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ISSUE 39: SPRING 2015 Stoke-on-Trent Free cycling map with this Our Citymagazine

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2 Our City SPRING 2015 Successful city Jobs and growth The view from the Wolstanton retail park junction on the A500 looking pushes ahead towards the Etruria Valley site. fast on future quality of life

By City Council Leader Councillor MOHAMMED PERVEZ

STOKE-on-Trent is growing fast, and that’s official.The city has been identified by Government as being in the UK’s top five places for economic growth. I know many people are still struggling to improve their lives, but we are out of the dark days of economic gloom and pushing ahead fast. There’s a long way to go, but this city is alive with enthusiasm and energy once again. The number of jobs being created is increasing faster than many other cities – over 3,000 new jobs over the last two years.That’s two and a half times faster than the national average. Portmeirion has reported growing profits and is investing to increase production by 50 per cent. Steelite made a similar investment last year. New companies are setting up.The industrial roots of this city are growing again. Green light for road to Businesses are clear that this city needs a strong city centre where international investors feel at home.That’s why we are building Smithfield, the city’s new central business district.That’s why we signed the City Deal boost jobs and growth with Government to develop the UK’s largest deep geothermal district heating system. Independent experts, the Centre for Cities, have said we are doing the MULTI-MILLION pound this project is a key priority. accommodate around 250 new houses. “The scheme, which will be The delivery of this project provides a right thing. road and infrastructure delivered in stages, will also see an great boost to our fast-developing city New house building is on the up and our successful Ascheme now getting additional lane constructed in each centre.” £1 homes initiative is world famous.We’re investing in underway in Stoke-on-Trent is direction on the A500 between Business leaders have welcomed warm homes for local people, putting us in the top five a key project in the delivery of Porthill and Wolstanton.The council is news that the Etruria Valley link road councils in the country. the council’s vision for a working closely with landowners and and A500 improvements will be going Education results are closing the gap with the renaissance, helping to take the others involved in the proposals to ahead in 2015. national average and the number of young people who city into the fast lane. ensure the project can go ahead in a Jane Gratton, Deputy Chief are not in education or training – known as NEETS – is Work is due to start on a timely fashion. Executive of the Staffordshire falling faster than anywhere else in the Midlands. programme that will improve access to “Increasing the capacity of our road Chambers of Commerce, said: “This That is why the national cuts agenda is so worrying the city centre from the A500 and help network and creating an additional is excellent news. The scheme will help for us all. Despite all its successes this city is being hit reduce congestion on busy roads. link to the city centre will help to attract new business investment and harder than virtually any other in the country. It is part of the authority’s 30-year improve journey times for residents jobs, ease traffic congestion, improve Central Government funding is being cut but we have vision to accelerate jobs and growth in and visitors. It will also improve our city centre access and ensure people squeezed ever more value out of every pound of tax Stoke-on-Trent and boost the wider ability to offer alternative routes and have access to employment payers’ cash.While other councils are slashing services North Staffordshire area. cope with disruption.” opportunities.” and raising council taxes, we have managed to hold the The scheme – primarily funded “The development of the Etruria The city council is currently Valley site, which the new road will run planning targeted consultation sessions line for the people of Stoke-on-Trent, keeping most of through the Growth Deal agreed with central government last year – will see through, has the potential to create to provide more information on the those essential services going.We have balanced our thousands of jobs – with further land to project in the early part of the year. budget once again, despite the challenges, and frozen a new link road constructed from the existing Wolstanton junction on the Council Tax for the third year in a row.That’s when two A500. thirds of councils nationally are raising their Council Tax The new road will cross over the this year. West Coast main railway line, then run Our City: you picked our front cover It looks like the national squeeze on our funding is through to Festival Way – providing a going to continue year after year.We have to make new route into the heart of the city. When we’re putting Our City together we like to hear increasingly tough decisions. No one wants to have to The road will also link to Shelton and act upon feedback from Stoke-on-Trent make these choices – least of all someone as committed Boulevard and Newport Lane. residents. to the community as I am. City council Development The front cover of this issue was chosen by local Decision making is tough, but that’s what democracy Programme Manager Mark Collins residents and we’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the is all about. All the services you receive and the rights said the scheme was designed to members of the Southern Community Partnership. you hold dear come through democracy and voting for enhance the A500 and significantly If you have any ideas – just ideas, not the full what you believe in. If you care about the future get out improve access to the city centre. stories – for things we should be featuring in the and vote in May’s elections – both local and national. It He said: “A high quality magazine, please email us at [email protected] really matters – whoever you vote for. transport network is a proven driver of economic growth, so

Live webcast of full council meetings Give us your feedback on this issue of MEETINGS of the full council can now be viewed online.To see and hear Web: stoke.gov.uk Our City by emailing Our City is printed on the debates and decisions which affect life in Stoke-on-Trent, visit recycled paper.When Facebook: facebook.com/ [email protected] stoke.gov.uk and click on webcasting. you have finished with stokeontrent.citycouncil this publication please A list of dates and times of council meetings and committee meetings or write to: help the environment Twitter: @SoTCityCouncil by passing it on to a can be found on our website at stoke.gov.uk/meetingdates FREEPOST Our City. friend or recycling it. twitter.com/SoTCityCouncil Our City p3 11/2/15 09:58 Page 1

SPRING 2015 Our City 3 Record start up numbers put city among UK’s fastest expanding economies LATEST available figures rank Stoke-on-Trent recession and austerity – saw the city 1,530 new companies were launched in number of claimants in the city fell twice among the fastest growing economies in the record growth of 23.6 per cent compared the city in 2013 – a record number and an as fast as comparative national and UK with a record number of new business to UK growth of 13.5 per cent. eight per cent increase on the year before. regional figures. start ups and thousands fewer people on the That made it the sixth fastest growing in A total of 2,728 fewer people claimed Latest statistics show 3,541 people dole. the UK. In terms of GVA per capita, the city Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) last year, a claiming JSA in the city compared to 6,270 Gross Value Added (GVA) data for 2009 grew 21.4 per cent – making it the fourth fall of 42.1 per cent. (in December 2013) – that is just 1.9 per to 2013 – arguably the height of the fastest growing per capita in the country. Over the last three months of 2014 the cent of the population. Chocolatier enjoys the Backing business sweet taste of business success HEF turned master Ken said: “I started off making where we also now have a chocolatier Ken the chocolates for the wedding showroom and retail outlet. Master CHarrison’s fast growing boxes my wife was selling at the “The support we’ve had chocolatier Ken family business is settling into time and it grew from there. Now from the city council has Harrison monitors we get through 65 tons of liquid been brilliant. the chocolate drying new premises and looking chocolate a year making half a “They’ve always backed racks at Daniel’s forward to increased production million bars of chocolate, as well as us and we’re hoping for thanks to a £58,000 Regional sweets like truffles and lollies.We more in the future. Delights’ new Growth Fund grant from the were bursting at the seams so we’ve “It’s down to us to find new premises in city council. doubled our floor space by moving contracts – but we do anticipate Fenton. to Montrose Street big things.” Launched from Ken’s kitchen table eight years ago and named after his eldest son, Daniel’s Delights quickly outgrew its first two homes and has just moved to Montrose Street in Fenton where a team of 16 produce a stunning range. Their new base has undergone a complete re-fit and a new tempering machine, melting tank and precision bar loader is helping them double capacity.The firm also plans to take on an extra six staff over the next two years. Truly a family firm, Managing Director Ken is joined at work by his wife Jennifer, dad Ken, sister Left, the team at Daniel’s Delights, back Katie, mother-in-law Janet and school friend Martin Sherwood. row left to right, Martin Sherwood, Daniel’s Delights now supplies Jennifer Harrison and Ken Harrison. a mix of businesses including Front row left to right, Katie Harrison, multiples, independents and Ken Harrison Senior and Janet Baddeley. wholesalers including the Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe chain which has almost 100 shops across the UK. City welcomes another £1bn for Growth Deals

UP to £1billion of additional funding for a second round of Growth Deals has been welcomed by the Chairman of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership. David Frost said the pledge could see the area capitalise on major funding to deliver more business, infrastructure and skill development projects – building on the £80.2m Growth Deal already announced in the summer of last year. He said:“Our priority is delivering more and better jobs for the people of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, so it is great to see £1bn of funding confirmed for a second phase of growth deals from 2016 onwards.” Our City p4 11/2/15 11:02 Page 1

4 Our City SPRING 2015 jet Fast tracked jobs enterprise training into a job

OSING her quality “When I lost my job last year it controller job at the end felt like someone from my close Lof last year left Kasia family had died. I lost my Johnson feeling really low – confidence. I’ve always had a good job. I am an ambitious person. I did until she walked off the street everything to get a job but I didn’t onto a city council-funded want just any job. course and into full-time “When I saw the jet advert I employment. walked in and they asked how they The married mum-of-one was in could help.They told me about the Hanley when she spotted an ad for course. For me it was good, the Fast Track Into Employment especially how to present myself in sessions run by Jobs Enterprise & an interview.” Training (jet), the council’s The jet course is held at The recruitment and training Store retail skills academy in programme. Tontine Street, Hanley. It is for She enrolled on the five-module people aged 19 and over, who are course spread over 30 hours and at risk of redundancy or who have soon found her confidence growing not worked within the last six again as subjects covered everything months. People attending do not from team working, coping with have to be on benefits. change and interview techniques as The European Social Fund well as Health and Safety. finances the course through Determined to find the right job, “InTraining” who awarded the city Kasia then successfully applied for council part of the contract to Kasia a position as a production deliver in this area. Launched in Johnson talks June last year, 100 jet clients have technician in Eccleshall and started with jet Tutor in January. so far taken part and 60 have found full-time work. Stephen Barber Kasia, who moved to England outside The Store from Poland 10 years ago, said: retail skills academy “When I spoke with the owner and ■ For more information, call a jet he told me I’d got the job I told adviser on 01782 233530, 236094 where she received him he had made my Christmas. or email [email protected] her training. Our City p5 11/2/15 11:38 Page 1

SPRING 2015 Our City 5 Investment in city delivers growth and employment By City Council Chief Executive John van de Laarschot

AS this edition of Our City was going to press we got some stunning news.The Government has recognised Stoke-on-Trent, yet again, as a place where investment delivers growth and jobs, this time with a £7.7 million funding package to help us to improve traffic flow into the city centre and the University Quarter, and associated street landscaping, paving and street furniture.We are improving the city for visitors, residents, car drivers, pedestrians and cyclists too.The funding also includes money to help us develop plans to complete the city centre ring road. This is an extension of the Growth Deal, which was announced in July by Government, providing Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire with more than £82 million over the next few years to help bring forward major development projects.We are hard at work on the design of the Etruria Valley Link Road, a strategic link to open up hundreds of acres of prime Engineer Adam Salvo examines plans on the site where two new development land for growth, jobs and new homes. football pitches are being laid at the Excel Academy. Inset, the old It will also relieve pressure and congestion on the swimming pool building which is being converted into a sports hall. A500 and the A53 at Basford.We should be on site and starting work in the spring. In Councillor Pervez’s column you will read about how this city is growing fast.The highly respected economic think tank, the Centre for Cities, has backed our growth ambitions and our focus on Adam is set to complete creating a city centre to be proud of.They say that we have to invest in the city centre to ensure we can compete for international business. That’s why we are continuing to push for a direct HS2 connection to the city, alongside the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and the Local £270m BSF project Enterprise Partnership.You can read in this edition about how we are continuing to build our case and secondary schools across the city. project as a whole. It’s nice to see the OTTERIES-BORN Site the city’s profile in Westminster, with top economics Engineer Adam Salvo has Adam, who grew up in Sneyd Green, changes and nice to give the city some has worked for Balfour Beatty on the fantastic facilities.” experts Volterra reporting that a station in the city Pbeen given the honour of would release significant economic benefit for local putting the final pieces of the BSF project since day one and is now Dave Perrett, the city council’s Site Engineer at Excel. Assistant Director-Learning Services, people, for the region and for the nation. award-winning £270 million He said: “The football pitches have said: “BSF has made a tremendous Stoke-on-Trent’s success story is everywhere these Building Schools for the Future been levelled but work on the drainage, difference to our secondary schools. days, with The Observer doing a four page pull out all (BSF) programme in place. soil and seeding is weather dependent. Pupils in all areas of the city now access about the city’s resurgent creativity and BBC Radio He is leading a small team of Once done though the full-sized pitches some of the very best 21st century 4’s flagship Today programme broadcasting live contractors as they finish work on two will meet Sport England standards. learning facilities in the country. These from Steelite’s booming factory floor. football pitches and the conversion of “The old indoor swimming pool has schools offer an inspiring contribution All this focus on economic growth is vital to the an old swimming pool complex into a now been boarded over and will become to our continued improvement in future of this city.We have to grow and prosper and sports hall at the last school to benefit – a sports hall and storeroom. It’s been educational attainment.” provide the next generation with the opportunities the Excel Academy in Sneyd Green. re-wired and re-plumbed, new heating The city’s new secondary schools are they deserve. Growth is all about improving the Completion in the coming weeks will installed and the changing rooms have already winning plaudits for Balfour quality of life for the people of this city.The city mark the end of a massive programme been redecorated. Beatty, who have scooped several council is working with the business community and which began in January 2011. The “It’s going well. I’m a local lad so I’ve bronze, silver and gold awards from the with our partners across administrative borders to scheme saw partial or full re-builds of really enjoyed working on the BSF Considerate Constructors Scheme. make this happen. The city council is working hard here and now to help and support people in every aspect of their lives. In this edition of Our City you can read about More magistrates needed in the city to dispense justice how we are leading the way in looking after the city’s children while their parents are at work.We are also STAFFORDSHIRE is short of employment and people Staffordshire Justice Centre in there for those kids who need much more support. magistrates – and Stoke-on-Trent with disabilities. Newcastle-under-Lyme which We are committed to helping people to reach their residents are being urged to consider In total, the deal with all cases from full potential and to protecting our most vulnerable. putting themselves forward to magistrates’ courts across the North From my experience of meeting young people in become part of the justice system. service in Staffordshire area. this city, they are full of energy and hope.There are ■ Anyone between the ages of 18 Staffordshire needs For more information some great stories about how they are taking control and 65 may apply to be considered to recruit and train please contact Mrs A of their lives and getting involved in making this city for this important role and 45 new magistrates Danks, Staffordshire a great place to live.There are some major applications are particularly welcome to serve at court Advisory Committee, from members of black and minority centres across the Southern Courts and challenges ahead, but the next generation won’t be ethnic communities, people under county. Those recruited in Administration Centre, South held back.The future is bright, the future is the age of 50, people in paid Stoke-on-Trent will sit at the North Walls, Stafford ST16 3DW. Stoke-on-Trent. Our City p6-7 11/2/15 10:49 Page 1

