our city issue 01

OurCityISSUE 1: OCTOBER 2007

Western Edition

LOCALMATTERS

News and issues thatMATTER in Burslem South,Northwood & Birches Head,Hanley West and Shelton

PAGES 7, 10, 15 & 16

WIN a year’s supply of oatcakes

For top tips on tasty and healthyfillingsSEE PAGE FOUR

Traditional Potteries

Oat-cuisine

Carnivalrhythms putcity centreon the map

Carnivalrhythms putcity centreon the mapPAGE 7

OurCit

y2 Our City O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7

VIS Unita Fortior – united

strength is stronger! So says the

motto on Stoke-on-Trent’s city

crest. And that’s just what we’ve

done – united to bring you this

new magazine, Our City.

The City Council,

Stoke-on-Trent Primary Care

Trust, Staffordshire Police and

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue

work together every day in a

spirit of co-operation to provide

the best service possible for the

people of the Potteries. It makes

sense to unite and produce one

publication promoting the best

of Stoke-on-Trent and providing

all the public information you

need.

So, a very warm welcome to

our first issue! We have news

and features. We have five

editions – one for each

neighbourhood management

area based on the city’s electoral

wards.

We have competitions. And we

have an insight into what makes

the city’s heart beat.

One of the city’s most famous

sons, pop megastar Robbie

Williams, recently said that

Stoke-on-Trent is one of the UK’s

best-kept secrets. It’s time the

secret was revealed! There are

great things going on in this city

and we want to shout them from

the rooftops.

As a city we have faced and

overcome challenges in the past,

and by uniting now we can tackle

those we will face in the future.

Stoke-on-Trent is a city of

great tradition and heritage. Its

people are renowned for their

friendliness. It’s a city to be

proud of, and Our City will

reflect that pride and the

aspirations we all have to

lift the city to greater

heights.

Our City is for everyone in

Stoke-on-Trent – it is your

publication – so do give us

your feedback and ideas.

The Christmas issue is out

on December 10th.

Please write to:

FREEPOST Our City

or email [email protected].

Our City is printed on 100per cent recycled paper.When you have finishedwith this publicationplease help theenvironment by passingit on to a friend or put itin your recycle blue bag.

Partnership dealset to transformrepairs services

WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A COMMON GOAL:the leaders of the key strategic partners in the city, left to right,Ralph Matthew, Area Commander of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue;Mark Meredith, Stoke-on-Trent City Council Elected Mayor; ChiefSuperintendent Jane Sawyers, Staffordshire Police; and GrahamUrwin, Chief Executive of Stoke-on-Trent Primary Care Trust.

STOKE-ON-TRENT CityCouncil is signing up to amassive ten year deal totransform the system forhousing repairs andbring a cash bonanza forcity services.

It is intended that a newcompany will be formed inpartnership with nationalconstruction firm Kier Group,to take over repairs andmaintenance of city councilhousing and public buildings.

The new Joint VentureCompany (JVC) will also beable to compete for privatework in the city and beyond.Negotiations are now underwayand it is hoped the newbusiness will be up andrunning early in the new year.

Chief Executive SteveRobinson said: “This ismarvellous news for everyonein the city and a real stepforward for housing repairs andthe building industry inStoke-on-Trent.

“Tenants will see animproving service; staffwill keep theirterms and

conditions and pension rightsand get the chance to improvetheir job prospects and the cityhousing services will benefitfrom the money the companymakes.”

Under the terms of the dealabout five hundred and fortycouncil workers will betransferred to the new companywhen contracts are exchangedin January. In the meantime,Kier and the City Council willtake joint responsibility forexisting work to ensure asmooth transition.

Kevin Lovatt is a CityCouncil tenant from Trent Valewho was involved in evaluatingthe bids submitted bymaintenance companies and heis delighted. “Kier reallyimpressed us with their attitudeand the work that they do,” hesaid. “This will be brilliant forcouncil tenants and for thebuilding industry locally.”

Damian Leonard, a joinerwho will transfer to the new

company said “There will beloads of opportunities for theworkforce to learn new skillsand to take on different kindsof jobs with the new company.Obviously, it’s a big change, butit’s got to be the way forward.”

The new company will beguaranteed £400 million ofwork on the city’s buildingsover ten years and a share of itsprofits will come back to theCity Council to be ploughedinto council services.

Kier Building Maintenancemanaging director Peter Brynessaid: “We are looking forwardto negotiating with Stoke-on-Trent City Council in order tobuild on the good work of theexisting service. Now theexciting task begins of offeringthe building maintenanceworkforce better training anddevelopment opportunities,continuing to build strongrelationships with localsuppliers and sub-contractors,and making sure we are readyto provide the highest levels ofcustomer service to the people

of Stoke-on-Trent fromJanuary onwards.” ■

Council tenant Kevin Lovatt, left – who was involved in the bidevaluation – believes the new Joint Venture Company will be

brilliant for tenants. Here, he is pictured at his homewith council tradesman Damien Leonard who

will transfer to the new company.

United to makeour proud city even stronger

O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7 Our City 3

Think tank vision ofvibrant futureOONE of the

UK’s leadingregeneration

experts is backing abright future forStoke-on-Trent as “oneof the most vibrant andexciting” communitiesin the country.

Will Hutton, ChiefExecutive of the WorkFoundation, has beencommissioned by the CityCouncil and partners to drawup a new vision and action

plan to catapult NorthStaffordshire forward.

Mr Hutton – a leadingvoice on employment andworkforce issues – is set toreport back in Novemberwith action plans toimmediately turn aroundareas where the city is notperforming well and build onits successes in an investmentprogramme worth billions ofpounds.

He said: “If NorthStaffordshire embraces thisplan and is determined todrive forward with it thenthere is a really good chancethat this community couldbecome one of the mostvibrant and exciting withinthe UK.

“There are certainlychallenges ahead but thereare also many strengths to

build on and that is what weneed to do in order to createprospects and success.”

The summer has seen thecreation of an influential neworganisation – the NorthStaffordshire RegenerationPartnership – which will driveforward the transformation.

The partnership boardincludes all North Stafford-shire’s local authorities andbig names from the privatesector like Waterworld bossMo Chaudry and the formerChief Executive of AdvantageWest Midlands JohnEdwards.

It’s first task was to appointa leading regenerationspecialist to head up themassive initiative to revitalisethe area. The arrival of TomMacartney, who earned aninternational reputation forhis success in the Gorbalsarea of Glasgow andSunderland, has been a majorboost for Stoke-on-Trent,catapulting the city up theregeneration league.

Elected Mayor MarkMeredith, who chairs thepartnership board, said: “Wehave invested time and moneyin putting together a hugelycapable team with the bestreputation in the regenerationbusiness, and in restructuringcouncil departments so everyfocus is on creating theStoke-on-Trent we all want– a vibrant city prosperingthroughout the 21st centuryand beyond.”

North StaffordshireRegeneration Partnershipbrings together the council’sregeneration, planning,housing, transport andeconomic developmentdepartments and the teamsfrom the RENEW housing

market renewal programmeand the North StaffordshireRegeneration Zone.

Other members includeNewcastle-under-LymeBorough Council,Staffordshire MoorlandsDistrict Council and StaffordBorough Council.

Mayor Meredith said: “Wehave built a team and anenvironment which we knoware right to drive the areaforward and are lookingforward to meeting thechallenge.”

At the heart of theregeneration process will bethe creation of newbusinesses and jobs, the£200m Building Schools forthe Future programme whichwill provide facilities in iconicbuildings for the wholecommunity to use, the£400m joint venturecompany to maintain CityCouncil housing and publicbuildings over the next tenyears, a new hospital and thecreation of new furthereducation colleges and anexciting University Quarter.

Mark Meredith added: “Wewill see the creation of a newimage for a brand newStoke-on-Trent. At themoment our population isdeclining. Our challenge is tocreate such an attractive placeto live that people will stayhere and more people willmove here and moreorganisations will invest inNorth Staffordshire, creatingnew jobs, better jobs and abetter quality of life foreveryone.” ■

● See the next issue ofOur City for a detailedreport on the WorkFoundation proposals.

Bid to attract 2012Olympic team baseHIGH-LEVEL talks are taking place this monthin a bid to attract the Pakistani Olympic teamto use Stoke-on-Trent as its base during the2012 olympics. A delegation led by ElectedMayor Mark Meredith, and including HardialBhogal, Director of RENEW NorthStaffordshire, Rauf Mirza, Chairperson ofSport England West Midlands andbusinessman Mo Chaudry, presented anofficial invitation at the Pakistani HighCommission in London.

