charity dedicated to developing potential crooks will all make “doorstep sport” and making an appearance at an event sport accessible to young people Carly Shaw from called Twilight – Agatha regardless of their social Tunstall, right, and Christie & Art Deco, which circumstances. Laura Trow from takes place on Friday, 5 Parks, community centres, Smallthorne, take part August (advance bookings recreational venues and other only.) in a fitness session at facilities are used to help deliver Tunstall Park. It is one of a series of the sessions, which are typically exhibitions, displays and multi-sport in nature to cater for family friendly activities everyone’s tastes. taking place at the Aims include improving Racing,throwing and jumping games will be staged at award-winning venue over community cohesion, reducing community events around Stoke-on-Trent this summer to the next three months. antisocial behaviour and Kyle Brennon, aged 11, shoots celebrate its status as European City of Sport.People of all ages Highlights also include the enhancing self-esteem and for goal at a StreetGames football much-anticipated exhibition session at Northwood Stadium. and abilities will be encouraged to take part in the fun sessions. confidence. The sessions are To find out more please visit stoke.gov.uk/cityofsport16 Costumes from Downton, being organised by a number of which runs from 2 July to 2 local sporting organisations, October. The special event including the city council. features a selection of exhilarating sport of Dragonboat Councillor Terry Follows, it. Bringing the European costumes from series one and For more details visit Racing. The race will be staged Cabinet Member for Greener Corporate Cup games to two of the acclaimed ITV stoke.gov.uk/streetgames on the lake at the Trentham City and Development, said: Stoke-on-Trent is a real coup drama Downton Abbey. They where there is a full Estate on Saturday 17 September “There really is something for and demonstrates how include an evening dress calendar of activities. and will be followed by a grand everyone this summer – all tying progressive the city is now.” worn by Lady Mary Crawley parade of colourful dragon boats. in with European City of Sport and a gown worn by Cora, The European Corporate Cup and encouraging people to get Countess of Grantham. Teams from local businesses of Netball will also be hosted on active. StreetGames sessions are Visitors will also be able will be able to compete for the same day at Fenton Manor great fun and the young For more details to enjoy Tea with the European Corporate Cups in two Sports Complex with women’s participants get a lot out of them Edwardian Butler on Sunday sports – which have been laid on and mixed teams able to enter. going back week after week to about all sporting events 31 July. As well as being by the World Corporate Games take part. in the city this summer visit served a homemade organisers to recognise “Personally, I can’t wait to see stoke.gov.uk/cityofsport16 afternoon tea they will be European City of Sport status. For more details the dragonboat racing – it will be about taking part visit Alternatively,like on Facebook at able to learn all about the Participants will be able to go a really colourful spectacle and facebook.com/cityofsport16 butler’s responsibilities, paddle to paddle in the europecorporatecup.com bring an international feel with which included wine cellar and follow on Twitter at management, the ironing of twitter.com/cityof newspapers and polishing of sport16. loose change (advance bookings only.) Outdoor adventures... Super heroes like Batman and other comic book favourites will feature at the KAPOW event on 30 July, paddling and climbing while Potty Inventions on Wednesday 24 August will see INTREPID residents can take part in an exciting a series of spectacular tricks, outdoors roadshow with climbing and paddle sports amazing inventions and at venues around the city this summer. astonishing stunts performed The City Adventures programme has been by two zany scientists. launched by the council working with key local and Meanwhile, at the city’s national partners. libraries, The Big Friendly It will bring a speclaist mobile climbing wall and Read is the title of this year’s a range of paddle sports, from kayaking and summer reading challenge. canoeing to paddle boarding to parks and canals. Children are encouraged to Events will take place at: read six library books and Westport Lake: 29 July, 6 August, 12 August and visit the library regularly over 23 August between 9.30am-4.30pm. the summer, collecting special Central Forest Park: 1 August, 8 August, 21 collector cards and rewards August & 10 September between 9.30am-4.30pm. along the way. Hanley Park: 2 August, 13 August & 22 August between 9.30am-4.30pm. Mass participation event for European City of Sport on October 2 Visit between 10am and 4pm. Longton Park: 3 August, 10 August, 24 August bigfriendly between 9.30am-4.30pm & 8 October, noon-3pm. read.org.uk Tunstall Park: 4 August, 11 August, 25 August, & to find out more about the 24 September between 9.30am-4.30pm. INNER PEACE: reading challenge.For more 18 September from noon-3pm. Tai Chi instructor Geoff Pike leads a class in about the museum events Etruria Industrial Museum canal area: 5 Queen’s Park, Longton, with residents Tony visit stokemuseums August & 24 September between 9.30am-4.30pm. Bridgewood, Rowena Tayal and Hazel Hulme. Middleport Park: 9 August, between 11am and .org.uk 4pm. City News 16 8/7/16 15:21 Page 1