6 Our City SPRING 2015 Mandate for Change... a budget in line with people’s priorities... Council Tax rates frozen in backing vital OUNCIL Tax is to be frozen for the third year Crunning while services including school crossing patrols and public toilets are to be removed from 2015-2016 budget savings under final city council budget proposals. Savings associated with meals on wheels and child and adolescent mental health services will be reviewed despite the city council facing a £26.9million gap in its budget following further Government funding reductions. The final budget proposals were developed following an extensive My City My Say community engagement initiative last autumn – one of the TRANSFORMING THE CITY... work gathers pace on an extra care most wide-ranging public service and retirement village in Abbey Hulton, one of three, city wide. the specific items within the budget were consulted on separately. However, the scale of savings are such that the council has to How have we saved the £97m? fundamentally redesign services which unfortunately means making up to April 2011- Total = £97m 500 redundancies. City Council Leader Councillor March 2015 Mohammed Pervez said: “Government cuts over the last five years are the worst we have ever faced. We have no choice but to balance the budget and we are doing ■ Delivering efficiencies: £32m this after listening carefully to ■ Driving greater value from what residents. we buy: £12m “It is impossible to implement these ■ Workforce changes: £6m Government-imposed cuts without ■ Reviewing charges for our services: £6m any pain particularly when we have ■ Rationalising the council’s buildings had to take out £97million over the and land to get the best returns: £2m last four years. ■ Redesigning services for “Following a comprehensive public the better: £39m dialogue we have modified the proposals for things like school SUPPORTING OUR CHILDREN... crossing patrols, meals on wheels and Laura Button with her son Baeley public toilets. This shows we have who use the Treehouse Children’s clearly listened to our communities Centre. and we will work with them to bring about the necessary changes. “But we are refusing to simply carry

SHAPING THE BUDGET... here is a list of people’s priorities that were highlighted as part of the city-wide My City, My Say consultation Our City p6-7 11/2/15 12:15 Page 2

SPRING 2015 Our City 7 .. Mandate for Change... setting priorities the public want to see en as city invests al services on making cuts without investing 10,000 households with multiple in our city’s future to create the needs across the city. much needed jobs and support ■ Capital investment in infrastructure people who most need our help. works at Etruria Valley will open “This is why we are investing in the site up for business by adult social care and looked-after improving connectivity to the A500 children.” and the local road network. Councillor Pervez added: “I ■ Development in the City Centre would like to thank members of the will continue to take place, with a public for giving us their valuable state-of-the-art library and one-stop feedback. This is a great city with facilities created at Smithfield. great people and a huge growth ■ Plans will continue to rejuvenate potential. Together we will pull Hanley Park and extra care through these difficult times and retirement villages will be look forward to a bright future for completed in the new financial our generations to come.” year. These will provide 390 homes The city council will continue its for residents aged over 55. work to transform its operations. This will see a fundamental redesign of services across the authority’s business support and professional services, accelerated work to transform the provision of adult social care services and the use of digital technology by residents. It will also see the city council consider different ways of delivery for its leisure and culture services – such as a Community Interest Company. This includes a wholesale look at the way key services are delivered, IMPROVING THE including waste collection and CITY CENTRE... disposal, parks and green spaces, Hanley resident street cleaning, highways Jim Martin takes maintenance and repair, fleet advantage of management and transport. We are refusing to the new public The council is also proposing to realm seating. invest an extra £2.1million in ‘‘’’simply carry on making CARING FOR OLDER PEOPLE... children’s social care and allocate cuts without investing The budget includes plans to an additional £2million for improve quality of life for learning disabilities services to in our city’s future to older residents like May meet demand from residents. In addition: create jobs and Forrester, 85, pictured here ■ The ground-breaking enjoying a knitting club at co-operative working programme support people West End Village in Stoke. has been recognised nationally City Council Leader Councillor and has secured £4.92million external funding, helping up to MOHAMMED PERVEZ Our City p8 11/2/15 10:50 Page 1

8 Our City SPRING 2015 Our City p9 11/2/15 12:36 Page 1

A great place to live SPRING 2015 Our City 9 Funding bid in pipeline to transform park HE transformation of ■ Restore the terracotta Hanley Park is a step fountain and pool in the T closer now the city Cauldon Grounds. council has submitted a final ■ Open up historic views by application to the Heritage removing some self-seeded trees. Lottery Fund (HLF) for ■ Install more benches and £4.58million. better signs. Detailed plans have been produced after extensive public The plan was developed using consultation on the best ways to feedback from 700 visitors and breathe new life into one of the three stakeholder forums UK’s largest Victorian public involving local groups, partners, The boarded up main pavilion at Hanley parks. The feasibility study was architects and the project team. Restoration walks were also Park which will be restored if the Heritage carried out using round one Lottery bid is successful. Below left, funding of £420,000 from the staged in the park so residents could be walked and talked the old lake boathouse which will be HLF and the Big Lottery Fund. revamped. Below right, the terracotta The project is now expected to through the proposals. fountain which will be restored. cost £6.3million in total with the The city council also worked council and other sources in close partnership with the contributing around £1.3million. Friends of Hanley Park, a local The council and its partners group of around 30 volunteers want to: dedicated to making the park a safe and enjoyable space for all ■ Refurbish the main pavilion to enjoy. to create a cafe, toilets and function room. The Grade II* listed park, ■ opened in 1897, was designed by Revamp the boathouse as a renowned landscape architect second cafe with boat hire Thomas Mawson. and community space. The project team hopes to ■ Repair the two former bowls increase visitors from nearly pavilions. 1million to 1.4million each year ■ Restore the formal terraced by 2020. garden. The Heritage Lottery is set to ■ Repair the lake's retaining make its decision on the latest walls, rockery and ravine. funding application in June with ■ Restore footpaths, gates, the the earliest start bandstand and two canal date on work bridges including being mid reinstatement of decorative to late iron lighting columns. 2016.

Six-year-old Maiya Ahmed, a pupil at Belgrave St Bartholomew’s Pupils plant bulbs to Academy, plants bulbs in Queen’s Park, Longton. brighten up parks STOKE-ON-TRENT is set to colour in the spring. bloom in just a few months The idea behind the thanks to the hard work of community planting children from local schools initiative was to help who helped city council children learn about parks teams plant 16,500 gardening by brightening flower bulbs. up public spaces and Youngsters from Belgrave providing extra natural St Batholomew’s Academy, habitats for wildlife while Longton, the Kinetic working alongside local Academy in Meir, St. Marks friends’ groups to help C of E (A) Primary, St regenerate the park areas. Wilfrids,Tunstall, Forest Volunteer Co-ordinator Park Primary,Waterside Tony Meredith, who helped Primary in Hanley, Etruscan organise the planting, said: Primary, Etruria and “This was a fantastic Kinglands Primary, opportunity for young Bucknall, joined in the fun people to help brighten up at nine parks throughout park areas for many years the city. to come as well as helping It means flower beds at to boost wildlife.” parks in Longton, Central If any schools or residents Forest, Etruria, Hanley, would like to help with Bucknall, Burslem, further projects please Smithpool,Tunstall and email anthony.meredith Joiners Square play park @stoke.gov.uk or call him will all now erupt in a riot of on 01782 232546.

To contact the council by email [email protected] Our City p10 11/2/15 10:58 Page 1

10 Our City SPRING 2015 Unpaid carers urged to claim their entitlements in benefits and allowances KNOW your rights and where to find and allowances go unclaimed every year. help with Council Tax and fuel payments working, parental leave and allows time support is the simple message from the Entitlement for those looking after a as well as protection for their State off for emergencies. JobCentre Plus does city council to around 27,000 unpaid family member, friend or neighbour Pension. support people back to work. carers across Stoke-on-Trent. without payment could include Carers’ Practical support and respite is It comes as latest census figures show Allowance, Personal Independence available through a Carers’ Assessment ■ For more information, go to that of the 11 per cent in the city who Payment (PIP), Disability Living for those whose caring role impacts their stoke.gov.uk/carers or call 0800 561 identified themselves as providing Allowance (DLA) or Attendance life. Aids and adaptations can also be 0015.Young carers aged under 18 can support, 800 of them are young carers. Allowance.The last three are also directly provided. call 01782 235422. People can also visit The council has already backed a available to the person being cared for. Many people have to give up work or staffordshirecares.info, carersuk.org or national awareness day organised by the Direct payment can be made to give reduce their hours because of their call the Carers UK Advice Line on Carers UK charity and is now highlighting greater choice and flexibility in products caring responsibilities, but people should 0808 808 7777 and the Citizens Advice how millions of pounds in carers’ benefits and services while people can also get check if their employer operates flexible Bureau on 08444 111 444. Now is the time to ensure right TO VOTE ITH a General John Hammersley, the city Election looming on 7 council’s Electoral Services WMay – and key city Manager, said anyone whose name council elections planned for was missing from the new electoral register would not be able to vote. the same date – now is the “It’s as simple as that,” he said. time to make sure every “If you’re not registered, you can’t resident will be able to use vote. their vote. “That means you will have no say Changes to the electoral in who runs the country or who registration system introduced in makes the decisions about how June last year mean that instead of Stoke-on-Trent is run. one person in every household “With every seat on the city being responsible for registering council being contested, the local everyone else who lived at that elections on 7 May are just as important as the parliamentary address, each person is now Electoral Services required to register to vote elections and it is vital that as Manager John individually. many people as possible take part Most people who were already in the electoral process.” Hammersley with registered to vote in the city on 10 ballot boxes at the June 2014 will have had their Civic Centre. details confirmed against Department for Work and Pensions It’s time to Rock Enrol records and then been registered Although young people can apply automatically under the new to register to vote when they are ANYONE who is unsure if they are on the just click on E for Elections and follow the system.They will not need to do over 16, only around half do so. electoral register can get help and advice links on the left of the page. anything and will continue to be For a resource pack on how to registered to vote as usual. from the city council by telephoning To apply to register online go to And anyone who was not encourage young people to 01782 233800 or by emailing gov.uk/registertovote where you will need automatically registered should sign-up to the electoral roll go to [email protected] to provide some basic identifying have received a letter to let them gov.uk/government/publications/ Full details are also available on the information such as your name, address, date know that they need to re-register rock-enrol council’s website at www.stoke.gov.uk – of birth and National Insurance number. and how to do it. Paying Council Tax bill online is simply click and easy COUNCIL Tax bills for 2015/16 will be dropping them, or if they It costs roughly the same amount as filling 533 through letterboxes across the city from the move house. potholes, powering 290 streetlights for a year or beginning of March. Residents can emptying 94,000 bins. Anyone who manages their There’s a range of ways that you can pay your now also manage bill electronically will be helping to get value for Council Tax, including by Direct Debit, which is their Council Tax money for the whole of the city. the quickest, easiest and most convenient and Business Rates Thousands of residents have already registered option. It’s done automatically straight from through a personal for an Online Account.You can sign up by visiting your bank account so payments are never Online Account. Similar to online banking, it's easy, stoke.gov.uk/onlineaccount missed and also helps you to keep on top of secure and free and allows residents and As well as giving details of how much you need your household expenses by spreading the cost. businesses to: to pay and when, the Council Tax bill also provides You can set up a Direct Debit with us for either Check bills, balances and payments the city council’s new banking details. From April, weekly (on a Monday) or monthly collections and Get e-billing and electronic notifications the city council will have transferred all of its you can choose a payment date that suits you – Apply for discounts and exemptions banking business to Lloyds Banking Group. on either the 1st, 5th, 10th or 25th of the month. View Housing Benefits payments and Council This means that if you pay your bill online, by Setting up a Direct Debit is now even easier – Tax Support claims standing order or over the telephone through your just go to stoke.gov.uk/counciltax and fill in a bank, you will need to change the bank account short online form. Alternatively you can call Dealing with your Council Tax online is ‘Click and number and sort code that is registered for the city 01782 234234. Easy’ – the council's website is operational 24/7 so council as a payee on your bank account. Residents Another new easy-to-use online form allows can be accessed anywhere and at any time. Also who pay by Direct Debit or directly to the city Now you do not need to bother residents to tell the Council Tax team about any posting out the annual Council Tax bill to every council will not need to take any action. with cheques or cash to pay change in their circumstances, such as cancelling home in the city costs thousands of pounds in For more information about Council Tax go to your Council Tax – do it online. Single Person Discount if someone moves in with taxpayers’ money. stoke.gov.uk/counciltax Our City p11 11/2/15 11:17 Page 1

