our city issue 23

OurCityStoke-on-Trent ISSUE 23: SEPTEMBER 2011

VictorydashTOUR OF BRITAIN

STAGE ANOTHER

TRIUMPH FOR CITY

SEE BACK PAGE

Hotline rollsout red carpet

for businessSEE CENTRE

PAGES

Our City p1 15/9/11 13:27

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Council willroll out thered carpet toattract newinvestment

By City Council LeaderCouncillorMOHAMMED PERVEZ

2 Our City S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1

NEWS that Stoke-on-Trent and NorthStaffordshire will not have their ownEnterprise Zone was received bymany as another kick in the teeth forthe city from Government.

Of course it was disappointing,especially since David Cameron hadraised the area’s hopes during hisvisit to Stoke-on-Trent earlier in theyear.

But the fact remains that – with orwithout an Enterprise Zone – we arethe ones who must sell our city andwe are the ones who must do all wecan to attract the investment andjobs which will drive our cityforward.

We outlined this commitmentwhen we launched our four yearMandate for Change programme tothe business leaders and employers,and I am delighted to say thefeedback has been positive, withmany public and private partnersjoining our efforts.

Together we will makeStoke-on-Trent an even greater placeto live and work, with a strongereconomy and better prospects forour children and young people.

Our city has selling points andstrengths that some of the UK’s newenterprise zones could only dreamof... tremendous communicationsthrough the road and rail network,prime sites of land available fordevelopment, a hard-workingpopulation and of course you: thepeople who have made our citygreat.

Hundreds of millions of poundsinvested in new schools, training andskills are building a workforce readyto fill new vacancies for newemployers. Our city has so much tooffer, and we are doing all we can toattract the investment it needs.

We have also outlined how we willroll out the red carpet to attract thekind of investment we need to createnew jobs, build businesses and boostour economy.

This includes offering:● A single point of contact forinvestors.● Streamlined planning processes.● Tailored solutions for businessgrowth.● Guidance on funding.● Access to supply chains, labourmarkets and networks.

We can deliver big solutions for bigbusinesses and provide local supportfor local companies. Then we can letthe private sector get on withcreating the jobs and wealth that willmake Stoke-on-Trent thrive.● See Mandate for Change Featureon pages 16 and 17.

MEETINGS of the full council can now be viewed online. Tosee and hear the debates and decisions which affect life inStoke-on-Trent, visit stoke.gov.uk and click on webcasting.A list of dates and times of council meetings and committeemeetings can be found on our website atstoke.gov.uk/meetingdates

Live webcast of full council meetings Give us your feedbackon this issue of Our City by [email protected] or write to: FREEPOST Our City.

Aground-breaking vision togenerate Stoke-on-Trent’s ownpower and slash energy bills for

homes and businesses has captured thenation’s imagination.

National newspaper coverage hailed the city’sbold idea to become carbon neutral and reduceits reliance on gas and electricity utilities as“Power to the People.”

And a website giving details of 16 schemesfrom other councils saw Stoke-on-Trent’simaginative ideas soar to the top of the leaderboard for the most hits.

Under the scheme, energy efficiency measuresand innovative ways of heating and poweringhomes and businesses would remove the impactof fluctuating and rising energy prices, tacklingfuel poverty and attracting companies to investin the city.

Ways it would help citizens and businesses inStoke-on-Trent include:● Tapping into national initiatives like Green

Deal which help people insulate theirhomes and install new boilers, paid for bythe savings they make in their bills.

● Innovative projects to share surplus heatpower from big buildings. For instance,heat and power that Michelin does notneed could be used to power the CivicCentre, Penkhull flats and developments atthe former Spode site.

● Using tens of thousands of pounds worth oforganic waste currently made into compostto make environmentally-friendly biogas.

● Using dried wood chippings from treeswhich fall down, have to be cut down ormay even be specially grown to heat andpower a care home and a sports centre.

● Further investment in renewable energysources like solar panels. A massive arrayon the roof of the Civic Centre isgenerating power for the building, feedingsurplus energy into the National Grid andwill pay for itself within 10 years and isalready performing 30 per cent abovetarget. A new initiative has already beenlaunched to install solar panels on 4,000council homes in the city.

● Ambitious plans to pump warm waterwhich could be as hot as 45 degreescentigrade from deep beneath the formerChatterley Whitfield pit which could beused to heat buildings.A move to become a carbon neutral city

would lead to training and employmentservices, especially since a major part ofthe initiative would be to refurbishpeople’s homes with betterinsulation and heating, or evenrenewable energy like solar power.

Jane Forshaw, the council’sAssistant Director City Services,said the city’s power generationneeds were around 600 megawattsa year – the equivalent of half theoutput of a large coal-fired powerstation, but energy efficiency measures couldbring this requirement down, making selfsufficiency a more realistic goal.

She said: “We want to offer people living inStoke-on-Trent, existing businesses and newinvestors an opportunity to benefit from being

in a carbon neutral city. Energy sharing works inother parts of the country, and we are one ofonly three places in the UK which have thegeological conditions to pump hot water fromdeep beneath the ground. The ChatterleyWhitfield link has a lovely irony – giving Stoke-on-Trent a carbon free legacy out of itsfossil fuel history.”

She added that everyone could play their partin reducing the amount of energy the city uses,and it was hoped theexciting plans for thefuture would spur thepublic on to do theirbit.

Jane said: “Wehope the vision weare announcing will inspire andencouragemembers of thepublic andemployers tomake theirhomes andbusinessesmore energyefficient.”

Green energy vision boost for

homes and business

HISTORIC MINE WITH A 21ST CENTURY USE:Councillor Mark Meredith, Cabinet Member of Economic Development, andCouncillor Gwen Hassall, Cabinet Member for Housing and Neighbourhood,at the former Chatterley Whitfield coal mine which is a centre of ambitiousplans to pump warm water which could be as hot as 45 degrees centigradefrom deep beneath the pit – which could be used to heat buildings.

NORTH StaffordshireWarmzone can offer adviceand assistance to helppeople make their homesaffordably warm andenergy efficient. The five-year partnership whichincludes Stoke-on-TrentCity Council has access tofunding and grants for loftand wall insulation,draught-proofing, heatingsystems and tank jackets.To find out more visitwww.nswz.co.uk ortelephone 01782 479099.

Hot advicefor homewarmth

Our City p2 15/9/11 09:35 Page 1

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 Our City 3

COUNCILLORS have voted to movetheir council meetings from theafternoon to early evening to allowmore members of the public toengage in the democratic process.

The proposal was broughtforward to move full councilmeetings outside of normalworking hours to make thedecision-making process moreaccessible.

The move is also intended toattract high calibre candidates withdiverse backgrounds to localGovernment.

Leader of the Council CouncillorMohammed Pervez said: “This is anopportunity to get more people inthe city involved in localdemocracy.

“By broadening access to localpolitics we hope to attract moreyoung people to take an interest incouncil decisions and possiblyeven stand for election.

“I believe this is a positive stepforward as we continue to look atways to make our decision-makingprocess more open andtransparent. If local decisions aremore accessible to people they canget more involved in the councilservices that matter to them.”

● A list of dates and times ofcouncil meetings can be foundon the council website atstoke.gov.uk/meetingdates

BUSINESSES who illegally dumpwaste have been warned they faceprosecution and large fines iffound guilty of fly tipping.

The council’s EnvironmentalCrime Unit announced the blitz onrogue traders who litter the city’sroads, open spaces andpavements, or who do not have aproper waste disposal contract.

Illegal fly tipping cost the cityalmost £300,000 last year andofficers were called out to dealwith just over 3,000 incidents.

Now team members will bechecking with local businesses tomake sure they have a properarrangement to dispose ofcommercial waste.

Councillor Janine Bridges,Cabinet Member for City Services,said: “Every business has to haveproper waste disposalarrangements in place.

“Most businesses do, and theEnvironmental Crime Unit isdetermined to deal firmly withthose that choose to ignore theirduty. Fly tipping must stop if weare to attract investors and makeStoke-on-Trent a great workingcity again.”

● To report fly tippers inconfidence please call01782 234234 or [email protected]

Evening meetingsopen up councilto more people

Prosecutionwarning issuedto fly-tippers

Solar power green energy drive

creates 100 new jobs

Bev Harding,of Blurton, with the

new photovoltaic panelsinstalled on her homeby the council in the

initiative which is cuttingresidents’ fuel bills and

creating jobs.

ONE hundred new jobs are being created across the city

to install environmentally-friendly solar panels in thousands of homes.

The council and its partners – energyprovider E.ON and Kier Stoke – are carryingout the recruitment drive as part of a greenenergy scheme to install photovoltaic (pv)panels on up to 4,000 properties.

The JET (Jobs, Enterprise andTraining) scheme will help

people enrol on the programme and train andequip them with the new skills they will need.

Councillor Mark Meredith, CabinetMember for Economic Development, said:“This project gives our local workforce thechance to learn new skills and take part inone of the most exciting and innovativeprojects the city has to offer. We want to trainpeople with existing skills to broaden theirexperience – for example, electricians whohave no experience of working at heights willbe trained to do so as the panels are installedon the property’s roof.

“It’s about making sure people who have acertain set of skills can increase that breadthof knowledge and increase their chances ofemployment in the future.”

The council has signed an agreement withE.ON which will see the utility companyinvest up to £24 million to install the solar PVpanels on council and privately-owned houses.

As well as the panels, houses in Northwood,Birches Head and Middleport have also beengiven external wall insulation and offeredenergy saving measures.

Kier’s Managing Director for MaintenancePeter Brynes said: “Kier is committed toidentifying and delivering energy savingsolutions for our customers’ commercial anddomestic needs through green energygeneration.

Well-received by residents“Our existing important relationship with

Stoke-on-Trent City Council and E.ONenables us to understand the needs of ourcustomer base and tailor our service to theirrequirements ensuring they gain maximumbenefits from available renewable technologyfunding.”

Councillor Gwen Hassall, Cabinet Memberfor Housing and Neighbourhoods, added:“The solar panels we have installed so farhave been well received by residents and arepart of a larger plan to increase fuel efficiencyin the city and ensure we are less and lessreliant on fossil fuels. We have a strongcommitment to using sustainable energies aspart of our Mandate for Change policy, tomake Stoke-on-Trent the place to bringbusiness. Reducing fuel bills not only booststhe existing local economy, but encouragespeople to come to Stoke-on-Trent if they feelthey will be benefiting from the scheme.”

THE POWER OF SUNLIGHT... Kier Stoke Operations Director Jane Spellacy, left, andTraining Manager Jenny Donkin check a hi-tech monitor at the Civic Centre whichshows exactly how much energy is being generated by solar panels on the building’sroof. They are similar to those being installed at 4,000 homes across the city.

Our City p3 14/9/11 16:48 Page 1

4 Our City SEPTEMBER 2011

HARD-hitting radioads have been used as part of a

campaign aimed athammering home safesleeping messages toStoke-on-Trent parentswith new babies.

Two different ads aired duringa one-week run – one featuringthe Brahms lullaby and the otherwith a cooing baby, a heavilybreathing parent and then totalsilence.

Radio presenters have alsogiven their support to thiscampaign and have recordedfurther commercials for a secondweek.

Carole Preston, theSafeguarding Children BoardManager in Stoke-on-Trent, said:“The Safeguarding ChildrenBoard is committed to doingtheir best to promote the safety ofbabies and children in ourcommunity.

“National figures show anincrease in the number of babieswho have died while being put inrisky sleeping situations and therisk is even higher for babieswhere a parent or carer has

consumed alcohol or taken drugs.All agencies involved with newparents offer advice about safesleeping or co-sleeping but sadlysome parents don’t heed it sowe’re targeting those people withthis campaign.

“Some people may have foundthe ads upsetting but it’s reallyimportant that we do all we canto keep children safe andhopefully this hard hittingcampaign will help us to get thisvery important message across.

Posters carrying the SafeSleeping message remain ondisplay in prominent placesthroughout the city whereparents are likely to gather.

The striking posters remindparents that for the first sixmonths of their lives babiesshould always sleep –● On their backs with their

feet to the foot of the cot● In their own cot or crib● Never with a parent or

carer in their bed, on asofa or armchair

Most important of all, it isNOT safe to be caring for ababy/child if ether parent orcarer have consumed alcoholor taken drugs.

A DEDICATED team of professionalsoffers support to public servicesacross the city with a translation andinterpretation service in 45 differentlanguages.

The service, based at Stoke TownHall, was established in 1992 andprovides much-needed help tomembers of the public, councilofficials and partner agencieswhenever its services are needed.

From attending meetings toprovide face-to-face interpretation,to translating anything from legalletters to promotional material, theself-financing service provides a vitallink between the city’s communitiesand public services.

Waqas Butt, head of Translationand Interpretation Services, who isalso a translator and interpreterexplained that around 95 per cent ofits translators and interpreters werelocally-based, which saved moneywhich would otherwise be spent onbringing in specialists from otherareas.

He said: “We also boost the localeconomy by providing work to the120 interpreters and translators whoare on our register and live locally.”

● The team makes a charge for itsservices and offers commercialwork as well as helping membersof the public and partneragencies. They can be contactedon 01782 235088, or [email protected] or fax 01782 235090.

Service provideslanguage link forcommunities

New parents wake up tobaby safety callbaby safety callbaby safety callbaby safety callbaby safety callbaby safety callbaby safety callbaby safety call

SAFEAND SOUND...

three-week old George Smith

correctly positioned inhis cot, watched by hismum Taryn, right, and

Health VisitorJanice Frost.

baby safety call

MOT Testing Centre

TO BOOK YOUR VEHICLE IN FOR AN MOT

01782 232297

■ All makes and models of cars and light commercials Class IV, V, VII■ Petrols and diesels ■ Open 5 days a week

TRANSPORT WORKSHOPSCromer Road • Stoke-on-TrentST1 6QN • tel: 01782 232297

Trusted, independent testing station without repairs

Revival Home Improvement

Agency

308 London Road

Stoke-on-Trent

ST4 5AB

Tel:

01782 749202

Fax:

01782 745829

Email:

[email protected]

Www:

improvingyourhomelife.co.uk

01782 749202Call us to see how we can help you!

Older or disabled and need home improvements?Revival Home Improvement Agency provides

property repairs, adaptations and other services to

older and disabled people in North Staffordshire.