16 City News SUMMER 2016 Warning on social media ARENTS are being warned to members’ identities, so if a child By visiting facebook.com/ make sure their children stay lies about their age to set up their clickceop they can place a safe when using the internet profile, they should remember bookmark on their profile which P that other people can lie about allows them to report abuse to and social media during the who they are online. the national Child Exploitation summer holidays. She said: Underage users might and Online Protection Centre As more and more young be less likely to keep their (CEOP). This button alone has people use their mobile phones, identities private and lying about been known to deter offenders tablets and computers to keep in their age can expose them to looking to exploit children. touch, a whole new raft of risks to further risks regarding privacy Parents are also urged to look their safety has arisen. settings and options. at advice at thinkuknow.co.uk Many children below the “Facebook and similar online Facebook minimum age of 13 set sites have been used by people to up their own accounts, and when contact children with the Golden rules for they go online could quickly see: intention of grooming, exploiting Facebook safety: ■ Adverts of a sexual or other and sexually abusing them.” ■ Always keep your profile inappropriate nature. Parents whose children have private. ■ Approaches from people they Facebook profiles are strongly ■ advised to: Never accept friends you do not know which could don’t know in real life. ■ increase the risk of Check the child’s profile is set ■ Never post anything which inappropriate contact or to “private” and that only could reveal your identity. behaviour. friends can see the information ■ ■ they post. Never post anything you Offensive, illegal or wouldn’t want your parents inappropriate language, ■ Monitor the child’s use and talk to see. photographs, games and to them about safe and ■ Never agree to meet groups. appropriate behaviour online. ■ somebody you only know Messages from bullies or other ■ Be open with them about the online. potential sex offenders. dangers of sharing personal ■ Always tell someone if you Safeguarding Board Manager information and posting feel threatened or someone Carole Preston said Facebook offensive messages or upsets you online. cannot and does not verify its photographs. Children’s Centre helped mums turn their lives around

MUM Claire Harris has plenty to centres, which are now celebrating thank Stoke-on-Trent Children's their 10 year anniversary. Centres for. As a young parent she They bring together a range of suffered from panic attacks, services for all families with anxiety and post traumatic stress – children under five years old and which led to her confidence being extended services up to the age really low. of 11. Despite that she was encouraged Services all under one roof to enrol on a series of courses at include childcare, early education, Stoke-on-Trent North Children’s health services, intensive family Centre at Chell and started to turn intervention services and things around. Jobcentre Plus. Claire said: “I had children at a Many of the city’s 16 young age and because of personal geographically-spread centres also reasons I never finished school so offer services such as ante-natal I wanted to gain some and post-natal care, teen qualifications. One of my children pregnancy support, smoking has special needs so I wanted to cessation and links to help parents work in that kind of area. I started and carers find volunteering off by doing Maths Level 1 and opportunities. English Entry 3 courses at the Parent-of-two Sam Thompson centre and was also enrolled on a has also seen her life transformed confidence course.” through her links with the centre. Soon Claire started attending the She has completed a number of Parents Forum at the centre and courses such as basic health and from there her name was put social care and safeguarding forward to join the Partnership training and is now a volunteer in Board. Later she made the step up an adult learning maths class. to Vice-Chair of the Board and Her next goal is to apply for a now helps to make key decision volunteering place at the hospital about the centre’s future direction. as a care assistant and then get a She also went on to complete full-time job as a care assistant at another English course and after the hospital. that was asked to volunteer in the She said: “I’m very happy how class – passing on her knowledge far I have come in the last few and experience to other mums. years and what is better is I know She added: “I have found the I am giving something back to the centre to be a great support and centre, where everyone is so I’m a more confident, better friendly and welcoming.” person because of it and the staff The centres are running a full that work here. range of activities throughout the Sam Thompson, left, “I’m proud of myself and how summer and beyond which cater far I’ve come. The children’s centre for a range of ages and with her 11-month-old is an amazing place and what’s availabilities. son Mason and mum more I’ve made so many great Claire Harris at friends along the way.” ■ For more details about Stoke-on-Trent North Claire’s story is synonymous children’s centres visit Children’s Centre. with so many more who have been stoke.gov.uk/childrecentres or supported by the city’s children’s follow on Facebook.

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SUMMER 2016 City News 17 Specialist care