SPRING 2015 Our City 11 Healthy lives City is brushing up Sales Assistant Michelle Lockley with a selection of on good oral health the healthy foods on offer at TJ’s. OUNG children are Stoke-on-Trent NHS Partnership ■ Reduce the amount and smiling as a result of Trust, said: “In recent years there frequency of sugary foods, Yimprovements in oral has been an increased emphasis on snacks and drinks. ■ health across Stoke-on-Trent. initiatives aimed at the pre-school Limit sugar to mealtimes population. only and avoid the ‘golden A 2012/13 Public Health hour’ – one hour before England survey of three-year-olds “Our Oral Health Improvement Team has developed a range of bedtime. showed that local children had ■ better oral health than those in special initiatives – including a Remember not to have other parts of the country. The supervised toothbrushing scheme sugary foods or drinks more survey showed that on average 12 called Smile Brites which is taking than four times a day. per cent of three-year-olds across place in targeted nurseries and ■ Avoid juices containing England had experienced tooth special schools across the city. sugar – water and milk are decay while in Stoke-on-Trent the “Other initiatives include best. majority of children – 93 per cent – encouraging health professionals to ■ Brush teeth twice a day with had no tooth decay at all. promote oral health and we are fluoride toothpaste. The 2011/12 survey of working with staff in children’s ■ Spit out after brushing – but five-year-olds also reported a centres, nurseries, playgroups and do not rinse. significant reduction in tooth decay with childminders, childcare ■ Start to visit the dentist for in Stoke-on-Trent since 2008. students, dentists and regular checks and dental Jill Allbutt, a Senior Health pharmacists.” advice as soon as the teeth Takeaways take up Improvement Practitioner Top tips to improve your appear (usually around six employed by the Staffordshire and children’s oral health include: months of age). the healthy challenge For help finding an NHS dentist contact TAKEAWAYS and other food doing,” said Gail.“Our menu the Dental Advice Line outlets are being urged to sign already included lots of salads on 0300 123 0981. up to a new scheme aimed at and we have swapped to using For further giving young people more sunflower oil and lighter information please opportunities to eat healthily. mayonnaise.” contact Jill Allbutt One in four 4-5 year olds are Michelle Lockley of TJ’s on 01782 298180. overweight or very overweight Oatcake and Sandwich Bar, Leek in Stoke-on-Trent, rising to Road, Hanley, said her approximately one in three by customers had welcomed the Senior Health the time they are aged 10-11. healthier options. Improvement The Public Protection Team at She said:“They have really Practitioner Jill Allbutt, Stoke-on-Trent City Council is taken to it and one or two are centre, with Oral working with schools and local even losing a bit of weight.” Health Improvement takeaways, encouraging them The scheme is open to any Practitioners Heather to make simple changes – such catering establishment selling Griffiths, left, and Viv as reducing the amount of salt, hot or cold food with a Food Hawken, promoting the saturated fat and sugar in their Hygiene Rating score of 3 or Smile Brites campaign. food – and to offer healthy more. menu options. For advice on how to take Lesley Mountford, Director of part or for further information Make a change4life with Sugar Swaps Public Health, said:“Our Eating about the scheme Contact Well To Be Well scheme should Public Protection on 01782 THE city council’s Public Health Team is supporting a “That’s as simple as swapping a sweet and sugary widen their appeal to customers 232065. new national Change4Life campaign aimed at pud for an apple and a yoghurt or swapping sugary who are becoming increasingly encouraging children to consume less sugar. drinks for lower-fat milk, water or sugar free drinks.” health conscious and at the The Sugar Swaps initiative is particularly aimed at The scheme recognises the problems that parents same time increase turnover.” parents of children aged 5-11 who can register to face on a daily basis when it comes to limiting the Gail Lyons who runs Best receive free Sugar Swaps packs filled with hints and amount of sugar their children eat and drink, Butties in Leek Road, Abbey tips designed to help parents cut down the sugary including issues like picky eating or pester power. Hulton, said she was happy to foods and drinks consumed by their children. ■ For more information on the campaign and to be part of the Eating Well To Be Alistair Fisher, Strategic Manager, Primary get the free Sugar Swaps pack – which includes Well scheme. Prevention, said:“The Sugar Swaps campaign focuses money-off vouchers to help cut the cost of “We didn’t really have to on the ways parents can help their children to eat cutting down on sugary foods – go to change much of what we were less sugar by making simple changes to their diet. sugarswaps.change4life.co.uk and sign up. Breathe easy – it’s time to go smokefree in the house and in the car WITH new legislation banning between children’s inhalation of of a new baby. But by the time the Chairman of the British Lung smoking in cars carrying children second hand smoke and conditions child is between six and 12 months Foundation, said: “As a children’s due to come in later this year, health including sudden infant death old the indoor smoking ban has chest doctor I regularly see children officials are urging Stoke-on-Trent syndrome (cot death), lung been relaxed or even abandoned. whose health could be dramatically residents to act early and make their disorders, middle ear disease and “Young children are also much improved if they were not exposed cars – and their homes – smokefree asthma. more vulnerable to the effects of to the harmful effects of second now. Second hand smoke can also tobacco smoke. Tests have shown hand smoke. The Smokefree Homes A new national campaign has cause behavioural problems, sleep that after exposure to similar levels programme is a brilliant way of been launched to encourage disturbance and increased absence of secondhand smoke, the level of protecting children.” parents to ban smoking in their from school due to illness. And cotinine – one of the chemicals For more information and support own homes and cars when children living with a smoker are found in nicotine – were 70 per cent on how to make your home children are present. three times more likely to take up higher than in adults.” smokefree, contact the Smokefree The aim is to reduce the level of smoking themselves. Giving his backing to the Homes Programme – which is only second hand – or passive – smoke Claire McIver, a Senior Health campaign, Warren Lenney, Professor available to Stoke-on-Trent residents which scientists agree can cause Improvement Specialist, said: “Many of Respiratory Child Health at Keele – on 0800 085 0928. serious health problems for children. parents tend to stop smoking inside University and the Royal Stoke Information is also available at Studies have shown a clear link the home immediately after the birth University Hospital, and Vice stoke.gov.uk/smokefree Our City p12 11/2/15 11:19 Page 1

12 Our City SPRING 2015 New campaign will hammer home message

OTENTIAL offenders are being “Victims can often blame themselves but targeted now Staffordshire Police the fact is that abuse is never okay. It is Phas relaunched its StopRapeNow never the victim’s fault. We believe the initiative to hammer home the message recent media coverage of high profile cases will help victims feel more confident to that sex without consent is rape, no report incidents to us. means no and silence is not consent. “We always take them seriously and Aware that rape and sexual assaults are investigate them robustly so I’d encourage under-reported because victims struggle to anyone who has been a victim to report it believe it is not their fault, the police are to us. I’d also encourage people to re-think again working in partnership with their views on violence, controlling Stoke-on-Trent City Council and behaviour and what consent really does Staffordshire County Council. mean.” Thousands of leaflets designed to Suzie Kelly, the city council’s Safer City challenge people’s understanding of consent Partnership Manager and Alcohol Lead, have been distributed to pubs, cafes, said: “Rape and sexual assault are issues restaurants, tea rooms as well as we and our partner agencies take very workingmen’s, social and sports clubs. seriously. No one should be made to feel The police are also using Facebook and it is their fault or too scared to report a Twitter to further raise awareness and dispel crime. Making that first call can be hard myths while offering advice on how to have for victims but we’d encourage them to a safe night out. Offenders and potential come forward.” offenders are being encouraged to think All partners involved in the initiative are about their own behaviour and to seek help urging anyone who wants support or to change their attitudes. information on the issues involved to Staffordshire Police Temporary Assistant visit: stoprapenow.co.uk or Chief Constable Jon Drake said: “Our thisisabuse.direct.gov.uk/in-the-know simple message to perpetrators is that no really does mean no, whatever the ● To follow the campaign, go to circumstances. Pressuring someone to have facebook.com/StaffordshirePolice or sex or take part in sexual activity when they twitter.com/StaffsPolice don’t want to, or have not consented is rape. Above and below left, posters promoting the Staffordshire police campaign. Police initiative led to 17% increase in reports of rape REPORTS of rape rose abuse site. Jon Drake, activity in raising awareness 17 per cent the last time Staffordshire Police did contribute to an increase Staffordshire Police ran its Temporary Assistant Chief in reporting which we StopRapeNow initiative in Constable, said:“We’re welcome. 2013/14 with 283 victims working very closely with “Using social media will coming forward – up 36 our partners on this latest again help us target compared to the same campaign just like we did the offenders and potential period the year before. last one. offenders as we challenge The number of people “We share everyone’s them to think about their reporting serious sexual concern that rape and behaviour and change. assaults increased by 69 serious sexual assault can be “It will also help victims as per cent from 324 to 523 in under reported and that they hear about other that same period. violent behaviour is seen by people’s experiences and During the four months some as acceptable. realise that they are not of the campaign up to the “Last time we ran alone, that the police will end of March 2014, there StopRapeNow, our deliberate help and that there are were more than 1.2 targeting of offenders, organisations out there who million Facebook views, potential offenders and our can support them.” 1,293 comments and 16,175 likes as the police took to social media to Counselling for victims promote discussion and raise awareness. HANLEY-BASED charity Savana offers counselling to At least 35 victims of sexual violence and supports them through promotional tweets on the courts process. Call 01782 221000 (24 hour Twitter further raised message line), 221005 (business line) or email the campaign’s profile [email protected] while there were just Rape Crisis England and Wales is a national charity. under 600 clicks on the Freephone helpline 0808 802 999. 12-2.30pm, 7-9.30pm. StopRapeNow website In an emergency call Staffordshire Police on 999, for non and 935 clicks on the emergencies use 101. Government’s this is Our City p13 11/2/15 11:36 Page 1

SPRING 2015 Our City 13 A partnership designed to protect children A decision to attach a Stoke-on-Trent social worker to the police Child Sexual Exploitation Team has proved a big success. Here, the social worker involved tells Our City about her role and the benefits it is bringing. Her name has been changed to protect the identity of the families she works with. www.safeguardingchildren.stoke.gov.uk USAN was seconded to the two services together. The the police Child Sexual police have welcomed me and SExploitation (CSE) over the past year we have worked well together. My secondment has team 12 months ago to act just been extended for another 12 as a link between the police months so I must be doing and social workers engaged something right!” Stay safe in safeguarding children Another key part of Susan’s role across Stoke-on-Trent. is to raise awareness of CSE Her brief was to share among parents, educationalists and anyone working with young online with information in a bid to encourage a better understanding of CSE people in Stoke-on-Trent. issues. That includes regular meetings “It was a bit of a learning curve with local organisations and top tech tips for all of us at first she said. “For talking to parents about the the police, one of the most dangers children can face online. TECH-SAVVY youngsters are up to speed important things, besides keeping She said: “For a lot of parents on all the things the latest smart phones, a young person safe, is to the internet is a bit of a mystery tablets and games consoles can do. prosecute the perpetrator. But my and they find it hard to monitor But as many of these devices connect what their children are doing main focus is on the welfare of the easily to the internet, it is crucial that young person involved. It really is online. But all they need to do is to ask themselves if they would be parents have the knowledge they need about getting them to a place of to support their children to use these safety and looking after their happy about their child meeting the person they are chatting to technologies safely and responsibly. welfare. Here are some top tips to keep your child “I try to be available at a online, in real life. If the answer is safe online: moment’s notice when police no then they need to take action.” ■ identify a CSE case. I try to keep Susan also works closely with Parental control settings are not set up my diary clear so that I can drop Base 58 – a city council-backed automatically, so you will need to change everything and go where I am initiative which offers support to the settings as appropriate for your needed. young victims of CSE and their child. As devices can be used for “It means the process is set in parents. listening to music, playing games and/or motion much more quickly and watching TV, films and videos, you the young person comes straight HELPFUL NUMBERS: should consider what content is suitable to me without delay.” for your child. Susan said that while dealing Base 58: 01782 286862 ■ Most electronic devices come equipped with the perpetrators of CSE was Savana: 01782 221005 important, success from the with parental controls to enable you to Family Information Service safeguarding team’s point of view apply restrictions and disable functions – was in helping a young person Hub (FISH): 01782 232200 this will include options to disable the move on from being a victim of Advice & Referral Team: internet browser and set up age restrictions CSE to a place of safety and 01782 235100 for apps. happiness. In an emergency you can dial ■ Many devices offer ways to She said: “My role is bringing 999 and ask for the police. communicate including texting, calling, accessing social networking sites (like Facebook or Instagram), instant messaging, video calling and multiplayer games.Talk with your child about how Private fostering must be reported to council they use their device to communicate. Encourage your child to think about ANYONE involved in private fostering should tell Children’s Services within 48 what they say, send or post – once it has arrangements in Stoke-on-Trent must tell hours of the arrangements starting and been sent, they are no longer in control. the city council’s Children’s Services they should advise the Children’s ■ You may want to prevent ‘in-app department. Services department when these purchases’.These often occur in games, but Private fostering is different from the arrangements end. young people may not be aware this is a type of fostering that most people will “The private foster carer must also tell ‘real money’ purchase and you could end be familiar with as it doesn’t require the local authority as soon as the up footing a large bill. people to make an application or to do arrangement has ended and say where ■ Set a passcode – if you can – to protect some training. the child has gone.” personal information so if someone does It covers private arrangements which Carole Preston added that steal or find the device then they can’t will last for 28 days or more for children Safeguarding is access any personal information stored under 16 or under 18 if they have a everyone’s on it. disability, and where the carer is responsibility. ■ someone other than a parent or close Anyone who knows Ask your child if they know where to go relative. of a child or young for help should they need it, where to find It includes children sent from abroad person who may be the safety advice, privacy settings and how to stay with family members, teenagers privately fostered and to report or put a block on the services they who may be living with the family of a believed the local use. friend, boyfriend or girlfriend and people authority might not For more detailed guidance on specific living with a host family while studying. know of this devices including smartphones, gaming Carole Preston, Safeguarding Children arrangement, should To report a Private Fostering arrangement please devices and tablets, take a look at the Board Manager, said:“Birth parents need either encourage the contact the Advice and Referral Team on 01782 235100. Parents’ Guide to Technology from UK to tell the local authority of any private parent/carer to inform To ask advice about a possible Private Fostering Safer Internet Centre – visit fostering arrangements they have the local authority, or arrangement, please contact the Family Information saferinternet.org.uk – which has some agreed preferably before they start. speak to the local Service Hub (FISH) on 01782 232200. quick downloads available. “However, in cases of emergency, they authority themselves. Our City p14 11/2/15 16:40 Page 1