If the partnership takes off, it is expectedthe Potteries officials will travel to Pakistan to strengthen arrangements for hundreds of sportsmen and women to come to Stoke-on-Trent during the games.

Pakistani sporting officials are believed tohave been impressed by North Staffordshire’ssporting facilities, transport links withLondon and range of visitor attractions.

Cllr Adrian Knapper, portfolio holder forsport and leisure, said: “We have a host ofcurrent and proposed sports facilities, twouniversities, suitable hotel accommodation,easy access to beautiful countryside andexcellent motorway and intercity railconnections. These are just a few of theattractions and benefits we can offer thePakistani team.”

QUIT smoking experts inStoke-on-Trent expect a surge ofpeople wanting to kick the habitwhen the dark winter weather kicksin. Health promotion specialists are gearing upfor a time when smokers no longer wish tostand outside pubs, clubs and restaurants, anddecide to seek help to pack it in.

Stopping smoking is the single mostimportant action anyone can take to improvetheir health and well being. Last year morethan 1,900 people were helped to stopsmoking in North Staffordshire, and thefriendly team is aiming to beat all records thisyear. Stop smoking advisors offer free support,as well as prescribed nicotine replacementpatches.

More information on the range of assistanceavailable can be found at www.hpns.nhs.uk oremail [email protected] call 0800 085 0928.

City scoops topenterprise awardSTOKE-on-Trent and surrounding areaswere named the UK’s best place to start abusiness when the area scooped theprestigious Enterprising Britain Award.

The area beat off stiff competition fromregeneration projects across the country towin the competition organised by theDepartment of Trade and Industry.

Judges visited schools in the city wherepupils had set up their own businesses,enterprise units where new companieswere being supported and companieswhich were thriving and expanding aftersetting up in North Staffordshire.

North Staffordshire Regeneration ZoneChief Executive Aktar Choudhury said: “Theaward will put North Staffordshire well andtruly on the map as a tremendously vibrantenterprise culture and a great place to startand grow a business.”

LOOKING TO AN EXCITINGFUTURE FOR STOKE-ON-TRENT:Will Hutton, Chief Executive ofthe Work Foundation, by thefamous Josiah Wedgwood statuein Station Road Stoke.

Give us your feedback on this issue ofOur City by emailing [email protected] write to: FREEPOST Our City– next issue out December 10th

Quit smoking teamset for winter rush

An artist’simpression of

a proposed newcampus development

for Stoke on TrentCollege at Burslem –

just one of manyexciting schemes in the pipeline.

4 Our City O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7

LIFT YOUR MOOD WITH

playingonlythesongsyoulove!

COMMUNITIES inStoke-on-Trent havejoined the fight

against drugs after 18suspected dealers werearrested in the city’sbiggest ever raids.

Operation Nemesis – whichinvolved more than 300 officers –left a huge vacuum in the city forcrack, cocaine and heroin addicts.

Now, the city’s Primary CareTrust, Staffordshire Police, thefire service and the City Councilhave been joining forces tosupport drug users faced withlittle or no supply.

Stoke-on-Trent Primary CareTrust Chief Executive, GrahamUrwin, said: “The PCT hasarranged for additional treatmentsupport options to assist people in

overcoming their dependencies,and living crime-free lives. Wewould urge people who need helpto contact the Community DrugService, in Hope Street, Hanley.”

Drug users can contact thecommunity drug service on01782 425100.

Extra nurses, doctors andpsychologists were briefed andready to deal with extra patientsfollowing the operation.

Teachers, housing associationsand councillors were told thatthey had a key part in building onits success in the future.

And residents are being keptinformed - with more than20,000 leaflets being distributedto neighbourhoods where suspectswere arrested and a communityworkshop held in the King’s Hall,Stoke, immediately after theoperation to keep people in touch.

Elected Mayor Mark Meredithtold a packed public pressconference: “We have woken upto a different city today. It showsthat our city is determined tocrack down on drugs and crime.We won’t tolerate drugs inStoke-on-Trent. Today is an ideal

example of the communityworking together. Our city’smotto is ‘united strength isstronger’. Today shows we arestronger.”

Information about the raidsalso reached residents through thelocal media. Reporters andphotographers watched as policeofficers charged down doors andarrested several suspects whowere subsequently charged andbrought before the courts.

In the meantime, police arepatrolling major roads intoStoke-on-Trent to try to stop new

drug dealers flooding into thecity.

They have appealed to thepublic for information on drugdealing and urge people to callCrimestoppers anonymously on0800 555 111.

Commander of Stoke-on-TrentDivision, Chief SuperintendentJane Sawyers, said: “Now thework starts. With your support wewill continue to bring thoseinvolved in this serious criminalactivity to justice. The police arenot alone in the battle againstdrugs.

“This is an opportunity for usall. By working in partnershipwith the local authority and drugand alcohol action teams, we canhelp those dependent on drugs tomake positive changes and livehealthy and crime-free lives.” ■

Dawn raids result in 18 arrests duringcity’s biggest ever drugs clampdown

Pict

ure

cour

tesy

of S

taffo

rdsh

ire S

entin

el N

ews a

nd M

edia

Off the streets


FINDING they areexpecting a baby that isunplanned is a

traumatic experience formost teenage girls. But inStoke-on-Trent youngsters inthis situation need not bebewildered and frightened.

They can count on the city’sYoung Parents Support ServicesTeam (YPSS) which providessupport and advice for teenagersbetween 13 and 18 who are eitherpregnant or have become a parent.

And while young mums acrossthe city appreciate the help andsupport they are given, thousandsmore teenagers are benefittingfrom a pioneering programme ofadvice aimed at preventingpregnancies in the first place.

An innovative process developedin the city is being used to identifyyoung women most at risk ofbecoming pregnant, and work withthem in groups or one-to-one.

Tracy Kirk, teenage pregnancystrategy manager, said: “We arealso making sure hundreds of staffworking with young people inStoke-on-Trent have the skills andknowledge to offer advice on sexand relationships, and haveintroduced lesson plans andteaching resources to make suresex and relationship education inStoke-on-Trent is delivered to acommon standard.”

Young women facing thechallenge of bringing up a babyreceive support with emotional andpractical problems, usually on aone-to-one basis, throughout boththe ante-natal and post-natalstages.

YPSS Co-ordinator Amy Wardheads up a team of three advisorsto deliver the city-wide servicewhich, on average, is used by 95per cent of teenage parents andmothers-to-be in Stoke-on-Trent.

The team is employed byStoke-on-Trent Primary CareTrust and their work is funded bythe PCT, Supporting People,Connexions and the

Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.Referrals to the service can be

made by anyone – includingmidwives, other professionals,friends and family and theteenagers themselves, while girlsunder 16 and still at school can beput in touch with the team by theeducation authority’s ReintegrationOfficer.

As well as support on a personaloutreach basis, teenagers can alsoaccess help and guidance at the team’sweekly drop-in centre everyWednesday at the Connexions office inPall Mall, Hanley, between 1.30pmand 4.30pm. No appointment isnecessary.

Also teenage pregnancymidwives hold ante-natal classesevery Monday at the ThomasBoughey Children’s Centre inCollege Road, Shelton, between10.30am and noon. This servicealso contributes to ongoing effortsto reduce the city’s rate of teenagepregnancies by providing advice onhow contraception can avoid asecond unplanned pregnancy.

There are also strong links withStoke-on-Trent College to equipyoung mums with skills that willlead to a career or worthwhile job.

Amy Ward said:“Teenagers whocontact us find we are neverjudgmental.We are only here to helpand support them and their child.

“We provide direct help with allthese issues, or put the youngpeople in touch with agencies andprofessionals who can provide theappropriate support.

“In addition we help with healthissues such as giving up smokingand healthy eating. The aim is toensure the young parents maintaintheir independence and help themaccess services that will enablethem to achieve this.”

LIFE for CarolineMcDonald was alreadychallenging enough whenshe found she waspregnant.

The 18-year-old SixthForm College A levelstudent, who is diabetic,was sharing a rented housewith her brother afterfamily circumstancesforced her to lead anindependent life at thetender age of 17.

The first visit by amidwife put her in touchwith the Young ParentsSupport Services Team andher needs were assessed byadvisor SarahGiannakopoulos.

Sarah became animportant part ofCaroline’s life, rightthrough the pregnancy andthe birth of daughterAlyssa. She was bornpremature by caesareansection at 36 weeksweighing 9lb 4oz and spent

a week in intensive care.And Sarah was there to

help when mum and babycame home. Thanks to thesupport she has receivedCaroline has started a jointdegree course in Musicand Psychology atManchester MetropolitanUniversity’s Crewe andAlsager campus. Despiteall her problems, sheachieved two As and twoBs in her A level results!

