Our City p1 6/1/11 10:54 Page 1

Stoke-on-Trent ISSUE 19: JANUARY 2011 Our City

Victorian vampires add bite to film festival HORROR MOVIE SHOT AT GLADSTONE POTTERY MUSEUM AIMS TO STOKE YOUR FIRES PAGE SIX Our City p2 6/1/11 15:19 Page 1

2 Our City JANUARY 2011 Why we are No Cold Calling Zones further extended Pledgeg AN 11th No Cold Calling Zone has been set The introduction of the new zone fulfils DELIVERED pressing the up in Stoke-on-Trent offering residents one of the city council’s cabinet’s “Pledges”,a added peace of mind in their homes. list of commitments to be carried out before The zone, which covers an area of March 2011.The pledges cover seven core in other parts of the city to reduce the Government Longton, will help to discourage rogue areas including housing, education, levels of distraction burglary and rogue traders and reduce the fear of crime. employment, health, safety, cleanliness and trading and to reduce the fear of crime. Each resident has been provided with a delivering value for money services. “They also discourage rogue traders who to give us a door sticker and covering letter explaining Councillor Terry Follows, Cabinet Member target vulnerable residents – falsely they live in a No Cold Calling Zone and for Environment,Waste Management and claiming that work needs doing and then fairer deal Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service have Neighbourhood Services, said: “No Cold charging high prices for shoddy and also put up lamppost signs in the area. Calling Zones have been successfully used unnecessary work.” By City Council Leader Councillor MOHAMMED PERVEZ

IT was hard to conceal my anger Coalition Cabinet calls for when Government Minister Eric Pickles announced the city council will have to cut a massive £25 million from its budget on top of unavoidable costs of £11 million in urgent talks with minister the next financial year. This is our worst nightmare come COUNCILLORS are true and is a kick in the teeth for the seeking urgent face-to-face people of Stoke-on-Trent. talks with Secretary of State We had already written to the for Communities and Local Government and pressed our case at Government Eric Pickles every opportunity, but it seems our pleas fell on stony ground. after Stoke-on-Trent was hit Since the announcement, we have with far worse spending cuts called for an urgent meeting with the than were expected. minister to push the Government to Grant reductions imposed by the Government mean the city treat Stoke-on-Trent, and deprived council will receive £25 million cities and towns like ours as special less for the financial year from cases, and help them avoid the full April 2011 to March 2012 than force of the cuts. in 2010/11. Unavoidable The Let’s Talk consultation exercise contractual increases and attracted over 2,000 comments and Government policy changes will showed just how valued, and how cost an additional £11 million. needed our services are. Previously the city council had The response proved to us which drawn up and published proposals to save up to services you think are a priority, £33 million – but with savings which are the most important to your now needed totalling £36 million lives, and which are not. the impact will be even harder. City Council Leader We knew we needed to seek as Council Leader Councillor Mohammed Pervez writes much feedback as possible if the Mohammed Pervez is calling for to minister Eric Pickles – exercise was to be a success. talks with the minister, as no supported by other When we met the public explanation has been given why Coalition Cabinet political face-to-face, most of them showed Stoke-on-Trent’s settlement is group leaders, left to right tremendous understanding that so much worse than many other standing, Kieran Clarke, Ross Irving and Brian Ward. these proposals had only been local authorities. He said: “We have asked for brought forward as a response to the an urgent meeting between Government cutting council budgets. myself, our coalition leaders, the some very tough decisions.” Coalition Cabinet, is supported unavoidable costs – Any reductions we have to make city’s Chief Executive, the three Raising the council tax level – by the leaders of the other legally-binding commitments will be caused by the reduction in our Stoke-on-Trent MPs and Mr which is already the lowest in political groups running the city which the council cannot ignore. financial settlement from Pickles. Staffordshire and seventh lowest council – Councillor Kieran It includes costs relating to Government and unavoidable cost “It is not fair that some local of all unitary authorities in the Clarke (Liberal Democrat), staffing issues, including pressures, not from our desire to authorities, like Stoke-on-Trent, UK – may not be an option. Councillor Ross Irving commitments on salaries, reduce services. have been hit much harder than Councillors do not want to (Conservative) and Councillor increasing pensions and So we are grateful to the thousands others, and that councils are not pass on the burden of Brian Ward (Independent). National Insurance of you who spent your time to give us being asked to share the burden. Government funding cuts to the Legally-binding contributions, a new climate your views and help us understand “These cuts are not of our public, many of whom are change levy payment and making. already making sacrifices. Meanwhile, city council financing charges relating to where you want us to prioritise. “They are being imposed on And the Government wants investment in regeneration, These are difficult times, but having finance chiefs have explained the city by the Government. councils to freeze council tax the reason why an extra infrastructure, housing and listened to you we can try to reflect Politicians from all parties of and has offered a £2 million £11 million of savings need to building new schools. your wishes as much as we can. our own coalition are pressing incentive to the city council to be made on top of the Assistant Director – Financial Elsewhere in the city, I am the case for a fairer deal for maintain the current level of Government’s £25 million of Services Peter Bates said: “This delighted to see some of the pledges Stoke-on-Trent. council tax bills. direct cuts in grant. is contractually committed we said we would achieve before the “We are committed to The city council would have Some local media have expenditure in line with the size end of March come to fruition. providing the best services and to increase council tax bills by incorrectly reported that the and complexity of the council, The regeneration of the city centre, want to improve, not cut them. more than 2.5 per cent to additional £11 million which employs around 10,000 But if the Government insists on generate more income than this. people (including schools staff) including the new Tesco store and represents an “overspend” by the this package of savings we will Councillor Pervez, the Labour city council, but this is untrue. and has a total annual turnover ring road extension, mean the have no choice but to make Leader of Stoke-on-Trent’s The figure is made up of of over £600 million.” recovery is gathering pace and our city is changing. Long may it continue, and long may we work together for the good of Live webcast of full council meetings Give us your feedback Stoke-on-Trent. on this issue of MEETINGS of the full city council can now be viewed online. Our City is printed on Our City by emailing recycled paper. When To 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 the council [email protected] this publication please meeting webcast button. A list of dates and times of city help the environment or write to: by passing it on to a council meetings and committee meetings can be found on FREEPOST Our City. friend or recycling it. our website at stoke.gov.uk/meetingdates Our City p3 7/1/11 09:41 Page 1

JANUARY 2011 Our City 3 Sculpture Down is symbol Your of city’s Way News from South Eastern creativity Neighbourhood WESTON AND MEIR NORTH: Work has started on a new pavillion and green for the and culture Meir King’s Arms Bowling Club. The £82,000 for its new home FIVE-METRE high piece of behind Meir Sports and Social public art, erected to mark Club has come from ward A the city’s centenary celebrations, budgets, NHS Stoke on Trent has been hailed as a symbol of and the Coalfields Stoke-on-Trent’s continuing Regeneration Trust.The commitment to creativity and culture. 150-year-old club had to leave The eye-catching Light of the City sculpture, its original home more than a which was unveiled outside the Potteries Museum year ago to make way for a & Art Gallery last month, features male and new health centre on the site female figures holding a plate and a chalice. The of a former public house and illuminated figures stand on stainless steel adjacent bowling green. hexagonal pedestals and are made of bronze and treated to look like clay. MEIR PARK AND SANDON: Scottish artist David Annand produced the Soil tests are being carried out sculpture, while a two-line poem penned by to see if land close to the old Penkhull musician David Vickers is etched onto the underside of the plate. The verse reads: sand and gravel quarry is suitable for allotments. If the Salute with light, our city’s year; a land is suitable and the project century embracing, Reflect with pride our city’s skills; from is backed by consultation it will earth to table gracing. be paid for by councillors’ ward budgets. The unveiling was part of a full year of activities throughout 2010, which celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the federation of FLORENCE AND LONGTON the six towns of Stoke-on-Trent. However, SOUTH: Only two antisocial Councillor Hazel Lyth, Cabinet Member for behaviour incidents have been Adult Social Care, Sport, Leisure and reported since police started Culture, said the sculpture was also deeply using Section 30 Dispersal rooted in the city’s creative heritage. Zone powers. Smaller groups of Councillor Lyth, who was joined by young people who met in schoolchildren and other members of the community to unveil the piece of art, said: Longton Park have now “The sculpture is wonderful and beautiful engaged with the city council’s and aptly marks the 100th anniversary LET THERE BE LIGHT: Youth and Play Service. celebrations. Raenne Stone and Dylan “But it also demonstrates the fact that Forbes, both aged seven LONGTON NORTH: Traffic creativity and culture are so important and pupils at St Gregory’s calming measures to tackle to the Potteries. They are part of our Catholic Primary School, speeding motorists are heritage and despite the economic Longton, pictured in front of planned in Linnburn Road. situation must also be part of our the Light of the City sculpture. future.” Ward budgets are set to pay for speed humps and extended double yellow lines to stop congestion at the junction with Amison Street.

Census is key to extra funding SANDFORD HILL: More HOW much do you think you are for vital services in the city – a level. In March the 2011 Census than 20 streets and walks are worth? As far as being a citizen of total of around £625 million a year questionnaires will arrive by post now covered by the city’s 11th Stoke-on-Trent is concerned the for the NHS, Staffordshire Police, and can be returned using a ‘No Cold Calling’ zone. answer is £2,600 a year. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue pre-paid envelope or, for the first Residents, trading standards, That is the amount of Service and the city council – and time, it can be completed online. the police, the city council’s Government funding secured for why it is important for everyone The questionnaire should take Neighbourhood Management each person listed on the Census to take part in the latest Census in around ten minutes for each team and the Safer City March. person’s details to be entered and Partnership’s Respect Team, It is estimated that four per cent the confidential data you provide attended the launch. Make it of people did not complete the will help to plan community questionnaire for the last Census services – such as GP surgeries, LONGTON: Action is being and in 2001 – which has cost the city housing, education, transport and accurate as possible.” formulated to improve the Click approximately £26 million in lost even shops – for years to come. Help to shape tomorrow by visual image of the town funding during this financial year. Will Griffin, the city council’s completing your 2011 Census centre by tackling the litter Easy The numeral snapshot taken Assistant Census Liaison Manager, questionnaire on, or, as near as problem. Also, a working stoke.gov.uk every ten years not only updates said: “The Census statistics feed possible to, Sunday 27 March, group is liaising with traders 2011. Failure to do so could cost the population of the UK, it also into the allocation of funding for and property owners on plans Pay your council tax identifies how more than £100 local authorities and play a major you a £1,000 fine. to improve shop fronts as well and other bills online billion distributed by central part in their ability to provide For more information about as void and vacant properties. stoke.gov.uk/ Government each year can best local services, so it’s crucial that the 2011 Census visit payments be used to shape services at local the population estimate is as www.census.gov.uk Our City p4 5/1/11 17:00 Page 1

4 Our City JANUARY 2011

ARKING congestion caused by football fans Councillors’ task force tackles Pattending matches at Stoke City’s Britannia Stadium could be kicked into touch after solutions were put forward by a task force of councillors investigating the problem. soccer parking problem Many roads in areas such as Heron sending out leaflets, through radio Cross, Stoke, Fenton and Blurton are messages and even by Bluetooth direct badly affected on match days, and the to the mobile phones of those problem is having a knock-on effect on attending Stoke City matches. local communities and residents trying Councillor Randolph to park near to their own homes. Conteh, Chair of the Britannia Now members of the city council’s Stadium Parking Spotlight Improving Communities Committee – Review, said: “It is a burning who have carried out a spotlight review issue for residents and we are into the Britannia Stadium parking hoping the proposals will help to situation following residents’ concerns alleviate the frustrations and – have made a number of problems that can be caused on recommendations. They include: match days. The vast majority of ● Plans to open up city council car Stoke City fans park responsibly parking for weekend matches and and I would like to thank them for ferrying fans to the stadium by their consideration.” shuttle bus. Sergeant Ian Revans, Road Policing ● Consulting through the Officer for the city, said: “We have neighbourhood area implementation worked very closely with the local offices to look at resident-only authority and other partner agencies to parking zones, or to change Traffic come up with proposals which will Regulation Orders for badly affected work for both fans and residents.” roads. Members of the public can get ● Paying for enforcement officers to involved in overview and scrutiny by patrol problem areas on match days. putting forward suggestions for subjects The recommendations will be to be considered by councillors, or can discussed at a cabinet meeting this take part in reviews through giving month and, if approved, could be their views on issues. implemented later in the year. Reviews that have already taken place As part of the review, councillors include investigations into climate Councillor Randolph Conteh, Chair of the worked with Stoke City Football Club, change, neighbourhood management, Britannia Stadium Parking Spotlight Review, Staffordshire Police, city council health effects of takeaways, small inspects a traffic regulation zone in Whittaker officers and other agencies to draw up business growth and serious violent Road, Heron Cross – which has helped to ease possible solutions. crime. match-day parking problems. They also contacted members of the ■ For more details visit community to seek their views by stoke.gov.uk/scrutiny