14 Our City SPRING 2015 A grand reward for best progress

HREE Stoke-on-Trent schools have each won £1,000 from the Tnational Pupil Premium Awards for the impressive improvements in attainment made by their disadvantaged pupils. The Schools Minister David Laws wrote to the head teachers at New Ford Primary, Smallthorne, St Maria Goretti Catholic Primary, Bucknall, and St Paul’s Primary, Longton, to tell them about their windfalls and congratulate them on their Key Celebrating the £1,000 award to St Maria Stage 2 results. He told them: “It is clear that you and Goretti Catholic Primary School are Learning your staff have provided your disadvantaged Mentor Valerie Brook and pupils, left to pupils with a good start in life and prepared right, Jordan Fletcher, Luke Bradbury, Leah them well for secondary school.” Bradbury and Chelsie Yewdell. Margaret Yates, the Executive Head Teacher at St Maria Goretti, is already a national leader in sharing best practice with recognised. This award is for everybody.” when we were the highest performing “We are proud of our pupils who have other schools across the country who also Staff, pupils and governors of New Ford school in the city for progress. outstanding attitudes to learning as receive the pupil premium – additional Primary School are delighted they have “It is very important that all our pupils are recognised by our recent Ofsted inspection Government funding to help disadvantaged been recognised with an award for the well-equipped to fulfil their ambitions and and we will continue to maintain our very children. second year in a row. be successful citizens beyond New Ford.” high standards of teaching and learning to She said: “We’ve been on a journey and Deputy Head Teacher Miranda Milner St Paul’s Primary School Head Teacher ensure that all pupils achieve well.” completely reversed our outcomes. We’re said: “This year the children have been Sandra Hearson said: “We are very proud All three schools have now applied for absolutely delighted that the work of our learning how to become outstanding that the sterling work that we do with our further prize money of either £25,000 or staff, pupils and parents has been learners, building on the success of 2013 pupils has received recognition. £100,000. Expanding company

relocates in the city with Sales Director Paul Williams with a stack of help from the council finished doors. AN expanding company, which is creating 12 new jobs by relocating Apprentice to Stoke-on-Trent, has Engineer Liam praised the city council Wheeldon fits for its help and financial panels to a door support. than we were prepared to import about 50 per cent of Robust UK’s operations at at Robust UK’s Robust UK Ltd commit to,” said Robust UK our products from our Cheadle and Cresswell, a existing manufactures steel safety Sales Director Paul Williams. parent company in Sweden, total of 60 employees will premises. and security doors at its “So we approached the but once the new factory is make the move to the current premises in city council and they were up and running we will Longton factory. Cheadle and at very willing to help.They manufacture all our own Paul said:“Everyone Cresswell, near Blythe offered us financial support products. recognises that we need Bridge. But with no from the Regional Growth “In anticipation of that we more room and the reaction further room for Fund which has enabled us have already recruited 12 to the planned move has growth the company to close the gap and we are new employees and we like been extremely positive. had identified a now hoping to make the to think there will be more Our plan is to continue to 33,000 sq ft unit in move to Longton in May job opportunities as we expand between now and Sutherland Road, this year.“ continue to grow.We are 2018 and that has to be Longton, as being Paul said the unit, which very excited about the good for everyone.” ideal for their has stood empty for seven move and very grateful to The total cost of the expansion plans. years, was being the city council for all the relocation is expected to be “Unfortunately, the refurbished and fitted out help they have given and around £1.9m with the city asking price was with a new production line their commitment to council providing £160,000 quite a bit ahead of the planned move. continue to offer support.” of Regional Growth Fund higher He added:“We currently With the closure of support. Our City p15 11/2/15 12:51 Page 1

Supporting people SPRING 2015 Our City 15 £4.9m grant will allow people in need to get help sooner EOPLE and families Working Together For Our Stoke with multiple needs Communities Partnership board, Pin Stoke-on-Trent are said: “It is really positive news for set to get the support they the people of Stoke-on-Trent that Teenager Co-operative Working has been Jonathon need sooner thanks to a recognised at a national level by £4.9million grant won by Collins with his the Government. dad Joseph the city council. “It has already improved the Burns. The Transformation Challenge lives of many residents in the city Award means the re-design of the in the form of its pilot project Co-operative Working programme and the £4.9million grant that we can be continued and accelerated have been awarded will allow before services are rolled out this even more families and Scheme is a real life-changer autumn. individuals with multiple needs to This innovative way of working, benefit from a more integrated TEENAGER Jonathon Collins is looking forward to Jonathon’s dad Joseph Burns, aged 49, said: piloted in the north of the city way of working. college and a brighter future after support “Hell would be a vacation compared to how it through the Rebalance Me “A lot of hard work has been scheme, involves a more carried out to secure this funding through the Rebalance Me scheme helped used to be.We were always walking on eggshells. joined-up and coordinated and as a result people will be able transform his family life. Jonathon used to share a bedroom and that was approach by the council and a to access the right help for their The 17-year-old from Tunstall struggled with part of the problem. host of partners, so residents only needs, much sooner and more anger management issues for a time but sailed “He’s a lot calmer now and his behaviour has got have to tell their story once. smoothly than has previously through his GCSEs with A and B grades and now a lot better. He did well in his exams and Kieron is It is already leading to better been the case. The grant will help wants to study computing at Newcastle-under-Lyme now supporting him into college. Kieron has been outcomes for local us to change lives for the better.” College. Life at home has not always been brilliant over the last two-and-a-half years. He’s neighbourhoods and increased Led by the city council, harmonious though and there were fears Jonathon’s always there for us. value for money for the taxpayer. partners involved in Co-operative behavioural problems would get him into serious “We’ve gone through a hell of a lot but the It is thought Co-operative Working include the emergency trouble as police were regularly called out to his scheme has cut through the red tape. It’s really Working will save the council and services, the NHS,YMCA, home. good being able to liaise with just one person its partners £36million over three Brighter Futures, Staffordshire Police Constable Kieron Edridge was appointed about our problems instead of being signposted years through a drop in costly North and Stoke CAB, interventions like court Staffordshire and West Midlands as the family’s key worker after they were referred elsewhere.We got help straight away. proceedings, A&E admissions or Probation Service and the to the scheme and he helped organise a move to a “The news about the Transformation Challenge children being taken into care. alcohol, drugs and gambling bigger house for the family of six so Jonathon Award is brilliant as it means more people like us Rebecca Bryant, chair of the counselling service Aquarius. could have his own bedroom. will get the help they need much faster.”

Programme turns around more than 640 troubled families in city THE lives of more than 640 families across the Troubled Families programme for five years Stoke-on-Trent have been “turned around” so from 2015/16. far as part of the Government funded “This is exciting news for Stoke-on-Trent Troubled Families programme. given that the programme is broadening its Delivered by the city council’s Families criteria to incorporate families with parents Matter Team, the authority has been set a and children involved in crime or antisocial target of “turning around” 835 families whose behaviour, children who have not been behaviour was causing problems for the attending school, adults out of work or at risk community around them. Phase one work will of financial exclusion and young people at continue until May to achieve the set target. risk of worklessness. The council’s team of 12 service co-ordinators, “We’re also supporting children who need two education welfare officers, two mental help, families affected by domestic violence health workers and a Department of Work and and abuse as well as parents and children Pensions support worker have been working with a range of health problems. with 1,300 families. “Work is under way on how we’ll be Families Matter Co-ordinator Claire delivering phase two of the programme as Williamson said:“Families across Stoke-on-Trent part of the co-operative working model.” The Families Matter team are supporting single dad Matt Kelly of Bucknall, are benefiting from the intensive support from left, with his children Michaela, 10, and nine-year-old Joseph, who has within our team and real life changing progress ● To refer a family to the programme, been diagnosed with autism.They are pictured at Kingsland Children’s has been made for a large number of them. call the Families Matter Team on Centre with Families Matter Service Co-ordinator Anthony Reid. Plans have already been announced to expand 01782 236362. Our City p16-17 11/2/15 12:11 Page 1

16 Our City SPRING 2015 SPRING 2015 Our City 17 ‘In some blue bins the waste presented for recycling is contaminated’ Haywood Academy Check the flies the Green Flag list before Rapid Response Team member Steve Farrelly clears fly-tipped waste from an alleyway in the city. chucking that waste OUSEHOLDERS who have recycled correctly. throughout the “In some cases we don’t HPotteries are being empty the wheeled bin at all and we do issue notices to reminded of the do’s and householders to tell them what don’ts of recycling as the the problem is. city council tries to stop “My message is that people the wrong material going should take a little more care in the wrong bins and if they’re in doubt about It’s second nature for Tina Cross contamination is a about what they can recycle growing issue which is making they should just double check RECYCLING is a way of life for Tina Bewley who “It’s far easier to do it as you go along life much more difficult for by looking at the information makes sure she puts waste straight into the because you save time. It takes seconds to rinse waste collection teams and on the back of the collection correct bin as she goes along. things out before you recycle, so I’m just in the calendar we send out to all staff at the transfer station. She uses a blue bin, green box and food habit of doing it. householders. The other option David Parton, the council’s caddy but has little use for a brown bin because “There’s no excuse really for not recycling. Waste Collection Team is to check our website page.” The materials that can be she has very little gardening waste at her Meir You’re saving money and doing your bit to cut Manager, said: “The vast ONE of the Stoke-on-Trent’s top eco schools is backing the city majority of people in the city recycled are: Hay bungalow. landfill and protect the planet for future Metals – drinks cans, tins, Anything that cannot be recycled goes in her generations. council’s campaign on recycling. Haywood Academy in Burslem know what material they can has just picked up it’s third Green Flag award in as many years recycle, but in some blue bins clean foil and empty grey bin. “I’d urge everyone to take a little more time to aerosols. Tina, pictured above, said:“I know what I can check out what can and can’t be recycled and to in recognition of its work on recycling and sustainability. the waste that is presented for Students Chloe Deacon and Martin Manu, both 13 – pictured recycling is contaminated and Cardboard – pizza boxes, recycle but I’ve got the list from my collection do it straight away.You’ll soon get into the above, visited a recycling centre to learn more.They both serve on that costs us money because cereal packets, corrugated calendar on the front of my boiler to remind me. habit and then it becomes second nature.” the school eco committee. we sometimes have to double cardboard and egg boxes. handle waste. Plastics – food trays, ice “If a load contains non cream, butter and margarine recycling materials such as tubs, yoghurt pots, soft nappies, food waste or cat drink and milk bottles, litter, we have to remove these shampoo and shower gel unacceptable materials and bottles and detergent bottles. send them to the incinerator. Glass – bottles and jars. METALS OTHER “On occasions the whole Paper – newspaper, vehicle load can be rejected magazines, junk mail and Drink cans, tins, clean foil because of high levels of catalogues. Tetra Pak contamination. Other – Tetra Pak cartons and empty aerosols. cartons “Not only is that expensive like orange and milk cartons. (such as to dispose of, it’s also For a full recycling list, go to METALS disappointing for those people stoke.gov.uk/recycling orange juice cartons, milk Cans and tins are recyclable, but cartons etc). hard metals like paint tins, knives or Save money...save the planet cooking pans are not suitable for RECYCLING benefits everyone in several ways – not just the recovery facility. Please recycle financially but also because it improves the environment these items at your local tip. and creates jobs. Sending waste to landfill or incineration is heavily taxed Fly-tipping – ‘we will and expensive for the council. But recycling saves this GLASS money which the authority can spend elsewhere such as on PLASTICS schools, leisure facilities, fixing potholes or supporting the vulnerable Glass bottles and jars. prosecute in every case’ in the city. Plastic carrier bags, Using recycled materials to make new children’s toys, bin liners, products means less raw polystyrene trays, engine oil A ZERO-TOLERANCE approach towards “In every case where we can trace the person materials are used in the bottles, plant pots or any bulky fly-tipping will be maintained in a bid to keep responsible for dumping waste we will prosecute.” first place.This saves CARDBOARD plastic items. Stoke-on-Trent’s streets clear of illegally dumped In one recent case a man was handed an £80 trees, requires less energy waste. Council officials have revealed that in the four on-the-spot fine by one of the city council’s and stops rubbish being Pizza boxes, months running up to the end of 2014 their cleansing Environmental Crime Officers who spotted him Food trays, ice and environmental staff attended a total of 2,264 dumping an old vacuum cleaner in an alleyway at left to rot at landfill sites. cereal The recycling industry cream tubs, margarine OTHER fly-tipping incidents – an average of more than 560 Normacot. packets, per month. Clearing up fly-tipped waste across Stoke-on-Trent provides jobs and often & butter tubs, yogurt pots, invests in local corrugated And Cleansing and Environmental Enforcement costs council taxpayers more than £29,000 a month soft drink bottles, milk bottles, shampoo Food waste, Team Manager Nick Bentley has called for residents – money which could otherwise be spent on more vital infrastructure which cardboard textiles, wood, benefits local & shower gel bottles, household GLASS to help crack down on those who persist in dumping services. Nationally, fly-tipping is estimated to cost and egg rubbish on the city’s streets and open spaces instead of local authorities more than £36million a year. communities. cleaning bottles and detergent bottles. nappies, electrical taking it to their local waste and recycling site. Nick Bentley added: “Reporting a fly-tipping The council can boxes. items, crockery, hand Pyrex & drinking glasses, “We will do everything we can to clear-up incident to us is easy, residents can either fill in a generate income by tools, carpets, medical waste, bricks, glass dishes, window fly-tipped waste quickly and efficiently, but we need form at stoke.gov.uk/envirocrime or phone our selling recycled material. the people of Stoke-on-Trent to help us by reporting officers on 01782 234234. The same number can PLASTICS rubble, tiles and hazardous waste. panes and light bulbs. all incidents across the city,” he said. be used to request a bulky waste collection.” Our City p16-17 11/2/15 12:11 Page 1