given at home Working to OROTHY Twigg first showed signs of early-stage dementia make people Daround five years ago.She kept repeating herself, sometimes having the same conversation up feel included to five times a day. MAKING Stoke-on-Trent She was diagnosed two years a dementia-friendly later at a local day hospital for community is the aim of people experiencing memory the city council and problems and after being Stoke-on-Trent Clinical prescribed with medication she Commissioning Group. was discharged so she could Working together with continue with her routine. health, community and But when her daughter Karen voluntary organisations the discovered her “totally partners want people living disorientated” in a caravan with dementia and their earlier this year, she knew it was carers to feel included and time to find hands-on help. able to access high-quality With the backing of her family personalised care and she alerted the city council’s support services where they Marrow House Specialist will be diagnosed and Dementia Centre – and the supported in a timely way. decision has led to peace of mind Marrow House in Meir for all concerned. Hay opened in March 2016 Dorothy, aged 87, is receiving and provides re-ablement high-quality, personalised and intermediate care support from a team which visits services (focused personal her house three times a day and care and help with daily she has benefitted enormously. living activities) for people Professionals providing living with dementia in therapy support – described by their community who may Karen as “angels” – come in to be approaching a crisis make sure she has her tablets, Dorothy Twigg at her home in point or who are in hospital takes her meals, showers at night Bentilee with her daughter Karen and are ready to be and washes in the morning. Parry and her pet dog Oliver. discharged. Dorothy is living with “Mixed The team provides Dementia,” a combination of information, assessment and Alzheimer’s and Vascular prescribed medication to slow completely disorientated and not independence away from her.” therapy support to help Dementia which her daughter down the symptoms. knowing how she had got where ● If you have concerns about people regain the skills and describes as a “vile disease.” “I have to go to North Wales she was. yourself or a loved one, for more confidence they need to “I had my mum checked for from our home in Stoke-on-Trent “It was at that point I realised information and advice about the return home or remain at memory loss five years ago but a every week for four days to work we needed to seek further help condition please visit the home for longer and also scan indicated there was nothing and my mum continued to come and I am so glad the helpers are Alzheimer’s Society website identify future care and wrong,” said Karen, aged 57. with me, staying in our caravan supporting her while she www.alzheimers/org.uk or call support needs. The service “But she continued with mood during the day. continues to live in our family their National Dementia Helpline provides both bed-based swings and loss of memory so But one Saturday morning in home in Bentilee. on 0300 222 1122. NHS Choices and community re-ablement when she was diagnosed in 2013 January my mum just stood there “She still has her mobility and I also have information and advice services, with personalised at the dementia clinic she was with a blank look on her face, don’t feel that I am taking her about dementia. levels of support. Surplus council furniture sold to community groups FURNITURE that was surplus to room at the Ingestre Square venue, requirements at the city council has which is used by groups including been sold at a discounted rate to the Royal Voluntary Service. support voluntary and community Volunteer Christine Pratt said: “We groups. successfully bid for 12 bookcases, 12 The equipment, including desks, wing back chairs and 12 meeting chairs and filing cabinets, was no room chairs. We are absolutely longer needed after the authority delighted because we would never reduced the number of offices and have been able to afford these items other buildings it works from over if we had bought them from a shop. the last few years from around 55 to “They have transformed the Hub 35. and the book-lending service room, Rather than dispose of the items, which hosts 300 members, looks the council wanted to make sure the more welcoming than ever before.” furniture went to a good home. Bids St Mary and St Chad Church on were invited with nine groups, Anchor Road, Longton, also put in a ranging from community hubs to successful bid – buying 12 chairs, churches, expressing interest. four coffee tables for the community It meant the council has been able hall and a clothes rack, which will be to recoup money from the sales while used to hang garments for sale at supporting community groups with summer and autumn fayres. furniture they need at a very Father Kevin Palmer said: “These affordable price. items were originally from a nursing Blurton Community Hub is one of home. They are in very good the venues that has benefited from condition and suit our needs down to READ ALL ABOUT IT: the sale. Volunteers bought bookcases the ground. volunteer Leslie Ecclestone shows the new book cases and conference room chairs for its “I’m thrilled that the city council purchased from the council being put to good use in book-lending service room. has sold this furniture to groups like the book-lending service room at Blurton Hub. Wingback armchairs were ourselves. It is not going to waste and purchased for the day care centre is benefiting the community.”

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18 City News SUMMER 2016 Grant helps residents move into the digital age A £500 grant is set to help The Residents’ Association, computers so they can send members of the Shelton and supported by Stoke-on-Trent emails and use social Etruria Vale Residents’ City Council, applied for the networks,” said Chairman Vic Association move into the grant to help members who Rawlingson. digital age. feel isolated from the “A lot of our members have The Salt Box Age Friendly community. family and friends who live a City support funds will “The initiative will especially long way away so knowing how subsidise six-week IT courses at benefit people who are over 55 to use Skype, for instance, will focus a variety of venues in the city. and wish to learn how to use be a real benefit.”

Pictured outside the Fegg Hayes Community Hub are Fegg Hayes Futures members, left to right, Secretary Jeff Walker, Community Development Worker Helen Snashall,Trustee Jean Machin, Chair of Trustees Margaret Hub appeals Howle and Project Manager Ray Perry. to all ages

HE future is bright for a range of Project Manager for Fegg Hayes life-enhancing activities in Fegg Futures which runs the Hub in Hayes thanks to the launch of a new partnership with the adjacent Fegg T Hayes Methodist Church. Community Hub. “The building – on the site of the The newly-opened community venue previous pre-fabricated community is the result of a partnership between hall – is totally flexible for a variety of Fegg Hayes Futures and Fegg Hayes community purposes in the 21st Methodist Church, with £498,000 century. funding from the Big Lottery Fund’s “We are open to everyone, bringing Reaching Communities programme. people of all ages and backgrounds State-of-the-art facilities including a together and giving them a focal point.” multi-purpose hall, meeting room, Objectives of the Fegg Hayes Futures kitchen and office space with laptops project include helping people improve will host various ventures including a their lives in the areas of debt computer club, Duke of Edinburgh’s counselling and carer support. Award sessions and a lunch club. Partners include the Fegg Hayes With fitness and dance sessions also Residents’ Association, Chell Area on the agenda along with lifelong Family Action Group, Stoke Big Local learning projects and space for local North, Stoke-on-Trent City Council groups to meet, the Hub is set to and the Boys Brigade and Girls appeal to both young and old. Association. “We wanted to create a place for fun ■ For more information on the Hub and enjoyment where people could visit the Fegg Hayes Futures website also find a safe space for educational fegghayes.org.uk or contact the team pursuits,” said Ray Perry,Volunteer on 01782 761134. Fun events for Volunteers needed to help young offenders tenants and VOLUNTEERS are needed to Lead for the city’s Youth help young offenders onto the Offending Service Hazel leaseholders straight and narrow. Williamson said: “Volunteers play The City’s Youth Offending a vital role in helping young Team needs people of all ages offenders turn their lives around THE Council’s tenants and and from all backgrounds to and keep out of trouble. leaseholders are being invited make a difference for the young “It’s a rewarding role that has a to attend Tenant Information people involved and for the real impact on quality of life in Fun Days across the city. whole community. Stoke-on-Trent.” Free activities will keep the They will join panels which The work of the YOT can have youngsters busy at the family help first time offenders face up a really positive impact on the friendly events during which to the crimes they have city and bring communities closer partner agencies will have an committed, maybe discuss the together. ideal opportunity to engage matter with their victim, and For example, Sandyford and with residents and showcase benefit their local community Goldenhill Residents Association their services. with gardening, litterpicking or worked with young offenders to Awards will be presented to other similar projects. clean land at the corner of High residents in the Best Garden, One of the volunteers, Street and Shelford Road that Best Neighbour and the Best 23-year-old Lucky Rahman, said had become overgrown and a Young Neighbour categories. joining the YOT had been real eyesore. The Stoke Central event will “amazing” and urged others to Working over several weeks be held on Friday 12 August at follow. She said: “I was able to they cleared the piece of land of Hanley Fire Station, Lower meet amazing people through my unruly shrubs. Afterwards, Bethesda Street, Hanley from role and it made me feel great McDonald’s – who have a 11am-3pm. knowing I was making a restaurant on the land adjacent, The Northern event will be difference within the community. paid for it to be turfed over. held on Tuesday 16 August at “It’s a great feeling knowing Association Secretary Tom Port Vale Football Club, Hamil that the work we put in makes a Simpson said: “It was a real Road, Burslem in the Valiant difference and that we are feather in the cap for the YOT. Suite from 11am-3pm. showing young people they have “They did a brilliant job and The Southern event will be a lot of potential and the community is very grateful to held on Friday 19 August at opportunities available to them.” them.” Fenton Community Centre, One young offender, Jan, wrote ■ To find out more about Manor Street, Fenton, from Tom Simpson, secretary a letter apologising to his victim joining one of the volunteer 11am-3pm. after discussions with volunteers panels or to suggest a project ■ of Sandyford and Goldenhill For more information about Residents’ Association with the site made him think about the impact that young offenders could work these events please contact cleared and tidied by young offenders as of his offending. He now stays on to benefit their community, the Tenant Involvement part of the initiative to help them pay away from negative influences in please contact Sheetal Mistry Team on 01782 235916 or back the community for their offending. his life and is hoping to move on on 01782 238830 or email email tenantinvolvement and go to university. [email protected] [email protected]

