One of Four £25 Shopping Vouchers a Digital Camera

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Stoke-on-Trent ISSUE 37: AUTUMN 2014

WIN One of four £25 shopping vouchers Page 13 A digital camera Centre pages Page 10 Our City p2 18/9/14 14:33 Page 1

2 Our City AUTUMN 2014 Talking and Companies urged to bid listening show we all have for growth funding role in future USINESSES are being urged to come forward and stake By City Council Btheir claim for a share of a Backing business Leader Councillor £3 million pot of money. Grant funding was awarded to the city MOHAMMED council earlier this year following a PERVEZ successful bid to the Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF). All companies have to do is show how I’VE been meeting residents in school halls, in their projects are innovative and would community centres, and in informal gatherings. generate new jobs for a period of at least three years, safeguard existing staff and It’s all part of the My City, My Say initiative – giving lead to possible expansion. people opportunities to talk about issues, share Grants from £10,000 to £499,999 are ideas and help shape the future of our city. still available and can be used for, It has been good to hear residents’ views first among other things, premises expansion, hand and people have been clear how proud they purchase of machinery and equipment, are of Stoke-on-Trent and about their ambitions for research and development and advice the city.We’re working hard to deliver a better future and consultancy. with more jobs, apprenticeships, growth, education It is estimated that the funding could opportunities and a better environment all starting create more than 170 jobs and give an to burst through. overall boost to the local economy of I talk to hard-working families, young and older nearly £11 million. people and businesses and they can see the changes Among those that have been happening and are optimistic for the future. successful is Hartshill-based Hygan But this hope and enthusiasm has to be tempered Products Ltd, a world-renowned by the financial realities set by government that we supplier of high-quality sponges and are facing.We have managed to continue to provide sponging products to the global ceramics industry. services despite having to find an estimated £100m The funding it has received is being savings over the last four years up to March 2014. used to develop their innovative cleaning Yet the scale of the challenge ahead continues to be products for bicycles, car and hobby Jon Hewitt, Joint Chief Executive Officer of Hygan stark with a need to find an estimated £100m craft markets. savings over the next four years.This means we Products Ltd, pictured at their Shelton premises which is It will also allow them to expand their being expanded with the help of grant-aid funding. Inset, Production Operative simply can’t just do more of the same. premises and build a dedicated product Janet Emberson with some of the company’s specialist cleaning products. There is a real risk that these cuts will undermine research and development area creating progress in the city. So while we will continue to three new jobs. fight tooth and nail for our public services – Simon Cooper, Joint Chief Executive touch with them and make an representatives from education, banking particularly to protect the most vulnerable in our Officer, said: “We are delighted to application. The funding is real, it’s out and business support sectors. community – we have to take decisive action to receive grant aid that will enable us to there to get your hands on and it can Support and advice is on hand and manage this in the best way for residents. recruit more staff in Stoke-on-Trent and make a massive difference.” the process is straightforward and can be This means tough decisions and squeezing every invest in our company’s future. Other successful companies are UK turned around quickly. ounce of value out of every penny.We’ve improved “We already export our products to Control Panel Services Ltd, in Burslem, 50 countries so the extra recruitment Lister Trade Frames Limited, in Fenton, the way we work and are making savings where they To access the fund please call Vanessa don’t affect frontline services first, but the challenge we can now carry out will be much and Burslem-based Titanic Brewery. needed. All applications to the fund are Darlington on 01782 233671 or email, gets more and more difficult. And we have to do all “The support given by the city council reviewed by the Stoke-on-Trent and [email protected] this alongside continuing to invest in our city for the to complete our application was Staffordshire Local Enterprise Applications should be made before future.That’s why it is so important to get out to invaluable. My advice to all other Partnership (LEP) funding and finance the end of the year. places like Kingsland Children’s Centre in Bucknall, businesses out there would be to get in sub-group, which includes as I did a few weeks ago, to talk to the people who use our services.There I met families who wanted better education, health, jobs and wellbeing.While their clear focus was on their children and the BES enterprise coaches give vital support to business start-ups difficulties they face in improving their lives, they understood the problems the council faces.They BUDDING entrepreneurs are being the business, based in Blurton, is were reasonable, level-headed and understood the offered help and support to set up already set to hit its year two target. challenges ahead.They had some great ideas too. their own businesses through a She said:“Julie helped me to weigh No-one would relish making the decisions my scheme part-funded by the city up the pros and cons of opening a colleagues and I are facing. But by listening, sharing council through the European with business plans or proposals. business and helped me to set up my the challenges and working together we will Regional Development Fund. The package includes advice on business plan. She also put me in continue to push forward for Stoke-on-Trent. Business Enterprise Support’s issues such as tax, the advantages and touch with people I could ask for These times inevitably mean there is a limit to Enterprise Coach service aims to pitfalls of becoming self-employed loans, funding and advice.” what the city council can do.That’s why it’s great to develop a stronger entrepreneurial and tips for maintaining a successful meet citizens who take responsibility for their lives culture and business start-up business in the long term. For information about how to start and play their part in building a better future. environment in North Staffordshire. Businesswoman Kelly Caddy your own business and the free The same can be said for council workers who Six specialist coaches are in place to launched her own domiciliary care support available, please contact continue to amaze me with their commitment, cover Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle and company, Helping Angels, just over 12 Business Enterprise Support on despite the increasing pressures on them. It’s that, the Staffordshire Moorlands – to offer months ago with the help of 01782 827536 or visit the website as well as seeing the progress we’re making, that support, answer queries and help Enterprise Coach Julie Holmes and www.enterprisesupport.org/lec means I remain optimistic for the future of our city.

Live webcast of full council meetings Give us your feedback on this issue of MEETINGS of the full council can now be viewed online.To see and hear Web: stoke.gov.uk Our City by emailing Our City is printed on the debates and decisions which affect life in Stoke-on-Trent, visit recycled paper.When Facebook: facebook.com/ [email protected] stoke.gov.uk and click on webcasting. you have finished with stokeontrent.citycouncil this publication please A list of dates and times of council meetings and committee meetings or write to: help the environment Twitter: @SoTCityCouncil by passing it on to a can be found on our website at stoke.gov.uk/meetingdates FREEPOST Our City. friend or recycling it. twitter.com/SoTCityCouncil Our City p3 18/9/14 14:35 Page 1

AUTUMN 2014 Our City 3 Autumn start for third part of city facelift

HE third phase of the public of Old Hall Street and Lichfield Street realm improvements – have been given a complete makeover Twhich will link the Cultural during the first two phases of the project. Quarter to the new Smithfield Doug Wardle, development – are set to start this Chairman of the City autumn. Centre Partnership, Work will incorporate the full length said: “There’s no doubt of Piccadilly from Stafford Street to the City Centre is Warner Street, including the Broad looking a lot better Street junction. Features will include now. high quality paving, street furniture and “Things are starting new trees. to happen.You only The aim is to create a better have to walk around to environment for visitors and support the see people using the development of night time and twilight new amenities such as economies in the Cultural Quarter. the seating areas.” A computer-generated image showing how It will also improve the setting for In total, the public Warner Street will look with the new council buildings, such as the Regent Theatre and realm work is costing £11.5 million, offices on the right and The Potteries Museum The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. with the cost being met by the city & Art Gallery on the left. Over the last 14 months, Albion council and the European Regional Street, Albion Square, the western end Development Fund.

How Piccadilly will look after the public realm A great place to live phase three improvement work. Delbert Chambers of Meir enjoys the views in recently landscaped Albion Square. City’s CCTV operation and management is awarded British Standards accreditation THE city council’s state-of-the art CCTV CCTV and Security Team Manager Jason interactive workstations. In addition, CCTV operation has been awarded a prestigious Handy said:“We are delighted to get this Cameras monitor major roads Operators Jeff Limer British Standards mark in relation to the recognition as it reassures the public and throughout Stoke-on-Trent and are and Steve Rathbone work it carries out in helping safeguard our potential customers that we have positioned in public car parks, bus were honoured with the city. great systems of operation, information stations, town centres and residential Staffordshire Police The team applied for the BS7958 control and that our CCTV Operators are of areas. A further 18 rapid deployment commendations for their Standard for Closed Circuit Television the highest standard and calibre.” cameras can also be quickly relocated to involvement in an incident involving Management and Operation and received The standard has been awarded just crime hotspots. officers from various partner agencies. the award after independent scrutiny. months after the operation moved to a The team carries out 17,000 virtual Their actions resulted in a dangerous It applies to public space CCTV services brand new command centre, which is patrols a year and provides around 1,000 offender being detained and invaluable and assures residents that the service is manned around the clock, 365-days-a-year pieces of footage to police each year for evidence being provided to the police and working to best practice. by a team of operators using fully use in criminal proceedings. the courts.

To contact the council by telephone just call the Customer Access Team on 01782 234234 Our City p4 18/9/14 14:48 Page 1

4 Our City AUTUMN 2014

Youth Forum members Josh Wood, left, and Drew Corbin pictured Big week in the Lord Mayor’s Parlour during their for local tour of the Civic Centre. democracy HEY want to change priorities are fed into the things for the better – council’s wide-ranging My City, Tso Josh Wood and My Say consultation. Drew Corbin have been The week’s events also include visits by councillors to spreading the word about schools and a chance to meet Local Democracy Week and the Lord Mayor Councillor why young people should Majid Khan. make themselves heard. Youth Forum Chair Josh Still “buzzing” from last Wood, who supported delegates People doing it for themselves year’s events when they met the during last year’s week, is a big Lord Mayor, toured the Civic backer of democracy and an Centre and debated issues close advocate of the youth voice. to their hearts, both insist the He said: “I enjoy it because I having a voice makes me feel week is a vital way of giving 11 get to make a contribution and like I’m really part of to 18 year-olds a voice. a difference. If you’re listened something and that I’m not Have a say in use of pharmacies This year, schools, colleges to, you can do more to change invisible.” THE council is pulling together a report on and the city’s Youth Forum are things and have an effect.” the use of the city’s pharmacies, and would again sending delegates to the Fellow Youth Forum member To find out more about Local like people to have their say. A 60-day Civic Centre to find how the Drew Corbin is a Peer Mentor Democracy Week from 13-19 consultation is being held (beginning on council works and how with the city’s Youth Service October, visit stoke.gov.uk or the 13 October) with all members of the decisions are taken. who supports children telephone the Councillor public and your views will help shape the They will take part in debates attending Milton Youth Club. and Civic Support Team on final report.To take part, please visit He said: “If no-one listened and vote in a makeshift ballot 01782 232751. www.stoke.gov.uk/pharmacyconsultation station before their ideas and to me I would feel left out so

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St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy St Thomas More Catholic Academy get away Little Chell Lane, Tunstall, Longton Hall Road, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 6LZ Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 2NJ T: 01782 883000 T: 01782 882900 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Call us on 01782 236800 W: www.stmargaretward.co.uk W: www.stmca.org.uk or report online at St John Fisher Catholic College University Academy Kidsgrove Ashfields New Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Gloucester Road, Kidsgrove, stoke.gov.uk/reportfraud Staffordshire, ST5 2SJ Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 4DL T: 01782 615636 T: 01782 948250 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: www.sjfcc.net W: www.uakidsgrove.org

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AUTUMN 2014 Our City 5 Together we Decision makers learn are building a brighter future of Stoke Route plan – that’s a fact host of national decision makers have, over the last Afew months, learned about By City Council Stoke-on-Trent’s plans for an Chief Executive HS2 station in the city. They have John all been impressed by how much van de the area is changing and the Laarschot committed focus on regeneration and jobs. They include the Secretary of State for THE news headlines are full of financial challenges, Transport Patrick McLoughlin MP, crime, politics and conflict. We all have busy lives, Transport Minister Baroness Kramer but it’s really important to stop and look at all the and Under Secretary of State for good stuff that is happening around us. Don’t Transport Robert Goodwill MP. forget to stop and smell the roses, as they say! Shadow Transport Secretary of State Stoke-on-Trent is a beautiful city and there’s so Mary Creagh MP, Shadow Rail Minister much good news if we open our eyes to it. Lilian Greenwood MP and Shadow Amazingly, almost a third of the city is open Transport Minister Richard Burden MP space, more than virtually any other city in the UK. have also been told about the plans. We now have 10 Blooming Stoke wildflower areas The city council has been working which have been created by the city council and with the Staffordshire Chambers of communities working together. They are colourful, Commerce to reach the business beautiful wildlife-rich meadows. Bees, birds and community nationally and has impressed kids love them and they cost less to manage – them with the city’s case. The “Stoke Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin MP pictured during his visit good news for the tax payer. Route” delivers the maximum economic We also have over 90 parks in the city (five with impact and costs the tax payer less cash. to the city with Council Leader Councillor Mohammed Pervez and Stoke-on-Trent Green Flag status) and our extensive Summer Fun High Speed Rail Select Committee North MP Joan Walley who both put the case for the Stoke Route to the Minister. Chair Ian Mearns MP has said the programme of nature activities has kept hundreds Stoke-on-Trent case for a station is “very very hard at the “Stoke Route”. accelerate growth and prosperity where it of children busy throughout the summer. We’ve good and the Government should give it Additionally, there is consensus across is most needed while delivering the most had archery, mountain biking, toddler fun, day serious consideration”. political parties to use HS2 to regenerate economically viable proposal for the trips, reading challenges, interactive story sessions, Freight Transport Association Chair industrial heartlands and reinvigorate the project. music activities, bat walks, craft sessions, football, and Conservative Lord Berkeley is national economy. Stoke-on-Trent is the only major city cricket – the list goes on and on! backing the plans. Council Leader Councillor between Birmingham and Manchester, As a parent, I know just how important it is to The Campaign for Better Transport’s Mohammed Pervez, said: “We have set with enormous potential. keep children entertained, active and happy. Chief Executive Stephen Joseph visited out our plans for HS2 very clearly and “An international HS2 station at the Little Ellie-May Stacey, aged six, from Stoke, went the city and was impressed by the hard the decision now lies with the heart of the city would accelerate growth along to dance at the Yeaman Street Fun Day. She work which has been done, and he has Government. in the area and benefit hundreds of summed it up beautifully. “I met an owl, a fox and a told the Government they should look “There is a real opportunity to thousands of residents and those who snake for the first time. I loved them.” rely on the local economy for I hope that you and your children found plenty employment. to do and were inspired to love their city. If you VISION FOR THE FUTURE: “The Stoke Route is the have any ideas for inclusion next year, we’d love to a computer generated best and most advanced case hear from you. Please email [email protected] image showing a high on the table nationally.We Things really are looking up for the next speed train on route have set the standard and generation. The city council is way above the to Stoke-on-Trent. put Stoke-on-Trent centre national average in getting two year-old children stage in the debate about city into early education. Stoke-on-Trent is achieving growth. That’s got to be good for business.” 85 per cent compared to 73 per cent nationally. We had the best ever results in primary schools in 2013. This year’s GCSE results for city schools have improved despite major changes to the For more details of exams system. Our students recorded a massive the Stoke-on-Trent HS2 jump in A level results: 82.5 per cent getting three submission, and the grades A*-E compared with 73.5 per cent last year. impact it will have on The city is also leading the way in getting young Jobs and growth the city’s economy go to people into employment, education and training. stoke.gov.uk/hs2 The number not actively engaged fell by a stunning 21.5 per cent in 2014. The regional figure was just 4.5 per cent. All of which supports our young people towards jobs and apprenticeships feeding through to the world of work. Against the national picture of doom and gloom, Interest from Chinese investors is growing Stoke-on-Trent is actually bucking the trend. In CHINESE investors are flocking to investors representing more than investors we brought over were really 2011 when the city council launched its Mandate Stoke-on-Trent as the city council and 10,000 businesses. Among them was impressed by the city’s welcome, the for Change, we pledged to make Stoke-on-Trent a its partners promote a range of the Chair of a big investment group, can-do attitude and the range of great working city. The following year saw a 7.5 business opportunities across the city. which is in partnership with Softbank innovative and creative enterprises per cent increase in our economic output and Following a visit by the Chinese China – the largest bank of its kind in bubbling up in the city. we’ve continued upwards ever since. The Centre Ambassador late last year to the the country.They spent an afternoon “I know that some of the party are for Cities report ranked us fourth out of 64 UK British Ceramics Biennial, seminars on visiting sites, including the new city thinking hard about potential cities for job creation in 2013, and we are now the Chinese investment were organised by centre Smithfield development, and collaborations and investments.” third fastest growing city economy in the UK. the Department for Business, being briefed by Council Leader, Councillor Pervez, said:“Stoke-on-Trent We have just been named one of the top five councils in the country for how much we spend Innovation and Skills (BIS). Councillor Mohammed Pervez. is growing again with local business with small businesses – we’re doing our bit to Groups from The visits were organised by Dr Yu growing and investing again. support local jobs and local people. China have twice Xiong, who works for the BIS and is “But international cities need So next time you read that it’s all doom and been to the city Executive Chair of the China international investment to gloom – just ask a youngster about their hopes since then, Innovation and Development supercharge their economies.That’s and aspirations. Financial challenges? Yes. But including a group Association. what we are doing – laying out the red together we really are delivering a brighter future. of heavyweight Dr Xiong said:“The last group of carpet for inward investment.” Our City p6 18/9/14 09:57 Page 1