18 Our City SPRING 2015 Proactive work on prevention pays off TAFFORDSHIRE have to be negative, as we have Fire and Rescue witnessed over recent years.” SService is celebrating The organisation will consult with the residents of a massive drop in incidents Stoke-on-Trent about proposed and house fire casualties. changes to the way it delivers Over the past 10 years the its services during the spring. number of fires involving Peter said: “The changes that casualties or property dropped we have suggested will have by 54 per cent from 3,183 to two strong commitments. 1,465. The number of people “None of these changes will injured or killed in accidental compromise community safety fires in homes was reduced by and none will compromise the almost half from 50 to 27. safety of our firefighters.” Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford said: “The proactive ■ Opportunities for residents work that we are carrying out, to take part in the consultations often alongside our partners, is will be promoted through the really paying off and proves media, social media and on the that prevention is at least as service’s website Firefighter effective, and far better and www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk. cheaper than cure.” Alex Fowler talks The dramatic drop in about fire safety incidents has come at a time with a resident at when the service has made a community £4m of savings in the past four wellbeing day. years alone and is required to make a further £5.75m between now and 2020. He added: “We have had four very challenging years and we’ve several more ahead of us. “However, during these difficult times we have achieved our best performance to date, which shows that what we are doing is clearly working. We are doing things Firefighter differently but achieving Kyle Brookes better outcomes. carries out a “We will need to make free Home Fire further changes in the years Risk Check. ahead, but change does not Chance to vote for Service Champions RESIDENTS of Stoke-on-Trent are being urged to nominate their Fire Service Champion 2015 for the Service’s MORE Awards, which celebrate staff and their efforts. Local residents, partners and businesses are invited to nominate a member of the fire service who has acted above and beyond the call of duty, shown professionalism at all times or helped a member of the community during difficult circumstances. Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford said:“We have an incredibly dedicated team in Staffordshire, many of whom risk their lives to save others on a regular basis, as well as other frontline staff who provide vital services within our communities. Volunteers and fire authority members who give up their time to support the service can also be put forward. “In the past we have received some first-class nominations for the Fire Service Champion award and I am sure that this year will be no different.” The deadline for nominations is 20 March and Firefighters Gemmanesse the awards ceremony will be held on 23 June. Plant, left, and Ursula Visit www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk to place a Robateau-Martin carry nomination or call 01785 898579 to request a out fire hose training. hard copy of the form. Our City p19 11/2/15 12:31 Page 1

SPRING 2015 Our City 19 Pupils star in chilling road safety DVD

HILDREN in the we hope all parents and carers city are starring in a watch the film and take Cchilling one-minute heed.” DVD produced for the city Copies of the DVD have been distributed council to hammer home its to schools across the message about dangerous city for use on their parking by parents and websites and via carers near schools. social media. It has Local company Junction 15 also been uploaded produced the film that shows on the city council pupils enjoying their day at website where it has school before the main already had 450 hits. character is knocked down The film is the latest outside the school gates tool in the council’s because of cars illegally parked on-going campaign on on yellow lines. dangerous school parking, The parking enforcement which links in with CCTV DVD closes with the stark enforcement, school gate message “yellow lines are there banners, bookmarks and for a reason, so don’t park on leaflets – all used to educate them. Let’s keep our children and where necessary enforce. safe”. There have been 342 school Filmed at The Willows visits since the campaign Primary School at Penkhull, launched in May 2014. Headteacher Sarah Thursfield A total of 226 vehicles have been moved from yellow lines said: “Our children were Pupil Isla Clarke, aged 11, with amazing and it was great for and 151 penalties issued for the DVD by the zig zag road them to ultilise the skills irresponsible parking. they’ve developed in our drama markings outside Willows club. It’s a serious message so ■ To see the film, visit stoke.gov.uk/saferschools Primary School at Penkhull.

Mentor boosts digital business Pilot schemes DIGITAL development company Staffordshire Chambers of the Innovation Qube at the YMCA in to help create Ben McManus, biTjAM has taken on two new Commerce and funded by the city Hanley, which has helped to biTjAM Creative members of staff and is expanding council. kick-start biTjAM’s expansion and local forums Director, at rear, its business after receiving help from The company, which creates digital bring in new customers. THREE pilot schemes have works with Lead the innovative Let’s Do Mentoring solutions for education, charity and Clients now include North been launched across Developer Nick service. Founders and owners Ben industry such as e-learning Staffordshire MIND, Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent aimed at Hadjioannou on McManus and Carl Plant applications and museum guides, Museums,The Staffordshire Hoard creating community forums to a current project. have embarked on a worked with mentor Charles touring exhibition and Staffordshire give people more of a voice in period of expansion Oskwarek, an experienced IT, sales University. shaping city council services. following advice and and marketing professional. Ben said:“Our focus is always on Existing groups in the south support from the As a result, two new interns were using technology to provide a better locality, residents in Birches service operated by recruited from Keele University, who solution to a problem. Our work led Head and Central Forest Park have now been taken on full to an introduction to the Let’s Do and the voluntary sector in time.The business has Mentoring service.We had been Burslem Park and Burslem also moved to through a successful launch, which Central are leading the way. It gave us momentum but we were comes after people told the concerned that we might stand still wide-ranging city council My once the initial interest died down. City, My Say consultations that “We saw mentoring as one way of they wanted to be more gaining expertise to push biTjAM involved in their areas. forward. Charles is a fantastic Mike Brunt, the council’s sounding board but he also pushes Locality Liaison Strategic and challenges us. Every time we Manager, said: meet we are given a clear set of “Representatives of actions designed to help us achieve communities will work our goals.” together to discuss views on Charles said:“Through the the best way of creating and mentoring programme biTjAM has running local forums, as well become more focussed and as a network of similar groups measured using a range of business across the city. Additionally, we planning tools, but in a very flexible want them to consider how way to add value to the local people could have more organisations they work with and control over issues that affect also to keep the company at the their lives and influence on cutting edge.” services and budgets.” ■ For further information about The pilots will run into the the Let’s Do Mentoring Service – spring and feedback from each either for support or to become a will help create plans for mentor – contact 01782 213929. future community involvement. Jobs and growth To get involved and have your say, call 01782 235698. Our City p20 11/2/15 12:44 Page 1

20 Our City SPRING 2015 Where in the City? Win a digital camera in photo competition FOR the chance to win a Samsung digital camera have a go at our photo competition called Where in the City? Below are pictures showing close-up images of parts of three buildings in Stoke-on-Trent which are all playing a part in regeneration. All you have to do is name the buildings – and send your answers with your name, address and contact telephone number by email to [email protected] or post to: Where in the City competition, FREEPOST Our City Deadline for entries is Friday 13 March. To give a little help in identifying the buildings, there is a clue with each photo.The winner of a A city council team digital camera for last issue’s competition was repairs potholes in Laurna Fay of Tavistock Place, Hartshill, who Park Road, Burslem. correctly identified the locations as: A) University Hospital of North Staffordshire, B) Smithfield Development, C) Sir Stanley Matthews Academy. A Pothole blitz on course to hit 20,000 repairs

continued blitz is being down to 434, compared to 3,000 last after 1,138 miles of pavements, waged against potholes with summer – the lowest level it has been 39 miles of rear alleyways and all street Amore than 13,000 repairs in almost four years. furniture (such as road signs and carried out in an eight-month The city council inspects roads on a guard rails). monthly, quarterly or annual basis. As Council Leader, Councillor period. part of the work, many roads will be Mohammed Pervez, said: “The A new academy with saintly name. Latest figures show that between completely resurfaced and some roads country has seen some pretty bad 1 April and 10 December, 2014, a will have their pavements completely winters over the past four years which total of 13,261 potholes were fixed re-laid. Last year the authority invested have weakened the road surface and across the city, an average of around a further £600,000 on road repairs, created many more potholes. B 50 each day. and this year the work is being “We are working hard to tackle this During the same period, 12,764 supported by additional grants from issue and to persuade the Government reports came in from the public. At this central Government. to provide more funds for this vital repair rate, the council is on course to The city council is responsible for repair work.” fix 20,000 potholes during the current looking after 570 miles of roads – the financial year which ends in March – equivalent of London to Munich if laid ■ To report a pothole to the council, 4,000 more than in 2013/14. out in a straight line. email [email protected] The backlog of known potholes is On top of that, it also has to look or call 01782 237061. Joining forces to combat cyber bullies

Residents have a view of a town hall and an angel. SPECIALIST support organisations of messages, our advice is to do ● For support, visit the have joined forces with Staffordshire neither but to save them as #urnotinvisible.org.uk Police to combat cyber bullies using evidence, report them to the microsite. Call Challenge North social media and mobile phones. relevant service provider and notify Staffs on 0330 1111 999, by C Savana, Challenge North Staffs and us by calling our non-emergency text on 07537 414477 or The Salvation Army are supporting number 101. online at challenge #urnotinvisible – a countywide As always, anyone who feels that northstaffs.org.uk. campaign developed after a 25 per they are in immediate physical Contact Savana’s cent increase in reports to the police danger should call 999 immediately.” 24-hour message of cyber bullying. Lorna Park, Project Officer for line on 01782 Of the 813 incidents reported in Challenge North Staffs which works 221000 North Staffordshire in the year to to combat hate crime, said:“We are or email May 2014, the highest number came glad to support #urnotinvisible and info@savana from the south of Stoke-on-Trent help send out a powerful message .org.uk with 187. to people who are receiving these Chief Inspector Amanda Davies, messages that they are not invisible, Head of Policing in the south of the there are procedures in place and Another new development...“I’m lovin’ it”. city, said:“Although it may be natural organisations on hand to help to delete or respond to these types them.” Our City p21 11/2/15 13:13 Page 1

SPRING 2015 Our City 21 Home-in A great place to live on self-build – this is how you can do it ITH the first people suitable for self-build. It’s all part already moving in of the council’s growth agenda.” Wto new homes Philip said that anyone buying constructed under a land from the city council for a self-build project would then have pioneering self-build to apply for planning permission. scheme in Stoke-on-Trent, He added: “Our experience with more potential self-builders the first scheme has shown that are being urged to come the city’s planners are keen to forward. support self-builders and have The city council is one of 11 been very open and flexible in local authorities chosen by the their discussions.” Government to pilot a scheme ● ahead of proposed legislation If you are interested in which will require all councils to registering your interest in Heather maintain a register of people self-build, visit stoke.gov.uk/ Sproston interested in building their own custombuild and complete an enjoys a cuppa in homes and to help them find easy online form. the kitchen of her suitable plots of land. new home. Below, In December 2013 the local an exterior view authority offered six fully-serviced of the house. plots of land at Penkhull which Project created work were quickly snapped up by eager buyers. Programme Manager Philip for local companies Brundrett explained: “The council put in all the infrastructure such as MIKE and Heather Sproston there in the mornings.” roads, sewers, gas, water and moved into their three-bed The Sprostons used an electricity, and then offered the self-build home at Farm View in architect to draw up the design plots for sale at auction. mid-January, having started work for their home and brought in “There was an initial flurry of on the site in June last year. local builders to make their activity with about 100 people “Doing a self-build was dream a reality. expressing interest in the scheme. something we had wanted to do “We used local companies Some of the people who bought a for a long time and when we saw because we are committed to plot at the Penkhull site are now the plots on offer at Penkhull we jobs in the local area,” said very close to moving into their just decided to go for it,” said Heather. self-build homes and we want to Heather.“My daughter Abi goes “We have been connected with encourage more people to come to school just down the road at St the building trade for a long time forward. We need to assess the pent-up demand for this sort of Joseph’s and now she can walk so we knew what was involved project so that we can and what to expect.We have had identify more land in council a few delays, but on the whole it ownership that would be has all gone very smoothly.”

Penkhull plot was just too good an opportunity to miss PRINT consultant Mike Sharp started designs and then brought in building his new family home on contractors to do the construction. Plot 1, Farm View, Penkhull, in July It’s been a long and, at times, quite last year. stressful process, but only because Now the four-bedroom property there have been so many decisions to has reached the point where the roof make on a daily basis.” is about to go on and Mike and his Mike project managed his family – wife Helen and daughters self-build with the help of a friend Emily and Heidi, aged two and seven who works in the construction – hope to move in during March. industry. “We had been looking for the right He added:“By building my own house in Penkhull for a long time and house I’ve not only ended up with the The Sharp family’s when I saw the self-build plots on perfect family home, I’ve probably four-bedroom house offer it was too good an opportunity saved about £100,000 on what the which they plan to to miss,“ said Mike.“With the help of same house would have cost if I could move in to in March. a local architect we drew up our own have bought it ready-built.”

To contact the council by text simply send your message to 07786 200700 Our City p22 11/2/15 14:11 Page 1

22 Our City SPRING 2015 Volunteers staff community book-lending centres across the city

VOLUNTEERS are helping to keep families with young children. So far, 10 of reductions which saw the demise of the area and we supply all the books. But the reading alive through an ever-expanding the lending facilities have been city council’s mobile library service and volunteers actually run the service and chain of book-lending centres established across Stoke-on-Trent and the closure of some local libraries,” said do all the administration themselves. It’s throughout the city. Principal Librarian Jayne Stanley is Jayne.“It’s all about keeping reading a real community initiative.“ Located in district community hubs, confident that more will follow. alive in the community and making sure Each volunteer-led library is supplied sports and leisure centres and, in one “The idea for volunteer-led libraries that people can still access this vital with books from the Stoke-on-Trent case,a GP surgery,the volunteer-led came about after we looked at different resource. Central Library’s stock – with up to 10 libraries provide a vital service – ways of delivering library services to the “We help to identify possible locations per cent of the titles exchanged every six particularly to elderly people and community following spending for a book-lending service in a particular weeks. Anthea is happy to run much-needed service ETIRED shopworker have a lot of mums with children. Anthea Martin has The nearest city library building Rbeen running the is in Longton and there is no bus Blurton volunteer-led library that goes directly there, so this is a vital service for them. for the past two years. Based “Our most popular books are in the Blurton Community fiction, especially romance for the Hub, it now has a stock of ladies and crime and thrillers for around 7,000 books and has the men. 450 regular borrowers. “We get a good level of support “When I retired I still wanted from the city council library something to do so I started service and they are always there volunteering at the community at the end of the phone if we have hub,” said Anthea. “When the a problem.” library was suggested I was asked ■ if I’d help set it up and run it. I Anyone interested in getting have always loved books and involved and starting a volunteer Volunteer reading so I agreed to help and book lending centre for their Anthea Martin I’ve been doing it for the past two own community should contact at the Blurton years. Stoke-on-Trent Central Library on Community “The biggest proportion of our 01782 238455 or by email on Hub library. clients are elderly, but we also [email protected] Student makes YouTube video with a heartfelt plea for unity HARTSHILL student Sophia Khalid has worst thing we can do in the face of fear brought together people from all and oppression is close the doors and shut walks of life in the city to make a the curtains on other people.” heartfelt plea for unity and The video which features people holding community. up placards bearing the words “We are all Sophia, aged 26, said she and her born free and equal” – Article One of the sister Sonia made a YouTube video Universal Declaration of Human Rights. before the recent horrific terrorist Sophia went to school at Thistley Hough attacks in Paris. High and then went on to Keele University She said:“The events in France to study on a degree course in Law and were really shocking but it has reinforced the Criminology. need for everyone to come together to Her studies underlined to her the celebrate our common humanity and reject importance of the rule of law and human violence and intolerance.” rights and she went on to pursue a course in City Council Cabinet Member for Education legal practice at Staffordshire University. Shaun Pender, who appears in the video, said: She also volunteers for the Citizens Advice “The vast majority of people want security, Bureau in the city, providing free legal safety and the right to live their lives according advice on issues such as youth debt. Now to their own conscience and in harmony with she is studying again for a Masters Degree their neighbours. in Human Rights. ■ Sophia Khalid with “Sophia’s message of peace and solidarity is There is a link to the video on the her message of unity. now more relevant than ever. Her message is home page of the city council website – clear – openness to each other and the wider stoke.gov.uk – in the Leader’s blog world is something that we must defend.The section. Our City p23 11/2/15 14:16 Page 1

