City NewsWinter 2015 stoke.gov.uk STRONGER TOGETHER ALL OUT DRIVE

FOR NEWJOBS PAGE 6 MILLIONS of pounds worth of would give the city council control in job creation, investment and down boundaries to create an Free places business rates and tax relief could of an attractive package of tax and status. They said the Government economic powerhouse to benefit rates incentives it could use to is behind the work we are trying the whole region. at nurseries see the council attract thousands of attract big-name manufacturers to do here to create jobs and grow The Northern Gateway will build new jobs to Stoke-on-Trent’s prime and the supply chain jobs which the city’s economy. on opportunities created by the employment sites. support them to thousands of “We are excited about getting HS2 rail link within the area, and give best Hopes are high that the hectares of development-ready this moving and officers are aims to create 120,000 new jobs Government will give the green land with some of the best already talking to companies and build 100,000 new homes in start in life light to the city’s strong bid for an communications links in the looking for sites for whom this the next 20 years. Enterprise Zone in the Ceramic country. kind of capital allowance tax relief Councillor Brown said there Valley – which stretches from Deputy Council Leader Abi and business rate relief would be would be short and mid-term Etruria to north of Tunstall – Brown said councillors and the clincher. This is a credible bid gains as well, with the city before Christmas. officers had met with Government that could transform potential providing key brownfield Around £50million is already ministers and civil servants, employment sites into thriving job development sites for industry being invested to improve the including several important creation centres and that would and housing. roads around Etruria Valley and visitors to the city’s stand at the have a knock-on for the entire city “We have the sites and take forward the innovative prestigious MIPIM development economy.” infrastructure improvements in District Heating Network which trade show in London. Meanwhile a ground-breaking place so we are ready to make would provide eco-friendly, low She said: “Six ministers visited partnership between the city these exciting opportunities, cost heat to businesses and homes the stand. We pressed the case for council, county council, other backed by the rest of the county across the city. the Enterprise Zone and the Staffordshire authorities and even and our Cheshire neighbours,” Success on the Enterprise Zone benefits it would bring to the city, councils in Cheshire has broken she added.

PAGE 7 Wait times slashed at customer service hub

PAGE 16 Over 800 City set for Euro sign up for sporting limelight PAGES 10-11 community group 2 City News WINTER 2015 Honest reports will keep public in touch with progress across the Six Towns By City Council Leader Councillor Dave Conway

THE Coalition running the city council is all about action, not just talking about what might happen. This newspaper tells residents how our vision is paying off and what we have achieved since May. We will provide honest reports about action to improve life in the city and our unique towns. We will not soft-soap the public with spin which does not reflect reality. The Coalition will be straight talking. Our common sense vision is geared to deliver where it matters most. So the city council will provide the evidence of how investment and strategies are making life better for residents, their families, businesses and S The aristocratic Crawley communities. That means cleaner streets, housing initiatives, better family in the ITV blockbuster maintained roads, free nursery Downton Abbey. places, the biggest ever Christmas celebrations in all Six Towns and other communities and much more. This Christmas we are also delivering some free parking to support traders who have been asking for it for years. We have listened. Remember... we are Stronger Together. Look at the problems we inherited and are sorting out: DOWNTON STYLE We never wanted the Smithfield development. It was a liability and a potential disaster. Now it’s well on the way to attracting hundreds of new, well-paid jobs. It used to be virtually impossible to get a telephone call through to the council. We have changed the way our call centre works to make response times COMES TO CITY much quicker. We need residents’ help too. COSTUMES worn by the ladies in Grantham (played by Elizabeth in the 1914-18 war. Just by putting the right waste in the rarefied world of Downton McGovern), Violet Crawley, ● Fanny Deakin, a local the right bin the public can save Dowager Countess of Grantham politician noted for her Money saving offer the council money and help us hit Abbey are to be featured (Maggie Smith) and Lady Mary campaigns in Staffordshire for City News readers are recycling targets. We tell residents alongside an exhibition Crawley (Michelle Dockery). better nourishment of young being offered 20 per cent how they can help on pages 14 celebrating high-achieving local The costumes from the period children and maternity care and 15. drama will help establish the off purchases in the shop women at the Potteries Museum for mothers. and cafe at the Potteries We scrapped the old council theme of the woman’s role in the ● Gertie Gitana, the Longport magazine because it did not & Art Gallery. early twentieth century. Museum & Art Gallery in Dresses worn by female born music hall entertainer reflect reality. Self-praise and Notable ladies to be featured the run up to Christmas. members of the aristocratic who was sometimes billed as pipe dreams are not our style. in the exhibition, planned to run The deal is not to be Crawley family in the popular the “Staffordshire Cinderella”. We have launched a new from 2 July to 30 September next used in conjunction with ITV series, now in its sixth and newspaper – straight-talking and year, will include: Both the Downton Abbey any other offer and is final series, will supplement costumes and the objects and available until Christmas honest – which reports what we ● are achieving, outlining how we exhibits in a show focusing on Millicent, Duchess of documents relating to the Eve. To qualify all readers will deliver our ambitions and “Fabulous Ladies of Sutherland, writer and social historical women will be have to do is say they read showing how the public can do Stoke-on-Trent” from the early campaigner in the Potteries, backed up by materials from about the offer in the their bit. It costs us 24p a copy to 1900s. Centre-stage will be famous for taking a party of the Museum & Art Gallery’s council newspaper. produce and deliver it to 120,000 eye-catching outfits worn by nurses to Belgium to care for decorative and fine art homes... that’s less than half the Cora Crawley, Countess of injured soldiers on the frontline collections. price of a second class stamp! So we are not only improving communications, but we are saving money as well. Volunteers sign up to help with £4.5m restoration of Hanley Park BUSY volunteers are paving the way for a contractors are due on site early in the new “We have people putting something back £4.5million restoration of much loved year to start the refurbishment paid for into their community, and some, who are Give us your views Hanley Park. after a successful bid to the Heritage waiting to start a university course, are WE want to hear your views on Residents aged 18-80 have already signed Lottery Fund. strengthening their CVs by taking part. City News, so please let us know up to help spread the word about work The army of volunteers at the park is “There is no full-time commitment... what you like about the new which starts next year to refurbish the already working on improvements to a people can give the time they can afford newspaper, what you don’t like historic pavillion, boathouse and other popular wildlife area and planning a and everyone is welcome.” and what you’d like to see more of. buildings, gardens and bridges on the Christmas event which takes place on Latest news is available on the Hanley You can email me at Victorian site. December 13. Park Facebook page or at twitter.com/ [email protected] or write to Work has already begun to open up Park Liaison Officer Tom Pine said: hanleypark FREEPOST City News to have outstanding views across the park by “There is lots to do at the park and ■ To become a volunteer call Tom Pine your say. removing self-seeding trees and the main volunteering can be really rewarding. on 07787 005946.

LIVE WEBCAST of full council meetings Web: stoke.gov.uk MEETINGS of the full council can now be viewed online.To see and City News is printed on paper from hear the debates and decisions which affect life in Stoke-on-Trent, Facebook: facebook.com/ sustainable sources.When you have visit stoke.gov.uk/webcasting. stokeontrent.citycouncil finished with this publication please A list of dates and times of council meetings and committee meetings Twitter: @SoTCityCouncil help the environment by passing it can be found on our website at stoke.gov.uk/meetingdates on to a friend or recycling it. twitter.com/SoTCityCouncil WINTER 2015 City News 3 Free parking is an early SCHEME TO TAP Christmas present for shoppers and traders CHEAP ENERGY FREE parking in the city centre and Stoke-on-Trent’s towns is being given as an Surveys to assess feasibility of turning hot water into heating early Christmas present to shoppers and traders. They will be able to park SEISMIC surveys will help funded by the private sector. T Backed by £19.75million in An artist’s impression showing how a for free at certain times on Stoke-on-Trent City Council Government money, the council geothermal heat network would provide the council car parks during the decide the future of its will deliver the pipe network. city with low cost heating. Christmas lights switch-ons multi-million pound scheme to Market testing for potential in the Six Towns and major turn hot water locked deep private sector partners to centres like Meir. establish an Energy Service And parking on council car underground into cheap heating. Company (ESCo) is already parks will also be free during The latest feasibility work on underway. Completion of the the city centre switch-on the deep geothermal District whole scheme is anticipated by event on 19 November. Heat Network will involve two 2019. Then for the whole of trucks travelling from Keele Sebastien Danneels, the December parking in the across the Etruria Valley to council’s Technical Lead city centre will be free after Birches Head – using sound Manager for the project, said: 3pm and all day on Sundays. waves to collect key data for “The scheme has to be Deputy Council Leader production of a 3Dimensional commercially viable and Councillor Abi Brown said: geological model. technically feasible to ensure “We want to do everything Experts have measured the that the customers are able to we can to make our towns deep underground water gain the benefits expected. It’s and city centre more temperature at 95 degrees and an innovative and fascinating attractive to visitors so they believe heating harnessed from scheme with significant practical can come and enjoy the it could be up to 10 per cent benefits for the city as well as traditional Christmas events cheaper than traditional heating putting Stoke-on-Trent at the and, of course, bring trade systems. forefront of low carbon district to shops, markets and other The plan is to pump this hot heating in the UK.” businesses. water to the surface and return it Viable alternatives and “There is so much on back again through a closed loop additional heat sources have offer in our towns and in using two wells. been identified by the council if the city centre this A simple heat exchanger would the deep geothermal heat source Christmas and we want to extract energy during the is not feasible so the scheme will support our traders and give process, passing the heat into a continue. the public every reason to network of pipes for distribution There are already 212 take part. to large scale premises in successful geothermal district “It’s a fabulous early Hanley, Shelton and Stoke. heating schemes across Europe. Christmas present for Estimated construction costs of The city scheme would be the residents, traders and a deep geothermal energy centre first of its kind of this scale in visitors and we expect it to are £17million and will be the UK if it goes ahead. attract lots of people to Image courtesy of GT Energy UK Ltd. experience our unique towns, communities and city centre.” ● See Christmas feature on Brown paper packages pages eight and nine. tied up with string... Chance to these are a few of comment on Stoke Library’s priorities RESIDENTS will be able to comment on the city favourite things council’s spending priorities in a major A brown paper packages book challenge consultation exercise. has been launched at Stoke Library, to Councillors will set out a encourage people to branch out and read plan for realising their something a little bit different. ambitions for the city and A selection of titles are being delivering vital frontline wrapped up so that readers do not services while addressing know what they are borrowing until cuts that need to be made they get their package home – the only to save money. clue about what lies inside is a brief A series of roadshows hint on the front. and public meetings will be Librarian Amy Capewell said: staged towards the end of “Sometimes people run out of books the year to outline the because they tend to stick to a proposals and give the particular genre. We want to create public the opportunity to a sort of blind date with a book. have their say. The council “The idea of brown paper will also be gathering packages also links to the musical public opinion on the The Sound of Music, which budget through its website. celebrates its 50th anniversary City Council Leader this year, so we’re hoping that Councillor Dave Conway people come in for a package, try said: “We’re building a city something different and where we are Stronger hopefully find their new Together with our favourite book inside.” residents, communities, In the musical, governess businesses and Maria sings My Favourite stakeholders. That means Things – one of which is brown we will listen to them all as paper packages tied up with we plan our spending string – to the Von Trapp priorities for the next year.” children to comfort them ● Keep an eye on the city during a thunder storm. council’s website at stoke.gov.uk and social X Library Assistant Vicki Dean with media for more information some of the brown paper packages. on how to take part in the budget consultation. 4 City News WINTER 2015