6 Our City AUTUMN 2014 More ways to contact council

WHETHER it is help with making a Council Tax payment or answering questions on waste collections, the council’s Phone on www. Customer Access Team is a one-stop shop of advice and 01782 234234 stoke.gov.uk information for residents. Monday to Friday 8am-8pm People can call, text, email or even use social media to and Saturdays 9am-1pm access advice and support on a range of services. However, if people still Text on prefer, they can drop into one of four One Stop Shops, Email on 07786200700 located across the city, and deal with queries face-to-face. Customer Access can provide Enquiries@ support on more than 200 services that include: stoke.gov.uk ■ Helping make a payment Face-to-Face in relation to a bill or invoice. At the One Stop Shops: ■ Support with Council Tax Stoke – South Wolfe Street,ST4 4SZ or benefit queries. ■ Offering guidance on Social Media Bentilee – Dawlish Drive,ST2 0EU waste collection-related issues. Access the council via social media on: Burslem – Brick House Street,ST6 3AE ■ Booking bulky collection appointments to remove Facebook Norton – St Nicholas Avenue,ST6 8JW unwanted household Facebook.com/sotcitycouncil items. See website for opening hours – stoke.gov.uk ■ Assisting with licensing queries. Twitter @SoTCityCouncil and press contact us option Here, at a glance is how you can contact the city council… Our City p7 18/9/14 10:03 Page 1

AUTUMN 2014 Our City 7

Alsecco Specifications Scheme aims to Manager Charles Redmond on the roof of the iconic CoRE breathe new building in Longton. life into old properties UILDING industry professionals are being Burged to take advantage of subsidised training to help deliver 26 million energy technical and managerial leadership. efficient homes across the UK. Moreover, building trust with CoRE – the not-for-profit national householders requires individuals Centre of Refurbishment Excellence able to provide impartial, expert in Longton, part funded by the advice, leadership and knowledge. European Regional Development “These skills are currently lacking in Fund – is already training the sector the retrofit supply chain. Retrofit in the new language, techniques and co-ordinators will fill that gap, materials needed to retrofit the delivering better retrofit projects both nation’s existing housing stock – large and small. BBC Radio 4 featured using modern materials and a story about problems caused by technology – to make them warmer inadequate installation of cavity wall and more energy efficient. insulation – we need to train people Jobs and growth The CoRE Diploma is a 10-day who city residents can trust. training programme to upskill “What I would say to the existing professionals to become construction sector is – if your teams Retrofit Coordinators and can be want to be part of a major new completed as a full programme or as programme of refurbishment, or do Fastrack course helps to give engineer the edge individual modules. Learners can not have the full array of skills to complete the programme at their enable your company to take ENGINEER Charles Redmond has German-based group with projects involve social housing own pace – either taking a fast track advantage of it, then get registered just completed CoRE’s fast track offices across Europe, is a schemes. Going on the CoRE fast route or spreading the modules over with us and get along to our Retrofit Co-ordinator Diploma – specialist in designing external track Retrofit Co-ordinator several months to suit their schedule. programme of training courses.” further expanding his wall insulation systems. Diploma has given me a much Candidates are taught a range of Architects, energy assessors, knowledge and understanding One of its current big better understanding of how to topics by the UK’s leading experts, building company owners and other to give his company the edge. contracts involves the cladding co-ordinate schemes and including retrofit building services, construction professionals are already Potteries born and bred, the of council-owned flats in sustainability. It should give me building physics, solid wall insulation signing up so they can add the new geology graduate who lives in Bucknall New Road to save heat the edge in the market we’re in. and ventilation to co-ordination and title of Retrofit Co-ordinator to their Bignall End worked extensively and energy. “There’s no doubt about it risk management, fabric and CVs. responsible retrofitting of traditional in the city in processing and Charles said:“We do work on that it’s a big market so the skills buildings. consultant engineering roles new builds but we are also a I’ve learned will go a good way To find out more about the before joining Alsecco (UK) Ltd retrofit company and a retrofit to taking us past the CoRE Chief Executive David training on offer, visit Pierpoint said: “Retrofit projects are in 2008.The company, part of a orientated supplier – a lot of our competition.” often complex and require expert core-skills.com Experts give advice on warmer,greener homes HUNDREDS of people have – professional services been finding out how to including design and make their homes warmer finance. and greener at a two-day ● Green Ideas – show staged by CoRE in recycling and Longton. eco-friendly solutions. The Warm and Healthy Each themed zone Homes Show featured five featured presentations and themed areas designed to clinics from representives help people across North of a range of organisations Staffordshire and beyond including housing improve their properties. associations, energy and Experts were on hand to sustainability charities, give advice about: Stoke-on-Trent City ● Heating – gas boilers, Council, trusted local controls and installers and Staffordshire renewable heat. Police. ● Insulation – doors, windows and Anyone who wants insulation. warm and greener homes advice can CoRE Chief Executive ● Power – electricity, call CoRE on 01782 David Pierpoint explains lighting and 792900 or email the benefits of warmer A great place to live renewables. [email protected] and greener homes. ● Home Improvements Our City p8 18/9/14 14:49 Page 1

8 Our City AUTUMN 2014 More companies join scheme total of 76 companies of all transport difficulties and is part funded sizes have now signed up to by the European Regional Awork with the Travel Smart Development Fund, has supported its 1,000th client. project, which is making journeys to Amy Artis is working work cheaper – while offering more at The Swan public sustainable forms of transport. house in Burslem as part Now in its third year, the £5 million of an apprenticeship in programme has engaged with a total of Food and Beverage. She 350 businesses as it looks to promote has to travel to and from her initiatives to employees such as an home in Hanley by bus most annual SMART bus pass scheme, car days of the week to her sharing and cycling to work, workplace. As an apprentice, the Personalised Travel Plans and Travel 20-year-old is entitled to up to Plan Grants of up to £5,000 for six months’ worth of support businesses. from Home to Work in Businesses that have signed up the form of a free bus include the University Hospital of pass. North Staffordshire, Emma She said: “It is Bridgewater, BHS, Vodafone, DHL, invaluable to me. By the Norbert Dentressangle as well as time I have paid my rent Staffordshire University and Keele and other bills I don’t have Amy Artis with her free bus University. that much left and travel costs pass outside The Swan Treona Holden, Business Engagement would really eat into that. public house in Burslem Officer, said: “We are now aiming to “Now I am able to save a little where she is working as contact another 350 businesses. By the bit of money each month for my part of an apprenticeship end of the project in spring 2015, we future travel costs. The scheme has in Food and Beverage. hope to see at least 100 business really benefited me and allowed me to implementing Travel Smart activities get a foot on the career ladder.” and over 700 companies aware of the project.” For more details contact the Home ■ Meanwhile, the Home to Work To Work team on 01782 235367, Backing business programme, which supports people into email [email protected] or visit work by enabling them to overcome stoke.gov.uk/hometowork New WiFi, passenger information screens and cycle maps launched Real time passenger information screens and allowing them to work or surf the net WiFi is being provided on selected services on their journey. along the Keele to Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Travel Smart has produced a new (Hanley) corridor. First’s service 3 and D&G cycle map for Stoke-on-Trent and Buses’ service 85 will be the first to benefit Newcastle-under-Lyme encouraging from the new service. employees to commute by bike. Key bus stops along this corridor will The hard copy map is provide bus users with the most up-to-date complemented by an interactive information about their buses highlighting online cycle map, at when they are due to arrive. A new revised travelsmartns.co.uk/ bus map will be coming soon. planyourjourney which allows you Bus users will also benefit from free WiFi to plan your cycling journey.

Download our free app • Download the TravelSmart AR Download the to your smartphone or app from the App Store (Apple) tablet and bring or Google Play (Android). TravelSmart AR TravelSmart to life • Open the app and point your using the power of a device at the photos where you app. It’s FREE new technology called see the AR content icon pictured Augmented Reality (AR). above – and wait for the and easy to use. To access bonus content in this issue surprise. follow these instructions: • Double tap for a full-screen. Our City p9 18/9/14 14:45 Page 1

AUTUMN 2014 Our City 9 Two charities A great place to live to benefit from the city’s top ball WO charities are set charities as possible. to benefit from the Donna Louise is my main TLord Mayor’s Ball charity. Helping ill children as well as taking place this November supporting and giving – the Donna Louise Trust respite to their families and the Asmir Begovic is very important to me. IN SAFE HANDS: Lord Mayor Majid Foundation. “I’ve visited the hospice Khan and Stoke City star Asmir Tickets priced at £45 are now and had a guided tour. It’s a Begovic don goalkeeping gloves to on sale for the Winter Wonderland fantastic organisation for promote this year’s civic ball. themed dinner with live families in the area and I’m proud entertainment from band Untitled to have it in Stoke-on-Trent. States and a disco by BBC Radio “The second charity I’m aims, I wanted to get more Asmir said: “It’s a tremendous DJ Jason Hardy. supporting during my year in involved. It’s all about supporting feeling to know the Foundation To buy tickets for the black Lord Mayor Councillor Majid office is the Asmir Begovic recreational activities in the city has the support of the Lord tie dinner, please call the Khan said: “I’m looking forward to Foundation set up by Stoke City’s and Bosnia to help young people Mayor. It’s another motivation to Lord Mayor’s Office on the Ball very much and keeping goalkeeper. I was invited to the stay fit and healthy.Who knows it push on with our good work and 01782 232625 or email my fingers crossed that we can launch when I was Deputy Mayor could create another Asmir or a progress with the work we have [email protected] raise as much money for my and after gaining an insight into its Stanley Matthews.” already done.”

Pole vaulter Steven Lewis.

Long Sprinter jumper Ashleigh Jazmin Nelson in Sawyers. action.

Sports stars honoured by Lord Mayor THE city council has honoured two of the Sprinter Ashleigh Nelson, who came “To have brought so many medals four Stoke-on-Trent sports stars who won away from the Commonwealth Games back to our city and in so many different medals in this summer’s Commonwealth and the European Athletics disciplines is a fantastic achievement Games. Championship in Zurich with a gold and and one that I’m proud to be able to Long jumper Jazmin Sawyers and two bronze medals and pole vaulter recognise and show appreciation of on Cyclist Kian Emadi. cyclist Kian Emadi both won silver while Steven Lewis who took gold in Glasgow behalf of the whole city.” Picture courtesy of representing England at the Glasgow were unable to attend because of prior Council Leader Councillor Mohammed britishcycling.org.uk Games. commitments. Pervez said:“Each of these athletes is a for them A special civic ceremony was staged at The Lord Mayor said:“We were all sporting hero for our city and they all to reach for Northwood Stadium and, in the presence glued to our televisions throughout the started out learning how to be world their sporting dreams.We have a wealth of Council Leader Councillor Mohammed games to cheer on our local stars and beaters right here in Stoke-on-Trent. of wonderful facilities, in particular, Pervez, they were presented with they all proved themselves stunning “Young people today can and are Northwood Stadium, Dimensions Leisure commemorative plates by the Lord Mayor competitors on the highest of using the same sporting facilities as our Centre and Fenton Manor Sports Councillor Majid Khan. international stages. sporting stars. It is a fantastic inspiration Complex.”