To contact the council by email [email protected] City News 19 8/7/16 16:38 Page 1

SUMMER 2016 City News 19 Website helps people check credit status WORK STARTS A free service that helps people in financial need to access welfare benefits is now available. People can log on to the charity website turn2us.org.uk which is particularly useful for those looking to check their Universal Credit status and ON NEW HOMES see what they are entitled to. There is also information on other charitable grants and support services and Council company to build over 100 houses for private rental entitlements such as the Personal Independence Payment. Universal Credit ITES for more than 100 new has replaced six individual benefits and is awarded as a homes have been monthly payment. It is Sidentified by the city payable to people of working council to be built by the new age including those who are housing company set up by the unemployed, working or too sick to work. local authority earlier this year. Earlier this year the Work has already started on council launched an online two and three-bedroomed tool to calculate Universal homes at Wellington Road and Credit. Users are able to planning discussions are enter their details and a ongoing for the former calculator gives their exact Churchill Pottery site in the single payment total. City Centre. For more advice about The city council is going to claiming benefits visit run a competition to build stoke.gov.uk/benefits where more homes on a site next to users can be signposted to the Emma Bridgewater factory specific information based on at City Waterside. The first their circumstances. wave of new homes will be ready to rent privately by January 2017. The council housing growth team is liaising directly with the city’s main employers – like bet365 Estate to be and the Royal Stoke Hospital – to understand the offer needed for rental for transformed employees moving into the A £3million refurbishment area. project is underway to Rents from the homes will transform the Hollybush estate cover the cost of borrowing in Blurton. to build them and will also Around 240 properties are generate income to help benefiting from a range of protect front line council works which include roof and services. guttering replacements, Debbiei Hope, Strategic rebuilding and re-pointing of Manager, Housing Growth, chimney stacks and a series of said: “As the properties go up other repairs and installations. we will be appointing a There will also be general marketing agent. They will landscape improvements and work with local employers to enhanced traffic management offer attractive new homes to put in place. employees who need a home The refurbishment scheme is in the city. being delivered under the “The homes have been Estate Approach Model, which designed with this in mind, so aims to deliver planned as well as being great for BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE: maintenance programmes in families they will also be good Bricklayer Chris McCabe an effective and targeted way. for two or three professionals working on new council Work began earlier this year sharing, with features like funded homes being built and is due for completion in multiple bathrooms and at Hanley for private rental. December. storage space.” Friends of Barnett Stross group promote wide range of Quality of life projects to raise awareness of Lidice Shall Live campaign is enhanced AN organisation dedicated to the be constructed. Our not-for-profit schools. Representatives from the RESIDENTS have memory of a wartime act of organisation is based in Fenton group recently attended the welcomed a £1.7million solidarity in the face of wanton and run on a voluntary basis,” annual commemorative event in improvement scheme destruction is carrying out a said former Lord Mayor Jean Lidice, laying a wreath on behalf which has seen their range of projects. Edwards, chair of the Friends of of the organisation and homes massively improved The Friends of Barnett Stross Barnett Stross whose father was presenting a cheque to Lidice and quality of life work to raise awareness of how one of the wartime miners who Memorial for £4,000 towards a enhanced. Lidice was burned to the ground contributed to Sir Barnett’s Lidice new permanent exhibition. The council has carried in 1942 and of the role that the appeal out of his weekly wages. This will show how the idea for out the refurbishment people of Stoke-on-Trent played “As well as spreading the news the reconstruction of the village programme at Matthews in rebuilding the village. of the Lidice Shall Live campaign began with the Lidice Shall Live Walk, a 48-apartment Lidice, in the present-day we encourage the development movement. complex on the edge of the Czech Republic, was wiped off and exploration of cultural, Stoke-on-Trent schoolchildren city centre. the map in retaliation by Hitler social, economic and educational have taken part in an Spanning across four after one of his high-profile links between the UK, the Czech international art exhibition with low-rise blocks, the work generals was killed by Czech Republic and the wider links to the International has seen a complete freedom fighters. All male community. Children’s Exhibition of Fine internal and external inhabitants over the age of 16 Sir “Lidice Shall Live is a Arts, Lidice. refurbishment of each of were shot. Barnett little-remembered good deed that The Friends are to launch their the three-storey buildings. In the wake of the atrocity Stross happened in our city and it “Peace and Friendship” theme for The work has involved human rights campaigner Sir should be a matter of pride for 2016/17 on 6 September – the day installing new bathrooms, Barnett Stross, a prominent everyone in Stoke-on-Trent.” the Lidice Shall Live campaign fitting new main doors and Stoke-on-Trent councillor and £32,000 (£1million in today’s The Friends continue to raise was inaugurated at Victoria Hall fire sprinkler systems, future MP,set up the Lidice Shall money), much of it raised in awareness on social media, in the aftermath of the massacre. giving each block a new ■ Live campaign to raise money for Stoke-on-Trent, was handed over distributing leaflets throughout For more information about roof and fitting LED lights the rebuilding of the village. As a to the Czech Government in 1947 North Staffordshire and giving the Friends of Barnett Stross inside to improve security. result of the campaign a total of so that a new model village could talks to clubs, associations and go to tfobs.org City News 20 8/7/16 15:02 Page 1