Cuddlingthree-month-old Alyssa,Caroline said: “When Ifirst met Sarah I had noidea about benefits andwas living on next tonothing. She helped me toclaim income support andother benefits I wasentitled to. The emotionalsupport was just asimportant as there was alot going on with boyfrienddifficulties and thepressure of continuing atcollege.

“Alyssa was born the dayI should have been taking amusic exam, but Icompleted my other Alevels in the ward sister’soffice while I was inhospital. When I camehome with my baby, Sarahwas there to help me withall the paperwork involvedin claiming studententitlement to cover myuniversity tuition fees.”

Caroline added: “TheYoung Parents SupportTeam has been a greathelp, and their supportencouraged me not to giveup. Sarah was always therefor me whenever I neededsupport. Sometimes when Ifelt I was really struggling Iwould text her and shewould always respond.

“The team have broughtme through a particularlydifficult time in my life.Thanks to them I’m now atuniversity and enjoying mybeautiful baby daughter.”

Sixth form student is now at universityand enjoying life with her lovely baby

For a teenage girl to discover she is pregnant, the future can seem bewildering andfrightening. Specialist teams in Stoke-on-Trent are working to prevent pregnancy in13 to 18-year-olds, while making sure caring help is at hand for young mums...

CASESTUDY

● You can contact the Young

Parents Support Team by phoning

01782 425944, emailing

[email protected]

or texting 07789 721051.

A serviceteenagemums cancount on

Student CarolineMcDonald, right, withher baby daughter Alyssaand Young ParentsSupport Team AdvisorSarah Giannakopoulos.


AS the city’s 79thLord Mayor, CllrBagh Ali is helping

to make history. For theother half of his team is his daughter Sophia, who at21 is the country’s youngestever Lady Mayoress.

Her presence at civicengagements causes as muchexcitement as meeting theLord Mayor. After just a fewmonths in the job the pairhave already established afamily “double act” that issuccessfully promoting thecity both within and wellbeyond its boundaries.

Sophia, a care worker whoplans to return to educationto gain professionalqualifications once her2007/2008 year of office ends,said: “I was happy andhonoured to be my father’sLady Mayoress because thewhole family is very proud ofhim.

“In some ways I’ve put mylife on hold. I attendengagements with my fatheralmost every day and everyevening, so there’s no time tomeet up with my friends for ameal, go to the cinema or justchill out listening to music.

“However, I’m reallyenjoying my year of office. Itis giving me an opportunity tomeet people of all ages, notjust those of my own age, andit’s an experience I will neverforget.”

Cllr Ali came toStoke-on-Trent from Pakistanas a ten-year-old boy in 1970.His father, a Second WorldWar veteran taken prisoner bythe Japanese while fighting inSingapore, was already in thePotteries.

After working in theceramic industry and theMichelin tyre factory, Cllr Alistarted his own taxi businessin 1981 and has representedLongton South as a citycouncillor since 1996, with aparticular interest in theenvironment, transport andcommunity safety.

The chosen charity for hisyear of office is the DouglasMacmillan Hospice inBlurton. Cllr Ali has admiredthe work of staff since visitinga friend with terminal cancerwho was cared for at thehospice.

All proceeds from the LordMayor’s Ball on November2nd at the King’s Hall, Stoke– the £40-a-head eventincludes a five course meal,70’s retro live band and adisco – will go to DouglasMacmillan.

As a Muslim, one of theLord Mayor’s key themes isto encourage all the city’sresidents of whatever faith,colour or background to feelequally a part of thecommunity.

He plans a get-together oflocal leaders of all faiths tosee how they can best worktogether to preserve the city’s

proud tradition of religiousand racial tolerance.

Cllr Ali said: “Mymemories of coming toStoke-on-Trent as a youngboy are happy ones. There isstill a natural warmth aboutthe people of Stoke-on-Trentwhich embraces all cultures.”

Cllr Ali and his wife of 33years Farzand Begum havetwo sons and two daughters(aged from 13 to 29) as wellas four grandchildren. The

Lord Mayor is a Stoke Cityfan and attends as manyhome games as business andcivic duties permit.

Cricket is his other sportingpassion and in his playingdays he was a goodall-rounder with Wedgwoodand Normacot cricket clubs.

Cllr Ali said: “Driving a taxiis a good way of mixing withthe community. Very often Ipick up constituents to takethem somewhere and they tell

me about issues that concernthem. It’s a bit like marketresearch, and often my taxidoubles up as a councillor’ssurgery when I listen to mypassengers’ problems and givethem advice while I drivethem where they want to go!”

● To buy tickets for theLord Mayor’s Ball contactDenise Powell, the LordMayor’s Secretary, on 01782232625 or email her [email protected]

WITH responsibility for more than 500,000artefacts going back some 12,000 years, staffat the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery areaccustomed to being offered unusual objectsproviding a fascinating insight about all ouryesterdays.

I’m told of their surprise, however, when theMuseum was gifted an orange. Not a freshone, but a black and shrivelled piece ofdesiccated fruit purchased 116 years ago onFebruary 13th 1891. It was placed in the lunchbox of coal miner Joseph Roberts, of Hanley,before he went down the Racecourse Collieryat Etruria six days later on February 19th.It was to be his lastshift. Joseph, aged37, suffered terribleinjuries in anundergroundexplosion anddied in theNorth StaffsInfirmary,leaving his wifeCaroline and theirsix young children.

The lunch box wasreturned to his next of kin and the uneatenorange was kept in a treacle tin by twogenerations of the family as an heirloom. Nowthe black orange – pictured above – has beenpresented to the museum by Joseph’s greatgranddaughter Pam Bettaney, who lives atSilverdale.

Deb Klemperer, the Museum’s CollectionsOfficer (Local History), tells me: “This must bethe most unusual item ever gifted to us. Theorange tells a very moving story and is adirect link with the Roberts’ family tragedy.This piece of fruit is part of the history ofNorth Staffordshire.”

It will soon be on temporary display.

THE course of true love never does runsmooth, and while council services touchalmost every aspect of life in Stoke-on-Trent,I’m told of one instance when even the localauthority couldn’t help.

The Stoke-on-Trent couple sat nervously ata local advice surgery. “Don’t worry,” saidtheir caring elected member, who told thetale to Placer over a pint, ”how can I help?”

“Well,” said the man,”it’s a bitembarrassing. Every time I feel amorous, shedoesn’t, and when she’s in a romantic mood,I’m too tired.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” said the couple’selected representative,” but I don’t see what Ican do.”

“Well,” said the lady, ” we told our doctorabout the problem , and he said we neededto see a counsellor...”

SPOTTED on a pub blackboard in the

Mother Town promoting a live band gig:

“Now appearing in Burslem after a

successful tour of LA. (Longton Area)”

From LA to Burslem

Love problems?See a councillor!

Orange unpeelsa slice of history

Family man Bagh Ali believes there is a natural warmth about the people ofStoke-on-Trent that embraces all cultures – one of many reasons why he hasgreat pride in being the City’s Lord Mayor. Here, Our City talks to CouncillorAli and his daughter Sophia about their role as first citizens...

There is still a naturalwarmth about the peopleof Stoke-on-Trent whichembraces all cultures

❛❛

❜❜ – CLLR BAGH ALI

LOCALMATTERS

In the wards of Burslem South, Northwood& Birches Head, Hanley West and Shelton.


Longport station works right on trackTHERE’S no need to travel to Stoke,thanks to improvements to Longportstation that make it a pleasant placeto start your rail journey.

Passengers are provided with newshelters, CCTV security, betterlighting and the latest type ofelectronic information system thatgives clear details about rail servicesfrom the station.

The new facilities have beenfunded by North StaffordshireRegeneration Zone.

Travelling by rail from Longporton the hourly Crewe-Derby service

links passengers to a large range ofdestinations. From Crewe there areconnections to Chester, ManchesterAirport and North Wales; from Stoketo Birmingham and London; andfrom Derby to Nottingham, the eastcoast and East Midlands Airport(this is a half hourly bus servicefrom Derby station).

The service is also a fast cross-citylink, ideal for commuter travel fromLongport to places like Kidsgrove,Blythe Bridge and Longton, or for afun day out at Uttoxeter Races orAlton Towers (there’s a special bus

link from Uttoxeter station to thetheme park).

