Our City p1 11/1/12 15:00 Page 1

Stoke-on-Trent ISSUE 25: JANUARY 2012 Our City

Pull-out guide to city children’s centres SEE CENTRE PAGES

Mandate for change fires city pottery and creates 200 new jobs SEE PAGE SEVEN Our City p2 11/1/12 15:05 Page 1

2 Our City JANUARY 2012 Job creation commitment Fancy dress firm brings production pays off with good news for the New Year back from the Far East fancy dress supplier By City Council Leader has reversed the Councillor A trend to take manufacturing abroad by MOHAMMED PERVEZ bringing the majority of its Far East production MAY I wish everyone who lives and back to Stoke-on-Trent. works in Stoke-on-Trent a happy and With the help of enterprise prosperous New Year. 2012 will be funding, Party Shop Supplies another challenging period for us all (which trades as Charlie Crow) at the council, but I am delighted to be has also created four full-time able to highlight some very good jobs at its Fenton-based news so early in the year. premises and is now looking to This issue of Our City features export into new overseas successes of our Mandate for Change markets. initiative which aims to create private The company received a sector jobs by supporting existing five-figure loan from the Michelin businesses and attracting new Development programme, investment. which is dedicated to helping small and medium-sized It is excellent to hear Steelite’s businesses create new commitment to extend their factory employment in the city. and create 200 new jobs, and even It meant it could buy new better to have a business leader like machinery for its Steelite Chief Executive Kevin Oakes manufacturing operation saying the council’s support was so in the city, enabling it to important to the company’s success. establish around 80 per The Steelite story on page seven cent of its production at shows how the council can support its premises – up until businesses in more than financial 2010, 50 per cent of its terms. Our help with land acquisitions production was based and planning matters can be just as in China. fundamental to business growth. Michelin works closely with On this page you will read about a the council to make sure the company bringing its production back exclusive investment pot is made from the Far East to Stoke-on-Trent, available to as wide a range of and later in the magazine is the story businesses in Stoke-on-Trent as of our bid to bring the new Green possible. Investment Bank’s headquarters to The council routinely offers our city. It is an ambitious bid against businesses it works with the some of the biggest cities in the UK option to take up the Michelin but we believe we have a sound Development Programme loan, argument to bring 50 prestigious jobs while the tyre manufacturing giant passes on details of any here and we are lobbying the company looking to expand or Government hard to press our case. take on new staff. We have been delighted with the response from within the city and Meeting market demands around the country to our Sue Crowder, Party Shop CELEBRATING commitment to roll out the “red Supplies Managing Director, IN STYLE... carpet” to create jobs in Stoke-on- said: “By moving our Sales Manager Trent. At first we reported a good Mandate for Change production process back to our Charlie Crowder (tiger), response to our business hotline. Stoke-on-Trent premises it has Warehouse Assistant Now we are reporting that real jobs enabled us to be more flexible Justyna Trudzik (bunny) are being created... and more in meeting the demands of the announcements are in the pipeline. market. appearance at a large US trade Change strategy, which aims to and Production Manager Even at a time when we are having “We can now produce new show in Houston to help make Stoke-on-Trent a great Pete Crowder to manage Government cuts and designs and styles that fit with facilitate American expansion working city by rolling out “red (chicken). unavoidable cost pressures equating the demands of the market, such plans. carpet” treatment to potential to £19m we are going further to save as our new Kings and Queens The production and jobs boost investors. to invest in our Mandate for Change to range, which was generated in comes at a time when the city Councillor Mark Meredith, Stoke-on-Trent investment create the much needed jobs for our response to last year’s Royal council’s Make It Stoke-on-Trent Cabinet Member for Economic development service we are citizens.Times are tough but there has Wedding of the Duke and team has fielded investment and Development, said: “The aiming to provide attractive never been this level of drive to Duchess of Cambridge.” development enquiries from successful link up between Party packages of support that will stimulate the local economy. Along with taking on more more than 200 businesses. Shop Supplies and Michelin is a ensure dozens more companies Remember: £11m unavoidable cost staff, 2012 promises to be If they bear fruit they have the great example of how either expand or invest for the pressures, £8m direct Government another positive year for Party potential to create hundreds of manufacturing in the city can first time in the city.” Shop Supplies, with plans to jobs. flourish under the right cuts, £5m save to invest – Total: £24m. ● expand further into the US and The work of the team, which conditions and shows how one of For more details about the COVER PICTURE: Overlooker Australian markets, alongside provides a one-stop-shop for the city’s biggest companies is city’s Investment Development Marie Tinsley checks on freshly current footholds in Europe. potential investors, ties in with firmly behind Mandate for call 01782 234747 or visit fired ware at the Steelite factory This includes a first time the council’s Mandate for Change. Through the Make It www.makeitstokeontrent.com in Middleport. A £2million grant from the Regional Growth Fund will help pay for an extension to Live webcast of full council meetings Give us your feedback the plant and will create 200 jobs. on this issue of See page seven. MEETINGS of the full council can now be viewed online. To Our City is printed on Our City by emailing recycled paper.When see and hear the debates and decisions which affect life in you have finished with Stoke-on-Trent, visit stoke.gov.uk and click on webcasting. [email protected] this publication please A list of dates and times of council meetings and committee help the environment or write to: by passing it on to a meetings can be found on our website at FREEPOST Our City. friend or recycling it. stoke.gov.uk/meetingdates Our City p3 11/1/12 15:46 Page 1

JANUARY 2012 Our City 3 FLY ON THE WALL... Council Leader Mohammed Pervez and his colleagues were filmed Checking making decisions that shape the city’s future for up on most the three-part BBC documentary to be vulnerable broadcast soon. VULNERABLE adults across Stoke-on-Trent are being re-assured that council help is on hand in an emergency this winter. The council maintains a register of 1,300 people who may have extra problems because of a learning disability, dementia, hearing loss or visual impairment. Others may be dependent on help with eating, drinking, going to the toilet or just taking their medication. Avril Frankish, the council’s Strategic Manager for Safeguarding and Innovation, said:“Although their normal arrangements work well, these people may become vulnerable if usual carers cannot reach them because of the weather. “So we operate a system where we can check on the people on our register to make sure they’re all right and if they have any particular needs we can send a home care worker out to see them. “We’d also ask neighbours to keep an eye out and help wherever they can with things like shopping and so on. “If there is a really serious BBC TV documentary shows council problem that they can’t help with and they think we should know about it, they can call us and alert us.” ● To report serious concerns about a particularly vulnerable meeting budget challenge person in the event of bad LEAK it might be but filmmaker London-based David, well-known for TV cuts on people there is nothing like that felt weather this winter, you can call David Nath insists his three-part documentaries like Living with Brucie and by people in Stoke-on-Trent. The irony is the council’s Customer Access BTV documentary about the politics Gordon Ramsay’s Boiling Point, said: “When that the Government says we’re all in this Centre on 0800 561 0015. and pain of multi-million pound I first got off the train and walked over the together. But on the ground it ends up every cutbacks at Stoke-on-Trent City Council fly-over to the Civic Centre, it wasn’t the best man for himself. Survival instinct kicks in. is a tale of our time that had to be told. entrée to a city to be honest. But when I got “People have tunnel vision. I ended up really In applauding the authority for allowing inside the building and saw the original liking Stoke-on-Trent and its people.They’re him historic all areas access for 10 months, features, I could sense the history. refreshingly honest. I just feel very sad about All change David says his fly-on-the-wall films due to be “I couldn’t help thinking as I walked how far the city has to go in re-inventing itself. screened on the BBC soon, chart what around the city what it would have been like It has such a huge mountain to climb. I’d like for recycling happens when a Government pulls the in the 50s and 60s, the stories of people to think it has the will to do it.” financial plug. walking out of a pot bank job on a Friday Council Leader Mohammed Pervez, a Three one-hour episodes focus on the and into a new job on a Monday, when the central character in the films along with City cardboard fallout for jobs and services as politicians, city had the pits and the steelworks. Council Chief Executive John van de STARTING this staff and the people of the city wrestle with a “I thought about how many times people Laarschot, said: “Most local authorities month, £36 million deficit, then an election and can be kicked in the teeth but refuse to give would have shied away from something like household finally the devastating news of further cuts of up. It’s a city that has had a lot of bad luck.” this but we felt it was the right thing to do, to recyclers in £20 million. Impact on ordinary people be transparent and give people a real insight the city can into the way we reached decisions. no longer Living in the city for three days a week, “We felt the council wasn’t unique in the put cardboard David, as series director, worked with challenges it had to face and that it would be in their cameraman and Staffordshire University good to show everyone how hard decisions brown bin. graduate James Newton, who filmed up to were reached and the difficulties all local The films are bound to Under new arrangements “” 180 hours of footage. authorities face in managing budgets and provoke different views They had access to top-level meetings and services while listening to people’s concerns. cardboard should be placed Cabinet sessions as decisions were made, The films are bound to provoke different in the blue bin with other and get people talking. cuts began to bite, services fell victim and views and get people talking. recycled materials. Hopefully they will show people began to suffer. They were there at “Hopefully they will show the realities of The change came into Heathside House care home in Goldenhill, local Government and the brutal facts about effect after the Government the realities of local which closed in April, 2011. They were there the impact of central Government imposed increased its standards for as residents fought an unsuccessful battle to budget cuts at a local level. Although they composting, which meant Government and the brutal save Tunstall Community Pool. They filmed relate to Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the some cardboard was no facts about the impact of the campaign to save children’s centres. films will hopefully be of far wider interest as longer suitable. David said: “I’d seen all the stories about they show the responsibility of trying to If you don’t have a blue central Government trillions of pounds of debt and didn’t really balance everything and doing the best for bin contact the council on understand it. So for this project, I started residents – something which is being 01782 234000 or visit imposed budget cuts at a out wanting to understand the effects of the mirrored up and down the country.” debt crisis and the impact it is having on The series was commissioned by the BBC stoke.gov.uk/recycling local level. ordinary people. and produced by David Nath for Blast Films. to find out how you can recycle cardboard. COUNCIL LEADER MOHAMMED PERVEZ “I understand now. I live in the London To be informed of the transmission date borough of Barnet where the effect of the follow the council on Twitter @sotcitycouncil. Our City p4 11/1/12 16:51 Page 1

4 Our City JANUARY 2012 Kash celebrates PC Rich Birkin with his faithful retirement as sidekick Kash... Staffordshire Police’s longest-serving canine who has hung up his collar after 49 dog starstarstar years’ service.

much-loved police dog PC Birkin tells about Kash’s has become an internet “finest moment” when he chased A star by hosting his own thieves who had stolen a car from an retirement video. elderly person, detaining them after pursuing them across fields on a During the three minutes and 25 dark, wet night. seconds film the clever canine barks After introducing his successor, his his way through the commentary, his great-nephew Nico who is a dog-language “translated” by one-year-old German Shepherd, sub-titles at the bottom of the screen. Kash signs off and asks viewers to Staffordshire Police posted the clip give the film a “Paws Up.” on their website to commemorate the During their time together PC impending retirement of their Birkin and Kash earned longest-serving canine Kash. commendations from Staffordshire So far the video has received more Police and other forces, with special than 1,940 hits, boosted by mentions for Kash’s enthusiasm and promotional links on the police willing attitude to hard work. force’s Facebook page and Twitter account. Very strong bond The sequence opens with the PC Birkin added: “Over the years I eight-year-old German Shepherd have built up a very strong bond “saying:” – “Hello my name is Kash, with Kash. There have been times I a general purpose dog. I’ve worked have trusted him with my life and he with Staffordshire Police for seven has never let me down.” human years but the moment has Kash will now become PC Birkin’s finally come to hang up my collar.” family pet and is looking forward to Kash introduces his handler, PC relaxing in front of his favourite Rich Birkin and looks back on his programme, Coronation Street. time in the Dog Support Unit, commenting that “when I paws and ● The video can be enjoyed at look back I’ve really enjoyed the hard www.youtube.com/ work.” staffordshirepolice

Has your child celebrated FREE their third birthday early education for three and between September and four year olds December of last year?

If so, your child is entitled to receive up to 15 hours a week of FREE Early Education from January 2012. DON’T MISS OUT – Early Education is part of the foundation stage and helps children to develop a strong basis for future learning. Early Education can help your child to learn through hands-on activities and play, supported by staff who understand how children grow, learn and develop. To find out more, including a list of local childcare settings who deliver Free Early Education, contact the

tel: 0800 015 1120 or 01782 232200

stoke.gov.uk Our City p5 11/1/12 15:14 Page 1

JANUARY 2012 Our City 5 Evidence we are making the city attractive

Construction to potential tutor Steve Pinnell, left, with students investors Jordan Casey, Andy Schofield and Josh Goodwin – some of the first trainees to sign up at the Centre of By City Council Refurbishment Chief Executive Excellence (CoRE). John van de Laarschot

Refurbished pottery factory at SET against the backdrop of severe financial challenges, we are committed to bringing new businesses to Stoke-on-Trent, to supporting the growth of our existing businesses and making sure the city is CoRE of skills training on the worldwide map. Our Investment Development Team ROUND 300 students are The building itself will be a research tool “The education building at CoRE will continue to reach out to the business enrolling at a new national and is fitted out to the highest energy provide a first class facility for training in efficient standards. refurbishment skills. The project is firmly community locally, nationally and A centre dedicated to teaching internationally to attract the best to cutting edge refurbishment skills The roof features 185 photovoltaic panels – putting our city on the map as the national generating enough electricity to heat and and international focus for technological our city. Only last month, the team now the first phase of the £11.4 power the building and also feed the National advances in the industry and it is exciting to met with FTSE companies at the million project has been launched in Grid to generate income for the project. see the first phase unveiled. House of Commons in London Stoke-on-Trent. The second phase will see the former “I hope Stoke-on-Trent residents and targeting specific organisations. The Parliamentary Under Secretary of historic Enson pottery works turned into a businesses take advantage of the expert Before that we were in Washington State for Communities and Local huge demonstration space big enough for facilities and training here on their doorstep.” selling Stoke-on-Trent as a great place Government, Andrew Stunnell, performed trainees to learn about house-sized Stoke on Trent College Principal Sarah to do business at the launch of the the official opening of the Centre of construction and give trades people hands-on Robinson said: “CoRE will be a huge boost United States’ exhibition of our Refurbishment Excellence (CoRE) in experience. It will also showcase new to our work to train skilled technicians and wonderful Staffordshire Hoard. Longton. products and techniques and is due to open apprentices for the building trade. CoRE Since our Mandate for Change was in early 2013. trainees will be at the forefront of the work Phase one is a training centre for the launched, the increase in the number building industry and the new Stoke on Trent force, using the knowledge they gain to create of companies who have contacted us College Technology Centre. First class facility environmentally sound, sustainable homes fit It is a one-stop national education centre of The scheme is a joint project involving for the future.” about basing themselves in the city excellence, which will train a new breed of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Stoke on Trent Don Leiper, Director of New Business at or expanding their operation here has multi-skilled trades people able to tackle the College and sustainable buildings specialist E.ON, said: “This building represents what doubled. We’re now actively engaged next generation of energy efficient and low BRE. needs to be done across the country to with prospective companies ranging carbon building initiatives. Funding has come from the council, the improve our homes and business premises – from manufacturing and ceramics, to The centre offers courses, tutorials and Department of Education, the European supporting at least 65,000 insulation and retail and financial services – all keen solutions for students and experienced trades Regional Development Fund and the private construction jobs by 2015. To do that, we’ll to relocate to the city. people, all designed to help the construction sector. Leading UK energy company E.ON is need people with the right skills and the right All of this is further evidence that industry meet tough national and a founding sponsor of the project. knowledge and I’m delighted that through we are making Stoke-on-Trent international targets on cutting carbon Councillor Ruth Rosenau, the council’s our partnership with the city, E.ON can play attractive to potential investors. We a significant role in that.” emissions. Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: will continue to do all that we can to support our existing businesses as Pictured on the roof of the new Core Technology Centre which features 185 photovoltaic well as bringing new companies to panels are left to right Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council Councillor Mohammed Pervez; the city to create jobs, generate Andrew Stunell OBE MP,Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local wealth and boost our economy. Government; Peter Bounds, Chair of the CoRE Board. But this is also about our people and we know that 2012 will once again be a challenging year for the council. We face, as we did last year, significant financial issues that require us to be both responsible and fair to our residents, while at the same time proposing and agreeing a realistic budget. Many of the decisions that our politicians will have to make will be difficult ones and therefore the views of our residents, partners and businesses have been essential in helping to shape the best possible outcomes for our city. So thank you to everyone who got involved. Our City p6 11/1/12 17:14 Page 1