CITY roads are being maintained with £5million set aside by the Cabinet to prevent crumbling surfaces and pothole nightmares. The idea is to invest in road surface strengthening so they do not deteriorate and become an £5M TO PREVENT immediate problem. The new prevention programme offers a more sustainable solution with longer lifespans for road and pavement surfaces which have been repaired. A hi-tech annual survey using laser technology is carried out to classify roads which need no action as green; amber for those ROADS CRUMBLE starting to show signs of wear and tear; and red routes need immediate investigation. Roads with an amber rating are Hi-tech surface surveys in being targetted with surface dressing to prolong the road’s life battle to stop potholes and prevent it from slipping further into decline. This year roads on estates at Eaton Park and Meir Park have been completely surface dressed, with a layer of bitumen and anti-skid chipping added to give them a significantly longer life. This preventative work can only take place in spring and summer and planning is already underway to schedule work to start next year. Councillor Jack Brereton, the Cabinet Member for regeneration, Transport and Heritage, said: “It’s a common sense approach which targets the money we have available at making a real difference. “The road network is our biggest asset so we must take action to keep it maintained. Good roads benefit every resident and business in the city.” In the meantime city council teams continue with work to repair potholes, larger patches and footways. ■ To report a pothole call S Paver Dave Ball, left, and LGV Driver Kevin Booth take 01782 237061 or email [email protected] up old broken slabs in Allanbrook Grove at Lightwood. S Roadman George Morris rolls tarmac as a council team resurface the pavement at Allanbrook Grove. WINTER 2015 City News 5 Residents have their say in shaping change for the future NEARLY three quarters of people feel positive about living, working and learning in the city, according to the findings of a wide-sweeping survey. Stronger Together offered hundreds of residents the chance to have their say at events staged through the summer and early autumn. Everyone was asked to provide ideas and flag up priorities as part of an ongoing commitment to work with local people and achieve the changes they would like to see happen in their communities. The city council has worked in partnership with X Councillor Jack Brereton, Cabinet Member for Regeneration,Transport and key organisations such as Heritage, and Tracy Kirton, a Council Strategic Manager with responsibility for Staffordshire Police, the move to Smithfield, tour the new offices.Inset, one of the special doors Staffordshire Fire and glass panels which depict iconic buildings and landscapes in Stoke-on-Trent. Rescue Service, local colleges and the health service to deliver the project. The Stronger Together initiative aims to: ● Promote partnership working to help children, residents and businesses achieve their full potential. ● Listen to communities to support those people who need the council’s help. MAKING MOST ● Make the most of Stoke-on-Trent’s unique heritage, to invest in towns and communities and create a city that benefits everybody. Stacy Sharman, Local Matters Co-ordinator for Central and North, said: OF SMITHFIELD “This was a really important consultation and the biggest SERIOUS interest in the The city council is already held in Stoke-on-Trent. Smithfield development in the receiving good interest in the Hundreds of events were other Smithfield building. staged from local ward walks city centre could lead to Councillor Jack Brereton, to meeting with residents’ hundreds of new private sector Cabinet Member for groups. jobs coming to Stoke-on-Trent. Regeneration, Transport and “All the findings will be Talks are well underway with Heritage, said: “The building is a used to shape future services potential tenants for the two fantastic opportunity for and priorities at the council buildings. Meanwhile, city employers to occupy Grade A and by our partners. We council services will be provided offices at a fraction of the price wanted to know what was from the multi-coloured of those in Birmingham or good and what was not so 1 Smithfield building from Manchester. good and get a real feel from 19 November. “We have the office space people about what they want Hanley’s Local Centre team ready to let. We’re excited about to prioritise in their will offer a range of services to contacts we have had in relation communities.” the public from the city’s new to the space.” Initial findings show that: Business District. Cllr Brereton revealed that ● More than 70 per cent are Council staff from around the one company from outside the positive or very positive city will occupy the first three area, which has expressed a about living, working and floors of 1 Smithfield by early serious interest in taking studying in the city – 2016. space in the complex, could compared to 19 per cent in Most council staff will be create 250 new, well-paid 2014. based at the heart of Stoke at jobs. ● the Civic Centre. The new Hanley Local centre By far the largest positive Negotiations are taking place will offer a range of services aspect is the sense of with Staffordshire Police and including benefits advice, family, community, the NHS over potential uses for booking housing repairs, paying neighbourliness and the top two floors of the council bills and arranging or friendship. building. renewing bus passes. ● Other positives include The Coalition running the city Moving forward, the public parks, open spaces and council decided to move officers will be able to use computers in access to countryside, into 1 Smithfield and use the 1 Smithfield and there will also while amenities such as other office block to attract be learning and training shopping and leisure private sector employers to services delivered in the feature strongly. Hanley. building. As part of the campaign people were also asked to take part in a health and wellbeing survey. Key issues W An exterior view raised were people having of the 1 Smithfield access to GPs, same-day building. appointments and the availability of flexible times and days at GP surgeries. Residents will soon be available to view the full results of the survey at stoke.gov.uk/stronger together and Local Matters teams will be visiting S The impressive atrium of communities to explain how the 1 Smithfield office block. the findings will be used. 6 City News WINTER 2015 VERY BEST OF STARTS PLAYING and making a mess at nursery are important parts of X Amirah Mohammed, aged two, makes a growing up for little Amirah winter display. Mohammed and Chloe Eagles. They are two of thousands of two-year-olds making the most of free nursery places through the city council. It gives children the very best start in life with exciting experiences, chances to develop friendships and a love for learning. Providing top quality nursery provision is an important part of the city’s efforts to boost children and young people’s achievements at school. Now parents around the city are being urged to make sure they use the free provision if they S are eligible. Two-year-old Chloe Special Government funding has Eagles and Senior Childcare been allocated to improve the Care Plan or if the child attracts children’s learning and Practitioner Vicky Matthew service, and over 50 settings, Disability Living Allowance. All development and enjoy playing with shaving including private nurseries, schools three and four year olds in the city produces long-term foam and conkers at and child minders have so far qualify for free nursery places for improvements in school Carmountside Primary benefited. 15 hours a week. success. School nursery. Two-year-olds are eligible for 15 Head of Citywide Locality “The children will hours a week free nursery Services Tracy Jackson said: “There enjoy lots of different experiences, education if parents receive certain is a huge amount of evidence that learning and developing while Parents can find out if their children are eligible for free benefits, if the child has a giving children the best start in life playing and having fun. nursery places by searching Best Start Stoke-on-Trent statement of Special Educational with high quality nursery “We would urge parents to make Need or an Education, Health and education has positive effects on sure they don’t miss out.” on the internet, or calling 01782 232200. He Seemed depressed, and it came to the point that I asked him about it after footy He said he’d thought about suicide all the time Jim realised his mate was hiding how he felt, so he asked him about it. Because he did, his mate’s still alive.

If you can read between the lines, you can save lives.

For help and advice for you or the person you’re worried about, call Samaritans FREE on 116 123

stoke.gov.uk/readbetweenthelines

Reproduced with kind permission from NHS Health Scotland’s National Suicide Prevention Programme, Choose Life NHS Health Scotland WINTER 2015 City News 7 CALL WAITING City Day IN the first of a new feature, we asked Stoke-on-Trent-based film maker RAY JOHNSON – Emeritus Professor of Film, Heritage and Documentary at Staffordshire University – how he would TIME SLASHED spend his perfect day in the city. WAITING times for the city council’s customer service hotline have been dramatically reduced thanks to newly filled roles and simplified call options. People can now get through to a customer service adviser in around four to five minutes compared to the average eight-minute wait at the beginning of the year. The reduction is due to six vacant positions being filled and there are now 33 advisers on hand between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. Caller options have also been made clearer, as people are no longer directed to general extensions such as revenue but are able to select more specific areas including making a payment and environmental services. These changes have been made at no extra cost to the council and have resulted in an influx of positive Six Towns feedback from callers. The customer service line – 01782 234234 – receives more than 1,200 calls each day and advisers are tour is full trained to deal with every council related issue – making them a one stop shop for advice and support. Customer Services Strategic of delights Manager Emily Bagnall said: “More than anything, we are working closely with the administration team START early morning in Tunstall to continue making improvements Park – needs some TLC but a great and providing exceptional, dedicated walk. Good Market Square and Clock service to all residents who wish to Tower too. contact the council. Down to Burslem’s magnificently “Whether a query is something as restored park – look down at the Golden simple as making a payment which Angel from its terrace just as Anna did. takes a couple of minutes or an Coffee in Swan Bank café in the town in-depth Council Tax query which S Customer Services that’s become the city’s ‘Montmartre’ – can take half an hour, we want to Senior Advisor Sam iconic buildings, artists’ studios, craft help people gain quick and easy Cheadle at the council’s potters, Barewall Gallery, the School of access to the information they need, busy contact centre. Art. Then Westport Lake Visitor Centre so that when they end their call for a snack looking out over the lake every issue and query has been and all its water birds. resolved for them.” On to Stoke – good supermarkets and the best town road in London Road. Long and straight, every kind of shop you need and great community events by SWOCA (Stoke West and Oakhill Community Free flu jab is now available for people in at risk groups Association). Up to Penkhull – village in the City – the Greyhound, music festivals and Penkhull PEOPLE in at risk groups are Mystery Play. being urged to take advantage Then to Fenton and Victoria Road – of a free flu jab in the run up every trading outlet you could need. Now to winter. Longton – charged with celebrating our Everyone aged 65 and over, pottery-making heritage at the Gladstone children and adults with Pottery Museum – essential visit for every certain medical conditions as child of the Potteries. well as pregnant women are Then “up ‘Anley duck” for last-minute entitled to the flu vaccine. shopping, a glimpse of our famous Spitfire The flu jab is safe, effective in the museum and out for a meal and a and quick to administer. It show at the Regent or Mitchell Arts does not contain live vaccine Centre. That’s a good day, I think! so, despite the myths, does not give people the flu. The best time for people to have the vaccine is by the end of November and people in at-risk groups should have now been contacted by their GP practice. Getting the jab early means people are protected against flu for the whole of the winter. Anyone who thinks they or their child is eligible for the free flu jab should call their GP surgery to check and book an appointment. For more information visit stoke.gov.uk/flu or speak to a S Practice Nurse Janet pharmacist. General winter Rogula gives a flu jab at health advice is also available Ray Tunstall Primary Care Centre. on the city council website – enjoys stoke.gov.uk the view at Westport Lake. 8 City News WINTER 2015 WINTER 2015 City News 9