Decorating and gardening servicesFree no obligation quotes from trusted

contractors

Help to fund repairsWe search for grants or loans to help you get

essential work done

Repairs managementWe specify the work, manage the contractor,

and make sure jobs are done well

Falls and fire prevention checksWe assess your home for fire and falls hazards

Home from hospital servicesRepairs and adaptations to enable you to leave

hospital and return to your own home

Handyman servicesSmall DIY type jobs carried out by our qualified

multi-skilled handymen at a low hourly rate

Revival is a non-profit making agency owned

by Staffordshire Housing Association. We are

supported by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, NHS,

Supporting People, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue

and other local authorities and organisations.

Our City p4 14/9/11 17:27 Page 1


Everyone canplay their partin making thecity a placefor business

THERE is no doubt that the Government’sdecision not to base an Enterprise Zone inStoke-on-Trent was a massive blow toeveryone in the city, especially considering thework that had gone into the bid and theencouragement at Government level for ourproposals.

In this issue of Our City, Council LeaderCouncillor Mohammed Pervez outlines ourfuture vision for bringing business to the cityand supporting our existing business network,but I wanted to tell you about two projectsthat are already underway, which are in linewith our Mandate for Change.

In the past month, we have seen apartnership between ourselves and Kier Stokecreate 100 new jobs for skilled tradesmenacross the city to install new solar panels onup to 4,000 council properties.This is exactlywhat our Mandate for Change has beendesigned to achieve.

The joint project, along with E.ON, willprovide training for those with existing skillsto broaden their experience.The council’s JET(Jobs, Enterprise and Training) scheme willhelp people enrol and provide relevanttraining. Around 70 people, as well as 14trainees, plus an estimated support team of 15will be employed.

This is exactly the type of project we want toreplicate and build on across the city, creatingjobs, giving a skilled workforce the chance togain employment, and as a result, boosting thelocal economy.

Powering the city

Attracting businesses to the city is also a keypart of the Mandate for Change.This month,the council has been chosen by NESTA (theNational Endowment for Science,Technologyand the Arts) and the Local GovernmentGroup as one of 17 local authorities to takepart in the Creative Councils programme.

The council’s plan, which gained nationalmedia attention, could mean using surplusfuel generation capacity within the city, frombusinesses and industry, to powerStoke-on-Trent, reducing a reliance onexternally provided energy, attractinginvestment by cutting fuel bills, giving newbusinesses an incentive to base themselves inthe city, and safeguarding existing businesses.

NESTA, along with the Local GovernmentGroup, will provide expert advice to thecouncil to help develop its idea on how thecity can fuel itself in years to come.

These are just two examples of what we arealready doing to create a great working city,but we need your help to ensure that visionbecomes a reality.

Take a look at the Mandate for Change onstoke.gov.uk – see what we are trying to do tomake Stoke-on-Trent the place to bringbusiness and help us make that change.

By City CouncilChief Executive

Johnvan deLaarschot

Ahard-hittingcampaign to tacklethe rising number

of metal thefts has beenlaunched by police inStoke-on-Trent.

Anything from electricity cablesto radiators are being targeted bythieves cashing in on the risingworldwide price of copper, leadand other non-ferrous metals – allfor the sake of their scrap value.

Staffordshire Police has launched

a dedicated initiative –Operation Amalgam – tocombat the problem and isworking closely withpartners to identifypotential targets.

And they have warnedthat criminals involved,from thieves to dealers, facehaving their assets seized ifthey are caught.

In Stoke-on-Trent alonepolice have dealt with awide range of metal theftssuch as radiators torn fromthe walls of empty housesand even properties that areoccupied, and metal itemsfrom yards and gardens.

In other cases thieveshave broken into housesand commercial buildingsto rip out water pipes –causing flooding toadjoining properties – andthey have even put theirlives at risk by stealingmetal from electricitysubstations.

Three teenagers aged 16,

18 and 19 havebeen chargedwith burglary at aWestern PowerDistributionsubstation offWilding Road,Ball Green, afterbeing arrested atthe location on the eveningof Monday, 25 July.

Burglary offences

Also in July five menwere charged with burglaryoffences following twoseparate break-ins atproperties in the city – andboth incidents are beinglinked to the theft of metalfrom the premises.

Western PowerDistribution is also helpingto fight metal crime byusing SmartWater to markthe metal components ofelectricity substations,making the stolen metaltraceable and worthless tothieves.

Chief Inspector AdrianRoberts, commander ofStoke-on-Trent NorthLocal Policing Team, said:“Metal theft is a problemthat affects localcommunities and it is not avictimless crime. We aredetermined to target thoseresponsible or involved inmetal theft, includinganyone receiving stolengoods.”

He added: “Offenders aretaking huge risks when theybreak into electricitysubstations. These buildingsare full of live electricitycables and extremelydangerous to people whoare not experts in thisfield.”

Make it

Easystoke.gov.uk

Click and

� Report a housing repair:stoke.gov.uk/housingrepair

PC DarrenMcGrath with the

kind of scrap metalbeing targeted by

thieves who often puttheir own and other

people’s safety at risk.

Spot thecopper

Anyone with information about

metal theft is urged to report it to

Staffordshire Police on

0300 123 4455or Crimestoppers anonymously on

0800 555 111

POLICE CLAMPDOWN ONMETAL THEFT

You can help

Our City p5 14/9/11 16:55 Page 1


Refurb reveals a piece of history

FILM-maker Chris Stone is boldlygoing where no director hasgone before with his internetmovie hit Blood and BoneChina… and has picked up a StarTrek celebrity fan in the process.

Star Trek actor Brent Spiner –who blazed a trail as android Lt.Commander Data for seven yearson TV and in four films – walkedup to Chris as he showcased the

series at the recent London Filmand Comic Con festival tocongratulate him on hisPotteries-based vampire drama.

Chris is currently working onthe 12th and final episode andsaid: “Brent told me thecinematography was fabulous –like watching a movie – so thatwas fantastic.”

Once the award-winningfreelance has finished filming,he’ll sink his fangs into marketingthe series and is hopeful apartnership deal with You Tubewill help it go viral.

He said: “We’ve had 45,000 hitsso far for Blood and Bone Chinaand now we have thispartnership deal I’m hoping wecan smash the 100,000 mark.”

“This deal is brilliant and greatpromotion for Stoke-on-Trent.The series is really going downwell and we’re the only Britishentry at the Marseilles FilmFestival in October.”

BUILDERS renovating one ofBurslem’s oldest pubs proved thehistory of our great city is neververy far below the surface of 21stCentury Stoke-on-Trent.

A wooden sign removed fromthe front of the Huntsman inWesport Road revealed abrickwork frieze with thehostelry’s original name, TheWhite Hart.

Few would remember themoniker, which dates back toVictorian times and was coveredup in the early seventies,although historian Fred Hugheshad a story to tell when quizzedabout the pub. In 1872 The WhiteHart was the scene of colourfulhotelier Fred Horry’s last drinkbefore he took a train to Lincoln

and murdered his wife. He wastried for the killing and hanged.

On the day of his execution, itis said 3,000 Boslemites lined thestreets to watch an empty coffincarried from the George Hotel toSt John’s Churchyard.

Horry’s friends eventually paidfor a granite obelisk to be placedabove an empty grave in hismemory.

HUNDREDS ofschoolchildrenthroughout the city

are learning aboutStoke-on-Trent’s amazingenvironment by rolling uptheir sleeves at naturereserves on their doorsteps.

Fun days organised by thecouncil’s Countryside Team invitea number of schools on to a siteto take part in a fun day ofactivities toopen

their eyes, and inform theirteachers, about the wealth of floraand fauna living often yards fromtheir schools and homes – at theheart of a former industrial city.

The aim is to spread the wordabout the city’s natural resourcesand encourage more and moreschools to use the nature reservesas part of the curriculum.

One day staged at the WhitfieldValley Local Nature Reserve – upuntil the 1970s the site of coalmining operations – showed just

how far Stoke-on-Trent hascome in reclaiming and

regenerating industrialwastelands.

Seven schools tookpart in a rotatingprogramme ofseven activitiesrun by theCountrysideTeam. Theseincluded ponddipping, ageology trail, treeidentification,hunting for mini

beasts, identifyingbirds and story

telling. They alsocreated a journeystick – wooden stick

and a length of wool, whichchildren use to attach leaves,flowers and other things they arechallenged to find during a naturewalk. This created a visualreminder of their journey aroundthe nature reserve.

Helen Meharg, of theCountryside Team, said: “Schoolsmight not be aware of what is ontheir own doorstep but thefeedback we are getting from thesessions is that pupils and staffthink they are absolutely brilliant.Pride in the future

“As well as giving the youngpeople an insight into the wildlifeand habitats in our city, thesessions give them a pride in thefuture of the reserves, which willhopefully deter antisocialbehaviour.

“We are working on an autumnprogramme which will involve seedgathering on the sites, andencouraging schools to growseedlings which they can eventuallyplant in copses at the sites.”

Environmental educationactivities are also held at Park HallCountry Park and Berryhill Fields.

To find out how your schoolcould take part, call theCountryside Team on 01782331889.

Activities showcase ouramazingenvironment

Troy Littleton, 11, from Holden Lane PrimarySchool with Countryside Team Leader

Helen Meharg looking for mini beasts.

DaisyPearson and

Ethan Lewis, bothaged nine, from

Norton Primary Schoolpond-dipping at

Whitfield Valley.

Star Trek android a big fanof city vampire movie saga

Our City p6 14/9/11 17:00 Page 1


PORT Vale Football Club has signed a three-year

deal with the NHS topromote healthy lifestyles.

The partnership will see the Valiantsteam up with public health staff toimprove fans’ health and fitness byraising awareness about a whole rangeof issues like smoking, obesity, alcoholmisuse and mental health problems.

Fans will see more NHS informationin and around the club and a series ofhealth promotion events are planned atVale Park and in the community.

The agreement builds on an excellentrelationship NHS Stoke on Trent alreadyhas with the club, where half-timehealthy snacks are provided for childrenon match days and a stop smokinggroup holds meetings.

The club’s Chief Executive, PerryDeakin, said: “We are delighted to havesigned this deal. We already work veryclosely with the NHS locally but we arekeen to build on this and do moretogether going forward. We are keen todo all we can to make healthinformation available to our fans andthe wider community.”

Ideally placed

Sharon Taaffe, Head of NHS Stokeon Trent’s Health Improvement Team,said: “Port Vale are ideally placed towork with our Health ImprovementTeam to help us address the healthrelated issues that face this city.

“By working with Port Vale and usingtheir branding, and the networks andcontacts they have, we can reach peoplewe wouldn’t normally be able to.

“We hope the partnership willincrease the number of people usingservices they wouldn’t normally accessincluding smoking cessation classes. Weare really looking forward to workingwith Port Vale to help get our messagesacross.”

More signings are on the horizon asNHS Stoke on Trent talks to StokeCity about further health promotioninitiatives involving the PremierLeague club.

Around 1,000 people havealready taken part in matchday walks at Stoke and Valeafter the NHS worked closelywith the Federation ofStadium Communities. StokeCity also hosts its own stopsmoking group.

To find out moreabout healthy livinginitiatives contact NHSStoke on Trent on 01782 298002

STOKE-on-Trent’s most vulnerablechildren are receiving improvedservices according to anindependent Government report.

Inspectors from Ofstedannouned safeguardingarrangements and services forlooked after children in the citywere good in 14 of 22 categories.

The report – which focusses onthe 432 looked-after children inStoke-on-Trent – also found thatcapacity for improvement is good.

Councillor Debra Gratton,Cabinet Member for Children’sServices, said: “It is a key aim ofthis council and our partners thatour children and young peopleare protected and safe. It is crucialthat vulnerable young people aregiven the most appropriate andtimely care and support.

“We are pleased with theOfsted report and it highlightsmany good aspects of our work.”

The services inspected byOfsted are provided inpartnership by the council, NHSStoke on Trent, StaffordshirePolice and a number of otheragencies.

YOUNG Poet LaureateDan Tatton, pictured,has challengedstudents across thecity to pick up theirpens and try tobecome hissuccessors.

Entries havebeen receivedin a librariescompetition tofind the nextyoung personfromStoke-on-Trent to be given the roleof promoting poetry in schools.

Since winning the competitionDan has started his own blog onthe libraries website and also wona regional poetry competition.

Dan said: “The past year hasbeen an amazing experience forme and has really helped me tobroaden my horizons as a poet.

“I hope now that I can pass thebaton on to someone else whocan take the role to new heights.”

Councillor Gwen Hassall, CabinetMember for Housing andNeighbourhoods, said: “This is awonderful opportunity providedfor our young people and weshould continue to nurture thatcreative spark which has been soevident in Stoke-on-Trent for somany years.“● Look out for details of thenew Young Poet Laureate inNovember’s Our City.

Inspectors’ reportbacks improvingcare services

But in a bid to make themagazine even better, and help itreflect what the city’s people wantto see, Our City wants readers toanswer the following questions:

● What do you like best about Our City?

● Is there anything you don’t like?

● What would you like to see moreof in the magazine?

Send your answers by email [email protected], or write theanswers on a postcard includingyour name and contact detailsand send to Freepost Our City.

All answers will be enteredinto a prize draw and the firstpulled out of the hat on 28October will receive vouchers tothe value of £50 to spend in thecity’s markets.

Our City: give us your views and you could win a £50 voucher

Soccer link-up helps citizens rise

up the health league

A PICTURE OFHEALTH...

Port Vale players BenWilliamson, left, and

Mike Green, right, andtheir colleagues arehelping to promotehealthy lifestyles to

supporters. They arepictured, left, with Sharon

Taaffe, Head of NHS Stoke onTrent’s Health Improvement Team.

£50 worth of vouchers to spend inthe city’s popular markets are up forgrabs for people who help thecouncil to improve Our City.

The magazine, which was namedthe UK’s Best Council Publication in2008, aims to include as many peopleas possible in promoting everythinggood about Stoke-on-Trent andtelling residents how they can accessthe public services they need.

Hunt is on fornominees to becity’s next YoungPoet Laureate

Our City p7 14/9/11 17:02 Page 1


AROUND-the-clock policing is making Stoke-on-Trent a

safer place to live than ever before.

Despite budget cuts, highlyvisible front-line officers arecontinuing to patrol the city’sstreets and effectively fightcrime.