6 Our City JANUARY 2012

When master of ceremonies was the toast of US President Bush WITH his military background, it’s Steve became a professional no surprise that the Lord Mayor’s toastmaster after 25 years’ service Toastmaster Steve McTigue is in the RAF,where he was prepared for any eventuality. His responsible for building aircraft initiative, attention to detail and refuelling installations all over the professionalism has spared world, and has been official blushes at lavish occasions all Toastmaster to Stoke-on-Trent’s over the world, from Florida to Lord Mayor since 2003. Hong Kong. The role involves advising the Naturally, Steve’s much sought- First Citizen on how to properly after services demand discretion, address visiting dignitaries such but he does share a reminiscence as royalty, church leaders and about a very public mishap senior judges. Steve is even witnessed by the Prince of Wales available by phone or email to Residents’ association and Duchess of Cornwall, no less, provide our civic leaders with stalwart Ethel Harris out and at the King’s Hall, Stoke, during impeccable advice on matters of about in the community, and, the banquet to celebrate the etiquette regarding functions he inset, hard at work in the city’s centenary year. is not required to attend. association’s community office. Steve was asked to use the “My work takes me all over the council chamber gavel instead of world, but I regard working for his own to announce the the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent entrance of the Royal guests with and the staff in the Lord Mayor’s the traditional three strikes of the office as a real joy,” sound block – but after two said the Proactive community groups strikes the gavel head came off Toastmaster, the stem and flew through the whose expertise air, missing the nose of a city with a gavel won councillor by inches! Royal approval! “I reached into my pocket, always happy to help quickly pulled out my own gavel and still managed the third THEL Harris is no relevant organisations. appointment. She describes the strike with perfect timing,” ordinary chairperson “My most recent enquiries have residents’ association as the “eyes recalled Steve.“Afterwards a Eof a residents’ been about the flooding of a and ears” of the community, Royal Protection Officer stream which has affected liaising with the police in an told me that Prince Charles association. The 80-year-old grandmother someone’s back garden.” ongoing drive to rid the had been most impressed of four is available round the clock The neighbourhood champion’s neighbourhood of anti-social with the cool and calm to deal with neighbours’ problems public-spirited approach earned behaviour. The police use the way I had retrieved the – even when she is on a night out. her a runners-up award in the community flat on an occasional situation!” Ethel helps staff the community Good Neighbour section at last basis, and local councillors hold The other story he flat at 60 Casewell Road which is September’s Heroes Awards surgeries there. shares happened at a the hub of the Greenfields organised by the Sentinel “During the week the flat is newspaper in conjunction with open from 9am until 1pm and it state banquet in London Residents’ Association in Sneyd Green. Britannia Building Society. serves as a drop-in centre,” said for President George W Ethel. Bush. Steve recalled: But she is often approached for Eyes and ears help by residents when she is at “Local people are welcome to “They don’t have the bingo or relaxing in Recently Ethel and the use the computers in the office toastmasters in the US Smallthorne Victory Club where committee took it on themselves section, as long as they are and the President thought she is a member. “I don’t mind at to teach a local resident how to supervised. it was my job to serve all,” said Ethel. “If I can be of read and write, introducing her to “We hold meetings of the everyone with toast.When help with a problem I am only too Talking Books and even residents’ association in the advised about what I really happy to make enquiries with the accompanying her on a doctor’s evenings. Recent matters of do, President Bush was interest have included a local heard to ask if that meant Lord Mayor’s house which faces demolition the guests were not Toastmaster because it is built over a getting any toast to eat Steve McTigue. What is a residents’ association? mineshaft,” she added. that evening!” A residents’ association is a group of people living in an area who have ● Does the residents’ association come together on a voluntary basis to take up local issues. in your community have a story Residents’ associations usually come into being because: for Our City? Write with the ● the area needs more facilities, details to Freepost Our City or ● residents are dissatisfied with the services they receive, email [email protected] A valedictory duty to treasure... ● people want estate-based social events and outings, ONE of the last duties in post The exhibition, which runs ● residents are worried about a particular issue, for the British Ambassador to until March, has proved to be a ● people want to improve community spirit, Make it the United States, Sir Nigel star attraction in the American ● coming together as a group provides one voice, and that voice Sheinwald, was to visit the capital, drawing more than becomes more powerful, and Staffordshire Hoard exhibits at 15,000 visitors in its first month ● they are a way of receiving information and keeping local residents Click the National Geographic last November. informed of what is going on locally, Museum in Washington D.C. A display of the Staffordshire ● they can work with other local groups for mutual benefit. Easy Sir Nigel, who is succeeded Hoard is on show at The Tenants’ and residents' associations are taken very seriously in stoke.gov.uk this month by Sir Peter Potteries Museum & Art Stoke-on-Trent.The council’s online list of Residents Associations is Westmacott, took his family on Gallery, and the museum will Report a currently being updated, please check back again shortly for this. housing repair: a tour of the display of more stage its biggest exhibition of ■ than 100 artefacts from the the ancient treasure this Anyone who needs information about residents’ associations, please stoke.gov.uk/ collection of Anglo-Saxon gold. summer. contact the Involvement Officer for your local area or contact the housingrepair Tenant Involvement and Home Ownership Manager on 01782 234709. Our City p7 11/1/12 16:57 Page 1

JANUARY 2012 Our City 7 Praise for council Mandate for Change support to secure £2m grant

HE city council’s contribution in helping to Tsecure £2 million of Government funding for tableware giants Steelite International to expand its Stoke-on-Trent factory and create 200 new jobs has been praised by the company. Steelite Chief Executive Kevin Oakes said the council had shown “huge support” for the successful Regional Growth Fund bid which comes on the back of record sales of £60 million for 2010. Mr Oakes said: “Of even greater significance perhaps, has been the council’s willingness to assist with land acquisitions, ease of planning and energy-saving initiatives – all of which have been achieved “”Steelite International as a result of effective communication, openness and understanding from a is proud to council team, many of whom have private sector experience. manufacture in “Steelite International is proud to manufacture in Stoke-on-Trent – a city Stoke-on-Trent – a that is not only great for business, but is unquestionably a place for business to be city that is not only great.” Mr Oakes also pointed to many other great for business, ways the council has supported Steelite and the ceramics industry in general but is unquestionably including investment to stage annual Councillor Mark Meredith, exhibitions and conferences to showcase a place for business Cabinet Member for products manufactured in The Potteries. to be great. Economic Development, He added: “Since the arrival of council pictured during a visit to the Chief Executive John van de Laarschot – KEVIN OAKES, STEELITE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Steelite International factory combined with commitment and with the company’s Training enthusiasm from local politicians – Manager Pat Griffin. Right, business continues to witness a positive transformation.” Councillor Meredith with Production at Steelite’s Middleport council was 100 per cent committed to Cranker Christine Smyk. factory increased by 24 per cent in 2010 helping make it happen. and further expansion of its hi-tech “This reflects the new ‘can do’ attitude – manufacturing plant is needed to meet we are rolling out the red carpet not only ● The council also supported continuing rising demand. A start date for for new businesses who want to locate in another successful Regional construction and a timetable for job the city but also for existing local Growth Fund bid by creation is to be announced soon. businesses which want to expand and Penkhull-based research Councillor Mark Meredith, Cabinet create jobs.” specialists Ceram which Member for Economic Development, said Steelite produces award-winning tabletop received an award of the backing for Steelite was a prime ranges for the international hospitality approximately £2 million. example of the council’s Mandate for industry with sales in more than 120 The company will use the Change policy in action. countries. money to develop new He said: “We were able to support Its business spans a number of sectors kiln-firing technology which Steelite’s Regional Growth Fund bid in a including commercial catering – from staff could cut energy costs by 25 number of very practical ways. For restaurants and retirement homes to per cent – and help the local instance, we gave the funders assurances contract caterers and cruise lines – and the pottery industry to compete over planning permission for the factory leisure and hospitality market such as even more effectively in expansion and we demonstrated that the restaurants, casinos and hotels. global markets. Service moves to Commerce House THE city’s dedicated inward investment service operations.The team can help identify the Make it – Make It Stoke-on-Trent – has relocated to be right property or piece of land, assistance with closer to the beating heart of business. industry research, support in relation to skills and The team is now based at Commerce House and recruitment and guide on financial Click on Festival Park, home of the North assistance. And there is the opportunity to tap Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and into a wealth of expertise and advice that the Easy Staffordshire’s International Trade Team. council can offer as the city’s biggest stoke.gov.uk The organisations will work closely together employer. Mandate for Apply for a local to maximise the benefits to companies of all Any company looking to invest or relocate change backgrounds and sizes. in Stoke-on-Trent or needing to expand their land search at: Make It Stoke-on-Trent offers a free and existing operation within the city can call 01782 234747 stoke.gov.uk/ confidential service for new investors looking the Make It Stoke-on-Trent hotline searches to relocate a business or expand their – 01782 234747. Our City p8 11/1/12 16:58 Page 1

8 Our City JANUARY 2012 Children make Countryside team helps residents restore record of demolition CHILDREN made their own record of the demolition of historic pools in park the tower block of the ISTORIC pools in a former Longton High School. ravine-like section of a A small group of pupils Hscenic park are to be from Sandon Business and renovated thanks to a £32,000 Enterprise College, who used Community Spaces grant. to attend the Longton Box The 19th century Convent Pools in Lane site until they Hartshill Park Local Nature Reserve have transferred in September, become neglected, with the Middle Pool filmed the school tower holding water only in the winter months. block being demolished in a But local residents, supported by controlled explosion as part Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s of their local history Countryside Team, were determined to coursework. bring the area back to its former glory. Councillor Ruth Rosenau, Hartshill and Harpfields Residents’ Stoke-on-Trent City Council Association, with the help of the Friends Cabinet Member for of Hartshill Park, will use the award from the Big Lottery Fund to renovate the Regeneration, said:“The Middle Pool, create a pond dipping area works mark the completion and plant native aquatic plants. of the transfer of pupils to Sandon Business and Key area restored Enterprise College's new Access to the pools will be improved building at Sandon Road. with a new footpath, steps and a Building Schools for the handrail, while volunteers will install bird Chairman Future is transforming the and bat boxes and set up interpretation of the Friends city’s education facilities and panels. of Hartshill Park creating top class schools we Reg Edwards, chair of the Friends and Reg Edwards with can be proud of.” vice-chair of the residents’ association, council Community Building Schools for the said: “The Middle Pool has become Spaces Facilitator silted up and full of debris. Working with Future is a £250million Ally Harvey. the council and Groundwork, who initiative to refurbish and manage the project for the Big Lottery rebuild secondary and Fund, we will plant up the area so that special schools in the city. this key area of the park is restored.”

Together For Transition has moved to Thought you couldn’t afford a home of your own? Think again! stoke.gov.uk/transition We are the HomeBuy Agent for Shropshire and Staffordshire, and we help people of all ages in all All of the information is still available, but it is now even sorts of circumstances to find their dream home. easier to access. In this role, we act as the first point of contact for all those seeking a home through one of the range of HomeBuy low-cost home ownership and discounted market rent products. The website provides parents, carers and families of children and young people with disabilities and/or SEE OUR NEW VIDEO AT additional needs with easy access to the information www.orbithomebuyagents.co.uk they need, to help them with the transition from children's to adult services.

The information on the site includes frequently asked questions about education, health, transport, social care and housing.

For more information about Transition, please contact the Family Information Service on 0800 015 1120 or 01782 232200 or email [email protected] Visit www.orbithomebuyagents.co.uk or call 03458 50 20 50 Open the door to your new home with Orbit HomeBuy Agents

Terms and conditions apply – ask for details. Orbit HomeBuy Agents is managed by Orbit Homes (2020) Limited, a member of Orbit Group Limited which is an exempt charity registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965. Our City p9 11/1/12 15:32 Page 1

JANUARY 2012 Our City 9 THE 44 councillors who serve on Stoke-on-Trent City Council come from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, age groups and political parties. But they all have one thing in common – the wish to make their communities and the city a better place. Here, Our City asks five of them what inspires them to serve.

Pictured in the Council Chamber are, left to right, Jack Brereton,Terry Crowe, Dave Conway, Gurmeet Singh Kallar and Ruth Rosenau.

Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Jack Terry Dave Gurmeet Ruth Brereton Crowe Conway Singh Kallar Rosenau aged 20: aged 66: aged 70: aged 59: aged 48: Conservative Labour Independent Labour Labour Baddeley, Milton Eaton park Little Chell and Stanfield Bradeley and Chell Heath Meir and Norton

I’M the youngest MY disability and PEOPLE have always I first came to live in I’M a single mum of councillor in the city health problems are come to me asking for the city from India in six with dual heritage and see that as a total plus. what motivate me. I’ve had so help. When I was 58, I was 1964 and the Asian population children aged 10 to 28. Five The council shouldn’t just be much help and support that elected as the chairman of a wasn’t very big then. My are still at home. “for older people. It should be “helping others, my community “residents’ association and “community has always helped “I wanted to be a about young and older and my city, are why I first used to do estate me and I decided I should do councillor because people working together. became a councillor 33 years walk-abouts to find out what something to help my personally I was horrified That’s more representative ago. I contracted polio as a problems people had. community, so I first stood for that the BNP saw the city and more democratic. two-year-old, which left me I carried on doing that election in May 2010. as the jewel in their crown. I’ve always been interested paralysed from the neck when I first became a I’ve been a member of the My mum Pauline, who in politics and see it as a way down. My mobility has councillor seven years ago. Labour Party for 25 years had been a huge support to of helping change people’s improved but I’ve used a Housing is my big thing and and have always done me over the years, died last lives for the better. As a wheelchair for the last 12 I get a real buzz out of voluntary work. year and she was my young person, I bring years. In later life I suffered a making people’s lives better I’ve been involved with inspiration. She and her ambition and vision. We are heart attack while undergoing and that of the community organisations like the Citizens friend felt that their area working as a council to treatment for prostate cancer as a whole. It’s really nice Advice Bureau and been a was not being represented provide a better future and to so I also had to have a when people come up to you community representative on as they would have liked. bring much needed quadruple heart by-pass. My and say thank you for what the advisory committee for It’s not easy juggling my regeneration to the city. cancer is in remission and my you’ve done. Staffordshire Police. time, especially since I’m a I really enjoy it though it’s health is brilliant. I’ve served on four I’ve always served in one member of the Cabinet. a real eye-opener seeing how I always try to see a committees in the last year way or another. I really enjoy But I have a very supportive we are constrained by constituent with a problem and am Leader of the City helping the community and family network and really budgetary circumstances. within 24 hours of them Independents so my the residents where I am a enjoy the role. People can be surprised when contacting me. Service is the workload has increased but councillor. For me, my My background means they first meet me but we key to me. It’s my way of I’ve still got the same community is not about I see things from many soon get on to dealing with giving back. People with a enthusiasm. When I haven’t, colour, creed or religion. It’s different points of view local issues. That’s what it’s disability don’t put themselves I’ll pack up. It doesn’t about Stoke-on-Trent where I and facets. all about. It’s not about forward for election because matter if I’m Independent, live and the city and its people For me it’s not just about barriers between old and they don’t think they can do Labour or Tory, as long as I as a whole. I work using the doing things for my ward young so I’d like to see a lot this but I’m proof they can. can continue representing Sikh philosophy of recognising but also about doing things more young people get Disability is not people and their needs the whole human to help make the whole involved in politics. ” an obstacle. ” I’m a happy chappie. ” race as one. ” city better.” ” Our City p10 11/1/12 15:34 Page 1

10 Our City JANUARY 2012 SELF-BUILD HOUSING PROJECT PROMOTES GRAND DESIGNS XECUTIVE homes of truly grand design are in development Ein Stoke-on-Trent as the city looks to lead the UK in an innovative self-build housing project. It is part of the wider drive to promote the Potteries as a great place to live – a key element of the council’s Mandate for Change programme. Two sites have been identified for self-build housing development for the kind of individually-designed executive homes which attract millions of viewers to popular TV series Grand Designs. The developments will mirror the city’s initiative to roll out the red carpet to new Cabinet Member for business investors and employers by Regeneration Ruth encouraging aspiring self-builders to enjoy Rosenau looks at plans the benefits of building a great home in for the executive homes Stoke-on-Trent. which could transform The initiative will be launched at a sites throughout the city. Housing Summit in the city early in 2012 where self-builders will be able to register their interest. City Renewal Programme Manager Philip Brundrett said the project great sites with a full development and into design and specification. Self-builders others to take part. We believe with the aims to attract and retain aspirational finance support package in place. will be encouraged to create great quality major regeneration projects now underway homebuilders who may not previously have The first two sites identified are in the homes. Philip continued: “We are taking in the city we are creating a place where considered Stoke-on-Trent by offering desirable locations of Hanford and away the hard part by putting in place a people want to live and make their home – Penkhull. Between them, the sites could support package of innovative self-build we are determined to help them create be home to around 30 large properties, funding and specialist self-build great homes as easily as possible.” each with around five bedrooms and development and design advice. Stoke-on-Trent City Council Chief It would add real garages. Philip said each of the partners Executive John van de Laarschot said: “It “” would play their own part in attracting Great executive homes might be that someone looking to self-build substance to our self-build projects to the city. “The result will be great homes in great in a surrounding area can’t find a suitable He said: “We are aware there is a gap in locations to kick-start and create the site, or hasn’t got the confidence to tackle efforts to improve the city’s housing offer and we know executive housing market that we believe what can seem a daunting process. people want to live in Stoke-on-Trent in the future of Stoke-on-Trent can sustain. “The combination of our great sites and the quality and range larger, individually designed homes. Add We expect these projects to be part of a comprehensive support and funding that to the national interest in self-build as programme of high quality self-build which package will help them every step of the of housing on offer in a route to housing development and we will eventually include homes across a way in creating their dream home. Stoke-on-Trent. believe we have a winning formula.” range of values as well as a strong offering “As a result it will add real substance to The sites provide an opportunity to drive of great executive homes. our efforts to dramatically improve the JOHN VAN DE LAARSCHOT the development of high quality “We are looking to be ahead of the game quality and range of housing on offer in homes with strong owner input and make sure the city’s success inspires Stoke-on-Trent.” Spitfire veteran invited back to city exhibition A veteran war pilot says he is The Spitfire had been they have treated me ever so delighted to have been invited displayed at the entrance gate of well. back for a second look at a RAF Bicester, and was presented “I’m delighted that they have Spitfire exhibition in the city to the museum with a invited me back to have another where the fighter plane’s stripped-out cockpit.The look at their exhibition.” designer was born. council, which runs the museum, Mr Carter flew fighter planes Eric Carter, 91, is the last and the Friends of The Potteries for six years during the war.The surviving member of 615 Museum & Art Gallery are average life expectancy of a Squadron and fought against looking to raise funds to restore fighter plane pilot was 87 hours the Germans in the planes the veteran war plane and in the air. during the Second World War. enhance the exhibition. Councillor Mark Meredith, Mr Carter, from Mr Carter said:“I was thrilled Cabinet Member for Economic Worcestershire, visited the to be invited to take part in the Development, said:“This country exhibition at The Potteries oral history project at the owes a huge debt to people like Museum & Art Gallery in museum, and it is very Mr Carter, and we were Stoke-on-Trent last important that young people delighted when he agreed to November as part of a project to learn about their country’s take part in our museum project record oral history for future history. so that we can keep history alive generations. “I trained to be a fighter pilot for generations to come.” The museum is home to a at the aerodrome in Meir in For more information World War II pilot Mark XVI Spitfire, which the RAF 1940. Only 50,000 people about supporting the Eric Carter presented to the city in 1969 in trained to be Spitfire pilots, and fundraising to restore the pictured during recognition of the fact that half of them were killed. I lost Spitfire, please email his November visit Stoke-on-Trent is the birthplace lots of very close pals.The museumfriends@ to the city’s of its designer, Reginald museum has done a wonderful stoke.gov.uk or call Spitfire exhibition. Mitchell. job of displaying the Spitfire and 01782 236438. Our City p11 11/1/12 16:02 Page 1