To contact the council by email simply go to [email protected] Our City p10 18/9/14 13:25 Page 1

10 Our City AUTUMN 2014 Where in the City? Win a digital camera in photo competition FOR the chance to win a Samsung digital camera have a go at our photo competition called Where in the City? Below are three pictures showing close-up images of parts of three buildings in Stoke-on-Trent which are all playing a part in regeneration. All you have to do is name the buildings – and send your answers with your name, address and contact telephone number by email to [email protected] or post to: Where in the City competition, FREEPOST Our City Deadline for entries is Friday 7 November. To give a little help in identifying the buildings, there is a clue with each photo.The winner of a digital camera for last issue’s competition was Mr Palin of Widecombe Road, Birches Head. School nursing sister Kate Powell administers the Fluenz nasal spray vaccination to Healthy lives Thistley Hough pupil Elle A Shinner, aged 11. Nasal spray can keep that flu at bay ECONDARY schools in The spray has been used safely and at-risk group. Schools contacted the Gaining access to 21st Century NHS services. Stoke-on-Trent are leading effectively in the USA for over 10 years, parents of all Years Seven and Eight Sthe way by taking part in a and last year it was introduced in the pupils during September to provide UK as a way of protecting healthy two more details. pilot scheme with NHS England to and three year olds against the virus. B offer the flu vaccination to all Years Angela Dean from Penkhull said: Seven and Eight pupils this “I’m pleased my daughter is able to For further information about the autumn. have this flu spray. It’s great that she’s Fluenz vaccination, visit the NHS In preparation for the illness-prone protected and also that it will help to Choices website: www.nhs.uk/ winter months, schools nurses will be prevent other more vulnerable members conditions/vaccinations/pages/ offering the vaccine as part of the of my family from getting the flu.” child-flu-vaccine.aspx, contact childhood flu vaccination scheme, School nurses from the Staffordshire the school nurse or call North which is expected to be introduced and Stoke-on-Trent Partnership NHS Staffordshire school nursing nationally in a few years. The Fluenz Trust will be responsible for ensuring immunisations on 0300 123 1894 vaccination is a simple, painless nasal children receive the Fluenz spray in Ext 1857 (Monday to Friday from spray that will protect children against their schools. It is not available at local 8.30am to 4.30pm). many strains of the flu virus. GP practices unless children are in an

Work in progress to attract new investment. Work begins on three new extra care villages – creating 390 apartments C WORK has started on three extra care villages people aged over 55.They include facilities provide 24/7 help and support that is flexible in the city, which will see 390 apartments such as hairdressers, treatment rooms, to meet individual needs. constructed in the next two years. gymnasium, retail outlets, library space and Reverend Martin Stephens of St John’s The facilities in Abbey Hulton, Blurton and hobby/craft rooms. Welcome Centre, Abbey Hulton, said: Chell will offer spacious apartments within a Your Housing Group will manage the 390 “While it is inevitable there will be some community setting for people aged over 55. one and two bedroom extra care apartments, short-term disruption as work gets They include facilities on site and adding to their substantial portfolio of underway, I welcome the development of conveniently located close to transport links. apartments for the over 55s across the North good quality homes in the area. Sapphire Extra Care Ltd have been West and the Midlands. “It will be great to welcome new people awarded the contract to build the villages The villages are designed by PRP who’ll be choosing to live in Abbey Hulton over the next three years at Holdcroft Road, Architects and will create a community and I trust they will get involved in activities Abbey Hulton, Consett Road, Blurton and where residents will be able to live an within the wider community. Turnhurst Road, Chell. independent life in a socially supportive “I also hope there’ll be opportunities for The developments will offer spacious environment. local people who will benefit by getting jobs, An academy named after the wizard of dribble. apartments within a community setting for The on-site care and support team will both now and in the long-term.” Our City p11 18/9/14 15:00 Page 1

AUTUMN 2014 Our City 11

Veg garden GROWING THEIR OWN VEGETABLES: Volunteers at the Burslem Park garden with Park Liaison Office Dave is win, win Grice, centre, wearing a blue shirt. for the park

REEN fingered volunteers and using lopped branches for fencing. have transformed a patch of Dave said: “It’s fantastic – a great example Gground at Burslem Park of what can be achieved. Our volunteers, who include people with assisted needs, into a fantastic vegetable garden have worked really hard and I’m proud of that now supplies the park’s café what they’ve achieved. with fresh produce. “We want to involve the whole A team of up to 10 people work nine community so we’ve had local school hours a week on the plot, growing children in. We want to strengthen that everything from various varieties of bond and help everyone appreciate park lettuce, runner beans and four varieties of life. The size and space of the garden is potato to radishes, pumpkins and even limited so we’re next looking at creating a chillies. more sustainable area in the park.” Everything goes into delicious healthy Mike Watson, Chairman of the Burslem meals at the volunteer-run café just a Park Partnership, said: “When we told our short walk away with all profits ploughed volunteers the plan, their eyes lit up. We back into the garden as well as the park’s applied to our local Councillor Joy Garner upkeep. and she gave us £230 from the ward The idea of Park Liaison Officer Dave budget to get us started. Grice, the volunteers first started work on “The work done since then has been the project in December last year and tremendous. I reckon the vegetables were soon recycling tyres and bricks to produced are better than you can make raised beds buy at the supermarket.” A great place to live

Mike Watson, Chairman of the Checking the pumpkins Burslem Park Partnership, serves up is volunteer gardener Volunteer gardener Mark Meddings of healthy meals in the café using fresh Alan Dobell. Tunstall picks lettuce for the park café. produce from the park garden. Call for volunteers to help run healthy outdoor activities project A RALLYING call has gone out around the free taster workshops in activities such as but the only thing essential is a passion for city to recruit an army of volunteers for the Tai Chi, yoga, gardening, archery and the project.”Volunteer Ryan Foster, of popular Green Door project. beekeeping. Norton, said: “I’ve gained a lot of skills, The National Lottery-funded four-year More than 3,500 people took part during such as customer service and it has helped initiative encourages people to make the the first year of the project with the work me be more sociable and outgoing.” most of Stoke-on-Trent’s abundant green of a host of volunteers essential to running In two years when the lottery funding spaces by laying on cost-free or low-cost and co-ordinating activities. comes to an end, the aim is to continue to activities. However as the project expands more run the project as a social enterprise. At The overall aim of this is to improve the and more people are needed to help out – this point the volunteers will have even health and wellbeing of and all they need to bring to the role is a more hands-on involvement in the participants, particularly older passion to help. Green Door Project co-ordination of the project. or disabled people. Manager Lesley Smith said:“We are Local history Schemes include the continually expanding the activities we lay To learn more about becoming a expert Mervyn access-for-all cycle hub at on and as established facilities such as the volunteer, pop into the project offices Edwards leads a Westport Lake – which cycling become even more popular, extra next to Westport Lake Visitor Centre, call guided walk at now has 220 members – bodies are vital. Lesley on 07824 473432 or email Etruria Hall. guided history and nature “We literally need an army of volunteers [email protected] walks, as well as a range of going forward. All types of skills are useful Our City p12 18/9/14 11:18 Page 1

12 Our City AUTUMN 2014 Manage your account online Access to with 24/7 easy access IT is click and easy... social fund Stoke-on-Trent residents and businesses can now keep track of their council payments through an online account. now online Council Tax, Business Rates, Housing Benefit EOPLE on low incomes “From a local authority point of and Council Tax support who need help from the view it will bring about efficiency claims are just a few of PSocial Fund can now savings and free-up resources to the things that can be apply online – making the allow council staff to spend time managed through the dealing with the more complex new online service. process easier, quicker and cases while straightforward Available 24 hours a more cost effective. applications are dealt with online.” day, seven days a week, The new online system means Subject to eligibility, the Social applications to the pot of cash can Fund can help people who are in a the secure online system be made at any time of the day or means residents can crisis, with things such as food and night without the need for gas or electric. It can also assist access their information, applicants to have an interview people who need help resettling in view statements, pay bills with council officials. the community with white goods or check on the progress They can also track the progress and furniture. of claims at any time of of any claim they make and go People on a low income may the day or night. back into the system to make also be able to get additional help Account holders can changes if their circumstances have with living costs, rent or other also apply for discounts altered. housing costs, and Council Tax. and notify the council of A similar online application Discretionary Housing Payments a change in their process has also been put in place are intended to help people who circumstances.The online for people seeking Discretionary are having trouble paying their Acting Benefits Housing Payments – stoke.gov. account is easy to use and rent or finding enough money to uk/benefits Manager Daniel free to register. pay for the start-up costs of a Marson shows Acting Benefits Manager Daniel tenancy. For more information, Marson said: “The aim of the new the Social Fund visit stoke.gov.uk/online Supporting people application page on system is to make both funds more Access the new online system account the council website. accessible and convenient for at stoke.gov.uk/socialfund people to use. I’m two and I get 15 hours free childcare!

Could you?

To find out about free early education for 2,3 and 4 year olds call 01782 232200 or visit stoke.gov.uk/beststart Our City p13 18/9/14 11:25 Page 1

AUTUMN 2014 Our City 13

A jasperware teapot manufactured in Burslem between 1775 and 1780. Call to back appeal to save historic Wedgwood pottery THE city council is backing a public the collapse of the Waterford Wedgwood appeal which has been launched to save group in 2009. It led to the pensions the Wedgwood Museum pottery debt being transferred to the museum collection. trust. The Art Fund needs to raise £2.74 The Art Fund has already raised million to ensure the collection is not around £13 million to buy the collection broken up and sold to private buyers. and keep it together – but needs to raise Residents are being urged to support another £2.7 million by the end of the campaign as the deadline to raise the November. sum – November 30 – approaches. Campaigner Alison Wedgwood, who is The city council, The Sentinel, local married to a direct descendent of master MPs and business and community potter Josiah Wedgwood, said: “It is a leaders have thrown their weight behind stressful time but with the backing for the race-against-time fundraiser. the campaign we do have optimism and The collection, of 8,000 pieces there is light at the end of the tunnel.” spanning 250 years of history, is a vitally important part North Staffordshire’s To donate to the appeal fund call pottery heritage and is housed at the 0744 415 4100 or text WEDGWOOD – Wedgwood Museum in Barlaston. followed the amount you want to The intention to break it up follows donate – to 70800. Tell us what you think about Our City and you could WIN A £25 shopping voucher ET us know your Do you think the balance going on in the public and thoughts on Our City between articles and reader voluntary sectors and the role the Lmagazine and you information is right and what community is playing in other types of information would improving everyday life. could be in with a chance be useful to you? “It is extremely important for of winning one of four £25 We would also like to know if people to take part in this reader shopping centre vouchers. you read the magazine that is feedback and tell the city council We want your ideas as we look sent directly to your home or and its partners what matters to to shape the publication and prefer to read the online version. them and what type of articles keep you up to date on the latest Barbara Andrew, of Hartshill, a they want to read about.” news and initiatives affecting committee member of the Just fill in the questionnaire your community. Hartshill and Harpfields (below), make sure you include For example, what type of Occasions community group your name, address and a subject title Reader Feedback. Closing date for entry into the articles would you like to see said: “In my opinion Our City is daytime contact number and Everyone who takes part will draw is 31 October, 2014. more of and are there any a very important part of send it to FREEPOST Our City. be entered into a draw to win The winners of the shopping subjects we feature that you think community life. It brings to Alternatively, email your views to one of four £25 shopping vouchers will be notified by post. should be given less prominence? public attention the work that is [email protected] with the vouchers. The editor’s decision is final.

(For multiple choice questions please circle your chosen response) How much of the last two How informative do you find 7. Information on becoming What do you think of the Would you recommend Our issues of Our City have you Our City magazine overall 6. healthier length of articles? City to someone else to read? read? 1. Very informative 8. Information about jobs and 1. Too long 1. Yes

1. The whole issue 2. Informative 6. growth in the city 2. Too short 2. No ✁ 2. A few pages 3. Not very informative 9. Business information 3. Just right 3. Don’t know. 3. One page 10. Police information 4. Don’t know 4. One article After reading Our City do you 11. Fire information Would you be happy to be involved in a focus group 5. I didn’t read it feel more informed about 12. Other partner information What do you think of the looking at communications in 6. I don’t recall seeing previous council services, for example, language and tone used in the city? 6. issues/it wasn’t delivered the Council's new housing What other sections would the articles? allocation policy? 1. Yes 7. I didn’t read it but someone you like to see in Our City? 1. Very good else in my house did 1. Yes 1. Community focus 2. Good 2. No 2. No 2. More information about how 3. Neither good nor bad For a chance to win one of How many people in your 3. Don’t know 6. to access support 4. Bad four £25 shopping vouchers household read it? 3. More residents’ news 5. Very bad please fill in your contact Please insert number ___ Which sections of our city do details below and send this you find most useful 4. More letters and community 6. Don’t know 6. content form to the council at Would you read the magazine (circle all that apply): FREEPOST Our City. 5. Other What other ideas or if it was only available 1. News suggestions do you have online? Name: ...... 2. What’s on Do you like the design of the to improve Our City? 1. Yes 3. Information about council Address: ...... magazine? ...... 2. No 6. services ...... 3. Don’t know 4. Competitions ...... 4. I don’t have access to the 5. Events information ...... Daytime contact number: 6. internet at home 6. Spotlight on resident ...... ✁ 5. I would read it online 6. associations and community 6. elsewhere (eg local library) 6. groups ...... email: ...... Our City p14 18/9/14 15:10 Page 1

14 Our City AUTUMN 2014 Work experience scheme wins prestigious award Spotlight on A community centre which provides community hall by Hanley Jobcentre by the recognition. He said:“We took on work experience for unemployed young Plus – also help keep local play areas the management of the hall six years people has won a top award in and green spaces clean and tidy by ago when, to be honest, it wasn’t open recognition of its efforts. cutting grass and litter-picking on a very often and there wasn’t very much OUR CITY’S RESIDENTS’ Sneyd Green Community Hall in Ralph regular basis. happening. Drive is run entirely by volunteers. In Now managers at Jobcentre Plus have “Since then we’ve turned it into a real ASSOCIATIONS AND addition to being a social centre for the chosen Sneyd Green Community Hall to community hub and it's used for all sorts community, it takes groups of 16-24 receive its Work Experience Provider of of things including wedding receptions, COMMUNITY GROUPS year-olds and offers them work the Year Award for 2014. birthday parties and christenings. COMMUNITY GROUPS experience in a wide range of activities Community Hall Chairman John “We’ve done a lot of work in and including cleaning, bar work and Reynolds, who accepted the award on around the area using the young people gardening. behalf of the voluntary group, said from Jobcentre Plus and it’s great that The young people – sent to the everyone was surprised and honoured we have won this award.”