SPRING 2015 Our City 23 Authors’ readings take storytelling to new heights TORY telling is being taken promote its authors so we’re very grateful to new creative heights in to Gladstone for providing the platform. SStoke-on-Trent now local “We’re now in talks with libraries and similar venues where our authors Jan authors are sharing their stories Edwards, Malcolm Havard, Misha Herwin at special reading sessions in and Jem Shaw will read extracts from their museums and libraries. books and sign copies.” Two have already been staged by Jan launched her new book Sussex Tales publisher Penkhull Press and Renegade at the Gladstone Pottery Museum event Writers – a group of authors who meet and fellow author Misha from Basford weekly in a pub – and there are plans for read from her latest book House of more events, signings and writing Shadows. She said: “The museum is workshops this year. brilliant and the staff really help to Peter Coleborn, Editor-in-Chief of support events like this.” Penkhull Press, said: “Our Gladstone Newly-launched Penkhull Press has Pottery Museum reading attracted an published three books so far while Peter’s audience of more than 40 people and the other venture, Birmingham-based The Author Jan Edwards museum was so happy we have been asked Alchemy Press, has been publishing with her latest book back again this year. mostly fantasy and horror titles since Sussex Tales at the “Staffordshire has an impressive and 1998. It was named Best Independent Gladstone Pottery largely untapped bank of talent. We believe Press at the British Fantasy Society’s Museum. the area should do more to support and annual awards ceremony in York.

Newly qualified city social worker scoops national accolade SOCIAL Worker Jenny Cragg has The poem describes how much won a national accolade for her Jenny had helped her understand dedicated work with children her life and how the social worker during the first few months of supports her whenever she is her new career. needed. Jenny scooped the Silver Award After collecting the award, for Newly Qualified Children’s Jenny said: “I am really Social Worker at the Social privileged to have this job. It Worker of the Year Awards 2014. gives me the chance to have an After leaving Keele University impact and help people change with an MA in Social Work, she their lives for the better.” joined the city council in The Social Worker of the Year November 2013 as part of the Awards were established in 2006 Children in Care team. with the aim of recognising and Her job involves working with celebrating the challenging work children and young people in the of qualified social workers and city who are in local authority highlighting the good work they care, as well as working with do. foster carers or small group Sponsors included the NSPCC, homes. the College of Social Work and Jenny Cragg with her Her nomination for the award Sanctuary Social Care as well as national award certificate. came from a young person in the Chief Social Workers for care who wrote a poem to the Adults and Children and organisers. Families.

Construction work under way on new 140-apartment extra-care complex WORK has begun on another the city, on the former Westcliffe Residents will enjoy a new re-energised community. of the people working in the phase of Stoke-on-Trent’s Hospital site on Turnhurst Road. comprehensive programme of The city council is also village will be local. massive new extra-care The development will be a mix social activities and events. dedicated to supporting local The £21.6m city council programme, delivering 390 new of one-bed and two-bed Architects have worked with jobs and growth and local people development is being delivered apartments for older residents. self-contained apartments and the local community and older and suppliers are being in partnership with the Sapphire Council Leader Councillor will have communal lounges, residents to deliver a design, employed wherever possible. consortium (Your Housing Mohammed Pervez cut the first restaurants, a laundrette, which retains some of the best A total of 65 per cent of Group, Eric Wright Group and turf for the next 140-apartment landscaped gardens and hair and features of the old building, materials come from the city and Kajima Partnerships Limited) and development in the Chell area of beauty salons. while meeting the needs of the its surroundings and 80 per cent contractor Seddon.

Contact the council via social media on Facebook.com/sotcitycouncil or Twitter @SoTCityCouncil Our City p24 11/2/15 14:21 Page 1

24 Our City SPRING 2015 Merit service helped Isis turn her life around ROM a fractured family through Merit and worked after the death of her voluntarily at Watermill School as Fdad when she was just a classroom assistant for one nine to bunking off school and afternoon each week. She went on to pass GCSEs and is now smoking cannabis – teenager studying for a BTEC in Childcare Isis Wareham was in a world at Newcastle-under-Lyme of trouble before making the College. move from Bournemouth to “I’ve changed 100 per cent. Stoke-on-Trent. Merit helped with everything,” Now 16, Isis has turned her life said Isis. around over the last three years “If it hadn’t have been for the with the support of her foster unit I would be on the street carer Carol Hyatt and the Merit doing drugs. My life used to be Pupil Referral Service at Bucknall awful but now I have a future. I – so much so that she is planning couldn't be happier.” to go to university to study Her foster carer Carol said: psychology. “Without Merit it wouldn’t have She said: “It used to be really happened. If Isis was struggling, bad. I just didn’t care, never went they would step in and ring me. LOOKING FORWARD TO UNIVERSITY – Isis Wareham with Yvonne Lawson,Teacher in Charge at the to school and got in with the We worked in partnership so it wrong crowd. I ended up in care was a team effort and it worked. Merit Pupil Referral Service. and came to Stoke for a fresh Merit has been marvellous.” start. Bournemouth Social Worker think this would have been involving carers, parents and a very best to meet the varied and “I wouldn’t go to school here Jennifer McDermott-Roe wrote a possible without the amazing psychologist. With strong links to complex needs we are faced with. either at the start and didn’t have letter of thanks praising Merit’s support and encouragement she mainstream schools, students “It is always easier however, to any friends but Carol just listened outstanding commitment to Isis has been given.” attend five days a week. Merit has work with students such as Isis and really got me. I started to which said: “When Isis moved to Merit has been rated as good to strong academic results with a 57 who engaged with us, was calm down and went to Merit Stoke-on-Trent she was a very outstanding by Ofsted and per cent success rate at A* to C prepared to face her demons and where they were really welcoming unsettled and very unhappy supports children aged four to 16 including English and Maths. who proved the school ethos that and the counsellor helped with young person who was not who have varied and complex Teacher in Charge Yvonne though no one can go back and my anger.” engaging with school. needs. Lawson said: “In all areas of make a new start, anyone can The turning point came as Isis “The progress she has made A wellbeing curriculum Merit – the school, the hospital start from now and make a brand became interested in child care has been fantastic and I don't underpins partnership provision and with home tuition, we do our new ending.” £1,000 market prize is a timely windfall for Kelly TEACHING Assistant Kelly Heath loves Floral Hall because Jake proposed entering competitions but rarely wins while they were on holiday. Kelly was so she was delighted to scoop a presented with her cash prize by £1,000 city council cash prize – Hanley market traders Richard especially since she is getting married Bagguley from Terry’s Bar cafe and this year. She won the Christmas Rachel Bourne, who sells handmade market promotion when her name chocolates. was picked at random from among The seven £125 voucher winners 2,636 entries. Seven lucky runners were Carol Burgess, Amy Wakefield, up each got market shopping Alan Howells, Lorraine Chapman, vouchers worth £125. Amanda Phillips, Kallum Tarrant and Kelly, from Burslem, said:“The Katie Garside. council left me a voicemail saying it was exciting news and not to worry. I thought I’d overpaid on my council tax.That’s what I was hoping for.When I called back and found out it was Views sought on how much better than that I couldn’t believe it. best the city can help “I’m always putting my name down for competitions but I’ve never won a ADULTS with learning disabilities thing before. I’m getting married in are being asked how the city July so the money will be a big help. council can best help them spend “It was great too because I’d just their time. found out I’d got a full-time contract Consultation events have Kelly Heath as a teaching assistant so it was a already been staged with more with some of fantastic week.We’ve also just put our planned as the council tries to find the cash prize house on the market so we’re hoping out what barriers people face and she won in the to move soon.” Hanley Market support they need to access Engaged to steeplejack Jake Walton, leisure activities, educational competition. the happy couple who have a opportunities and health facilities. four-year-old son Bobby, are planning Ideas and views can be emailed a Tenerife themed wedding at Tunstall to [email protected] Our City p25 11/2/15 14:24 Page 1

SPRING 2015 Our City 25 New era for architectural treasure

NE of the city’s site was scheduled to start in most historic February and should be Obuildings is to be completed in July, when the brought back to life – as ground floor will be opened up for interim uses, such as events The the first phase of a and exhibitions which can magnificent landmark regeneration be enjoyed by the public. project which could create Last year the city council frontage of the up to 150 jobs gets under agreed to transfer the Wedgwood way. Grade II-listed building to Institute. The Wedgwood Institute in The Prince’s Regeneration Trust Queen Street at Burslem has (PRT), which is now developing been awarded European plans to restore the whole Regional Development Fund building and adapt it as a centre (ERDF) and Heritage Lottery for start-up businesses. Architectural Heritage Fund starting on the construction English Heritage in the West grants from the Burslem and The charity estimates that the (AHF) have worked together work. The programme is helping Midlands, said: “The Wedgwood Longton Building Improvement Wedgwood Institute, which dates over the last five years to plan to reverse the decline of our Institute is an iconic building, Scheme (THI3) totalling back to 1863, would provide the £854,000 project, which will best-loved historic townscapes. and one of English Heritage’s £535,000. space for around 20 to 25 be delivered as part of the “This funding and the top ten Heritage at Risk This, combined with businesses creating up to 150 Burslem and Longton Building recognition that comes with it priorities in the West Midlands. contributions of £200,000 and jobs. It would also provide space Improvement Scheme, a project shows how important the “We are thrilled that the £118,000 from English Heritage for business meetings, managed by council officers. Wedgwood Institute is, both as a building, with its long history of and the city council respectively, professional training and Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive significant historic asset in enriching the cultural and will allow urgent roof and mentoring. of The PRT, said: “This news Burslem, and as a future catalyst business life of Burslem, will weatherproofing repairs, and The city council, The Prince’s has been a fantastic start to the for business growth and have a new, sustainable use for make the ground floor Regeneration Trust, ERDF, year. The confirmation of investment locally.” many years to come and will accessible. Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), funding is such a great boost Veryan Heal, Planning and continue to contribute to the Initial building work on the English Heritage (EH) and and it’s very exciting to be Conservation Director for local economy.” Severe Weather Driving There are lots of simple things that you During your journey can do to make your journey safer and ■ Reduce speed in bad weather. less stressful during severe weather ■ Increase stopping distances. such as checking your route for delays ■ before you set out, taking an alternative Use dipped headlights. route if you need to, taking an ■ Take breaks every 2 or 3 hours. emergency kit and adapting your driving ■ Listen to radio travel bulletins. style to the conditions. ■ Observe information on Variable Ensure that your vehicle is well Message Signs. maintained and serviced. Driving on flooded roads Motorists should ■ Do not attempt to cross if the water ■ Keep the lights, windows and mirrors seems too deep. clean. ■ Drive slowly in first gear but keep the ■ Add anti-freeze to the radiator and engine speed high by slipping the additive to the windscreen washer clutch — this will stop you from bottle. stalling. ■ Make sure wipers and lights are in ■ Avoid the deepest water, usually near good working order. the kerb. ■ Check that tyres have plenty of tread ■ Remember — test your brakes when depth and are maintained at the you are through the flood before correct pressure. you drive at normal speed.

Instructions Download our free app to your smartphone or tablet and bring this advert to life! • Download the Staffs Safer Roads AR app from the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android). • Open the app, point your device at the For more advice on severe weather driving car photograph above. • Double tap for a full-screen. log onto www.staffssaferroads.co.uk Our City p26 11/2/15 14:36 Page 1