JANUARY 2012 Our City 11 Police tap into potential of the social web NNOVATIVE use of social breaking crime or serious incidents. Both networking is putting can also be used to build relationships. IStaffordshire Police at the Elizabeth Linder, the Government and cutting edge of crime fighting and Politics specialist at Facebook Inc, has criticised some agencies and organisations winning the force national and across the globe for not realising the international plaudits. potential of the social web. Facebook and Twitter allow the force to But she has said: “Staffordshire Police is monitor and intervene in fast-changing an exemplary exception to this rule. I have Assistant situations like social disorder and give been consistently impressed with how the Chief Constable instant access to potential witnesses during force is re-imaging its communications Jane Sawyers strategy to suit the social era.” reviews That work has not gone unnoticed and Staffordshire Keep in touch with force Communications Manager David Police’s Facebook Bailey spent two days in London briefing page. the latest news from civil servants at the Cabinet Office and The the council online Home Office. He also advises other police forces across the UK. He said: “With so many people using control room. As a result, more and more of the county and our ‘Behind Bars’ blog, sites like Facebook and Twitter on a daily, people turned to us for information and about a night in the Northern Area if not hourly basis, it’s vital that local police reassurance, which we provide 24 hours a Custody Facility, was praised by the twitter.com/SoTCityCouncil are part of that conversation and we’re now day. The feedback from the public about independent Econsultancy agency as one interacting with at least 40,000 people. this was amazing. We were able to provide of the top 11 social media campaigns of Respond quickly direct and individual reassurance to 2011. thousands of people. It was clear the public “Even Chief Constable Mike “Social media has quickly become a vital really appreciated our work.” Cunningham holds online community part of the way we engage with our www.facebook.com/stoke The force has used Facebook and Twitter meetings using social media. It gives communities. We also continue to work to help find missing people, appeal for members of the community the chance to ontrent.citycouncil closely with local media, voluntary and witnesses and tell people about offenders in question the forces most senior officers residents groups, Neighbourhood Watch their communities who have been about issues in their area.” and, of course, officers still speak directly convicted of crime. to residents.” “We are now able to provide vital You can become a fan of Staffordshire During the riots last August, information, appeals and advice direct to Police on Facebook by clicking the www.youtube.com/user/ Staffordshire Police responded quickly and members of the community within minutes ‘Like’ button on www.facebook.com/ consistently to rumour and concern on StokeOnTrentCouncil of an incident occurring,” said the staffordshirepolice.Twitter users can social media sites about disorder spreading Assistant Chief Constable. “We also use follow the force @staffspolice or, for to the county. social media to help improve relationships Assistant Chief Constable Jane Sawyers between the police and the communities more local updates in Stoke-on-Trent said: “It was vital that we provided calm, we serve. @policingstoke.You can also watch www.flickr.com/photos/ creditable and personal messages about “We run blogs as part of our initiatives. video updates on the forces own stoke-on-trent/ those concerns, dispelling the rumours During ‘Visible Justice’ we reported every YouTube channel at www.youtube with factual updates direct from our conviction in a single day across the whole .com/staffordshirepolice New £4.2m specialist school set to open its doors A £4.2 million educational facility, which Services and Life Skills, Councillor Debra will act as a hub for students with Gratton, said:“The vision for the school behavioural, emotional and social and Trent Vale is to create a learning difficulties, is set to open its doors next village, which evolves and responds to month. the needs of its learners, their families The REACH pupil referral unit in Trent and the surrounding community. Vale – which forms part of the Building “The school will focus on delivering Schools for the Future programme – will educational content and, most cater for around 80 students, aged three importantly, will focus on the skills and to 19, at any one time from across the experiences and opportunities to allow city. It will replace the REACH Pupil each student to follow their ambitions.” Referral Unit, currently based at Therapeutic intervention Bucknall. Once the specialist school is up and The REACH school will blend running, community use will be mainstream education with special encouraged so that local people will be school requirements and therapeutic able to enjoy the new facilities at the intervention. complex.These include an all weather The Trent Vale Reach Pupil Referral sports pitch and indoor performance Unit is one of 18 schools projects being space. delivered under the £250 million BSF Building work started in December programme banner.This includes five 2010 and the school is expected to open new academies throughout the city and to pupils in February. rebuilds and revamps at another nine Local residents were involved in the secondary and four special schools. design and planning process and have Where possible local employment READY FOR THE MOVE: Reach Centre Manager Larna Matley with pupils from been consulted beforehand and opportunities have been generated and the school on the site of the new educational facility at Trent Vale which throughout the project. in some cases more than half of the opens next month. Cabinet Member for Children’s project money has been spent locally. Our City p12 11/1/12 16:09 Page 1

12 Our City JANUARY 2012

Food hygiene check ratings available RESIDENTS are being reminded by the council of the importance to check food hygiene ratings of local restaurants before booking a meal. Restaurants, pubs, hotels, cafes and takeaways are just Pupils some of the locations now from Our Lady's being rated from 0 to 5 on Catholic Primary their hygiene standards when School, Fenton, left to a food hygiene inspection is right, Lucie Pepper, 11, carried out by Stoke-on-Trent Bradley Davis, 10, Lewis City Council. Clarke, 11 and Elena Baylay, 10 Councillor Gwen Hassall, show artwork they have Cabinet Member for Housing created for the Lidice and Neighbourhoods, said: initiative to Art Venue “When dining out, you’ll Director Alan choose to go to a place where Gerrard. you like the food and you know you’ll have a good time. It makes sense to look before you book and check out the food hygiene rating as well.” City leads events to make sure Ratings can be checked by visiting www.food.gov.uk/ ratings Diners and party goers can also look out for the distinctive green and black stickers that businesses are that Lidice shall Live encouraged to display at their series of events during 2012 children’s art with outlets to tell their customers will commemorate the 70th previous winners of the the rating they were given. A anniversary of the city’s ICEFA. strong links with the Czech Republic It is also hoped to hold a signing of a village of Lidice, scene of one of the memorandum of Woodland worst atrocities of the Second World understanding to War. formalise links between sites get the In revenge for the assassination of one of its Stoke-on-Trent and generals, Nazi forces completely destroyed the Lidice in a small civic village – then in the former Czechoslovakia – ceremony in the Lord green light and murdered all 192 men above the age of Mayor’s Parlour THE council has been given 16 while the rest of the population were sent attended by guests from the green light for two 60 to concentration camps. Lidice. Other plans include acre woodlands to be planted The massacre happened on 10 June 1942 and on 6 September that year Stoke-on-Trent inviting children from in the city, after funding was doctor and city councillor Barnett Stross Lidice to take part in granted by the Forestry launched the city’s massive “Lidice Shall SOLIDARITY... the launch of the Lidice Shall Live campaign at the Olympic Torch Relay Commission. when it comes to Live” fundraising campaign backed by coal Stoke-on-Trent’s Victoria Hall in September 1942. Just over £220,000 will be miners who gave up wages to launch it. It Stoke-on-Trent on 30 used to plant and look after raised money to build a village of the same May, and the creation of the sites, situated at Fenpark name next to the original site – and cemented organised in Lidice and which attracts 25,000 a rose garden in Stoke-on-Trent that responds and off Biddulph Road near a close bond between Lidice and the people of entries from all over the world. to the Lidice rose garden which is the largest Packmoor.The funding will Stoke-on-Trent that is marked every year. Also, it is hoped to bring the last few of its kind in the world. also provide improvements A series of activities will be organised to remaining Lidice massacre survivors, who Councillor Andy Platt, who chairs the such as signs, benches and mark the 70th anniversary of the tragedy, were children at the time, to the city for a programme’s working group of partners, said: new entrance features. organised by a number of partners including reunion with Stoke-on-Trent people who “These are just some of ways in which we originally supported the campaign to rebuild The two woodlands are Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire would like to commemorate this very special Lidice or members of their families. 70th anniversary. The council is working with part of the Jubilee Woods University, Faith Groups, and Art Venue – a Community Interest Company. Plans are being drawn up for an exhibition its partners to organise a number of events in campaign that aims to create The 70th anniversary programme starts at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery of order to raise awareness of this important sixty new 60 acre woodlands with Holocaust Memorial Day on Friday 27 photos telling the Lidice and Barnett Stross story and the remarkable achievement of the across the country to mark January when a memorial event at stories as well as art by international people of Stoke-on-Trent.” the occasion of The Queen’s Staffordshire University will incorporate a Diamond Jubilee in 2012. tribute to the people of Lidice. Councillor Janine Bridges, On Sunday 10 June, the date of the Lidice Cabinet Member for City tragedy, there will be a commemorative event City choir to top bill at festival Services, said:“We want to around the cenotaph at Stoke Minster, while STUDENTS from the celebration which follows the former Czechoslovakia. involve the local community school choirs will perform at a concert similar Ormiston Stanley Matthews on from the main events to For further information as much as possible so in to the large one held in Lidice on this date Academy in Blurton will top mark the special on the programme of February there will be every year. the bill at a Festival of anniversary. events or details on how to community and school events Thursday 6 September marks the start of three days of celebrations to mark the Lights staged to mark the ● Anyone can get involved get involved, please contact to help plant the trees." anniversary of the launch of the “Lidice Shall 70th anniversary of the in the city’s efforts to Rachel James, Events Details of the planting will Live” campaign. Lidice atrocity in June. remember the atrocity in Assistant, on 01782 235104 be advertised in the press, on Events will include a prize award ceremony A choir will be the first to Lidice and build stronger or rachel.james@ posters and to local for UK children selected for the International perform in a musical links between the UK and stoke.gov.uk. community groups shortly. Children’s Exhibition of Fine Arts (ICEFA) Our City p13 11/1/12 16:10 Page 1

JANUARY 2012 Our City 13 Parents asked for views on options for school year changes PARENTS and teachers in Stoke-on-Trent are being asked THE TRADITIONAL PATTERN: Three terms of uneven THE THREE-WEEK CHRISTMAS: Similar to the Traditional whether the traditional school year should change. length with a long summer break; the end of the Spring pattern, but with three weeks at Christmas and a shorter The present pattern of three terms of uneven length can term coincides with Easter no matter when it falls. Summer holiday to accommodate this. cause problems with curriculum planning and higher costs THE POTTERS’ HOLIDAY: Summer term is broken into Factors to be considered with each option are the of family holidays. three short blocks with a shorter summer holiday.This chance of increased sickness linked with long terms, Stoke-on-Trent City Council has decided on a three option revives the “potters’ fortnight” between late June difficulties with child minding arrangements, the possibility months’ consultation period beginning this month, setting and early July. of children forgetting what they have learned during long out options and asking for opinions. People are being THE STANDARDISED YEAR: Term lengths are evened out holidays and the effects of term lengths on attendance. given a chance to say whether they believe there’s a need by taking no account of when Easter falls but having a Groups being asked for their views include parents, for change, and even give their own ideas for a new Spring break in the first two full weeks of April. councillors, professional associations, schools, local pattern, by going on to the council website. THE FIVE-TERM YEAR: This pattern allows four two-week employers and other interested parties. Five alternatives are being put forward for discussion: holidays and a four-week summer holiday. ● To give your views visit stoke.gov.uk/termchanges

Supercool freestyle skiers give city a Police pledge to further reduce crime leap in ‘street cred’ in the city UPERCOOL freestyle athletes aiming to appear in the 2014 SWinter Olympics are earning LATEST figures for violent crime involving Stoke-on-Trent a reputation as the injury and crimes like burglary and “ski capital of the universe”. robbery in Stoke-on-Trent are down as Death-defying jumps, flips and somersaults are the police pledge to cut them further still. the trademark moves of the sport which has only There were 1,704 victims of violence recently been adopted by the International with injury in the city’s three Local Olympic Committee. Policing Team areas in the eight months Stoke-on-Trent youngsters Josh Fawcett and up to the end of November 2011 – a fall Sissy Herant – both signed up by the British of 475 on the same period the previous squad – have already started their preparations year. About a quarter involved domestic for the next Winter Games which take place abuse. in two years’ time in Sochi, Russia. Just under 30 fewer people suffered More and more young people are signing from crimes like burglary and robbery as up to twice weekly training sessions in the the figures for the same period dropped sport billed as the height of cool urban thrillseeking. And among the attractions at from 1,823 to 1,796. House burglaries, Festival Park’s dry ski slope is England’s biggest thefts from vehicles and personal jump for freestyle training. robberies averaged three a day while only one vehicle was Mid air gymnastics stolen daily. The facilities enable the best skiers to pull With over 100,000 off amazing mid air gymnastics with households in Stoke- names like Corkscrew 720 and 540 Tail on-Trent, the average Grab. Session organiser Russ Boulton, number of these who has brought in former UK freestyle skiers to crimes is low. run the training, said: “There are sessions for Superintendent beginners and advanced skiers but the freestyle Laurie Whitby-Smith, sessions are really taking off.” City councillor Alison Wedgwood, who There are sessions for pictured,said:“This is represents the Bentilee and Ubberley Ward, said: “” good news for the “Stoke-on-Trent is getting a reputation for being beginners and advanced people of Stoke-on-Trent who can be totally cool in the freestyle, urban free ride way, assured that we, together with our because of the skate board park and now its skiers but the freestyle partners, are doing all we can to keep success as a freestyle skiing centre. In top ski people safe, and make them feel safe and resorts like Val d’Isere there are Stokies running sessions are really taking off. protect their property. bars and ski-schools. “While the fall in the number of cases “It’s difficult to believe but Stoke-on-Trent is RUSS BOULTON, SESSION ORGANISER of violence with injury is to be welcomed, the ski capital of the universe.” we will continue our drive to reduce it ● Anyone interested in trying freestyle skiing further. We are working closely with our should visit the Festival Park dry colleagues at local authorities and other ski slope at 7pm on Wednesday partner agencies to clamp down on or Saturday night and speak to violence in all of its forms and make the the instructors. communities we serve even safer. “Operation Safer Nights was launched in December 2009 to specifically tackle violent crime, much of which is fuelled by alcohol, and has since seen the development of numerous initiatives aimed at reducing violent incidents in our FLYING town centres. HIGH... “Our licensing teams work closely with Above, Ollie the licensing industry to ensure venues Powell, 18, left, and are operating lawfully and any licence Row Emery, 15, take off conditions imposed are adhered too. from England’s biggest “We want people to be safe and to feel ski jump. Left, 16-year- safe when they are out enjoying old Alex Baskeyfield themselves and we remain committed to in action. tackling the things that matter most to the communities we serve.” Our City p14 11/1/12 17:03 Page 1