COLLECTIONS have started to 564529 and arrange for the toys to be collected. help Lord Mayor Jean Bowers Salvation Army Community deliver thousands of toys to Centre Manager Theresa needy children in Dunn said the people of S Wacky characters from Stoke-on-Trent were Fool’s Paradise street Stoke-on-Trent this Christmas. theatre company will Anyone can make a renowned for their generosity donation of a toy, as long as it and had rallied round the toy entertain city centre is brand new, in a bid to top campaign in previous years. shoppers on Thursday last year’s total of over 13,000 She said: “They always nights during the run gifts. show their kindness by up to Christmas. Now local employers thinking of others who might including Steelite, be facing hard times and who Portmeirion, Churchill China genuinely need their support. W Lord Mayor Jean and Goodwin International “We are immensely grateful Bowers pictured with are backing the campaign by for all the donations which Portmeirion’s Senior S Breathtaking high wire act will wow the promoting it to their make such a difference to so Human Resources S Hanley Indoor Market greengrocers Julia Swaia, crowds at the lights switch-on evening. employees and urging them many children at Christmas.” Manager Sam Pearce left, and Jackie Kearton get in the festive spirit. Photo:Andre Pattenden to take part. Members of the Anyone who would like to during a visit to the public who want to donate a request toys from the appeal pottery factory at toy can drop it off at local for a child in their family Stoke to promote the Sainsbury’s stores. should contact their nursery, toy appeal. Or they can contact the school, children’s centre or Salvation Army on 01782 health visitor. £1,000 in cash prizes to be won as the markets stage seasonal themed entertainment FESTIVITIES WILL BE A £1,000 prize giveaway and dedicated themed entertainment around the lucky runners up will each get market The festive events will follow on Christmas markets will be helping stalls. There will also be special shopping vouchers worth £50. from the success of this autumn’s city shoppers gear up for the festive opening hours in the run up to 25 A Christmas-themed market centre continental market, which season. December. featuring 24 wooden chalet-style stalls captured the imagination of shoppers The city’s range of 10 indoor and One of the main attractions is a will also be in place in the city centre and is due to return in 2016. outdoor markets are all laying on repeat of last year’s £1,000 giveaway, from 26 November to 24 December. ■ For further information about events as well, including face-painting which saw more than 2,600 market And King’s Christmas Market will be Stoke-on-Trent Markets and opening sessions for children, tea with Santa shoppers enter the draw. This year, as held at the King’s Hall, Stoke from times call 01782 232716 or email and other musical and seasonal well as the top cash prize of £500, 10 10am to 4pm on Sunday 22 November. [email protected] BIGGER THAN EVER GLITTERING Christmas spectaculars from 26 November to 17 December kick off this year with the and choirs and street T LED-lit umbrellas are part of a sensational show being performed by traditional city centre switch on entertainers will be the renowned Cirque Bijou at the city centre lights switch-on. performing for the crowds. Photo:Andre Pattenden taking place on 19 November. These will include traditional A circus show high above the city festive music from choirs and streets starts the countdown to the bands, and the wackiest pply on-line now big day with one of the biggest, Christmas entertainment ever a widest ranging Christmas seen in Stoke-on-Trent from programmes Stoke-on-Trent has street performance agency Fools even seen... all under the banner Paradise. Their crazy characters “loveChristmas.” include Man in a Christmas Each of the Six Towns will have Present, The Three Wise Hens and 3 IN EVERY 400 CHILDREN its own Christmas tree treat and Musical Ruth. special events supported by the city Deputy Council Leader Councillor I’m two IN STOKE-ON-TRENT NEED A FOSTER CARER council will take place in dozens of Abi Brown said: “We listened to communities. feedback about what the public In the city centre an astonishing, really want and we’re making sure colourful spectacular takes place at the Six Towns celebrate Christmas andIget COULD YOU FOSTER ONE OF THEM? 7pm, with the renowned Cirque with a really traditional offer. Bijou theatre company performing “That means Christmas trees in A Christmas Love story Painted in every town centre, financial support the Sky, after a day of music from for lots of community groups who 15 hours local schools starting at 10am. want to do their own thing and a The show will take place on a really exciting programme in the high wire suspended between two city centre. We’ve invested in new towers, with tight-rope walkers Christmas lights for Hanley and free early playing out a heart-warming love there will be great street story high above the audience’s entertainment, late night shopping heads. Brave performers will show and our Christmas markets. off their balance and poise, backed “If it’s worth doing it’s worth by music from a community choir, a doing well and we’re making sure learning host of LED-lit umbrellas and this year there will be opportunities dramatic pyrotechnics. to celebrate Christmas well across Christmas trees will be lit up in the whole city.” and play Fountain Square and Albion Square ■ Walking street entertainers will and 70 lamp posts around the city help count down the last few hours Tweet your photos and centre will each feature their own of 2015 in the city centre New videos of the Christmas light display. Year’s Eve spectacular. The fun Thursday evenings will see late takes place in Trinity Street, celebrations using Could night shopping in the city centre Hanley, between 8pm and 10pm. #loveChristmas Council funding and support for Christmas events throughout the city you? COMMUNITY groups Abbey Hulton: Abbot’s Road shops, meet Santa, 12 December, St Paul’s Church, Longton Hall Road: Court, 2 December, (6pm-8pm). across Stoke-on-Trent are 20 November, (5.30pm). (11am-3pm). Christmas party, 15 Tea on 12 December (2pm-4pm) Lights switch-on at 6pm. staging dazzling Christmas Bentilee: Neighbourhood Centre, December, (6pm-9pm). and a community event on 13 Shelton: St Mark’s Church, 28 events with funding and 1 December, (3.30pm-6pm). Lights Eaton Park: Lights switch-on event December (2pm-5pm). November (4pm-6.30pm). support from the city switch-on at 5.50pm. at The Bellringer on 20 December Longton Town Centre: 27 November, Smallthorne/Newford: Smallthorne council. Residents’ Blurton Farm: Ingestre Square (4pm-8pm). Santa Parade, 15 and (4pm-7pm). Lights switch-on at Community Centre, 6 December Associations, local forums, Hub, Christmas Party 11 16 December (5.30pm-9pm). 5.45pm. (4pm). To find out about free childcare churches and other groups 01782 232200 have all successfully bid December, (5pm-8pm). Fenton: Lights switch-on at City Meir: lights switch-on at 7pm, 4 Stoke Town Centre: Stoke Market for their funds to be Burslem Town Centre: 27 Road Car Park, 2 December, December (4.30pm-7.30pm). Square, 28 November, 12pm-9pm). stoke.gov.uk/beststart matched by the council. November. (5pm-9pm). Lights (5pm-7pm). Queen’s Park Longton: 6 December Lights on at 8pm. #BePartOfTheTeam FOsTering The festive vents are switch-on at 6pm. Hartshill: The Minton Centre, 21 (12pm-3pm). Tunstall Town Centre: 11 December, taking place at: Chell Heath: Chell Heath Centre – November, (10am-4pm). Red House, Longton: Lady Bennett (6pm-9pm). 10 City News WINTER 2015 WINTER 2015 City News 11 WORLD CUP STARS IN EURO LINE UP ENGLAND footballers past and spend include a Lord Mayor’s future are being lined up to help Games, a Stoke-on-Trent triathlon and community Stoke-on-Trent celebrate its engagement activities with free European City of Sport 2016 taster sessions at sports clubs status. and venues across the city. There are plans to honour stars Grassroots sport will feature of the 1966 World Cup winning alongside elite high profile side with a gala dinner – among events like the Tour of Britain them Stoke City President Gordon cycle stage which returned to the Banks who has been named a City city for the seventh time in of Sport Ambassador. Discussions September and is part of a with Kidsgrove-based renowned package aiming to inspire the S Trentham Boat Club rower Annie Dixon, aged 15, on the water at Trentham Lake.Our front page photo features fellow promoter Carl Holness are going local people to take part in more club members Joe Ford, left, and Gregor Connell, who are also both aged 15. well. physical activity. Talks are also underway to One big event now confirmed stage an England versus is the mass participation 10km S World Cup hero Gordon Banks Germany schoolboy international Cancer Research UK Snowflake who is a City of Sport Ambassador. Dedicated rowers put the oar in awesome to mark the 50-year anniversary Run which takes place at Hanley of the historic Wembley final. Park on 24 January. ROWERS at Trentham Boat Club gone under the radar to a certain promoting Stoke-on-Trent’s City The sides would wear Event Manager being European City of Sport. I quite literally put the oar in extent but we’re hoping City of of Sport status through social replica kits with the Amy Hall said: “I am really looking forward to a awesome with their dedication to Sport status can raise our profile media and carry its branding winners getting a Jules believe this is a completely new event and getting the sport and haul of national and attract new members. when we travel to events around Rimet style trophy. really exciting local people running at a time of titles. “We have plenty of champions the country. Other events being event for year when they wouldn’t usually.” Among the 120 junior and – Lucy Cruxton for example is “We’re also planning taster planned now the Stoke and a Michelle Adams, the city senior members at the club aged going to the Olympics in Rio days so anyone who’s interested brilliant one council’s Acting Head of X city council has 10 to 70 are brothers Alek next year as part of the GB can come down and give rowing Gymnast Ethan Lewis, aged 13, earmarked to kick off Economic Development, Culture Connell, 18, and 15-year-old under 23 squad and one of my a try. It’s not expensive, our a student at the Excel Academy £3.5million to the city and Sport, said: “We’re immensely twins Anton and Gregor. sons Anton is preparing for GB membership is cheaper than a specialist sports college, Sneyd proud of our achievement and are Green, will be one of hundreds of really looking forward to working Their dad Andy, who followed junior trials. football team, and it’s really good S Flashback to the triumphant moment in 1966 when the Queen presented them into the sport a couple of “All our junior members fun.” Stoke-on-Trent students taking part with our partners to make next the World Cup trophy to England captain Bobby Moore. years ago, said: “Our compete and about two thirds of ■ To find out more, visit in the Lord Mayor’s Games in March. year a spectacular one for achievements as a club have the seniors. We’re already trenthamboatclub.co.uk Stoke-on-Trent. “We’ve had some fantastic European City of Sport will start feedback from recent events and a new chapter – one we hope are excited to be in talks with a everyone will be part of and number of local and national which will leave a lasting legacy Status is set organisations around what we for a true sporting city.” could bring to the city for 2016 To stay up to date with the and beyond. European City of Sport to boost city’s “Stoke-on-Trent already has a programme, go to great story to tell and our year as stoke.gov.uk/CityOfSport16 economy