Funding bid for AnglersAnglersAnglers fencing at bungalows approved givegivegive poolpoolpool PENSIONERS living in five blocks of bungalows in Dresden will soon feel more secure after their local newnewnew lifelifelife residents’ association won neglected fishing pool has been funding for fencing to be rescued and given a new lease of erected around their homes. Alife by volunteers. Angling Dresden Residents’ Association submitted an enthusiasts set to work last year to clear application for £36,000 from overgrown shrubs and mountains of litter the Neighbourhood from the land surrounding Smithpool in Improvement Scheme fund to Mount Pleasant, Fenton. provide the new fencing. After 12 months of hard work the group – With support from the now known as Smithpool Angling Society – Tenant Involvement Team have not only revitalised the lake for fishing, but have generated a new sense of community their application was spirit in the area with more local people using submitted to the Tenants the site for dog walking and other activities. Smithpool Angling Society Board for their consideration Society Secretary Gary Parsons said the lake Secretary Gary Parsons at Making a difference and approval.The tenant had been restocked with hundreds of fish and the rejunvenated pool. board consider each anglers were now regularly catching application against a set good-sized specimens of roach, perch and criteria set out within the tench. “Local people seem to have appreciated the being found badly injured and unconscious application process. He said: “We have regular working parties to work we have put in and there is a real sense near his Smallthorne home at the beginning of Lilian Dodd, who has been keep on top of things and we have bought of community spirit in the area again.” April. Secretary of the Dresden special pumps to help re-oxygenate the water. Over the August Bank Holiday weekend the His family and friends – some of whom are Residents’ Association for the The site was very overgrown when we took it club held a special charity fishing match to members of the Smithpool club – are raising past 20 years, said:“We asked over and by cutting back all the undergrowth raise funds for Lenny Holmes, a 60-year-old cash to provide for the special care he is likely people living in the bungalows we have opened it up for everybody to enjoy. grandfather who has been in a coma since to need if and when he comes out of the coma. what would most improve their lives and they said fencing would make them feel Volunteer safer and more secure in their Clark Williamson Café looks to attract own homes as well as giving collects a them more peace and quiet. breakfast from “We are delighted our the kitchen to more local customers application for funding has serve in the café. A café at a centre for adults with the Abbey Hulton community into been approved and that the learning disabilities has been given the café. scheme can now go ahead.” a facelift with the aim of attracting He said: “We provide transferable Dresden Residents’ more customers from the local skills training for adults with Association represents people community. learning disabilities, including living in a total of 682 The Lunchbox Café at the St things like computer training, properties in 22 streets in the Johns Welcome Centre in Greasley gardening, craft and community area. Meetings are held at the Road, Abbey Hulton, has splashed events, leisure activities and Elim Church in Cobden Street, out on colourful new tablecloths, working with the local foodbank. Dresden.The association has bright new menus, and posters and “But we also have trainees fliers to advertise their tasty dishes. working in the Lunchbox Café and completely refurbished the The café, which is mainly used by we are really keen to see more local scout hut and holds keep the learning disability adults who people coming in from the local fit and computer training come to the centre for life skills community. sessions there. training, is also open to the public “At the moment we are putting Key community events are who can come in to buy meals out about 30 meals a day, but we held throughout the year – including all day breakfasts, jacket have the capacity to do more and it often in tandem with the potatoes, filled oatcakes, cheese pie, would be great to see people Queens Park Partnership corned beef hash, salads, coming in for a meal – or just for a – including a dog show, sandwiches and a whole lot more. cup of tea or coffee – and an easter egg hunt and a Day Service Officer Lawrence inter-acting with our trainees.” Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Taylor said the changes were The Lunchbox Café is open intended to bring more people from Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm. Our City p15 18/9/14 15:12 Page 1

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Competition Junior school scoops top prizes set to encourage businesses to eco status honour locate in city CO-FRIENDLY city BUSINESS bright sparks from children have been across the world are being Egiven a top honour as given the chance to follow their they fly the green flag for the entrepreneurial dreams in environment. Stoke-on-Trent in a competition The exceptional work of pupils at offering a package of enterprise Alexandra Juniors in promoting support. sustainability has been recognised Under the Stoke-Your-Growth with Eco-School Ambassador status competition up to ten until 2016. entrepreneurs will be given the Deputy Head Teacher, Julie Rowe, help and support they need to who shares the Normacot school’s make their business ideas a Eco Co-ordinator role with Wendy Lambert-Eardley, said: “We’re reality. delighted to get the recognition. Entries are being invited in We’re one of just 12 schools the fields of information and awarded the status in England in communication technologies 2014 so that makes it extra special.” (ICT) and digital media, applied The inspirational school signed up materials (including ceramics), to the worldwide Eco-Schools energy, renewable programme in 2004. Run by the technologies and medical Foundation for Environmental technologies. The ten chosen Education, it helps schools embed a winners will receive: green ethos at the heart of ● A financial package everything they do. including start-up grants and Alexandra Juniors quickly earned working capital loans. bronze, silver and green flag awards ● Quality business from the programme as it worked accommodation for their through a seven-step process to project in Stoke-on-Trent address environmental themes from (free for up to 26 weeks). litter to waste and energy to water. ● As an Eco-Schools Ambassador, it Mentoring from top is now supporting other schools to entrepreneurs. become more sustainable and ● Access to research facilities specialises in encouraging other at Keele and Staffordshire pupils to get involved in events. Universities, Imperial College Julie said: “The assessment Pupil Kaine Rushton, aged ten, in the school’s London and Lucideon. ● process highlighted the high level of greenhouse made from recycled bottles. The chance to pitch to pupil involvement that the school private financiers and encourages and now the pupils venture capitalists once their would like to make a difference to business is up and running in the wider community.” the city. Eco Committee member, Entrants will be asked to put Umaimah Munir, aged 11, said: Noah Clarke-Evans, together a business plan and “The Eco Committee are so proud be interviewed, either in to become an Ambassador School. aged eight, shows his We really enjoy all the activities we Eco Committee badge. person or on Skype, by a take part in and would like to help panel of top business experts. other schools to help the Funded by the city council environment.” and the Regional Growth Fund, entry closes at the end For a local Eco-Schools Support of September. To qualify, the Service contact: Tracy Brennan, businesses have to be new Sustainable Schools Officer, start-ups or under 12 months Stoke-on-Trent City Council – old and be currently based Tel: 01782-236937 or Email: outside of the Stoke-on-Trent area. Successful businesses [email protected] Willow Ward, aged ten, and Rayhaan could be in the city as early as For more information go to A great place to live Naheem, aged nine, celebrate the new the start of next year. www.ecoschools.org.uk status with the school eco flag. Sara Williams, Chief Executive at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “Stoke-Your-Growth is all Series of initiatives help pupils gain business skills about showcasing the city’s rapidly-developing industrial SAVVY students at Grove Junior School in by the Year Five class of 2012 and use it to plans, estimate the price of materials, set resurgence. This city is a hub of Northwood have been brushing up on their renovate second-hand furniture. competitive rates and market goods. creativity and energy and a business skills with a series of events designed The idea behind ‘Shabby Chic’ as it is known Deputy Head Teacher Janet Blackhurst said: business-friendly environment. to promote independent thinking. at the school, was to take previously loved “It’s fantastic to see students carrying out “Now is the time to seize the The pupils have been taking part in a range items of furniture and restore them to their ideas that they’ve come up with themselves. opportunity to do business in of problem solving tasks, including a ‘Bargain former glory – work which the pupils carry out We’re keen to encourage creative thinking, an area which is primed for Hunt’ – based on the TV programme of the themselves. and initiatives of this kind definitely do that.” fostering business growth.” same name – which helped them to develop Following the success of the spruced-up negotiation skills and an eye for detail. furniture business, teachers praised the To buy refurbished goods or to have To enter Stoke Your Growth The experience gained allowed Year Five entrepreneurial skills that pupils displayed, furniture renovated to contact the or for more details, email pupils to take on an in-school business set-up having been taught how to write business school on 01782 234550. stokeyourgrowth@stokestaffs lep.org.uk

Contact the council via social media on Facebook.com/sotcitycouncil or Twitter @SoTCityCouncil Our City p16-17 18/9/14 15:57 Page 1

16 Our City AUTUMN 2014 AUTUMN 2014 Our City 17 Litter bins are now for dog mess Public are urged to seek advice ORDINARY litter bins can owners continued to now be used to dispose of clean-up after their pets dog mess, pet owners have and that as long as dog before cleaning war memorials been told. mess is properly bagged The move follows a and tied it could be put in WITH all the events going on to mark the actively care for the city’s memorials and do decision by the city council any litter bin, not just in 100th anniversary of the start of the First not wish to discourage their participation. to stop replacing damaged the designated red bins. World War it is little wonder that “All we ask is that members of the public “dog mess only” bins on He said:“Dog faeces not communities have been considering what contact us for advice before undertaking cost-saving grounds. only spoils the look of our they can do to spruce up their local war any work.We are currently drawing up a list Nick Bentley,Team parks and other public memorials. of all memorials across the city and looking Manager for Cleansing and spaces, it poses a Environmental significant health risk to But before anyone gets busy with a at priorities for cleaning.” Enforcement said it was young children and to scrubbing brush and a bottle of bleach, A number of memorials across the city – important that dog other pets.” experts from the city council’s Heritage including those at Packmoor,Trentham and Team have warned that such an approach Bucknall – have already been spruced up by could actually do more harm than good. volunteers from the YMCA, under the City Memorials Officer Jon Goodwin supervision and guidance of the city The new credit said many of Stoke-on-Trent's dozens of council’s Heritage Team. partnership can different memorials could suffer They spent five days removing surface help ease money permanent damage if the wrong grime from the structures, using methods worries. cleaning processes are used. and materials specifically tailored to such Pulling up He said:“Materials like sandstone, delicate work. Balsam plants limestone and bronze don't take kindly is Chair of to the chemicals in domestic cleaning Westport Lake For advice on cleaning a war Volunteer John Goldstraw of Leek helps fluids and we would ask people not to Community memorial or any other memorial A great place to live council Countryside Team Leader Paul go ahead with any cleaning of a war Volunteers structure contact the Heritage Shires loads up fallen tree branches at memorial without talking to the Bob Collins. Team on [email protected] Park Hall Country Park. Heritage Team first. before carrying out any work. “We commend those who seek to Volunteers help to keep city beauty spots pristine ETIRED he might be, but Bob countryside team to build a limestone- Collins is as busy as ever edged footpath through a previously R grafting hard as a volunteer boggy no-go area. Bob said: “I got involved because I at Westport Lake where he helps to like walking around the countryside and keep the city beauty spot looking I enjoy the environment. I wanted to pristine. give something back and help look after The 62-year-old former IT company it. I like to be out in the fresh air and manager – a long time member of the enjoy hands-on, physical work. It’s great Staffordshire Wildlife Trust – always knew it fun and I’d encourage anyone to get Supporting people would be the outdoor life for him when he involved.” had some spare time on his hands. Opportunities exist at 26 sites across So he jumped at the chance to get involved the city including Park Hall Country when he heard that help was needed at the Park, Holden Lane Pool and Berryhill largest lake in the city and is founding Fields where volunteers at other friends New source of credit is set Co-ordinator of the Westport Lake Community Volunteers. groups carry out everything from clean A core group of a dozen people carry out a ups to conservation projects like Westport lake community volunteers to provide affordable loans variety of tasks from litter picking to coppicing and reedbed management. group co ordinator Bob Collins with Volunteers from North Staffordshire YMCA tackling the invasive Himalayan volunteer Dave Wood from Tunstall. Alice Hall of Stoke, left, and Jess Hickerman ANYONE struggling to make ends unauthorised overdraft and bank Balsam plant. Members spent To find out how and where you can of Heron Cross – both aged 16 – clean the meet and in need of short-term charges. two months this year working get involved, call 01782 331889. Bob Collins with Volunteer John Whewall of war memorial in Trentham cemetery. financial help now has a new – and “But for many others, particularly alongside the city council’s Tunstall clearing Himalayan Balsam at affordable – source of credit. those already in debt and having Westport Lake which if left unchecked can The city council has forged a limited income, it puts them at risk spread rapidly and smother other vegetation. partnership with three other and vulnerable to long term poverty organisations – CAB/Potteries as a result of the little choice in New £14m housing development Moneywise, Staffordshire Credit borrowing decisions.” Union and not-for-profit lender Charles said “Need A Loan – Talk to be named in honour of war hero Moneyline – to offer an alternative To Us First” offered not only a more People doing it for themselves to the usual non-standard forms of affordable source of short-term A new £14m housing development a posthumous Victoria Cross. credit such as payday loans, credit but also valuable support and being built in Stoke-on-Trent is to be The development, part-funded pawnbrokers and doorstep lenders. advice to help people make the named after a war hero from the city. by the Homes and Communities The “Need A Loan – Talk To Us most of what money they do have. Housing and care provider Agency, is being built by First” initiative aims to provide a He added:“This initiative responds Sanctuary Group is working closely Sanctuary’s construction partner more affordable option for to community needs by giving with the city council to build the new Seddon on land provided by the financially struggling families and financial support, impartial advice extra care accommodation in Slater city council and will play a key role individuals, helping them avoid high and access to more affordable Street, Middleport, alongside 28 family in delivering the local authority’s interest loans which may push them credit.” homes. affordable housing programme. into a spiral of poverty and debt. Park Hall Baskeyfield House, which will Local historian Fred Hughes said:“I am City Council Assistant Chief Full details of how to access Country Park comprise 80 extra care apartments for so pleased that the Sanctuary Group has Executive Charles Stewart said:“One the “Need a Loan – Talk To Us volunteer Martyn over 55s, will take its name from Lance chosen to honour the name of John of the key problems that struggling First” scheme are available Lymer of Weston Sergeant John Baskeyfield, a Baskeyfield VC for their Middleport families and individuals face is from Moneyline on 01782 Coyney cuts up and Burslem-born artillery gunner with the project. I am convinced that the new South Staffordshire Regiment, who died community will welcome this tribute to a access to affordable credit and help 206836, Staffordshire Credit Litter picking is one of the clears fallen fighting off German tanks at the ill-fated great hero of Stoke-on-Trent.” in managing their finances. Union on 0845 2241216 or duties for volunteer Colin branches. Battle of Arnhem in 1944. The Slater Street development is on “A one-off loan for some could be CAB/Potteries Moneywise on Martin of Burslem. seen as convenient and cost 01782 408685. His bravery was later recognised with track to be completed next March. effective – by, for example, avoiding Our City p16-17 18/9/14 15:57 Page 1

18 Our City AUTUMN 2014 , My City My Say Working with you for People have a better Stoke-on-Trent their say on city’s future EOPLE young and old are groups also came along. They listened to having their say as part of the residents’ views on topics ranging from Pcouncil’s on-going My City, potholes to education, employment to social care, Council Tax to city My Say consultation on the future regeneration and street cleaning to bus of Stoke-on-Trent. services. Dozens of community engagement For those who missed the community opportunities have taken place at events but still want to share a point of schools, neighbourhood, community view as the city council plans future and children’s centres, The Potteries services, email to mycity.mysay@ Museum & Art Gallery and the City Central Mosque. stoke.gov.uk or fill out a feedback Attended by city council cabinet form available online at stoke.gov.uk members and high-ranking officials, The conversation also continues representatives from partner through social media so tweet organisations including Staffordshire @SOTCityCouncil using the hashtag Council Leader Councillor Mohammed Pervez chats with Normacot residents Barrie Harington, Fire and Rescue Service, Staffordshire #mycitymysay, follow updates on left, and Parviz Azimi at a My City, My Say consultation meeting at Sandon Business and Police and the NHS as well as Facebook at /SOTCityCouncil or call Enterprise College. Below, other residents who attended the meeting have their say. community, voluntary and business the council on 01782 234234.