14 Our City JANUARY 2012 Big boost City bid to be location for for historic church hall top green bank HQ AN historic church hall is to be refurbished in Longton as part of a bid is being made to bring the effective, able to recruit and retain project to improve the headquarters for the new specialist staff and allow the Green Mandate for Change town’s heritage appeal. A Green Investment Bank to Investment Bank to work closely with Central Hall Methodist project developers, green technology Stoke-on-Trent. The Government is providers and other investment bodies. Church, in The Strand, will setting up the bank – which will be less than larger urban areas, our commitment have its features restored capitalised with £3 billion – to provide Extremely prestigious to low carbon policies and, finally, the existing as part of the scheme to financial solutions to accelerate Councillor Mark Meredith, Cabinet Member base we have in financial services expertise.” renovate the town’s Established under the Companies Act and private sector investment in the green for Economic Development, said to have the architectural gems. new bank – the UK’s first investment bank operating at arm’s length from Government, The windows and economy. solely dedicated to greening the economy – the bank is expected to have state aid approval canopies will be restored, Twenty cities and towns in the UK have been based in the city would be extremely by early 2013. In advance of that, the the sandstone façade will invited to make a submission by the end of prestigious. Government will begin making investments in be renovated and January to be the location for the bank’s HQ, He said: “We believe we are in a strong green projects from April this year. which will have around 50 employees. The bank will build the necessary “deep underused rooms will be position to offer the Green Investment Bank an A decision will be made in February. excellent base for four primary reasons – our expertise” in financial markets and green brought back in to use to The Department for Business Innovation central location with easy access across the investments – working towards a “double allow extra community and Skills, which is overseeing the initiative, UK, our significant cost advantages given that bottom line” of both achieving a significant classes and groups to says the chosen location should be cost average office space in Stoke-on-Trent costs green impact and making financial returns. take place at the community facility. The work is part of a series of projects to restore buildings through the Longton Heritage Wealth of creative talent on Partnership.Work has already started on the Victorian Market hall show at annual film festival with shop fronts refurbished and a new illuminated metallic market sign installed. Councillor Ruth Rosenau, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “Longton has a strong architectural heritage and this project is helping to restore the exterior of some of the town’s most historical buildings. Animation “The work will repair models created the front stained glass by students at windows and restore Staffordshire the intricate canopy University. designs which will bring the building back to its former glory.” THOUSANDS of short animated film and bustling city with people are expected at which will be its a wealth of creative this year’s annual first animated talent at its heart – Littering two-week long Stoke short to hit the keep an eye on Your Fires Film Festival with a full big screen when it Stoke Your Fires, clampdown programme including UK and world is shown on 12 February. there are great things to premieres, training workshops Current film and come.” THE council’s and awards. animation students have Festival partners include Environmental Crime Staged at the Mitchell Arts Centre, the the chance to produce a the city’s dedicated animation and film bonanza runs from 10 to 10-second animated sting investment development Unit brought 45 24 February and opens with the premiere of for the festival with the service Make It prosecutions last year – the full-length feature version of web-based winner’s work set to be screened before every Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire University, and has vowed to carry vampire mini series Blood and Bone China. film. The winner also gets two tickets worth Stoke-on-Trent Film Theatre, The Producers on catching offenders. The 12 episode series, originally £500 to training programmes. Forum, Mitchell Arts Centre, and the The unit issued 530 commissioned by the festival with Along with core screenings, the festival is Animation Forum West Midlands. fixed penalties in 2011 financial support from the staging three professional master classes with ■ For listings of screenings, workshops for littering and 14 for council, is fast becoming an industry experts, a community engagement and events go to dog fouling.The people internet hit and already has programme and even a Digital Arts Festival www.stokeyourfires.co.uk or taken to court for 250,000 YouTube views. (DATfest) over the middle weekend. contact the Box Office at the littering and dog fouling Produced by local filmmaker Awards categories cover animation and Mitchell Arts Centre on 01782 were fined a total of Chris Stone, the film continues films and school children aged 11 to 16 who 409307. £5,550 plus £15,107 the tale of devils, demons and take part in after school animation classes run vampires in Victorian costs. in Burslem by Karen Sayle have been working Stoke-on-Trent and is one for up to three months to enter their work. Councillor Janine of 65 being screened over Independent film maker Pip Bridges, Cabinet Member the festival fortnight. Piper from Blue Hippo for City Services, said:“It’s Award winning Media, who premiered an ongoing battle that Potteries-based his last international Tinsect will involve changing the animation company feature film Insatiable Waltz – Rebull way people think so they Animated character Stars and Heroes has Moon at the festival Canimation CGI don’t feel they can get created by Stoke- been commissioned by last year, said: “Stoke- Award Winner by away with littering.” on-Trent-based the festival to produce a on-Trent is a vibrant Stars and company Stars Heroes. and Heroes. Our City p15 11/1/12 16:12 Page 1

JANUARY 2012 Our City 15

Children’s Centre Tel: 01782 231096 UPDATE Tel: 01782 238989 News and information from Stoke-on-Trent’s Children’s Centres January 2012 Tel: 01782 231096

Tel: 01782 232977

Tel: 01782 236655

Tel: 01782 238352

Tel: 01782 236333

Tel: 01782 234357

Celebrating the Crescent Children’s Centre’s outstanding Ofsted inspection result are, left to right, Maisie Donnelly with her children Corey, 20 Tel: 01782 237100 months and Anabelle, seven months; Clare Carp with her son James, aged two, and Jackie Vasey with her daughter Lucie, 22 months.

Parents’ pride as centre scores an Tel: 01782 231815

‘outstanding’ first Tel: 01782 596421 children’s centre run by Primary School and The Crescent Pre-School Stoke-on-Trent City Council has Nursery all on the same site, delivering become the first in the city to be outstanding services, is a credit to the city and Tel: 01782 237650 A shows parents and families that their children are judged as outstanding by Government in good hands.” inspectors. Tracy Jackson, OBE, Locality Manager for The Crescent in Meir won the glowing accolade children’s centres in the south of the city, said: after a rigorous two-day inspection and makes “We are delighted with the Ofsted inspectors’ The Crescent site only the second in the country endorsement and comments. The outstanding Tel: 01782 233775 to be home to a primary school, children’s centre status is a tribute to the hard work of the staff, and pre-school nursery all designated by Ofsted as parents and volunteers. outstanding. Inspectors spoke to staff, parents, volunteers, Better start in life carers and members of the centre’s advisory board “This outstanding result, and the passion and as well as assessing relevant documentation. knowledge our parents showed when talking to Tel: 01782 234024 Of the 18 areas inspected, The Crescent was inspectors, shows we are making a difference and judged outstanding in 17 and good in one. The giving the children of Meir a better start in life.” 10-page report also praised the centre’s strong Parent Katrina Danyiova said: “The Crescent leadership and management, its success in Children’s Centre has helped me with my engaging parents in the Meir area and described language and cared for my children while I have the effect its services have on families as excellent. been doing the English for speakers of other Tel: 01782 233670 Councillor Debra Gratton, Cabinet Member for language course. The centre has also helped my Children’s Services, said: “This is one of the most daughter by supporting her special needs.” Play glowing Ofsted inspections I have ever read. It is a Another parent, Claire Lawrence, added, “The testament to the hard work and dedication of the and learning centre has helped my three-year-old son with his centre staff, parents and volunteers, that they have speech and language transition into nursery practitioner Emma achieved such a fabulous report. Sparkes with school. Community development work has helped Tel: 01782 237500 “To have the children’s centre, Crescent me with my confidence through volunteering.” Lucas Bettany, two. Our City p16-17 11/1/12 16:10 Page 1 PULL OUT GUIDE TO CHILDREN’S CENTRES ACTIVITIES CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE NORTH OF THE CITY Families welcome to CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE SOUTH OF THE CITY 01782 01782 01782 238989 take part in packed 01782 231096 231815 596421 Ball Green Primary School,Whitfield Road,Ball Green ST6 8AJ Vale Park,Hamil Road,Burslem,Stoke-on-Trent ST6 1AW Pinewood Crescent,Meir,Stoke-on-Trent ST3 6HZ activity programme Oakwood Road,Blurton,Stoke-on-Trent ST3 3AR MONDAY OTHER SERVICES MONDAY FRIDAY MONDAY THURSDAY EVERY family in Stoke-on-Trent ● family support MONDAY THURSDAY ▲ ▲ Crèche Training,Parent Forum, Midwife Clinic 9-1pm Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am Toy Library Crèche 9:30-11:30am Lets Get Creative 9:30-11am ● Midwife Clinic 9-1pm Growing Together 9:30-11am (Messy play Drop-In,please bring a can make the most of a great specialist support for children Volunteering and Respite 9-11:30am Crèche Training,Volunteering TUESDAY Volunteering Programme Maths Course 9:30-11:30am Jo Jingles (1-5yrs,£2 per family,term (0-5yrs,book at reception) (Ask at reception) change of clothing) range of services and facilities at with additional needs Jo Jingles (£2,book) 10-10:45am & Respite 9-11:30am & 12:30-3pm Adult Learning 1-3pm Jumping Beans the city’s children’s centres. ● outreach workers time,book at reception) 11:15-Noon Start Up Literacy 12:30-2:30pm (Ask at reception) Tiny Talkers Stay and Play Drop-In 1-2:30pm OTHER SERVICES ● Growing Together 1-2:30pm Little Sunshine Group 1-2:30pm Parent Forum 9:45-11:30am Child Health Clinic 9-11am The teams reach out into their information for (Weston Heights Community Centre) Crèche 1-3pm TUESDAY Toy Library local communities to support parents (0-5yrs,book at reception) (Grange Children’s Centre 0-5yrs,Drop-In) Job Club – Merit (16 Jan) 1-3pm Numeracy 9:30-11:30am Crèche 9:30-11:30am Volunteering Programme families and give children the very ● activities to TUESDAY Baby Massage 1:30-2:30pm Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm FRIDAY (Book at reception) Literacy 12:30-2:30pm best start in life. help parents and carers Baby Clinic 9:30-10:30am Little Sprouts Stay and Play English Course 9:30-11:30am Jumping Beans TUESDAY (At The Community House) (Ask at reception) But anyone is welcome to pop get back to work. (Hollybush Community Centre) FRIDAY ▲ Gardening Group (0-5yrs) 1:30-3pm Tiny Talkers Midwife Clinic 9-1pm Growing Together 1-2:30pm into their local centre and take Each children’s centre also Play Together Group 9:30-11:30am Growing Together 9:30-11am FRIDAY Child Health Clinic 9:15-11:30am (Referral only) part in one of the dozens of delivers additional services (Book at reception) (0-5yrs,book at reception) Crèche Training,Keep Fit, activities featured on this pull out tailored to meet local needs. Baby Signing 1:30-2:30pm Busybodies 9:30-10:15am WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY Volunteering & Respite 9-11:30am and keep special feature. There are even opportunities (Book at reception) (Meir Park Playgroup) Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am Job Club 9:30-Noon Fitness/Zumba 9:45-10:45am Children’s centres provide a to volunteer and learn new skills (Hollybush Community Centre) Growing Together (Newstead Primary Play Together (0-5yrs) 9:30-11:30am (Book at reception) Baby Massage Drop-In 9:30-10:30am School,term time only) 1:30-3pm range of services including: that could lead to qualifications, a Jabadao (0-First steps) 9:30-11am Baby Club 10-11:30am Job Club – Merit 10-Noon ● THURSDAY childcare and children's learning job or career change. Baby Clinic OTHER SERVICES (Weston Heights Community Centre) and development Contact details are included WEDNESDAY Tiny Explorers Baby Group Blurton Children’s Centre 11-Noon Outdoor Play Area (open every day) ▲ Growing Together 0-5yrs 1-2:30pm (0-18mths) 9:30-11am ● health services with each centre’s calendar. Blurton Health Centre 1:30-3:30pm Baby Massage Midwife Clinic 9-1pm Adult Learning 12:45-2:45pm Start Up Numeracy 12:30-2:30pm Volunteering Programme Crèche Training,Volunteering OTHER SERVICES (Ask at reception) Parent Forum 1-2:30pm Parent Forum and Respite 9-11:30am Baby Massage (Call 01782 596421) Crèche 12:45-2:45pm Baby Club 2-3pm Triple P 9:30-11:30am Cook and Eat CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE CENTRE OF THE CITY (Blurton Health Centre) Growing Together (0-5yrs) 1-2:30pm Volunteering Programme

01782 01782 01782 01782 01782 01782 236333 231096 01782 238352 237650 233775 234024 232977 Greatbatch Avenue,Penkhull,Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7JU Eaves Lane,Bucknall,Stoke-on-Trent ST2 9AS Travers Court,Temple Street,Fenton,Stoke-on-Trent ST4 3FE Normacot Grange Road,Meir,Stoke-on-Trent ST3 7AW Jubilee Road, Trentham ST4 8EF St Nicholas Avenue,Norton,Stoke-on-Trent ST6 8JW MONDAY FRIDAY MONDAY OTHER SERVICES MONDAY WEDNESDAY MONDAY WEDNESDAY MONDAY OTHER SERVICES Bishop Road,Chell Heath,Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6QW Stay and Play (PICL) 9:30-11am Singing Sunflowers 9:30-10am & MONDAY OTHER SERVICES Time 4 You* 12:30-2:30pm Toy Library (By request) Zumba Fitness Class (£3.50) 10-11am Breastfeeding Café 10:30-Noon Play Together (0-5yrs) 9:30-11:30am Growing Together (0-5yrs) 9:30-11am Priory Playgroup 9:15-11:30am Outdoor Play Area MONDAY FRIDAY Growing Together 1:15-2:45pm (0-5yrs,Stoke Library) 10:15-10:45am English Course 1-3pm Toy Library ▲ (Term time only) Sensory Room (Booking only) (Baby Stay and Play for 0-18mths) New Birth Registration Drop-In Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11am Parents Forum (11 Jan) 12:30-2:30pm Midwife Clinic 9:30-2pm Volunteering Programme (Ask at reception) Volunteering Programme Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am Growing Together 9:30-11:30am TUESDAY THURSDAY (Referral only) Speech and Language Support* Midwife Clinic (Booking) All Day (27 Jan) 11-1pm Growing Together (0-5yrs) 1-2:30pm Jabadao Crèche 1-3pm Jumping Beans Adult Learning and Crèche Baby Weighing Clinic 9-10:30am THURSDAY TUESDAY Jo Jingles 10-10:45am Play and Learning in the Home* Tiny Talkers* 1-2pm Baby Massage/Yoga 9:30-10:30am ▲ 0-First steps 12:30-2pm (Ask at reception) 12:45-2:45pm Babbling Babes/Growing Together TUESDAY Outreach Drop-In 9:15-11am Midwife Clinic 9:30-1pm (£2 per family,book call 01782 233775) TUESDAY Tiny Talkers OTHER SERVICES Kingsland Kindergarten (11wk course,0-6mths) 10:30-11:30am Triple P (Booking) 9:30-11:30am OTHER SERVICES (Clarice Cliff Primary School,0-4yrs) Busybodies 9:30-10:15am Baby Club 11-12:30pm Sweet Peas Baby Group 9:30-11am TUESDAY Toy Library (Day Care) Fenton Book Buddies 1:30-2:30pm TUESDAY Breastfeeding Café 10:30-12pm Toy Library Jabadao 10-11:30am (Meir Park Playgroup) (0-18mths) Health Visitor Drop-In 9-10:30am Volunteering Programme WEDNESDAY Volunteering Programme (31 Jan) Little Sunshine’s Group 1-2:30pm Growing Together 9:30-11am Adult Learning 1-3pm (Ask at reception) Additional Needs Group* 1-3pm Sensory Room (By request) Play Together 12:30-2:30pm Baby Massage 1-2:30pm (0-5yrs,Drop-In) Jumping Beans Stay and Play (PICL) 10-11:30am (0-5yrs) (Ask at reception) Messy Monkeys Baby Group Midwife Clinic (Booking) All Day Speech and Language Support* TUESDAY (0-5yrs) (0-12mths,5wks,book 01782 233775) Child Health Clinic 1:15-2:45pm Fathers Group Stay and Play (PICL) 1:15-2:45pm Crèche 1-3pm (0-18mths) 9:30-11am WEDNESDAY Play and Learning in the Home* Play Together (0-5yrs) 9:30-11:30am WEDNESDAY (Abbey Hulton Primary) FRIDAY FRIDAY WEDNESDAY English Course and Crèche Parent Forum (25 Jan) 9:30-11:30am Family Support in the Home* Coffee Morning Drop-In9:30-11:30am Crèche for Training and Parent Forum Cook and Eat 9:30-11:30am Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am (Ask at reception) 12:45-2:45pm THURSDAY Volunteering Programme Baby Jabadao 9:30-11am New Birth Registration Drop-In (18 (7wk course,Crèche provided) Jan,Trent Vale Health Centre) 10-12pm 0-First steps 9:30-11am Parent Forum 9:30-11am THURSDAY WEDNESDAY Ready Steady Learn 9:30-11:30am Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm Transition Group* 1-3pm Growing Together (0-5yrs) 1-2:30pm Childminders Stay and Play Drop-In Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am (Please enquire) Pandas Group (0-5yrs) 12-2:30pm (Childminders only) 9:30-11:30am Baby Weighing Clinic 1:30-3:30pm Health Visitor Drop-In 3-4pm OTHER SERVICES OTHER SERVICES THURSDAY (First Wed of every month,0-5yrs) THURSDAY Growing Together 1-2:30pm (Abbey Hulton Clinic) Toy and Book Library Baby Massage (Call 01782 596421) (Referral only) Maths Course and Crèche THURSDAY Community Garden Growing Together 1-3pm (Ask at reception) 9:30-11:30am FRIDAY Birth Preparation Classes FRIDAY Health Visitor Drop-In (0-5yrs)9:30-11am Play and Learning Home Visits (0-5yrs) Breastfeeding Café 10:30-12:30pm Crèche Maths Course 9:30-11:30am Tiny Talkers 1-2:30pm New Birth Registration Drop-In Volunteering Programme Baby Club (Ask at reception) (Ask at reception) Freedom* 9:30-11:30am (26 Jan) 9:30-11am FRIDAY Crèche 9:30-11:30am Messy Monsters Craft 1-2:30pm Midwife Clinic (Booking) All Day Volunteering Programme Play Together 9:30-11am