TRADE expert Rob Lawley is urging business across the city to embrace City of Sport status and tap in to the multi-million pound opportunities it will bring. He predicts that Stoke-on-Trent can match Spanish city Lograno who used their sporting year in 2014 to boost their economy by 44 million Euros. Rob, the Staffordshire Head of International Trade for the Government’s UK Trade and Investment department, said: “The impact on Stoke-on-Trent in raising the city profile should not be underestimated. “It will help businesses from all sectors, not just those directly connected to sport who already employ 4,000 people in the city in roles ranging from casual lifeguards to Premier League footballers. “City of Sport status will boost tourism and will S Netball player Jodie Collins, aged 12, a student at the Excel Academy specialist S Former British athletics stars, triple jumper Jonathan Edwards and sprint hurdler obviously bring in much sports college, is looking forward to many extra sports events in the city next year. Colin Jackson pictured at a launch event for the European City of Sport. business for hotels, restaurants and bars. The opportunities and benefits won’t just last for the year. The legacy it leaves will mean many more Hundreds of pupils to compete in the Lord Mayor’s Games opportunities for years to SCHOOL children across fun run is also in the planning real boost and our children have the profile even more. come. Stoke-on-Trent are set to play stage. an exciting part to play in “It’s still a challenge at “And let’s not forget that it their part as European City of Nigel Edwards is Manager of helping the city celebrate sport, secondary level but maintaining will encourage more Sport status spreads the feel the Stoke School Sport health and well-being. a strong competition calendar is Potteries people to get good factor. Partnership which was set up in “Schools’ awareness of the very important as is an accent on involved in sport. Studies Hundreds of youngsters from 2001 to maintain and raise sport benefits of taking part has health and wellbeing to show a healthy workforce is secondary schools could compete participation levels in all schools. definitely improved and now encourage children to enjoy a happy and more at the Lord Mayor’s Games event He said: “European City of primary schools have a budget of exercise and sport after they’ve productive workforce so in March while a city wide mass Sport status will give schools a £9,000 a year for sport. It’s raised left school.” sport will improve business.” 12 City News WINTER 2015 WINTER 2015 City News 13 TUNSTALL LONGTON

T Office worker Jade Hammond takes a coffee T Toasting the new visitor centre at Hudson Community News from break at Costa Coffee on the Alexander Park and Middleton pottery factory are Managing SIX around retail development which is now complete. Director Mike Shirley and Director Helen Smith. involvement the and real appeal towns partnerships are crucial BURSLEM ANOTHER community involvement event is planned in the New Year as the Coalition continues to build its Stronger Together partnership with the people and organisations of Stoke-on-Trent. The Kings Hall feedback session on a date yet to be fixed is part of the new ruling group’s ongoing commitment to understanding what matters most to those who live and work in the city. Councillor Randolph Conteh, Cabinet Member for Housing, Communities and Safer City, said: “I’ve been a councillor for 13 years and when I started I thought I could change the world on my own. “But I’ve come to realise that my energy and passion alone is not enough. We need community involvement and partnerships because we are stronger together. That’s not a political statement. It’s a direction that we as a council are going in. “We don’t want to tell, we want to ask. It’s not about just telling people what we’re going to do. We’re gauging people’s views and then working with them as they INVESTING IN A STRONGER help shape our direction as a council. Some people may say we listen and then just do what we want anyway, but that’s not the case and we’re already seeing positive change. “Our co-operative working service is already benefitting people across the city as they FUTURE FOR WHOLE CITY are supported to lead better S An eye-catching feature of the new Haywood lives and we want to set up Sixth Form Academy is a Speaker’s Corner which THERE is good news for the whole city as more area forums – mini was officially unveiled by Speaker of the House of the council builds a stronger future for committees which will give Common John Bercow.Pictured on the podium are each of Stoke-on-Trent’s Six Towns. more people a voice. students Ryan Lench, left, and Zac Lewis. As well as big progress in the city STOKE “Community involvement is centre, things are moving forward in FENTON key to what we can achieve Tunstall, Burslem, Stoke, Fenton and and I’m hopeful we will see Longton. The city council is talking to hundreds of people at the businesses, communities and other co-operative working HANLEY partners to find out what improvements relaunch event, at the Kings they would like to see on the ground. Hall, in the New Year.” The aim is to use the towns’ unique qualities to make them more attractive to people from outside the area, boosting footfall and pulling in much-needed revenue. Law protects Hanley’s Smithfield development is opening for business with council teams moving in to the multi-coloured office children from building this month and private companies already negotiating space in the other (see page five). smoking risks Elsewhere in the city centre the SMOKERS who £11.5million scheme to improve the look light up in the car of streets and main retail areas is when travelling with complete, and the £20 million extension children under 18 to the Intu Potteries Shopping Centre face a £50 fine after will open before Christmas, including a a change in the law. nine screen multiplex cinema and The new rule has quality branded restaurants. been introduced in England In Tunstall, the Alexandra Park S The bus gateway at Christchurch Street is to and Wales to protect children development is now complete with the be removed to improve traffic flow around the from the dangers of second opening of Costa Coffee and Specsavers. town after requests from residents and traders. hand smoke. Every time a The popular development either side of child breathes in second hand the main A50 includes top name smoke, they breathe in retailers, restaurants and leisure thousands of chemicals, facilities. Wedgwood Institute on Queen Street. flow at the junction of Christchurch support from English Heritage and the which put them at risk of Elsewhere in the town the city council The first phase of internal works is now Street and City Road – so the council has European Regional Development Fund serious conditions including will be looking at lifting bus lane complete. decided to remove a bus gate at the (ERDF). The centre is set to open to the meningitis, cancer, and restrictions on the High Street to In Stoke, councillors have agreed to junction to improve access to the Victoria public in mid November. respiratory infections such as improve access and traffic flow. spend almost £1.8million on bringing the Square area and improve safety. Councillor Jack Brereton, Cabinet bronchitis and pneumonia. Things are really moving in Burslem Spode Works back into use. And in Longton one of the city’s most Member for Regeneration, Transport and To find out more about the with the opening of the new Haywood The proposed works will help progress historic pottery companies – Hudson and Heritage, said: “Each of the towns has its new law visit stoke.gov.uk/ Sixth Form Academy in the old town hall the regeneration of this important site, Middleton – has undergone a major own unique identity which has got to be smokefree and work pressing on with construction bring vacant historic buildings on the site facelift and refurbishment to open a new their unique selling point. The towns One of the city’s Public of the modern extension on the old back into use, in particular those around visitor centre showcasing traditional can’t survive and thrive on their own Health Team’s main priorities Ceramica site which will house hundreds the entrance courtyard and refurbish the skills of the ceramics industry.Visitors populations alone, so it’s vital we is helping as many people as S Intu Potteries Shopping Centre Assistant more students. The city council invested former Directors’ Block. The work will will be able to watch production continue to improve their vibrancy to possible to quit smoking. hundreds of thousands of pounds in the reduce the cost of maintaining the site processes including casting, dipping, increase footfall and revenues.” S Stoke resident Jane Kidall, a Staffordshire University Ceramic Degree For free local help and Marketing Manager Louise Kennerley looks ● through final plans for the £20million initiative which has breathed new life and potentially provide some rental gilding and lithography, as well as seeing Look out for more exciting news graduate, studies an exhibit at the British Ceramics Biennial which was support to kick the habit call extension to the centre with Construction into the town centre. income. the company’s prestige fine bone china from Tunstall, Burslem, Hanley, Stoke, staged at Spode Works.Councillors have approved a £1.8million scheme to 0800 085 0928 or text The council was also a main financial Businesses in Fenton have spoken to product ranges. Fenton and Longton in the Six Appeal regenerate the historic building. smokefree to 60777. Site Manager Robert Hope. backer of the restoration of the historic the city council about improving traffic The company received financial feature in the next City News. 14 City News WINTER 2015 WINTER 2015 City News 15 RIGHT RUBBISH IN RIGHT BINS PEOPLE are being urged to put trying to protect the think that items such as nappies ice cream and butter tubs. the right rubbish in their blue bin environment and keep costs count as plastics and can ● Metals such as drink cans, down, which is in the best therefore go in their blue bins, tins, clean tin foil, foil to help avoid a big problem interests of the city and but they can’t actually. takeaway containers and which is costing the city council residents. “We’ve seen electrical items, empty aerosols. time and money. “It would help greatly if lids hosepipes, washing-up bowls ● Cardboard such as pizza, CARDBOARD When the wrong rubbish is put could be taken off plastic bottles and even rolls of carpet in blue cereal and egg boxes. in a blue bin the council has to before bottle and top are put in bins. These plastics cannot be ● Glass including bottles and separate out useful materials. If the blue bin. Ensuring that any processed and have to be jars. this cannot be done then the food and liquid is emptied is also rejected as waste. Through ● Paper including newspaper, whole recycling load will be essential as this cuts down on paying attention to the do’s and magazines, junk mail and rejected. weight and helps with sorting.” don’ts and taking care to only catalogues, must be collected Despite the efforts of many More than 6.28 billion plastic put the right things in blue bins, separately in a green box or conscientious residents, too bottles are not recycled each we can reduce contamination blue bag. much recyclable material is year in the UK, leaving councils and help boost recycling rates in ● Electrical items, furniture, being lost due to this with a £24.3million disposal bill. the city.” batteries and other home contamination, which also affects Council Assistant Director of The materials for the blue bin, waste and rubble should be how the council performs Operational Management Barry or green box if you do not have a disposed of at the council’s against strict Government Brockbank said: “Contamination blue bin, are: Household Waste and S Forest Park Primary targets. ● Recycling Centres in Burslem in the blue bin is a significant Plastic bottles and food tubs and Hanford. pupil Aysu Tonaydin with Council Waste Minimisation problem in Stoke-on-Trent and such as drinks, milk, shampoo, a bird feeder made from Officer Clare Britton said: is something we are trying to detergent and shower gel ■ For a full recycling list, go a recycled plastic bottle. “Through recycling, we are reduce. People often wrongly bottles, yoghurt pots as well as to stoke.gov.uk/recycling PLASTICS Pupils recycle plastic bottles Tough fly-tipping clampdown is to create bird feeders and going from strength to strength S Waste Minimisation Officer Clare Britton is aiming to encourage more full-sized school greenhouse A £1 million anti-fly-tipping people to recycle more of their waste. TOP eco-school Forest Park programme Eco-Schools, and drive is going from strength to Primary at Hanley has gone they are assessed on criteria strength, with four teams of the extra mile by turning including the development of environmental action officers plastic bottles into bird feeders three sustainability-related cracking down on hundreds of Promoting cleaner, greener community and a full-sized greenhouse. projects and the creation of an tonnes of dumped waste. Bottles were woven around a eco-committee. As part of the city council’s wooden frame to form the Eco Co-ordinator Hilary METALS Pride in the Community AS a new Waste Minimisation officer. I’ve lived in the city all want to explain why that greenhouse, which is used by Alcock said: “We are really into initiative, the taskforce Officer for Stoke-on-Trent City my life and jumped at the particular item can or cannot the gardening club, while recycling as a school and we responds rapidly to remove Council, Clare Britton hopes to chance to help improve the go in that bin. wooden sticks were secured are always reminding and rubbish and gather evidence help make recycling second area environmentally. “I want to encourage through others to make bird encouraging children to think against the culprits, who then nature to residents of the city. “My role is to inform and residents to have ownership feeders dotted around the before they put something in face a fine and the seizure of Clare said: “I recently educate residents about what over their waste, be proud of playground. the bin. their vehicle. graduated from university and can and cannot be put into the city and environment we The school has received a “All our pupils are keen on Since they started work in am very proud to have landed each bin. But I don’t just want live in and to be a cleaner, Green Flag award in recycling and have developed July, the teams have tackled the role of waste minimisation to tell people what to do – I greener community.” recognition of its work on a real interest in being green. 1,953 cases of fly-tipping, of recycling, sustainability, They are very much aware of which 16 were hazardous biodiversity and Fair Trade. what different types of food waste and cut their response Green Flag is part of and packaging can go in each time from 3.6 days to less than international award different bin.” 24 hours. The backlog of fly-tipping hotspots has been cleared and the taskforce is now focusing on visiting each city ward on a GLASS rota basis in a bid to make Stoke-on-Trent cleaner and safer for all. Street cleansing crews visit each site two days before the taskforce to gather evidence as part of the city council’s zero-tolerance policy for fly tipping and environmental crime. Stoke-on-Trent City Council Assistant Director of Operational Management Barry Brockbank said: “Being proactive rather than reactive to clamp down on fly-tipping X is key. By sending street Environmental Response Officer Ashton Lovatt clears up a fly-tipping mess at Normacot. cleansing teams out before the fly-tipping taskforce to survey the area and gather evidence, the speed at which the rubbish is cleared and the Households can help to cut waste costs culprits are caught is EACH and every household better for everyone. By make new products meaning significantly increased. can help boost the city recycling more, money spent fewer raw materials need to be “The teams have done a council’s current 34 per cent by the council on used in the first place – saving great job in clearing the recycling rate by doing their unnecessarily incinerating both these limited natural backlog of issues and can now part to make sure they use the waste could instead be used in resources and money. focus on visiting each ward blue bins correctly. developing the city, for ■ Brown bin collections for one-by-one to tackle areas From saving money to example building new schools garden waste are being before problems get the improving the environment, and leisure facilities, fixing extended to 27 November chance to develop.” making an effort to recycle and potholes and supporting because of the warm autumn. ■ Members of the public can paying attention to the do’s vulnerable people. They begin again on 7 March report instances of fly-tipping S Yards Person Shaun Bithell tidies up a mountain of recycled newspapers S Pupil Kirsty-Mae Wragg in the school greenhouse built using recycled and don’ts makes the city Recycled items are used to next year. and littering by contacting and magazines at Burslem’s Household Waste and Recycling Centre. plastic bottles and holding a wreath made from the bottoms of the bottles. 01782 234234. 16 City News WINTER 2015