The latest figures show thatcrime is continuing tofall year on year – whilecrime and antisocialbehaviour victims areincreasingly satisfiedwith the service they aregetting fromStaffordshire Police.

There were nearly2,000 fewer crimesbetween 1 April 2011and 30 June comparedto the same period theprevious year – a

reduction of 10 per cent.At the same time over 91 per

cent of crime victims said theywere happy with the service theyreceived from the force, risingfrom 88 per cent for the samequarter in 2010.

Violent crime with injury hasbeen significantly reduced too,with a county-wide fall of 24 percent in the first quarter of thefinancial year compared to the

same time in 2010.And serious

acquisitive crime –which includesburglary, robberyand vehicle crime –fell to 2,131 from2,247, a drop of fiveper cent.

Behind thestatistics, the man incharge of policingthe city saysteamwork and front

line presence have been a major factor.

Chief SuperintendentBernie O’Reilly said: “Weare absolutely committedto neighbourhood policing,to effective and swiftresponse policing andcarrying out detailedinvestigations into major crime.

“The public values asignificant police presence on thestreets and we will continue tomeet that demand as effectivelyas ever before. However, we arenot in a bubble and are veryaware of the financial constraintsbut I understand the importancethat people place on a frontlinepolice presence and I willcontinue to endeavour that this ismaintained and that we continueto reduce crime and antisocialbehaviour across the board.

He added: “The latest figuresshow that we are continuing to

head in the right direction andeven though it is inevitable wewill shrink as an organisation,we will continue to prioritise onwhat is important to the public– and that is having officers onthe streets, cutting down ontheft and burglary andpreventing antisocial behaviour.

“Despite the improvements,we cannot be complacent. Forinstance, the national disorder

illustrated how criminalswere able to mobilise atgreat speed through theuse of social networking.It is up to us as a policeforce to make sure westay one step ahead anddevelop tactics that are as

flexible and as agile, andthat will give us the edge.”

A MULTI-FACETED team ofneighbourhood officers andspecialist support staff is deliveringpolicing in the city.

From the people who take theemergency calls in the NorthernArea Control Room to the localresponse team officers who are thefirst to attend an incident, and fromthe CID detectives to the scene ofcrime officers that carry outdetailed forensic investigations, it isa 24 hour-a-day operation.

Neighbourhood beat officers and

Police Community Support Officers(PCSOs) add to the visible presence,which helps to proactively detercrime as well as rapidly react to it.

Sergeant Sean Clerk, who is amember of the Local ResponseTeam and heads up a shift of 15officers who patrol the city centrearea, said:“From the uniformedofficers on the streets’ point of viewwe want to reassure the public thatwe are out there proactivelycombating crime and reacting totheir needs.

Neighbourhood policing to be m

READY TO HELP:Experts at the NorthernArea Control Room arethere 24/7 to take the

public’s calls and send theright resources when and where they are

needed.

ROUND THECLOCK POLICING:

Residents inStoke-on-Trent can beconfident they will seehigh-visibility policing

around the city, day and night.

Senior police officers are moving quickly to reassure the people ofStoke-on-Trent thatGovernment cuts will notdamage the good workbeing done to cut crime andreduce antisocial behaviour,making Stoke-on-Trent asafer city year on year.Here, Our City reports on theround the clock policing effortswhich are sending clear signals tocriminals and law-abiding citizens alike...

Be a fan on facebook/staffordshirepolice

Follow us on Twitter@policingstoke

See our videos on YouTube/staffordshirepolice

Chief SuperintendentBernie O’Reilly

Crimefighters promise to stay

tough on the streets

FALLING CRIME AND HIGH-PROFILE POLICING MEAN IT’S NEVER BEEN SAFER TO

Our City p8&9 15/9/11 10:05 Page 1


,“Our own team works around

the clock to deal with incidentsranging from someone reportinga lost dog to a murder. From thepublic’s point of view we are theirfirst port of call and a visiblepresence on the streets.

“Even if we attend a seriousincident which is then referred toour colleagues in CID, that initialrole is vitally important ingathering eye witness evidencewhile it is still fresh in their mindand in preserving a crime scene

and protecting evidence.“However, our role interlinks

with the rest of the team andeveryone has a role to play toensure frontline policing iseffective around the clock.”

Scott Holland, who has been aPolice Community SupportOfficer (PCSO) for nearly fiveyears, says the challenge of thejob and solving major problemsgive him real satisfaction.

Scott, who works with PC RobMountford and patrols the

Fenpark and Fenton Eastneighbourhoods, said: “I act as alink between the community andthe police.

“Over the years I have seen theproblems we have aimed totackle reduce and respect for myrole and that of the police grow.

“I have a great relationshipwith Rob and also with thecommunity and we have workedhard to drive down antisocialbehaviour and make people feelsafer in their own homes.”

e maintained to boost community safety

Partners join forcesin crime clamp-down

READY TO ANSWER THE CALL:

Hanley-based responseteam PC Alison Birtwistle,left, and PC Julie Pointon.

PARTNERSHIP working betweenthe police and other organisationsis a key ingredient in combatingcrime.

Within Stoke-on-Trent thepolice work alongside otheragencies, including the citycouncil, under the umbrella of theSafer City Partnership. This helpsto proactively clamp-down onantisocial behaviour before itbecomes more than a nuisance.

Meanwhile, campaigns such asOperation Safer Nights, which isthe force’s approach to tacklingalcohol fuelled violence, anddedicated antisocial behaviourunits patrolling streets are havinga big impact.

On top of these, seasonalcampaigns aimed at crimeprevention in the home or invehicles are helping preventserious acquisitive crime.

Chief Superintendent BernieO’Reilly said:“Partnership is key –and our relationship with the citycouncil couldn’t be better. At atime when it is more importantthan ever how we spend thepublic pound, combiningresources, campaigns andstrategies is the way forward.”

Councillor Gwen Hassall,Cabinet Member for Housing andNeighbourhoods, said:“We remaincommitted to working inpartnership with StaffordshirePolice and other agencies withinthe Safer City Partnership andcommunities to continue toreduce antisocial behaviour.

“We are also doing our utmostto prevent such incidents

occurring in the first instance, byproviding positive activities. Forexample, we have continued tovigorously pursue appropriatelegal sanctions against theminority of people responsible forthe most serious and persistentantisocial behaviour.

“There is clear evidence to linkthe obtaining of antisocialbehaviour orders with thereduced levels of incidents beingreported and we are confidentthat residents welcome thesemost pleasing outcomes.”

CABINET MEMBER FOR HOUSINGAND NEIGHBOURHOODS

COUNCILLOR GWENHASSALL

HOT ON THE TRAIL:

When crime does occurpolice forensic officers are

on the scene, gatheringthe evidence that leads

to arrests andconvictions.

VISIBLE POLICING:PCSO Scott Holland is

part of the front lineteam who are available,

day and night, to protectthe public and listen to

residents’ concerns.

We have continued tovigorously pursue appropriatelegal sanctions against theminority of people responsiblefor the most serious andpersistent antisocialbehaviour.

“”

O LIVE IN THE CITY

Our City p8&9 15/9/11 10:06 Page 2


THREE new NHS healthcentres costing £29.5 millionare revolutionising patient

care across Stoke-on-Trent.One of them, Cobridge, will offer

outpatient services as part of the NorthStaffordshire-wide Fit for the Futureprogramme, which is designed to bettersupport patients outside hospital with a rangeof testing and treatments in state-of-the-artcommunity facilities.

The transformation began on 19 Septemberwhen the new £4.5 million Tunstall PrimaryCare Centre in Scotia Road went operational.Bringing two GP practices together, thetwo-storey building is now home to a dental

access centre and offers specialist and districtnursing, health visiting and blood tests.

There is a community pharmacy next door.Next to open is Cobridge Community

Health Centre, which begins treating the firstof 8,000 patients currently registered with thetwo GP practices transferring to the facility inlate October.

State-of-the-art

Costing £14 million, two state-of-the-artbuildings on the Elder Road site bringtogether a full range of services – one is athree-storey centre featuring a pharmacy,chest clinic and x-ray services while the otheris an integrated sexual health unit. Outpatientservices are also being provided, which will

save patients a trip to the University Hospitalof North Staffordshire site.

Meir Primary Care Centre is the thirdcentre to open its doors and will welcome itsfirst patients at the end of November. Built onthe Weston Road and A50 roundabout, thenew centre brings together six GP practicesand incorporates a wide range of healthservices including physiotherapy,contraception and sexual health services.

Nick Pritchard, Head of PremisesDevelopment for NHS Stoke on Trent, said:“Although the services delivered from thenew buildings are most important, havingclean, pleasant and accessible health centreswill benefit communities directly and help inthe regeneration of the city.”

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE... pictured outside thenew Cobridge health centre are family doctors UdayPathak, left, and Hrishi Pathak, Marilyn Marathe – fromthe Apsley House Surgery which is relocating to thecentre – and chair of the Patient Participant Group forCobridge Surgery, local resident Bernard Wragg.

£29.5m health centresbring care facilitiescloser to wherepeople live

Book now forentrepreneuradvice schemeBUDDING entrepreneurs arebeing given advice on settingup a business thanks to a newcouncil service.

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries areworking with HM Revenueand Customs to provide freeworkshops allowing peopleto receive professional adviceabout working forthemselves.

The workshops, entitledNewly Self-Employed – TheBasics, will be held between10am and 12:30pm on Friday,30 September, and thenrepeated at the same time onFriday, 28 October, 2011 atCity Central Library, Hanley.

Visitors will be offeredguidance on how to registerwith HMRC, the basics ofrecord keeping, how andwhen to submit tax returnsand payments and otheruseful advice.

Councillor Gwen Hassall,Cabinet Member for Housingand Neighbourhoods, said:“Getting people to think ofways to create industry in thiscity needs to be encouragedat all times. We want peoplewho may not know how tomake those first steps intobusiness to consider thelibrary as a starting point tobecoming your own boss.”

● Places are limited andbooking is essential.To book a free placetelephone 01782 238455.For further informationcontact Janet Garner on01782 238493 or [email protected]

FREEChildcare

support andadvice forfamilies

Looking for

Childcare? FosteringA career thatchanges livesin Stoke-on-Trent

01782 234555stoke.gov.uk/fostering

● Childcare – information on availability,facilities, types, school pick-ups, inspectionoutcomes and much more.

● Childcare costs – options to support thecost of childcare, including advice about childtax credits and childcare vouchers.

● FREE Early Years Provision for 3 and 4

year olds – information about when, whereand how to access your free entitlement.

If you are looking for childcare call the

Family Information Service on

0800 015 1120 or

01782 232200or email us at

[email protected]

Your local Family Information Service provides free,

friendly and impartial information, advice and assistance

to find a solution that meets your childcare needs.

stoke.gov.uk

Our City p10 14/9/11 17:11 Page 1

SEPTEMBER 2011 Our City 11

REVITALISED links betweenStoke-on-Trent and its twinErlangen are planned after the

German city’s partnership officerpaid glowing tributes during a two-day visit.

Peter Steger was in the Potteries to helppromote and renew trade and investmentopportunities between the two cities. Theextension of collaboration andexchanges between schools anduniversities was also on the agenda.

He met the Lord Mayor,Councillor Terry Follows, on hisfirst day and they discussed lowcarbon issues before meetingofficers from Keele University.

Peter was shown the city’sMandate for Change plansbefore touring Stoke-on-TrentSixth Form College andvisiting the construction site ofthe Centre for RefurbishmentExcellence (CORE) – thenational centre for bestpractice in refurbishment.

The Stadt Erlangenpartnership officer said: “Thisvisit has highlighted to me thepotential benefit that can be feltby both Erlangen and Stoke-on-Trent by renewing the linksbetween our two cities.

Forward-thinking city“I have seen a great deal of promise

from Stoke-on-Trent, which is atremendous city with a great deal to offerand I feel that, in return, we can helpimprove the lives of people here with whatwe can bring to the table.

“This is a forward thinking city and that hasbeen made clear to me during my visit and Ilook forward to many years of trade andeducation links to come.

“Finally, I would like to extend my thanksto the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, theChief Executive and everyone in the city formaking this such a fruitful trip.”

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Terry Follows,said: “It has been great to meet with Peter andget his thoughts on the future partnership ofour two cities. He has given a glowingreference to our city, which is a testament to

the hard work weall know goes on here.

“I hope we can now takeforward some of these ideas and ensure thatthe future of Stoke-on-Trent is as bright as weknow it deserves to be.”

Karen Tsang, an Investment DevelopmentOfficer with the council’s Make It Stoke-on-

Trent investmentdevelopment team, said:

“There are many positives to renewingour partnership and developing long termeconomic benefits for our cities. Encouragingand creating more opportunities forbusinesses to work together is just one of them.”

TRADING Standards officershave issued a warning after abatch of illicit whiskycontaining cleaningchemicals was discovered inthe city.

A resident complainedthat drinking fake HighlandGlen Scotch Whisky hadmade him feel ill.

Tests on the drinkconformed it was unfit forconsumption.

Councillor Gwen Hassall,Cabinet Member for Housingand Neighbourhoods, said:“Thankfully the complainantis ok. He was given thewhisky as a gift from afriend; it has not beenseen in shops. But theremight be other examplesof this product out there.

“The whisky is not agenuine brand. It has ablack and gold label with‘Highland’ and ‘Glen’ inwhite letters. It is notlabelled with details of

the producer – genuineproducts will always have

details of the producer.“We are urging residents

to be wary of this product –if you think you have boughtor been given a bottle do notdrink it, and call the publicprotection service on 01782232065.”● If you know someoneselling fakes, call the fakeshotline anonymously on01782 238444 or visitstoke.gov.uk/fakes

SPORTS clubs across the city willbe able to advertise volunteeropportunities and seek newvolunteers through a SportEngland initiative linked to the2012 Olympic Games.

The Sport Maker programmewill recruit thousands of newsports volunteers aged 16 andover to organise and leadcommunity sporting activity.

The council is supporting SportAcross Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent deliver Sport Maker toinspire people to make sporthappen at a local level. It aims torecruit, train and employ the nextgeneration of sports volunteers.