01782 01782 01782 237500 01782 234357 01782 233670 Buccleuch Road,Normacot, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 4RF 236655 Garth Street,Hanley,Stoke-on-Trent ST1 2DA 237100 Dawlish Drive,Bentilee,Stoke-on-Trent ST2 0HW MONDAY FRIDAY MONDAY OTHER SERVICES MONDAY THURSDAY Woodland Street,Tunstall,Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6AP Play Together 9:30-11:30am ESOL 9:30-11:30am Stay and Play 9:30-11am Speech and Language Support* Playspace and Café 9:30-4pm Playspace and Café 9:30-4pm Job Club 10:30-12pm 12:30-2:30pm College Road,Shelton,Stoke on Trent ST4 2DQ ▲ ▲ MONDAY THURSDAY (PICL,18 mths plus) Play and Learning in the Home* Midwife Clinic 9-3:30pm Midwife Clinic 9-3:30pm Twins and More Siblings 10:30-12pm Parent Forum 9:30-11:30am ▲ Stay and Play 9:30-11am Stay and Play 9:30-11am Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11:30am Family Support in the Home* MONDAY THURSDAY Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm Fitness Group 9:30-11:30am ESOL 12:30-2:30pm (13,27 Jan) ▲ Baby Massage (0-12mths) ▲ 10-12pm (Booking) (Booking) Chill & Chat* 1-3pm Parent Forum 1-2:30pm ESOL 9:30-11:30am Dove Service* 9-11am Start-Up Drop-In Smile 10-Noon Face Painting Course 12:45-2:45pm Play Together 12:30-2:30pm Crèche 12:45-2:45pm Young Parents Group 10-12pm TUESDAY (First Fri of every month,all welcome) (English Speaking for Other Languages) Health Visitor and Baby Weighing TUESDAY (Starts 28 April) TUESDAY Maths Course 12:45-2:45pm English Course 12:45-2:45pm Connect Community Group Family Walking Group EYFS Crèche* 12:30-2:30pm Group (Drop-in Session) 1:30-2:45pm Playspace and Café 9:30-4pm Baby Club 1-2:30pm ESOL 9:30-11:30am OTHER SERVICES Locality Partnership Board Meeting (Ask at reception) (Ask at reception) (Limited crèche places) 9:30-11:30am Volunteering Programme Ready Steady Learn 12:30-2:30pm Chill and Chat Drop-in (Limited Crèche Growing Together 9:30-11am Little Sunshine’s Group 1-2:30pm Post Natal/New Baby 10-11am Crèche 12:45-2:45pm Post-Natal Group 1-2:30pm (Transition based group) places,must be booked) 9:30-11:30am ▲ (The Grange Children’s Centre,0-5yrs) (0-9mths) (27 Jan) 9:30-1:30pm TUESDAY Midwife Clinic 9-3:30pm ▲ Growing Together 1-2:30pm Busybodies 11:30-12:15pm Soft Play Area 8:30-5pm TUESDAY FRIDAY Speech and Language Therapy Childminders Stay and Play Drop-In FRIDAY WEDNESDAY (£1 per family) Café (Mon,Thur,Fri) 11-3pm 9-4pm FRIDAY (Childminders only) 9:30-11:30am Busy Babies Group 9:30-11am Baby Stay and Play – Growing Observation and Assessment Crèche Baby Massage (Booking) 10-11am Baby Clinic 4:30-6pm Asian Ladies Advice Group Drop-In 12:30-2:30pm ▲ Playspace and Café 9:30-4pm Baby Massage Drop-In (0-18mths) Together (0-18 mths) 10:30-12pm Fun to Talk – Speech and Language Cook & Eat (Weaning) 11-12:30pm (First Tue of every month,please book) (Tue,Thur) 11:30-1:30pm Mandarin Group 12:30-2pm Baby Stay and Play (Parents involved in (2yrs plus) 10-11:30am Moss Green Growing Together Midwife Clinic ▲ 12-1pm Well Baby Clinic 9:30-11:30am Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11am WEDNESDAY Babble and Speak* 1:30-2:30pm children’s learning,0-2yrs)1:15-2:45pm Crèche/Behaviour Management (Riverside Housing Office) 9:30-11am ▲ Play and Learning Home Visits Jumping Beans 1:30-2:30pm Growing Together 12:45-2:45pm ▲ Crèche* 12:30-2:30pm WEDNESDAY STAR Project 10-2pm Speech & Language Therapy 9-5pm (18mths plus,booking required) (Referral only) THURSDAY WEDNESDAY (Mon,Wed,Thur,Fri) Triple P* (Positive Parenting ▲ Cook & Eat (book) 9:30-11:30pm Little Stars* 9:30-11:30am Speech and Language Therapy Play Together 12:30-2:30pm ▲ Crèche Training,Volunteering Ready,Steady,Go (Transition crèche to Programme,20 Jan) 9-11am Development Checks 9:30-1pm WEDNESDAY OTHER SERVICES NEG/School) 9:30-11:30am (Additional Needs Group) 9-1pm (Starting 20 Jan) and respite Singing Group 1-2pm Sensory Room Adult Learning 9:30-11:30am Toy Library Hands from Around the World* Stay and Play (PICL) 1-3pm OTHER SERVICES Parent’s Forum 9:30-11:30am Antenatal Group 1-2:30pm THURSDAY PACT Drop-In Session (Ask at reception) Volunteering Programme 10:30-12pm (2-5yrs,held at The Shelton Centre) Speech and Language Support* Job Centre Plus 9:30-2pm OTHER SERVICES ESOL 9:30-11:30am (Held by local Police) Crèche 9:30-11:30am Tiny Talkers Parent Time (11 Jan) 9:30-11:30am FRIDAY Play and Learning in the Home* Baby Massage 1-2:30pm Crèche (Mon,Wed,Thur) Breastfeeding Cafe 10:30-12pm Volunteering Programme Mum 2 Mum Breastfeeding Café Teenage Parents Group Triple P Programme 9:30-11:30am Family Support in the Home* (0-12mths,book at reception) Playspace (Open to the public) Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm Early Intervention Team Drop-In 9:30-11:30am (Coming soon) (Call 01782 425883) Volunteering Programme Walking Group 1:15-2:15pm Volunteering Programme Baby Clinic 1-3pm Training and Employment Support

* Referral Only. PICL – Parents Involved in Children's Learning. ▲ Appointments Only. Our City p18 11/1/12 16:09 Page 1

18 Our City JANUARY 2012

Children’s Centres in Stoke-on-Trent are having a Children’s Centre massive impact on the lives of the families they engage with. Here, Our City talks to parents and UPDATE one staff member about their experiences. SupportSupport gavegave BethBeth Devoted dad William confidenceconfidence toto progressprogress Lancett and his 20-month old BETH Cooper and her son Jay went through a dark time as daughter she struggled to free herself from an abusive relationship. Faith. The 22-year-old mother had lost her self-confidence and the two-year-old youngster seemed to have forgotten how to smile. Beth They both felt isolated when they arrived in Oakhill Cooper at after moving from Wales – but Penkhull Children’s home with Centre came to the rescue. Jay, aged Beth went on a Triple P parenting course where she two. received advice on how to cope with Jay’s temper tantrums. She also benefited from going on the Freedom Programme, a confidential course on domestic violence. Meanwhile little Jay progressed to Field House Nursery backed by two-year funding. His speech and language improved and he responded quickly to developmental targets. “He’s really happy now and his smile has returned,” said Beth.“I am with a new partner now and I am hoping to volunteer at the children’s centre in the near future. “I am so grateful to the staff there – if it wasn’t for their help I would not have had the confidence to move on in my life, and Jay would still be stressed.” Saturday Hard work results in a job for sessions just for the dads former apprentice DADS are developing closer relationships ELIGHTED Dale Cummings with their sons and daughters thanks to has landed a full time position new weekend activity sessions run by Dwith the Hope Children’s Centre Stoke-on-Trent North Locality Children’s after on-the-job training provided him Centres. with an employment lifeline. Saturdads encourages male parents to Dale, 20, of Stockton Brook, enrolled on take part in a wide range of activities with the council’s apprenticeship scheme after attending a special training fayre at Port their children, from football and other Vale Football Club. sports to playing with toys and game Two years down the line he has notched consoles. up an NVQ Level 2 in Business The sessions are held on the first Saturday Administration and is working towards of every month at the Stoke-on-Trent North NVQ Level 3. Children’s Centre on Bishop Road, Chell The apprenticeship scheme has led to Heath. him being offered a full time job as Around a dozen dads and their children Receptionist and Business Administrator at regularly attend but the centre is looking the Hope Children’s Centre in Garth to encourage more from around the city to Street, Hanley. come along. Dale said: “I went from a position where Volunteer William Lancett, who helps I had no real experience to a position run Saturdads, said:“A lot of dads struggle where I have been learning and developing my skills in a work setting. to take part in activities of this kind with their children. Meeting market “This may be because of weekday work “I have been taught a broad range of new constraints or simply because they have skills, which include health and safety, been brought up to believe that the male healthy eating and IT and software goes to work and the female deals with packages. the children. “It really has been a lifeline for me and “Obviously we want to break away from getting full-time employment under my that misconception and let dads strengthen belt has made a difference financially and their bond with their children in a fun and also to my confidence.” relaxed environment.” The trainee apprenticeship programme is William who attends the sessions with his part of a wider initiative being delivered and developed in children’s centres to lift 20-month-old daughter Faith and also runs young people in Stoke-on-Trent out of the centre’s toy library, added:“Personally, I poverty. During their apprenticeship the have got a lot out of volunteering at the trainees have the opportunity to work at centre and it has helped me gain vital two different centres – Dale worked at experience and qualification that will help Kingsland Children’s Centre as well – so me towards a career working with they can experience working with children, children.” families and partners in different ● Dale Cummings hard at work For more details about Saturdads, communities. after securing a job at the The centres also offer work placements volunteering or any other activities call Hope Children’s Centre. the centre on 01782 232977. for young people in their catchment areas, working closely with schools and colleges. Our City p19 11/1/12 17:10 Page 1

JANUARY 2012 Our City 19 Football and outdoor skills Hard-hitting breaking barriers film shows dangers of icy ponds

STAFFORDSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service have launched a hard-hitting film highlighting the dangers to people tempted to play on ice. Called ‘Ice Breaker’,the five-minute DVD was shot in Staffordshire and features two girls playing by a frozen lake. One of them loses her bag on the ice during a play fight with a boy and goes out onto the lake to get it back. But tragedy strikes when she plunges into the freezing water and drowns.The film ends as she is zipped into a body bag.The stark message ‘No matter what – keep off. Don’t be an icebreaker’ then appears. The boy is then pictured sitting in a graveyard saying “I shouldn’t have even been down there that day. I was a stupid kid.” The film has been uploaded to the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service website and schools are being urged to show it in assembly during any cold snaps. As part of the winter safety campaign, warning Soccer posters carrying the message ‘3, 2, 1… gone’ are also players being displayed around pools, ponds and lakes across Meran Hussain, the county. 15, left and The Service’s Youth Education Co-ordinator, Steve Israr Tariq, Wright, said:“The DVD was created due to the growing 14. number of incidents across the country which involved people going onto frozen water and falling though the ice. “Though the DVD features young actors, it also serves as a safety warning for adults as well.Whilst ice may look thick, it doesn’t take much weight to crack the ice and before you know it, you’ve fallen through. football tournament New found organisational skills “Iced over water has dangerously low temperatures designed to help break were then put to good use as they which would be a real shock to the system and means down racial barriers in staged a one-day football tournament The best thing that people can very quickly get into difficulty. A “We hope that by watching the DVD, people will think at Longton Park, attracting about 10 “” Stoke-on-Trent proved so teams from across the city. about the day twice about going out onto frozen bodies of water, successful that the young The winners from Queensberry whether they do it for fun or to retrieve a pet or item. people who organised it want it have already been 10-pin bowling was playing The message is clear – it could be the last thing you do.” to become an annual event. with the runners-up, Tunstall Tigers. To watch the short film, visit the Staffordshire Fire and The group, who attend the city One of the young people who football and Rescue Service website at www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk, council’s Queensberry Youth Centre played in the winning Queensberry where it features on the homepage. at Normacot, first took their idea to taking home the team was 14-year-old Israr Tariq who Schools can also request a visit and presentation their youth worker and were said: “The best thing about the day about winter safety, including a warning about the supported to apply for funding from was playing football and taking home trophy. It was the former Youth Opportunities the trophy. dangers of playing on ice.To book a visit, call 08451 Fund. “It was also good to play with other also good to play 221155 and ask to be put through to your local risk They were granted around £1,500 young people from around the city.” with other young reduction team. towards a residential course and the Variety of backgrounds tournament. people from Partners Assuring a Safer Integrated Youth Development Staffordshire (PASS) – the charity set Worker Lisa Bates, who covers the around the city. up to help tackle antisocial behaviour south of the city, said: “The and the fear of crime – also donated residential was amazing. ISRAR TARIQ, 14 £200. “The teenagers were fantastic and Nine 16 to 18 year-olds first got so much out of it. Their include events for people who aren’t attended the Stanley Head Outdoor community football tournament to into football. Education Centre in the Staffordshire break down barriers attracted young ● Moorlands to improve a range of people from all over the city and from If you are able to support the skills. They cooked for themselves and a variety of ethnic backgrounds. It initiative or would just like more tackled team-building exercises like really was good. information contact Lisa Bates on raft building during a one-night, “They want to make it an annual 07900 135640 or email two-day stay. event now and even expand it a bit to [email protected] Residents warned about bogus callers RESIDENTS in Stoke-on-Trent are Householders are being urged to feel threatened or suspect they The icemen cometh... being warned to be on their guard use a door chain, check the identity have been approached by a bogus firefighters Steve against bogus callers. of callers and then close the door caller, they are urged to dial 999 Snape, left, and Dave The alert about people who call and phone the company to check. and report the incident to police. Cook in their water at homes pretending to be on Utility companies will agree a A Staffordshire Police rescue kit, and right, official business is being put out by password that can be used by their spokesperson said:“If in doubt, the floating pontoon the police following a spate of representatives, as a guarantee keep them out.You don’t have to used in ice rescue recent incidents. that visits are genuine. If residents let anyone into your home.” operations. Our City p20-21 11/1/12 17:33 Page 1

20 Our City JANUARY 2012 Budget 2012 webchat with Councillor Mohammed Pervez Budget Live web chat gives Monday December 19, 2011 2012/13 surfers opportunity to 5:43 Comment From David Barker Evening Cllr, as Governor of Stoke Minster Primary School, do you feel that the development of the Victoria Ground is essential for the community’s enhancement and future wellbeing?

5:43 Mohammed Pervez: The future of the Victoria Ground is very quiz the leader important to us and its future is currently under review. Clearly it would be in our interest to ensure that the site is developed to OZENS of During the full reflect our Mandate for Change. residents went council meeting held in Donline to quiz December, more than 5:46 Comment From Margaret Lowe 40 updates were Hello Cllr. Why do you want to save £24m, when you only need to save council Leader published to those £17m? I have heard that you want to ‘invest’ the rest. However, increasing Mohammed Pervez following proceedings about important issues on Twitter and council tax by 3.5% is going to put more people in poverty as we have for the city’s future. Facebook. Viewers of had rises in gas, electricity and probably water rates. My pay and many He went online as part of the the live video feed others has not risen in 2 years. Where do you think we are going to get the city’s budget consultations, shared their opinions extra money from? Why not just be satisfied with the £17m and not raise taking questions and posting on the debates and the council tax? replies within seconds. comments, creating a He said: “A number of ‘community’ feel. 5:49 Mohammed Pervez: people took part in the web A seasonal twist The Save to Invest initiative is crucial if we are chat, which was very pleasing came with the Twitter going to stimulate the local economy and deliver on the Mandate for to see. Gritter feed to keep Change. Government cuts make it impossible to sustain public “We answered a number of residents up to date sector jobs. The future lies in ensuring that the right kind of questions there and then and on the work of the conditions are created within our city to enable the private sector to where we weren’t able to give city’s gritting team. invest here. an answer straight away, we Followers were able to It’s an attractive find out which routes were able to reply later. 6:36 Comment From Rockape “It’s a very good method of “” were being gritted engaging with residents. It’s an way of getting and the state of roads Can I ask why you aren’t doing more as a council to collect defaulted attractive way of getting in in touch with across the city. council tax payments using modern collection ways. The collection touch with the council and Questions and recovery profile of this council is shocking, thus improving this would give getting answers to questions. the council and comments sent to the you more slippage in your budget? I’ll definitely do it again.” council via social media are all viewed getting answers 6.38 Mohammed Pervez: 3,100 on Twitter and, if necessary and This is a really challenging area for us and we The council has been using to questions. I’ll possible, responded are committed to improving our collection rate. We want to work its Facebook page and Twitter to or sent to a with people who can't pay for genuine reasons to put payment account extensively – and this definitely do it council department. plans in place but at the same time pursue those who refuse to pay. has expanded over the past few again. Simple questions months to promote the budget have been answered 6:40 Comment From Sam Alexander consultation. COUNCIL LEADER COUNCILLOR within seconds of Have the consultation Roadshows around Stoke been successful? Dates of consultation events, MOHAMMED PERVEZ being posted – links to documents about the something that will 6.48 Mohammed Pervez: budget and information about be built on in 2012. A number of people have spoken to us on the services affected by accounts while information was ● Follow the Budget Proposals at the Roadshows and we will continue to hold November’s public sector strike shared about school closures council at these across the City. It is important that we provide our residents have all been shared online – and bin collections. www.twitter.com/ with an opportunity to give us their views. The Roadshows are in where the regular updates have This coverage was sotcitycouncil or addition to the consultations that we are doing with our business seen numbers boom to more highlighted by a leading IT communities, our staff, our partners and elected members. than 3,100 Twitter ‘followers’ monitoring body SOCITM, search for Stoke- and 360 Facebook ‘friends’. which reports to the on-Trent City Just a few of the questions and answers from the live web chat with Council Leader Comments about the strike Government, as being among Council on Councillor Mohammed Pervez as part of the budget consultation exercise. were posted on council the best in the country. Facebook. Firefighters’ home visits keep older residents safe WITH the winter well and truly although checks for the elderly before you go to bed – unless it has here, people are now being and vulnerable are prioritised, the a thermostat control for safe reminded how to stay safe from service is open to everyone. All all-night use. fire in their own homes. staff who then call carry an ID card. ● The back of a heater should be It comes as Staffordshire Fire Ian Sloss, Staffordshire Fire and against a wall with the heater and Rescue Service revealed more Rescue Service’s Head of Risk facing the room. accidental house fires take place Reduction, said:“The elderly are ● Keep portable heaters clear of during winter that any other time particularly vulnerable during the curtains and furniture and never of year. colder months as they are more use them to dry clothes. Last year six people, four of them likely to feel the cold and so may elderly, died following fires in their be more reliant on portable ● Make sure candles are in a homes involving heating appliances. heaters and open fires, which can proper holder and away from An awareness campaign has present fire risks. anything which can catch fire. been launched for older people “If you are elderly, or know ● Put candles out when you leave and their carers. Posters and someone elderly who hasn’t the room. Make sure they are out leaflets have been delivered to received a free home fire risk before you go to bed. assessment, we’d urge you to get in doctor’s surgeries, hospitals, ● Sweep the chimney before use if touch on our Freephone number. A libraries, housing associations, you haven’t used it for sometime. post offices, children’s centres and home fire risk check reduces the ● voluntary organisations. risk of a fire occurring and gives Always keep a fireguard in front Home fire risk checks are also you peace of mind.” of an open fire. available through Freephone 0800 Tips to stay safe this winter ● Push the button weekly on your Longton Firefighter Kyle Brookes carries out a Home Fire 0241 999. Callers will be able to include: smoke alarms to make sure they ● Safety Check at the home of resident Barbara Pattyson. arrange an appointment and Unplug your electric blanket work. Our City p20-21 11/1/12 15:50 Page 2