You can pick up a copy of theCrewe-Derby line guide andtimetable from Stoke station or theTourist Information Office – or callNorth Staffordshire CommunityRail Partnership on 01782 232272 fora copy.● These are examples of standardday adult return fares fromLongport and journey times:Uttoxeter £6.60 (29 minutes); Crewe£4.50 (20 minutes). Children underfive travel free.

Delivering servicescloser to homeMORE patients in Stoke-on-Trent will get faster access totreatment when a newcommunity health centre opensits doors in Shelton next Spring.

The facility will offer a greater rangeof services to the local population froma location that is closer to more peoplein the city. As a result around12,000outpatients per year will be transferredto the centre from the University

Hospital of North Staffordshire.They will be using treatment rooms

that are purpose-built and equipped tooffer the best possible environment forthings like follow-up appointments afterOrthopaedic surgery.

Patients in Shelton will also benefitfrom the fact four GP surgeries in thearea are being brought together underone roof at the centre.

It is hoped that the improvements willlead to better recruitment and retention

of staff, teaching and training facilitiesas well as access for the disabled, olderpeople and young children.

The work is being carried out as partof the North Staffs Fit for the Futureproject – which is part of a Governmentinitiative to modernise the healthservice.

For further information about thecentre call Simon Priestley on 01782 744444 or e-mail [email protected]

Winter warning issuedon fire safety issuesFIREFIGHTERS are urging the people ofStoke-on-Trent to be on their guard aswinter approaches.

This is the time of year when people startto plug in electric blankets, fire up thecentral heating boiler and light candles.

All of these can present fire hazards, butfollowing some simple advice can make sureyou and your family stay safe.

Electric blankets – Do not use any blanketswhich have scorch marks or exposed elements.Over-blankets are designed to be left switchedon, but under-blankets must be switched offbefore getting into bed.

Gas appliances – Carbon monoxide canleak at dangerous levels into your home as aresult of a faulty gas appliance. Ensure you getyour appliances checked out and wherepossible get a carbon monoxide detectorfitted.

Candles – Candles should never be leftunattended and should always be placed inholders on heat resistant surfaces. Candlesshould always be well out of the reach ofchildren and pets.

Smoke alarms – Check your smoke alarmsare working correctly by pressing the testbutton. You should have a smoke alarm onevery floor of your home.

Free home fire risk checks, including thefitting of smoke alarms, are available fromStaffordshire Fire and Rescue Service,Tel: 08451 22 11 55.

SMART bus travel isjust the ticketNew SMART tickets are making life easier forbus users in Stoke-on-Trent. A partnershipwith bus operators in the city meanspassengers can now use one ticket to hop onand off most buses.

SMART tickets can be bought for a day, aweek or a month and are available for adultsand children. Prices range from £4.50 per dayfor adults (children £3) to £55 for 28 days(£37 for a child.) Tickets can be bought onthe bus, from travel shops or from more than250 stores in Stoke-on-Trent which take partin the Payzone scheme.

More details on the SMART scheme areavailable from the City Council’s passengertransport team on 01782 234500.

Police house boostscommunity safetyA NEW Police and Community House hasopened its doors in Middleport to increasepolice presence in the area and helpcombat crime and anti-social behaviour.

The end terrace property in NewportLane has been provided by RENEW as abase for the local team of NeighbourhoodBeat Officers and Police CommunitySupport Officers and as a meeting place forthe residents’ association and othercommunity groups.

Inspector Jim Wood of Burslem, said:“Thefacility means officers no longer need tomake as many trips to Burslem policestation and so can spend more time in thearea, providing a reassuring presence forresidents.”

GP Dr David Phillips and project manager Michelle Urwin check on progress of the construction of the newcommunity health centre in Shelton.

SSTOKE-ON-TRENT isjustifiably proud of itstradition of tolerance and

good relations enjoyed by allethnic groups in the city.

Now community leaders are buildingon the area’s reputation for harmonywith a new initiative to build bridgesbetween local Muslims and the rest ofthe community.

It will help Muslim people in the city– the vast majority of them law abidingand peaceful – to highlight the trueteachings of Islam and join forces withthe City Council and police to tackle theissue of Islamophobia.

It’s a major part of the “My Stoke”campaign launched to improve thealready good community relations oftenenvied by other towns and cities – andstrengthen links that will preventextremism from gathering support.

Also, as part of the campaign schoolactivities will be arranged in a bid todevelop understanding between peoplefrom different cultures.

The City Council has secured a£75,000 grant from the Government’sPreventing Violent Extremism Pathfinder

Fund which in part will go towardsappointing a specialist team to reinforcelinks between different communities.

The team’s task will be to identify theneeds of Muslim communities aroundthe city and help them to feel connectedto their neighbours.

At the same time Imams and otherMuslim leaders will be encouraged todemonstrate to other groups of people inthe city that Islam is a religion thatstands for peace, tolerance andunderstanding.

Stoke-on-Trent is one of five localauthorities in the West Midlands chosento benefit from the Pathfinder scheme.

The launch at the Ghalani NoorMosque in Longton was attended byleaders of the Muslim community,police, the City Council andrepresentatives of other ethnic groupsand faiths – symbolising the united standbeing taken against extremism.

The City Council is to appoint anImam and Mosque Advisory NetworkCo-ordinator, a Muslim Women’sNetwork Co-ordinator and a PreventingExtremism Lead Officer.

The team’s immediate targets willinclude: re-launch of the Stoke-on-Trent

Imam and Muslim Advisory Network(IMAN), establish a Muslim YoungPeople’s Network (MYPN), develop theMuslim Sisters’ Network (MSN) andlaunch the “My Stoke” campaignthrough the North Staffs Forum ofFaiths.

Councillor Mohammed Pervez,portfolio holder for Community Servicesand Equality, who officially launched theinitiative, said: “This is an excellentexample to show how the city councilintends to work with the mainstreamMuslim communities in Stoke-on-Trent.

“By involving and consulting religiousleaders, women and young people wehope to reach out to a significantproportion of the city’s Muslimpopulation.

“We do not have a history of violentextremism among the Muslims ofStoke-on-Trent, but it would be stupidof us in these troubled times to assume‘it couldn’t happen here.’ This is just oneway of helping make sure that thosepeople who might be tempted byextremism, anti-social and un-Islamicarguments will see instead that inclusionand co-operation are the only wayforward.”

Councillor Pervez added: “For variousreasons the Imams have not engagedwith the wider community.

“We need to change that, and bybringing them into the community as awhole, people will see they are preachingpeace and harmony and it will give thewider community a lot more confidence.

“There is a need for the widercommunity to accept that Islam is apeaceful and tolerant religion.” ■Imam Manzoor Madrabban welcomes Keith Perrin to the mosque watched

by Mohammed Pervez, second left, and Mohammed Gulzar.

New initiativebuilds on city’s proudreputation for

racialharmony

Street cleaningteams reinforced

Expert advice forjobless people

Fewer fines

STREET cleaning operations have beenreinforced to tidy up litter-strewn areashighlighted by the public.

Residents surveyed in a city opinion pollsaid litter was the worst blight on thePotteries’ landscape. More than 60 per cent ofthose interviewed by MORI said rubbish onthe streets had the worst impact on howStoke-on-Trent looks.

The City Council responded by employingmore front line staff with different shiftpatterns. A new “one pass” service has beenintroduced to pick litter, sweep the streets, cutgrass and hedges and remove fly tipping in asingle visit.

Head of Streetscene Services Nigel Shearersaid: “We are also involving residents by usingQuality Street checks, where residents areasked to inspect their own area on a regularbasis and report back any problems they findso council teams can take prompt action.”

SPECIALIST advice and support isavailable for unemployed people inStoke-on-Trent.

A team of experts aims to reduce thenumber of people claiming benefit byhelping them into work through training,skills and one-to-one support.

Anyone unemployed and claimingbenefits can receive free work-basedtraining, work placements, new skills andbetter self-confidence, help with CVs andinterview techniques and financial helpwith travel and childcare.

New courses start in January and coverwarehousing and logistics, administrationand social care. To take part contact theSTACE team on 01782 236094.

FEWER motorists will be getting fines inHanley – thanks to a new pay on exitscheme at two of the town’s major car parks.

Meigh Street and John Street are beingswitched to the new system. It will mean anend to guessing how long you are stayingfor – and less disgruntled drivers who getwhat they pay for.

Elected Mayor Mark Meredith said:“TheCity Council is committed to improving thevisitor experience in our city centre.”


A Scarab road cleaner in action.

By involving and consulting religious leaders, women andyoung people, we hope to reach out to a significantproportion of the city’s Muslim population. We do nothave a history of violent extremism among theMuslims of Stoke-on-Trent, but it would be stupid of us inthese troubled times to assume ‘it couldn’t happen here.’