Amelia wants Middleport to regain its mojo MIDDLEPORT has lost its group. She has city council community has been up against mojo according to a new funding for a Respect Day and it and has lost its mojo. I have resident who has set up a is busy contacting residents, two small boys and just want group to bring the community businesses, schools and them to live in a nice place and together. Amelia Bilson’s churches. have a good future. That’s my Middleport Matters Facebook She said: “There are a lot of motivation.” page is already creating new and established residents ■ To find out more and get interest but she wants people in Middleport who don’t really involved, email middleport focus to join a properly constituted know each other. The [email protected] Park given a facelift BASFORD Park and a popular play Residents’ Association secured the area are being given a major money from a variety of sources, including the Environmental Trust, facelift after residents secured local company Cemax and bids for almost £45,000. lottery and community funding. Trees and a wildlife garden Developers St Modwen, who are have been planted, footpaths building new homes in the area, improved and bird and bat boxes also made a significant installed to make the park more contribution. attractive and welcoming to Residents’ Association Chair visitors. John Beech said: “We have very Around £25,000 of the money few amenities for local residents will go on improving the Ford and the park is the only public Street play area – known locally green space in the Basford area W Resident John Webb as The Grum. so it’s essential that we are able and his daughter Abbie Basford and Cliffe Vale to improve it.” enjoy a walk in Basford Park. Join them at Joiners Square More than 800 sign up PEOPLE from all over the to A Better Smallthorne city are being invited to join in with the host of COMMUNITY pride is “We’ve gone from Christmas events being growing in Smallthorne strength to strength since staged by Joiners Square where a new group set up then and now tackle all Residents Association. to tackle neighbourhood sorts of issues like A table top sale with issues already has more fly-tipping and antisocial stalls selling everything than 800 members. behaviour. from vintage items to The brainchild of Chair “We organise handmade crafts will be Julie Walton, A Better community events to staged on 29 November Smallthorne started out bring people together and with the chance browse earlier this year as a even set up a dedicated and enjoy festive music Facebook page but now Shop Local Smallthorne and refreshments. stages regular meetings Facebook page to Residents Association with partners ranging highlight discounts for Chair Peter Yates said: from the city council’s shop local card holders. “We’re also hosting a four Local Matters team as “I’m very proud of what course Christmas dinner well as primary schools, we’ve achieved so far.” in early December – police and local ■ To get involved, follow anyone is welcome. We’re businesses. A Better Smallthorne on always encouraging more Vice Chair Paula Facebook or the sister people to get involved with S Paula McDonald,Vice Chair of McDonald, a mum of two, Facebook page our community events.” A Better Smallthorne, is given help said: “It all started shoplocal@smallthorne ■ For more information, because Julie was and visit the group’s litter picking by Olivia Bourne and unhappy at the state of website abetter email residentsjsra@hot her son Marley Oldfield. mail.co.uk. the area. smallthorne.btck.co.uk/ Residents drum up backing for action TWO new residents Dodd and Councillor associations have been set Sadaqat Maqsoom for up in Florence by providing money from Councillor Lilian Dodd to their ward budget for a cover different areas of community notice board. the neighbourhood. To get involved contact New Florence Residents Arif on 07900 264211 or Association is chaired by Treasurer Jenny Sladek Arif Hussain who has on 07866 203976. previously been involved The second organisation with other community is Florence Residents groups. Association. Councillor He said: “We wanted to Dodd said: “We’d love raise concerns in the area everyone to get involved regarding issues such as to improve the area.” litter, dog fouling, For more information overgrown verges, contact the Florence RA antisocial behaviour for Secretary by emailing the council to take action.” kerry.byatt@ntlworld. He thanked Councillor com S New Florence Residents’Association Chair Arif Hussain, back row centre, is joined by other residents in distributing a leaflet urging people to become involved.