JANUARY 2012 Our City 21 June Bentley creating an elegant Chinese robe at her new ‘Tell us Once’ initiative premises in Burslem. expands to cover births THE council service designed to “We’re providing a simple process help people cope with life changing that responds to specific needs of moments like death has now been people who need to be with their expanded to include births as well. families and not on the phone to The Tell Us Once service, which is Government authorities.” run in partnership by the council Councillor Gwen Hassall, Cabinet and the Department of Work and Member for Housing and Pensions, aims to cut stress and red Neighbourhoods, said: “These are tape by allowing people to make times in everybody’s lives better one visit to Hanley Town Hall to see spent with family than dealing with a registrar. Details are then passed Government. Tell Us Once removes on to approximately 28 different red tape and gives time back to services on their behalf. families when they need it most. Programme Director Lyn When something as major as a birth McDonald said:“We’ve done away or death happens in a family, we with the red tape that usually understand the last thing anybody confronts a person wanting to wants to be doing is dealing with report a change in circumstances to Government administration. the Government. “Tell Us Once turns a “In a single appointment at their cumbersome process into a fast and local authority, a person can notify efficient service.” all the relevant Government ● For more information contact departments and service authorities the Registrar at the council on of their circumstances. It’s a service 01782 235260 or email that saves time and money. [email protected] Mandate for Change Chelsea Hibbs, of Bentilee, with her new baby Businesses thriving in Dolcie. difficult times ORE and more women in the up her care workers job in 2008, said: “I do Potteries are showing true customer commissions, bespoke bridal wear and M entrepreneurial spirit as they evening wear. I also make cushion covers, set up their own businesses despite the household items and take on alterations. Gaynor’s service has been brilliant. The tough economic times. Enterprise coaches are very knowledgeable.” With support from Stoke-on-Trent City Gaynor said: “All these women are truly Council funded Enterprise Coaches, women are inspirational and show what can be achieved taking on a variety of sectors. Sarah Colclough is with the right ideas and the right support. in her second year as the only female locksmith “I’m one of three Enterprise Coaches in the in the area while Samantha Morton sells a range city and we’re here to offer flexible help and of children’s ponchos through her newly set up advice to people considering self employment as firm Perfectly Poncho. a way forward to improving their lives. We also Also established in the children’s sector is operate a monthly Enterprise Club where, for Mandy Salt who is expanding her home-run example, specialists such as web designers, childminding service this spring when she opens printers, accountants, tax advice and banks are her Little Gemz Nursery in Milton, employing available.” four full-time and four part-time staff. ● To speak to an Enterprise Coach call Gaynor The 51-year-old said: “It all started when I was made redundant from my admin manager’s Parkinson on 07834 657828 or email job and began helping find a childminder for my [email protected], Gayle grandson Tyler, who is now three. Jessiman on 07969 557915 or email Fantastic help [email protected], and Lisa Davies on 07866 807134 or email Still time for a flu jab “My daughter Louise and I weren’t that [email protected] impressed and I thought I could do HEALTH bosses have warned it is not too late for people in at risk better. So the family started looking after groups to have a flu vaccination... especially if the weather turns Tyler and I set up Little Gemz at home. wintery. What makes us different is that we follow Although the cold weather does not directly cause viruses like colds the Early Years learning curriculum so we and flu, it can mean that older people or those with long-term health do story time, painting, messy play and conditions develop more serious symptoms. have a chalkboard. Dr Zafar Iqbal, Acting Director of Public Health for Stoke-on-Trent, “My first plans for a nursery fell said:“It’s important to be protected because some people are more through but now I’ve got the go ahead to susceptible to the effects of seasonal flu and it can also sometimes set up in Milton so I’m delighted. make existing conditions worse. Enterprise Coach Gaynor Parkinson has been a fantastic help with advice on a “So anyone who has been written to by their GP inviting them to whole range of things.” have the vaccination really should take up the offer. June Bentley has been running her “People who will have received letters include those aged over 65, sewing company for two years from people under 65 with long-term conditions such as heart disease, home and is doing so well, she has just diabetes, asthma, multiple sclerosis, serious kidney and liver disease, moved Sew Good into business premises Mandy Salt with Dylan Currie, aged 4, left, and Tyler pregnant women and front-line health care professionals.” in Burslem. The 60-year-old, who gave Morris aged 3 at the Little Gemz nursery in Milton. Our City p22-23 11/1/12 17:01 Page 1

22 Our City JANUARY 2012

Stoke City striker Jonathan Walters enjoys a cuppa with pensioner Ken Downs. The Premier League star is pictured left with volunteers Rachel Cox and Josh Simple steps Simpson. can help beat vomiting bug HEALTH bosses in Stoke-on- Trent have issued fresh advice to help people minimise the effects of the winter vomiting bug. Norovirus, which causes Soccer stars sign up to help vomiting and diarrhoea, is easily transmitted but people OUNGSTERS on can reduce the spread of the a football-in-the- virus by thoroughly and Ycommunity scheme regularly washing their hands chipped in to help elderly with soap and water, people get through the older people particularly winter by supplying them after going to with goody bags. who is on the committee of the the toilet and Volunteers from the Kickz local Kickz project. before eating. programme helped pack up bags It gave the “Giving out the Rescue Packs The bug is of food and household items “” at Bentilee was a great way for self-limiting before handing them out at members of Kickz to help ensure and sufferers Bentilee Neighbourhood Centre. teenagers a good house-bound people didn’t have will recover It was part of a voluntary week to risk going out on slippery naturally but they should stay organised by Stoke City Football feeling inside to pavements just to get essentials. at home and make sure they Club and their community put something “It gave the teenagers a good drink plenty of fluids. departments, Stoke Challenge and feeling inside to put something Stoke on Trent College project. back into the community. People with the bug should Striker Jonathan Walters joined back into the “When they participate in this not visit their doctor or the Kickz teenagers, council way they help to change Accident and Emergency and housing officers and volunteers community. perceptions between the younger should stay away from work or to hand out the special Rescue and older generations.” school until they have been Packs which were organised with PETER HALL, FIRE SAFETY OFFICER The national Kickz programme free of symptoms for at least help from Sainsburys and was created by the Premier 48 hours. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue up with Staffordshire Police, match tickets, get the chance to League and the Metropolitan They should not visit friends Service. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue achieve an FA Level 1 coaching Police five years ago to work with or relatives in hospitals or Voluntary participation is a Service and Stoke-on-Trent City badge and obtain qualifications children in disadvantaged areas. Stoke City was the 41st club to residential care homes either cornerstone of the Kickz scheme Council, is completely free for to go into youth work. which is run by football clubs young people aged 12-18 who “One of the main aims of become involved. as they could spread the virus. across the country in partnership are interested in playing football Kickz is to encourage As well as football-based Sufferers are also being with local agencies to encourage and being coached by volunteering and create routes activities, youngsters are offered advised not to handle or youngsters to engage in their FA-qualified coaches. into education, training and educational sessions on issues prepare food for other people local community. Members play against Kickz employment,” said Peter Hall, including healthy lifestyle, drug until they have been symptom In Stoke-on-Trent the Kickz teams from other Premier Staffordshire Fire and Rescue and substance misuse and free for two days. project, where Stoke City teams League clubs, receive occasional Community Fire Safety Officer carrying weapons. The elderly and very young can sometimes get a more severe infection or become dehydrated and if that Team available to help with housing issues has moved happens they should phone THE Housing Solutions Service provide support can offer advice and assistance to people who need advice about home ownership options. their doctor or NHS Direct on for people in Stoke-on-Trent with housing are homeless or may be at risk of homelessness. The centre is open Monday to Thursday – 9am 0845 4647 for advice. problems has moved office. In addition support can be provided to help to 5pm or Friday 9am to 4.30pm. Alternatively, a People should also consult The Housing Advice Centre, which was based people who want to access council home or workplace visit from an officer can be their doctor or call NHS Direct at South Wolfe Street,Stoke,has moved to the accommodation, private sector housing, arranged. if symptoms persist for more First Floor of the Civic Centre on Glebe Street. supported housing or a housing association ● For more details call the Housing Solutions than 48 hours. Experienced officers can help anyone in property.The Housing Solutions Service can also Service on 01782 233696 or email Stoke-on-Trent who has a housing need. Officers assist if you need help with your mortgage or [email protected] Our City p22-23 11/1/12 15:45 Page 2

JANUARY 2012 Our City 23 Citywide campaign will promote apprenticeships national campaign to raise vehicle mechanic and catering and awareness about recruiting hospitality. A apprentices is being Qualifications depend on the framework showcased in the city. the apprentice follows and are usually built around vocational qualifications at level 2 Schools, training organisations, colleges or 3. and other agencies will join the council in Tim Wareham,Training Manager for the highlighting the benefits of recruiting young service, said: “With over one million people and providing on-the-job training. unemployed young people nationally, our Details about events and activities will be engagement with Apprenticeship posted on the council’s website in the run programmes offer us an important way of up to National Apprenticeship Week 2012, unlocking talent within existing staff and taking place between 6 to 10 February. our local communities, while ensuring that The theme of the campaign is “Get With we have a workforce equipped with the Apprenticeships” which highlights the skills needed for today and tomorrow. talents, skills and commitment of real “The focus of the Apprenticeship apprentices and their employers – utilising programme is on young people between their experiences to positively inform and the ages of 16-19 years old. However, persuade others to get involved. Apprenticeships are not exclusive to this Employees for the future age group. “Whilst offering a potential pathway Major employers such as the council take into the Fire and Rescue Service, it also advantage of apprenticeship schemes to offers a training programme for new and recruit tailored young employees for the existing staff regardless of age. future. “They are relevant to a whole range of Through the council’s Apprenticeship roles and as our service progresses scheme, hundreds of people have been put through this period of restructure and on the path to a promising career. change, the Apprenticeship All learners enrol on an NVQ level 2 or 3 programme can provide it with a related to their specific career goal and Key stable pool of talent.” AN EXCITING Number of Skills in communication. ● To find out more about NEW CAREER... Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is opportunities with the fire Declan Bailey, who is enjoying similar success. They employ 14 service call 08451 22 11 55 teen mums apprentices, while providing nationally training with and ask to speak to someone Staffordshire Fire and accredited, structured training development about apprenticeships. For is reduced and vital work experience. Rescue Service as an apprenticeship opportunities Over the last 18 months Apprenticeship Apprentice TEENAGE pregnancy figures in placements have provided an effective at the council in business Firefighter. administration, sports and leisure Stoke-on-Trent continue to method of attracting new staff and filling fall thanks in part to a city vacancies within the service. please contact the Learn4work team council scheme considered The roles are varied, ranging from on 01782 234435. emergency fire service operations and Email: [email protected] gold standard in the country. business and administration to motor or visit stoke.gov.uk/learn4work There were 165 pregnancies in girls aged 15 to 17 in the first nine months of 2010… a drop of 29 on the same period the previous year and down 46 for £11million Meir health centre offers a 2008. At the same time there has been an astonishing 256 per cent increase in the use of contraceptives by young range of health services under one roof people. Sharon Menghini, Director THOUSANDS of patients are purpose built on the site of the patients and staff by healthcare centre in Meir, which helps us make of Children and Young enjoying state-of-the-art health former Kings Arms pub, is now building specialists One Creative sure the healthcare needs of local People’s Services for the city facilities now the new £11 million home to six local GP practices and Environment Ltd, the new centre residents are better met by council, said:“These figures Meir Primary Care Centre is up and expects to treat up to 160,000 has a curved front façade to mirror providing so many services under demonstrate that our running. people a year. the curved building opposite the one roof.” joined-up approach to The centre in Weston Road, Designed in consultation with site. The developers of the 2,945 tackling teenage pregnancy The four-storey high entrance square metre site were Prima 200, rates and improved sexual comes complete with copper clad the Local Improvement Finance health among the young square frame and louvers to reduce Trust (LIFT) company for North people of the city is working.” overheating from the sun. Staffordshire, a public private Councillor Debra Gratton, It steps down to a two-storey partnership between the NHS, and Cabinet Member for Children’s wing and the whole building their private sector partners Prime Services, said:“It is encouraging incorporates a range of green Plc. to see so many teenagers features with 15 per cent of the Prima 200 Chair John Taylor said: taking responsibility for their centre’s energy needs being met by “By working closely with the local own sexual health.The council renewable sources such as solar community, the Primary Care Trust will continue to work with energy and air source heat pumps. and Prime, we have together been partners to provide The building brings together a able to create a health centre fit for information and support to whole range of health services the 21st Century that can also those young people most at under one roof including district support an expansion in services. risk of teenage pregnancy.” nursing, health visiting, school and “The scheme in Meir Sexual health drop-in specialist nursing, contraception demonstrates the importance of services are available in and sexual health services, designing buildings and schools and other locations paediatric and adult physiotherapy, infrastructure around the service where the council works with a dental access centre and also has needs of a community and agencies including the School an on-site community pharmacy. ensuring those services are easily Nursing Service,Youth Graham Urwin, Chief Executive of accessible.” Meir Health Centre Manager Jo Ashcroft with local resident and ● Services, Connexions and the Staffordshire Cluster of PCTs, To contact Meir Primary Care the NHS. patient Maureen Latham. said:“We are very proud of the new Centre call 0300 123 1452. Our City p24 11/1/12 15:36 Page 1

24 Our City JANUARY 2012 UPDATE ON THE CITY’S COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARD CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE Getting switched on to Law change for people looking after someone online dangers else’s child Parents PRIVATE foster carers in Stoke-on-Trent ARENTS and young are being urged to come forward as the people across the city are and young people are being Children and Young People’s Pbeing reminded about given practical advice department at the council continues to internet safety as they enjoy on staying safe while update its records on childcare festive presents like new lap surfing the net and arrangements in the city. tops, PCs, mobile phones and using social They differ from the traditional games consoles. networks. fostering arrangements most people It comes amid recent surveys are aware of because private carers do suggesting some young people go on to not have to apply to the local authority meet strangers face-to-face after first or go through assessments and training encountering them online, in forums before approval. and on social networks. A change in the law places a duty on Jonathan Moss, the E-Safety the local authority to check the welfare Champion for the city’s Safeguarding of privately fostered children and young Children Board, said: “We can all people to ensure they are being imagine the possible problems that safeguarded. these young people could encounter It covers private arrangements, which and we have all read terrible media last for 28 days or more for children reports of young people getting into difficulties through the unsafe use of under 16 or under 18 if they have a the internet. disability, and where the carer is “The internet is a wonderful thing. someone other than a parent or close It allows us to connect, share and relative. Carers may be members of the search. All the different types of extended family like a cousin or great technologies these days have the ability aunt, friends of the family, or someone to connect to the internet through the child does not know. wired, wireless and 3G, allowing It includes children sent from abroad fabulous social networking, online to stay with family members, teenagers gaming, apps and email to be in the who may be living with the family of a hands of children and young people. friend, boyfriend or girlfriend and “But this also means that children people living with a host family while can have access to the internet without studying. control from parents and carers, and Birth parents need to tell the local when it is in their hands it is difficult authority of any private fostering to know exactly what they are looking arrangements they have agreed at or doing. preferably before they start. However, in As safe as possible an emergency, they should tell the local “So what can we do as parents to authority within 48 hours of the make sure that our children are as safe arrangements starting and when as possible? they end. “The first step is to understand what They keep their parental the technology can do and what the responsibility but they must give the risks are.” carer information about their child So parents are being urged to: including any special health needs, diet, ● Be as aware as possible of what school, religion, and cultural ethnicity their children are doing online. needs.They also have to ensure the ● Talk to their children about place where their child is going to stay E-safety to find out what they is safe and appropriate. have learned about it at school so The local authority has to decide the they are more E-safe themselves. suitability of private fostering ● Remember that mobile phones arrangements and carry out checks as can also be used for bullying and well as make regular visits to see the the sending and receiving of child and also to give advice to the inappropriate messages. The internet is private foster carers. ● “” Carole Preston, the city’s Check which games their children are playing online. Are a fabulous Safeguarding Children Board Manager, they playing adult only games said:“This is not about people being in with a PEGI rating of 18? technology that trouble but simply us making sure that children and young people are safe and ● Remember that some online games involve team play, which has transformed well cared for and that their needs are means an adult from anywhere being met. in the world could be involved. our lives but there “We can’t possibly know how many children and young people are being Jonathan added: “The internet is a are also risks. fabulous technology that has cared for by private foster carers unless transformed our lives but there are also So make sure that someone tells us so we’d urge them to risks. So make sure that your children get in touch. are as safe as possible and have a your children are “They may not be aware they could happy E-safe new year.” perhaps claim tax credits and Child Benefit and other practical support so For more information about as safe as possible we can also steer them in the right online risks and how to safely and have a happy direction with those sorts of things.” use the internet, go to: To report an arrangement or get more thinkuknow.co.uk/parents E-safe new year. information call the Children’s Services ceop.police.uk/safety-centre Duty Team on 01782 235100 or go to parents.vodafone.com or JONATHAN MOSS, E-SAFETY CHAMPION www.safeguardingchildren.stoke.gov.uk safeguardingchildren.stoke.gov.uk Our City p25 11/1/12 15:33 Page 1