– MOHAMMED PERVEZ, PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES & EQUALITY

BUILDING BRIDGESIN THE COMMUNITY:At the launch of the “MyStoke” campaign at theGillani Noor Mosque atNormacot are, left to right,Nila Ghafoor, Black andMinority Ethnic ForumMember; MohammedGulzar; Trish Rhead,Stoke-on-Trent CityCouncil; ChiefSuperintendent JaneSawyer; Keith Perrin,North Staffordshire Forumof Faiths; CouncillorMohammed Pervez,portfolio holder forCommunity Services andEquality; and ImamManzoor Madrabban.

A BBC radio journalist carries out interviews inside the Gillani NoorMosque at the campaign launch.

Reasons to make mostout of tourism service

Storyteller and the‘bottle oven’ tent


RESIDENTS in Stoke-on-Trent have been given 10good reasons to make the most of their city tourismservice. The advice, from the team at the TouristInformation Centre, has been issued under the banner‘Don’t be a Stranger inyour own City.’ Servicesoffered by the TICinclude:

● Information on localvisitor attractions● Passes and tickets tolocal attractions● Museums passport● Thrillhopper tickets● UK holidaybrochures● Accommodationbookings – local andnational● Theatre ticketbookings including theRegent and New VicTheatres.● Information andtickets for eventsincluding WalsallIlluminations,Southport Flower Show and Staffordshire CountyShow.● Local bus and rail information and tickets.

The TIC is based at the Victoria Hall at the heart ofthe Cultural Quarter, tel. 01782 236000, or [email protected]

More ideas on making the most of Stoke-on-Trentcan be found online at www.visitstoke.co.uk

Tourism signs are inposition on the maingateway in to Burslem.

Project to help keepyoungsters saferA NEW scheme – believed to be the first of its kindin the UK – has been started to keep youngsters inStoke-on-Trent safe.

Children aged between five and eight years oldwho attend Rainbows or Beavers groups will learnlots of essential skills under the initiative which isbeing pioneered by the City Council.

Things like food safety, toy safety, noiseawareness and health and safety will be taught.The project has gained approval from theScouting Association and Girl Guiding UK. Freeactivity packs are also available to all Rainbowsand Beavers groups in the city.

To apply or for more information contactSuzanne Rhodes by [email protected]

A BOTTLE oven shaped tent is helping youngstersacross the Potteries learn about the working historyof the area.

Commissioned by the City Council’s museumsservice, kids learn from a storyteller dressed as aVictorian factory worker. The structure was designedby the Gladstone Pottery Museum in Longton –which is currently applying for a Heritage LotteryGrant to restore its bottle ovens.

Children learn about their ovens and otherfascinating insights into the pottery industry.

It is available for use at community events, such asfun days and at venues like libraries, schools andcommunity centres.

Anyone who is interested in using it should contactthe Museum Outreach Team on 01782 235522.

LOCALMATTERS


It’s easy to get in touch with a localbeat bobby or police communitysupport officer (PCSO) via their digitalairwave radios.

All officers have individual collarnumbers which are either four or fivedigits long.

For officers with four digit numbersdial 08453 30 31 32 then enter ‘0’followed by the four digit collarnumber of the officer you need tospeak to. No ‘0’ is needed for officerswith five digit collar numbers.

If the officer is on duty, their radiorings like a mobile phone and you will

be connected.If they are off duty or

dealing with victims,witnesses or offenders,your call goes through tothe officer’s individual voicemail box.

Remember, in an emergency, dial999.

FAMILIES inStoke-on-Trentare being urged

to help make a massivedifference to children’slives by becomingfoster carers.

Dozens of children in carein the city could benefitfrom living in a loving,caring family home.Around 150 familiescurrently offer foster care,but there are over 450children in the area whoneed a home. Campaignsurging families to “Make acall and change a child's lifeforever” have successfullyrecruited new carers. Nowthe council and its partnersare stepping up efforts toexpand the service acrossthe Potteries.

Foster carer Gill, wholives in Hanley, said: “Thebiggest reward in fosteringfor me is to see childrenfrom different backgrounds

progress and move on tosuccessful and fulfilinglives.”

Anyone over the age of 21who has a spare bedroom athome can apply to become afoster carer.You don’t needa big house, to be inemployment, to be a coupleor to have children of yourown.

The City Council islooking for a range of carersfor children of all ages andfor brothers and sisters sothey can stay together, alsocarers from different ethnicgroups.● Apply to be a foster carer:contact the City Council forfurther details. If you goahead you will be giventraining and ongoingsupport to help you developfostering skills.You will alsoreceive financial support foreach child you foster.Ring the Fostering Team on01782 234555 or [email protected]

CHAMPION CARERS: Maureen and Peter Warman,who have been a foster family for Stoke-on-Trentchildren for over 30 years, were presented with aspecial award to recognise their contribution.

Foster carersmake a hugedifference

Western Neighbourhood

City Centre

NPU commander

Inspector 3720 Jim WoodBurslem Police Station, Jackson Street, Burslem,Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1AF

Tel. 08453 30 20 10.email: southwesternnpu@ staffordshire.pnn.police.uk

NPU commander

Inspector 3509 Shaun KerriganHanley Police Station, Bethesda Street, Hanley,Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 3DR.

Tel. 08453 30 20 10.email: [email protected]. police.ukAll officers are based at Hanley Police Station.

Sgt 4602 PaulClarke (Burslem)

Sgt 3840 JohnHazeldine (Hanley) Sgt 4019 Pete Slinn

PC 0848 Ruth Barlow (Birches Head east)

PCSO 8979Michelle Chadwick(Birches Head east)

PCSO 8984Rebecca Simon(Birches Head east)

PC 0794 MarieEvenson (BirchesHead west)

PCSO 16225Adrian Hemmings(Birches Head west)

PC 0896 TracyAdams (Burslem andSneyd Green west)

PCSO 8957 JustineMarsh (Burslem andSneyd Green west)

PCSO 6440 WendyRigby (Burslem andSneyd Green west)

PC 4632 AndyMander (Etruria andShelton north)

PC 4389 Guy Wain(Etruria and Sheltonnorth)

PCSO 8985 LucySlater (Etruria andShelton north)

PCSO 16230 VictoriaSmith (Etruria andShelton north)

PC 0805 Kate Beardmore(Forest Park)

PCSO 8987 Liz Old(Forest Park)

PCSO 8831 Katie Sullivan(Forest Park)

PC 4886 ScottMcGrath (Longportand MIddleport)

PCSO 8959 HelenRowley (Longportand MIddleport)

PCSO 8832 Adam van de Sande(Longport & MIddleport)

PC 3829 IanMartin (Northwood)

PCSO 9045 SueWall (Northwood)

PC 4139 Dave Marshall(Shelton south)

PCSO 16299 KatieBrickley (Sheltonsouth)

Sgt 4151 Brevic Jones

PCSO 6484 LisaDonachie (Sheltonsouth)

PC 4483 KeithEmery (StaffordshireUniversity)

Special ConstablesThe WesternNeighbourhoodPolicing Unit issupported by a teamof 20 specialconstables headedby a divisional officer.

Special ConstablesThe City CentreNeighbourhood PolicingUnit is supported by ateam of 13 specialconstables headed bydivisional officer MartinGoodwin.

Sgt 4777 Jon Ward

PC 4644 Rob Kelsall

PC 4511 Richard Longmore

PC 0837 Sharon Ribbans

PC 4634 Lee Robinson

PC 5410 Steve Smith

PC 0564 Lisa Trevor

PSCO 16297 Ron Bagguley

PCSO 16293 Mel Bartholemew

PCSO 8516Andrea Carpenter

PCSO 8955 Chris Hill

PCSO 8457 Simon Holmes

PC 0633 Emma Byatt

PC 4871 Lucas Hackney

PC 0732 Mel Hardy

PC 0605 Nicola Humphries

PCSO 16227Daniel Nettleton

PC 4452 Roger Poole

PC 4133 Craig Russell

PCSO 6602 Chris Cantrell

PCSO 8830 Chris Stone

Sgt 4425 Phil White(Festival Park)

PC 4528Darren Belfield

PC 5106 Gareth Cheetham

PC 4694 Steve Gibson

PC 0726 Claire Harrison

PC 0400 Diane Hoyle

Western Edition

Police contact numbers Western and City Centre

FAMILY doctors and nursesare to run a new service atStoke-on-Trent’s main

hospital in order to cut the timemany patients wait for treatment.

The Primary Care Urgent Care Servicewill be integrated with the existingEmergency Department (ED) with the aimof reducing inappropriate hospitaladmissions by treating patients withailments and discharging them to anappropriate care setting or letting them gohome.