● Individuals wishing tovolunteer and clubs interestedin recruiting new volunteersshould register atwww.sportmakers. co.uk orcontact Ben Hollands, tel. 01785619317, email [email protected] or VanessaDarlington, Stoke-on-Trent2012 Co-ordinator, tel. 01782236156, email vanessa.darlington@ stoke.gov.uk

Residentswarned overfake whisky

2012 grassrootssports boost

Erlangen’s Partnership Officer Peter Steger,right, took in Stoke-on-Trent’s new 6th FormCollege, above, and work on the CORE Centreof Refurbishment Excellence in Longton, farright, during his visit.

Twin city visitors’ praise forregeneration progress

ERLANGEN universitygraduate Nicole Eichenseher

is in Stoke-on-Trent on aninternship with the city council.

The 24-year-old’s month-longexchange was organised byErlangen’s partnership officerPeter Steger ahead of his recentvisit to the Potteries.

Nicole, who is about to startthe second year of her master’sdegree in management ofglobal companies at theUniversity of Nuremberg, isspending time with the council’sinvestment development andculture and tourism teams. Sheis pictured with Stoke-on-Trent’scity crest at the Civic Centre.

Our City p11 14/9/11 17:14 Page 1


THE city’s latest communityfire stations have opened inHanley and Burslem to offer

first class amenities for localgroups and residents as well as 21stCentury bases for StaffordshireFire and Rescue Service.

This brings the total number ofcommunity fire stations in Stoke-on-Trentto three after the opening of the one atSandyford, which has proved to be hugelypopular.

Both of the latest state-of-the-art stationscome complete with community facilitiessuch as meeting rooms and the largerstation at Hanley also has a partnershiparea, gym and training building.

As well as the firefighters, the HanleyCommunity Fire Station is also home to theRisk Reduction and Fire Safety Team forthe North Staffordshire area.

Free facilitiesWork is continuing at both stations to

complete landscaping and parking facilities,and once this is done they will open theirdoors to the public, with Hanley holdingdrop-in sessions on:Sat 15 October – 10am-4pmMon 17 October – 10am-12pmThurs 20 October – 10am-12pmThurs 20 October – 3pm-7pm

Burslem will invite the public to visit thestation later in the year.

The drop-in sessions will provide visitorswith a tour of the building and the chanceto chat with their local firefighters aboutthe work they do and the facilities on offer.

Sandyford Community Fire Station isalready taking over 40 bookings per monthfrom organisations as diverse as Age UK,

North Staffs Cancer Support, Workers’Education Association, Foster Carers’Support Group and local schools who alluse the free facilities on a regular basis.

The city’s fourth community fire stationwill be built at Longton and will also comecomplete with community facilities.

Group Manager Wayne Bowcock said:“Our old stations were designed to keepmembers of the public out.

These new buildings are exactly theopposite – they are community facilities that

happen to be fire stations. We hope Hanleyand Burslem will be as popular asSandyford. It’s fantastic to open anothertwo community fire stations on time, toquality and to budget.

“We would encourage local people tostart using their new facilities.”● Community and partner groupsinterested in booking free facilities at thestations should email [email protected] or phone01785 898897.

BEREAVEMENTS can be even moredistressing if there is no money topay for the funeral or the deceasedhas not left a will.

In cases like these the councilmay be responsible for arrangingthe funeral if there are no relativesor friends able to do it.

They may arrange a WelfareFuneral and take steps to recoverthe cost from the deceased’s estatewhere possible. Burials take place inan unmarked shared public grave.

But this procedure, which can bean upsetting experience for familyor friends, can often be avoided ifpeople make a will or leave writteninstructions to ensure their wishesare carried out.

The law applies to the councilarea where the person dies. Itmeans that a person from anotherpart of the country who happenedto be in Stoke-on-Trent (for instancein hospital) at the time of deathcould be put to rest far from homein a public grave without aheadstone.

The Department for Work andPensions has issued guidance called“What to do after death” to help thebereaved deal with the formalitiesof registering a death and to giveadvice about financial assistancethat may be available and how thedeceased’s estate may be accessedto pay for the funeral.

Uncertainty avoided

Sometimes a payment from theSocial Fund which helps people onlow incomes pay for one-off eventscan be made to relatives on lowincome to help towards the funeralcosts.

Relatives or friends who have nomeans of paying for a funeral mustfirst contact the Coroner’s Officewho will put them in touch with thecity council’s Public Protectiondivision. Officers will try to locate awill or relatives that may be able tocarry out the funeral arrangements,and there can often be a delaybefore the funeral is held.

Dawn Birkin, Compliance andHealth Protection Manager, said:“It’s never too soon to make a will orput in writing your wishes for yourfuneral arrangements. Many peopleput off making a will believing thattheir assets will go to relatives orfriends, but this may not be thecase. We make a lot of effort to carryout the deceased’s wishes withregard to burial or cremation, but iftheir wishes are not known we haveto arrange a burial in a public gravewithout a headstone.

“Sometimes we are able toarrange cremation at CarmountsideCrematorium and we can arrangefor the ashes to be scattered on therose garden there or to have themcollected by a friend or relative.However all this uncertainty can beavoided if there is a will or writteninstructions.”

FirefighterTim Chan

outside the newstation at

Bethesda Street,Hanley.

Public urgedto act nowover funeralarrangements

21st Century firestations opencommunityfacilities

FirefighterZahir Khalifa inthe communityarea of Hanley

Fire Station.

Our City p12 14/9/11 17:16 Page 1

SEPTEMBER 2011 Our City 13

SAMURAI SWORDATTACKERS JAILED:Two men have beenjailed for seven yearseach after using asword and a dog in asustained attack onanother man in hisown home. DeanBenson’s StaffordshireBull terrier ripped theman’s lip off whileColin Sutcliffe nearlytook their victim’shand off byrepeatedly slashinghim with an ornamental Samuraisword, shattering his fingers. Benson,47, of Walton Grange, Stone, and 43-year-old Sutcliffe, of Campbell Road,Stoke, were convicted of woundingwith intent to cause grievous bodilyharm.

CRACK COURIER LOCKED UP:Johann Carty isbehind bars for threeyears. Carty, 26, of KingWilliam Street,Tunstall, has beensentenced to threeyears after policecaught him with crackcocaine. He pleaded guilty topossession with intent to supply onthe basis that he was a courier.

WEDDING DAY ASSAULT: Lea Stanleylost his job and ended up with aone-year prison sentence afterattending hisemployer’s weddingreception andattacking the man’sfather. The 27-year-oldfrom Lyme Road, Meir,had been drinkingwhen he bit hisvictim’s eyelid. Stanley appeared atStoke-on-Trent Crown Court andadmitted assault occasioning actualbodily harm.

CANNABIS FACTORY RAID: Policefound cannabis with a street value of£8,000 when theyraided Wesley Gwilt’sSmallthorne home.Officers discovered 76plants, dried and dryingcannabis, heaters, fans,an irrigation systemand timer units.Electricity worth nearly £690 hadbeen unlawfully used from theby-passed meter. Stoke-on-TrentCrown Court heard Gwilt, 32, ofMoorland Road, had set up the drugfactory to help pay off his debts. Headmitted producing cannabis,possession of cannabis with intent tosupply and abstracting electricity. Hewas jailed for 16 months.

PROLIFIC BURGLAR STRIKES AGAIN:Thief Scott Barclay had been out ofprison less than a month when hestole cash and tobacco from a flatabove a workingmen’sclub as the stewardsslept. The 40-year-oldwas homeless and backon heroin at the time.Barclay admittedburglary and was givena 32-month jailsentence. The court heard he had 22previous burglary convictions.

Our City reports back onconvictions secured to make Stoke-on-Trent safer for us all...

EXPANSION isalready on the cardsfor Michelle Plant

just a year after shelaunched her first nail andpedicure venture atHanley indoor market.

The 35-year-old iscontemplating expanding to adouble stall so she can offermore services and she creditsBusiness Enterprise CoachGaynor Parkinson with givingher the belief and confidence to

get her business off the ground.The former car saleswoman

has not looked back sincere-training at night school andmaking a career switch to giveherself more time with her sonRhys, aged nine.

Her Nails With Attitudemanicure and pedicure bar isnow open six days a week andhas gone from strength tostrength. ;Situated just 100 yardsaway from her dad David’s sweetstall, Michelle now has 80regulars, has helped a work

experience student qualify inbeauty and nails and is nowplanning to take on her secondwork experience student.

She said: “It was my dad’sidea to set up in the market butI wasn’t sure it would work. Ispoke to Gaynor and she helpedme with all sorts of advice, thelegal things and advice onstaffing.

“I’ve just celebrated my firstbirthday at the market and mydad had his 35th anniversary. Ilove it.

“It’s friendly and inviting withplenty of passing trade. Myclients are like family now,friends more than anything, it’snot like a job. I wouldn’t doanything else now. I’m thinkingabout expanding next year so Ican offer tanning and do falseeye lashes and I know I can turnto Gaynor for more support.”

Enterprise Coach Gaynor, whois based at Bentilee Local Centre(see contact panel below), said:“I met Michelle in July and byAugust she had started herbusiness in Hanley Market.

Stay positive

“It was her dad’s idea to trythe business there as he has hadbusinesses in Stoke-on-Trent’smarkets for many years.

“She was not sure at first butnow 12 months later the proofof the pudding really is in theeating. Michelle is an example ofhow you can be successful if youare prepared to put in the workand stay positive. It has not beeneasy for Michelle but she has notlost sight of her original goal,which was to run her ownbusiness.”

NEW businesses and entrepreneurs couldbenefit from a new grants pot beingdished out by the council and a partner.

Investment grants and businesssupport and mentoring are available fornew social enterprises.

In 2010 the initiative handed out over£75,000 and created 14 new jobs.

Councillor Mark Meredith, Stoke-on-TrentCity Council Cabinet Member for Economic

Development, said:“Supporting anddeveloping businesses in Stoke-on-Trentis a priority for the council.

“These grants will provide a boost toindividuals looking to set up a socialenterprise which will not only benefit thecity but create extra jobs.

“I would encourage people thinking ofsetting up a social enterprise to get intouch as help is available.”

● Social Enterprises support socialobjectives and re-investment of profitinto social and economic outcomes thatbenefit people who are disadvantaged,produce environmental benefits, and addvalue to community well being.● To find out more about the programmecontact Amanda Locke at VAST on01782 683030 or via email [email protected]

Grants and expert advice support help create new jobs

MichellePlant of Nails

with Attitude whois looking to expandher business after a

successful firstyear.

Nail beauty businesspoints to more success

Coaches offer monthly drop-in sessionsA MONTHLY enterprise support club is nowhelping even more people launch their ownbusinesses in Stoke-on-Trent.

The city’s three Enterprise Support Coachesorganise free drop-in sessions with experts onhand to give advice on human resources, taxissues, banking, insurance, printing, graphicdesign and IT. The coaches are also available forone-to-one practical support as they talkbudding entrepreneurs through business plans,funding applications and problem solving.

Sessions take place between 10am and 1pm

at the Unity union’s offices on Garth Street inHanley with the next scheduled for 18 October.

The team, launched in 2009 and funded byStoke-on-Trent City Council, has already helpedaround 100 clients become their own boss.● If you think you could benefit from the helpof an Enterprise Coach call Gayle Jessiman on07969 557915 or email [email protected], Gaynor Parkinson on 07834657828 or email [email protected], and Lisa Davies on 07866 807134or email [email protected]

Our City p13 15/9/11 10:23 Page 1


INVESTIGATORS at Stoke-on-TrentCity Council are at the forefront oftackling housing tenancy fraud.

And a citywide project launchedin March this year is bearing fruitwith what are believed to be thefirst prosecutions in the countryoutside London already pendingand associated benefit fraudtotalling £74,000 identified.

The Audit Commission is closelymonitoring the council’s work as itpays particular attention to thosewho obtain council tenancies andthen sub-let for their own financialgain or just leave propertiesunoccupied while living elsewhere.

More co-ordinated working bythe council’s Fraud InvestigationOfficers and Housing Team meansintelligence is now shared andofficers are identifying housingtenancy issues and associatedhousing, council tax and otherbenefit-related offences.

Pro-active stance

Tenancy fraud investigations lookinto areas around housingapplications, tenancy successionand unlawful sub-letting and haveso far resulted in the recovery of 16properties, which the council hasbeen able to re-let to those on thewaiting list who are in genuineneed.

A further six properties havebeen served with notices to quitwhile authorisation has been givenfor three prosecutions for allegedtenancy and benefit offences. Thereare 71 on-going cases and the£74,000 in benefit fraud identifiedas a direct result of tenancy fraudinvestigations is being recovered.

Paul Bicknell, the council’sCorporate Fraud Manager, said:“Ourwork to date on this projecthighlights the council’s zerotolerance approach to fraud as wetake a pro-active stance againstthose people committing housingtenancy fraud by recovering the

properties but also by takingcriminal proceedings, whereappropriate, against thoseinvolved.

“The Audit Commission hasconfirmed that we are one of avery few local authoritiesoutside London who aretackling this issue in such apositive way.

“Not only are we helping toensure that only those ingenuine need are able to obtaincouncil housing, we are alsorecovering properties fromunlawful tenants who are causingantisocial problems, whichobviously improves the lives ofneighbours in the immediatevicinity.

“This work is crucial from both amoral and financial viewpoint andwill benefit genuine tenants. It istherefore very important that ifmembers of the public suspecthousing tenancy fraud offences arebeing committed, that they informthe council of their concerns.

“It’s also worth pointing out thattenants have a legal requirement toreport changes in theircircumstances as per their tenancyagreements so I would adviseanyone whose situation haschanged to notify their Local Centreimmediately, as failure to do so mayresult in action being taken againstthem.”

You can report suspectedhousing tenancy fraud bycalling 01782 236800during office hours. An out of hours messagemachine is also inoperation. You can also email the council [email protected]

REPORT IT

Citycouncil

investigators haveadopted a zero

tolerance approachto housing

tenancy fraud.

AN industrial engineering group has moved

premises, expanded anddiversified with thesupport of the Make itStoke-on-TrentInvestment DevelopmentTeam, which encouragescompanies to do businessin the city.

Through the service,Aerotherm and its 50employees relocated fromLongton to Scotia BusinessPark in Tunstall. As well astaking on new staff, the moveto a bigger base of operationshas allowed the company todiversify into three divisions.

Chris Bramhall, GroupMarketing Manager atAerotherm, said: “We hadreached our absolute limit inthe previous premises inLongton, and to meet with ourgrowth plans we needed toincrease capacity in terms ofmanufacturing, office andstorage space.