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JANUARY 2011 Our City 5 Government dissolves board after city council progress This year COUNCILLORS in Stoke-on-Trent have been Neil said it was time to give power back to we are now in a position to move forward given the green light to drive the city the elected officials after political stability on our own, and we must continue to build forward after the local government minister returned to the city. on the improvements we have made.” will see even dissolved an independent board which City Council Leader Councillor City council Chief Executive John van de monitored how the city council was run. Mohammed Pervez welcomed the news and Laarschot added: “We have worked hard to more changes The Governance and Transition Board, said: “We have worked extremely hard with get our house in order and are confident whose members included academics and the Governance and Transition Board to that we have the political and managerial employers, was set up in 2008 after a report address the issues that were highlighted to leadership to successfully steer the city to improve into the city council’s performance us in 2008. forward in an open, honest and transparent described politics in Stoke-on-Trent as “The decision is proof that we have made way. We still have challenges to overcome services “broken.” significant progress in reforming the way but the city council is well equipped to But now Local Government Minister Bob the city council works.The Government feels deliver continued and rapid improvement.” By City Council Chief Executive John van de Fairtrade cosy café where Laarschot

IT’S no secret that 2011 will be a challenging year for the whole country, world comes together and Stoke-on-Trent will be no different. Throughout the next 12 months the city HE world comes council will change even more so than it together in a small has done since January 2010. Tbut cosy café next Changes to the way we deliver services to the Methodist Book and work with you, the residents, will play Centre in Hanley that a big part in the further transformation of your council. does more than serve hot Our housing repair service has already drinks and a bite to eat. seen a reduction in the length of time it The tempting choices of takes to get calls answered. During the last teas, coffee and chocolate drinks and delicious snacks three weeks in November before the bad like cakes, muffins and cereal weather arrived, we were answering calls bars are Fairtrade and all the within an average of around a minute and profits generated by the Trade a half.We also had an average answer Aid café in Gitana Street are percentage of around 92 per cent.The ploughed back into the statistics show that’s a notable Fairtrade cause. improvement on the 67 per cent being In fact Ann Worthington, achieved less than a year ago. who runs the café with a team Revenues and benefits have also been of fellow volunteers, reckons part of the work we have done to improve that only the milk and water services. Residents calling to report a used to make the drinks is not change of address or requiring any other sourced from farmers and change to their council tax bill are now producers from the developing countries across the globe. able to speak directly to an officer who Retired teacher Ann is deals with the change immediately. among a number of Fairtrade In most cases the amount of the revised champions in Stoke-on-Trent bill and all payment arrangements can be – one of 500 towns and cities sorted out in one phone call. This process in the UK that support the was previously taking up to two months to Fairtrade Foundation in its complete. quest to ensure that farmers Our winter gritting policy has also had a and producers in developing positive impact over Christmas.The teams countries get a fair deal for – who have worked to keep traffic moving their goods through throughout some of the coldest and most guaranteed minimum prices treacherous weather Stoke-on-Trent has and premiums for social, CHEERS! business and environmental ever seen – deserve a great deal of credit. Trade Aid projects. Based on last year’s winter, we ordered Also on sale in the café are café Manager Ann in more stocks of salt this year, and that's Fairtrade craft goods, such as Worthington, left, and café been justified by the extent of the cold we cotton clothing from India, Assistant Ann Weetman enjoy a have suffered. wooden toys made in Sri cup of their Fairtrade coffee. The highways staff will be keeping a Lanka and greetings cards close eye on the weather over the next few produced in the Philippines. Fortnight between 28 Methodist Church in Burslem, Conrad James, from St Lucia, weeks to ensure we are in a position to grit Now Ann and her friends February and 13 March. then I opened the café in one of the Windward Islands the roads quickly and effectively as soon are looking forward to a series A number of retailers large 2009. in the Caribbean, visited as any snow or ice is forecast. of events that will be held in and small in the city are “I’m passionate about the Stoke-on-Trent when he This year will also see an all out election Stoke-on-Trent during this already committed to stocking whole ethos of Fairtrade as a toured the UK during the in the city for the first time.This will reduce year’s national Fairtrade Fairtrade goods and other way of improving the lives of 2007 Fairtrade Fortnight. the number of elected members in the city organisations, like the city millions of people across the Conrad, who farms 5.6 and also redraw all the current wards. council, also offer Fairtrade world. acres, told Ann and her friends The city council as a whole needs to products from their vending “Everyone who works in the that it was only access to adapt to these changes and continue to Make it machines and canteens. café is an unpaid volunteer Fairtrade markets that is provide the services that people expect Back at Trade Aid Ann and all profits are ploughed enabling the Windward Islands and need.Whatever the outcome of those Worthington took time off back into the venture so we banana industry to survive the and from serving customers in the can buy more Fairtrade goods. competition of large scale, low elections, the senior officers here will be Click café to recall how her own “We are away from the main cost producers from Latin working closely with all councillors to personal Fairtrade crusade shopping area of the city America and Africa. make sure that they have the resources Easy started. centre but we have a good they need to be able to work effectively for stoke.gov.uk She said: “When I was a number of regular customers, For details of special their communities. primary school teacher I as well as those who find us by events to mark Stoke-on-Trent needs to meet any Report a always enjoyed telling my accident who like what we do Fairtrade Fortnight in challenge in 2011 head on.We can only do housing repair: pupils about countries in the and return.” Stoke-on-Trent visit that by working together closely with www.fairtrade.org.uk stoke.gov.uk/ developing world. When I Ann had the thrill of hearing residents and making change happen retired in 1997 I ran a first hand how Fairtrade helps and click on to the sooner rather than later. housingrepair Fairtrade stall at Swan Bank others when banana farmer calendar. Our City p6 5/1/11 17:05 Page 1

6 Our City JANUARY 2011 Planning ahead to cut flooding risks ESIDENTS have the chance to help Rengineers and planners cut the risk of serious flooding in the city. Anyone who lives in Stoke-on-Trent and whose property is regularly affected by a build-up of water whenever it has rained heavily or for a long period of time are asked to answer three questions. The answers will help the city council to develop its Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) which local authorities are required by law to have in Jools Holland’s visit to museum place to help minimise flood risk. There may be problems that the city council is not aware of, goes with a boogie woogie swing so engineers would like anyone affected to answer the following THE reconstructed Victorian questions so that as much public house, circa 1900 – a information as possible can be After torrential rain this brook at Trentham became swollen and favourite feature in the social gathered for the city’s SWMP: caused flooding in nearby gardens.This is the type of potential history galleries at the Potteries ● How does the build up of flooding and surface water problem which needs to be identified. Museum & Art Gallery – surface water or flooding certainly struck a chord with affect you? level, make the right investment and we also identify areas of land music legend Jools Holland, ● Where does the surface decisions and plan action to near to the city boundaries in pictured right. water build-up or flooding manage flood risk. neighbouring local authorities The former Squeeze pianist, take place? If possible, please Councillor Brian Ward, that could potentially cause bandleader, singer and provide the road name or the Cabinet Member for Housing, flooding problems for residents name of a nearby landmark. Planning and Transportation, in Stoke-on-Trent.” television presenter was in ● Stoke-on-Trent for a concert at When does the problem said: “We would like to know of If you have a problem with occur? Does it happen any concerns that residents might the Victoria Hall with his flooding or a build-up of throughout the year or is it have. surface water please look at Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and seasonal? “For instance the problem may the questions on the left and special guest vocalist Alison SWMPs are a useful tool to be a roadside drain that tends to send your answers to Moyet – part of his current assess the risk of surface water get blocked by leaves, causing a FREEPOST Our City, or go 28-city UK tour which is getting flooding, identify ways of build up of water when it rains. online to respond at rave reviews. mirrors advertising historic beers managing risk to an acceptable The SWMP covers the whole city stoke.gov.uk/swmpflooding And the boogie woogie piano and the famous Parker's Brewery man was generous in his own of Burslem. praise for the museum – with a This is just part of the gallery special mention for that pub which is packed with fascinating exhibition, pictured top.He wrote displays of social history such as Fangs at festival in the visitors’ book:“This is a the terraced house, with an old brilliant museum.There is never a iron range and clothes rack dull moment – every room offers hanging from the ceiling, and the just got better something wonderful. Wept when 1940s fish and chip shop which I saw the preserved public bar. once fried for real in nearby FILM fans can get their teeth into a year, is growing all the time and Congratulations to all on a Regent Road, Hanley. new vampire drama when it has its attractions include screenings of fantastic celebration of the The awe-inspiring Anglo-Saxon world premiere at the annual ,a New Potteries.” Staffordshire Hoard exhibition has The Insatiable Moon Stoke Your Fires animation and Zealand made film involving Tim Jools is probably one of many to captured the imagination of film festival. Sanders who worked on have had a tear brought to the eye people around the globe and Lord of the is a 12-part of the Ring. by the authenticity and nostalgia attracted tens of thousands of Blood and Bone China Rings: The Fellowship mini series written and directed by The festival will also welcome back of the tap room from a bygone era extra visitors to the museum – award-winning Stoke-on-Trent , a Northern Soul inspired – based on the old Dog and including many from overseas. Soulboy filmmaker Chris Stone set in The story – part of which was filmed Pheasant pub in Knight Street, It is satisfying to know that Potteries in Victorian times and on location at the King’s Hall, Tunstall. those attracted to the city by the shot at various locations across the Stoke. COVER PICTURE: It’s a heady mix of a display – pull of the Hoard will find many city including the Gladstone Speakers from internationally Tough guy actor David Lemberg men playing dominoes with a other treasures in the museum to Pottery Museum. renowned companies like Wallace plays villain Linus Hemlock in whippet and spittoon at their feet, admire. The first episode is screened on and Gromit producers Aardman The Potteries Vampire drama wall-mounted music box and Just ask Jools. 2 March as part of the Festival of Animations are due to share their Blood and Bone China. the Moving Image, which starts on secrets at a convention from 1- 4 18 February. March at The Potteries Museum & University,The Producers Forum, Chris, who got the project off Art Gallery. Animation Forum West Midlands, Corrie parrot at pirate ship launch the ground with some financial Other attractions involve three Renaissance West Midlands and SOAP opera fans enjoying played a bird called John on ‘The support from the city council, said: major exhibitions, a 48-hour film West Midlands based Museums, Coronation Street’s 51st year of Street.’ “It’s great filming in the city. I challenge and awards for Libraries and Archives. broadcasting may not be aware The three-year old McCaw is couldn’t have done it without the nominated work.Workshops are For more information and of a visit to Stoke-on-Trent by said to have caused havoc on set support of Stoke Your Fires and the being staged at schools and events listings go to one of the TV show’s stars. by mimicking actors, directors people of the city. colleges with many public events www.stokeyourfires.co.uk The colourful character who and producers.The story line “We’ll screen the series on-line free of charge. Admission fees are Ticket prices range from £5 flew in to help officially open saw him move into the street after the premiere.We can reach being charged for the convention for screenings to £35 for a Blurton Children’s Centre’s pirate with children’s entertainer Jesse the whole world that way – billions and some special events. full festival pass and are ship play area was none other Chadwick, played by actor and of people.” Festival partners include the available from www.enjoy than Charlie the parrot, who comedian John Thomson. The festival, now in its fourth city council, Staffordshire staffordshire.com Our City p7 6/1/11 12:21 Page 1