It is planned to start the service duringthe winter period when primary care staffwill work with the Acute Assessment Unitat the ED. By employing their own GPsand support nurses, Stoke-on-Trent andNorth Staffordshire Primary Care Trustsestimate between eight and 12 of the 30plus patients an hour who use the ED willbe suitable for treatment by the newservice instead.

The initiative aims to achieve theGovernment’s target that requires 98 percent of all cases to be treated – or admittedto a bed – within four hours of arrival.

Patients who are appropriate will bepassed into the new service by a triagenurse in the ED.

The new service will initially open atweekends between noon and 10pm – andwithin a few months it is hoped the servicewill operate between these hours every dayof the year.

Quality of care will be enhanced byensuring patients are seen by the mostappropriate service and it is estimated thatthe savings of almost £2 million a year willthen be reinvested into local urgent careinitiatives across North Staffordshire.

Dr Marcus Griffiths, Clinical Chairmanof North Staffordshire PCT, said: “In my30 years as a GP here it has always been aproblem of people being inappropriatelyadmitted to the hospital. This initiativefrees beds for more patients who do needall the services of an acute hospital.”

Dawn Wickham, Assistant ChiefExecutive of Stoke-on-Trent PCT, said:“We are paying a lot of money to thehospital for treating patients who don’tneed to be there. Patients will receive thesame quality of service through care moreappropriate to their condition.”

THE WET summerthreatened to put thebrakes on DaveBuckley’s eco friendlysix-mile bike ride towork along the city’s“green” cycleroutes.

But promptaction by the CityCouncil has putDave back in thesaddle of his trailbike for his dailycommute betweenhis home in HighLane and Red BullGarage in Kidsgrovewhere he is themanager.

Most of histraffic-free journey,which includes the oldrailway loop linebehind Tunstall Parkand the valley nearWestcliffe Hospital, issurfaced.

But a mile-longgravel section atGoldenhill had beendamaged by recent rainand high winds. Muchof the surface waswashed away, the trackhad become overgrownwith vegetation anddebris from the stormslittered the cycleway.

Dave reported theproblem to the CityCouncil’s EnvironmentTeam just before goingon a three-week cyclingholiday in Spain – andwhen he returned was

delighted to findthat the track had beenrepaired. Dave, 59,said: “I was veryimpressed with the wayin which the CityCouncil reacted.

“They cut back theoverhanging trees andundergrowth, clearedthe debris and restoredthe gravel surface to areasonable quality.

“It was a nicesurprise to come backhome to after myholiday. Like mostpeople I’m quick tocomplain, but the CityCouncil deserves praise

when they getthings like this donepromptly andefficiently.”

Melanie Baines, theCity Council’s New LifeProject Officer whopromotes and developsthe city’s Greenwaynetwork, dealt withDave’s complaint aboutthe state of the cycleroute. She said: “Wewere delighted to help.That section of thecycle route had beenparticularly affected bythe weather and wedealt with it as apriority.”

GPs to help in hospitalcasualty unit

...keeps wheels turning on green cycle route

Promptaction...Promptaction...

Dave ispicturedpedallingthrough atunnel onthe route.

Burslemresident DaveBuckley on the

“green” cycle route atGoldenhill which has

been repaired andtidied up after

the lashing of thewet summer.


GREEN fingered CityCouncil gardener HaroldHancock has retired aftercultivating a career that madehim one of Britain’s longestserving local authorityworkers.

The 65-year-old hardyperennial started withStoke-on-Trent City Council’sparks department in 1958 as a16-year-old apprentice for lessthan £3 a week. Father of twoHarold’s horticultural careerblossomed into the top job asthe City Council’s CentralNurseries Manager.

In his 49 years tending thecivic flora and fauna Haroldhas had only a total of fivedays off sick – on twooccasions he slipped on icewhile at work and each timesprained an ankle. He said:“It was hard work in the earlydays because the job wasn’tvery mechanical. It was a greatinnovation when we finally gota tractor in 1970.”

Now Harold is retired hewill have more time for his

hobby – which is, ofcourse, hisimmaculate garden athome.

● Harold ispictured above at thecouncil’s greenhousecomplex at FestivalPark on the day of hisretirement and, right,at work aged 18.

Gardenercultivatesa bloominglong career


Name this location...and WIN a year’ssupply of oatcakes

FIREWORKS law breakers arebeing clamped down on by officials from TradingStandards and StaffordshirePolice.

They have released a set ofguidelines for the storage, saleand misuse of fireworks in therun-up to November 5 and NewYear.

They warn that action will betaken against anyone who is

under 18 using a firework in apublic place, throwing fireworksor causing damage with them.

Making street bonfires,supplying banned fireworks andselling them from unregisteredpremises is also banned.

A curfew for the use offireworks is also being enforced.

They must not be usedbetween 11pm and 7am apartfrom November 5, when it is

12am, and the first day of theChinese New Year, Diwali and 31December when the cut-off is1am.

And unlicensed suppliers havealso been cautioned that they areonly allowed to sell fireworksbetween October 15 andNovember 10 as well 26 – 31December, the first day of theChinese New Year, Diwali andthree days preceding them both.

EVER dreamed of becoming achampion? Well, here’s yourchance to try for the title and

at the same time help people wholive near you to keep fit.

The search is on for ActiveChampions who will betrained to deliverphysical activitysessions, such aswalking andcycling groups,in thecommunity.

Anyoneaged over 17can apply tobecome anActive Champion,and in return forfree training todevelop theirskills they will beexpected to holdat least twosessions in theircommunity withinsix months ofcompleting theirinstructor trainingprogramme.

The project is part ofthe work funded byStoke NeighbourhoodRenewal to tackleobesity in the city.

Siu-Ann Pang,Programme Leader for theStoke-on-Trent Primary Care Trust’s Foodand Obesity Team, said: “People are morelikely to join in physical activities if theyare led by someone they know from theirlocal community.

“Also, there are potential ongoingbenefits for those who volunteer to beActive Champions. As well as helpingto improve their own health throughphysical activity, their role couldbe a stepping stonetowards a career inphysical activity.”

If you areinterested inbecoming an ActiveChampion contact LizO’Neill, Project Worker 5 A DAY, Food andObesity Team, telephone 01782 298114 oremail elizabeth.o’[email protected]

Clamp down on fireworks law breakers

Active champions tolead people on theroad to a fitter city

Enjoying a familyfitness session at

Thistley HoughHigh School,Penkhull, are

Andy Gath withhis three children

Daniel,aged sixfront, Kimberley,aged 12, left, and

11-year-old Vicky.

OUR cover pictureshows Lord Mayor’sSecretary DenisePowell with a platter ofoatcakes with healthy –and tasty – fillings.

Forget abouttraditional bacon andcheese or sausage andegg. This year’s must-have ingredients drawnup by the city’s dietaryexperts combinemaximum flavour withhuge healthy benefits.

When the oatcakesarrive this weekend,why not try one of theOur City exclusiverecipes below:

● Vegetableratatouille in a tomatosauce.

● Any oily fish insunflower oil – such askippers, sardines, ormackerel – with saladand yoghurt dressing.

● Lean cuts ofturkey, chicken or beefwith mustard.

● Tuna andsweetcorn.

● Cottage cheesewith grapes.

● Scrambled egg.

Diet expert Siu-AnnPang of Stoke-on-TrentPCT, said:“You can eventry a combination ofthe fillings. Theimportant thing toremember is to havevegetables and evenfruit with the fillings.”

Healthy fillings totickle your taste buds

WIN a year’s supply of oatcakes in our fun “whereis this?” photo competition.

The mouthwatering prize will entitle thewinner to two dozen of the famous Potteriesdelicacy every week for 12 months from theirfavourite oatcake shop.

All you have to do is name the whereabouts ofthe scene pictured above. A clue – an angel looksdown on this idyllic setting.

Send your answer with your name and contactdetails, including a day-time telephone number,to Oatcake Competition, FREEPOST Our City, oremail [email protected] by Friday November16th.

The first correct entry drawn out of the hatwins the prize. The Editor’s decision is final andthe winner will be announced in the next issue of Our City.

COMPETITION


BILL and Pam Butcherare looking forward tomoving to the first ofthe new homes beingbuilt in the massiveRENEW programme torevitalise housing in thecity.

Their new home atCoalville, WestonCoyney, is one of severalhousing market renewalschemes supported byRENEW across the cityto create qualityaccommodation thatwill make people want tolive in NorthStaffordshire.