20 City News SUMMER 2016 Reserve forces hope to find new recruits Spode creative AN initiative to encourage people to give up their spare time to serve in the Reserve Forces is being launched by Stoke-on-Trent City Council. A stand will be set up within Stoke Town Hall on 8 September – when Reserves Day is celebrated nationally – promoting the valuable role. units half full MOVING IN: Reserves balance their Textiles and civilian life with a military VER half the units created to house embroidery specialist career to ensure that should businesses at the historic Spode site have Amy Davies at her their country require them, new unit on the they would be ready to serve Obeen taken up by a huge range of creative as part of the military. companies. historic Spode The council has undertaken Specialists in textiles, graphic design, pottery, site. to attract people with varying painting, greetings cards and even a bow tie skill bases to take up the role maker have flocked to take up units ranging in under the city’s Armed Forces size from 150 to 500 square feet. Covenant. All have been renovated on two floors of the “We are seeking to recruit factory in Stoke town centre in a project from our own workforce and launched by the city council, Arts Council local businesses,” said England and arts education charity ACAVA. Michaleen Hilton, Civic The studios are self-contained, with excellent Support Manager. natural light from large factory windows and “At the same time we will overhead skylights. be highlighting the valuable Textiles and embroidery specialist Amy contribution that the Davies has just moved in to her unit and said Reserves make within the it’s an “exciting” place to be. Her work explores Armed Forces as well as in how different textiles and materials fit together. their local community.” She said: “I’ve been waiting for the right place The promotional stand will to come along and when I saw the Spode site it supply information on how was amazing. It’s great to be surrounded by people can join the Reserves, other creative people and I really like the unit.” what training they will The studios are part of the council’s receive and what their ambitious vision to build a thriving creative employers can do to assist. community on the site of the former pottery factory. Councillor Jack Brereton, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport said: “It’s a tremendous success story and marks the start of many more initiatives to breathe life back Good news on into this important site. “We will see student accommodation, shop units and a museum make this a vibrant centre busy junction at the heart of Stoke Town.”

AN empty warehouse has been purchased at one of the city’s busiest junctions paving the way 3.1 mile track for a road-widening scheme. The building on Waterloo Road was bought at auction by Free nursery places a major is route to city the city council and is seen as the first step towards easing traffic congestion at the pivotal fitness drive crossroads. One plan is to bulldoze the boost for young city family A permanently marked 5 building enabling the junction kilometre (3.1 mile) running to be widened, which in turn PARENTS have welcomed route has been created to will improve flow at the a decision to increase the help more people of all ages four-way traffic lights. number of free childcare and abilities get fit. Detailed plans are now being places available for The 321 route starts and drawn up to outline the two-year-olds in the city finishes at Northwood improvements and a following an injection of Stadium, taking in the City full consultation with funding. Centre Bus Station and City local residents and At the moment, some two Mosque as well as the business owners will year olds are entitled to a perimeter of Hanley Park. take place before any free childcare place, which Permanent directional and decisions are made. is usually available from distance markers have been the start of the term after placed along the route at the child’s second birthday. each kilometre making it Now the city council has easy to follow. funded an increase in the They also allow runners to number of places for two- mark split times and vary Ad campaign year-olds by providing one- their training schemes. off grants to create new The route, which is a Run childcare locations or to England initiative in for fostering expand current settings. partnership with the city Places are available at a council and Staffordshire ADVERTISING students range of high quality day Athletics Network, is ideal from Staffordshire nurseries, pre-school play for people of all abilities and University worked with the groups, schools and experience to lose weight, city council on a campaign to through childminders. improve fitness and increase recruit more foster carers. By accessing free early STORY TIME: speed. They teamed up with the education, children are Laura Neville Councillor Terry Follows, council to develop the given the best start by with her partner cabinet member for greener Familiar Places, Familiar learning through hands-on Scott and their city, development and Faces campaign. activities and play, daughters Iona leisure at the city council, There are more than 650 supported by people who and Wynter Mae. said: “During our year as children in care in the city, understand how children European City of Sport this but only 260 fostering grow, learn and develop. is a great opportunity for households. Last year, more The decision has delighted lots of things from toilet training family it has really boosted our residents wanting to give than £4million was spent on mum-of-two Laura Neville whose to using knives and forks to confidence and has given us the running a go. The entire placements from private two daughters – Iona, five, and reciting nursery rhymes. time to do our own things. route is on pavements and agencies, including some three-year-old Wynter Mae – “Being involved with the centre “I would recommend anyone lit by streetlights, making it outside Stoke-on-Trent. have both benefitted from the also helped Scott and I. We have who is entitled to a free childcare suitable all year round. The campaign was free placements. completed lots of courses there, place to take up the offer. “Running is a brilliant way launched as part of Foster Laura, 25, who lives with including English Language and “It is great news the council is to get fit, lose weight or just Care Fortnight to encourage partner Scott, 24, in Hanley, said: Confidence courses. able to increase the two-year unwind after a long day. If local people to come forward “Both girls attended Thomas “It has helped Scott get a job at offer and my advice to anyone you run the route with a to help local children. Boughey Children’s Centre under an insurance brokers and I am considering it is go for it!” friend, it’s also a great ■ excuse to catch up and chat ■ To find out more about the scheme and really benefitted now taking a Health and Social Parents can apply for a place while getting fit together.” fostering call 234555. from it. It got them both into a Care course with an aim to go online at gov.uk/beststart or by routine and they have learned into that kind of work. As a calling 01782232200. City News 21 8/7/16 14:58 Page 1