JANUARY 2011 Our City 7 Down Your Way

News from Northern Neighbourhood

TUNSTALL: Ten offenders were put to work under the Community Payback Scheme during a multi-agency Respect Week.They worked over two days installing planters while roadside checks were carried out elsewhere. Seven cars were taken off the road and 13 motorists reported for alleged offences. Anti-theft screws were fitted to about 200 car licence plates and a tea dance was staged to encourage community spirit. IN GOOD HANDS: Care Assistant GOLDENHILL: Children and Rachel Mansell with community groups have been 94-year-old Abbots putting the golden back into House resident the area by planting 2,000 Elsie Cyples. bulbs. 40 children from St. Joseph’s Catholic and Goldenhill primary schools joined forces with the Out and About Club to play their part in a citywide cleaning, greening and growing day.The bulbs, due to flower in the spring, were donated free of charge by One smile can ensure it’s a local nurseries. FEGG HAYES: Community groups took part in a clean up day organised by the Northern Area Implementation Team. good day at the office Free skips were placed around T doesn’t take much to care assistant. “To see people lounge, each with varying degrees that is first aware if any of the the area to encourage people to get rid of rubbish while city keep Rachel Mansell smiling during my shift makes of dementia and very different residents has a problem. We get council environmental teams happy in her work. In me go home feeling very happy needs – though she can also be them to talk about it and build I and fulfilled,” said 33-year-old asked to help out in other parts up a bond of trust so that they also worked on the alleyways fact nothing more than a Rachel, one of a team of often of the centre. don’t clam up. and greenways. People were smile is needed to ensure a unsung heroes who work a Working hours for care “No one shift is ever the same offered personal alarms, door “good day at the office”. variety of shifts to make sure the assistants like Rachel are spread because we are caring for people chains and bike locks, all paid Her “office” is in fact Abbots vulnerable people in their care over shifts and they are on duty who have such different, and for from ward budgets. House Centre of Excellence, the enjoy the best possible quality of every other weekend. sometimes complex needs and award winning facility in Abbey life. Rachel said: “In one week I we are an extended family for WESTPORT LAKE: Hulton that supports people with She has worked in care since can work every kind of shift, but them.” dementia, and that all-important leaving school at 16 and has been I don’t mind because the shift Volunteers are being urged to smile is provided by the residents at Abbots House for the past 14 system actually gives me more Love the job come forward as the Friends of Westport Lake group is Rachel helps to look after as a years during which time Rachel time with my family than a nine She added: “What drew me to has seen the former residential to five job would.” the job in the first place was to re-launched.The group will care home transformed by a £1.3 While no shift could be get to know about the lives and work in partnership with million revamp by the city described as “routine,” Rachel’s history of people of different existing users of the lake, such Make it council into the first of the first task is to call into the generations who have probably as bird and angling clubs. Stoke-on-Trent’s facilities that centre’s office to attend a gone through world wars. Anyone interested is asked to are purpose designed to meet the handover briefing from Through their experiences I have contact city council needs of people with dementia and colleagues on the outgoing shift learned a lot about life myself.” Involvement Officer Pauline and their families. so she can be alerted about any Click When Rachel goes home to Withington on 01782 235808 issues that may have arisen and Memory boxes husband Darren, a finance or email pauline.withington@ Easy will need her attention. manager, and their nine-year-old stoke.gov.uk The centre incorporates Then she supports each son Joel, she sometimes can’t stoke.gov.uk leading-edge design to give the resident in the lounge with help taking the job home with For information on residents independence, self personal care – such as helping her, although she doesn’t talk NORTON: Antisocial safe driving in severe confidence and stimulation them to eat a meal – and looking about it to her family. behaviour reports have weather conditions, through state-of-the-art features after their other practical needs. She said: “You are dealing with dropped between 25 and 30 which roads and bus that include memory boxes with However, just as important, people and it’s not always per cent thanks to a series of routes will be gritted items from the residents’ past to Rachel always finds time to possible to just switch off after initiatives and activities. help them find their own way to simply sit down and chat to the your shift if one of the residents Off-road motorcycling is no this winter and the their rooms, colour schemes to residents. is having a problem. longer one of the top antisocial location of roadside aid orientation, a sensory garden “Care assistants are the first “However I love the job. There grit boxes across the and an assessment and therapy point of contact and usually the is quite simply nothing else I behaviour issues in the area city, please visit unit. first person the resident sees,” would like to do, and I hope I’ll with virtually no complaints stoke.gov.uk/gritting Rachel is usually responsible explained Rachel. be doing it for many more years over a three-month period. for nine residents in the upstairs “It’s usually the care assistant to come.” Our City p8 6/1/11 10:41 Page 1

8 Our City JANUARY 2011 Celebrating top awards Record salt stocks bolster for children’s services winter gritting operations CHILDREN’S services and T has been a tough winter so far – projects in Stoke-on-Trent but whatever the weather still has in have scooped prestigious Istore, the city’s fleet of nine gritting national accolades. vehicles should be able to keep traffic The winners overcame moving on the main routes across competition from hundreds Stoke-on-Trent. of other entries from around A record amount of 5,000 tonnes of salt the UK at the annual Children grit was stockpiled at three depots in the and Young People Now city before the icy grip took hold in Awards, which took place in November 2010 and more grit is purchased whenever stocks fall below 2,500 tonnes. London. During the severe winter of 2009/10 a The Socca, Rocka and total of 4,200 tonnes of grit was spread on Hoppa Uth Services’ vehicles city roads – so the decision was taken to received the Youth Work increase stocks to 5,000 tonnes in order to Award, and Jane Blizzard – be prepared for extreme conditions. who promotes the rights of Around 550 miles of roads are treated disabled children and their when all of the gritting vehicles are used. All major roads are treated, along with families – was “Highly frequent bus routes. Commended” in the Young In addition around 400 self-help salt bins People’s Champion category. are located around the city so residents can Councillor Debra Gratton, spread grit on pavements or local stretches Cabinet Member for Children of road where ice or snow is causing a and Young People’s Services, problem. Bob Brock, Team Manager, Highways said: “These awards Responsive Maintenance, said: “We closely recognise the excellent work monitor the Met Office weather prediction being carried out throughout website each day before making a decision A JCB Loadall scoops up our children’s services and on gritting. another huge bucket full of highlight the valuable “In addition we are in weekly contact rock salt as it replenishes a contributions made by the with the Government Office of the West gritting lorry at the city Midlands as well as the salt quarries in numerous groups and council’s Weighbridge Depot order to ensure we have sufficient stocks to in Cromer Road, Northwood. individuals.” treat the roads.”

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JANUARY 2011 Our City 9 VOLUNTEERING is just one route back into full-time employment. Here Our City takes a look at the cases of two women who have been helped to get relevant experience as they move on in life. Down Your MotherMother Way pursuespursues News from Eastern Neighbourhood

dreamdream of of BENTILEE AND TOWNSEND: Funding and bookings are being sought to secure the future of the Beverley Drive Voluntary childcarechildcare Centre.Ward councillors from Bentilee and Townsend as well as Berryhill and Hanley East are supporting a management careercareer committee while one of its founders, the Bentilee and UM-OF-FOUR Claire District Dads Group, has made Hassall is now pursuing a generous donation to help Mher dream of a career in the centre grow. childcare thanks to help from a EAST VALLEY: Residents only number of local organisations. parking is being introduced in The 28-year-old from Bentilee has worked intermittently while having her four children Adams Street, Milton, to end aged 11 to two but apart from a temporary frustration for householders. Christmas job, has not been in employment The scheme is being funded by for about four years. Volunteer Childcare the ward budgets of East Valley She had completed an NVQ Level 2 in Assistant Claire Hassall councillors. Road and Children’s Care, Learning and Development with her son Kieron at the pavement work in Fitzherbert but a lack of recent experience was holding Treehouse Children Centre. Road, Sneyd Green – now her back. Claire went to Bentilee-based pilot nearing completion – included project STAR, which works with partners to 26 dropped kerb or widening support people in Bentilee and Townsend improvements, provided to back into work. volunteer at Treehouse is working towards her helpful, pointing me in the right direction.” Her STAR advisor Helen Allcock suggested NVQ Level 3. Her son Kieron uses the centre Helen said: “Claire’s confidence is growing residents at special rates. voluntary work in a childcare environment to crèche while she works. and she’s always got a smile on her face. BERRYHILL AND HANLEY help her gain experience and work references She said: “He’s loving it and I’m really “We can see a positive future shaping out towards paid employment. enjoying volunteering. It’s great that it gets me for her now that Treehouse has given her a EAST: Volunteers from The Helen approached the city council’s out of the house. break. Prince’s Trust carried out a volunteer co-coordinator at Treehouse “When I’ve got my NVQ Level 3, I want to “Their Volunteer Co-ordinator Michelle two-week tidy up at Trentmill Children’s Centre in Dawlish Drive, Bentilee get a job in a nursery setting. Jobcentre Plus Fahey has been brilliant and the centre has Nature Park near Joiners and set up the placement. Claire now as a and Helen Allcock at STAR have been very made it all possible.” Square.Ten members of Team 240 helped at the site under the guidance of Friends of Trentmill Nature Park. Pupils Partially sighted Carole is an inspiration from Eastwood Nursery School marked the end of the BEING partially sighted has magnifying machine, which improvements by planting fruit never held Carole McConnell helps her prepare and vegetables. back. She has lived life to the documents, and a 23-inch NEIGHBOURHOOD WIDE: full, working for 17 years in screen on her computer. Work to support activities the pottery industry, getting NCA Chief Executive Bill across the neighbourhood is married to Stephen and Hardy said: “She’s brilliant, continuing through the newly spending 14 years at home pro-active and so efficient. I named Eastern Events and bringing up their daughter know when I give her Activities Board. It replaces the Kirsty, who is now at anything to do, she’ll just go 2010 Events Board set up to Staffordshire University. away and get on with it and manage and share resources as And although she has had a when it comes back it’ll be part of the city’s centenary few part-time and voluntary 100 per cent. celebrations. It will bid for jobs since she decided to “You wouldn’t know she funding on behalf of groups in return to work in 2004, the was visually impaired if you its area and is planning a 52-year-old is now back in met her in the street. She’s a catalogue of information to full-time employment thanks real inspiration to everyone help inexperienced groups and to the help and support of here – not just people with offer mentoring to organise her disability advisor Joy disability.” their own events. Heal at Jobcentre Plus. Carole said: “My 18 months To gain work experience voluntary experience at the ABBEY GREEN: Wild flower after securing IT qualifications Douglas Macmillan Hospice meadows are being created in through Access to Work, helped me get this job and areas where the grass is Carole started voluntary work I’m really enjoying it. I’d like difficult to cut.The border and now works full-time at to stay here, if I can, until I between Leek Road and the NCA Enterprises in Newstead, retire. Hulton Abbey site has been a social enterprise dedicated “Bill has been very sown with seed so it only Administrator to helping people into understanding and NCA have needs cutting once a year and Carole McConnell training and work. been hugely supportive, will self-seed to create a low at her office She looks after brilliant. maintenance wild flower area desk at NCA administration and the only “The support I’ve had from every year. Enterprises. concessions to her disability my advisor at Jobcentre Plus are a special tabletop has been excellent.” Our City p10 5/1/11 17:50 Page 1

10 Our City JANUARY 2011 TheThe sweetsweet tastetaste ofof businessbusiness successsuccess O-getter Aneesah Begum is for Muslims or vegetarians. They’re for just 16 but already well on everybody to enjoy including people who Gher way to business success. suffer from Coeliac Disease, as a lot of my The Fenton teenager sells Halal and stock is gluten free. vegetarian sweets from a stall at Hanley’s “It’s going well and I’m very busy. I’ve outdoor market after getting free help and had help from local business to keep my advice from a city council funded support start up costs down. service. “The traders at the market have made me feel very welcome. She said: “Muslims and vegetarians have “I’m now working on an on-line to look at the ingredients in sweets to personalised gifts section that complements ensure they are suitable for our diets so I my confectionery business and eventually thought it would be great if you could buy want to open some shops.” them without having to check.” Her Enterprise Coach Gayle Jessiman So she took her idea to Enterprise Coach said: “Aneesah came along to one of our Gayle Jessiman at Business Enterprise Enterprise Panels at Cobridge. Support and now trades as Mr Latifs Halal “Her sister, who we also helped, had and Vegetarian Confectionery. already been trading for about 12 months She sets up her stall early on a Sunday so they’re obviously very entrepreneurial. and stocks lines like jelly sweets, marsh “They’re not afraid to take the plunge mallows and rainbow drops. She also takes and the risk so I gave basic advice about orders for bespoke boxes and hampers as things like bank accounts and referred presents to celebrate events like Eid, Diwali Aneesah to Business Initiative and the and Christmas, birthdays and weddings. Inland Revenue. “When I left school I knew I wanted to “Stoke-on-Trent is full of talented people go into business.” said Aneesah. with ambition just like Aneesah who maybe “My sister Raeela is already a just need pointing in the right direction to Aneesah self-employed carer so the thought didn’t get their business idea off the ground.” frighten me. Begum with “I went to see Gayle and got advice Might you benefit from the advice of a selection of about how to get customers and all sorts of an Enterprise Coach? If so call Gayle her Halal and information. Jessiman on 07969 557915, email her vegetarian “She was very helpful.” on [email protected] or confectionery. She said: “My sweets are not exclusively go to www.enterprisesupport.org