The Butchers will beswapping theirthree-bedroom house inSelby Street, where theyhave lived for 23 years,for a new bungalow onthe Weston Heightsdevelopment nearby.

Mr Butcher said: “Weare really lookingforward to moving intoour new bungalow andremaining close to allour friends who live onthe estate.”

RENEW has beeninvolved in similarhousing market renewalprojects as part of theregeneration of otherareas of Stoke-on-Trent.

They include theSadlers Park mixeddevelopment inBurslem, a facility atMeir for elderly peoplewho need supportedhousing and city centrestarter homes for youngpeople as well as largerproperties to suitgrowing families.

Developers involvedrecruit local labour andsuppliers wheneverpossible in order toregenerate the local

economy. In addition,RENEW has helped topromote confidence inareas with significantimprovements toindividual houses andwhole streets.

Hardial Bhogal,director of RENEWNorth Staffordshire,said: “The new homesbeing built at WestonHeights sum upeverything we areworking towards – ablighted neighbourhoodtransformed into anattractive, sustainableneighbourhood, with theright mix of homes tomeet the needs of localpeople.”

THE city’s new“mini” TargetedResponse Vehicle

fire appliance hasmade a big impactsince joiningStaffordshire Fire andRescue Service’s fleetof larger conventionalsized fire engines inMarch.

The TRV, which is beingtrialled in the Hanley andLongton areas, is the onlyone currently in service inStaffordshire. The MercedesSprinter vehicle carries 800litres of water and is fittedwith state of the art firefighting equipment as well asCCTV technology.

Crewed by a dedicatedteam, the TRV’s main role isto deal with smallerincidents like grass, car andbin fires, freeing up thetraditional appliances torespond to more serious callouts where lives may be atstake. Because it is smaller,the TRV can access fires offthe beaten track more easily- particularly important for

tackling grass fires.When not dealing with

incidents, the TRV crewcarry out home fire riskchecks, visit schools andbusinesses to spread the firesafety message and givepresentations to the localcommunity. The team alsoliaises with the police toreduce arson and protectrisk families and propertiessuch as those used for drugtaking and by roughsleepers.

So far the TRV has dealtwith more than 400incidents – and it’s reckonedthe small but highly effectiveappliance has resulted inwell over 100 hours of extrafire cover by theconventional fire engines.

Watch Manager GlynnLuznyj, who leads the TRVteam, said: “The TRVvehicle has proved to be verysuccessful and it’s likely thatit is here to stay.

“When it was firstintroduced, the TRV raised afew eyebrows and peoplesaid they were expecting areal fire engine, but now it’sa familiar sight in the city.”

KEYS TO THE DOOR: Bill and Pam Butcher outsidetheir new bungalow at Weston Heights.

New mini makesbig impact

Revitalisedhousingin the city

GOING OFF-ROAD:the new miniTargetedResponseVehicle is putthrough itspaces at HanleyForest Park.Pictured isfirefighter PaulGriffin testingthe hose bythe vehicle.

We value diversity in ourworkforce and positivelyencourage applicationsfrom all sections of thecommunity

Looking for a new job, a change of direction or to further develop your career?As the biggest employer in the area we have a whole range of exciting and

challenging roles just waiting for you. From Social Workers to Teachers, Gardenersto Librarians, Cleaners to School Crossing Wardens, Office Administrators to

Care Assistants – we have them all.To view our latest jobs, visit our new website at www.stoke.gov.uk/jobs

and see what’s on offer.


Flu jabs availablefor people at risk FLU jabs to prepare people at risk from theillness are now available at GP practices in thecity.

Anyone in one of the vulnerable groupsbelow should contact their family doctor tomake an appointment for the injection.

You should have a flu jab if you are aged 65or over, or if you are a resident in a long-termresidential care home, or have:

● a serious heart problem.

● a serious asthma or chronic obstructivepulmonary disease (COPD).

● a long-term liver or kidney disease.

● diabetes or a weakened immune systemas a result of illness such as HIV/AIDS ordue to treatment, such as chemotherapy.

Parents of children with a long-termcondition, and carers of any of the abovegroups may also need a jab.

SOCCER legend Gordon Banks, pictured,will switch on Hanley’s big Christmas lightsthis year. The 1966 World Cup winningkeeper will bejoined by FatherChristmas andLord MayorCouncillor BaghAli at the glitteringevent onNovember 15th.

HIghlightsinclude a 2m tallice sculpture of apolar bear, fun fairrides, a children’s parade, samba band,fashion show and fun festive characters.

FOOTBALLLeague clubsacross the country

are keeping a close eyeon the trailblazingChildren’s Centredevelopment at PortVale’s stadium.

Vale have teamed up withStoke-on-Trent City Councilto provide the “one stopshop” centre – the first of itskind in the country - offeringa huge range of services tolocal families.

When it opens its doors atthe end of March 2008 thepurpose designed child carefacility will be in a league ofits own, with a raised balconyplay area at the front of thestand which provides a close-up view of the hallowed Valepitch!

Construction is well underway and the outer shell of theone-storey centre, whichforms part of there-developed Lorne Street

Stand, is now complete andready to be fitted out.

The £800,000 project hasbeen partly funded with a£245,000 grant from regionaldevelopment agencyAdvantage West Midlandsthrough the NorthStaffordshire RegenerationZone. The remaining cost hasbeen met by £550,000Government grant.

A wide range of dedicatedservices will be brought underone roof. They include:

● Child and Family HealthServices – ante-nataladvice; information onbreast feeding, hygiene,nutrition and safety; careand support for post-nataldepression; speech andlanguage support; help tostop smoking.

● Family Support andParental Outreach – visitsto new parents; parentingsupport; increaseinvolvement of fathers.

● Early Education IntegratedWith Day Care – creche;sign posting to local daycare providers; support forchild minders; earlyidentification of childrenwith special needs.

Adele Eaton, ProjectOfficer with The Early Yearsand Childcare Service whichis also developing four otherChildren’s Centres across thecity, said: “The Children’sCentre at Burslem is an ideallocation as Port Vale is at theheart of the community, bothgeographically andsymbolically.

“The Children’s Centre willprovide holistic support forchild development, support tofamilies with young childrenand will facilitate the returnto work of those parentscurrently unemployed.”

Bill Bratt, Chairman ofPort Vale, said: “I’m proudthat Port Vale is involved withthe City Council in this trail –

blazing project which will bea national first as the onlyChildren’s Centre to be basedwithin a football club.

“We have already had callsfrom clubs all over thecountry asking about how wehave developed and fundedthe centre and its manybenefits for the club andcommunity.

“Developments at theground are a vital part of PortVale’s aim to make Vale Parkstadium a community venuethat will be used seven days aweek.”

Councillor IanMcLaughlan, PortfolioHolder for Early Years forStoke-on-Trent, said: “Thiscentre will be of great help tothe people of Burslem – theyoung and their parents.

“It is the first of its kind inthe country and the work thecity council, Port Vale and allthe partners have put indeserves to have a centre tobe proud of come March.” ■

New trailblazingchildren’s centre

City’s innovative facility to be open in March

STRAY dogs can be a real nuisance. Not onlydo they cause problems with traffic, dogfouling is a particular problem across thecity.

Dogs should not be out on their own atany time and when outdoors should wear acollar and tag, marked with its owner’sname, address, and preferably a telephonenumber. Owners who don’t follow theserules could be breaking the law.

Micro-chipping acts as an extra safeguardand the City Council organises freemicro-chipping days, which are advertised.

Anyone who sees a stray dog shouldtelephone the council’s dog warden team on(01782) 232065.

BENEFIT fraud investigators from the CityCouncil are catching and prosecuting morecheats than ever before.

A total of 109 fraudsters were uncovered inthe year to April 2007, with 26 of thosesuccessfully prosecuted. As a result of theseand other cases, £419,000 of fraudulentlyclaimed benefits are now being recovered.

Advanced investigation methods have madeit possible to gather more evidence againstbenefit cheats.

Anyone wishing to report a case of benefitfraud should call our free hotline number on0800 328 6340. Callers can remain anonymous.

Stray dog problem

Lights switch-on isin very safe hands

Catching the cheats

PLAY AREA WITH A VIEW: this picture shows the stunning ValePark vista from the Children’s Centre, which is currently beingbuilt. Pictured with local youngsters Rubin Taylor, left, andDaniel Plant, are Rachael Bestwick, Staffordshire PartnershipTeam Leader for the regional development agency AdvantageWest Midlands, and Vale midfielder Shane Tudor.

LOCALMATTERS


A NOTTING-HILL styleparade could soon be puttingStoke-on-Trent city centrefirmly on the UK’s carnivalmap.