SUMMER 2016 City News 21 Students help community groups gain social media know-how

MEMBERS of community organisations are gaining social networking skills thanks to an imaginative initiative by Stoke-on-Trent City Council in collaboration with sixth-form students. Working with the Local Matters officer Vanessa Hamilton, mentors at the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College delivered two workshops giving advice on how to use social media and create a website. Attending the Social Media Workshops at the College were 40 participants from community KEEPING FIT IN THE FAMILY: organisations including Darren and Donna Wheat with social enterprises, charities, Chelsea, six, left, and Chantelle, residents’ associations, eight, and Childrens Fitness parents groups and sports Instructor Emma Smith at the clubs. Crescent Academy, Meir. The attendees developed skills in how to set up new accounts and use email, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social network platforms during the free one-to-one workshops where they were able to learn at their own individual pace. “Community organisations benefited from GETTING ACTIVE valuable networking, increased confidence to engage with more people and the skill to improve their online profile to help fundraise,” said Vanessa. “They were also given the chance to consult with young people and develop ongoing relationships with the IS LIFE CHANGER college. “The workshops helped to raise awareness of the WO “get-active” fitness games inspiring them to “just Families programme run by as a family – and the effect on varied work that goes on in programmes transformed keep moving” and score points – Stoke-on-Trent City Council Chantelle of both this and local communities. eight-year-old Chantelle and they were thrilled when their which provides support and Change4Life has been “The students gained T team, called Frozen, won advice to local families for remarkable. employability skills through Wheat’s whole outlook on life. nationally. making healthier lifestyle choices “She has become a lot more communication, creativity The youngster used to be only In the programme which runs to achieve and maintain a healthy and lost inches off her and teamwork while those too happy to sit on the sofa during the school holidays any healthy weight. waist. She used to spend a lot of in media studies also filmed watching TV while the rest of her burst of 10 minute activity counts The foursome benefitted from time sitting down – but now she the workshops to create a family buzzed around her. as a Shake Up and goes towards taking part in exercise routines goes out on her bike and enjoys social action video which She was also no stranger to the hour of physical activity and playing a variety of sports. swimming lessons.” will be available to view on sugary snacks that piled on the children need every day. Food labelling and menu So impressed were the Wheat the college website.” pounds. But all that changed Recent research shows that planning were also part of the family by the courses that they when parents Donna and Darren just 21 per cent of boys and 16 course. have now joined the Time4Sport Wheat enrolled Chantelle and per cent of girls currently meet “One of the main reasons for classes at the Crescent Academy, her five-year-old sister Chelsea the recommended level. involving us all in the Meir. Chantelle and her in healthy lifestyle activities. The Active Families programmes was to get Chantelle six-year-old sister Chelsea, have Bus pass sold The two girls were happy to be programme, available to families a bit more active and give her a re-signed for Change4Life. signed up for the Disney-inspired with a child aged 4-11, has been knowledge of good and bad ■ Families can be referred to Change4Life Shake Up designed with input from mums foods,” said Donna, aged 37, of the project by their GP,health programme. and dads to ensure all the Meir, who is a support worker for visitor, school nurse or at key venues Accompanied by their mum in sessions are fun and informative. adults with learning difficulties. parent/carer, or can contact the back garden they went Donna also entered her whole “Active Families was something 0800 085 0928 to see if they PASSENGERS can now buy through a series of 10-minute family for the 10-week Active we could all benefit from and do meet the criteria to take part. a versatile bus pass, which offers expanded freedom to travel around the city and beyond, from key council venues. Sheltered home is ideal place for Maureen The Smart Multi-Operator Pass allows people to travel STOKE-ON-TRENT City Council’s Wooldridge Court the year before on buses provided by four seven Sheltered Housing schemes she died and my father Cecil was different operators with just are designed to support people to here until he passed away aged one ticket. People can hop live independently – and there 90,” she said.I used to fly back on and off on any route at are few more active residents from the States where I lived for any time of the day across than Maureen Pepper. a while to visit my mother and Stoke-on-Trent, Maureen, aged 76, who has a then took a house near to Maureen Pepper Newcastle-under-Lyme and downstairs flat at the complex at Wooldridge Court in her later at her home in the rest of North Wooldridge Court, Smallthorne, years. Wooldridge Court Staffordshire. regularly flies across the Atlantic “When my doctor advised me to Weekly, monthly and with a photograph three-month Smart passes to visit her sister in Florida. move to ground floor of her mother and The former teacher has a job as accommodation after a bout of for adults, children and father who also lived students are now available a support worker in the mental meningitis the Sheltered Scheme at the Smallthorne health services sector. was the obvious place for me to from 1 Smithfield, Hanley, Maureen is a second-generation come. Like my parents I am very complex for many Bentilee Neighbourhood resident in the Sheltered Housing happy here. I can still be years. Centre, Stoke One Stop scheme because both her parents independent but there is help if Shop and Tunstall Local were there before her. you need it, with lots of social Centre. “My mother Hilda Cartwright activities in the lounge to provide ■ Visit stoke.gov.uk/ celebrated her 100th birthday at companionship.” smartbus for more information and prices. City News 22 8/7/16 14:54 Page 1