Do you know/care for a child HEALTH CENTRES ABBEY HULTON (Main) 0300 123 0976 NORTON 01782 534599 Childrenour and Adolescents 0300 123 0987 PACKMOOR 01782 794600 or young person (0-25) YMental Health Service PICCADILLY CENTRE (Main) 0300 123 0985 who has a disability or BENTILEE 01782 231300 Sexual health helpline 0300 123 0970 BLURTON (Main) 0300 123 0971 SMALLTHORNE 0300 123 0982 Children and Adolescents 0300 123 0977 Mental Health Service STOKE 0300 123 0986 additional needs? Out of Hours District Nursing Service 0300 123 0989 BURSLEM 0300 123 0979 TRENT VALE 01782 425260 WHITFIELD VALLEY 01782 425720 Your friendly local Family TUNSTALL (Main) 0300 123 0972 FENTON 01782 743100 Dental Advice Line 0300 123 0981 Information Service is HANFORD (Main) 0300 123 0974 here to help you. Children's Airway Support Team 0300 123 0977 For more information and advice on health HANLEY 0300 123 0980 issues please call NHS Direct – 24 hrs a day LONGTON 0300 123 0993 G 0845 46 47 Support groups LONGTON COTTAGE HOSPITAL 0300 123 0993 or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk G Childcare MEIR 01782 425676 or www.nhs.uk G Local services Fire & Rescue contact numbers G Benefits EMERGENCY RESPONSE LONGTON STATION MANAGER SANDYFORD G Respite and short breaks MANAGER Rich Willliams NEIGHBOURHOOD Wayne Bowcock 01785 898594 CO-ORDINATOR G 01785 898894 Pete Hall Equipment and funding SANDYFORD 01785 898886 STATION MANAGER G PREVENTION AND Parenting issues and PROTECTION MANAGER Glynn Luznyj RISK REDUCTION much more Rebecca Bryant 01785 898693 CO-ORDINATOR 01785 898542 Rehana Iqbal HANLEY NEIGHBOURHOOD 01785 898891 CO-ORDINATOR RISK REDUCTION MANAGER Mick Warrilow SAFER CITY PARTNERSHIP Mick Daniels 01785 898902 OFFICER 0800 015 1120 01785 898927 Donna Broadhead LONGTON NEIGHBOURHOOD 01785 898904 or 01782 232200 HANLEY STATION MANAGER CO-ORDINATOR Stan Cooper Tracey Cresswell IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 999 www.stoke.gov.uk/stokeknowhow 01785 898641 01785 898951 AND ASK FOR THE FIRE SERVICE To book your home fire risk check ring: 0800 0241 999 For all city council services contact 234234 Our City p11 6/1/11 14:06 Page 1

JANUARY 2011 Our City 11 Ways to prevent spread of Down Your winter vomiting bug Way

HE winter vomiting bug season Practicing good hygiene by regularly is here but taking a few simple washing hands is a simple way to News from Tprecautions can prevent the reduce the spread of norovirus. spread of the unpleasant infection Here, Leah Frost and Elliot Healey, South Western also known as norovirus. both aged 10 and pupils at John Neighbourhood Last winter saw a high number of outbreaks Baskeyfield VC Primary School in that affected large numbers of elderly Burslem, set a good example. residents in care homes in Stoke-on-Trent HARTSHILL AND and caused ward closures at the University PENKHULL: Former Stoke City Hospital of North Staffordshire. star Ian Cranson is helping run However if people at home suffer the symptoms of violent vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, football skills schools for headache and stomach cramps, they should children of all abilities aged five stay there, rest and drink plenty of fluids until to 16. Ian along with Ashley Hill the bug passes out of their system – which are delivering coaching three usually takes around 48 hours and they will times a week to professional recover naturally without treatment. Practising UEFA and Level 3 standards. good hygiene by washing hands regularly is Evening sessions are staged at also important. St Peters High School on a Kim Gunn, Head of Infection Prevention Wednesday and Thursday and and Control for NHS Stoke on Trent, said: “The important thing is to stay away from at Richmond Street Park on A & E units and GP practices because Saturday mornings. For more norovirus is highly contagious and this could information call Rob Simms on spread the illness to vulnerable people and 01782 236602 or 07939 906168. healthcare workers. In fact most cases do not require any medical treatment. BLURTON: Free information “It’s best to keep yourself to yourself but if schools and nursing homes. This is because As Our City went to press the signs were cafes are being staged on the you are concerned then ring NHS Direct on the norovirus spreads easily from person to that outbreaks of the bug in Stoke-on-Trent first Thursday of every month 0845 4647 or your GP’s surgery for advice.” person and can survive for several days in a would not be as severe as the winter of at the St Albans Community She added: “The winter vomiting infection contaminated area. 2009/2010. Centre in Finstock Avenue. can sometimes be more severe in the elderly Norovirus is one of the reasons why the Kim Gunn said: “In the previous winter Useful information on training, and very young as they may become NHS is busier and under greater pressure the norovirus season started in North dehydrated.” during the winter months as more elderly Staffordshire in September, while this time jobs, employment, home It’s estimated that the winter vomiting bug people are admitted from nursing or round the first cases were reported at the improvement, family issues and infects up to one million people in the UK residential homes, while outbreaks occur in beginning of December 2010 so we are ways of maximising income are every year and is particularly common in hospitals among patients being treated for hoping it will not be as widespread this all on offer. Free oatcakes as contained communities such as hospitals, other reasons. winter.” well as hot and cold drinks are provided. For more information call 01782 233265.

STOKE AND TRENT VALE: About 20 adults and children BuildingBuilding workwork startsstarts onon newnew £4.3m£4.3m schoolschool launched the London Road A GROUND breaking ceremony eventually see every secondary and pitch and indoor performance space. Centenary Walk to celebrate marked the start of construction special school in the city rebuilt or Councillor Debra Gratton, Cabinet the centenary of the Six Towns work on the city’s new REACH refurbished. Member for Children and Young Federation.The three-hour school for up to 80 pupils with REACH Head Teacher Lorna People’s Services, who was among event was organised by Stoke behavioural, emotional and social Matley, her staff and pupils joined the guests at the ceremony, said: West and Oakhill Community difficulties. members of Stoke-on-Trent City “This is a hugely significant step for Association in partnership with The £4.3 million project at Trent Council and representatives of our BSF programme. Closer to Homes Walks.The Vale will replace the current award developers Balfour Beatty to “The beginning of this work event included a lantern winning REACH pupil referral unit at witness the ceremony on the site of shows the people of the city that at making workshop. Bucknall – and is the first school to the new school that is due to open last building is underway and our be built under the Building Schools its doors in February 2012. young people will have a new TRENTHAM AND for the Future (BSF) programme in Once the school is open, cutting-edge, 21st century facilities HANFORD: New bins are Stoke-on-Trent which will community use will be encouraged in which they can learn and play. being installed along the canal so local people will be able to “There is still a great deal of work in Trentham after complaints enjoy the new facilities to do but I would like to thank all from local residents about litter available at the complex, those – staff, parents and pupils – and dog waste. British which will include an who have worked so hard to make Waterways has paid for the all-weather sports this project a three dual waste bins, which reality.” will be emptied by Stoke-on-Trent City Council on a regular basis. Residents who use the canal helped to chose where the bins would go.

FENTON: Two new ”No Cold Calling” zones have been set up to protect people in the area. Signs have gone up around the bungalows in Mounfield Place, Hayfield Heavy winter rain failed to stop the ground breaking Crescent and Morville Close. ceremony going ahead. An excavator digs the first soil on the The idea is to improve security site of the new REACH school watched by Councillor Debra and make the residents feel Gratton, right, REACH Head Teacher Lorna Matley and pupils safer in their own homes. Ashley Prince and Josh Ward.The city council’s Cabinet made a pledge to start work on the project before the end of March. Our City p12/13 6/1/11 11:39 Page 1

12 Our City JANUARY 2011 JANUARY 2011 Our City 13 Residents urged to get You may be surprised but... communities An idyllic setting in the blooming Scotia Valley GREEN fingered residents’ Greenway. city is brilliant for wildlife groups throughout Stoke-on-Trent are being urged Suzanne Wykes pictured to go for gold in the next Britain ATURE lover Suzanne Wykes has at Smiths’ Pool nature in Bloom contest in 2011. reserve at Fenton – one With involvement from two Nher dream job… of the many wildlife community groups the city walking on Stoke-on-Trent’s havens in the city. council gained an award in wild side. From monitoring Top, a rare dingy Britain in Bloom 2010 when the endangered butterflies to skipper butterfly at city competed for the first time advising on the reclamation home in the Potteries. in nine years. of former industrial sites The Friends of Trentmill for nature, Suzanne plays a Nature Park in Joiner’s Square, vital role in protecting the who transformed waste ground city’s wildlife and green into a garden and wildlife haven spaces. with the help of Prince’s Trust Far from urban decay, she sees a volunteers, and Friends of green and pleasant land with Bakewell Street Park Trust, natural parkland, hay meadows Penkhull, who are in the process and waterways, which support a The former Chatterley of restoring a piece of dazzling array of wildlife from Whitfield colliery site has skylarks to the resurgent otter. overgrown parkland, been transformed into And she has a dream to plant an Stoke-on-Trent’s newest There’s a lot of contributed to the local urban wood in the heart of the city ‘‘’’ country park. authority being awarded a Silver as other regeneration projects emphasis on jobs Gilt in the Heart of England in continue to breathe new life into Bloom Competition. former industrial and brown field and money at the The city council is now sites like the £10 million creation encouraging other residents’ of a country park at Chatterley moment so it’s associations and other Whitfield. community groups to enter with Green space important to environmental projects and impress the Royal Horticultural She said: “I love it. remember how Society judges when the Stoke-on-Trent’s brilliant for competition comes round again wildlife with a huge diversity of much wildlife and green and sometimes wild spaces this year. as well as rivers, canals and schemes and planning policy to Trent, which shows just how much green spaces also help encourage green spaces Horticultural map brooks. It’s so important that we make sure green spaces, wildlife the water quality is improving and we inward investment,” she added. look after all our green spaces and protection and enhancement are have skylarks at Berryhill Fields Local Suzanne continues to build strong contribute to our When RHS judges visited wildlife for everyone to enjoy.” part and parcel of future Nature Reserve. partnerships with other agencies also entries around Stoke-on-Trent in The 38-year-old Ecology development plans. Suzanne also “I also look after plants and working to improve the environment health and sense 2010 they said they were graduate has been the city talks to schoolchildren and habitats and manage areas like hay in the city including the Staffordshire pleasantly surprised by the council’s Ecology/Environment lectures at Staffordshire meadows. Wildlife Trust, Natural England, the of wellbeing amount of green space in the Officer for six years, having University. “I love meeting people and working Forestry Commission, the previously worked for the Volunteers are a vital help in her in a place which is so diverse. I like to Environment Agency and British city, and one of them remarked: CITY COUNCIL world-famous Slimbridge Wildfowl work so Suzanne liaises closely think, in my own quiet way, that I Waterways. ECOLOGY/ENVIRONMENT “The city has come back with a and Wetlands Trust, the Natural with groups trying to improve help maintain the wildlife and habitat And she is also talking to the bang.” History Museum in London and their areas. She has worked with of the city for us all. It’s such a rich Woodland Trust and others as OFFICER SUZANNE WYKES City council Environmental Hampshire County Council. the Friends of Cockster Brook, legacy. Imagine what it would be like she promotes her dream of a Manager Michelle Tinsley said: She advises on planning who have spent the last year if you never saw a robin or heard new urban wood in the “After the success in 2010 I am applications, building and road working with the city council to birds. Potteries. sure that we can put transform the urban beauty spot “There’s a lot of emphasis on jobs “It would add to the Stoke-on-Trent on the A Great Crested Grebe on and Townsend Community and money at the moment so it’s diversity of our habitats, be horticultural map with a gold Holden Lane Pools. Association on their plans to important to remember how much brilliant for wildlife and the award. develop wildlife in an area of wildlife and green spaces contribute people of the city – a great under-used green space. to our health and sense of wellbeing. place to enjoy the fresh air,” “The residents who took part Over the past few years she has “It’s overlooked sometimes but our she said. and helped win the award really been instrumental in protecting entered into the spirit of things the great crested newt, when Cuckoo flowers in a meadow at Bentilee. and involved other sections of developments have threatened A fish eye lens captures another the community like schools and their pond habitats. stunning view at Chatterley. even nurseries. Rare butterflies “The legacy of the Silver Gilt award achieved this year will be She has also worked closely on community facilities that the two-year transformation, for everyone can enjoy. In Joiner’s the city council, of the former Square the group have created a Chatterley Whitfield mining site plot of land where local children into a 50-hectare wood, grass and wetland haven with water can grow their own vegetables cascades, footpaths, ponds and and the first crops will be bridges. Her input has helped harvested soon. developers safeguard badgers, bats “I would urge all residents’ and the dingy skipper butterfly on associations across the city to the site. join in and make the most of the “The dingy skipper is on benefits that community Butterfly Conservation’s Red List gardens and improving the as vulnerable and only exists at a landscape can realise.” few sites in the West Midlands,” ● For advice about how to enter said Suzanne. “We counted 50 in one day the last time we Britain in Bloom contact the A panoramic view from Berryhill looking towards monitored them at Chatterley, The Ford Green reed beds at the Whitfield Valley Resident Involvement Team on Bentilee – with a standing stone in the foreground. which is really good.” nature reserve – a site of scientific interest. 01782 231914 or 01782 238515. “Otters are back on the River Our City p14 6/1/11 11:32 Page 1