“Yet we wanted to stay inNorth Staffordshire as it issuch a good location to dobusiness.

“Since moving to ScotiaRoad Business Park we haveincreased our staffing levels in

all areas of the business and wewill be looking to hire a further five.”

The team was set up lastAugust with the aim ofattracting companies torelocate to the city, to supportgrowth by raising its profile as agood place to do business.

The scheme is co-funded bythe city council along with theEuropean RegionalDevelopment Fund (ERDF).

Karen Tsang, the council’sInvestment DevelopmentOfficer, said: “We worked withAerotherm to ensure theycould remain in the city. We

looked at potential property forthe company and helped themrelocate to the bigger premisesat Scotia Business Park.

“We also looked atrecruitment and through thecouncil’s JET scheme helped tofund new positions.”

So far around 300 jobs havebeen created by companiesmoving to Stoke-on-Trent,while nearly 600 more havebeen saved due to expandingbusinesses being persuaded tostay in the area.

Councillor Mark Meredith,Cabinet Member for EconomicDevelopment, said: “The MakeIt Stoke-on-Trent investmentdevelopment team is providinga red carpet service forpotential investors to the area.”

For more details aboutbusiness support in thecity please call 01782234747.

For more information on how the council is rolling out the red carpet to new andexisting businesses, see pages 16 and 17

HI-TECHJOBS...AerothermFabricatorMark Dilktesting apneumaticdiverter.

Public urged to helpcity clampdown onhousing fraud

COUNCIL SUPPORT... Aerotherm’s new, bigger premises at ScotiaBusiness Park, Tunstall have helped the company stay in the cityand create jobs.

Mandate for Change

Make it Stoke-on-Trent team helps

business to grow

Our City p14 15/9/11 10:41 Page 1

EVERY year thousands ofpeople visit the third floor ofStoke-on-Trent City Central

Library in order to make a journeyof discovery in the City Archives.

It may be to delve into their ancestry oruncover a piece of local history. Either way,visitors can count on the expertise of CityArchivist Chris Latimer and his dedicatedstaff.

The team is responsible for thousands ofhistorical documents, many of whichchronicle pivotal moments in the area’spast going back hundreds of years beforeStoke-on-Trent became a city.

While helping the public to find out whatthey want to know, the archivists are alsobusy in the background carefullycataloguing present day facts and figuresfor the benefit of future generations.

They also provide one-to-one advicesessions at community libraries and put onsmall exhibitions around the city.

Chris said: “Contrary to what somepeople may imagine, the archivesdepartment is not a dry and dustyenvironment. The documents and files wekeep bring our heritage and family historyto life.”

Run in conjunction with theStaffordshire County Council Archivesservice, the city’s archives department roleis to identify, preserve and make availablematerial that tells the stories ofcommunities around the city.

They may be official records oforganisations such as schools, councils and

the police or more personal insightsinto the past with items such as acollection of diaries kept byfarmers in Burslem and AbbeyHulton during the first half ofthe 20th century.

The city’s industrial heritageis reflected in the archives withrecords of major ceramicnames like Spode as well asthe British CeramicsFederation. Every issue ofThe Sentinel since it firstpublished in 1854 is onmicrofilm along withseveral other Staffordshirenewspapers.

Family trees

Records currentlybeing collated for futureuse include those of all ofStoke-on-Trent highschools that are becoming academies.

With the popularity of TV’s Who Do YouThink You Are? in which famous peopleexplore their family trees, the number ofvisitors seeking information about theirancestry has increased.

Some have come from as far away as theUnited States and New Zealand! Last year7,500 people visited the city archives.

The city’s archivist service is making aname for itself at national level.

It is one of only three archive services inthe country to gain the distinction ofOutstanding National and International

Importance. In terms of performance it israted 10th in the whole country, while usersurveys consistently rate the service as verygood or good.

Chris said: “We never know who is goingto visit. It could be a professor doingacademic research or a private individualwanting to trace their ancestry.

“We are a very people focused and userfriendly service. We are not like a museumor library where people can instantly findwhat they want. Our role is to help peoplein an unobtrusive way by providing themwith the means to find out things forthemselves.”

Chris, who haspreviously worked atWalsall and GreaterManchester, added: “It’s a fascinating jobfor someone interested in history andputting large collections of paper files inorder.You also need to enjoy dealing withpeople and steering them towards theinformation they are looking for.”

The City Archives are open to the publicon Wednesday from 10am to 7pm andon Thursday, Friday and Saturday from10am to 2pm. Booking advisable: tel01782 238420.

Huge records store preserves stories

that bring history to life

EFFECTIVE Respect ActionWeeks – which give residents theopportunity to take action in their

neighbourhoods – have beenrefined and improved. Fundinghas been secured for a series ofRespect Action Days, which

target communities throughoutthe city but with the opportunity

to cover more neighbourhoods.It means more areas can be

effectively covered by agencies whichco-ordinate the events under theumbrella of the Safer City Partnership.

Respect Week Co-ordinator Bill Jamessaid:“The extra funding means thatRespect Action schemes will continuethroughout the financial year, and atleast up until next March.

“Residents respond well to thesepopular events, which give them adviceon combating crime and health andwelfare issues, as well as helping themcarry out clean ups of theirenvironment.

Respect Action Weeks have beenoperating for more than three yearsand bring together the council,Staffordshire Police, NHS Stoke on Trentand Staffordshire Fire and RescueService to target issues like antisocialbehaviour, fly tipping, drug abuse andlitter. The Respect Action Week held inSneyd Green earlier this year highlightsthe effectiveness of the scheme inreducing crime and helping thecommunity feel safer.

Working together, the council,Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fireand Rescue Service and a host of othergroups are targeting issues likeantisocial behaviour, drug abuse andlitter, rubbish and fly-tipping.

Initiatives included free dancesessions for over 11s, free bloodpressure checks and healthy livingadvice and home fire safety checks.Residents also worked to clean up litterand fly-tipping blackspots and makethe area more pleasant.

NEIGHBOURHOOD ACTION... left to right, Sophie Ashton, 10, resident Deborah Fawcett, Chairof the Holden Lane Community Association, John Reynolds, and residents Denise Ashton andMarion Lee pictured at the Pleydell Street Garage site where members of the community joinedpublic services in Respect action which removed six skips of waste.

Respect action pays off

OUTSTANDINGARCHIVE...

City Archivist ChrisLatimer inspects

records which paint a picture of

Stoke-on-Trent’srich history.

TV hit Who Do You Think You Are? boosts interest in City ArchivesS E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 Our City 15

Our City p15 15/9/11 10:35 Page 1

16 Our City S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 Our City 17

BUSINESS leaders and partners attendingthe launch of the city’s red carpet inwardinvestment package welcomed theinitiative.

Maitland Hyslop, Chair of the StaffordshireLocal Enterprise Partnership spoke of theneed for the whole city to join together in apositive spirit to make the drive succeed.He said: “This is a very practical anddeliverable initiative and Councillor Pervezand the city council Chief Executive Johnvan de Laarschot should have everyone’ssupport in what they are doing.

“It is a real red carpet treatment with asingle telephone point of contact, aone-stop shop for anyone who wants toinvest, start a business or expand abusiness in the city, delivering tax breakswhere possible and a super-fastbroadband network better than the restof the country.

“We need to put the negativity of thepast behind us – no more talk about‘forgotten Stoke’. We have all got to getbehind this city and make sure it takes itsplace in a global market and believes initself. We have got to get real andencourage developers sitting on pocketsof land to start releasing them.

“Do not allow the gainsayers to talk ourcity down – there is no time for failure.Everything in this package links togetherto create the right environment forbusiness.”

Bryan Carnes, Chief Executive of NorthStaffordshire Chamber of Commerce andIndustry said the council’s new approach toopen doors for business was alreadyhaving an effect. He said: “This is aboutthe city council responding to the expressneeds of business who for a long timehave seen planners creating obstacles,have seen difficulties where businessesneeded quick decisions and bureaucracyhas taken an unnecessarily long time.

“We are convinced this new approachwhich outs business needs first will speedup the process and give Stoke-on-Trent anational and international reputation as acity that wants to do business.

“I know of one developer who ispraising the council’s new approachbecause they have already benefited fromit, with planners making decisions quicklyto facilitate development rather thanholding it back.”

Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walleypraised the council for taking the initiativeto attract investment. She said:“Regardless of whether or not theGovernment chooses to supportStoke-on-Trent we will create theenvironment where investors want tocome to the city and create jobs.

“Whoever I talk to, from young people ineducation or training to older peopleconcerned about the effect of cuts, theone thing they are all concerned about isjob creation.

“This coming together of businesspartners with the council is sending out aclear message that it will help businesses,from supporting start-ups to attractingbig employers, tapping into the greenenvironmental technology revolutionthat’s going to be here.

“Nothing is more important for our citythan people having a secure futureknowing that there are jobs for them todo. We have to show that we meanbusiness and this is the start.”

ETRURIA Valley has been named thecity’s first Accelerated DevelopmentZone (ADZ) to make it easier forbusinesses there to succeed.

The 69.8 hectare (172.4 acre) site –which is already home to majoremployers like Bet 365 and Vodafone –will offer financial incentives, access tosuper-fast broadband and fast-trackplanning decisions, making it attractiveto new and growing business.

The council is working to reducebusiness energy costs by tapping intolocal energy sources, renewables andother green energy solutions.

And it has even proposed to sharecertain financial risks with big businesseswishing to make major investments tocreate the jobs the city needs, making

sure problems accessing finance do nothinder growth.

Councillor Mohammed Pervez said: “Itis simple. We need jobs and to createjobs we need to do everything in ourpower to attract businesses looking toinvest.”

COUNCIL chiefs will leaveno stone unturned toattract new investment

and jobs to the city.An ambitious plan to go out and

find employers who would benefitfrom being in Stoke-on-Trent andoffer them an attractive package tolocate here.

At the heart of the initiative is thepledge to roll out the “red carpet”treatment to any employer looking atproviding or creating jobs in the city.

The package includes:● A golden number – 01782 234747

- which is a single point ofcontact – a direct dial link to thecity’s Inward Investment Team.

● A streamlined planning processwhich responds to businessneeds with less bureaucracy.

● Support and solutions which aretailored to business growth.

● Help to signpost businesses tofunding which may help themcreate more jobs.

● Access to supply chains, labourmarkets and networks.Hundreds of local businesses have

already backed the council’s Mandatefor Change initiative which includescreating a great working city.

Now Stoke-on-Trent will showcaseits strengths to thousands of localbusinesses, as well as potentialinvestors and employers throughoutthe UK and further afield.

Council Leader Mohammed Pervezsaid the council and cabinet had aclear mandate to drive the city forwardand they had wasted no time inmaking job creation their number one

priority.He said: “We

want to makeStoke-on-Trent agreat place to dobusiness so wehave developed arange of servicesto make our citycompetitive andattractive topotentialinvestors.

“We arestanding up forour city andtaking the leadpositively tochange oureconomic future.

“But we arenot standingalone. We are

supported by representatives of theprivate sector in our city.

“Together we will deliver bigsolutions for big businesses whileproviding local support for localcompanies to survive and grow duringthese difficult economic times.”

Councillor Pervez said the redcarpet launch would be followed by ahuge campaign to target local andnational businesses who want to growand create jobs in Stoke-on-Trent withthe council’s help.

He said: “We are going to reach outto investors by identifying companieswho will benefit from whatStoke-on-Trent has to offer, makingsure they know that we are here andwill roll out the red carpet service toattract them.

Clear mandate to deliver

“Stoke-on-Trent is a great city withexcellent connectivity with the roadand rail network, an availableworkforce and suitable sites for a rangeof job-creating development.

“This is coupled with the fact thatwe are producing the red carpettreatment package of services whichcan help businesses set up andprosper.

“In the past there has been aperception that bureaucracy has putpeople off coming to the city. Our cityhas been through some turbulent timesbut we now have a clear politicalmandate to deliver.”

For more information on Mandate for Change and the council’s red carpet approach visit stoke.gov.uk and click on the Mandate for Change button.

A month after Stoke-on-Trent City Council launched its Mandate for Change vision to create a greatworking city, it unveiled a package of actions pulling out all the stops to attract new investment,new business and new jobs while supporting and developing existing companies in the city. Here,Our City reports on the initiative establishing Stoke-on-Trent as a great place to do business...

ALMOST all the 200 delegates who attended the launchof the council’s Mandate for Change vision agreed withits primary aim of doing everything it could to attractbusiness.

Delegates from across the city also backed thecouncil’s plans to make Stoke-on-Trent a great workingcity and 78 per cent said the local authority was right tosupport and develop existing businesses too.

Positive comments suggesting ways these objectivescould be achieved are being considered by the council,and there will be regular updates and further meetingsto report back on progress.

Deputy Council Leader Councillor Paul Shotton said:“We would like to thank everyone for their contributionsand hope we can rely on ongoing support as we moveforward on this important agenda together.”

Hi-techproduction atWade Ceramics’new factory inEtruria Valley.

Partners praisecouncil initiative

The Investment DevelopmentTeam is there to supportbusinesses. So any employerlooking to expand, or who wantsto invest in the city, can contactthem on the golden number...

01782 234747.

Delegates back vision to boost city’s economy

The council’s Mandatefor Change wasunveiled to set outits priorities forimproving life inStoke-on-Trent.

GOLDENNUMBER: Holding up the telephonenumber of the hotline to thecity’s InvestmentDevelopment Team are, backrow, left to right, ChiefExecutive of NorthStaffordshire Chamber ofCommerce and Industry BryanCarnes, Kier OperationsDirector Jane Spellacy, councilDirector of Place HardialBhogal, and, front row, left toright, Stoke-on-Trent NorthMP Joan Walley, CouncilLeader Councillor MohammedPervez and Chairman ofStoke-on-Trent andStaffordshire Local EnterprisePartnership Maitland Hyslop.

Mandate for Change

City targets jobsand investment by rolling out thered carpet

Do not allow thegainsayers to talk ourcity down – there isno time for failure.Everything in thispackage linkstogether to create the right environmentfor business.

Maitland HyslopCHAIR OF THE STAFFORDSHIRE LOCAL

ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP

I know of one developerwho is praising thecouncil’s new approachbecause they havealready benefited fromit, with planners makingdecisions quickly tofacilitate developmentrather than holding itback.