ALAN KAILL LEILA LAGEVARDI MIKE DAWSON OF MEIR PARK FROM STOKE-ON-TRENT VICE CHAIR OF NORMACOT RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION ❛❛ I help to run an over ❛❛ We came to England 55s club and I’ve come from Iran six months ago. ❛❛ One of the blights along mainly to listen.The Iranian people are very on our area is the backs or debate has been good and good but the government is alleyways behind terraced the lady taking notes on bad. My English is not very houses which attract fly our table ended up with good but I want a better tipping. No one seems to three pages. My bugbear is city.We are new to living care about them. Normacot safety and security for in the area. My son is a is not alone in suffering elderly people, especially student in a high school. this problem and I’d like to those travelling on their He is 12 years old see the council take own. A lot won’t go to and is in Year 8. ❜❜ a serious look at it. ❜❜ Hanley at night. ❜❜ £1 home scheme gets Gavin on the property ladder

WHEN Gavin Pierpoint heard paid a pound for the properties and central heating have been about the city’s £1 home and then pay up to £30,000 to installed, re-plastering and scheme he seized the cover the cost of the renovation damp proofing carried out and Supporting people opportunity to own his own work over 10 years. insulation added. I am now busy house.The 26-year-old civil And this fantastic housing decorating each room. servant had been renting but scheme is proving such a hit in “It’s great to have my own like many people was keen to Stoke-on-Trent that local home and good to know I’m take the first step onto the authorities all over the country now investing money in my own property ladder. are now copying it. property.” Unfortunately he was faced All the terraced houses are Gavin, his fellow £1 with a far too common scenario situated around the Portland homeowners and the existing – his rent was eating into his Street area of Cobridge. Many community are also working monthly salary making it had stood empty for years and with the city council to plan difficult to save for a substantial their rejuvenation has improvements to enhance the deposit. Fortunately, Gavin significantly helped to appearance of the surrounding learned about the £1 home regenerate the area. area. scheme through his sister who With all the work completed, had heard about it on the radio. Gavin moved into his new house Two of the 33 £1 houses He applied, was interviewed, in August and is busy painting are still up for grabs and passed the necessary financial and decorating the rooms. the city council is requirements and a few months He said:“I was very keen to accepting applications later was signing for his new buy my home as I felt the rent I until the end of October property. was paying was dead money. It for these properties. He is one of more than 30 also made it difficult to save for Contact the Clusters KEY TO people or families who have a deposit. of Empty Homes team THE DOOR: Gavin taken part in the scheme, “The way I see it now is I have on 01782 234234, Pierpoint outside funded by the city council and paid a £1 deposit and have a or via email on his £1 home in the Government’s Clusters Of £30,000 mortgage. All the clustersofemptyhomes@ Portland Street, Empty Homes programme. renovation works have been stoke.gov.uk Cobridge. The new owners have each done – for instance new electrics Our City p19 18/9/14 15:29 Page 1

AUTUMN 2014 Our City 19 Sculpture trail scoops top 10 spot TOKE-ON-TRENT has been judged one Sof the top 10 cities in the world to visit for arts and culture walks by international news and information website MSN. The announcement comes after the launch of a city-wide Sculpture Trail featuring everything from a Potteries Pyramid and Another Gift, to a Zoomorphic Mount and Staffordshire Saxon and drawing together 40 individual sculptures into one, city-wide Project collection of art. Co-ordinator The Stoke-on-Trent Wendy Daw by the Sculpture Trail has been restored window. designed to inspire, and Below a detailed includes statues of some of the section of the great locals who have left their window. mark on the city – including Sir The 21ft high Tree A great place to live Stanley Matthews, Josiah Stories sculpture, by Wedgwood, and the designer of Denis O’Conor, at the Spitfire Reginald Mitchell – Central Forest Park. as well as monuments and memorials linked to the history and heritage of The Potteries, Lidice which was destroyed by the Nazis Restored Minster window is and conceptual and true works of art. in 1942. Amongst those falling into the final The massacre of hundreds of men, category is the statue of Perseus and women and children prompted Stoke-on- rededicated in special service Medusa which, in 2012, took a leading Trent city councillor Barnett Stross to THE restored World War One role in the Royal Academy of the Arts’ raise funds, along with local miners, for exhibition, “Bronze”. the rebuilding of the village. stained-glass memorial window in Transported all the way from the Miners’ tags cover the artwork – each the Peace Chapel at Stoke Minster award-winning Trentham Gardens to one stamped with a code identifying a has been rededicated in a special Central London, Perseus made a hero’s member of the public who has promised service attended by the Lord Mayor return for the start of 2013, and now to share the story of Lidice with two Councillor Majid Khan. lines-up in the new Sculpture Trail other people. He laid a spray of poppies at the alongside works previously seen at the Copies of the leaflet can be picked-up Requiem Eucharist led by the Bishop National Garden Festival in 1986 and from the Tourist Information Centre in of Stafford, the Right Reverend Geoff more recent additions to the pieces of the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, as Annas. public art which have been appearing well as from other information racks, The window, created in the 1920s throughout the city during the last hotels, and attractions throughout by students of the Stoke School of decade. Stoke-on-Trent. Art, was restored and releaded by Among them is the latest sculpture unveiled in the City Centre, “Unearthed expert Denis Holgate after the For full details of all of the sculptures Friends of Stoke Minster successfully (Lidice)”. This sculpture is dedicated to included in the new trail visit unearthing the story of Stoke-on-Trent’s applied for a Heritage Lottery grant relationship with the Czech village of www.stokesculpturetrail.co.uk of £9,400. Project Co-ordinator and Friends member Wendy Daw said:“The window is stunning. It will now last for at least another 50 years.” Library to host season of events School children from St Peter’s Academy, Burslem School of Art and POETRY, comedy, murder mystery and Garrett) unveils some of the facts behind the Potteries Heritage Society were some forensic anlaysis will be on offer in the fiction. If you love CSI you’ll love all involved in the project as they a new series of Friday night events being this. helped research the history of the stage in the coming months as part of staged at the City Central Library in The season concludes on 5 December window. theatre and musical productions based Hanley over the next few months. with Postcard Poets where poets who The season kicks-off on 3 October were commissioned to write postcards on Pupils gathered stories, memories and around WW1. when poet/comedians Jonny Fluffypunk the theme of Home-Made, Home-Grown memorabilia as they carried out interviews The internationally acclaimed National and Fergus McGonigal – two of the will read some of their work. with families affected by the war.The Theatre production of War Horse is being funniest poets in the West Midlands – Each of the four events will go ahead information collected forms a static display staged at the Regent Theatre until 11 present their hilarious show Funny Men. at the City Central Library at 7.30pm. in the Minster until Remembrance Sunday October. For tickets, call 0844 871 7615. Next comes the highly acclaimed Tickets will cost £3 including and will make up a World War One trail on The Daleian Singers and Foden’s Band Victorian murder mystery Who Killed refreshments and can be purchased at the the Stoke Minister website. present an evening of music, song and George Hargrave? on 7 November. This library or reserved by phone or email. Wendy said:“It was really important to readings called A Time to Remember at the interactive production gives audience involve children and young people as the Victoria Hall on 9 November. Phone 0844 members the chance to play detective stories they heard helped them understand 871 7649 for tickets. Mow Cop Players and help unmask the killer. To reserve tickets telephone 01782 238455 or email World War One and its effects on stage Oh What A Lovely War at the Forum An insight into the work of a forensic everyone.” Theatre in The Potteries Museum & Art scientist is on offer on 14 November [email protected] when Margaret Murphy (aka A D Similar stories are being brought to the Gallery between 17 and 19 April next year. Our City p20 18/9/14 12:19 Page 1

20 Our City AUTUMN 2014 Risks in using Healthy lives wrong charger IREFIGHTERS are The charger being used had not “The E-cigarette had been warning people about been purchased with the device on charge for less than 10 Fthe risks of using and had come with an E-cigarette minutes but the amount of that one of the residents had damage that it caused when it chargers that are incompatible previously owned. exploded is quite shocking. with their E-cigarette Just 10 minutes after it had “If it hadn’t been for our following a house fire in been plugged in, the upstairs first floor smoke alarm going Trentham. smoke alarm activated and the off and alerting us to the fire, The family who suffered the residents went to investigate. the consequences could have incident contacted Staffordshire They were met by flames of up been far more severe and the Fire and Rescue Service in the to 18 inches high, which were damage might not have been wake of a death in Merseyside, next to the socket. Clothes were limited to the floor boards and which has been linked to an hanging immediately above the walls of the property. E-cigarette ‘exploding’. fire but luckily they had not been “I would urge people to always They wanted to highlight the set alight. make sure that they are using the Richard McGinley potential risks residents can face if One of the occupants, Richard correct charger for any device, with an E-cigarette they use a charger not compatible McGinley, was wearing work boots whether it is an E-cigarette or a similar to the one with the electronic device. and managed to stamp out the fire mobile phone.” which caused a fire at his A fire broke out in a first floor before it was able to spread. home because it was bedroom at the family’s property He said: “This was a really For more information charged with an in Stone Road, after an E-cigarette frightening experience and we on electrical safety visit incompatible was plugged into a travel adapter were very lucky that it was not www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk charger. with a USB port. more serious.

Factfile: A computer generated image ■ There will be 40 whole-time showing how the new Longton firefighters and 15 retained Community Fire Station will look. firefighters based at Longton Community Fire Station. ■ Two pumps, one aerial ladder platform, one heavy rescue tender and one specialist vehicle which identifies hazardous substances, will be based at the station. ■ Construction of Longton Community Fire Station has taken a total of 21 months from preliminary works to post completion works. ■ The community used the facilities at Burslem, Hanley and Sandyford Community Fire Stations for more than 6,100 hours in 2013. ■ The service has invested approximately £17 million into its community fire stations in the city.

TAKING SHAPE: Construction work on the new station is progressing on schedule. State-of-the-art community fire station at Longton is set to open HERE is a sneek peek at cent committed to providing a emergencies, helping to make Longton’s new £3.5million first class emergency response the town as safe as possible.” community fire station, which is service to our communities as Along with Longton, a further due to be fully operational this well as working closely with nine community fire stations autumn.The state-of-the-art them to prevent incidents from have been built or are due to be facility has replaced the former happening in the first place. built on their current sites as station, which was built in 1976. “Longton Community Fire part of a £45 million Private The building on Uttoxeter Station is located in the heart of Finance Initiative (PFI). A brand Road will not only provide crews the area it serves.This will enable new station at Loggerheads will with a base that is equipped to us to interact with local people also be built to replace the face 21st Century firefighting and groups who pop in to use 45-year-old station at Ashley. challenges, it will also be the community facilities, to get The first phase of the PFI community-focussed with to know them and gain a better programme cost £46 million and amenities and opportunities understanding of their needs. saw three additional stations available to benefit local people. “This knowledge will put us in developed and seven stations Programme Director Steve an excellent position to continue replaced between October 2009 Knight said: “We are 100 per reducing the number of and September 2011. Our City p21 18/9/14 15:33 Page 1

AUTUMN 2014 Our City 21 Army joins forces with council to provide workplace skills training LONG-TERM Seven JET candidates are among 20 who health and safety, workplace first aid and the Warrant Officer (WO2) Ray Miller said:“We jobseekers are have already taken part in courses at Army safe use of plant and power tools to IT skills, can help motivate those struggling to find being offered Reserve (TA) units, learning workplace- CV writing and interview techniques. employment and have developed a really further support recognised skills in a military environment. The programme is open to anyone aged good working partnership with Jobcentre through a Now called Midland SPUR (Supporting 18 to 30 who is unemployed, has an interest Plus, JET and Stoke on Trent College.” pioneering Army People Out Of Unemployment With The in the Army and meets the Army joining project run in partnership with Jobs Reserves), courses aim to promote criteria. Eight people who have taken part For more information, telephone a Enterprise & Training (JET) – the recruitment awareness of the Army Reserve while have gone on to full-time jobs and four are JET advisor on 01782 232004 or and training programmme managed by the boosting candidates’ confidence. in the process of joining the regular and contact Jobcentre Plus. city council. Skills learned range from teamwork, reserve Army. Community Engagement Course leads to full-time jobs for unemployed HEY were both once long-term Tunemployed but Craig Taylor and Shaun Tabbinor now have full-time jobs thanks to the partnership scheme. They spent two weeks improving their employability and building their confidence before going on a week’s work experience at composite door manufacturer Solidor. Full-time job offers were not long in coming and both men in their early 20s are now employed as assembly operatives at the Fenton-based firm. Craig of Meir had unsuccessfully tried to join the RAF and his confidence took a dip. Jobs and growth The programme got him back on track and into a job. Still interested in the military, he has also been convinced it would work for him. supported by JET to apply for a career He said: “I just wanted a job. I didn’t in the Army Reserves. want to waste my time with these Shaun of Sandyford had been out of courses that never get you anywhere. work for a year and a half and was “I know I wasn’t that interested when An Army course opened the door to employment finding it difficult to stand out from the course was mentioned to me at the for Craig Taylor, right, and Shaun Tabbinor who other candidates at interview. start but if I hadn’t done it I would still have both gained full-time jobs with Fenton door Told about the Army Reserves be on benefits and trying to find work. manufacturer Solidor. programme by JET, he was not at all I can’t thank you all enough.” City now has nearly 100 Safer Places for vulnerable people A SCHEME offering shelter and distressed, vulnerable or scared joined the scheme are issued with a The city council is also looking reassurance to vulnerable people whilst out in the community. Keep Safe card which includes the at widening the Safer Places while they are out and about across And Stoke-on-Trent can now boast names and contact numbers of two scheme to include other Stoke-on-Trent has been expanded nearly 100 Safer Places across the relatives or friends who can be called vulnerable groups of people to offer even more places of refuge. city, each clearly identified by the on for help. other than those with learning Shops, businesses and Safer Places logo displayed in its She said:“If they are upset, disabilties. organisations signed-up to the Safer door or window. frightened, uncomfortable or feel Places scheme provide a safe Council Community Development threatened in any way they can go More information is available temporary place to go if a person Worker Kerry Summerfield said into one of the Safer Places across at stoke.gov.uk/safer-places with a learning disability feels people with learning difficulties who the city to get help.”