14 Our City JANUARY 2011 Home fire risk campaign for older people

LDERLY people, and care centres and other their relatives, carers organisations. Eand friends are being Staffordshire Fire and Rescue targeted in a bid to boost fire Service’s Risk Reduction Manager Dave Steele said: “We’ll safety this winter. be running our campaign until Staffordshire Fire and Rescue March, as the majority of our Service has launched its Older fatal fires occur during these Person Campaign, which aims to winter months. raise awareness about the “We all know elderly people dangers of domestic blazes in whether they be grandparents, pensioners’ homes. parents, neighbours or friends – The campaign is a priority we have a responsibility to ensure because in just over a year there these people are safe from fire. have been five fire deaths and 16 “We’re asking people to think injuries involving elderly people how they would feel if an elderly in Staffordshire. person they knew died in a fire, Mascot Welephant has a trunk full of fun Hard-hitting posters and or had their home and life-long leaflets have been produced to CHILDREN can enjoy a trunk full personalised certificate and links in with other important possessions lost in a house fire, of fun and learn important fire special joining gift.Youngsters messages, such as road safety. coincide with the awareness knowing it could have been raising initiative. They highlight safety lessons at the same time also receive regular newsletters To find out more about joining prevented if they’d received a thanks to a very friendly containing information on how the Welephant Club log onto the importance of fire safety and free Home Fire Risk Check.” booking a free Home Fire Risk elephant mascot. families can stay safe, fun www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk/ To request a check call, The Welephant Club is run by activities, colouring-in pages welephantclub.asp Check. freephone 0800 0241 999. ● The posters have been Staffordshire Fire and Rescue and competitions. Pictured above at the new ■ circulated to places commonly For more details about fire Service and aimed at youngsters The club, which is free to join, Sandyford Fire Station is visited by elderly people, safety log onto: aged from four to eight. New is part of Staffordshire Fire and Welephant with Firefighters including libraries, care www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk or members receive a Welephant Rescue Service’s cradle to old Craig McGlyn, left and Robert associations, health and social www.direct.gov.uk/firekills joining pack, which includes a age approach to fire safety and Windsor. Hand cleaning technique This should take around 40 - 60 seconds a e 0 1 2 o h

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handsof Rub each thumb clasped Rub tips of fingers Rub each wrist with in opposite hand using in opposite palm in opposite hand rotational movement a circular motion Norovirus Stop getting all 9 1011 1112 of these and more by simply washing your hands

Rinse hands with Dry thoroughly with Your hands are water until all a clean paper towel, now clean soap has gone - clean towel or remember to turn off hand dryer. the water Our City p15 6/1/11 09:15 Page 1

JANUARY 2011 Our City 15 Down Your Way

News from Western Neighbourhood

SHELTON SOUTH: Alleygating schemes to improve security in the area have been completed.The third and final phase covering nine streets involved 25 double gates being installed in back Councillor Barbara Beeston, right, is presented with her WOW award by and side alleys.Thirty double Lord Mayor Councillor Denver Tolley with 19-year-old Amy Hudson – who Improvement and Development Support Officer gates were installed in the first has supported Barbara’s campaign – looking on. Donna Hammersley with her WOW award. two phases, which began in April 2009.The project was funded by Hanley West and Shelton councillors’ ward Councillor and officer both have the WOW factor budgets together with the Safer City Partnership. TOP quality service from Stoke-on-Trent City tireless campaigning for the provision of There was national success, too, for Donna Council is paying off with prestigious WOW! public toilets for the disabled to be provided Hammersley, an Improvement and MIDDLEPORT: A local Awards – the UK’s only national award for in the city. Development Support Officer in the Chief residents’ association has customer service based purely on customer Last year her campaigning paid off when Executive’s Department, who was judged the bought a children’s blood nominations. the first disabled toilet of its kind in the UK – UK’s Best Leader 2010 for her work in pressure/oxygen/heartbeat The awards normally go to members of complete with changing bed, hoist and motivating council staff to improve their level monitor for Middleport Health staff of nominated organisations, but shower – opened in the City Centre. of customer service. Centre.The Middleport, Councillor Barbara Beeston made history by Councillor Beeston said:“I was honoured to Donna said: “I’m honoured to have been Longport and Dalehall becoming the first elected representative in receive the award and really thrilled to be the recognised nationally for the work I’ve done Community Association, which the city to collect a WOW! Accolade. first councillor to win anything at the and hopefully it shows how good a job we are meets at the centre, raised She won her certificate for five years of awards.” doing at the city council.” about £100 through raffles and are presenting the monitor as a thank you.

BURSLEM SOUTH: Mining Pledgeg communities are remembered DELIVERED with a new plaque at the Reach members speak up to entrance to Central Forest Park. Councillors paid for the £450 memorial, which was the idea of the Union Street and Forest Park Residents’ Association, shape future services from the Burslem South ward budget.The heather bed the HE future of services plaque sits in was created by for people with park keepers and shows a Tlearning disabilities mining wheel and headstock. in Stoke-on-Trent is being shaped by the very people NORTHWOOD AND who use them. BIRCHES HEAD: Pupils from A far-reaching city council Birches Head High School strategy that spells out how joined forces with the city improvements can be achieved in council and Staffordshire all aspects of life over the next Police to brainstorm ideas for two years has been launched after improvements to a recreation close involvement with Reach, the ground.Their ideas on how to registered charity that supports improve Drive Park have been people in Stoke-on-Trent and Council officers and Reach members at one of the focus Staffordshire with learning relayed to landscape architects group meetings which helped to draw up a new strategy for as designs are now drawn up disabilities to speak up about the provision of services for people with learning disabilities. issues that affect their lives. ahead of discussions on the Reach formed a series of focus allocation of funds. groups of their members as part have formed most of the aims and Other key issues covered by the users provided an accurate insight of a comprehensive consultation aspirations laid out in the final strategy concern a wider choice of into the needs and aspirations of HANLEY PARK: Miles of process, and they asked people version of the strategy that has accommodation for people with people with learning disabilities in railings, gates and canal side what they wanted to see in the now been adopted by the city learning disabilities and the our community.” handrails at the park have been strategy. council. provision of support to acquire Andrew Garvey, a Project painted heritage green.Ward The feedback provided much of They include measures to be skills that will improve Worker with Reach, said: “We are the information needed for a draft taken to ensure better employment prospects and a all pleased that it is quite clear budgets paid for the 644 strategy, and after this was communication between people more independent lifestyle. the work put into this railings and gates to be published Reach held more focus with learning disabilities and staff Kevin Day, Joint consultation by the focus groups spruced up by PM Training, a groups that concentrated on at the University Hospital of Commissioning Manager who has been properly considered and social enterprise that provides asking those with learning North Staffordshire after service co-ordinated the development of that their ideas have been used.” training and apprentice disabilities how they think life users reported they sometimes the strategy, said: “The Alan Titley, one of the Reach opportunities for young should be in the future compared experienced difficulty in involvement of Reach and the members on the focus groups, people. Even railings behind to what it is like now. explaining what was wrong with high quality information obtained said: “It was important and only hedges have been tackled. The wide range of views them or understanding the by people with learning right that disabled people and provided by the focus groups medical treatment they received. disabilities from other service their carers were consulted.” Our City p16/17 6/1/11 09:17 Page 1

16 Our City JANUARY 2011

MANAGING money and the threat of debt can be stressful subjects – especially in the current economic climate. Here, Our City highlights the kind of support that is available to help people take control of their finances, whatever their income… LowLow costcost loansloans toto buybuy essentialessential By Mark Gater Chair of the Financial Inclusion Group for Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme appliancesappliances Group’s work N INNOVATIVE partnership is now more scheme is offering low cost loans A so people can buy essential appliances for their home like cookers, crucial than fridges and washing machines. The Kitted Out initiative is a link up ever before between Staffordshire Credit Union, the city council’s Supporting People team and The WHATEVER someone’s financial Chief Executive of the Co-operative. People moving out of Staffordshire Credit Union Kevin circumstances, they should be temporary accommodation into a more Waters,right,with Co-operative able to make informed choices permanent home often find their new about managing their money property is not furnished and they don’t have Sales Assistant Stephen Payne and have access to the right kind the money to buy new goods. with a range of white goods of advice, support and financial Now through the scheme they are referred appliances available through the Kitted Out scheme. services. to the Staffordshire Credit Union, which That is why the Financial provides people with loans up to £500 so Inclusion Group (FIG) was set up they can buy a range of white goods at low-cost prices. we can provide £500 loans with competitive more permanent. It helps them reclaim their just over 12 months ago. Kevin Waters, Staffordshire Credit Union interest rates. We have struck a deal with the independence as well as assisting them with The Group brings together Chief Executive, said: “People moving into a Co-operative so all the items can be their financial wellbeing. However, the white public sector partners such as new property from temporary purchased at very reasonable rates compared goods loan is also available to anyone who Stoke-on-Trent City Council and accommodation often find their new home is to high street prices and delivered to the has an account with the Staffordshire Credit Newcastle Borough Council unfurnished and they simply can’t afford to customer’s door.” Union and would benefit from it.” alongside organisations such as buy essential items like fridges or cookers. He added: “The scheme particularly helps ■ For more details about Kitted Out and the Citizens Advice Bureau,Warm “Through Kitted Out, the city council’s people who are moving out of temporary the Staffordshire Credit Union log onto Zone, Staffordshire Credit Union, Supporting People team refer them to us and accommodation and looking for something www.staffscu.co.uk Moneyline and the area’s housing associations. The aim is that by working together and pooling ideas and Practical help Providing resources the services provided solutions to the public are better co-ordinated, more effective and to stay warm on housing offer best value for residents. FIG is responsible for the in winter issues creation of Chatterbox and HELP is on hand for supports initiatives like the TWO schemes are helping to beat fuel poverty people who need advice Kitted Out white goods loan and keep householders in Stoke-on-Trent warm and support about scheme, both of which you can during the winter months. housing issues. read more about on the North Staffordshire Warm Zone is a Government-supported initiative bringing The city council’s following two pages along with Housing Solutions Service other ways of accessing useful affordable warmth and energy efficiency to privately-owned and privately-rented team can answer queries information. accommodation. in relation to a range of We believe that it is extremely Anyone in the zone found to be suffering from issues from mortgage important that people in the city fuel poverty could be eligible to receive free problems to debt or are able to access appropriate insulation measures and central heating measures. arrears. financial advice and services. Even households that do not qualify for a full The service works There are a considerable grant do qualify for heavily subsidised insulation closely with the Citizens measures, and a typical household could save up number of people in the area Advice Bureau, who have trouble managing to 60 per cent. All households will be able to access free Staffordshire Credit Union their finances on a tight budget. and colleagues across the Some need to access benefits advice, free energy advice, free energy-saving light bulbs and free smoke alarms. West Midlands to help affordable credit but have For more details about fuel poverty and people stay in their difficulty with this because they applying for a Warm Zone grant call 01782 current home despite do not have bank accounts, or 479099. financial problems. have a bad credit history. Given Meanwhile, Beat the Cold provides For more information the current economic conditions, information, advice and referrals for households contact the service on vulnerable to the cold. Residents can either access to the kind of services Residents living in the North Staffordshire Warm Zone 01782 233696 or email that the FIG supports is more arrange to visit the Stoke-on-Trent-based charity or home visits can be booked. could be eligible to receive free or subsidised energy housing.advice@stoke crucial now than ever before. efficiency measures such as cavity wall insulation. .gov.uk ■ For more details call 0800 3892258. Our City p16/17 6/1/11 09:17 Page 2