22 City News SUMMER 2016 Hidden secrets unveiled IDDEN treasures throughout Organisers want more venues Stoke-on-Trent which are to register before the deadline of not usually open to the August 1. Entrance must be free H to all activities, and some sites public will throw their doors open which are usually open all year for one weekend in September. round will have special events A number of key venues have planned for the weekend. already signed up to take part in On Saturday September 11 Heritage Open Days, including there will be free parking on BBC Radio Stoke, the Bethesda John Street multi storey car park Chapel and the Lord Mayor’s in the city centre. Parlour, Council Chamber and City Councillor Dan Jellyman Committee Rooms at Stoke Town said: “It’s a tremendous Hall. opportunity to see inside some of Most of the city’s town halls the buildings that give our city will be open, and The Potteries such a rich heritage. It gives Museum & Art Gallery will also visitors a picture of the city’s be giving visitors a fascinating history, and its present through TREASURE TROVE: look behind the scenes into buildings which make a massive City Councillor Dan rooms and archives which are contribution to city life.” Jellyman in the former normally kept under lock and key. There is still time to register crown court room at Other attractions include new venues, and anyone who Hanley Town Hall. Check Chatterley Whitfield, Trentham signs up through the Heritage Parish Church, the Wedgwood Open Days website at stoke.gov.uk for a full Museum and Middleport Pottery, heritageopendays.org.uk would programme of events for where the historic ship’s steam receive a package of bunting and the four days between engine which powers the factory flags to help them promote the 8 and 11 September. will be firing on all cylinders. event. City News 23 8/7/16 14:52 Page 1

SUMMER 2016 City News 23

Abbey Hulton and Townsend MELANIE BADDELEY RICHARD BROUGHAN (City Independents) (City Independents) Your (01782) 859354 07881 332870 07979 508837 richard.broughan@ melanie.baddeley@ stoke.gov.uk Councillors stoke.gov.uk Baddeley Green, Milton and Norton Bentilee and Ubberley JACK BRERETON DAVE EVANS ANTHONY MUNDAY STEPHEN FUNNELL SHEILA PITT (Conservative) (Conservative) (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (01782) 541368 07447 914011 (01782) 239737 07919 564369 07957 948896 07855 916134 dave.evans@ 07743 876421 stephen.funnell@ sheila.pitt@ jack.brereton@ stoke.gov.uk anthony.munday@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Birches Head and Central Forest Park Blurton East Blurton West and Newstead Boothen and Oakhill JEAN BOWERS SABRINA BOWERS JOAN BELL LLOYD BROWN ANDY PLATT (City Independents) (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (01782) 262613 (01782) 534797 (01782) 341398 07824 496282 07946 713893 07919 564493 07827 281594 07757 708703 lloyd.brown@ andy.platt@ jean.bowers@ sabrina.bowers@ joan.bell@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Twitter: @CllrAndyST4

Bradeley and Chell HeathBroadway and Longton East Burslem Central Burslem Park Dresden and Florence GURMEET SINGH CHRIS ROBINSON ALAN DUTTON JOY GARNER LILIAN DODD KALLAR (Labour) (City Independents) (Labour) (City Independents) (Labour) 07720 975697 07982 231567 (01782) 768846 (01782) 319285 07900 604232 chris.robinson@ alan.dutton@ 07986 442770 07880 179802 gurmeetsingh.kallar@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk [email protected] lilian.dodd@ stoke.gov.uk Twitter:@button1001 stoke.gov.uk