JANUARY 2012 Our City 25 Calendar highlights doorstep dangers A calendar has been produced highlighting the dangers of doorstep crime. The month-to-month calendar which is being handed out to elderly residents includes images of the city’s industrial past as well as helpful information about not falling foul of rogue traders. Councillor Gwen Hassall, Cabinet Member for Housing and Neighbourhoods, said:“Unscrupulous doorstep traders and conmen see elderly and vulnerable people as an easy target. “The council’s Safer City Partnership is doing all it can to ensure we catch these people before they can cause significant harm to residents. “The calendar has proven Public very popular as it Protection combines vital safety Officer Valerie information and contact Edmonds giving a free details with local calendar to Tunstall history.” residents Frank Ralphs, ● For more information 77, and his wife visit stoke.gov.uk and Dorothy, 73, in search for doorstep crime. Hanley Market. Campaign spreads messages by hi-tech phone icon hard-hitting These include stark messages The flyers are being campaign is using such as “iMake myself more handed out to revellers in A one of the most vulnerable” and icons such as town and city centres and recognisable hi-tech icons “iHad a fight”, “iVomited”, also distributed to youth “iGot pregnant” and “iFell workers, the Pubwatch of the 21st century to help over”. network and partner tackle drink-related town On the back of the leaflets is agencies, such as the centre violence and information about the Safer City Partnership. disorder. Immobilise website, which The campaign has Through the new enables phones and other been launched by Staffordshire Police at a The iDrink campaign, flyers personal property to be have been produced registered. time when the latest iDrink resembling the It also includes a QR code figures show the link Smartphone screen of an iPhone, which allows smart phone users between alcohol and icons are helping with icons to scan the image, leading them crime. spread safety representing the directly to the Staffordshire Statistics for the messages to possible harm Police website for further period 1 April – 30 revellers. caused by alcohol. information. September, 2011 show that alcohol played a part in over a third of all violent crimes with injury across the city. Model prizes in non-emergency number launch And almost 53 per cent of offenders in STAFFORDSHIRE Police has launched “We’re looking for innovative force to report non-emergency Staffordshire an online photograph competition photographs where people create crime and disorder. Since its launch, supervised by the to mark the national 101 non 101 in their photo using everyday 101 has been well received by the Probation Service were emergency number launch. objects, such as writing 101 with a public. assessed as having Members of the public can enter bike wheel next to two posts.” In an emergency, the public alcohol problems. the competition by taking a There are three prizes – one should continue to call 999, such as However, the figures also themselves safe photograph which incorporates ‘101’ winner’s prize, a Jaguar 240 Police when a crime is in progress, when show that alcohol-related throughout the year. violent crime is falling. There “It is great news for the city using everyday items. A shortlist will Car Model 1:18 scale, and two there is danger to life or when 101 were 341 fewer crimes in the that alcohol related violent then be picked, which will then be runners up prizes, a Jaguar MK2 3.8 violence is being used city from April 2011 to crimes have fallen by 30 per posted onto the force’s Facebook site and a Jaguar X16 Series 1 4.2, or threatened. October 2011, compared with cent in Stoke-on-Trent in the for public voting though ‘Likes’. which were donated to the force. WINNER’S the same period in 2010 – a past year and we want to PRIZE: Staffordshire Police Head of The winning photographs will drop of 30 per cent. reduce that figure further.” Corporate Communications Ian then be used by the force to The Jaguar Councillor Gwen Hassall, Fegan said:“The competition is a help promote the 101 number. 240 police car Cabinet Member for Housing For more details great way for budding The introduction of the 101 model. and Neighbourhoods, said: about tackling photographers to use their creativity number in November 2011 “The council is working closely alcohol-related violence to help promote 101, and be in with means communities have one easy with Staffordshire Police and visit the advice zone at a chance of winning a unique prize. way to contact their local police other partners to highlight ways www.staffordshire. residents can help keep police.uk Our City p26-27 11/1/12 15:29 Page 1

26 Our City JANUARY 2012

Volunteer uses experience to help other people HRIS Youd has life. I was addicted to injection something back. It lets me act as a bounced back from drugs, and had contracted the middle man and liaise with service Crock bottom. The worse strain of Hepatitis C – users and staff. I help deal with 41-year-old had contracted Geno Type 1. problems and share experiences – “I felt dirty every time I went they trust me because I have been the worst strain of Hepatitis for a job interview because I had in their shoes. C after 25 years of Class A to declare that I had Hep C – and “I run groups and have also set drug use, could not get a kept being turned down. up a newsletter to help get the Hepatology Nurse Rejoice Ngusena with some of the material job and was thrown out of “It was really affecting my self message across and spread available to give more information on the treatment of Hepatitis C. his home by his partner. esteem, and health-wise I just awareness about Hepatitis C and Fortunately, he was able to seek didn’t feel right at all.” the treatment programme. help to turn things around. As well “Most of all it has proved to me as going through comprehensive Turned my life around that people are willing to trust me detoxification he was accepted He added: “At first I felt very and that has done a great deal for 100 people treated for my confidence,” said Chris, who onto a 48 month Hepatitis C scared about the treatment treatment programme, which he programme, it was a step into the is now back at home living with has just completed. unknown and physically I didn’t his partner. ‘silent killer’disease His life has come full circle – know if I was up for it. Chris started the New Year with because not only is he set to be “But it has really turned my life a spring in his step. He has DOZENS of service users joined treatment of Hepatitis C in given the all-clear but he has around and now I feel like a enrolled onto college courses in health professionals and civic the city. signed up as a Service User different person. I feel like I am Computing and Advice and dignitaries to celebrate a major “It was good to see many of Representative helping raise back in the real world. Guidance, which will help with breakthrough in the treatment of the service users helping us to awareness and supporting others “The voluntary work as a his voluntary work. Hepatitis C in the city. celebrate the achievements, coming through the programme. Service User Representative has He added: “I have been given a Routes to Recovery, based at because they are a real part of it. He said: “I really was at an made a big difference. second chance in life and really Canalside, Festival Park has “The disease is more infectious absolute low. “It helped me take my mind off want to take advantage of this successfully treated more than than HIV but because symptoms “I had hit rock bottom in my the programme while giving opportunity.” 100 people who had contracted may not show for many years, it the disease – often referred to as can be passed on by people who the Silent Killer. are totally unaware that they The community service have the disease. received funding from the Safer “Treating people as early as City Partnership for the scheme possible in this way can save the which is unique throughout NHS hundreds of thousands of VOLUNTEERING the UK. pounds in more extensive SUCCESS... In just over a year 100 people treatment or liver transplants.” Service User have been tested for Hepatitis C Lisa added:“Hopefully Representative Chris by the specialist team. hundreds of people will go on to Youd is using his Lisa Nagington, Clinical Nurse lead normal and healthy lives ‘second chance’ to Specialist – Hepatitis C, said:“The because of the scheme and we work with drug special event marks a real will help to raise awareness of users. milestone achievement in the Hepatitis C in the process.”

Above, Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr Alison Brind, left, talking to recovery worker Claire Thomas. Below... members of the specialist Routes to Recovery team with a commissioner from the Safer City Partnership. Our City p26-27 11/1/12 15:29 Page 2

JANUARY 2012 Our City 27

Many people arrested in the city are being tested for drugs in a bid to break the link between substance misuse and offending. Our City reports on how this is acting as a gateway to treatment, services and a healthier, crime-free lifestyle… Alcohol Restriction Zone feedback

PUBLIC feedback is now being evaluated as part of a proposed alcohol restriction zone (ARZ) in the Tunstall neighbourhood. Members of the public Members attended three consultation of the Drug events held at Tunstall Intervention Programme Market and Sandyford Fire (DIP) are, left to right, Station to examine and ask Manager Nigel Lee, questions about the Administrator Annie Karling, proposals. Prison Link Worker Tony Hill, DIP A report is now being Team Leader Nick Imlack, compiled and the ARZ will Restriction on Bail Court be on the agenda at a Worker Trevor Spencer and forthcoming meeting of the DIP Recovery Worker council’s Licensing and Saj Farooq. General Purposes Committee. Alcohol Restriction Zones RUG testing on can be put into place when arrest has been in an area experiences alcohol Dplace in many areas related disorder or Drug testing a powerful tool in nuisance. It gives Police across the country since 2003 and has proved a officers the power to powerful tool in tackling confiscate alcohol or ask drug related offending and people to stop drinking in the zone, and if they refuse combating the link between they may be arrested. crime and drug use. Tony Oakman, Director of From November 2011 drug fighting abuse Adult and Neighbourhood testing on arrest has also operated in Stoke-on-Trent. professionals are involved in this Custody Suite and in most cocaine will get help and support Services, said:“This isn’t People over the age of 18 who initiative including, local instances will see people for their to break the habit. The drug about making drinking a are arrested for a range of authority, heath, social care and first appointment before they workers work with a doctor, often criminal offence in Tunstall, offences including burglary, police in an effort to help leave custody. the individual’s own GP, to design it’s about giving police shoplifting and fraud, or when it thousands of suspected criminals Figures show that more than tailored recovery programmes officers the power to act if is suspected that drug use has stop taking drugs that drive them 3,000 people living in Stoke-on- that not only address the drug use they feel that a problem is contributed towards the crime, to break the law. Trent, during the 12-month but also the underlying problems being caused by people are being tested for heroin, Failure to attend an period up to July 2011, were such as homelessness, debt, drinking in a public place. crack and cocaine when brought appointment is a criminal offence. arrested for offences triggered by physical and mental health issues “Those drinking into custody. Drug workers are based drug use. and relationship breakdown. responsibly have nothing The community within the Anyone tested positive is Drug using suspects to worry about – the Northern required to attend up to two participating in the “test on drug service consultation gave people and a wide Area assessments with a drug worker. arrest” scheme can also be the chance to tell us if they range of These sessions are designed to referred for detoxification where engage the individual in they will receive 24-hour care think the conditions and treatment, to address their drug designed to help them become the areas the zone will use, and to give advice and free of drugs. cover are appropriate.” information about drugs and Gateway to treatment The Safer City their effects, such as the Partnership, City Council consequences of taking drugs, They can also access residential and Staffordshire Police risk of dependency, the rehabilitation services to help have worked closely with dangers of mixing different them stay off drugs and resettle in local residents and local the community. types of drugs and taking businesses to draw up the drugs with alcohol, as well Vicki Yates, Adult Drug Treatment Programme Lead for ARZ proposal. as potential long-term Safer City Partnership conditions that could be the Safer City Partnership, said: Officer Jennifer Lawson contracted, such as “Test on arrest provides a Hepatitis C. gateway to drug treatment and said:“The three other services for people who are consultation events were A drug worker will difficult to engage. It is also an also ensure that well-attended and the opportunity to re-engage people feedback we received is information about who have dropped out of drug positive tests is put being used to help compile treatment. our report to councillors. forward to the courts so “The partnership involved in that requirements to delivering the initiative brings “A decision on whether attend drug treatment can together the sort of expertise, the Tunstall ARZ will be DIP Team Leader be imposed as part of bail skills and experience required to given the go-ahead will be Nick Imlack gives and sentencing to help individuals overcome decided by members of the some advice on incentivise people to become substance misuse problems and Licensing and General beating drug abuse. drug free. live healthy, stable, crime-free Purpose Committee at a Suspects who are dependent lives which in turn makes future meeting.” on Class A drugs like heroin and communities safer places to live.” Our City p28 12/1/12 09:09 Page 1

28 Our City JANUARY 2012

Patricia, left, and Sue – Kim founding members Bennett, of Voices of Manager of Experience – with a Bluebell wall hanging showing Women’s the journey of Domestic Refuge. domestic abuse victims. Violence Outreach Services Manager Jackie Capewell with the information packs Working to ease scars of the produced for the forgotten victims conference. ROUND 150 delegates including police, Children and Young race, age or gender and it’s important attended a conference in People’s Services, the probation service that there are dedicated professionals on A the King’s Hall, Stoke, and mental health professionals – was hand to provide any assistance that is with the aim of helping “the described by its founder Nigel Boulton. needed.” Later a panel of experts, including Councillor Stephen Sweeney, Cabinet forgotten victims” – children Nigel Boulton, Catherine Edwards, Kate Member for Safer and Stronger and young people whose lives Howard of ARCH and representatives Communities at Newcastle-under-Lyme are often scarred by domestic from the Tender and AVA charities that Borough Council, said: “Newcastle violence. help prevent domestic violence, Safer Communities Partnership is “Children and Young People – Our answered a wide range of questions from committed to combating domestic Future” brought together professionals delegates. violence in the borough by working including the voluntary sector and Raising awareness successfully with partners to protect community groups to share information victims of all ages and tackling and provide each other with a better Paul Bridges, Chief Executive for perpetrators. insight into how they can effectively ARCH, said: “Calls to our Helpline “More than 750,000 children work together to support children and have increased by 50 per cent since witness domestic abuse at home young people living with or experiencing 2010 and we have a long list of children each year which can have domestic violence. who witness domestic abuse and need profound and lasting effects, both The third conference of its kind was support. Children are the forgotten physically and emotionally. hosted by Stoke-on-Trent Safer City victims and this annual conference is an “The conference provided a Partnership, Newcastle-under-Lyme’s important part of raising awareness and chance for officers to share information, Safer Communities Partnership and the working to stop the violence and abuse.” debate collectively and discuss best registered charity ARCH which Stoke-on-Trent Councillor Gwen working practices, paving the way for supports and advises people in Hassall, Cabinet Member for Housing even better support services.” Staffordshire and Cheshire on a range of and Neighbourhoods, said: “The issues, including domestic violence. opportunity for people to get together The morning session concentrated on and share what they know can only help portraying children’s experiences of the victims of domestic violence. Crime-busting advice to beat snatchers domestic violence through a series of “It’s reassuring to know that people films and presentations, while in the who have a breadth of knowledge about WINTER time visitors to the city centre have that they were given as gifts at Christmas afternoon the work of MASH (Multi their field are available to help people been given advice on staying safe and clear and these can be tempting for opportunist Agency Safeguarding Hub) – which when it’s required. Domestic violence of opportunist criminals. thieves and burglars. brings together a range of agencies can affect anyone, regardless of their A whole range of organisations – That is why it is absolutely essential that including the Safer City Partnership, they use property marking kits, so their Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Fire goods can be identified if they are stolen. and Rescue Service – have been handing “We also have a lot of students returning out useful safety items such as purse bells, to the city after the Christmas break, often which can help deter pick pockets, cycle with valuable hi-tech electrical items, and marking kits and personal attack alarms in they can fall prey to criminals. the run up to Christmas. “We work with the city’s student But there was an ongoing message too… population to encourage them to sign up to the crime-busting advice is not just for the schemes such as Immobilise, through which Festive season, it is particularly relevant for the details of their property are stored on a the remaining winter months. national online property register.” Bill James, Respect Co-ordinator for the More than 24 million people in the UK Safer City Partnership, said:“While the run up have signed up for the scheme, which was to Christmas is the time many people launched in 2003. For more details log onto concentrate on when handing out safety www.immobilise.com. advice, this really needs to be extended into the New Year and the remaining Winter ● For more advice on crime prevention Youth and Leadership Co-ordinator Marie months. during the Winter months call Bill on Horner addresses delegates at the conference. “People often have new valuable items 01782 236113. Our City p29 11/1/12 16:42 Page 1