JANUARY 2011 Our City 17 Chance to chat on money matters EOPLE are being given the chance to talk to organisations about Pmoney matters at a series of local events across the city. Residents who have attended Chatterbox events so far have found out how to save money through cheaper fuel tariffs and loans, where to get home content insurance, savings and current accounts and where to turn to for help when money gets tight. Over 250 people have already come along to locations such as Asda superstore, Tunstall, Haywood Hospital and Rowan Village sheltered accommodation at Meir. The six-month pilot scheme supported and co-ordinated through the Financial Inclusion Group also gives people the chance to talk informally to professionals about financial services that can help, particularly Moneyline and the Staffordshire Credit Union. City council Sustainable Community Officer Vicki Birks said: “Chatterbox provides a useful venue for people to get information about money matters that are concerning them. It is local and friendly. Sustainable “It is only at the pilot stage at the moment but Community it is proving to be a real success. People are telling Officer Vicki Birks us the advice is useful and their comments are hands out money helping to improve the services we provide.” advice leaflets at For more information about where a Chatterbox Chatterbox is going to turn up next contact event. Vicki Birks on 01782 233060 or email [email protected] USEFUL Keep clear of loan CONTACTS FOR more information sharks – they cost about managing finances or dealing with debt log on to stoke.gov.uk and an arm and a leg click the money matters option. Other useful PEOPLE looking to borrow illegal money lending is a victimless contacts include: money are being urged to stay crime and loan sharks provide a NATIONAL DEBTLINE clear of loan sharks and think reasonably-priced service. www.nationaldebtline. carefully about lending The best advice for dealing with alternatives. loan sharks is “don’t”. co.uk 0808 808 4000 – Loan sharks prey on people They’re unlicensed moneylenders Free independent advice. who do not have bank accounts, who charge very high interest rates PAYPLAN have a bad credit rating and and sometimes use threats and www.payplan.com have been turned down for loans violence to frighten people who can’t by financial organisations. pay back their loan. 0800 716239 – for debt The deals offered by “sharks” For people who cannot lend from calculating, debt have interest rates that are three traditional sources, there are solutions and budgeting. times the price of the highest alternatives. SHELTER legal credit and in some cases For example, Moneyline is a “not as much as 1,000 per cent. for profit” scheme which specialises in www.shelter.org.uk An ongoing Government making small, affordable loans to 0808 8004444 – housing campaign – backed by the city people who are unable to get credit advice, including rent and council – is helping to protect from banks or building societies, or mortgage arrears people from unscrupulous are otherwise financially excluded. repossessions and illegal lenders. Moneyline’s Staffordshire Manager eviction. Eye-catching posters – such Karen Ankers said: “Our aim is to as the one pictured left – help anyone, regardless of financial TURN 2 US featuring slogans such as circumstances and regardless of their www.turn2us.or.uk “Don’t get in with a loan credit rating. The only thing we ask is 0808 802 2000 – benefits shark… it will cost you an arm that people are totally honest with us advice and details of and a leg” and “Stop Loan about their circumstances.” grant-giving charities. Sharks – they are dangerous.” For details about Moneyline have been appearing on FINANCIAL SERVICES billboards and website services call 01782 206836 or log AUTHORITY advertisements. onto www.elmline.co.uk/ www.moneymadeclear. staffordshire.html And the campaign tries to fsa.gov.uk – interactive For confidential help call Illegal dispel a number of myths tools for budgeting and surrounding loans sharks, Money Lending Team on 0300 555 which include: unlicensed 222 or email stoploansharks@ borrowing, information money lending is not illegal; birmingham.gov.uk and leaflets. Our City p18/19 6/1/11 12:00 Page 1

18 Our City JANUARY 2011 Creating a healthier and safer city

Survey shows vast majority feel safe in their community THE latest city-wide survey carried out by the partnership has revealed that eight out of 10 people feel safe or very safe in the neighbourhood where they live. More than half the residents revealed their top community safety concerns were break-ins at home or antisocial behaviour. This is despite an 18 per cent reduction in homes being burgled and a 30 per cent reduction in loutish behaviour in the last year. The results will be used to inform priorities over the next 12 months. Issues Mike Brunt, Safer of most concern were: Neighbourhoods ● Domestic burglary Programme Lead, right, ● Rowdy behaviour in the street surveys the banks of CCTV ● Alcohol misuse monitors at the city council’s central control with CCTV ● Alcohol-related violence/street Manager Jason Handy.The drinking control oversees the new ● Litter or rubbish ● deployable cameras along Drug misuse with the fixed units. Sam Bridgett, Research and Information Analyst for the Safer City Partnership said: “A total of 1,550 surveys were completed. “It was advertised and carried out through local newspapers and news bulletins, through the city council website New mobile CCTV units and face to face with residents via PCSOs and Safer City Partnership Officers. “The data was broken down into postcode areas so we were able to examine local trends and issues. set to combat crime “Despite this, all the postcode areas named ‘Groups of People Causing a AFETY and reassurance have with the help of Neighbourhood “The locations where the cameras are Nuisance in the Street’ or ‘Home Burglary’ been further enhanced in the Funding.They form part of a network of deployed are decided at monthly as their number one concern.” Scity following investment in more than 200 CCTV cameras meetings attended by representatives state-of-the-art deployable CCTV throughout the city. from the city council, Staffordshire units. CCTV operators are able to Police and other relevant agencies. They Former drug and A total of 14 deployable cameras have communicate and report any issues depend on the seriousness of local crime been bought and are to be installed in immediately to enable police or other and disorders.” various locations across Stoke-on-Trent. enforcement agencies to respond. Individuals or community groups alcohol misusers The images are monitored and Mike Brunt, Safer Neighbourhoods cannot apply for use of the cameras but recorded 24 hours a day and pictures of Programme Lead, said:“The cameras they can influence decisions by ensuring help other people anyone involved in crime or antisocial have a wide range of uses alongside all incidents are reported through the police or antisocial behaviour helpline – PEOPLE in recovery from drug and alcohol behaviour are kept and used by the many other schemes in Stoke-on-Trent police and other agencies. 0800 561 5610. misuse are volunteering their time to to combat crime and disorder, which are The deployable cameras have been already low compared to other areas of For more details about the CCTV encourage people to make a new start. bought by the Safer City Partnership the country. scheme log onto stoke.gov.uk/cctv Through the Recovery Is Out There project (RIOT) former users have become mentors, offering advice and support to people on drug and alcohol recovery programmes. The volunteers work on an informal basis Drugs can bring out offering one-to-one help or support through group sessions. The project was set up in the city less than six months ago the ‘Mr Hyde’ in users but is already proving to be successful with LEGAL to Buy – Risky to Try is the stark warning being issued service users and treatment providers. through the latest campaign aimed at spelling out the risks of Suzie Kelly, Alcohol Programme Lead for legal highs. the Safer City Partnership said:“The Adults are being targeted with an eye-catching poster, volunteers act as peer mentors offering pictured left, which features the slogan alongside a picture of hope, inspiration and encouragement to horror novel characters Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. people seeking support. The aim is to show people that just because there is a wide “They can really relate to their mentors range of legal substances and stimulants available they are because they have come through similar not necessarily safe and could have a dramatic effect on their situations and are the proof that there is personality or health. light at the end of the tunnel.” Project Officer for Substance Misuse Hannah Cole said: She added:“The project is in its infancy “Legal highs contain chemicals that could permanently affect and we are still recruiting volunteers, but so your health or state of mind.Taking them could put a person far the feedback we have received is very at serious risk of paranoia, coma, seizure or even death. Mixing positive. Both the people who have been alcohol with any drug further increases risk to your health.” helped and the support workers have ■ For help and advice contact the Community Drug noticed the benefits.” Service on 01782 219777. Our City p18/19 6/1/11 12:00 Page 2

JANUARY 2011 Our City 19 A two-page special Our City report LLate-nightate-night helphelp and and adviceadvice inin citycity centre centre

RAINED volunteers drug awareness specialists. have been patrolling Funding for the project has Tthe city centre as part been provided by a number of of a nationwide scheme to organisations including the Safer make people feel safer on City Partnership and comes under the banner of the Tackling Street Pastors Andrew Tesla nights out. and Sarah de Costobadie chat Through the Street Pastors Knives and Serious Youth with teenagers Kate McGing, left, project, teams of four people head Violence Programme. out onto the streets between In Stoke-on-Trent, the Street and Beth Reid in the city centre. 10pm and 4am to help reduce Pastors work alongside door staff, antisocial behaviour. police and city council CCTV Wearing easily identifiable operators every Monday and emotional care and give people a “Street Pastors provide are expected to work from 10pm jackets they engage with people Saturday night. friendly ear or advice which can additional help to vulnerable to 4am a minimum of once a offering advice and practical help, Councillor Ross Irving, Cabinet really make a difference.” people, ensuring our city centre is month. They have to undergo a such as making sure they get Member for Community Safety, Inspector Shaun Kerrigan, a safe place to visit. The CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) home safely after a night out. Partnerships and the Local commander of the city centre volunteers are local people who check. They also pick up broken glass Strategic Partnership, said: policing team, said: “We have offer a friendly, approachable For more details visit and hand out water to revellers “There is a lot of support on offer been working hard with partners, presence and can give practical who have been drinking. for people on nights out – but including the city council and advice and help.” www.streetpastors.org.uk The teams are trained by Street Pastors add something licensees, to drive down Volunteers are still being sought or ring Stoke-on-Trent organisations such as different. alcohol-related violence and for the scheme. Street Pastors are co-ordinator Barbara Bloor Staffordshire Police and Street Pastors can offer antisocial behaviour. drawn from local churches and on 07585 150560. Beware of driving on the ‘morning after’ drinking

PEOPLE are being warned Staffordshire Police, looks at limit and the number of units about the dangers of drink the costs of driving while of alcohol in different drinks. driving – and then getting over the limit, which can Suzie Kelly, Alcohol behind the wheel on “the include a 12 month driving Programme Lead for the morning after” – through a ban, a £5,000 fine, a criminal Safer City Partnership, said multi-agency campaign record and, potentially, the the campaign will be spearheaded by the Safer loss of employment. repeated in the year: Staff bake for charities City Partnership. The campaign also focuses “Although the campaign was MEMBERS of the Safer City Partnership team put their Throughout the Christmas on motorists driving the launched to coincide with the best baking skills to the test to raise hundreds of pounds period posters were put up morning after they have had Christmas period this is an for the Lord Mayor’s charities. A coffee and cake morning on billboards and displayed a drink; warning of the issue that affects people all was held at the Civic Centre, Stoke, for a number of local on the back of buses, warning possibility of still being over year round. motorists about the risks the limit. charities. Lord Mayor Councillor Denver Tolley is “Working in partnership they were taking if they had Police handed out leaflets means we can deliver one pictured sampling one of the tasty treats and a cup of consumed alcohol. to motorists as part of the strong effective message to tea served at one of the events, which raised £300. The campaign, backed by operation, spelling out key motorists, highlighting the organisations including facts such as the drink drive risks of drink driving.” Our City p20 6/1/11 16:41 Page 1