Bryan CarnesCHIEF EXECUTIVE OF NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Valley plan will attract new jobs‘‘’’ ‘‘’’

Our City p16-17 15/9/11 11:00 Page 1

MEMBERS of thepublic are beingwarned that

violent or abusivebehaviour will not betolerated towards civilenforcement officers – whomake sure the public aresafe by enforcing againstvehicles parkedirresponsibly.

The 22-strong team coversthe whole city, and as well asenforcing parking restrictions,operate a camera car to monitorbus lanes and also remove untaxedvehicles.

Civil Enforcement TeamManager Lucas Ford said: “Mostmembers of the public understand

we have a difficult job to do andbehave in a civil manner. Incidentsof physical and verbal abuse arefortunately few and far between,although they do occur.

“My officers are supported byradios, mobile phones andextensive CCTV coverage aroundthe city and we are glad we get a

fast police response.“The city council will not

tolerate abuse of any sort towardsits employees who are just doingtheir job and legal action is takenwhere necessary.”

The civil enforcement officershave also been trialling a newminiature camera, which is worn

on the uniform, and can be used torecord visual and audio evidence.

Lucas added: “After a successfultrial, we may buy some cameras.Not only can the recordings beused as independent evidence buthave already been shown to deterand prevent abuse in the firstplace.”

Parking officers protected by

hi-tech security


STOKE-on-Trent CityCouncil has exceeded theDecent Homes standardset by the Governmentafter a six-year renovationprogramme involvingthousands of properties.

When work first began,33 per cent of thecouncil’s housing stockwas classed as not decent– a total of 6,900 flats,houses and bungalows inthe city. The workincluded improvingkitchens and bathrooms,replacing front and reardoors in hardwood,replacement roofs andnew heating systems.

In the final year, thecouncil replaced 617kitchens, 603 bathrooms,installed central heatingin 243 properties,over-hauled 109 roofs,replaced 90 chimneys andfitted external doors on391 homes.

SMOKERS are beingurged to join the 8,216people who kicked thehabit in Stoke-on-Trentand Staffordshirebetween April2010 andMarch 2011.

To findout moreabout yourlocal stop smokingservices contact 0800 085 0928 for NHS Stoke on Trent.

City homesmeet highstandard

Quit smoking

TESTING YOUR SMOKE ALARMEVERY WEEK COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE

For advice on home fire safety andto arrange a Home Fire Risk Check Call 0800 0241 999

www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk/pushthebutton

A SIX-WEEK programme of eventsshowcasing Stoke-on-Trent as the home ofthe very best contemporary ceramics startsat the end of the month.

The British Ceramics Biennial, BCB, returnsafter attracting 35,000 visits to the city in2009.

This year’s line-up – from 30 September to13 November – includes exhibitions, events,

drop-in activities, a potter-in-residence and afestival tearoom – The Factory Refectory –offering brunch, lunch and afternoon tea atthe original Spode factory site in Stoke.Major shows will also be exhibited at ThePotteries Museum & Art Gallery and AirSpaceGallery in the city centre.

Barney Hare Duke, Co-Director of BCB,said:“The programme for the BritishCeramics Biennial mixes new talent burstingonto the scene alongside establishedinternational artists, and a thriving ceramicindustry. It is very exciting to be able tolaunch our 2011 programme announcing 40

graduates in the Fresh exhibition and 24leading UK based artists breaking new

ground in the Award show.“We are also delighted to welcome a

number of sponsors from the cityincluding Spode, part of the PortmeirionGroup, Steelite International, EmmaBridgewater, Johnson Tiles and

Staffordshire University.”Everyone can get involved – as visitors,

volunteers, to pick up an early Christmasgift or simply to take afternoon tea.

● For more information visitwww.britishceramicsbiennial.com

Potteries hosts six week spotlight on world’s best ceramics

TRADITIONAL SKILLS: Simon Stamatiou, BCBArtists’ Studio Manager throws a pot.

CONTEMPORARY STYLE:work entitled Blue Multi Loop – a BCBaward nominee by ceramicist MereteRasmussen.

your one stop shopfor retail trainingand recruitment,

supported by the retail

skills academy

opens 29 september 2011

tontine street,

phone number 01782 238492

web thestore.org.uk

Our City p18 15/9/11 11:19 Page 1


CONSTRUCTIONwork has nowstarted on all 18

projects that form thebiggest ever schoolbuilding programme inStoke-on-Trent.

Earlier this month, contractorsmoved onto site at AynsleySpecial School, Thistley HoughHigh School and St MargaretWard Catholic College as part of

the £213 million BuildingSchools for the Future (BSF)programme.

Three new academies –Ormiston Horizon, in Chell,Discovery, in Bentilee, and StPeter’s, on the former SixthForm College site, Fenton – alsoopened in September, using theexisting buildings at JamesBrindley, Mitchell High andEdensor Technology College andSt Peter’s and Berry Hill High

Schools respectively.Environmental improvement

schemes, funded by theDepartment for Education, havebeen carried out at all theseschools to change the look andthe feel of the buildings and allpupils at the new academies havenew uniforms.

Meanwhile demolition worksbegan at the Willfield (DiscoveryAcademy) site and FentonManor (St Peter’s Academy) site,while phase 2 of refurbishmentsbeing carried out at Haywood,Trentham and Birches HeadFoundation Schools also startedin September.

It follows a busy summerduring which classrooms andlearning facilities continued to betransformed throughout the city.

On track to deliver

A ground-breaking ceremonytook place at Ormiston SirStanley Matthews Academy sitein Blurton, while work is alsowell on the way to completion atthe Reach Pupil Referral Unitwhere the new building is due toopen in February 2012.

BSF Project Director TracyPenrose-Gould said: “Whilepupils have been on holidayduring the summer the BSFproject has continued quickly,and to date, we are on track todeliver all 18 school projects byJanuary 2014. All projects are invarious stages of construction.

“The programme is also verymuch committed to generateemployment opportunities forthe local workforce and we have

worked closely with our maincontractors Balfour Beatty andThomas Vale/Wates to ensure thishappens.

“Approximately 50 per cent,£100 million, of the work isgoing to local companies –safeguarding jobs inStoke-on-Trent for theimmediate future.”

Tracy added: “As well as theconstruction work, mostsecondary and special schoolshave now started engagementwith RM, our ICT provider toreceive staff training anddevelopment and to choose newteaching and learningtechnologies and equipmentavailable through the BSFprogramme funding.”

The Co-operative Academyproject, at the former BrownhillsHigh School site in Burslem,demonstrates the commitment tolocal investment.

Stuart Scrimgeour, who isBalfour Beatty’s Project Managerfor the Co-operative Academy,said: “During the constructionworks, the site targeted the use oflocal labour and the local spendhas a high priority.

“To date 54 per cent of theproject money has been spentlocally while the 240 operativesrepresent 48 per cent of theworkforce.”

Meanwhile, contractorsThomas Vale/Wates have to datespent 32 per cent of the projectmoney for Aynsley School onmaterials from local suppliersand the 11 local workers on siterepresent 69 per cent of theworkforce.

SEVEN people were arrested bypolice in the latest OperationNemesis raids in Stoke-on-Trent.

As a result of communityconcerns about suspicious activitytaking place in the area, policecarried out extensive behind-the-scenes work resulting in thearrest day.

Five men and two women werearrested in Normacot, Meir andWeston Coyney.

Detailed searches of nineproperties and five gardens wereconducted by scenes-of-crimesofficers, together with specialistsearch dogs.

Detectives also carried outinquiries at each address andneighbourhood police officersundertook high visibility patrols toreassure residents.

Chief Inspector Peter Hall, policingcommander for Stoke South, said:“This operation has targeted peoplewe believe to be involved in thesupply of Class A drugs in this city.

“Drugs misuse will not betolerated in Stoke-on-Trent andonce again we have acted oninformation received fromconcerned members of the publicabout suspected drug dealing intheir streets.We are committed totaking action against those webelieve are involved in such criminalactivity and the antisocial behaviourwhich comes with it.

“Operation Nemesis is the force’scommitment to tackling major drugdealers and bringing them tojustice. But we cannot continue todo this without the help of ourpartners and members of the public.By working together we willimprove life for the communities we serve.The message to drugdealers is clear and simple: we arenot going away and we will bringyou to justice.”

The operation was captured liveon social media pages (see page 8)and you can watch a video of theraids by visiting www.youtube.com/staffordshirepolice or byscanning the code at the bottom ofthe column with your smartphone.

● Anyone with concerns aboutdrug misuse is asked to contactStaffordshire Police on 0300 12344 55 or Crimestoppersanonymously on 0800 555 111.

Seven arrestedin drive againstdrugs trade

18 new schools‘Class act’construction on

SMOOTH OPERATOR...

Charanjit Singh power floats the

concrete floors as workprogresses at thenew Co-operative

Academy.

CENTRALFEATURE:

A computer-generatedimpression of the

striking forum area atthe new St Peter’s

Academy at theFenton Manor

site.

Our City p19 15/9/11 12:53 Page 1


PREGNANT women on lowincomes and their children arebeing reminded they may qualifyfor free healthy food, milk, infantformula and vitamins.

The package of supportprovided under the HealthyStart initiative aims to improvemums’ and children’s health atthe most crucial stage of theirlives.

The scheme providesfamilies with vouchers whichcan be exchanged for frozenor fresh fruit and vegetables,cow's milk and infant formulaand free vitamins for pregnantwomen, new mums andchildren aged under four.

NHS Stoke on Trent Healthimprovement worker SueMarshall said:“Healthy Startvitamins contain the vitaminswhich are vital for strong bones,healthy growth and the immunesystem.

“The vitamin tablets forwomen also contain folic acidwhich is vitally important beforeand during early pregnancy.”● Anyone wanting to find outmore about the Healthy Startscheme can do so by visitingwww.healthystart.nhs.ukAlternatively they can talk totheir health visitor or midwife.

THOUSANDS of residents usedthe latest social networking sitesto get the latest information frompolice during last month’sdisorder in London, Birmingham,and Manchester.

As a result of a greatcommunity effort there were noincidents of violence inStoke-on-Trent, although policedid receive more calls thannormal from people concernedabout rumours of disorder.

Staffordshire’s Assistant ChiefConstable Nick Baker said: “Therewere lots of visible police patrolson duty throughout the eveningsand officers spent time speakingto our communities.”

Many thousands ofStaffordshire residents are nowreceiving regular updates fromacross the county via socialmedia.

“The sites give updates of whatis happening in communities totackle local issues,” added MrBaker.

● Anyone who wants to keepup-to-date with the very latestnews from Staffordshire Policeshould visit facebook.com/staffordshirepolice or follow@staffspolice on Twitter.

Free fruit andvitamins givehealthy start

Social mediaused for goodin our city

Adetailed look at howtheatres benefit thecity is being carried

out this Autumn as part ofa new programme ofcouncillor reviewslaunched to help improvethe city and services forlocal people.

The theatre review, carried outby a special team of councillors,will look at the existing andfuture role of theatres in the cityin creating a great city to live in.It will include investigating thecultural and economic benefits ofvenues such as the Regent

Theatre, Victoria Hall and thenewly-revamped Mitchell ArtsCentre.

The review – led by CouncillorMatt Wilcox – will also comparethe provision on offer here tothat of other cities of similar size– such as Nottingham and Derby– in looking at the role thattheatres can and could play inthe regeneration of the city andcity centre.

Two other reviews will also becarried out over the next threemonths. One – led by CouncillorJoy Garner – will look atprocurement and test how thecouncil’s multi million pound

purchasing power for buying andcommissioning goods andservices can best be used tosupport local businesses and helpcreate a great working city.

The third review – led byCouncillor Andy Lilley – willlook at how the council canimprove its collection rate ofcouncil tax and support peopleto become more financiallyindependent and leave debtbehind.

John Ross, Overview andScrutiny Manager said:“Councillors choose and carry out the review topics based onpriorities for the city and its

people. Many reviews will seek theviews of relevant people as part ofdeveloping recommendations tothe Cabinet for the future.

“For example, the procurementreview will be giving localbusinesses an opportunity to letthem know how the council cando better business with them.”

The review teams will be activeover the next three months andwill report their findings andrecommendations to Cabinet atpublic meetings in November.

If you would like to knowmore about any of thereviews please contactscrutiny@ stoke.gov.uk

CITYON STAGE...

Mitchell Arts CentreExecutive Officer IanHutchinson watches

rehearsals in theauditorium which was

part of a £4.3mrevamp.

VOLUNTEERS with an interest in theatreand the arts are needed to help out at thenewly refurbished Mitchell Arts Centre.

Re-opened after a £4.3 milliontransformation, the centre has day andevening opportunities for front-of-houseduties on reception and in the box office,for ushers and also for people tovolunteer in the café and behind the bar.

Chief Executive Officer Ian Hutchinsonsaid:“Volunteering at Mitchell Arts Centreis ideal for those with a passion for thearts and who have time to spare, for thosewho want to meet new people, take on

new challenges, learn new skills and bepart of the thriving arts community inStoke-on-Trent.

“We want to encourage people from allbackgrounds to join us. The onlyrequirement is to be enthusiastic, reliable,welcoming and dedicated in making theMitchell Arts Centre great.”

People willing to lend a hand could becontributing to the success of a packedautumn season, which includes If DreamsWere Wishes by Caversmill Drama Societyand RENT the Musical, presented by StageProductions.

Also scheduled is Beauty and The Beastby Rooftop Studios and the Christmaspantomime Sleeping Beauty, which isbeing presented by Christian PaulProductions.

● Information on all events beingstaged at ‘The Mitch’ including, datesand times are on www.mitchellartscentre.co.uk. If you would like to playa volunteering role or would likemore information then please [email protected] or call01782 409307.

Volunteers needed to help out at the refurbished ‘Mitch’

Theatre scrutiny raises curtain on

new line-up of reviews

Our City p20 15/9/11 11:34 Page 1

STOKE-on-Trent’sproud traditions andregeneration will be

promoted to an audience ofmillions when the city takespart in the Lord Mayor ofLondon’s prestigious parade.

The capital’s incoming LordMayor David Wootton invited ourcity to join in as he has a specialsoft spot for The Potteries and hisfather still lives in Burslem.