Eaton Park Etruria and Hanley Fenton East Fenton West and Mount Pleasant Ford Green and Smallthorne RITA DALE MAJID KHAN PAUL SHOTTON MICK BELL CANDI CHETWYND (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (UKIP) (Labour) (01782) 285075 07989 441707 07769 697771 (01782) 847760 07910 534163 rita.dale@ majid.khan@ paul.shotton@ mick.bell@ candi.chetwynd@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Goldenhill and Sandyford Great Chell and Packmoor Hanford and Trentham MARTIN GARNER JANINE BRIDGES ANN JAMES TERENCE FOLLOWS DANIEL JELLYMAN (Labour) (City Independents) (City Independents) (City Independents) (Conservative) (01782) 768846 (01782) 851842 (01782) 836766 (01782) 643553 (01782) 899000 martin.garner@ 07771 331893 ann.james@ 07944 055379 daniel.jellyman@ stoke.gov.uk janine.bridges@ stoke.gov.uk terence.follows@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Hanley Park and Shelton Hartshill and Basford Hollybush and Longton West Joiner’s Square Lightwood North and Normacot AMJID WAZIR SHAUN PENDER KATH BANKS ALASTAIR WATSON SADAQAT (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) MAQSOOM 07747 830461 07914 851349 (01782) 399759 07736 837822 (Conservative) amjid.wazir@ shaun.pender@ 07790 699379 alastair.watson@ 07595 531859 stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk kath.banks@ stoke.gov.uk sadaqat.maqsoom@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Little Chell and Stanfield Meir Hay Meir North Meir Park Meir South DAVID CONWAY CRAIG BEARDMORE RUTH ROSENAU ABI BROWN DEBBIE WHEELDON (City Independents) (Conservative) (Labour) (Conservative) (Labour) (01782) 232468 07941 098364 07870 503575 07793 844169 (01782) 595043 david.conway@ craig.beardmore@ ruth.rosenau@ abi.brown@ 07870 777807 stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk debbie.wheeldon@ Twitter: stoke.gov.uk @CllrRuthRosenau

Moorcroft Penkhull and Stoke Sandford Hill Sneyd Green Springfields and Trent Vale MOHAMMED PERVEZ RANDOLPH CONTEH OLWEN HAMER JOANNE JACKIE BARNES (Labour) (City Independents) (Labour) POWELL-BECKETT (City Independents) 07919 917632 (01782) 256869 07717 714207 (City Independents) (01782) 845619 mohammed.pervez@ 07920 835902 olwen.hamer@ 07816 518275 07813 539410 stoke.gov.uk randolph.conteh@ stoke.gov.uk joanne.powell- jackie.barnes@ Twitter:@pervezstoke stoke.gov.uk [email protected] stoke.gov.uk

Tunstall Weston Coyney FORTHCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS AT THE CIVIC CENTRE, STOKE: LEE WANGER ROSS IRVING Cabinet meetings take place at the Civic Centre at The next full City Council meetings will be in the (City Independents) (Conservative) 1pm on the following dates: 9 August and 13 council chamber at 2.30pm on 8 September. (01782) 856712 (01782) 335982 September. 07971 303729 07842 709011 lee.wanger@ ross.irving@ For more information on your Councillors go to stoke.gov.uk/councillors stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Councillors can also be contacted through the Councillor and Civic Support Team who can take messages and forward them on.They can be contacted on (01782) 231922 or 231924.

Information on city councillors was correct at the time of going to press. City News 24 8/7/16 16:57 Page 1

24 City News SUMMER 2016 Putting ping in the city

ING Pong fever has swept Member for Greener City, through Stoke-on-Trent thanks Development and Leisure, said: to dozens of free tables being “It is a wonderful event to host P and has really captured the set up in public spaces. imagination. Hundreds of people have taken “Hundreds of people have advantage of the table tennis tables – grabbed a bat and a ball and just complete with balls and bats – which had a go, whether they be have appeared in parks and squares, workers in their lunch hour, outside theatres, museums and sports shoppers wanting an energetic centres as well as other easily boost or visitors who are just accessible locations. curious about what’s going on. It is all part of the hugely popular “It’s great that Datto Ping! has THE PULL OF PING PONG: nationwide festival called Datto Ping! come to the city this year as it First Potteries Bus Controller Andy Taylor, which has come to the Potteries for really ties in with the European foreground, and Driver James Edwards the first time this year as part of the City of Sport Celebration.” enjoy a game during their break on the European City of Sport celebrations. ■ On 1 November, Fenton table tennis table located outside the City The tables are aimed at everyone Manor Sports Complex will Centre Bus Station.They are watched by from residents to shoppers, visitors to host England’s first home table some of their First colleagues. workers and even seasoned table tennis match of the European tennis players. Championships qualifying Councillor Terry Follows, Cabinet campaign against Greece. Find your nearest table... visit stoke.gov.uk/cityofsport16

HUNDREDS of people of all ages and abilities are expected to take part in the European City of Sport Triathlon. TOP TRIATHLON WEEKEND The event will involve swimming in the freshwater lake at the Trentham Estate, cycling on the A34 and a running course around the lake and through the venue’s iconic to be staged at Italian Gardens. Fun, sprint, super sprint and Olympic standard races will be staged over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, 24 and 25 September – Trentham Estate with the main event being filmed for TV broadcast. Councillor Terry Follows, Cabinet Member for Greener City, Development and Leisure, said: “We’re very pleased to be bringing an event like this to the area to help celebrate our year as the UK European City of Sport. “The event is still over two months away so there’s plenty of time for people to set a target of taking part and give themselves a real fitness focus. This isn’t just for people who already exercise but for anyone who maybe wants to participate, get fitter and have fun at the same time.” The European City of Sport Triathlon will start with the UK Kids Fun Triathlon on the Saturday. On the Sunday, there will be a series of races for people aged 16 and over, with competitors expected to take part from across the country. They include the ECoS Elite Race, North Staffordshire-based International which will see men and women Triathlete Matt Dyke will be entering compete in a fast-paced Olympic the European City of Sport event. He race and in with a chance of winning is pictured in Trentham Estate’s a share of the £5,000 prize purse. Italian Gardens which are Entry starts from £56 and UK Triathlon is offering people with an part of the running ST post code a 20 per cent discount. course. People will be able to compete on their own or as part of a team effort.

■ For full details and to enter the event, please visit: uktriathlon.co.uk/events/ european-city-sport-triathlon

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