Plans are in motion to expand anevent by performers Planet SoundCommunity Arts which has runthrough the city centre for the last twoyears.

It could mean that musicians anddancers from all over the UK flock tothe city next summer – with hundredslining the streets to watch the action.

Project Director for Planet Sound –which works to develop the arts acrossNorth Staffs - Will Sherratt said: “Wehave some of the top Samba players inthe UK right here in Stoke and theyattract many more from carnivalscurrently operating across Britain.

“We are talking with the council’sCultural Development Team to getmore publicity and more people to anew and improved event – withhundreds more parading than thecurrent 200.

“It will hopefully be on a par withthe Christmas lights switch on and thePotteries Half Marathon.

“We are extremely passionate aboutputting Stoke-on-Trent on the map asa leading carnival city.

“It will be like Notting Hill – but wehave more of a Brazilian style than aTrinidadian style so it would have itscultural differences.”

YOUR COUNCILLORS

Burslem South

DEBRA GRATTON (Lab)(01782) [email protected]

TED OWEN (Potteries Alliance)(01782) [email protected]

MOHAMMED PERVEZ(Lab)07919 917632mohammed. [email protected]

Northwood and Birches Head

REGINALD BOOTH (Potteries Alliance)(01782) 285063 [email protected]

JEAN BOWERS (Lib Dem)(01782) [email protected]

KIERAN CLARKE (Lib Dem)(01782) [email protected]

Hanley West and Shelton

MARJORIE BATE (Lab)(01782) 314725 [email protected]

MOHAMMAD IQBAL (Lab) (01782) [email protected]

ALAN JOYNSON (Lab)(01782) [email protected]

Musicians drum up supportto launch top UK carnival

ACTION to create stronger and safercommunities in Stoke-on-Trent returnsto Smallthorne later this month.

RESPECT weeks early in the yearscored major achievements in bringingneighbourhoods together to tidy up,discourage anti-social behaviour andpromote safety in the home.

Across the City Council teams workedwith colleagues from Staffordshire Policeand other agencies to tackle localproblems.

Since the RESPECT action began lastMarch the teams have achieved the

following in communities across the city:● 95 tonnes of rubbish removed.● 1,530 square metres of graffitiremoved.● 376 square metres of litter picked.● 360 home safety checks carried out● 1,135 young people have been engagedwith in relation to arson, crime, anti-

social behaviour, drugs and welfareissues.● 150 deep fat fryers distributed.● 96 smoke alarms fitted.● 83 Mothercare safety kits distributed.

Elected Mayor Mark Meredith said:“Making every part of Stoke-on-Trent asafer place to live, work and visit is the

top priority for Stoke-on-Trent CityCouncil and the Safer City Partnership.

“This year we are listening to residentsin our most challenging areas to find outwhat issues affect their daily lives.

“Not only during this week of action,but every week of the year, we want toassure you that we are working hard toimprove our city, and we would urgeevery resident to join us in making Stoke-on-Trent safer and stronger.”● RESPECT action teams will be

working with residents in the area on14th January 2008

Community help bust cannabis factorySTRONG community links helped officersfind and raid a cannabis factory in SneydGreen containing more than 200 of theillegal plants.The city’s Western Neighbourhood PolicingUnit used their local connections to provideintelligence on the location of the drugs.

A warrant was obtained and a bustcarried out by trained officers. Asophisticated production line with heatingand lighting was found and put out ofaction – permanently. Now, police areurging householders to be on the lookout

for drug dens in their neighbourhood.Tell-tale signs are permanently covered

windows, black bin bags and laundry bagsbeing taken away, compost bags orgardening equipment left outside, vents,pungent smells and unusual noises likecooling fans. People visiting at unusualtimes, calling just to maintain the house orstaying for a short time at daily or weeklyintervals are other possible clues.

Any suspicions can be reportedanonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

DVD featurestheatre historyA DVD marking 50 yearsof the much-loved MitchellMemorial Theatre is beinglaunched at a specialcelebration evening.The film will be launchedin the theatre at a freescreening between7.00pm and 8.00pm onSunday 28th October.

DON’T STOP THE CARNIVAL: colourful revellers on the marchthrough Hanley.

Western Edition

Photograph courtesy of Alan Taylor

RESPECT action teams carry on work tomake communities safer and stronger

LOCALMATTERS


Staking a claim asUK’s greenest city

Stepping up to aquality new home

RESPECT campaigntargets city yobs

Help for women toleave vice tradePROSTITUTION has been reduced bymore than 70 per cent in Hanley andLongport.

Since 2003 anti-social behaviour ordershave been used to help stop the vice trade.

Police and partners developed strategiesto support women and help them off thestreets. The knock-on effect is a reduction inthe area’s estimated drug trade of around£3million through reducing the number ofwomen dependant on heroin and crack.

RECYCLING efforts arebeing stepped up to helpmake Stoke-on-Trent stake

its claim as the UK’s greenestcity.

The city is encouraging residents toplay their part by reducing their impacton climate change. Around 21 per cent ofthe waste produced in the city is currentlyrecycled.

Residents are being asked to use theirgreen box, blue bags and brown bins tohelp the city meet its target of recycling50 per cent of all waste by 2010.

Stoke-on-Trent’s land reclamationprogramme and commitment torecreation mean there are over 1,380hectares of open space and parks in thecity for people to enjoy.

As well as making sure more waste isdisposed of in an environmentally-friendlyway, Stoke-on-Trent is renowned for therecreation facilities provided in parks andopen space across the whole of thePotteries, much of it on former derelictindustrial land.

There are parks in everyneighbourhood and many have beenimproved to offer even better access andfacilities in the city’s neighbourhoods.

Thousands of bedding plants grown bythe council each year brighten up thepublic gardens, parks, streets androundabouts. This year the city’sgardeners scooped a gold medal and Bestin Show title at the Royal HorticulturalSociety’s Tatton Park Flower Show.

A spokesman said: “Hanley Park is ajewel in the crown, with a lake, trees anda range of wildlife including woodpeckersand squirrels.

“Millions of pounds have beenspent to install sculptures, a fountain,lakeside deck and three new playareas for children including a sensorypark. It’s a great place for a picnic, ora stroll through the gardens at theheart of the city.”

Matt Waddicor, who frequently visitsHanley Park, said: “We often bring thechildren to use the new playgrounds. It’ssomething different from standard playfacilities and is clean and safe. My sonreally loves the trampoline.” ■

Every home can help tackle climate changeINFORMATION on recycling andtackling climate change has beendistributed to every home in thecity. If you would like moreinformation on living a more

environmentally-friendly lifestyle,please visit: www.coolstoke.co.uk,or contact Cool Stoke ProjectOfficer Holly Hoar on 01782 232485or email [email protected]

Brian and Dawn Ollerhead (left)stand outside their new homewith their neighbour and friendMrs Dokic.

BAD behaviour has been tackled bypolice as part of a link-up betweenorganisations in the Western part ofStoke-on-Trent.

RESPECT gets local agencies, localcommunities and citizens workingtogether to build a better society andtackle anti-social behaviour.

As part of their work under thisinitiative, the Local Policing Unit – whichcovers Hanley and Burslem clamped-down on issues like graffiti, vandalism,abandoned cars and damaged busshelters.

This helped reduce anti-socialbehaviour in the area during a week ofsustained action which will be nowcomplimented by day-to-day patrols.

StaffordshireUniversity

student SoniaSembhi enjoys anafternoon by thelake in Hanley

Park.

Western Edition

RESIDENTS on estates earmarked forregeneration work are finding it easierto move house thanks to help fromRENEW North Staffordshire.

Recent surveys have identified anumber of streets in the area thatneed to be cleared so that a multi-million pound project can getunderway to boost the local housingmarket.

The work is being arranged byRENEW – a partnership of localorganisations – and officers fromStoke-on-Trent City Council have beenhelping to relocate residents.

Now, feedback from residentsaffected shows in the majority of casesthey are finding their new homes suitthem better than their old ones.

Dawn and Brian Ollerhead havemoved from their home of 31 years inLeek Road, Hanley.

Brian said:“An advisor from the CityCouncil was very helpful in talking tous about the extra help on offer andwe were able to buy another similarhouse nearby without taking out aloan. The new house had beenrenovated and is good condition.”

Our City is published by apartnership of Stoke-on-Trent CityCouncil, Stoke-on-Trent PrimaryCare Trust, Staffordshire Police andStaffordshire Fire and Rescue.

Contact us by mail at FREEPOST Our City or by email at [email protected] or telephone 01782 232900

our city issue 01

Documents