20 Our City JANUARY 2011 Initiative aims to get everyone online

DULT and Community It is a free six week course and it is running Learning is championing at venues across the city including Bentilee, A a Government Blurton, Ball Green, the City Centre, Fenton, campaign which aims to have Burslem, Meir, Milton, Stoke and Barlaston. Last year more than 350 people came along everyone using a computer by to this specific course and feedback was 2012. extremely positive. The Race Online initiative has been set There are lots more computer courses people up to encourage public, private and can progress on to including Beginners Excel, charitable organisations to sign up to help Powerpoint and Desk Top Publishing and some of the 10 million adults in the UK who several more delivered through city council have never used the internet. libraries. In Stoke-on-Trent, the Adult and Councillor Mervin Smith, Cabinet Member Community Learning Service has a range of for City Development (Regeneration), said: information and communications technology “More than 1,000 people joined our ICT courses that have helped thousands of people courses last year and they all said what a good log on for the first time. experience it was. For people new to computers and those “I want to encourage people to take up this feeling a little anxious about learning, the learning opportunity and remind everyone that Computers for Absolute Beginners course is a we are never too old to learn.” perfect first step. ■ The course is delivered by experienced, For more details call 01782 234775; email IT Tutor Geoff Ward, right, with 70-year-old student Colin Barwick who is taking patient tutors who understand the concerns of [email protected] or log on to a Computers and Cameras course held at City Central Library. new learners. stoke.gov.uk/adultlearning Council-run Language course paved way to college is a key learning employment and new lease of life ADULT learning courses have helped former at the school – because of her new-found resource Polish clothes designer Wioletta Haras break confidence she said yes. She is now a lunch down language barriers and paved the way to time supervisor and has gone onto complete a WEDGWOOD College and her finding work in the UK. Level 2 Health and Safety Course as well as a Conference Centre is one of Mum-of-one Wioletta, 33, pictured left, came Safeguarding Children course.” the most attractive settings to England from Poland in March 2008 with Wioletta has also enrolled on a 30-week for learning to be found in her husband, and had very limited English Interpreting course at Stoke-on-Trent College North Staffordshire – and skills, making it difficult to find employment. and has gone on to do occasional that coupled with its wide However, she enrolled on a Family Literacy volunteering at Jobcentre Plus as an range of courses means it is course being run at Northwood and Broom interpreter. She is also taking a ICT course to proving more and more Community School – where her daughter improve her skills. popular. Julia, aged eight, is a pupil. She said: “I have a degree in clothes design The college at Barlaston, Soon she signed up for a Family Numeracy and had my own shop in Poland – I also just south of the city, is a course and a longer Family Literacy Course worked as a chef at the weekends. centre of community and achieved Level 1, and after 12 months “Therefore it was quite frustrating to come learning offering one-day or her English skills improved dramatically. to the UK, eager to work, but with limited residential courses in a Marie Savage, Adult and Community English language skills.The Adult Learning range of languages – Learning Outreach Worker, said: “I was then courses have helped me to overcome this and including Esperanto – as well able to encourage her to do voluntary work has given me a new lease of life.” as the political sciences, history and art, cultural studies and many more. The college is owned and operated by the city council Family classes helped and ties in with its programme of Adult and Community Learning. restore self confidence A range of courses are WHEN mum-of-three Vicky a go at the courses. She is now a offered by the college for Escritt first attended an adult far cry from the person who most interests and abilities, learning session she admits to moved back to Stoke-on-Trent including Sugarcraft, Sewing, having an escape route identified. from Northumberland four years Vicky was so short on self ago following a divorce. Mini Manicures, Guitar for esteem after a series of major Vicky, 45, who also cares for her Beginners, Literature and blows to her confidence that she disabled mum and dad, said: “I Digital Photography. For the was not quite sure how the family trained and worked as a more adventurous there are learning course could help. psychiatric nurse for a number of courses including Beauty of But she soon realised it was just years but due to marriage and the Russian Opera,Wash and what she needed to get her back child care issues I was forced to Line Watercolours and An on her feet and a step closer to give up work eight years ago. Appreciation of the work. “When I moved here I had lost Derbyshire Dales. She said: “The first time I took all my self confidence and self part I sat close to the door so that esteem leaving me hiding in my ■ For more information FAMILY LEARNING – Vicky Escritt studies with her son Matthew, aged I could escape! However, the home.” 15, and 10-year-old daughter Catherine. about courses or a list of six-week course really helped me It was at this point Vicky first events throughout the and I started to gain confidence met Marie Savage, an outreach experiencing,”Vicky said. “I have and self esteem that I applied to winter and spring contact again.” worker for Adult and Community gone on to complete a number of university. the college on 01782 Now she has gone on to become Learning, who invited her to take adult and family learning courses, “I am presently completing a 372105 or email a community learning champion, part in the family learning course which helped me with my English four-month Return to Practice wedgwood.memorial is part way through a university at her daughter’s school. and numeracy skills.” module so that I can go back to @stoke.gov.uk course and is constantly telling “It really helped me to She added: “Following all this I nursing and improve my family’s others about the benefit of having overcome the issues I was have gained so much confidence quality of life.” Our City p21 6/1/11 09:29 Page 1

JANUARY 2011 Our City 21 Former Michelin MD appointed LEP Chairman JOBS and skills are top priorities for the new Former Michelin Managing Director Jim body set up to drive forward regeneration in Rickard, pictured right, has been appointed as Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. Chairman of the LEP board. The Local Enterprise Partnership, or LEP,is Mr Rickard said: “Our aim is for growth in the one of just 24 in the country given the economy, which will come from the private Our City reports back on go-ahead by the Government. sector.We want more employment convictions secured to make It replaces the abolished regional opportunities and for our people to be Stoke-on-Trent safer for us all... development agency Regional Development equipped to do those jobs through the right NORTHERN NEIGHBOURHOOD – Agency Advantage West Midlands, and one of training and development.” DRUG DEALER GETS 10 YEARS: the LEP’s first tasks was to draw up a bid which ● To find out more about the work of the LEP Two men have been jailed after has been submitted to the Government for cash visit the partnership’s website at police found drugs with a street from the first round of regional growth funding. www.stokestaffslep.org.uk value of £138,420 at properties in Chell Heath. Officers seized heroin, crack cocaine, cannabis and an ecstasy substitute during raids launched as part of Operation Nemesis. Peter Rogers, 23, and Carl Moreton, 28, both of Winghay Place, Chell Heath, admitted possession of drugs with intent to supply when they appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court. Rogers was jailed for six and a half years while Moreton was given a four-year sentence.

WESTERN NEIGHBOURHOOD – BURGLAR NOW BEHIND BARS: Burglar Lee Greatbatch has been locked up for 20 months after a scared woman called police as he tried to get in to her Northwood home.The 22-year-old from Truro Place, Bentilee, was caught when his blood was found on one of two motorcycles stolen from nearby garages. Greatbatch carried out the offences despite being subject to a community order and, while on bail for them, kicked his way into a flat in Bentilee. He admitted two burglaries and one Access Support attempted burglary. Assistant Fiona Evans shows a SOUTH EASTERN NEIGHBOURHOOD – Message in your COCAINE FOUND IN CAR: Wallet card. A judge dismissed Longton man Adam Day’s account of why he had crack cocaine worth £2,760 in a car as being “like a colander, it has so many holes.”The 38-year-old This card in your wallet is passenger from Blackheath Close said he hardly knew the driver who told him to pick two blocks off the dashboard and he only intended giving them to the owner for no payment. Day was handed a two and a half year prison term after pleading guilty at the most valuable Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court to possession with intent to supply. ORE than 5,000 people phone number, medical conditions, second batch of wallets. Additional in Stoke-on-Trent have medication, allergies and details of people sponsors would enable us to produce SOUTH WESTERN NEIGHBOURHOOD – made room in their or pets who may need caring for at home. more cards and keep them available to WOMAN CONFRONTS M The card is handy enough to be put in people in need of them.” BURGLARS: wallets for something more the glove box of a car, a purse, wallet or Stoke-on-Trent Lions Club fund a important than bankcards, Two young children slept handbag, and it comes with a green cross similar scheme called Message in a Bottle upstairs as a woman driving licences or loyalty cards. sticker that can be put on a purse or glove which is left in fridges at home to assist discovered three men in the Thanks to the Message in your Wallet box to signal that medical information the emergency services when called to living room of her Fenton scheme they carry a potentially life-saving can be found inside. help vulnerable people. home. A mobile phone and a card with personal and medical Alyson Shorthouse, of the city council’s For more information about Message laptop computer were stolen during the information that could save vital minutes Access Team, said: “Demand for the late-night raid at her terraced property in for paramedics, police or fire crews in the wallets has been enormous since the in a Wallet email: disabledaccesss@ stoke.gov.uk or phone 01782 236667 Victoria Road. Nathan Hopkin, 29, of City Road, case of emergency. scheme was launched six months ago. Fenton admitted burglary.With 37 previous The wallet-sized card carries crucial “Stoke-on-Trent Lions Club and the or contact Stoke-on-Trent Lions on convictions, the judge jailed him for two years information such as GP’s name and city council have already produced a 0845 8335724. telling him:“This is particularly serious because when you and two others forced your way into Market hamper the house, the family were present.” Making smoking less cool for children EASTERN NEIGHBOURHOOD – lucky winner AN anti-smoking campaign and second hand smoke. city council’s Smokefree DRUG ADDICT JAILED: CONGRATULATIONS to Mrs aimed at children has been Councillor Terry Follows, Champion, said:“This is all Crime number 99 landed Scott Mildred Dennis of Trent Vale launched by the city council. Cabinet Member for the about making smoking less Tinsley from Smallthorne with a who won a £250 hamper Called Smokefree 4 Life, Environment,Waste attractive to young people two and a half year stretch in donated by Stoke-on-Trent the dangers are being Management and and ensuring that they have prison. He stole items worth markets in a special highlighted to Cubs and Neighbourhood Services, the information that tells £3,000 from a house at Our City competition. Brownies who will get said: “The uptake of smoking them about the downside of Causeway Drive in Sneyd Green Mildred, 86, received embroidered badges and amongst young people is a smoking.” to feed his drugs habit and was caught red-handed with some of the property the her prize from certificates to reward their big concern in our area as Groups wanting an activity following day.Tinsley, 35, of Community Drive, Lord Mayor understanding.The project, there are high numbers of pack should contact Trading first told police he had been given the goods in Councillor funded by the Department of youngsters aged 11-16 who Standards Officer Charlotte exchange for his bike but later admitted the Denver Tolley. Health, will focus on the are regular smokers.” Coleman at regulatory. offence. It was his ninth house burglary. health effects of smoking Councillor Mark Wright, the [email protected] Our City p22 6/1/11 10:59 Page 1