Plans are underway to make sureStoke-on-Trent makes a big impactduring the three mile parade, whichis broadcast live by the BBC andtakes to the streets of London on12 November.

Lord Mayor Councillor TerryFollows will lead the city’s team onthe day and will be dressed in fullcivic regalia for the parade.

An open top bus will carry flagwaving students from TrenthamHigh School – which is inCouncillor Follows’ ward – and theLord Mayor and Lady Mayoressalong the route from MansionHouse in the City of London to theRoyal Courts of Justice.

They will be joined by thecostumed Anglo-Saxon warriorswho promote the world famousStaffordshire Hoard, and walkingalongside will be characters wearingspecial costumes in the shape ofplates and showcasing the very bestof ceramics produced in the city.

The bus will be decorated withthe Make it Stoke-on-Trent

branding, as well as positive imagesshowing everything that is bestabout the city.

Councillor Follows said appearingin the parade was a tremendousopportunity to show the country,and the world that Stoke-on-Trentmeans business and is a great placeto live, work and enjoy life.

He added that the bus displaywould also promote importantinitiatives like the council’sMandate for Change programme,and its hotline initiative to roll outthe red carpet to support existingbusinesses and attract investment.

He said: “It was a tremendoushonour that London’s Lord MayorDavid Wootton wanted me there torepresent our city as his father camefrom Stoke-on-Trent.

Great working city

“I will be riding on our float inthe procession and it will be a greatopportunity to promote our city.

“We hope the open top bus ideawill be different from the rest of thefloats and really make us stand out.

“The decoration of the vehicle,promotion of our world famousceramics and the happy, smilingfaces of the children from TrenthamHigh will all go to show what avibrant, diverse and friendly placeour city is.

“It will also promote Stoke-on-Trent as a place to do business, andthe council's commitment to helpcreate jobs and secure investment ina great working city.”

Above, an official photographtaken to record Terry Follows’inauguration as Lord Mayor inMay, and right, Terry and LadyMayoress Jacqueline Pearsonattend a civic engagement atTrentham Parish Church.


IT wasn’t the shock result that footy fanJoseph Taft had expected when he turned

on his television to watch two of Europe’stop teams in action.

The pre-season internationalfriendly between AC Milan and

Bayern Munich had reached halftime when a pall of grey smoke

started to billow from the backof Joseph’s bedroom TV.

However the 71-year-oldpensioner was not caughtoffside by the drama offthe pitch.

He kept calm andremembered the adviceof Staffordshire Fire andRescue Service whenthey carried out a free

home fire risk check at the Blurton home ofJoseph and his wife Patricia.

“What they told me just kicked in and Ifollowed their advice,” said Joseph whoswitched off the faulty TV, unplugged it andclosed his bedroom door to help stop thesmoke spreading through the house.

Then Joseph went downstairs, phoned999 and he and Patricia left the house by theback door to wait outside until the arrival offirefighters who carried the still smoking TVout of the house to dispose of it safely.

Joseph, who was watching footballupstairs on an ageing TV set so Patriciacould enjoy her favourite soap downstairs,said:“During the home visit two years agothe fire officer fitted an additional smokealarm and advised us on an exit route in theevent of a fire.

“Fortunately the TV did not burst intoflames, but the smoke was thick and chokingand I remembered being told that smokeinhalation can often be more dangerousthan fire. I just followed the advice I hadbeen given when the fire officer checked ourhouse. There was no damage but it took along time to get rid of the smell of smoke.”

He added:“It could have been a lot worseand I’ll always be thankful I asked the fireservice to carry out a safety check.”

Station Manager Mick Daniels said:“Thanks to the advice given to Mr Taftduring our visit he knew exactly what to doin order to ensure the safety of him and hiswife and we had also made sure the couple’shome had working smoke alarms.”● To book a free Home Fire Risk Checkphone 0800 0241 999.

Millions to watch our city’s

Joseph and Patricia Taft used advice given during a free homefire safety check to escape a fire at their house in Blurton.

Safety advice helps couple escape TV fire

People are the real stars of busy first few monthsSINCE his inauguration as Lord Mayor in May CouncillorTerry Follows has been soaked in gunge, sung karaoke toshoppers and even been asked if he has a lie detector... aswell as meeting hundreds of members of the city’s public.

The veteran councillor, who represents the Hanford andTrentham Ward, is lapping up his civic duties and is all setfor even more as his year in office progresses.

Sadly his wife Christine, a councillor for the Meir Park and Sandon Ward, died from cancer in 2009, a

personal tragedy which prompted Terry to choose the DotGriffiths Cancer Appeal, a local charity, as the chosencharity. During his term as Lord Mayor, Terry is beingsupported by his Lady Mayoress Jacqueline Pearson, whois a close friend.

He said:“I’ve really enjoyed the job so far. I’ve metcelebrities like the Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff, butthe real celebrities have been the people – such as thespecial needs children I met at the Special Olympics.”

Our City p21 15/9/11 11:55 Page 1


NEW-style adult learning courses designed to giveStoke-on-Trent people the skills to help them find jobsand make money are being offered through the citycouncil. Funded by the National Institute of AdultContinuing Education (NIACE), the free courses inceramics and photography are being delivered byprofessionals in their field.

Mark Meredith, Cabinet Member for EconomicDevelopment, said: “These are uniquestand-alone courses, funded by NIACE, whichare being delivered with Burslem School of Artand renowned, locally based film maker ChrisStone.The courses are a new and exciting wayof giving people the skills to help them intowork and they’re entirely free.”

The eight-week Great Wall ofStoke-on-Trent China programme involvestraining by some of the best potters, artistsand tutors in the city. Those taking part willbe taught how to make saleable pots,photography for selling and how to sell onEbay. The 10-week Stories Without Wordsproject will help people develop skills intaking, editing and exhibiting professionalstandard photographs.● For more information and to register onthe ceramics course, call Leva Alksne on01782 810808 or visitwww.greatwallstoke.com To find out more about thephotography project [email protected] or phone 01782234775.

THREE learner forums are being staged acrossStoke-on-Trent as the Adult and Community LearningService encourages feedback to help it shape futureprovision of courses.

The first takes place on Thursday, 6 October from6.30-8pm at Meir Community Education Centre.

The next is being staged at Tunstall Library onWednesday, 12 October between 2–3.30pm whilst thefinal one happens between 10-11.30am at the HanleyCommunity Fire Station on Monday, 10 October.

● To reserve a place at one of the sessions,please call Tracey Clarke on 01782 234775.

Adult learners pickup the skills theyneed to find work

Learner forums help shapefuture course programmes

For information on dozens ofadult learning coursesavailable at community venuesthroughout Stoke-on-Trentplease turn to pages 30 and 31.

Art and Events Manager at Burslem School of ArtLeva Alksne who is helping deliver “makingsessions” for the ceramic course.

THE city is blazing a trailnationally when it comesto ensuring children start

life with the best possiblecommunication skills.

Through a multi-agency projectcalled Stoke Speaks Out, youngstersand their families are provided withspecialist support to encourage anddevelop speech and languages skillsfrom an early age.

Project specialists have also trainedmore than 4,000 people who haveprofessional contact with children,such as teachers, psychologists andnursery staff as well as officers fromStaffordshire Police and StaffordshireFire and Rescue Service.

The project also runs a Communicatewith Confidence awards scheme givingorganisation certificates marking theirsuccesses.

It has long been recognised thatchildren who start school with speech,language and communicationdifficulties will be disadvantaged both

socially and emotionally. And the latestfigures show that one in 10 children inthe UK (approximately one million)have a speech or language difficulty.

In Stoke-on-Trent a pioneeringapproach to developing language skillshas been paying dividends. When theproject was launched seven years ago,it was found that 64 per cent of threeyear olds had a language delay. By2010 this figure had dropped to 39 percent – and is still falling.

Confident with languageJanet Cooper from Stoke Speaks

Out said: “Communication skills areessential throughout life anddeveloping them and being confidentwith language at an early age isabsolutely essential.

“Good speech skills will help a childget the most out of education and willalso stand them in very good stead forlater life. For instance job interviewsare all about communicating.”

Janet, who is on the NationalSteering Group for developing child

communication, said: “In the city wehave been leading the way on this kindof work and many local authoritiescome to us for advice on best practiceand to study the kind of techniques weemploy. At the heart of what we do isthe motto ‘communication iseveryone’s business’.

“It means that everyone who lives orworks with children is responsible forencouraging them to develop theirspeech and language skills.”

Two events organised by theStoke Speaks Out team to tie in withnational campaigns are taking place on28 September.

Firstly, a nursery rhyme-themedevent aimed at pre-school children andalso a promoting communicationsevent to tie in with National No PensDays. Both events will be held atlocations around the city centre.

For more information about StokeSpeaks Out and the upcomingevents log onto their websitewww.stokespeaksout.org

Good communicationis

Pre-SchoolRoom Leader

Charlotte Whiteheadreads with four-year-old

Lucy Jean Hammond at theEarly Days Nursery, Park

Hall, which is taking part inthe Communicate with

Confidence awardsscheme.

Our City p22 15/9/11 09:15 Page 1


DOZENS of projectsand organisationshave benefited from

the work of offenders under the CommunityPayback Scheme.

Teams of people of all ages, whohave been ordered by the courts toserve community hours as part oftheir sentence, carry out a widevariety of manual labour tasks,including sprucing up city parks,restoring church halls and workingwith charity organisations.

The participants – who weardistinctive orange vests so they areeasily identifiable – work in teamsof eight, usually with onesupervisor.

Recent projects they have workedon in Stoke-on-Trent includerestoring church halls and churchgrounds in Middleport andBlurton, transformation work inTunstall Park, work withorganisations including theDouglas MacmillanHospice, the NorthStaffordshire CaribbeanAssociation in Hanley,gardeners at the Hartshillallotments and the DisabledAnglers Association inAbbey Hulton.

After clearing the five-acresite, they put up duckhouses made in the HanleyCommunity Paybackworkshop.

Community Payback hasbeen a big success amongboth offenders andorganisations which havebenefited from the work.

A survey carried out bythe Staffordshire and West

Midlands Probation Trust foundthat 98 per cent of the nearly 300people or organisations inStaffordshire who had projectsworked on by offenders sentencedto Community Payback had a‘good experience’.

Neil Keeling, Deputy UnitManager at the Hanley CommunityPayback Unit, said: “There hasbeen a great deal of positivefeedback for the scheme and the

work that is being done is alwaysuseful to the community.

“From the offenders point ofview we are equipping them withskills that will be useful for thefuture and providing them withwork experience which will helpthem find a job.

“The days are structured so theyget used to working to deadlinesand timetables and there is aneducational aspect to the scheme

because we link in with the localcolleges.

“In short, the CommunityPayback Scheme is not only aboutpunishing people but reducing therisk of them re-offending.”

● Any organisation or project co-ordinator that thinks they couldbenefit from working with theCommunity Payback scheme cancall Neil on 01782 213324.

THE Adult Community Drug Service isrunning a series of groundbreaking peersupport sessions to help users overcometheir drug use.

The informal hour-long meetings,which take place every Friday afternoon,revolve around service users discussingtheir recovery and what resources theyneed to help them become drug free.

Each session starts with an opendiscussion about how everyone’s weekhas gone. At the end they make a goal forthe week ahead.

CRI Project Manager Debbie Arnoldsaid:“We have been running the sessionsfor more than two months now. At onepoint we had five people attending andtwo became drug free, with onesubsequently finding a job.”

● For more information about thesessions which take place at CRICommunity Service building on HopeStreet, Hanley, call 01782 219777.

PEOPLE facing ordersbanning them fromspecified areas, becauseof alcohol relatedincidents, are beingoffered the opportunityto attend an alcoholawareness course.

The Safer CityPartnership has workedwith the Business CrimeInitiative, StaffordshirePolice and thecommunity alcoholservice, Adsis and arenow able to offer analternative to thosefacing a 12 month banfrom licensed premises.

Previously, the bancame into force whenmembers of the publicreceived a second Section27 (direction to leave)notice. Using the newinitiative, people will begiven an option to avoidthe ban by attending analcohol awarenessprogramme at Adsis.

Safer City PartnershipAlcohol Programme Lead,Suzie Kelly said:“Wecurrently have 100 repeatSection 27 offendersevery year.

“By choosing to takepart in the sessions wehope they will gain abetter understanding ofthe negative impactalcohol has had on theirbehaviour and what theycan do prevent it fromhappening again. Adsiscan also identify thosepeople who are at higherrisk of alcohol-relatedharm and, wherenecessary, refer them onfor further support.”

It is hoped thatGovernment legislationwill change later this yearto enable the scheme alsoto be offered as analternative to people whohave been served with an£80 penalty notice foralcohol-related disorder.

Suzie added:“Thisscheme has beendeveloped to help changethe behaviour of peopleat risk of committingalcohol-related crime anddisorder and to improvethe experience of peopleaccessing our nightlifeeconomy.”

Tacklingnighttimenuisance

Sessions help drug-users become drug-free

For more informationfrom the Safer CityPartnership turn topage 24.

Community

Payback Supervisor

Alan White oversees

work being carried out

by Dan Heath, 22, at St

Paul’s Church in

Blurton.

Project manager Debbie Arnold running the Peer Support StimulantGroup at the Adult Community Drug Service.

payback schemesThousands benefit from offender

Our City p23 15/9/11 09:29 Page 1


The Safer City Partnership is responsible for creating a safer, stronger and healthier

city by reducing crime, disorder, substance misuse and associated problems.

Please help us to prioritise future work by completing this survey.

1. How safe do you currently feel living

in your neighbourhood?

Please tell us

your post code:

__________________

Day Night

■■ Very safe ■■ Very safe

■■ Safe ■■ Safe

■■ Unsafe ■■ Unsafe

■■ Very unsafe ■■ Very unsafe

2. How does this compare with six

months ago?■■ Much safer ■■ Much safer

■■ Safer ■■ Safer

■■ Same ■■ Same

■■ Less safe ■■ Less safe

3. Do you have any community safety concerns about

your neighbourhood?