To contact the council by text simply send your message to 07786 200700 Our City p22 18/9/14 15:40 Page 1

22 Our City AUTUMN 2014 Co-operative Council house allocation rules are changing working to CHANGES in the rules over the ● High housing need. register – a list of people who circumstances have changed way council houses are allocated ● Low housing need with have applied to the city council since they first went on the will affect anyone with a current community contribution. but do not have a housing need housing register.” be rolled out application for housing in ● Low housing need without which requires a move. Everyone on the housing Stoke-on-Trent. community contribution. Full details of the new The new rules, imposed by register – approximately 4,500 after success Community contribution can, applicants – is being contacted criteria, which come into central government, mean the for example, include having in writing. force on 29 September, council has had to draw up a worked in Stoke-on-Trent for at Acting Housing Needs are available at of trial project new housing allocations policy, least six months, being an Manager Dawn Cooke said: www.stoke.gov.uk/ restricting access to council allocationspolicy or from A co-operative approach to approved foster carer or being a “Everyone on the housing housing to people who fall into member of the Armed Forces. the council’s Housing dealing with people’s support register is being contacted. one of just four specific bands: One immediate change is that needs has proved a real success in “The letter they receive offers Solutions Team on ● Urgent housing need, the city council will no longer Stoke-on-Trent.The city council them the opportunity to get in 01782 233696. including homeless. maintain an inactive housing touch with us and tell us if their has trialled a new way of joint working with a host of partner agencies. It is delivering better outcomes for local neighbourhoods – and value for money for the taxpayer. The pilot has been developed in the Little Chell and Stanfield ward over the last two years. It all focuses around one key worker co-ordinating services from a number of different agencies. Partners working with the city council include Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, health and voluntary sector organisations. Councillor Joy Garner, Cabinet Member for Housing, Neighbourhoods and Communities, said:“Since it began, there has been a 16.8 per cent reduction of current and former rent arrears in the ward. “There has also been a drop of 23.11 per cent in police-reported antisocial behaviour incidents. “As a result of its success, the pilot is now being rolled out across the city and will be called Co-operative Working.” Roll-in of the new model will start early 2015.The approach has paid dividends for dad-of-four Joseph Burns, from Mill Hill. Supermarket worker Joseph and his partner Julie have three boys Painting aged 17, 15, and 10 as well as a the play area at 12-year-old daughter. Century Street Park, Joseph said:“We had a Hanley, are volunteers three-bedroom house, and Sean Williams, left, the boys were sharing a Jack Taylor and Evie small room. Our eldest has Shaw who are all learning disabilities and had aged 16. People doing it for themselves some serious anger management issues, and was violent with it.We had to call the police at times to calm the situation.” The Burns family was assigned key worker Kieron Teenager volunteers work to Edridge, a Staffordshire Police officer.With support from city council officers, he was able to identify the family’s needs – a move to a bigger house. transform15 play areas PC Edridge said:“We quickly RMED with paintbrushes and a pot Working between 10am and 3pm, they all difference to local play areas across the city.” identified that their housing full of community spirit and banked volunteer hours to achieve a Be Inspired The play areas to benefit from a makeover are situation was causing a lot of the Aenthusiasm, 12 teenage volunteers certificate in recognition of their contribution to in Century Street, Cobridge Park, Falcon Road, problems – the boys’ age ranges have transformed 15 Stoke-on-Trent play the local community. Mollison Road, Henderson Grove, Weston were quite wide and it was Coyney Recreation Ground, Waterdale Grove, areas. Evie Shaw, 16, was one of those who took obvious they needed their own part. She said: “I thought it was a really good Amelia Close, Malstone Avenue, Causeley The group, aged 16 and 17, were backed by Gardens, Bentilee Park, Beverley Drive, space. Following the move we YMCA North Staffordshire as part of the idea and a great way of changing the reputation noticed an immediate difference. of teenagers. I think some have the reputation of Brakespeare Street, Brookfield Road and Government’s National Citizen Service social Middleport Park. “There was less friction in the action plan and worked in partnership with the vandalising parks so this was a chance to turn house and a marked change in the that around.” council. They were awarded a £300 grant by the To volunteer for future community eldest son’s behaviour. But this 02 Think Big programme and spent nine days Council Volunteer Co-ordinator Anthony projects, contact Anthony Meredith wasn’t just our doing.This way of painting equipment like climbing frames, slides Meredith, who supervised the team, said: “The on 01782 232546 or email working is about helping people and swings to make play areas fresher, cleaner difference they have made is fantastic and the [email protected] to help themselves, and the Burns and more inviting. work they did is excellent. They have made a big family have done exactly that.” Our City p23 18/9/14 12:49 Page 1

AUTUMN 2014 Our City 23 Council’s top award for working with older people STOKE-ON-TRENT City Council is celebrating after becoming the only UK local authority to win an international award in recognition of its commitment to supporting older people in the workplace. The city council has won the 2014 AARP Best Employers International Award for its innovative human resource and workforce practices that benefit workers aged 50 and over. Based in the US, AARP is a non-profit organisation which represents more than 37 million members aged 50 and over. In partnership with the UK’s The Age and Employment Network (TAEN), it honours worldwide organisations that value the TIME FOR TEA: business start-up skills and talents of competition winners Nick Serifin experienced workers. and Gemma Wright of The Tea Drop. Backing business The Best Employers International Award aims to promote innovative human resource and workforce practices that benefit workers aged 50 and over Start-up tea traders brew up around the world. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to innovative practices that help workers of all ages. Assistant Chief Executive winning business case Charles Stewart was presented with the award by HREE budding businesses are First prize went to The Tea Drop run by the competition, which proved Stoke-on-Trent TAEN Chief Executive Chris looking forward to bright Gemma Wright and Nick Serifin of Trent Vale was “alive with creativity, talent and industry”. Ball at a conference of over 100 representatives from Tfutures after winning a share of – a business which sells high quality loose leaf Staffordshire University graduate Gemma Local Enterprise £30,000 in a start-up competition. tea, tea ware and gifts, delivered to the door. said: “We are delighted to win. They scooped £15,000 grant funding, 12 “We are looking to use the grant funding to Partnerships (LEPs), A total of 52 entrepreneurs entered the businesses and Jobcentre competition, which was held across months’ free mentoring from our judges, the generate a year-long marketing campaign and Plus. Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire to offer of six months’ free accommodation in a to purchase essentinal items that will help boost help people grow their new and fledgling business centre and a raft of free expert advice. the business’ profile. We are also excited to be The conference was held at business ideas. Runners up were Leek-based baker Live receiving the mentoring and expert advice. the Moat House Hotel, At a finale held at the King’s Hall in Stoke, Love Loaf Ltd run by Matthew Booth and To “We want Stoke-on-Trent to be as renowned Etruria, and speakers the six shortlisted applicants had to pitch their The Nines, a bridal and evening wear for its loose leaf tea as it is for its pottery and included Dr Ros Altmann business ideas to a packed venue and judging boutique owned by Jo Clay. teapots.” CBE, the Government’s panel, which included North Staffordshire-born The event was organised by the city council business champion for older For more details about the support on business entrepreneur Dominic List – who along with its Start-Up Loan partner Youth workers. featured on Channel Four’s Secret Millionaire Enterprise. The judges said they were very offer and next year’s competition visit Dr Altmann said:“I want to programme. impressed with the high quality of entries into www.thestart-up.co.uk congratulate the authority on winning this prestigious award. “It is so encouraging to see Young people can stay in foster care up to age 21 public and private sector organisations embracing YOUNG people in foster care have Central Government to support council – who was formerly in Staying Put policy is a really good older workers and welcomed arrangements allowing the scheme for at least the next foster care – said:“I wish the idea. We need to make sure that facilitating later life them to stay within a family three years. Staying Put arrangement had care leavers are supported for as employment. setting until the age of 21. Currently there are 14 care been in place when I left care as I long as they need to be and that “As our population is The city council’s new Staying leavers who are supported by the would have liked to have stayed they know there is another option rapidly ageing, rethinking Put policy means that youngsters Staying Put arrangement, and in care for longer, until I felt I was for them once they reach 18.” retirement and enabling can move on to independence at feedback from the young people in a better position to make the fuller working lives can hold a time which suits them – instead has been very positive. decision that was best for me.” For more details about the the key to future success for of when they turn 18. Jason Pearce, Service User He added:“A lot of the young scheme and fostering, visit businesses, individuals and Money has been allocated by Involvement Worker with the city people I’ve spoken to think the stoke.gov.uk/fostering society as a whole.” Our City p24 18/9/14 12:54 Page 1

24 Our City AUTUMN 2014

Installer Daniel Forrester fixes a fire sprinkler system at a flat in Matthews Walk Pupils learn about with resident David Fairtrade ethics Mellings looking on. CHOOL children have holiday to Kashmir to forge city producers have now signed up to enjoyed a playground links with the northern Punjab Fairtrade. I want to create links Ssoccer kickabout with city of Sialkot where 40,000 between our cities and I’ll give people produce 80 per cent of the feedback when I return.” Lord Mayor Councillor Majid world’s hand stitched footballs. Stoke-on-Trent is a Fairtrade Khan using a Fairtrade Fairtrade Foundation city and the city council works with football they won in a certification involving several the local Fairtrade group, Fairtrade competition. manufacturers at Sialkot ensures Action in Stoke-on-Trent (FAST). The youngsters of Forest Park fair pay, conditions, medical Primary and Alexandra Junior treatment and education for the School collected a total of 410 families involved. The group is mapping all of wrappers from Fairtrade products. The Lord Mayor said: “During the retail and catering outlets, At the same time they learned my trip I’ll be making a special workplaces and community about the global concept of visit to friends in Sialkot to see organisations in the city that decent prices, better working footballs being made and the use or sell Fairtrade products. conditions and fair terms for conditions in which they are being Our City readers can help workers. produced. by sending details to An ideal close to the Lord “A few years ago there was an [email protected] Mayor’s heart, he is using a family issue with child labour but

Healthy lives

A great place to live

City council ‘ahead of game’ as fire sprinklers installed in council flats CITY council tenants are The sprinkler systems are benefiting from the latest in widely used in hotels and fire safety technology. businesses due to their Lord Mayor Councillor Majid Khan has a playground kickabout with a Fairtrade footaball along with Flats in Matthews Walk in effectiveness, as they do not Forest Park Primary pupils Tommy Williams, aged eight, and eight-year-old Haris Maqbool. Northwood have been chosen just limit the fire, they can as the first to be installed with actually put it out. the latest fire sprinklers as Fire Engineer Andy Brown, part of a major refurbishment of Staffordshire Fire and Licensing scheme for private housing scheme.The sprinklers are Rescue Service, said:“We’re being fitted to 48 flats in the delighted that the city council four blocks comprising has recognised the benefits landlords introduced to more areas Matthews Walk. that sprinkler systems can THE council scheme designed to raise the standard The scheme was first introduced in Tunstall in Meanwhile, plans are in provide. of private rented housing and reduce antisocial 2011 and covered 405 properties. Failure to comply place to expand the scheme to “The residents of these behaviour in some areas of Stoke-on-Trent has been in the pilot area has already led to three landlords other city council housing newly refurbished flats can be extended to another 1,700 properties. being prosecuted and fined a total of £1,500. Almost sites. confident in the knowledge Selective licensing has been introduced to 21 £5 million of investment has been attracted to the Councillor Joy Garner, that they will be amongst the streets in Cobridge and Hanley as well as 18 roads in area by British Gas as part of their Community Cabinet Member for Housing, safest people from fire in the Fenton. Energy Saving Programme (CESP), the city council Neighbourhoods and city. It requires 516 landlords in the Portland Street and the Empty Homes Cluster Programme. Community Safety, said:“We “The city council is already and Oldfield Street areas to apply for licences and Landlord Naran Chauhan, who has a number of already do a great deal to demonstrating that it's ahead have their accommodation inspected by city council properties in both Tunstall and Cobridge, said:“If it improve the lives of our of the game on fire safety and Environmental Health Officers. improves the area and reduces antisocial behaviour, tenants and ensure that their we welcome this move as a big Renting out a property in the designated areas it’s definitely a good thing. The majority of landlords homes are safe, modern and step in the right direction to without a licence is an offence and carries with it a have taken out licences. If everyone sticks together comfortable, but this time we ensuring a safer city.We look fine of up to £20,000 on conviction. Landlords can and works with the city council, it will have a are really ahead of the game forward to working with the also be fined up to £5,000 if they breach the positive effect on the area. It’s early days but there nationally in terms of fire city council on further projects conditions of a licence. has been improvement in Tunstall.” safety and prevention.” in the future.” Our City p25 18/9/14 12:57 Page 1

AUTUMN 2014 Our City 25 Aids to give people INDEPENDENCE EOPLE looking for help to lead Pindependent lives can take advantage of a specialist centre which provides them with the equipment and support they need to adapt their homes. The Mobility and Independent Living Centre, based in Trentham, is aimed at people with disabilities or those who struggle with everyday tasks. It sells and provides a range of items that will make home life easier, ranging from grab rails and stair lifts to bath hoists and tap turners. Expert advice is on hand from a team of specialists, including a trained occupational therapist, who work with residents to tailor People doing it for themselves requirements depending on their Physical Disabilities condition. People can then try out Services Manager Peter Ball with a selection of the equipment in a series of equipment designed to help with independent living. Paul McKenna safely pours boiling water to make himself a cuppa realistic settings at the centre, with the help of liquid level indicator. including a mock bathroom, bedroom and kitchen. on the kind of equipment they received help from the centre up to town – with the white cane. Peter Ball, Telecare and actually need depending on their after his sight deteriorated. After At home I can pour myself a cup For more information Physical Disability Services, condition and that will make a being assessed he was trained in of tea without being in danger of call Ability Aware on Manager said: “The aim of the difference. They get the chance to the use of a white cane and also scalding my hand. It has been a centre is to provide equipment try out the equipment before received a liquid level indicator, liberating experience.” 0845 33 011 44 or email that matches the individual needs deciding to purchase it. We also so he can pour hot liquids safely. The centre is run jointly by the [email protected] of people and help them live a loan out some items so people He said: “Before, if I went city council and Ability Aware, a To view some of the quality independent life in their can try it in their own homes anywhere I had to be social enterprise with wide equipment available visit own home and in the community. before making a final decision.” accompanied. Now I have the experience of running www.abilityaware.com “People receive expert advice Service user Paul McKenna confidence to go anywhere – even independent living centres.