JANUARY 2012 Our City 29 More glass and metal recycling

Our City reports back on convictions secured to make Stoke-on-Trent safer for us all... key to saving money This column keeps Stoke-on-Trent’s OUSEHOLDERS across recycling rate go up from 39 per cent to Her appeal comes as the council reviews communities updated about criminals aged 18 or more who Stoke-on-Trent could save 41 per cent as each household produces its dry recyclables service. A single provider 19kg less waste. separates the city’s glass, cans, plastic and have been jailed for six months or Hthe city council £147,000 a more at crown court. year by simply recycling more Councillor Janine Bridges, Cabinet cardboard at its recovery facility in Member for City Services, said: “We Crayford, Essex but that contract ends in The offenders featured may well glass and metal. could save a staggering amount if people August 2012. have had a direct impact on the More than 2,000 tonnes ends up being just realised that the stuff they buy and The council is taking the opportunity to quality of life where you or they needlessly burned at the Hanford throw away is a resource not waste. look at how it provides services as it goes live. incinerator because people throw it away “It costs us a huge amount to get rid of out to tender. The council, police, Crown instead of putting it into their blue and makes no contribution to electricity Split contracts are now a possibility Prosecution Service, courts and recycling bins. The material costs the generation at Hanford. All it does is make with different providers recycling different Youth Offending Services believe it council £108,418 to dispose when it that process less efficient so it ends up materials. The council has also identified is important the public are could be earning an annual income of costing us more. suitable locations across the city for new reassured that the criminal justice £38,581 instead. recycling businesses as it considers system is working effectively on Simply putting glass and Help us make savings keeping services local. their behalf throughout the city. metal in the blue bin “Our contract costs would come down Councillor Bridges said: “This is a great would see the if we didn’t have to put glass and metal opportunity for us to change the way we MICHAEL GOODWIN (AGED 32) city’s through the incinerator. provide our services so we are looking at ADDRESS: Stoke-on-Trent. RECYCLE “So I’m urging people to think twice getting more localised solutions and OFFENCE: Production of Class YOUR METAL before they dump any glass and metal in supporting businesses here. It B controlled drug – Cannabis. their grey bins. It’s just as easy to put it could be more cost effective AND GLASS... in the blue bin instead. That’ll get and create job opportunities SENTENCE: 8 months’ Plant Manager Dave our recycling rates up and, at in the city. imprisonment. Sentenced at Rockey shows the a time when money is “We’re also in talks with Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court. materials that could save tight, will help us make other local authorities to provide the city £147,000 a savings. It’s win, better recycling solutions as we year if properly win all round.” look at reducing costs and try to get GARRETH FOSTER (AGED 29) recycled. our carbon footprint down still further.” ADDRESS: Stoke-on-Trent. OFFENCE: Arson. SENTENCE: 10 years’ imprisonment. Sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

SIMON BEECH (AGED 23) ADDRESS: Stoke-on-Trent. OFFENCE: Arson. SENTENCE: 10 years’ imprisonment. Sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

JAMES BARROW (AGED 21) ADDRESS: Stoke-on-Trent. OFFENCE: Causing death by careless/inconsiderate driving. SENTENCE: 12 months’ imprisonment. Sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

STEPHEN SILVESTER (AGED 51) ADDRESS: Stoke-on-Trent. OFFENCE: Possession with intent to supply Class A drug – Cocaine. SENTENCE: 54 months’ imprisonment. Sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

MARK BARNET (AGED 40) Foundation work starts on city’s new bus station ADDRESS: Stoke-on-Trent. OFFENCE: Assault. WORK on the foundations for the new SENTENCE: 12 months’ landmark bus station in the City Centre will imprisonment. Sentenced at begin by the end of January. Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court. Principal contractors VINCI Construction UK expect the foundations will be completed within 10 weeks – and then the NIGEL LAWTON (AGED 35) state-of-the-art structure will begin to rise out of the ground.The new bus station is bus station will create an important facility public areas are developed.” ADDRESS: Stoke-on-Trent. scheduled to be open in Autumn 2012 – and a stunning new gateway to the City Work on the site has progressed well since OFFENCE: Possession with which will pave the way for the demolition Centre. It is exciting to see the project April 2011.The site is now fully secured by intent to supply Class B drug – of the old 1960s concrete bus station and progressing to the next stage. eight feet hoardings, the land leveled, the Cannabis. the start of work on the £350 million City “Over the next few years the City Centre former car park decommissioned and initial SENTENCE: 20 months’ Sentral retail and leisure development. will start to look very different as major ground works to prepare the site completed. imprisonment. Sentenced at Councillor Ruth Rosenau, Cabinet projects such as the new regional shopping Foundations work will take around eight Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court. Member for Regeneration, said:“The new centre, the bus station and improvement to to 10 weeks. Our City p30 11/1/12 15:30 Page 1

30 Our City JANUARY 2012 Dentists taking on new NHS patients RESIDENTS are being reminded that NHS dental practices across the area which are now taking on patients. There are currently 11 practices that have places available. Olympic The practices in the city are: birthday boys ● Alchemy Dental Practice, Colin Williams, left, Queen Ann Street, Shelton, and Daniel Lawrence, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2EQ,Tel: both aged seven, 01782 410051 announce Hanley Park ● Blurton Dental Centre, 89 as the venue for the Blurton Road, Heron Cross, big Torch Relay Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 2BS,Tel: celebration in 01782 593029 May. ● Genesis Dental Centre, 679 Leek Road, Hanley, Stoke-on- Trent, ST1 3NF,Tel: 01782 280999 ● Grosvenor Dental Practice, 736 London Road, Oakhill, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 5NP,Tel: Hanley Park named as venue for 01782 848708 (taking on under 18s only) ● Longton Dental Centre, 537 King Street, Longton, Stoke-on- Trent, ST3 1HD,Tel: 01782 334940 torch relay party night ● Liverpool Road Dental Practice, 26 Liverpool Road, HREE Stoke-on-Trent children The Potteries boys now involved are set to Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1AT,Tel: born the day the London 2012 take part in a choreographed show at Hanley 03301 239134 Tbid was submitted are to play a Park to mark the arrival of the Olympic We want to seize this Flame in the city. The event is set to climax “” ● key role in welcoming the Olympic Pall Mall Dental Practice, 10 as the final Torchbearer makes their way opportunity to put Pall Mall, Hanley, Stoke-on- Flame to the city. through the runner corridor and onto the Trent, ST1 1ER,Tel: 01782 Colin Williams, Daniel Lawrence and stage. Stoke-on-Trent on the 298857 James Bates, all now seven, will take to the The boys and an accompanying adult have ● Rosslyn House Dental stage at Hanley Park on Wednesday, 30 May also been offered a ticket to the Opening international map Practice, 26 Rosslyn Road, as part of the Torch Relay Evening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games as well Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 Celebration. as a significant and memorable role in the COUNCILLOR MARK MEREDITH 4JD,Tel: 01782 313330 The city youngsters are among 700 across pre-show for the ceremony. ● the UK registered with the London 2012 Shelton Dental Centre 26 Children’s Promise Scheme because they Sporting spectacular with the successful 2010 and 2011 Live Stoke Road, Shelton, Stoke-on- were born on December 20, 2004 – the day Councillor Mark Meredith, the city concerts and it allows us to open up the Trent, ST4 2QX,Tel: 01782 the original Olympic bid was handed in. council’s Cabinet Member for Economic show to huge numbers of Olympic enthused 848343 The London Organising Committee of the Development, said: “It will be tremendously residents. ● Smallthorne Dental Practice, Olympic Games (LOCOG) has pledged that exciting for the boys as they join thousands “We want to seize this opportunity to put 85-87 Ford Green Road, every child born on the day designated as of other people to welcome the Olympic Stoke-on-Trent on the international map Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent, 2012 Day will play a role in the Olympic Flame at the celebration evening at Hanley and show the world why it is such a great ST6 1NX,Tel: 01782 837819 and Paralympic Games. Park. The Children’s Promise Scheme has place to live and work.” Up to 15,000 people are expected at the ● Middleton and Partners Each child who is registered with the given them the opportunity to play a role in scheme is promised a role in a ceremony or glittering evening event, which forms part of Dental Practice, 6 Stoke Road, the London 2012 Games and be part of this event surrounding the London 2012 historic sporting spectacular. two days of celebrations in the city when 20 Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is likely “It’s fantastic news that the park is the lucky Torchbearers carry the Olympic Flame 2DP,Tel: 01782 212308 to be a role in a ceremony linked to the location for the evening. through Shelton, the City Centre, Cobridge, Planning Manager for NHS Olympic Torch Relay. “It’s proved extremely popular in the past Burslem and Middleport on 30 and 31 May. Stoke on Trent and NHS North Staffordshire, Jeanette Sims said:“The area has one of the worst rates for decayed teeth in City Centre streets set for massive makeover the West Midlands region and PEDESTRIANISATION is being as part of the scheme designed significant moment as we makes it affordable in the indeed the country so it's really extended in the City Centre as to encourage café culture while begin transforming the City current economic climate and important if people aren’t work starts this Spring on the linking the area with the £350 Centre to develop a vibrant means it’ll be business as usual registered with an NHS dentist first phase of a major million City Sentral area which will be comparable in the City Centre while the they do so, and there is plenty makeover. development at the former with any other successful city construction work is carried of choice available. Tontine Street and Percy East West Precinct and the new centre in the country. out.” “Keeping on top of dental Street are being transformed bus station, also due to open in “The City Centre Partnership, Phases Two and Three of the hygiene is vitally important so I with a blend of natural Autumn this year. a group of representatives from scheme are currently on the would urge people who aren't coloured granite blocks, Annita Gibson, the city City Centre businesses, played drawing board and focus on currently registered to do so innovative seating, planters council’s Team Manager a key role assisting my team in spaces in and around Albion with one of the practices taking with trees and floral display Landscape Development, said: the design process. Square, Parliament Square, on new patients.” baskets on lighting columns. “This is a major milestone for “So it is thanks to them that Fountain Square and Tontine ● For more information you can The work is due for completion the city. After many years of we have been able to design Square.Work is due to start contact the Dental Access Line by Christmas 2012. planning, construction work is something that will be practical once the first phase is complete for Stoke-on-Trent and North Both streets will be closed to finally going to start this year. and attractive. and will continue until the end Staffordshire on 0300 123 0981. traffic between 10am and 6pm “It’s really exciting and a “Doing the work in phases of 2015. Our City p31 11/1/12 14:57 Page 1

JANUARY 2012 Our City 31

Abbey Hulton and Townsend

GWEN HASSALL ADRIAN KNAPPER Your (Labour) (Labour) (01782) 263166 07714 334453 07557 848765 adrian.knapper@ gwen.hassall@ stoke.gov.uk Councillors stoke.gov.uk Baddeley,Milton and Norton Bentilee and Ubberley

JACK BRERETON ANDREW LILLEY DUNCAN WALKER SHEILA PITT ALISON WEDGWOOD (Conservative) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) 07855 916134 07717 714010 (01782) 912422 07957 948896 07968 477901 jack.brereton@ andy.lilley@ 07748 504149 sheila.pitt@ alison.wedgwood@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk duncan.walker@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Birches Head and Central Forest Park Blurton East Blurton West and Newstead Boothen and Oakhill

PAUL BREEZE MARK MEREDITH GLENYS WARD NEIL DAY ANDY PLATT (Unaffiliated) (Labour) (City Independents) (Labour) Labour (01782) 279684 07717 714020 (01782) 312670 (01782) 598844 07919 660221 paul.breeze@ mark.meredith@ 07922 909545 07796 040002 andy.platt@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk glenys.ward@ [email protected] stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Bradeley and Chell Heath Broadway and Longton East Burslem Central Burslem Park Dresden and Florence

GURMEET SINGH TOM REYNOLDS ALAN DUTTON JOY GARNER SHAZAD HUSSAIN KALLAR (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) 07850 828717 (01782) 824051 (01782) 768846 07899 771815 07900 604232 tom.reynolds@ 07982 231567 07986 442770 shazad.hussain@ gurmeetsingh.kallar@ stoke.gov.uk alan.dutton@ [email protected] stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Eaton Park Etruria and Hanley Fenton East Fenton West and Mount Pleasant Ford Green and Smallthorne

TERRY CROWE MAJID KHAN PAUL SHOTTON KAREN CLARKE MATT WILCOX (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (01782) 269422 07989 441707 (01782) 434445 07917 270594 07810 825600 07818 044755 majid.khan@ paul.shotton@ karen.clarke@ matt.wilcox@ terry.crowe@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Goldenhill and Sandyford Great Chell and Packmoor Hanford and Trentham JANINE BRIDGES MARTIN GARNER (Labour) ANN JAMES TERENCE FOLLOWS PETER HAYWARD (Labour) (01782) 851842 (City Independents) (City Independents) (City Independents) (01782) 768846 07989 385631/ (01782) 836766 (01782) 318127 (01782) 644052 07759 863615 07717 714205 ann.james@ 07944 055379 07920 835839 martin.garner@ janine.bridges@ stoke.gov.uk terence.follows@ peter.hayward@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Hanley Park and Shelton Hartshill and Basford Hollybush and Longton West Joiner’s Square Lightwood North and Normacot

AMJID WAZIR SHAUN PENDER KATH BANKS ALASTAIR WATSON BAGH ALI (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) 07747 830461 (01782) 632104 (01782) 399759 07736 837822 (01782) 343246 amjid.wazir@ 07920 835836 07790 699379 alastair.watson@ 07973 848428 stoke.gov.uk shaun.pender@ kath.banks@ stoke.gov.uk [email protected] stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Little Chell and Stanfield Meir Hay Meir North Meir Park Meir South

DAVID CONWAY MUHAMMAD AUMIR RUTH ROSENAU ABI BROWN DEBBIE WHEELDON (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (Conservative) (Labour) (01782) 790922 07413 205979 (01782) 501940 07793 844169 (01782) 595043 david.conway@ muhammad.aumir@ 07870 503575 abi.brown@ 07870 777807 stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk ruth.rosenau@ stoke.gov.uk debbie.wheeldon@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Moorcroft Penkhull and Stoke Sandford Hill Sneyd Green Springfields and Trent Vale MOHAMMED PERVEZ RANDOLPH CONTEH OLWEN HAMER DEBRA GRATTON SARAH HILL (Labour) (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (01782) 232468 (01782) 236663 07717 714207 07748 251695 (01782) 845044 07919 917632 or 231924 olwen.hamer@ debra.gratton@ 07584 607624 mohammed.pervez@ randolph.conteh@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk [email protected] stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Tunstall Weston Coyney FORTHCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS AT THE CIVIC CENTRE, STOKE: ● Cabinet meetings are scheduled as follows ● The full City Council meetings are at LEE WANGER MATTHEW FRY at 5.30pm: 26 January 2012, 9 February 5.30pm: 2 February 2012, 23 February (City Independents) (Labour) 2012 (Budget), 1 and 22 March 2012. 2012 (Budget), 29 March 2012. 07971 303729 07826 891801 lee.wanger@ matthew.fry@ 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. Our City p32 11/1/12 16:49 Page 1

32 Our City JANUARY 2012

ALL SET FOR THE GAMES... pictured left to right at Northwood Stadium are 800m runner Emma Jackson, 110m hurdler Nick Gayle, rifle shooter Ian Marsden and archer Becky Martin.

TOKE-on-Trent’s 2012 hopefuls are Spulling out all the Athletes in final preparation for stops to make sure they stand the best chance of qualifying for the “greatest sporting show on earth” later this year. London 2012 Games In anticipation of the selection trials later this year, the aspiring Olympic and Paralympic National Sports Centre twice a week to visitors to showcase the city’s strong athletes are at various stages of preparation train at the indoor long range facility. heritage, and activities are being organised and training. Steve Lewis, aged 25, Britain’s No 1 in all five of the Stoke communities It is a great honour Eight hundred metre runner Emma pole vaulter from Bagnall, is focusing on through which the Flame will pass. “” Jackson, aged 23, of Trentham, who came gaining Olympic qualification by staying Stoke City Football Club has donated for them... and if one 12th in the World Championships in healthy and keeping in shape. He is £20,000 to eight of the potential Korea, is stepping up her training over-wintering in Australia where he has Olympians and Paralympians following the of them returned to programme by running 50 miles a week frequently trained with Olympic pole vault launch of its North Staffordshire 2012 along canals and roads near her home. champion Steve Hooker. Aspiring Athlete Fund. the city with a Hurdler Nick Gayle, aged 26, from At the London 2012 Olympic Games Becky Martin, Emma Jackson, Nick Sneyd Green and current England Team GB will be the largest single team to Gayle and Ian Marsden are being medal everyone in champion, is competing in 60 metre represent the nation in any sporting event sponsored by the Fund along with Adam hurdles in an indoor season during the for over 100 years. Burgess (canoe slalom), Natalie Slater Stoke-on-Trent would winter, hoping to beat some of his rivals for Consisting of over 500 athletes and (table tennis), Kian Emadi Coffin (track Olympic selection along the way. 1,000 support staff, Team GB will be the cycling) and Michelle Cope (long distance be over the moon. Ian Marsden, aged 39, of Blurton, best prepared, best equipped, best running). aspiring Paralympian rifle shooter, supported and most ambitious team to Councillor Gwen Hassall, whose Cabinet COUNCILLOR GWEN HASSALL continues to seek sponsorship to help with represent Great Britain and Northern portfolio includes Sports and Leisure, said: his preparations and is hoping that his Ireland at a major sporting event in over a “We wish the sporting hopefuls all the best competition results in the first few months century. in their endeavours to qualify for the “It would be such a boost for the city of the year will ensure him a place. Stoke-on-Trent is one of 66 locations to Olympics. and would mean so much to the people Archer Becky Martin, aged 15 and a be chosen to host the Olympic Torch Relay “It is a great honour for them to be involved and their families. Sandon High School pupil who was ninth and evening celebration on 30 May. considered and if one of them returned to the “The arrival of the Olympic Torch, and in the World Archery Youth The council is working with city with a medal everyone in Stoke-on-Trent the evening event being organised Championships, is visiting the Lilleshall communities, schools, businesses and would be over the moon. alongside it, will be much anticipated.”

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