26 Our City SPRING 2015 More names added to city’s list of First World War heroes for lasting memorials THE names of dozens of Stoke-on-Trent Museum & Art Gallery.The first four Recipients of the Victoria Cross will he ignored rifle and men who fought in the First World War names on the list will be assigned to each get a pavement plaque machine gun fire to help have so far been added to a list which roads on the new Smithfield city centre dedicated to their memory rather clear dugouts from where will be used to provide lasting business district, currently being than a street name under a scheme enemy soldiers were memorials of their bravery. developed. being administered by the Ministry of inflicting severe casualties The city council is collecting details of From an initial 31 names the list has Defence. on British forces. veterans who served in the the Great now grown to around 100. But city Two Stoke-on-Trent First World War The other was Tunstall’s War. And, as the city grows and develops, council officials are anxious to make sure soldiers were awarded the Victoria John Harold Rhodes who names from the list will be chosen for no one is missed out.They want people Cross. Ernest Albert Egerton, from single-handedly stormed an enemy pill new streets and roads.They will all with relatives who were involved in the Longton, received the medal in box at the Battle of Poelcapelle in be listed on a Heroes’Wall which will 1914-18 hostilities to get in touch with recognition of his bravery at October of the same year, capturing nine hopefully be displayed at the Potteries them at [email protected] Passchendale in September 1917 when German soldiers. A venue for all occasions ISTORIC King’s Hall gala awards evening at the venue. is increasingly The company’s Compliance Hbecoming the venue of Director Jenny Devaney emailed choice for organisations and the city council’s Chief Executive John van de Laarschot after last individuals looking for that year’s gala. extra special place to stage She said: “Over 300 members their event. of staff and 30 key insurers’ Beautifully appointed with its guests attend the event. Many of stained glass, ornate ceiling and these guests regularly attend sprung dance floor, it was built in events held at venues such as the 1911 as an addition to the Grade Royal Albert Hall and all, without II-listed Stoke Town Hall and has exception, are blown away by the played host to everyone from The evening we have at the King’s Beatles to U2. Hall – to the point where we have The Northern Soul film Soul a waiting list for this year’s event.” Boy was shot at the venue which The city council’s Business The King’s Hall being prepared to last year staged 137 events from Development Assistant Julia stage a prestigious awards dinner. weddings, private parties and gala Smith said: “It’s great that the dinners to awards ceremonies as hall is used by so many people well as music and community from small and large trophy knowing his idol was memorable no matter what the information events, business organisations to individuals who standing there the week before, budget. So whether you’re To check availability and conferences and markets. want to hold their special doing the same. booking a family party with a few discuss a booking, call The King’s Hall has a occasion somewhere beautiful. “The venue is stunning in its decorations, a disco and bringing the venue managers on maximum capacity of 1,450 “For example it could be Stoke grandeur and its hire costs your own food or it’s a large 01782 232631 or email people with hire costs starting at City at their player awards gala compare favourably with others. scale fully-staged corporate venuesandcatering@ £399. Discounts are available and one week and then a Lads and Our venue managers also have a event with sound, lighting, live stoke.gov.uk.The King’s special deals can be arranged for Dads football team the next. It’s wealth of experience in taking entertainment and a five course Hall is also on Facebook/ guest parking. so lovely to watch a young lad care of every little detail to make dinner, the King’s Hall is the stokeontrenthallsforhire Autonet Insurance staged its standing on stage collecting his sure people’s events are perfect venue.” Chinese Kung Fu expert holds free workshop in ceramic city A wushu kung fu expert swapped the including demonstrations of shaolin kung fu ceramic capital of China for the ceramic and tai chi. capital of the UK when he visited the The event was sponsored by the Lau Gar Potteries to show off and pass on his martial Trust, a charity which promotes health and arts skills. wellbeing through the practice of martial Coach Xia, the Chief Instructor at the arts. Feihong Wudao gym in Foshan, had never Pete Hornby, its Chief Instructor in left his country before he made the 5,900 Staffordshire, said:“It was a fantastic mile trip as part of a nine-date tour opportunity to meet one of the best martial organised by the British Kung Fu artists in the world and to try out something Association, Stoke-on-Trent City Council new in a safe and fun environment. and the Staffordshire Chambers of “Hopefully seeing Coach Xia perform at Commerce. the very top of his field of expertise will During his two-day visit to Stoke-on-Trent inspire the young people to work hard and he ran free displays and workshops at achieve success in not just sport, but in all Fenton Manor Sports Complex for 150 aspects of their life.” primary and secondary school children – Coach Xia was treated to a tour of the teaching them the basics of kung fu and Chinese ceramics collection at the Potteries showing them how to perform the lion Museum & Art Gallery as his home city dance. also has a long history of ceramics Coach Xia demonstrates his skills at a One of China’s top performers, the manufacturing. Lord Mayor Councillor Majid free workshop for school children at 30-year-old also staged a free open Khan presented him with a Burleigh teapot Fenton Manor Sports Complex. workshop at the centre for martial arts clubs to commemorate his visit. Our City p27 11/2/15 14:41 Page 1

SPRING 2015 Our City 27 Facts show the realities of ADOPTION HE myths and realities of “Sadly there are a very small number of adoption in Stoke-on-Trent parents who are unable to care for their Thave been laid bare as figures children and very, very, occasionally a for 2014 revealed just 0.2 per cent parent may ask the local authority to find an adoptive family. But efforts are made at of all contacts received by every stage of what could be a six-month children’s specialist services led to process to identify family members who adoption plans being agreed with might be able to care for a child. the courts. “Adoption can only be considered when There were 22,000 contacts during the there is no suitable family member and year, leading to 5,000 referrals. During that only then does the local authority ask the time adoption was agreed for 44 children court for permission to place a child for from 32 families. adoption.” Diane Grist, the council’s Principal At any one time, there are between 40 Manager for Adoption Services, said: and 50 children aged from about six “People think that social workers want to months to eight years old with an adoption remove children from their families to place plan in the city.Virtually all have them in adoption and that bonuses are paid challenging issues because of their previous for each adoption. experiences. “That’s just not true. No bonuses are Diane said: “All of the children that need paid and no government money is provided an adoptive family need parenting that is to increase the numbers of children with an significantly different from children adoption plan. brought up within a secure base in birth “The vast majority of children involved families. It isn’t easy so we need potential with social services are living with family adopters who can understand and members and children’s services work hard empathise with the circumstances that led to ensure it stays that way. to adoption in the first place.”

AYESHA KHALIFA is one of the council’s Family Finders. Dedicated New potential to putting adoptive families together, here she describes a typical day. parents urged I first go and see three-year-old Jamie with his foster carers as we look for his adoptive Family Finder Ayesha Khalifa, left, discusses to get in touch family. He shows me all his toys and tells me an adoption with Social Worker Maria Moult. POTENTIAL adoptive parents ❝about his favourite characters from Jake and who can meet the needs of a the Neverland Pirates. child and offer stability are He smiles for some pictures and I even take being urged to come forward. a short video of him singing his favourite They can be: nursery rhymes so I can create a profile to show potential adopters. ● Anyone aged over 21, but Back at the office, I share his profile must be fit enough to care including his likes, dislikes, personality and for a child. routine with the adoption team, who assess ● Any weight, disability or families looking to adopt. A young couple in able bodied, but must be fit their late 20s might be interested. enough to see a child Then I look at reports of families for Daniel, through to independence. aged four, in preparation for a matching ● Non-smokers or smokers meeting.Two families have expressed interest although smokers could not in him after seeing his profile in Be My Parent, adopt a child under five. a newspaper and website containing children’s ● profiles run by the British Association for Married, single, living Adoption and Fostering (www.baaf.org.uk). together, in a civil We agree which family to prioritise and partnership. arrange to share some information with them. ● Any gender or sexual In the afternoon I meet baby Charlotte’s identity. foster carers and her potential adoptive ● Homeowners or people parents, identified via the National Adoption living in rented or council Register.They talk about Charlotte and her accommodation. daily life, sharing photographs and a video of ● From any ethnic, cultural her playing in the park. or religious background. The adopters had brought along a ‘family book’ of pictures, a DVD and a teddy bear for Many adopters overcome her to hold on to until they meet.We’ll give the house. It’s clear they have the potential to Keira, and Jack, who have been placed with personal challenges and make them to Charlotte once the ‘match’ has been meet his needs.We talk about his their adopters for nine months, have now great parents. approved at our adoption panel. development and I tell the family they can been adopted and have invited me to the To find out more, email Next is a visit to some potential adopters for meet his foster carers if they wish to continue celebration hearing as I was their Family [email protected], Oliver, who is four.We discuss why they are further. Finder.They say that they are delighted that visitstoke.gov.uk/adoption or interested in adopting him and I look around At the end of the day I hear that Chelsea, their family is now complete. ❞ call 01782 235020. Our City p28 11/2/15 14:44 Page 1

28 Our City SPRING 2015 Supporting people Karen has all the qualities for a great childminder UM-OF-TWO Karen with their parents, Karen agrees a care Johnson always knew plan to meet their individual needs and M she would make a great provides daily diary updates on their professional childminder but she progress. She helps her children develop waited until her own children through stimulating educational play, she were less dependent before reads with them and they go on trips to re-training. parks, libraries and even the sensory Now fully qualified and registered with room at Fenton Children’s Centre. the city council for eight years, Ofsted She also provides healthy meals. inspectors rate the services she provides Karen said: “My early training from her Fenton home as outstanding. courses were paid for by the city The 45-year-old former care worker council so I’m grateful for their has a whole raft of qualifications and support and I’m now an accredited diplomas covering special educational childminder as part of the council’s needs, safeguarding, learning and free early years educational programme. development, nutrition, first aid and “I offer a warm, friendly, secure and Professional speech and language. welcoming environment for my children childminder She currently looks after five and I’m privileged that parents trust Karen Johnson youngsters aged three to ten years old. me with their children. talks about healthy Two of the children benefit from the “I love it and get a great deal of eating with council’s free early years education offer satisfaction from helping children three-year-old – each enjoying 15 hours a week paid for achieve and develop. My little reward is Riley Lynch. by the authority.Working in partnership seeing them smile.”

Vital role in delivering early years education

QUALIFIED childminders registered with the city council are playing a vital role in delivering free early years education to eligible two, three and four-year-old children. Almost 40 of the 128 registered childminders are accredited though all follow the seven areas of learning as part of the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory requirements which ensure children are learning, exploring and investigating new things. Not just glorified babysitters, highly qualified childminders are registered with the regulatory body Ofsted – either on the Early Years Register or the Childcare Register. The council stages introductory Above, Joanne Bowyer drops off her son Rhys at childminder briefings for childminders, home visits, Karen Johnson’s home at Fenton. Right, Karen play painting telephone support and access to with Rhys – one of the many activities she organises for the training to support continuous children in her care. professional development. Networking meetings also enable childminders to get together to share best practice.Training covers all areas Rhys, aged 3, loves spending time with Karen across the Early Years curriculum, including Safeguarding Level 1 and JOANNE Bowyer knew exactly who to Matt Clewes said:“Karen was originally free hours from the council which really Paediatric First Aid. turn to when it was time to go back to recommended to me by a friend and she helps us a lot with our finances. Parents can find childminders by work following the birth of her son, looked after our daughter for a couple of “Rhys loves it and always says he wants contacting the Family Information because she had used Karen Johnson’s years. She’s really good and she lives to go to Karen’s. I know he’s safe there Service Hub (FISH) in the following childminding services before for around the corner so it was convenient. and she does all sorts with him. She daughter Caitlyn. “I didn’t want to leave Rhys at first but keeps a diary to show me what they’ve ways: call 01782 232200,email She had no qualms about leaving Rhys, he was fine and settled in really well. He done so I can keep track of his [email protected], or visit the then 11 months old, as she reported back was used to a lot of different people development. It’s a nice partnership. website stoke.gov.uk/fish.Parents to Primark though dropping him off the because of our family. He’s three now and “He’ll be going to school this are advised to regularly check Ofsted first few times was emotional. goes there Monday to Friday. He’s there September but he’ll still go to Karen’s reports and suitability by arranging The 32-year-old who lives with partner from 9am to 2pm. Part of that is the 15 after school and in the holidays.” their own home visits. Our City p29 11/2/15 15:42 Page 1

SPRING 2015 Our City 29

Volunteer Lucy Dayson at work in the food Generous food donors urged bank’s main base. Below right, Centre Lead Marleen Bartlett with the food to keep up the bank van. momentum ENEROUS residents are others that we can never get and businesses who have enough of including powdered milk, Gdonated goods to the long-life fruit juice and instant mashed potato. Stoke-on-Trent Food Bank are “The people and businesses of being urged to keep up the Stoke-on-Trent have been incredibly momentum. generous and we can only urge them Food Bank Project Manager Anna to carry on giving so that we can Willcocks said the level of donations continue to help those who need a bit in recent months had been of support.” Anna added that the food “wonderful and almost bank was also looking overwhelming”. for more volunteers to But she added: help out in a variety “People now tighten The people and of roles including their belts for the first businesses of sorting and stacking few months of the ‘‘’’ donated food to year, but we still have Stoke-on-Trent ensure it does not to provide food for exceed ‘use by’ dates, people who need our have been packing food bags and support and we need working in the office. to maintain that incredibly She said: “We momentum all year generous... welcome all ages and around.” abilities. We even offer Anna explained that FOOD BANK PROJECT MANAGER work placements for each person referred to ANNA WILLCOCKS people from places the food bank received like the Jobcentre and three days of nutritionally-balanced learning disability groups. food for themselves and their family “Some people are doing NVQs as members. part of their volunteering so they can She said: “We make sure each bag show they have experience when they contains milk, cereal, sugar, fruit juice, apply for paid work. pasta and pasta sauce, meat and “There are some real opportunities vegetables. Some of those things are for people to benefit from while they always in plentiful supply but there are helping us.” Methodist church is the main base STOKE-ON-TRENT Food Bank has its main issued to people identified as being in crisis base at Wesley Hall Methodist Church, by referrers such as Citizens Advice Bureau, Noblett Road, Sneyd Green, with distribution health visitors and social workers. centres at 13 churches across the city. During 2014 Stoke-on-Trent Food Bank Food donation boxes can be found at helped a total of 10,581 people – 6,593 libraries, sports and leisure centres and adults and 3,988 children – handing out the supermarkets throughout Stoke-on-Trent equivalent of 95,229 meals. and donations can also be accepted at the ■ Go to stokeontrent.foodbank.org.uk for main base in Sneyd Green. more information. Anyone interested in Access to the food bank service is strictly volunteering should contact Corrine Boden through a voucher system.Vouchers are on 01782 281818.