Residents Kerry finds her urged to make role as school checks on governor is paperwork RESIDENTS in Stoke-on-Trent are very satisfying being reminded that simply paying someone else to KERRY Madden is passionate about giving get rid of rubbish does not children the best start in life – so becoming a leave them in the clear if that school governor was an obvious step for her. rubbish is subsequently With 18 years of professional experience fly-tipped. Nick Bentley,Team of working in a range of strategic roles Manager for Cleansing and involving services for children and their Environmental Enforcement, families in the city, she is just settling into said anyone offering to dispose her voluntary role at Abbey Hulton Primary of waste – whether for School. payment or not – must have a She said: “I’d heard about the need for carrier’s licence authorising school governors in the city and felt with my School them to do so. experience that I had something to offer. I’m Governor Kerry He said:“People need to passionate about improving outcomes for Madden with Abbey check that the person they are the children of the city by giving them the Hulton Primary dealing with has the correct very best education. My focus is making sure School pupils Clayton paperwork. If they don’t and every child is enabled to succeed – so that Harrison-Green and the waste is later found they can go on and reach their potential. A great place to live Megan Banks, both fly-tipped, we will seek to trace “I bring my previous career history and aged 10. the original source of the waste experience to the role but I know that school and consider prosecution not governors come from a broad range of only of the person who was different backgrounds and experiences. and I’m hugely proud of the school. I already appointing staff and reviewing their supposed to have disposed of “I attend meetings every six weeks but feel that I’ve been able to make a performance and pay. it properly, but also whoever keep in touch with school life in between difference.” paid them to take it away.” meetings. I’m still learning in the role so I will School governors have a range of Visit becomeagovernor.com, contact Checks on carrier's licences have some training to help me develop my responsibilities which include monitoring the School Governor Support unit at can be made by contacting the knowledge. I’d encourage anyone like me to progress, managing school finances, making the council on 01782 236889 or email Environmental Agency on consider giving it a go. It’s very satisfying sure the curriculum is broadly based, [email protected] 0370 850 6506. Our City p26 18/9/14 14:25 Page 1

26 Our City AUTUMN 2014

READY TO TAKE YOUR CALL: the councils Corporate Fraud Team are waiting for Call for public residents to contact them. to back fraud clampdown HANGES in the way Bicknell, said: “The cost of benefit fraudsters are benefit fraud falls mainly on Ctracked down and dealt central government while most other things, such as Council will come into force as a result Tax and insurance fraud, impact of a national programme being directly on the city council – and rolled out between now and on the pockets of everyone living March 2016. in Stoke-on-Trent. The new arrangements mean that the “Through the Spot the Cheater Department for Work and Pensions will campaign we will be targeting be taking responsibility for dealing with resources on the types of fraud that all forms of benefit fraud through its hit us locally, with the aim of saving Single Fraud Investigation Service. money which can then be used to Through a relaunch of the city help people who are genuinely in council’s award-winning Spot the need. Cheater campaign, the Corporate Fraud “To do that we need everyone’s help Team plans to focus its resources on to identify the fraudsters and bring tackling fraudsters who look to take them to account. advantage of the Housing and Right To “If you know someone who is Buy schemes, Council Tax cheats, Blue defrauding the city council don’t let Badge and social care fraud. them get away with it – Spot the They will also be targeting insurance Cheater and tell us about them.” fraud – including cases of people seeking compensation after falsely Reporting fraudsters could not be claiming to have suffered personal easier – just call 01782 236800 or do injuries from slips and trips on uneven it online at stoke.gov.uk/reportfraud Supporting people pavements. and the city council’s Corporate Fraud Corporate Fraud Manager Paul Team will take it from there.

SPOT THE CHEATER 2013/14

FRAUD CASE REFERRALS

390 19 1,457 People claiming to 408 58 Blue Badge Total referrals be single but living Tenancy Fraud Council Tax with a partner

RESULTING IN

£714,392 75 Identified in £12,312 Properties recovered 8 £1,918 fraudulent benefit In ongoing benefits with an estimated Blue Badges Single person overpayments payments stopped saving of £450,000 cancelled discounts cancelled Our City p27 18/9/14 12:59 Page 1

AUTUMN 2014 Our City 27 Youngsters Healthy lives shakeit upin exercise activities OUNG children got all shook children (11.4 per cent), up as part of a city-wide and 522 of those in year event to promote healthy six (22.5 per cent), are Y considered obese. One of living. Hundreds took part in the organisations taking Change4Life’s Shake Up Day, held part in the initiative was the in nurseries across Stoke-on-Trent. Early Days Nursery in It was organised by the city council’s Weston Coyney, which caters Public Health Department as part of its drive for two to four-year-olds. to combat childhood obesity.The campaign Manager Jeanette Brickley was based on an initiative devised between said: “This is a brilliant initiative Change4Life and Disney to inspire children and it’s something that we will JUMP TO IT: across England. Initially, it urged them to continue with – it was not just for the Maddison Goldan pack in extra 10-minute bursts of activity – summer holidays. The children are and Mason Collis, both and collectively aim for 100,000,000 minutes already very active, and are really aged four, take part in a – during the school summer holidays. knowledgeable about healthy ways of living Shake Up Day exercise Going forward, nurseries were asked to and eating. session at Early Days introduce an extra 10 minutes of physical “We have a ‘busy tots’ class, where Nursery,Weston activity into their daily schedule in addition children are able to do fun exercises such as children, Coyney. to the current 60 minutes they already do. pretending to wash animals and be and it is Each nursery that signed up is being aeroplanes, exercises that involve lots of really good to instill provided with £100 of exercise equipment. movements. We also have healthy meals and these values at an early age. It creates The initiative aims to combat figures that encourage children to brush their teeth. a good basis for staying healthy in To get involved in the healthy lifestyle show that within the city, 369 reception age “We work closely with parents and later life.” campaigns visit www.nhs.uk/change4life

Children find Safety cars way around to monitor reading maze more schools CHILDREN were encouraged to THE crackdown on parents get their noses into a good book who put children’s safety at over the summer holidays. danger by parking illegally on Stoke-on-Trent Libraries held the school-run is being rolled their annual summer reading out to six new schools across challenge which was called the city. Mythical Maze. Seven Schools have already It challenged them to visit their had the camera safety car local library three times during monitoring parents dropping the summer holidays and to read off and collecting children. six books. The schools have seen a Children who signed up for the change in parking behaviour challenge received prizes and which has led to safer incentives to help them along the roads.The new schools, Grove way.There was also a mini maze Junior School, Birches Head, game and certificate to collect – St Gregory’s Catholic Academy, with those who completed the Longton; Forest Park Primary challenge receiving a medal. School, Cobridge; St Joseph’s And city-based theatre group Preparatory School, Oakhill; Take A Hint performed a Mythical Oakhill Primary School, Oakhill Maze play at Longton and and Ormiston Horizon Bentilee libraries. Academy,Tunstall will now By the end of August 1,700 have the camera car visiting young people had taken up the regularly to educate motorists challenge and ignited their about the risk of dangerous passion for reading. parking. Get involved at your local library Oakhill Primary School by visiting stoke.gov.uk/libraries Headteacher Lyn Paxton said:“I ● Pictured at Bentilee Library are think it is a good idea as it will Take A Hint cast members, back row raise the awareness of parents. left to right, Holly Reynolds, Dan As most schools in the area, we Jones and Sally Smithson with Lucie have problems concerning Rice, who played Anansi the Spider, People doing it for themselves picking up and dropping off – and schoolchildren, sisters Isabelle, so we welcome this initiative.” left, and Bethany Boote. Our City p28 18/9/14 15:47 Page 1

28 Our City AUTUMN 2014 Paul is glad he gave it a go ERVES were completely mentioned to me, I thought why not. understandable for adult I’m a bit of a loner so it was scary when Nlearner Paul Banks as he I first went along and I was quite returned to the classroom a full 45 nervous on the first day. “But I soon settled down and it’s years after leaving school. been great. I’ve enjoyed meeting new But he was determined to give it a go people and the atmosphere is really and, with the support of his Functional relaxed. The tutors really take time to Skills tutors, the 61-year-old has enjoyed two council-run courses so far explain everything – they’re very patient. and is now considering a third. “It’s brought me out of myself so Paul, from Etruria, had found himself now I’m mixing more and I’ve learned out of work after 30 years in the retail lots of new skills as I look for the job sector when courses were suggested to that’s right for me. him as he attended a job club at “I’m now thinking about doing a Jobcentre Plus. Functional Maths course and His re-introduction to learning came would say to anyone thinking about in the form of a ten week Functional an adult learning course to give it a English course, overlapping into ten go.” weeks of basic computing – both delivered at the Adult and Community To sign up to an Adult and Learning team’s Trinity Street base in Community Learning Course Adult learner Paul Banks with Tutor the City Centre. He passed his Level call 01782 234775 or email People doing it for themselves Yvonne Dale at the Adult and Community One English with flying colours. Learning team’s City Centre base. Paul said: “When the courses were [email protected]

Adult and Community Learning offer a range of accredited and non-accredited courses at its base at 15 Trinity Street in Hanley and various venues around the city ranging from two-hour workshops to 45 hour courses. Subjects include English, Maths, Computers, Flower Arranging, Sewing and Indian Cookery. People paying Council Tax in the city are entitled to a £5 discount and those claiming Job Seekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance get a 20 per cent discount on most courses with others being free of charge.To contact the Adult and Community Learning Team, call 01782 234775 or email [email protected]. More courses are added everyday – visit stoke.gov.uk/adultlearning for details.

Course Location Day Dates Times Cost SoT ResidentJSA/ESA Course Location Day Dates Times Cost SoT ResidentJSA/ESA Cost Cost Cost Cost Building on your Meir Community Mon 03/11/2014 - 12:30 - £20.00 £15.00 £0.00 English in the Hope Community Wed 05/11/2014 - 10:00 - £10.00 £5.00 £4.00 Basic Computer Skills Education 01/12/2014 14:30 Community Beginners Church 21/01/2015 12:00 Number of weeks 5 Centre Number of weeks 10 Flair for Fashion Dudson Centre Mon 03/11/2014 - 18:00 - 25.00 £20.00 £16.00 Raw Food for a Hope Community Wed 05/11/2014 - 12:30 - £21.00 £16.00 £12.50 Number of weeks 5 01/12/2014 20:00 Healthy Lifestyle Church 26/11/2014 14:30 Frames,Filters St Peter's Mon 03/11/2014 - 18:00 - £29.00 £24.00 £19.00 Number of weeks 4 and Funky FX Academy 08/12/2014 20:00 Word Processing Basics Meir Community Thurs 06/11/2014 - 12:30 - £29.00 £24.00 £0.00 Number of weeks 6 Number of weeks 6 Education Centre 11/12/2014 14:30 Criminal Psychology St Peter's Mon 03/11/2014 - 18:30 - £33.00 £28.00 £22.00 Everyday British St Peter's Thurs 06/11/2014 - 18:00 - £25.00 £20.00 £16.00 Number of weeks 7 Academy 15/12/2014 20:30 Sign Language Academy 04/12/2014 20:00 Sociology for St Peter's Mon 03/11/2014 - 18:00 - £21.00 £16.00 £12.50 Number of weeks 5 Beginners Academy 24/11/2014 20:00 Functional Skills Bentilee Thurs 06/11/2014 - 9:30 - £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Number of weeks 4 Maths Level 1 Neighbourhood 26/03/2015 12:00 Tip to Toe St Peter's Mon 03/11/2014 - 18:00 - £25.00 £20.00 £16.00 Centre Number of weeks 5 Academy 01/12/2014 20:00 Hand and Nail Meir Community Thurs 06/11/2014 - 18:00 - £25.00 £20.00 £16.00 Counselling St Peter's Tues 04/11/2014 - 18:00 - 10.00 £5.00 £0.00 Treatments Education Centre 11/12/2014 20:00 Applied Skills Academy 02/12/2014 20:00 Number of weeks 5 Number of weeks 5 Computers for Blurton Fri 07/11/2014 - 12:30 - £20.00 £15.00 £0.00 Building on St Peter's Tues 04/11/2014 - 16:00 £25.00 £20.00 £16.00 Absolute Beginners Community Hub 05/12/2014 14:30 Sewing Basics Academy 25/11/2014 18:30 Number of weeks 5 Number of weeks 4 Functional Skills 15 Trinity Street Mon 10/11/2014 - 9:30 - £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Health and Social 15 Trinity Street Tues 04/11/2014 - 18:00 - £10.00 £5.00 £0.00 Maths Level 1 16/12/2014 14:30 Care Basics 02/12/2014 20:00 Number of weeks 5 Building on your Burnwood Mon 10/11/2014 - 9:30 - 20.00 £15.00 £0.00 Basic Computer Skills Community School 08/12/2014 11:30 Sports Massage Dudson Centre Tues 04/11/2014 - 18:00 - £25.00 £20.00 £16.00 Number of weeks 5 Number of weeks 5 02/12/2014 20:00 Look Good New You Fenton Hub Mon 10/11/2014 - 10:00 - £10.00 £5.00 £0.00 Excel for Beginners Tunstall Library Tues 04/11/2014 - 10:00 - £29.00 £24.00 £0.00 Number of weeks 5 01/12/2014 12:00 Number of weeks 6 09/12/2014 12:00 Functional Skills Bentilee Tues 04/11/2014 - 9:30 - £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Functional Skills 15 Trinity Street Wed 12/11/2014 - 9:30 - £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 English Level 1 Neighbourhood 24/02/2015 12:00 English Level 1 18/12/2014 14:30 Centre Raw Food for a St Peter's Academy Wed 12/11/2014 - 18:00 - £21.00 £16.00 £12.50 Indian Cookery Meir Community Tues 04/11/2014 - 18:00 - £23.00 £18.00 £14.50 Healthy Lifestyle 03/12/2014 20:00 Introduction Education Centre 18/11/2014 21:00 Number of weeks 4 Number of weeks 3 Building on your Blurton Tues 18/11/2014 - 12:30 - £20.00 £15.00 £0.00 Computers for the Blurton Tues 04/11/2014 - 13:00 - £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Basic Computer Skills Community Hub 16/12/2014 14:30 Workplace Community Hub 09/12/2014 15:30 Number of weeks 5 Health and Social Stoke North Tues 04/11/2014 - 12:30 - £10.00 £5.00 £0.00 Indian Cookery St Peter's Academy Thurs 20/11/2014 - 18:00 - £23.00 £18.00 £14.50 Care Basics Childrens Centre 02/12/2014 14:30 Introduction 04/12/2014 21:00 Number of weeks 5 Number of weeks 3 Computers for 15 Trinity Street Tues 04/11/2014 - 18:00 - £20.00 £15.00 £0.00 Shabby Chic St Peter's Academy Tues 02/12/2014 - 18:00 - £17.00 £12.00 £9.50 Absolute Beginners 02/12/2014 20:00 Number of weeks 3 16/12/2014 20:00 Number of weeks 5 Functional Skills 15 Trinity Street Mon 05/01/2015 - 9:30 - £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Counselling Meir Community Wed 05/11/2014 - 12:30 - £10.00 £5.00 £0.00 Maths Entry Level 09/02/2015 14:30 Applied Skills Education Centre 03/12/2014 14:30 Functional Skills 15 Trinity Street Wed 07/01/2015 - 9:30 - £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Number of weeks 5 English Entry Level 12/02/2015 14:30 Cake Making for St Peter's Wed 05/11/2014 - 18:00 - £23.00 £18.00 £14.00 Number of weeks Beginners Academy 26/11/2014 21:00 Computers for Tunstall Library Tues 13/01/2015 - 10:00 - £20.00 £15.00 £0.00 Number of weeks 3 Absolute Beginners 10/02/2015 12:00 Yoga for Health Mitchell Arts Wed 05/11/2014 - 10:00 - £23.00 £18.00 £14.00 Number of weeks 5 and Wellbeing Centre 10/12/2014 12:00 Number of weeks 6 Nail Art Burnwood Wed 14/01/2015 - 13:00 - £25.00 £20.00 £16.00 Number of weeks 5 Community School 11/02/2015 15:00 Building on Burslem School Wed 05/11/2014 - 17:45 - £25.00 £20.00 £16.00 Sewing Basics of Art 26/11/2014 20:15 Create your St Peter's Academy Thurs 05/02/2015 - 18:00 - £37.00 £32.00 £25.50 Number of weeks 4 own Website 19/03/2015 20:00 Number of weeks 8 Hand and Nail Burnwood Wed 05/11/2014 - 9:15 - £25.00 £20.00 £16.00 Treatments Community School 10/12/2014 11:15 Functional Skills 15 Trinity Street Mon 23/02/2015 - 9:30 - £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Number of weeks 5 Maths Level 1 31/03/2015 14:30 Our City p29 18/9/14 13:03 Page 1