Contact the council via social media on Facebook.com/sotcitycouncil or Twitter @SoTCityCouncil WINTER 2015 City News 17 Birth can now be registered VITAL SUPPORT at hospital maternity unit NEW parents can now register the birth of their babies without leaving hospital. Mums and dads of babies born at the Royal Stoke University Hospital are able CHANGES LIVES to visit a registrar based in the maternity unit. They just need to add their name to an appointment list BURIED under a mountain of debt on the main wards, or visit the and facing eviction, Charlotte W Charlotte Hanks registrar located on the first Hanks was eight months pregnant with her baby Archie. floor, in the waiting area near to the lift. A short birth when a Stoke-on-Trent City certificate is issued free of Council officer came to her home charge at registration, to discuss her family’s options. although full certificates or Once he got to the bottom of additional copies of short their problems, he quickly certificates can also be involved the Citizens Advice bought. Bureau and Housing Benefit The service is a joint staff as part of the council's new venture, led by the co-operative working service Stoke-on-Trent Registration involving one key worker Service and supported by the co-ordinating all areas of support city council’s public health to help people have better lives. department. With a payment plan in place, Dr Lesley Mountford, the family has now paid rent Director of Public Health, arrears of £500 and a Debt Relief added: “Births have to be Order is being processed to clear registered within 42 days, and their other debts. once mother and baby have Charlotte, mum to new-born returned home it can be baby Archie and three-year-old difficult for them to make it to Ryley, said: “My husband Kieron the register office at Hanley had been redundant. That meant Town Hall.” no wages and we couldn’t claim Karen Meadowcroft, Head income support or housing of Midwifery at the hospital, benefit. said: “This new service is “We had no food in the extremely convenient for cupboards and were on families, particularly since the emergency gas. I just buried my transfer of maternity services head in the sand. It was a from Stafford earlier this year, nightmare. as mothers are now travelling “When the council officer came from all over Staffordshire to to the house I was in tears. He give birth in Stoke-on-Trent.” told us we needed help and he ■ For more information on was brilliant. He went the extra this new service visit mile for us, sorting out a food stoke.gov.uk/registrars, call parcel and topping up our gas 01782 235260 or email and electricity.” [email protected] Benefit claims were organised and the family is now on an even keel with Kieron preparing to go back to work when his recycling firm re-opens. “If the council officer hadn’t done what he did we would have been evicted,” Charlotte said. “We’re a lot happier now and I’m hoping to go to college when Archie starts nursery so I can open my own business. “We’ve got a clean slate now and a fresh start. We’ve learned now to make sure we pay our bills and what little we can save we do.” Responding Renewed bid to bring ceramic poppies display to city to forms is THE iconic weeping window onto the Bethesda gardens, Fund to create an exhibition important ceramic poppies display from a building of on the lives of 274 men from the Tower of London extraordinary heritage that named on their WW1 Roll of RESIDENTS are being could be coming to is both virtually the Honour as part of the fund’s reminded that each property Stoke-on-Trent. epicentre of the city and First World War: Then and within the city should now Organisers of the World deeply embedded in the Now programme. have a Household Enquiry War One commemoration cultural quarter.” Form (HEF) as part of the involving 880,000 poppies The Bethesda Chapel, annual electoral registration will visit the city to decide if known as the Cathedral of process. a similar display can be set the Potteries, was restored The forms confirm who is up at the Bethesda Chapel in 2003 after it featured on eligible to vote at each in Hanley. BBC programme address and send any person Workers at Tunstall-based Restoration. who is not registered an Johnson Tiles hand-made It has also received £5,000 invitation to do so. half the poppies and Etruria from the Heritage Lottery All households are required firm Potclays providing the to respond to their form. New clay. residents who have added Writer and local historian their name to the HEF will Fred Hughes said: “The also need to complete an installation’s designers came X A computer-generated individual application to to the city as we could image of how the weeping register to vote. This can be supply the quantity of window display would look done quickly and easily at beautiful, intricate poppies at the Bethesda Chapel. www.gov.uk/register-to-vote needed, so there is every ■ If you have any queries hope that the decision will about voting or registration, be made to bring them back please contact the elections to Stoke-on-Trent. team directly on 01782 “It would be fantastic to 233800 or email elections@ see the flowers cascading stoke.gov.uk 18 City News WINTER 2015 School Voluntary working gives parents new routes to training and jobs DOZENS of parents across the city are So far hundreds of people have found opportunities available and getting stuck finding new routes to training and jobs jobs through Start Up. Deepa Mistry first into a bit of everything really helped me through volunteering at their local volunteered at Westfield Children’s Centre get to where I am now. meal children’s centre. By helping out at the in Normacot 12 years ago after the birth of “The tutors who provide the courses are centres they can start to learn new skills, her first child. also really friendly – we all had a laugh and get the support they need to achieve Since then, the 33-year-old has helped in while completing our work and everyone qualifications and eventually find work. many roles including and now works as a got on really well. I made a lot of friends recipe The Start Up Citywide initiative is run by training and employment coach for Start during my time volunteering and we all YMCA North Staffordshire in partnership Up Citywide. Deepa said: “When I was still keep in touch.” with children’s centres and helps people volunteering, I studied for as many courses ● To find out more about volunteering and into work, boosting confidence and as I could including food hygiene, first aid Start Up Citywide, contact a local children’s supporting job applications. and elderly care. There are so many centre. The details are online at stoke.gov.uk

Sweet chilli chicken SECOND CADET WEST Midlands School Chef of the Year Vicky Brammer, pictured, who works at The Crescent Academy in Meir, has devised a sweet chilli chicken recipe that is both simple and nutritious. Vicky said:“This is a recipe that we are using for taster sessions in schools at the moment.The dish UNIT LAUNCHED does require some preparation work but is well worth the effort as it tastes delicious.” A second police cadet unit has been launched in the city as INGREDIENTS part of Staffordshire Police and (makes four portions): Crime Commissioner Matthew 170g diced chicken breast, 30g chunkily cut yellow peppers, Ellis’ aspiration to promote good 30g sliced carrots, citizenship to the county’s 15g sliced radish, young people. 15g courgette (Cut with a vegetable peeler) For young people aged 14 to 45g sliced red onion, 17, the Longton unit meets once 1/4 packet of sliced baby corn, 30g chopped mange tout, a week at the Community Fire zest of 1/4 lemon, Station. It already has 20 4g fresh chopped coriander, members with another four 1 crushed garlic clove, joining shortly. 1/2 bunch spring onions, Units in Stafford, Cannock, cornflour to thicken, Burslem, Tamworth and most 7g chicken bouillon, recently Longton, are backed by 140ml water, business sponsorship which 55g rice, funds uniforms and equipment. 1 block of noodles, The units are voluntarily run by 1 small egg, police officers, PCSOs and 1/4 tsp five spice powder, Special Constables. 85ml vegetable oil, Cadets learn a variety of 30ml soy sauce, skills all designed to improve salt and pepper to taste. their confidence while building For the sweet chilli sauce: their leadership qualities and 1 red pepper, 1 chilli pepper, 50ml understanding of what it is to white wine vinegar, 50g caster sugar, be a good citizen. 100ml water, 1/2 garlic clove, 7g Mr Ellis said: “The idea is not ginger, 1 squeeze of lemon juice. to recruit to the police but to give young people, some from METHOD: challenging backgrounds, a Sweet chilli sauce: S Root ‘n’ Fruit steering group positive and vibrant programme member Alan Christian pictured Deseed red pepper and chilli pepper that they can learn from. It’s and dice. Place in a saucepan with principally about helping them at the project’s allotment with water, sugar, white wine vinegar, build character and a sense of plot holders George Eardley, garlic and ginger. Bring to the boil civic duty no matter what their centre, and John Jackson. and simmer for 3 minutes, before challenges are. We don’t want to blending contents of saucepan in a write young people off but help blender. Return to saucepan and them prepare to be better reduce to a sticky jam, adding 1 citizens and have the squeeze of lemon juice. opportunities they deserve. Allotment group donate food to the needy Chinese sweet chilli chicken: “My ambition is to have 300 MEMBERS of a thriving and grow fruit and vegetables. vegetables grown on other Prepare all vegetables. Marinate cadets by next year and link our community allotment project All produce grown on the allotments across the area. chicken in 15ml soy sauce, grated scheme into the National lemon zest and five spice. Heat 15ml that donates produce to people 1,000 square metre site is Due to its success, the Citizen Service. We’re already in need are hoping to help donated to people that are original plot has more than vegetable oil in a wok and add making headway with some chicken and 1 crushed garlic clove. Stoke-on-Trent become a experiencing difficulty in doubled in size and Root ‘n’ heart rending results as we turn Sustainable Food City. affording to buy food. Fruit is now in the process Cook until it starts to colour, then young people around and get remove from pan.Wipe pan and Root ‘n’ Fruit, based at Companies including Steelite of working with the city them on the right track.” Trubshaw Cross Allotments in International, Michelin and council to help establish heat 15ml vegetable oil. Stir-fry red ■ onions and a crushed garlic clove for For more details on cadets Middleport, links schools, Tesco support the project, how Stoke-on-Trent can 1 minute. Add carrot, courgette, and how to become a patron businesses and local people to which also helps collect and be healthier and more eco radish, mange tout and babycorn – or sponsor, visit encourage them to learn about redistribute surplus fruit and friendly with food. stir-fry for a further minute. Add chilli staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/ sauce mixture, rest of soy sauce, police-cadets water and chicken stock. Add chicken to the pan, stirring to coat, before adding chopped coriander and spring onions. Egg fried rice: Residents urged to take extra care with fires and heaters Heat 15ml vegetable oil in wok. Stir FIREFIGHTERS are urging residents to take although the service advises against using of year as people start to use them again in rice until it begins to heat. Make a extra care in their homes now that the cold bio-ethanol and gel fuel burners, if residents without carrying out maintenance work. You well in centre of pan and add 10ml winter nights have drawn in. do choose to use them, it is vital that safety wouldn’t drive your car without its annual vegetable oil. Once oil is hot, add Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is warnings and manufacturer's instructions MOT and service so make sure that you eggs that have been whisked with encouraging people to always switch off are followed. People who have an open fire don’t put your life and the lives of your 15ml soy sauce and a pinch of salt. heaters if they are not in the same room or should use a fireguard, make sure chimneys family at risk by not carrying out similar Stir eggs in the centre of the pan are going to bed. They should be placed at and flues are maintained and that ash is checks on devices in your home.” until they start to scramble – then least one metre away from fabric and disposed of carefully. ■ Visit staffordshirefire.gov.uk for more mix well through the rice and season furniture and never used to dry clothes. Head of Risk Reduction Jim Bywater said: information on fire safety in your home. with salt and pepper. It is important to only use gas and paraffin “We tend to see an increase in the number of To book a free Home Fire Risk Check call Serve with chilli chicken. heaters in well-ventilated areas and, chimney and tumble dryer fires at this time 0800 0241 999.