22 Our City JANUARY 20110

IT’S easy to get in touch with a local beat bobby or Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) via their Stoke Neighbourhood digital airwave radios. All officers have individual collar numbers which are four or five digits long. For officers with four digit numbers dial 0300 123 2345 then enter ‘0’ followed by the four digit collar NPU commander Inspector number of the officer you need to speak to. No ‘0’ is needed for officers with five digit collar numbers. Stoke Police Station, 3734 Boothen Road, If the officer is on duty, their radio rings like a mobile phone and you will be connected. If they are off Christopher Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 4AH. CONTACT NUMBERS duty or dealing with victims, witnesses or offenders, your call goes through to the officer’s individual Harrington olice voicemail box. Remember, in an emergency, dial 999. Tel. 0300 123 4455 P email: [email protected]. police.uk Bucknall Neighbourhood Burslem Neighbourhood Longton Neighbourhood Sgt Sgt Sgt NPU commander Inspector NPU commander Inspector NPU commander Inspector 3851 0583 4653 Bucknall Police Post, 4371 Burslem Police Station, 4465 Longton Police Station, 5110 Dave Jo Phil Ruxley Road, Bucknall, Jackson Street, Burslem, Sutherland Road, Longton, Fenton Blandford Eaton Martin Elliott Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9BG. Matt Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1AF. Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 1HH. Blurton, Newstead & Hollybush Brereton Sharrard- Bennton Williams PC PC PC Tel. 0300 123 4455 Tel. 0300 123 4455 Tel. 0300 123 4455 4822 5107 0873 email: [email protected] email: longton.npu@staffordshire. pnn.police.uk email: [email protected] Sean Simon Kate Sgt Sgt Sgt Woodward Stone Rushton 4602 3840 4019 Sgt Sgt Sgt Sgt Sgt Sgt PCSO PCSO Fenpark 3615 4438 3415 Paul John Pete 4336 3890 4089 6607 16885 PC Paul John David Clarke Hazeldine Slinn Craig Ian Andy Phil Charlotte 0905 Clarke Buchan Lowe Burton Jones Duffin McGlynn Abbotts Birches Head East & West Rob Abbey Hulton PC PC PCSO Saxonfields & Meir Hay Mountford PC PCSO 0848 5373 8979 Sgt PC PCSO Fenton, Heron Cross, Mt Pleasant PCSO 4991 0760 16856 4727 16295 Ruth Julie Michelle PC PC 8827 Dave Steven Barlow Clarke Chadwick Steven Lisa Keith 4475 4129 Scott Meigh Joynson Mellor Tams Cowan PCSO Ivor Scott Holland PCSO PCSO Burslem & Sneyd Green West 8984 Meir North & Weston Coyney PCSO Owens Bradbury 16934 16933 Becky 16854 PC PC PC PC PCSO PCSO PC Simon Sarah Tracy Emma 4260 4210 5274 5222 16229 6443 4959 Robinson Casey Cartlidge Mark Les Forest Park James Matthew Wendy Rachel Kerrie Trafford Bertolone Bentilee PCSO Ibbs Hope Town Centre Rogers Mountford Mayer PCSO PCSO 8987 PCSO PCSO PC PCSO PCSO 8957 17016 PC Hartshill, Basford, Cliffe Vale & Hospital 4632 6612 16226 Liz 16937 8892 5094 Justine Matthew PC PCSO Andy Andrew Rachel Old Stephen Andrew Adam 0991 16852 Marsh Boyles Lomas Spooner Mander Meakin Knight PCSO Rushton Terry Yvonne PC 8831 Meir South & Meir Park PCSO Dunn Klebukowski Berry Hill & Eaton Park 5183 Middleport & Longport Katie 6603 PC PCSO Sullivan PC PC Penkhull Natalie PC PC 4090 4603 Gemma 4953 8983 Lugg 0447 4912 PC Price PC PCSO Angela Rob Russ Neil Day 4913 16939 Claire Mick 0805 Elliott Broadhurst Guthrie Jervis Jones Kate Barry Katy Beardmore PCSO PCSO PCSO Joynson Thorneycroft Bucknall & Townsend PCSO PCSO 16635 16240 6500 8959 6628 PC Town Centre & Boothen PC PCSO Emma Leanne Mark 0806 0975 17023 Helen Tich Richards Sharratt Simon PC PC PCSO Rowley Nyamayaro Amanda Nathan Nia 4433 4990 8825 White Normacot, Dresden, Florence & Lightwood Ames Nokes Andy James Karen Northwood Shelton North & Etruria PC PC PC Birchenall McMillan Billings Joiner’s Square 5020 5169 3862 PC PC PC Trent Vale & Oakhill PC PCSO Jon Toni Tony 3829 4389 5246 Ash Sunderland Godwin PC PC PCSO 4867 8893 Ian Guy Dave PCSO PCSO 3684 4964 16634 Nick Lucy Martin Wain Beardmore Neil Andrea Charlotte Bolam Stevenson 6433 16232 PCSO PCSO PCSO George Andrew Russell Oakes Bryan Milton & Baddeley Green 9045 8985 16230 Bould Alcock Trentham & Hanford Sue Lucy Vicky PC PC PCSO Wall Slater Smith Neighbourhood Action Team PC PC PCSO 0865 4020 16932 4034 0540 16938 Claire Neil Jessica PCSO PC PC PC 16225 Shelton South 0971 4160 4838 Malcolm Nerine Scott Bowker Whitmore Edge Ford Forrest Woodward Adrian PC PC Paul Paul Gareth Smallthorne Hemmings 4139 4483 Nixon Massey Whitfield Neighbourhood Action Team Dave Keith Emery PC PCSO PC PC PC PC Marshall (Uni Officer) 3911 16231 4021 5238 4685 5133 Kieron Carl PC PCSO Andy Scott Steve Scott Edridge Radford 5588 16299 Edwards Robson Wilson Gidman Lynne Katie Sneyd Green Callaghan Brickley PC PCSO PCSO 0886 8980 17020 Neighbourhood Action Team Tunstall Neighbourhood Burslem Park Estate, Smallthorne & Bradeley Sarah Charlotte Fraser PC PC PC NPU commander PC PCSO PCSO Griffiths Barker Glen 5106 5056 0821 Inspector 3822 16235 16233 Gareth Andy Claire Tunstall Police Station, 3573 Rob Sarah Hannah Neighbourhood Action Team Cheetham Percy Brooker Scotia Road,Tunstall, Thomas Wood Mayer Mark PC PC PC PC PC PC Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 6BG. 0735 0998 5078 5137 0935 4924 Hardern Sandyford & Goldenhill Jo Peter Scott Adrian Graham Kevin Tel. 0300 123 4455 PC PCSO Powell Underwood Turner Firth Phillips Cook email: tunstall.npu@staffordshire. pnn.police.uk 4733 8953 Glyn Michael Talbot Frost Sgt Sgt Sgt City Centre Neighbourhood Etruria & Festival Park 4594 0852 4401 Stanfield & Mill Hill Marcus Deb Tony NPU commander PC PC PC PC PCSO Inspector 5208 4871 0605 Ferns Losh Drinkwater Hanley Police Station, 5055 8841 3509 Andrew Lucas Nicola Daniel Andy Bethesda Street, Hanley, Fegg Hayes & Great Chell Shaun Sherratt Hackney Humphries Marsh Pryce Stoke-on-Trent ST1 3DR. PC PCSO PCSO PC PC PCSO 4969 6513 16941 Kerrigan 4452 4133 16227 Tunstall Town Centre Tel: 0300 123 4455 Samantha Sarah Jon PC PC PC Roger Craig Daniel Bray Bowen Steventon email: [email protected] Poole Russell Nettleton 5158 4835 5086 PCSO PCSO Chell Heath Amanda Adam Craig Whitfield Edwards Carpenter Sgt Sgt Sgt 8830 16935 PC (acting) PC PCSO 4777 4151 4425 Christopher Daniel 4904 3744 6616 PCSO PCSO Jonathon Brevic Phillip Stone Boote John Nick Sally 8986 8954 Ward Jones White Swinnerton Palmer Wright Andy Richard City Centre Wootton Farrar Packmoor & Brindley Ford PC PC PC PC PC PC Neighbourhood Action Team 0817 5445 4149 0726 4644 5164 PC PCSO 0944 17022 PC PC PC Kerry Gregory Jason Claire Robert Natalie PCSO 3755 3930 4233 Grant Hill Howell Harrison Kelsall Ball Jaime Tracy Isaacs Hodgson 16940 Paul Steve Dave PC PC PC PC PC PC Blaine Harris Farmer O’ Donnell 0837 5410 4092 4634 4528 0400 Norton & Ball Green Williams PC Sharon Steven Carl Lee Darren Diane PC PC PCSO 5279 Ribbans Smith Kelsall Robinson Belford Hoyle 4383 877 16853 Anthony PCSO PCSO PCSO PCSO PCSO Andy Claire Simon Baddeley 8955 8516 16936 8457 16293 Baddeley Crank Jones Christopher Andrea Matt Simon Melanie Hill Bolam Harrison Holmes Bartholomew Special constables – All NPUs are supported by a team of special constables. Our City p23 6/1/11 09:32 Page 1

JANUARY 2011 Our City 23

Abbey Green Bentilee and Townsend

ELLIE WALKER GWEN HASSALL MELANIE BADDELEY STEVEN BATKIN MERVIN SMITH DAVID MARFLEET (Community Voice) (Labour) (BNP) (BNP) (Labour) (BNP) (01782) 397870 (01782) 263166 (01782) 763615 (01782) 859054 (01782) 537211 (01782) 876661 our 07917 854352 07851 751813 07979 508837 steven.batkin@ 07584 607623 07745 157918 COUNCILLORS [email protected] [email protected] melanie.baddeley@ stoke.gov.uk mervin.smith@ david.marfleet@ Y stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Berryhill and Hanley East Blurton Burslem North

RITA DALE ADRIAN KNAPPER JOHN DAVIS ROY NAYLOR BRIAN WARD MARGARET BARBER JEAN EDWARDS DAVID CONWAY JOY GARNER (City Independents) (Labour) (City Independents) (Non-aligned) (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (City Independents) (Labour) (01782) 267451 07714 334453 (01782) 264126 (01782) 313975 (01782) 312670 (01782) 305514 (01782) 816171 (01782) 790922 (01782) 768846 [email protected] adrian.knapper 07786 440876 07833 183922 07879 115704 07825 882059 jean.edwards@ david.conway@ 07986 442770 @stoke.gov.uk [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] margaret.barber@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk [email protected] stoke.gov.uk Burslem South Chell and Packmoor East Valley

JAVID IQBAL NAJMI DEBRA GRATTON MOHAMMED PERVEZ TONY FRADLEY PETER KENT-BAGULEY JANINE BRIDGES HAZEL LYTH MATT WILCOX JOANNE POWELL- (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Community Voice) (Labour) (Conservative & (Labour) BECKETT (Cons & 07846 879920 07748 251695 01782 232468 07919 528515 07773 464626 (01782) 851842 Independent Alliance) 07810 825600 Independent Alliance) [email protected] debra.gratton@ 07919 917632 [email protected] peter.kent-baguley@ 07989 385631 07825 732680 matt.wilcox@ 07816 518275 stoke.gov.uk mohammed.pervez@ stoke.gov.uk janine.bridges@ [email protected] stoke.gov.uk joanne.powell-beckett@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Fenton Hanley West and Shelton Hartshill and Penkhull

MICK BELL SARAH HILL PAUL SHOTTON ZULFIQAR ALI AMJID WAZIR MOHAMMAD IQBAL KASSEM AL-KHATIB RANDOLPH CONTEH BARBARA BEESTON (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (Liberal Democrat) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (City Independents) (City Independents) (01782) 847760 (01782) 845044 01782 434445 07838 262062 07747 830461 (01782) 266893 (01782) 849823 (01782) 256869 (01782) 612072 [email protected] 07584 607624 paul.shotton@ [email protected] amjid.wazir@ 07792 071266 [email protected] randolph.conteh@ 07729 896622 [email protected] stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk mohammed.iqbal@ stoke.gov.uk barbara.beeston@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Longton North Longton South Meir Park and Sandon

CLIVE BRIAN MARK DAVIS TOM REYNOLDS DENVER TOLLEY BAGH ALI OLWEN HAMER MICHAEL BARNES (Conservative & JOHN BURGESS ABI BROWN (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Community Voice) Independent Alliance) (BNP) (Conservative & 07813 473625 07850 828717 (01782) 316815 (01782) 343246 (01782) 657133 (01782) 870065 (01782) 315702 (01782) 394397 Independent Alliance) [email protected] [email protected] 07799 032939 07973 848428 olwen.hamer@ 07850 939611 07950 285366 07889 137308 07793 844169 [email protected] [email protected] stoke.gov.uk michael.barnes@ [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] stoke.gov.uk Northwood and Birches Head Norton and Bradeley Stoke and Trent Vale

DAVE SUTTON JEAN BOWERS KIERAN CLARKE ALAN RIGBY MICK SALIH DUNCAN WALKER GAVIN WEBB JEREMY DILLON PAULINE JOYNSON (Liberal Democrat) (Liberal Democrat) (Liberal Democrat) (Christian Independent) (Community Voice) (Labour) (Libertarian Party) (Labour) (Community Voice) (01782) 542998 (01782) 262613 (01782) 788010 (01782) 542364 (01782) 533542 (01782) 912422 07949 026660 07505 777571 (01782) 413683 07512 564815 07712 350430 07886 358143 07790 374152 07977 843026 duncan.walker@ gavin.webb@ [email protected] 07813 836057 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk pauline.joynson@ stoke.gov.uk Trentham and Hanford Tunstall Weston and Meir North

TERENCE FOLLOWS MARK WRIGHT ROSS IRVING MEGAN RYAN MOHAMMED MATLOOB MAJID KHAN MICHAEL COLEMAN JOHN DANIELS RUTH ROSENAU (City Independents) (Conservative & (Conservative & (Conservative & (Labour) (Labour) (BNP) (Conservative & (Labour) (01782) 318127 Independent Alliance) Independent Alliance) Independent Alliance) (01782) 577658 07989 441707 (01782) 311697 Independent Alliance) (01782) 501940 07944 055379 (01782) 642653 (01782) 335982 (01782) 866761 07811 147372 [email protected] 07926 532922 (01782) 396780 07870 503575 terence.follows@ 07814 744775 07900 135565 07903 458768 mohammed.matloob@ michael.coleman@ 07885 894804 ruth.rosenau@ stoke.gov.uk [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk [email protected] stoke.gov.uk

Information on city councillors was correct at the time of going to press. Our City p24 6/1/11 09:32 Page 1