AUTUMN 2014 Our City 29

A council team carry out a larger patch repair at the Park Road and Minster Street junction in Burslem. Below, the junction after the work was completed. Stepping up the battle to improve city roads ITY council highways staff is now underway with three possible, permanent repairs are being maintenance teams are already hired to join a multi-skilled carried out.” Cnow carrying out much team, which includes full timers who Winter maintenance programmes larger patch repairs as the were once unemployed and started are now being planned and the city work with the city council on council is looking at introducing a battle to improve city roads is part-time or rolling contracts. new automatic email newsletter alert stepped up. More than 57,700 highways repairs system that people can sign up to It comes after residents listed roads have been carried out across the and receive information and as a top priority during consultations. city’s 570 miles of roads since updates on city council services. The authority, keen to invest in 2009/10 with 16,150 defects fixed in Winter road maintenance highways as part of its Mandate for the 2013/14 financial year alone – an information is available at Change to improve the city as a place increase of 84 per cent on the year stoke.gov.uk/gritting while to live and do business, invested before. stoke.gov.uk/roadworks carries £600,000 last year. Kevin Cooper, Team Manager latest roadwork and pothole An additional £594,401 was Highway Maintenance, said: information. awarded by the Department of “Reported defects have gone up Transport this year to ramp up the year-on-year over the past five years For further updates follow A great place to live on-going repair programme. but despite that we’ve reduced our the council on social media at A recruitment drive for eight more backlog by 50 per cent and where twitter.com/stokehighways CITY ROAD NETWORK

Compared to 2012, road Over the last Over the last two years repairs carried out in two years the the city council has 2013 increased by city council has resurfaced over 7 miles resurfaced and of footpaths across the renewed over city spending approx 84% 16 miles of road.We have surface dressed £1m In 2011/12 the average (to prolong the cost to fill one pothole life of a road) in England (ALARM 57,700 over 9 miles of roads and have Survey 2013) was repairs have been spent carried out since £52 2009/10 £3m Our City p30 18/9/14 13:04 Page 1

30 Our City AUTUMN 2014 Community welcomes traffic calming work outside Penkhull academy

TRAFFIC calming measures have been installed to make listening to requests from the school, residents and as they make their way to and from the site. We’re also the roads safer outside a Stoke-on-Trent school. local ward Councillor Randy Conteh to improve safety at looking at the issue of parents dropping off and picking The improvements have been carried out around the location.The safety improvements have been up their children at the academy in the morning and Thistley Hough Academy, Penkhull, and will improve the welcomed by the local community. afternoon, and have introduced a collection point to try journey for children walking to and from the campus. Ian Picken, Facilities Manager at Thistley Hough and make such actions safer.” Work focused on the junctions of Newcastle Lane with Academy, said:“As a school, we’re very keen to promote Charles Pantin, Chairman of Penkhull Residents’ Lodge Road and Thistley Hough. Double yellow lines sustainable travel which is good not only from a health Association, said:“We do get some people who tend to have been extended, as have kerb lines. Resurfacing has and wellbeing point of view, but also for the drive across the junction very quickly so by changing also taken place to make the road surface skid resistant. environment. the road layout, it should force them to reduce their Road markings have been renewed and new bollards, “A big part of that is making sure the route to school speed. It’s an area which can get very busy, particularly guard rails and signage installed. is as safe as possible, and this work will certainly around school drop-off and pick-up times, so any safety The city council has carried out the work after enhance the safety of our children, parents and visitors work is to be welcomed.” Crossing boosts safety at junction EDESTRIAN safety has because we know it can be quite a been improved on a road busy road to have to cross. The Pwhich is popular with park is very well used, especially the children’s play area, and many schoolchildren and users of a of them have to cross the road to nearby park. get there. This is really good A puffin crossing has been news.” installed on Victoria Park Road, Work on the crossing started Tunstall, near to its junction with during the summer holiday period Little Chell Lane. and was finished before the new The electronic crossing replaces school year commenced in an existing pedestrian refuge on September. the road and can detect the presence of people waiting on the pavement and as they are crossing the road. It will improve road safety for children and adults walking to and from two nearby schools – St Margaret Ward High School and Mill Hill Primary School – and for those heading to Grade II listed Tunstall Park. The pavements and road surface Tunstall Victoria Park Trust approaching the crossing have also Vice Chair Megan Ryan, left, be resurfaced as part of the works. and Tunstall Floral Hall Centre Linda Tweats, Secretary of Supervisor Julie Woodward Tunstall Victoria Park Trust, A great place to live use the new Puffin crossing. welcomed the crossing. She said: “As a group we applaud this Events and activities promote this year’s campaign NEARLY a quarter of a million people in persuade more smokers to quit during “If we can persuade savings.The average smoker puffs 13 England and Wales – including 1,145 in October will be boosted by a visit from the people to give it up for just cigarettes a day.This adds up to 364 Stoke-on-Trent – turned their backs on National Stoptober road show. one month during October the hope is that cigarettes every four weeks. Stoptober would tobacco during October last year. The roadshow – featuring music, dancing many of them will then choose not to start have saved them £141 each over four weeks. Now more smokers are being urged to kick and loads of madcap humour – will be in the smoking again. Public Health England reported there were the habit during the 2014 Stoptober Tontine Street area of Hanley throughout the “Stopping smoking is the single best thing 1,145 sign ups to Stoptober in Stoke-on-Trent campaign which aims to support and day.There will also be displays at various you can do for your own health, as well as in 2013, putting the city in the top 50 per encourage smokers to reap the financial, locations throughout the city where people those you love and live with. About two cent in terms of sign ups when compared to social and health benefits of giving up can talk to stop smoking advisors. thirds of smokers say they want to quit, so the rest of the UK. cigarettes for good. Alistair Fisher, Principal Health Stoptober provides a great opportunity to The city council is backing this year’s Improvement Manager, Long-Term join thousands of people in the same For free information on the range of campaign with a series of events and Conditions, said:“Smoking is still the biggest situation and ditch the cigarettes for good.” local stop smoking services in Stoke- activities including various displays. On cause of premature death, taking more than Taking part in Stoptober offers not just on-Trent contact Living Well on 0800 Thursday 25 September the city’s bid to 100,000 lives in the UK every year. health benefits but also major financial 085 0928 or text StokeQuit to 60777. Our City p31 18/9/14 13:05 Page 1

AUTUMN 2014 Our City 31

Abbey Hulton and Townsend GWEN HASSALL ADRIAN KNAPPER (Labour) (Labour) Your 07557 848765 07714 334453 gwen.hassall@ adrian.knapper@ Councillors stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Baddeley Green,Milton and Norton Bentilee and Ubberley JACK BRERETON ANTHONY MUNDAY DUNCAN WALKER SHEILA PITT ALISON WEDGWOOD (Conservative) (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) 07855 916134 (01782) 239737 (01782) 912422 07957 948896 07968 477901 jack.brereton@ 07743 876421 duncan.walker@ sheila.pitt@ alison.wedgwood@ 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 PAUL BREEZE MARK MEREDITH GLENYS WARD NEIL DAY ANDY PLATT (City Independents) (Labour) (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (01782) 279684 07717 714020 (01782) 312670 (01782) 746210 07919 660221 paul.breeze@ mark.meredith@ 07922 909545 07796 040002 andy.platt@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk glenys.ward@ [email protected] stoke.gov.uk Twitter: stoke.gov.uk Twitter: @markmeredith01 @CllrAndyST4

Bradeley and Chell Heath Broadway and Longton East Burslem Central Burslem Park Dresden and Florence GURMEET SINGH TOM REYNOLDS ALAN DUTTON JOY GARNER SHAZAD HUSSAIN KALLAR (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) 07850 828717 (01782) 824051 (01782) 768846 07899 771815 07900 604232 tom.reynolds@ 07982 231567 07986 442770 shazad.hussain@ gurmeetsingh.kallar@ stoke.gov.uk alan.dutton@ [email protected] stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Twitter: stoke.gov.uk Twitter:@button1001 @longtontom.

Eaton Park Etruria and Hanley Fenton East Fenton West and Mount Pleasant Ford Green and Smallthorne TERRY CROWE MAJID KHAN PAUL SHOTTON KAREN CLARKE MATT WILCOX (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (01782) 269422 07989 441707 (01782) 434445 07917 270594 07810 825600 07818 044755 majid.khan@ paul.shotton@ karen.clarke@ matt.wilcox@ terry.crowe@ 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 PETER HAYWARD (Labour) (Non-aligned) (City Independents) (City Independents) (City Independents) (01782) 768846 (01782) 851842 (01782) 836766 (01782) 318127 (01782) 644986 martin.garner@ 07771 331893/ ann.james@ 07944 055379 07920 835839 stoke.gov.uk 07717 714205 stoke.gov.uk terence.follows@ peter.hayward@ janine.bridges@ 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 BAGH ALI (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) 07747 830461 (01782) 632104 (01782) 399759 07736 837822 (01782) 343246 amjid.wazir@ 07825 142327 07790 699379 alastair.watson@ 07973 848428 stoke.gov.uk shaun.pender@ kath.banks@ stoke.gov.uk [email protected] stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Twitter: @CllrActional22

Little Chell and Stanfield Meir Hay Meir North Meir Park Meir South RUTH ROSENAU DAVID CONWAY MUHAMMAD AUMIR (Labour) ABI BROWN DEBBIE WHEELDON (City Independents) (Labour) (01782) 501940 (Conservative) (Labour) (01782) 790922 07886 581082 07870 503575 07793 844169 (01782) 595043 david.conway@ muhammad.aumir@ 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 DEBRA GRATTON JACKIE BARNES (Labour) (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (City Independents) (01782) 232468 (01782) 256869 07717 714207 07917 854981 (01782) 845619 / mohammed.pervez@ 07920 835902 olwen.hamer@ debra.gratton@ 07813 539410 stoke.gov.uk randolph.conteh@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk jackie.barnes@stoke. Twitter: stoke.gov.uk Twitter: gov.uk @pervezstoke @debra_gratton

Tunstall Weston Coyney FORTHCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS AT THE CIVIC CENTRE, STOKE: LEE WANGER MATTHEW FRY The next meeting of the Cabinet between the The next full City Council meeting during this (City Independents) (Non-aligned) 29 September 2014 and 24 November 2014 is as period will be on 16 October at 5.30pm. (01782) 856712 07826 891801 follows: 30 October 2014. 07971 303729 matthew.fry@ lee.wanger@ stoke.gov.uk For more information on your Councillors go to stoke.gov.uk/councillors 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. Our City p32 18/9/14 13:06 Page 1

32 Our City AUTUMN 2014 New pitches are in the top league Mick Bourne of TATE-OF-THE-ART thank all our partners for their Middleport, left, takes pitches unveiled by World support on this project. on Anthony Collis of Cup legend Gordon Banks “There’s no doubt this will S become one of the top venues for Tunstall in five-a-side at Dimensions Leisure Centre footballers in the city for years to game on one of the in Burslem are already going come and a home for the next stunning new artificial down a storm with footballers generation of Stoke City and Port grass pitches at young and old. Vale stars to nurture their skills.” Dimension Leisure The former Stoke City A similar pitch, opened at Centre. stopper cut the Northwood Stadium at the end of ribbon on a 2013, is already proving a big hit full-sized third with 1,500 bookings so far. A total of generation artificial £1.56 million has been spent on both grass pitch on 12 July – which was projects. Pitches are available for also exactly 21 years after casual, regular or league bookings. Dimensions opened its doors. For further details, call Dimensions Two smaller pitches were also Leisure Centre on 01782 233500 or refurbished to the same standard as Northwood Stadium part of a £705,000 project paid for on 01782 234400. by the city council, the Premier League and the FA Facilities Fund and Sport England. The pitches cater for five, seven, nine and 11-a-side games and are being used extensively by community groups, local leagues, Staffordshire University and the city council’s StreetGames programme. Gordon said: “Having top class facilities like this can only encourage more people to play football and sport and enjoy all the associated health benefits that come with it. I am sure this pitch will be very well Gordon used for years to come.” Banks with Councillor Adrian Knapper, Oliver Hepburn- Cabinet Member for Health and Taylor, aged eight, of A great place to live Wellbeing, said: “The pitches Sneyd Green at the look fantastic and I’d like to pitches’opening ceremony. Apprentice Dom’s Glasgow Games experience was trip of a lifetime

SPORTS-MAD teenager Dom Corcoran Outdoor Centre while Games help to lay on for eight to 18-year-olds enjoyed the trip of a lifetime to volunteers slept under canvas in a across the city.”Dom is now 10 volunteer at the Glasgow 2014 giant tented village. months into his apprenticeship and Commonwealth Games – where he He spent his time in Glasgow laying hopes his Commonwealth Games’ was responsible for looking after 3,000 on games and activities for the other experience stands him in good stead other volunteers. volunteers including para jumping, as he aims to become a PE teacher. The 18-year-old is an apprentice rafting and mountain biking. The city’s StreetGames programme with the city council’s Sport and He said:“It was an unbelievable delivers activities for young people Leisure Services team and spent 10 experience – a once in a lifetime where they want them, at times they days north of the border after opportunity that I will never forget. I need them and in a style they can applying through the countrywide made so many new friends, people I relate to. Dom Corcoran oversees a table tennis session with StreetGames initiative. will stay in touch with. For more details of the sister and brother Isabel and Samuel Reeve at the Lucky enough to be selected by “I’ve also brought back plenty of programme, call 01782 234957 or New Horizons Sport and Leisure Centre at Chell. the charity, he bunked down in a new games I’m hoping we can dormitory at the Auchengillan incorporate into the activity sessions I visit stoke.gov.uk/streetgames

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Contact us by mail at FREEPOST Our City or by email at [email protected] or telephone 01782 236703 Information in Our City correct at the time of going to press.