To contact the council by email [email protected] WINTER 2015 City News 19 Funding opportunity POVERTY FIGHT for projects to get people into work HUNDREDS of people in Stoke-on-Trent could be HAS TO BE WON helped into work through a £10 million Big Lottery and brutal reality.These families are European Social Fund not scroungers, eating takeaways project. Figures reveal 34 per cent of and watching 50-inch televisions. The Building Better It’s a myth and our report clearly Opportunities scheme will challenges those myths. see three projects launched city workers live on breadline “Living in poverty is hard work, across Staffordshire to THE team spearheading the is a 100-year-old problem. We’ve no one chooses to be poor so we reduce poverty by tackling been a low wage economy as our must help. There isn’t one barriers to unemployment citywide fight against poverty traditional industries collapsed solution and we’re not and training. insists it has to be won after a during the 90s and we now face apportioning blame as we Around half of the money Hardship Commission revealed further challenges with pressure recognise that the statutory, will be available for a project more than a third of the on family incomes.” voluntary and private sectors covering Stoke-on-Trent, Set up by the city council, must work together. Newcastle and the population are on the bread line. Staffordshire Moorlands and It comes as Government commission members including “Perhaps our most important Staffordshire Chambers of asset will be the brilliant, both private and public figures confirmed that sector organisations have Stoke-on-Trent is one of the 20 Commerce and the Citizens generous and neighbourly people Advice Bureau are now drawing of this great city. Our city’s motto until 30 November to apply. most deprived areas in the S country – a city where 34 per up action plans after making Hardship Commission Chairman is united we are stronger and Projects must be completed cent of workers live in several recommendations in a Danny Flynn. that is the attitude of the by 2019. The scheme in households with income on or report. commission. North Staffordshire aims to below the poverty threshold. They focus on work in four key education, training and skills. “It is a call for us all to improve help 1,622 people, supporting Commission Chairman and areas – cost of living and Danny said: “For many families each other’s lives. Together we at least 14 per cent to get a YMCA North Staffordshire Chief benefits, housing and security, buying the kids new shoes for can make a difference.” job and 17 per cent get into Executive Danny Flynn said: “This work and earnings as well as school or paying the rent is a education or training. Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, which helps bring X Tom Hulme and businesses and local Tasha Coles with authorities together to drive their son Korey. economic growth, is working with the Big Lottery Fund to deliver the programme. Priority areas for action are skills support for employability and growth, vocational routes to employability, access to employment and promoting social inclusion. Council European Programme Manager Mark Connell said: “People face a range of issues preventing them from getting into work, including lack of basic skills, poor literacy and numeracy, as well as addressing practical barriers such as transport and childcare issues. “It is hoped that by working together, our existing voluntary organisations will be able to take advantage of this funding opportunity and be in a position to deliver activities on the ground on behalf of our local communities.” £1.6m homes makeover ELDERLY residents have moved into new and improved accommodation following the £1.6million makeover of a sheltered housing scheme. The investment at Wooldridge Court in Smallthorne has involved 18 months of renovation and remodeling. Before the work took place, 21 out of the original 34 flats – which were originally built in the 1980s – Couple working towards better future for their family had no bathrooms with residents sharing facilities. WOULD-BE teacher Tom Hulme juggles City Council’s Early Help team and the “Now everything we do has to be Now the renovation has his Open University studies and YMCA. The couple received various planned in advance and we have to save created 27 flats, each with fatherhood on benefits of £6,000 a year as benefits including income support as well up. We can’t buy luxuries. We buy cheap en-suite bathrooms and he works hard for a better future. as Employment and Support Allowance. food and budget. It’s no life. low-level shower access. The 26-year-old and his baby son Korey Tom, who used to earn £19,000 a year “But I know what I’m working towards. The new accommodation have a house in Fenton. His partner Tasha working in an alarm monitoring centre, We’re getting plenty of support and I’m also includes combined Coles,who is also taking an Open said: “Family illness meant I had to give it looking forward to the day I can get back to living, dining and kitchen University degree course, shares parenting up. It was my choice so I’m not work, have some spare money and have a areas. Wheelchair turning but lives elsewhere. complaining but back then I had spare normal life. My aim is obviously to get the circles have been designed in They are supported by Stoke-on-Trent cash and a car. right job and career.” all bedrooms, living areas and kitchens. 20 City News WINTER 2015 GRANTS TO BUY HOMES COUNCIL tenants have until March to apply available for people on the housing waiting list. for a £20,000 council grant to help them “The Right to Buy Social Mobility onto the property ladder. scheme gives tenants the freedom It means they will have the freedom to to buy any property they can buy the home they really want, rather than afford, anywhere in the country, just the council property they rent. and at a £20,000 discount. So X Kier Stoke tradesmen Lewis Colley, And by encouraging private ownership of tenants get to choose where they above, and Michael Banks, inset right, homes in the city, the council aims to free want to live and what kind of home prepare a council home for reletting. up more council houses for 2,200 people on they want to live in, while the waiting list. preserving social housing to help Councillor Randolph Conteh, the city vulnerable applicants.“ Meanwhile, the time it takes the council to council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, He added: “The only catch is that we have prepare an empty property for new tenants Communities and Safer City, said: “Right to to allocate the funding before next April or and let it is at a three-year low. Buy has helped thousands of council the Government will want it back, so I Huge efforts are going into promoting the tenants to purchase their properties and would urge any tenants considering buying fact that properties are available for rent in become homeowners, but it has also their home to contact the council’s Home a certain area, with posters going up in reduced the number of council properties Ownership Team on 01782 235540.” local centre windows to advertise them. Strategic Manager Gary Hall said: “Our priority is to assist applicants on the waiting list in housing need and let a Council company to build houses property as quickly as possible. “No-one wants to see council properties standing empty so we are also doing HUNDREDS of new homes could be Transport and Heritage, said: “While everything we can to publicise that homes built in Stoke-on-Trent when the city private sector developers might are available.” council launches its own development struggle to make some sites work ● To make an application pop into a city company. because of their need to make certain council local centre or call the Housing It would aim to build houses for sale profit margins, we can sustain Solutions Service on 01782 233696. or rent on hundreds of acres of developments with less profit and still derelict brownfield sites – many of make a contribution to city finances.” them owned by the local authority. Similar companies set up by councils Councillor Jack Brereton, the in Birmingham and Telford have been Cabinet Member for Regeneration, a big success.

X Sixth form student Christian Proctor pictured in the council chamber at the civic centre. Student urges teachers to encourage pupils to get involved with democracy A student has written an open letter Dresden, said: “My upbringing in the to all schools in the city urging city has always given me inspiration teachers to encourage pupils to get in the things that I do and the involved with democracy from an achievements that we as a city have early age. accomplished fill me with a sense of Christian Proctor, who is a sixth pride and belonging that I cherish. form student at St Thomas More “The Young People’s Debate can Catholic Academy in Longton, spent a occur within the Council Chamber, week’s work experience with the city giving a real sense of importance to council’s Local Matters team and the the issues raised and an experience Councillor and Civic Support team and for young people who, without the learned about the Young People’s programme, may never experience a Debate project. similar setting.” This is a scheme co-ordinated by He added: “From the eyes of a the council that gives people under young person myself I really do urge the age of 18 the opportunity to meet you to involve your students in this and discuss important issues, giving programme. It is our city, let’s be them the chance to influence change proud of it.” and benefit their communities. ■ For details about setting up a debate Debates can be organised around in the council chamber contact the school or college times making them Councillor and Civic Support team on easy for pupils to attend. 01782 232751 or email In his letter, the 17-year-old from [email protected] WINTER 2015 City News 21 UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE TRANSFORMATIONAL changes are taking place over the winter at £40m investment to transform Staffordshire University as part of a £40million redevelopment of its Stoke-on-Trent campus. Stoke campus for 9,000 students Approximately 2,400 students S Sports Hall Assistant Chris Cubley pictured facilities planned and at the newly-renovated campus gym. and 430 members of staff will be preparations for a new building relocating to the city from on College Road already well Stafford next September – underway.This, alongside the bringing the total number of full other refurbishments of our time students at Stoke to 9,000 existing buildings, will make sure and employees to 1,500. that our Computing and The move sees cutting-edge Entertainment Technology courses including those based courses transferring from around Computer Game Design Stafford are accommodated fully and Film and Entertainment and our Stoke-on-Trent campus Technologies make the move too. is transformed for the benefit of It also means a massive boost all our students. for the surrounding economy “The full programme of works with the huge injection of people continues over the next 12 living and working in the area. months, to provide our students To accommodate the influx of with the best possible students, new courses and experience.” facilities, a series of construction Council Leader Dave Conway and refurbishment projects are said: “To see work underway on underway. so many different building They include a brand new projects in the University Quarter three-storey metal clad building is fantastic. It is a real shot in the at the heart of the College Road arm for the local economy and it site which will include 12 will be very exciting to have 9,000 teaching areas and general students and 1,500 members of teaching rooms, IT labs, seminar staff learning, living and working space and a new café. in our city.” The top three floors of the ■ adjacent Mellor building are Community feedback is S An artist’s impression of the new three being refurbished, creating a new welcome throughout the process storey building which is being constructed home for Computing, including by emailing transformation@ at the heart of the College Road site. industry-supported suites, staffs.ac.uk equipment, labs and studios. In addition, The Pavilion and Cadman Courtyard is being transformed to become the new home of Media, Music, Games Design and TV.The new design Chance to see Lowry will also provide a larger library space. The developments complement and Berry paintings major investments in new halls of residence and £30million spent on the Science Centre at the Leek Road site in recent years. alongside each other Staffordshire University Deputy Chief Executive and Director of STAFFORDSHIRE-BORN Arthur Berry painted Finance and Infrastructure the scenes and people of Stoke-on-Trent with Margaret Monckton said: “Last such a visionary eye that he is sometimes known year the university announced its as “the Lowry of the Potteries.” decision to move to a single main Art lovers are being given the chance to test the campus at Stoke-on-Trent by strength of the comparison in a ground-breaking 2016. exhibition currently running at the Potteries “We are investing more than W Exhibitions and Museum & Art Gallery. £40million to improve the living Interpretations Officer Jean For the first time the working-class artists are and learning environments across Milton with Arthur Berry’s being exhibited alongside each other, with 37 the university and the local easel, chair, hat and paint Lowry works (some never before seen in public community, making our newest palette which are a feature and including paintings featuring his famous city campus an exciting, modern at the exhibition. In the “matchstick people”) and 35 by Berry making up and dynamic place to live and background are some of the show entitled Observers of Urban Life. work, with brilliant learning and Berry’s works. There are intriguing links between the two teaching facilities, good public artists. Berry (1925-94) once visited the Potteries transport links and social Art Gallery to view an exhibition by Lowry activities. (1887-1976) and proclaimed afterwards that the “We are now undergoing this Lancashire painter was an influence on his work. exciting process, with new As an art teacher, he took his students to visit Lowry’s studio. Though born in Smallthorne, Berry chose Burslem for the centre of his artistic enterprise as he recorded life around pits, potbanks and pubs – in his own words “a world filled with images of people and landscape that have been twisted and worn into strange shapes by hard work and poverty”. The idea for the joint exhibition came from Jean Milton, Potteries Museum & Art Gallery’s Exhibitions and Interpretations Officer. “We were given unique access to a private Lowry collection held by someone whose father had close family connections to the painter,” she said. “Hanging Berry’s work alongside is a great way of championing a painter whose character and themes were unique to Stoke-on-Trent.” The exhibition, which attracted coachloads of visitors through the summer when visitor numbers were up S Student Nicholas Morrey by more than 20 per cent, runs until 10 in a kitchen at a new January. Tickets are £5 with concessions at £3. accommodation building. 22 City News WINTER 2015 Event aims to encourage people to be LASTING TRIBUTE foster carers AN event is being held to highlight the need for foster carers in Stoke-on-Trent and encourage people to consider getting involved. Current carers will be on TO WW1 HEROES hand to discuss their experiences and members of the city council’s fostering New residential roads named in honour of decorated servicemen recruitment team will also be present. It will take place at Hanley Community Fire Station on 7 December and will focus on reminding people that there is no such thing as a typical foster carer. Potential carers simply need to have the time and space in their lives – it does not matter whether they are married, single, employed or have children of their own. Meanwhile, people considering adoption are being asked to think “outside the box” and consider all sorts of children. There are plenty of people who have been approved to adopt, but few who are willing to consider the range W Freda Lewis with of different children needing photographs of her late permanent homes in the father Thomas Davies area. In particular, who has had a road Stoke-on-Trent has a high named in his honour. number of boys waiting for adoptive families, while sibling groups, children of ethnic minorities and over fours are also less likely to be considered. ■ To find out more about fostering, call the recruitment team on 01782 234555, email duty.fostering @stoke.gov.uk or visit stoke. gov.uk/fostering. For more information on adopting, call 01782 235020 or visit stoke.gov.uk/adoption