New Director of Public Health in post Schools urged to join Fairtrade movement DR Lesley Mountford has joined She said:“Many people still MORE schools in Stoke-on-Trent are being service, is also getting in the city council as its new aren’t aware that the local urged to join the Fairtrade movement which on the act as it cooks up a Director of Public Health. Lesley authority took on responsibility supports fair prices and living standards for Fairtrade lunch at Stoke joins the authority from Hackney for public health in 2013. My producers across the world. Minster CC (A) Primary. in London where she was also focus is on delivering really As Fairtrade Fortnight is again staged in the Tracy Brennan, the city Director of Public Health. effective public health services city until 8 March, five schools are already council’s Sustainable She has a proven track record for the people of Stoke-on-Trent involved – Sandon College, Forest Park Primary, Schools Officer, said:“Going for the awards in improving the health of that significantly improve their Stoke Minster CE (A) Primary, St Margaret Ward helps children understand the issue and people living in Hackney, is a lives. Catholic Academy and Haywood Academy. teaches them how they can get involved in qualified GP and an Honorary “As part of this, one of our top Children and staff at each have or are changing the world around them. Senior Lecturer at the London priorities is helping people to working through the three different levels of “It encourages them to know they can make School of Hygiene and Tropical stop smoking. award available, FairAware, FairActive and a difference and by supporting and promoting Medicine. Lesley becomes lead 28 per cent of the adult FairAchiever. Fairtrade in their school, they help to empower for public health within the population in Stoke-on-Trent The awards reflect growing levels of learning, farmers and workers in marginalised authority across a range of public smoke compared to 18.5 per use of Fairtrade products, creation of action countries.” health issues including health cent in England.We need to work plans and the staging of special events and To find out more, call 01782 236937 or email and wellbeing and obesity. to significantly change this.” assemblies. City Catering, the schools dinner [email protected] Our City p30 11/2/15 15:54 Page 1

30 Our City SPRING 2015 Group helps restore pride in community Spotlight on A GROUP set up to get residents more themselves have started to look at what’s Lisa added: “The real achievement of involved in their community is breathing good in their community and what the community group has been in new life into part of Stoke-on-Trent. needs to be improved.” encouraging people to come out of their The Fenton East Community Group One of the group’s main houses and talk to each other.” OUR CITY’S RESIDENTS’ was launched in the summer of last year achievements has been to get a Fenton resident Julie Hill said there and has already succeeded in bringing damaged sewer repaired. had been many small, but significant ASSOCIATIONS AND people together to help improve the Lisa said: “The smell was foul and changes to the area since the group area. people were having to walk through raw started its work. COMMUNITY GROUPS About 20 local people are now active sewage just to cross the pavement and She said: “A lot of people felt the within the group and are working road. pride had gone out of Fenton and alongside partner agencies – including “With help from the city council wanted to help bring it back. It’s small the police and the city council – to make Environmental Health Team and the steps at the moment, but things are a difference to their community. voice of the community this issue was beginning to improve.” “The group was set up to tackle local made a priority and repairs were carried Fellow community group member issues and get things done to improve out by Severn Trent.” Lynn Wareham said it was “massively Fenton East for everyone who lives Regular meetings are held to discuss important” to keep up the pressure to there,” said Lisa Tomkinson of My issues affecting Fenton East residents improve Fenton East. Community Matters, a programme and plans are now being drawn up for a She said: “We need to keep pushing commissioned by the city council’s series of community initiatives and and pushing until everyone is on Public Health Team. “Now local people events over the next few months. board.” It’s a rat trap – and you’ve been caught

People doing it for themselves

Members of the community enjoy the celebrations at last year’s Hartshill International. HAHO brings people together “BRINGING people together” is how Joe Andrew, one of the founder members of Hartshill and Harpfields Occasions describes the thinking behind the group which is known simply as HAHO. “We’re not really a residents’ association, we’re more of an informal community organisation that aims to bring people together through a wide range of activities,” said Joe. HAHO was launched in the autumn of 2012 to capitalise on the sense of community spirit which Community gripped the country after the London Olympics. Speed Watch Joe is one of 12 people on the organising volunteers Jonathan committee and there are another 50 volunteers who and Pat Taylor help out at events including quizzes, an annual dog monitor traffic using show, mini-Olympics and parlour games at a local London Road, residential home. Stoke. Other events include World War One commemorations – which are planned to continue through to 2018 – a Midsummer Fair featuring TOKE-ON-TRENT residents said: “The scheme aims to help people “If there isn’t and you’d like to get address speeding problems in their involved you can contact your local everything green including recycling, up-cycling and worried about the speed of area, increase driver awareness of the councillor or neighbourhood policing caring for the environment, Christmas activities and Scars and other vehicles using dangers of speeding and improve team for help in getting one set up,” a Hartshill International to celebrate the area’s roads near their homes as ‘rat-runs’ community safety. she said. cultural diversity. are being urged to help tackle the “There are currently around 50 Residents living in Stoke set up their Joe said:“In this quite small section of problem by getting involved in the Community Speed Watch schemes Community Speed Watch scheme a few Stoke-on-Trent you can hear around 40 different Community Speed Watch scheme. operating across Staffordshire and months ago and regularly monitor languages spoken by people who live and work The scheme allows people to use a we’d like to see more, particularly traffic using the busy London Road here.The Hartshill International gives everyone an radar device to check the speed of in Stoke-on-Trent. and Campbell Road. opportunity to come together to celebrate their vehicles passing through their area and “Anyone aged 18 or over can get Volunteer Jonathan Taylor said the diversity and their shared values.” record details of those travelling over involved. Volunteers undertake a two scheme was launched because people Another key event in the HAHO calendar is the the legal limit. and a half hour training session and all were concerned at the way motorists Annual Hartshill Lecture which last year was given These records are passed to the the equipment, including the radar used Stoke as a rat-run when there by Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Tristram Hunt.This Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership device, portable warning signs and were traffic problems and delays on year, Baroness Shirley Williams – whose mother, (SSRP) who send warning letters to fluorescent yellow vests, is provided.” other major routes in and around the the registered keeper of the speeding city. Vera Brittain, was born just over the border in Melanie added that the first step for vehicle. anyone concerned about traffic speeds He said: “Since we started Newcastle-under-Lyme – will deliver the lecture on Anyone who is recorded three times was to check if there was an existing monitoring the traffic, there has been a 16 July at the North Staffs Conference Centre. will then be contacted by a police Community Speed Watch scheme real improvement. Joe added:“In total we stage about a dozen officer and offered advice about their operating in their area by calling “Motorists are taking notice and events each year.We like to think of HAHO as driving. 01785 232702 or by sending an email keeping to the speed limit. It’s really a bringing people together at enjoyable events and Melanie Langdown, Performance to community.speedwatch@ matter of educating people so that so far people have welcomed what we are doing.” and Operations Manager at the SSRP staffordshire.pnn.police.uk everyone stays safe.” Our City p31 11/2/15 15:05 Page 1

SPRING 2015 Our City 31

Abbey Hulton and Townsend GWEN HASSALL ADRIAN KNAPPER (Labour) (Labour) Your 07557 848765 07714 334453 gwen.hassall@ adrian.knapper@ Councillors stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Baddeley Green,Milton and Norton Bentilee and Ubberley JACK BRERETON ANTHONY MUNDAY DUNCAN WALKER SHEILA PITT ALISON WEDGWOOD (Conservative) (City Independents) (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) 07855 916134 (01782) 239737 (01782) 912422 07957 948896 07968 477901 jack.brereton@ 07743 876421 duncan.walker@ sheila.pitt@ alison.wedgwood@ stoke.gov.uk anthony.munday@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Birches Head and Central Forest Park Blurton East Blurton West and Newstead Boothen and Oakhill PAUL BREEZE MARK MEREDITH GLENYS WARD NEIL DAY ANDY PLATT (City Independents) (Labour) (City Independents) (City Independents) (Labour) (01782) 279684 07717 714020 (01782) 312670 (01782) 746210 (01782 232468) paul.breeze@ mark.meredith@ 07922 909545 07796 040002 andy.platt@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk glenys.ward@ [email protected] stoke.gov.uk Twitter: stoke.gov.uk Twitter: @markmeredith01 @CllrAndyST4

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

Eaton Park Etruria and Hanley Fenton East Fenton West and Mount Pleasant Ford Green and Smallthorne TERRY CROWE MAJID KHAN PAUL SHOTTON KAREN CLARKE MATT WILCOX (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (01782) 269422 07989 441707 (01782) 434445 07917 270594 07810 825600 07818 044755 majid.khan@ paul.shotton@ karen.clarke@ matt.wilcox@ terry.crowe@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Goldenhill and Sandyford Great Chell and Packmoor Hanford and Trentham MARTIN GARNER JANINE BRIDGES ANN JAMES TERENCE FOLLOWS PETER HAYWARD (Labour) (City Independents) (City Independents) (City Independents) (City Independents) (01782) 768846 (01782) 851842 (01782) 836766 (01782) 643553 (01782) 644986 martin.garner@ 07771 331893/ ann.james@ 07944 055379 07920 835839 stoke.gov.uk 07717 714205 stoke.gov.uk terence.follows@ peter.hayward@ janine.bridges@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Hanley Park and Shelton Hartshill and Basford Hollybush and Longton West Joiner’s Square Lightwood North and Normacot AMJID WAZIR SHAUN PENDER KATH BANKS ALASTAIR WATSON BAGH ALI (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) 07747 830461 (01782) 632104 (01782) 399759 07736 837822 (01782) 343246 amjid.wazir@ 07914 851349 07790 699379 alastair.watson@ 07973 848428 stoke.gov.uk shaun.pender@ kath.banks@ stoke.gov.uk [email protected] stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Little Chell and Stanfield Meir Hay Meir North Meir Park Meir South RUTH ROSENAU DAVID CONWAY MUHAMMAD AUMIR (Labour) ABI BROWN DEBBIE WHEELDON (City Independents) (Labour) 07870 503575 (Conservative) (Labour) (01782) 790922 07886 581082 ruth.rosenau@ 07793 844169 (01782) 595043 david.conway@ muhammad.aumir@ stoke.gov.uk abi.brown@ 07870 777807 stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Twitter: stoke.gov.uk debbie.wheeldon@ @CllrRuthRosenau stoke.gov.uk

Moorcroft Penkhull and Stoke Sandford Hill Sneyd Green Springfields and Trent Vale MOHAMMED PERVEZ RANDOLPH CONTEH OLWEN HAMER DEBRA GRATTON JACKIE BARNES (Labour) (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (City Independents) (01782) 232468 (01782) 256869 07717 714207 07917 854981 (01782) 845619 / mohammed.pervez@ 07920 835902 olwen.hamer@ debra.gratton@ 07813 539410 stoke.gov.uk randolph.conteh@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk jackie.barnes@stoke. Twitter: stoke.gov.uk Twitter: gov.uk @pervezstoke @debra_gratton

Tunstall Weston Coyney FORTHCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS AT THE CIVIC CENTRE, STOKE: LEE WANGER MATTHEW FRY The next Cabinet meetings between 1 March and 31 The next full City Council meetings during (City Independents) (Non-aligned) May 2015 are as follows: 5 March, 26 March and 30 this period will be on 19 March at 5.30pm and (01782) 856712 07826 891801 April, 28 May, 2015. Annual Council 28 May 2015 at 11am . 07971 303729 matthew.fry@ lee.wanger@ stoke.gov.uk For more information on your Councillors go to stoke.gov.uk/councillors stoke.gov.uk Councillors can also be contacted through the Councillor and Civic Support Team who can take messages and forward them on.They can be contacted on (01782) 231922 or 231924.

Information on city councillors was correct at the time of going to press. Our City p32 11/2/15 15:09 Page 1

32 Our City SPRING 2015 Case for HS2 station in city Joanna is on track to bolstered by new economic report BUSINESS leaders have been working achieve fitness goal with the city council to drive home the message that routing the HS2 rail project through Stoke-on-Trent would OANNA Myatt knew she deliver a greater impact for the UK’s had to get active when she economy and taxpayers. Jcaught sight of herself in a The case has been bolstered by a new mirror and her decision is report from economic consultancy already paying dividends. Volterra, which confirms that the HS2 The 26-year-old carer from Healthy lives would deliver far greater economic Newstead enrolled at the city benefit if it was routed through the city. council-run Shapes Health and The Volterra report says that Leisure Club as part of the Lifestyle evaluation guidance issued by the Service. With the help of her dedicated Lifestyle Instructor, Joanna has Department for Transport, which would already lost nearly a stone and a half. see a station built in Crewe,“is counter Joanna said: “I used to eat intuitive for a scheme where the major everything. I quite liked a takeaway objective is rebalancing Britain.” pizza once a week and Pepperoni was It states that an HS2 station in my favourite. Then one day I looked Stoke-on-Trent would result in a step in the mirror and I didn’t like what I change in employment and productivity saw. of a much greater magnitude than that “I weighed 17 stone five pounds at achieved by the Crewe parkway station the time and when I saw myself proposal. wobbling about I thought I needed to The report comes just as the powerful do something. I wanted to look good House of Commons Public Affairs so I went down to Shapes.” Committee expressed concern that HS2 She was introduced to her Lifestyle Instructor Kevin Mountford and may not deliver maximum value for together they agreed goals in terms of money for the tax payer.The Volterra exercise and diet and Joanna has not report reinforces this view. Experience of looked back since. high speed rail developments elsewhere Joanna set herself a target of getting have demonstrated that city centre down to 11 and a half stone and is stations have a much greater beneficial already well on course just a few impact in terms of generated jobs and weeks into her new exercise and diet growth. regime. A 10 per cent increase in employment “I was a little embarrassed at first would lead to a £689million increase in but we sat down and had a chat. economic growth in Stoke-on-Trent, Kevin showed me the gym equipment compared to just £197m in Crewe. A six and how to use it. I now go three per cent growth in employment in times a week and probably exercise for two and a half hours. It’s hard work Stoke-on-Trent would achieve the same but I’m determined,” she said. increase in annual prosperity as a 20 per “Kevin’s really good. He encourages cent increase in Crewe. and pushes me and keeps me on track. Bridget Rosewell, one of the UK’s I feel so much better and I’ve got leading economic experts, said the more energy. analysis conducted by HS2 failed to “It’s great that I’m setting a good capture the very benefits which HS2 example for my son Ethan too. We’re was meant to be all about. eating healthier at home and don’t “The effect is to massively underplay have takeaway anymore. I’m cooking the impact of HS2 on jobs growth in more myself and Ethan benefits from cities like Stoke-on-Trent, when all the that because he’s getting healthier evidence indicates that such investment food and more vitamins. “I’d encourage anyone to give it a would have significantly more impact in go. I’m proof that anything is boosting prosperity than similar possible.” investment in Crewe,” she added. City Council Leader Councillor The Lifestyle Service is a Mohammed Pervez said:“There is a referral programme to help growing recognition that the Stoke I feel so much better Joanna provide support on a variety of ‘‘’’ route would deliver maximum value for with her health issues. the tax payer.The House of Commons and I’ve got more Lifestyle Instructor The scheme is offered at four Public Affairs Committee and Volterra Kevin Mountford city council facilities– Shapes energy. I’d encourage both say that HS2 should be all about at Shapes Health Health and Leisure Club, getting value for money for the tax and Leisure Dimensions Leisure Centre, anyone to give it a go. payer by maximising economic growth. Club. Northwood Stadium and the That’s exactly what the Stoke route JOANNA MYATT Wallace Centre. For further achieves.” details, call 01782 234957.

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