WORLD War One heroes from Stoke-on-Trent servicemen from the area will have a street this way. I’d like to thank developers St named after them, including four in the new Modwen and the council for making this have had roads named in their honour at a Smithfield development. happen.” Unions work new housing project in Trentham Lakes. Bradwell resident Freda Lewis is delighted Recipients of the Victoria Cross will also get So far, seven new roads off Stanley that her late father Thomas Davies – who a dedicated pavement plaque under a Matthews Way have been named after won the Distinguished Conduct Medal for scheme being delivered by the Ministry of closely with Sampson Bridgwood, Harold Hines, Percy bravery under fire at the Battle of Loos in Defence. Boulton, Wilfred Green, Thomas Davies, 1915 – is being honoured with a street sign. ■ There could be many more unknown James Grundy and William Langham. One She said: “One hundred years after my heroes out there – if you have any new Cabinet road on a small development in Fegg Hayes father’s heroics, I’m very proud to say that information about a friend or family UNIONS are working closely has also been named John Wallace Close. he’s one of the first Potteries soldiers to have member who was awarded the military with the new city council As the city develops and grows over the a street named after him. medal or higher, please send their details administration to ensure next four years, each of the 31 decorated “It’s very touching to see him honoured in to [email protected] frontline services are prioritised and jobs protected wherever possible. Cabinet members are in frequents talks with union Council email newsletters will give quick updates representatives over key issues affecting the council NEW email newsletters for early 2016, as well as are being launched to new ways of completing and work closely with them T A resident checks out the on the most difficult help residents quickly tasks online. latest events listing delivered and easily keep Stoke-on-Trent City decisions, such as budget by the new email newsletter. changes. up-to-date with city Council Deputy Leader Steve Williams, Convenor council services. Councillor Abi Brown for UNITE the Union, said: They will feature said: “Anything that “There has been a change of updates on events around allows our residents to direction to some degree but the city, adult learning access information and all of the unions feel there is courses, jobs, sports and services more easily is to more accessibility to the new leisure, museums and be applauded and the administration which is libraries. Twitter updates, new email newsletter encouraging. The leading business opportunities provides another step councillors are actively and much more and can forward. seeking the unions’ be accessed through a “Reducing waiting perspective on issues simple online sign-up times to the council’s affecting the council, its process. telephone call centre is employees and residents of The newsletters are also a major priority for the city which again part of a plan to offer the Coalition and this encourages good working more electronic service is one of several relations. information services to initiatives to help us “It means we can be really residents, freeing up achieve that.” effective for the people we council phone lines for To sign up for updates represent at the council and those who need them from the city council, go it is also good news for most. to stoke.gov.uk/stay residents as we can put our Other initiatives will connected and select the views forward for prioritising include a new council areas you would like to the frontline services that website, which is planned be updated on. matter to them.”

For more information visit stoke.gov.uk WINTER 2015 City News 23

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

Birches Head and Central Forest Park Blurton East Blurton West and Newstead Boothen and Oakhill JEAN BOWERS SABRINA BOWERS JOAN BELL LLOYD BROWN ANDY PLATT (City Independents) (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (01782) 262613 (01782) 236663 (01782) 341398 07824 496282 07946713893 07919 564493 memberservices@ 07757 708703 lloyd.brown@ andy.platt@ jean.bowers@ stoke.gov.uk joan.bell@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Twitter: @CllrAndyST4

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

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

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

Hanley Park and Shelton Hartshill and Basford Hollybush and Longton West Joiner’s Square Lightwood North and Normacot AMJID WAZIR SHAUN PENDER KATH BANKS ALASTAIR WATSON SADAQAT (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) MAQSOOM 07747 830461 (01782) 632104 (01782) 399759 07736 837822 (Conservative) amjid.wazir@ shaun.pender@ 07790 699379 alastair.watson@ 07595 531859 stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk kath.banks@ stoke.gov.uk sadaqat.maqsoom@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

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

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

Tunstall Weston Coyney FORTHCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS AT THE CIVIC CENTRE, STOKE: LEE WANGER ROSS IRVING Cabinet meetings take place at the Civic Centre at The next full City Council meetings will be on (City Independents) (Conservative) 1pm on the following dates: 15 December, 10 December, 28 January, 25 February and (01782) 856712 (01782) 335982 19 January, 9 February, 23 February and 29 March. 17 March (times to be confirmed). 07971 303729 07842 709011 lee.wanger@ ross.irving@ For more information on your Councillors go to stoke.gov.uk/councillors stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Councillors can also be contacted through the Councillor and Civic Support Team who can take messages and forward them on.They can be contacted on (01782) 231922 or 231924.

Information on city councillors was correct at the time of going to press. 24 City News WINTER 2015 ROWING TO SUCCESS Ten exercise machines installed in city schools could boost academic achievement ROWING machines are to be installed at 10 Stoke-on-Trent schools as part of a scheme to encourage health and wellbeing, S National Sports Coach Neil Gilson with members of the Staffordshire Athletics and Rowing Academy, on the rowing machines left to right, Charlotte Reid, Macy Bentley and Eden Schiller, and standing left to right, Emma Ashley, Laila Melady, Madeline tackle obesity and improve Eaton-Lymer and Isabel Parry pictured during a training session at the Wallace Sport and Education Centre in Abbey Hulton. academic achievement. Council Sports and Leisure Services and Public Health Potteries have expressed an could be rowing early in the New Centre in Abbey Hulton. He said: results have improved. At teams are discussing the benefits interest and could benefit from Year. “The essence is to start high Forsbrook, obesity levels are less of a scheme with national sports 10 machines each. Neil, a former Head of PE at level physical activity in primary than two per cent and their coach Neil Gilson to expand the Pupils from Sutherland, Sneyd Holden Lane High School, runs schools where it has been proved SATS results are up 20 per cent. record breaking indoor rowing Green, Stoke Minster, Hillside, rowing sessions for children at indoor rowing does have an The sessions also help with sessions he already runs Harpfields, Christchurch, St New Ford Primary in impact on obesity and academic confidence and self esteem. elsewhere. Mary’s and Forest Park primary Smallthorne, Forsbrook Primary, achievement. “We eventually hope to role Eight primary and two schools as well as Thistley Endon Hall Primary and the “Since we started at Endon the scheme out across all secondary schools in the Hough and St Margaret Ward Wallace Sport and Education Hall and New Ford their SATS Stoke-on-Trent schools.” Lifestyle initiative helps inspirational weight watchers shed 20 stone

INSPIRATIONAL weight watchers at a Dimensions Leisure Centre T Weight watcher Rose Cope, who has lost more fitness group have lost a than five stones, is pictured with Lifestyle Instructor staggering 20 stones between John Scragg at Dimensions Leisure Centre. them this year. One of them, 57-year-old Rose Cope from Chell, has shed more than five stones on her own after first coming to the gym at the Burslem centre and then taking part in the dedicated weight management sessions. She and up to 12 others spend an hour and a half each week with city council Lifestyle Instructors Jon Scragg and Angela Pepper – learning about diet and nutrition first before taking part in a fun circuit training session designed for all fitness levels. Now firm friends outside the group, they also join forces for extra work in the gym, go swimming and enjoy aqua aerobics. Rose, whose husband Bernard has lost a stone with the group, said: “Before I joined the gym I weighed 21 and a half stone. I couldn’t walk and ended up having a gastric bypass. “I signed up for the gym and met Jon who suggested the weight management group and it’s been the best thing I ever did. I’ve gone from a size 32 to 24 and now eat healthily. I can even walk the dog and have just started work again with Age UK. I’ve got my life back so I’d encourage anyone to give it a go.” The council’s Lifestyle Service referral programme operates at Dimensions as well as Shapes Health and Leisure Club, Northwood Stadium and the Wallace Sport and Education Centre. For more details, call 01782 234957.