If yes, please tick the items that concern you most (maximum of three)

■■ Yes ■■ No

Please tell us your age ■■

Crime and Disorder

■■ A) Distraction burglaries/

bogus officials

■■ B) Home burglary

■■ C) Domestic abuse

■■ D) Sexual violence

■■ E) Racist and other hate crime

■■ F) Violence

■■ G) Street robbery (mugging)

■■ F) Theft of or from vehicles

■■ I) Sex workers or kerb crawling

Drugs and Alcohol

■■ J) Alcohol misuse

■■ K) Drink or drug driving

■■ L) Discarded needles

■■ M) People using drugs

■■ N) People dealing drugs

■■ O) Underage drinking or buying

alcohol for underage drinkers

■■ P) Alcohol-related violence/

street drinking

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

ASB and Environmental

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

ASB and Environmental

■■ Q) Criminal damage

(including vandalism, graffiti and

causing deliberate damage to cars

or property)

■■ R) Dog fouling

■■ S) Fly tipping

■■ T) Individuals/Groups of people

causing nuisance in the street

■■ U) Litter or rubbish

■■ V) Nuisance vehicles

■■ W) People starting fires

deliberately (arson)

■■ X) Nuisance and noisy

neighbours

4. Thinking outside of your

neighbourhood, in areas of the city

you visit, do you feel?

If you feel unsafe/very unsafe in any area please tell us where.e.g. town centres, parks, entertainment venues etc.

.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Day Night

■■ Very safe ■■ Very safe

■■ Safe ■■ Safe

■■ Unsafe ■■ Unsafe

■■ Very unsafe ■■ Very unsafe

How safe do you feel in the city?

Please return to FREEPOST OUR CITY by Friday 7 October 2011

✃

TEENAGERSwho got intotrouble after

spraying a parkbuilding with graffitihave learned the errorof their ways througha restorative justicescheme.

The eight boys, all aged15 or under, worked withSafer City PartnershipOfficers to carry out clean-up work in Burslem Park.

Armed with brushes andgardening tools the eightyouths spent a daygardening, litter pickingand generally maintainingthe site.

They also discussed thegraffiti incident with parkkeeper Gary Bickerton andlearned how much workgoes into keeping the parkneat and tidy for the public.

Afterwards, all the boys

were invited to join theJunior Park Ranger Schemewhich encourages youngpeople to take responsibilityfor their local area.

Safer City PartnershipOfficer Jennie Lawson, whoaccompanied them, said:“The day worked out verywell. The boys were veryenthusiastic and learned alot about maintaining thepark as well as theconsequences of theiractions and how much itcosts to remove graffiti.

“They were proud withthe work they had done onthe day and developed goodlinks with the park keeper.Many of them also saidthey would enrol on theJunior Park RangerScheme, which is also veryencouraging and helpsthem to take extraresponsibility in theircommunity.”

clean-up

Youngsters makeamends in park

AshleyScaife, 10,

litterpicking at theskateboarding area in

Burslem Park with SaferCity Partnership Officer

Jennie Lawson andpark keeper Gary

Bickerton.

THE Safer CityPartnership has fundedthe appointment of anAlcohol Liaison Nurseat the area’s biggesthospital.

The specialist willsupport medical staff atthe University Hospitalof North Staffordshireby helping to screenpatients for alcohol-misuse or to advise onpatients admitted withalcohol-relatedconditions.

The nurse will alsohelp patients who needpost hospital treatmentfor their condition,including arrangingcommunitydetoxification.

More than 5,000patients are admittedto the hospital eachyear with alcohol-related problems orconditions.

Alcoholservice athospital

Our City p24 15/9/11 12:37 Page 1


MORE Stoke-on-Trentfamilies are beingurged to consider

adopting a child.About 50 children in the city

need families each year – many arebrothers and sisters – so thecouncil is particularly looking forpeople open to adopting siblingsaged two to six and above.

The council’s Principal AdoptionManager, Lyn Bugarski, said: “Thechildren all need safe, secure,loving homes.

“They also need families whocan understand the extra help andsupport they are going to needbecause of their early experiences.

“We help prepare people for thisas they go through the assessmentand preparation process and thenwe offer support and advice at thematching stage and through toadoption and beyond.”

Carol Collins, 64, and her69-year-old husband Derek havefour grown-up children – two ofthem are adopted. Clare, whoarrived as a six-month old baby, isnow 33 and Jamie, now 29, wasadopted when he was 11.

Dual heritage“Our birth children, Sonia and

Gavin, were five and three when wefirst decided we wanted to extendour family.

“We felt we were in a position tooffer other children a chance, so wefostered and then adopted,” saidCarol.

“We made a real effort to reflectClare’s dual heritage and madesure she was able to havefriendships in the Afro-Caribbeancommunity, which was enrichingfor all of us. It took a bit more timebefore Jamie felt secure. He wasclose to his Caribbean granddadbut he did settle down.

“All four children now seethemselves as part of the samefamily so we’re reallypleased we all have

such close relationships. BothDerek and I would like to thinkpeople will follow in our footstepsand adopt. It’s such a rewardingexperience.”

Clare, who graduated with adegree in Community Arts in2000, now works as a careco-ordinator near Derby but isliving at home while she buys anew house. Jamie lives at home andworks as a self-employed kitchenfitter. He loves DJing and has just

returned from Ibiza after a coupleof months behind the decks.

Clare said: “I was given theopportunity to do what I wantedwith my life and I grew up feelingthat I wasn’t any different toanyone else.

“My friends knew I was adoptedbut they didn’t hold it against me!My mum and dad are brilliant,amazing people, Icouldn’t wish foranyone better.”

If you are interested andwant to know more aboutadoption, call the adoptionduty line on 01782 235020,email [email protected] or visit thecouncil’s web pagestoke.gov.uk/adoption.The council provides aninformation pack and alsoholds information meetingsevery two months.

HOWARD and Karenadopted two childrenthrough the council –a brother and sisteraged four and six.

Karen said: “We’dbeen trying forchildren butunsuccessfully and,after doing someresearch, decidedadoption was for us sowe contacted thecouncil.

“The support fromour social worker hasbeen amazing and wewere kept informedevery step of the way.

“When the panelapproved us we bothcame out and cried. Wewere ecstatic when wewere told.

“It’s something we’ddreamt of and for it tocome true aftereveryone’s hard workwas fantastic. It wasamazing when ourchildren finally cameto live with us. Theysaid ‘it’s our new mumand dad’ and we cried.Our lives are nowcomplete.

“It’s like we’ve allknown each otherforever and ourchildren have settledin very, very well. We’recompletely familyorientated now. I’d sayto anyone thinkingabout adopting, justgo for it. It’s the mostamazingly rewardingthing you can do.”

Parentspraisesocialworker’s‘amazing’support

Close-knit happy family shows

benefits of adoption

CLOSEFAMILY...

Derek and CarolCollins with theiradopted children

Clare andJamie.

NEWLY formed Chell HeathRangers are champions ineverything but name as theyprove community spirit countsfor a lot.

Friends who enjoyed a kickabout turned to Jim Gibson,chairman of Chell HeathResidents’ Association, last yearand he soon organised theminto a promotion-winning outfitwho now play in the CoorsSunday League, Division Three.

Jim, who now manages thesquad of about 25, said:

“They’re a great bunch of ladswho represent Chell Heath well.They’re willing to work for eachother and for them it really is allabout the team.”

The side, newly kitted outthanks to funding from PartnersAssuring a Safer Staffordshire(PASS), are targeting promotionagain this year.

Let us know if yourResidents’ Association has a story to tell. [email protected]

Community spirit helpsnewly-formed team to

promotion in first season

Chell HeathResidents’

Association ChairmanJim Gibson with one of

the soccer shirtssponsored by Partners

Assuring a SaferStaffordshire.

Our City p25 15/9/11 10:11 Page 1

Monday

17Hanley FireStationHANLEYST1 3RP3.30pm-7pm

Wednesday

19ArchResourceCentreHANLEYST1 3LL6pm-8.30pm

Thursday

20City CentralLibrary HANLEYST1 3RSNoon-3pm

th th thOctober October October Donna,

Our City p26-27 15/9/11 10:15 Page 1

FIRE safety officers are warningof the dangers of fireworks in abid to prevent bonfire night

accidents... or even tragedies.An astonishing checklist of firework facts

highlights how hot a sparkler burns, howfast a rocket is propelled and how far afirework shell can actually travel.

The statistics might come as a shock forconcerned parents, and mums and dadsacross the area are being urged to warn

their children of the dangers of playing withfireworks.

Firefighters and Staffordshire Fire andRescue Risk Reduction Officers will bedoing the rounds to dozens of schoolsacross the city in the run up to the big nightto deliver the bonfire night safety messages.

And in the run up to 5 November officersout and about will be alerting bonfireorganisers if they see any risks. As usual, thebest advice is to leave the organisation tosomeone else and go to a properly-run

display, where the public’s safety is ofparamount importance.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue RiskReduction Manager David Steele said: “Wewant everyone to enjoy Bonfire Night butwe urge people to stay safe by following thefirework code and attending displays whichare well organised.

“Children for example should always besupervised when using sparklers and theyshould never be given to children under theage of five.”


RESIDENTS of Stoke-on-Trentshould make sure they areentitled to vote – by taking partin the annual canvass forinclusion on the electoralregister.

It is a legal requirement toregister by using the formcurrently being delivered byRoyal Mail.

The register will run from 1December 2011 to 30 November2012.

Residents not on the electoralregister will find that they are barredfrom voting at local and national electionsand may also have problems obtaining amortgage or credit, opening bank accounts orobtaining goods or services that require a creditcheck.

If details of everyone in the household have notchanged, householders can simply register by

Freephone, internet or text (SMS) –details are on the form. When

changes need to be made – forexample, new owners ortenants, changes of name,additional electors or removalof electors – the form needs tobe completed, signed andreturned.

Reminders will be sent toproperties which have not

responded around the end ofSeptember, then households which

have still failed to respond willreceive personal visits during October

and November.Paul Hackney, the city council’s Assistant

Director (Legal Services) who is also the ElectoralRegistration Officer, said:“This has to be done bylaw, but is very costly, so we would urgehouseholders to respond to the initial forms assoon as possible in order to save public money.”

Firework safetywarning aimsto prevent

bonfiretragedies

History society pays tribute toAmerican Civil War soldierHISTORY buffs visited a citycemetery to pay tribute toa Stoke-on-Trent man whofought in the AmericanCivil War.

They took time out froma weekend event at theEtruria Industrial Museumto honour John Livesey, theson of a local potterymanufacturer, who signedup to fight for the Union inthe 6th Regiment, New YorkCavalry during a trip toAmerica in 1864.

A plaque of remembranceto John Livesey is in HanleyCemetery.

He was admitted tohospital later that year withgunshot wounds, resulting

in an arm and a leg beingamputated. He returnedhome but died in 1867.

Councillor MarkMeredith, Cabinet Memberfor EconomicDevelopment, said: “Thiscity has an incrediblydiverse history but to havelinks with the AmericanCivil War is somethingwhich many people livinghere will not know or evenhave considered apossibility.”

During the weekend theAmerican Civil War Societystaged battle re-enactmentsand showed what every daylife was like for soldiers inthe conflict.

■ A sparkler reaches a temperatureof up to 2,000 degrees Celsius –that’s 20 times the boiling point of water.

■ Sparklers get five times hotter thancooking oil.

■ A rocket can reach 150 miles an hour.

■ A firework shell can go as high as200 metres.

■ The most common injuries fromfireworks and bonfires are to handsfollowed by eyes and faces.

■ Fireworks are safer now thanks tothe safety standard BS7114 – youshould never buy or use a fireworkthat does not show on the labelthat it complies with this standard.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Servicehave also issued advice that parentscan pass onto their children. Theyare:

■ Never give sparklers to someoneunder the age of five.

■ Fireworks will scare pets so keepthem safely indoors.

■ If you are given a sparkler,always wear gloves and hold it at arm’s length.

■ Only adults should handle andlight fireworks.

■ When a sparkler goes out DON’TTOUCH IT – it could still burn you so put it in a bucket of water hotend down.

■ Never go near a firework when ithas been lit – even if it hasn’t goneoff it could still explode.

■ When you are watching fireworksalways stand well back.

■ Remember – you have to be 18years old before you are allowed tobuy fireworks in the shops.

■ Never play with fireworks – theyare dangerous and can hurt you.

FIREWORKFACTFILE

Firefightershope their

warnings will leadto everyone enjoying a

safe bonfire night... withno need for them toattend dangerous,

badly organisedfires.

Register for much more than voting

Our City p26-27 15/9/11 12:22 Page 2


Fire & Rescue contact numbers EMERGENCY RESPONSE MANAGERWayne Bowcock01785 898894

PREVENTION AND PROTECTIONMANAGERRebecca Bryant01785 898542

RISK REDUCTION MANAGERMick Daniels01785 898927

HANLEY & BURSLEM STATIONMANAGERIan Read01785 898591

LONGTON STATION MANAGERAndy Leedham01785 898765

SANDYFORD STATION MANAGERGlynn Luznyj01785 898693

HANLEY NEIGHBOURHOOD CO-ORDINATORMick Warrilow

01785 898902

LONGTON NEIGHBOURHOOD CO-ORDINATORTracey Cresswell

01785 898951

SANDYFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD CO-ORDINATORPete Hall

01785 898886

RISK REDUCTION CO-ORDINATORRehana Iqbal

01785 898891

SAFER CITY PARTNERSHIPOFFICERDonna Broadhead

01785 898904

To book your home fire risk check ring: 0800 0241 999

IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 999 ANDASK FOR THE FIRE SERVICE

THE public are being asked tohave their say on the future ofmental health services inNorth Staffordshire.

A consultation exercise hasbeen launched to find outwhat people think about NHSproposals to close100-year-old BucknallHospital and transfer itsservices to the HarplandsHospital at Hartshill.

Community teams wouldmake sure older peoplefeeling mentally oremotionally unwell aresupported in their ownhomes, and rehabilitation carewould be provided in moreappropriate communitysettings.

Fiona Myers, Chief Executiveof North StaffordshireCombined Healthcare, said:“We have talked to peoplewho use, support, deliver andfund our services and thisconsultation is an opportunityfor everyone to have their say.

“The proposed changes willgive people care closer tohome and reduce the lengthof hospital stays, both ofwhich we know are beneficialto our patients.”

The consultation runs until28 October. A full copy of thedocument can be found atwww.combined.nhs.uk or bycalling the CommunicationsTeam on freephone 08000328 728.

Responses to the sevenquestions posed in thedocument can be emailed [email protected] or posted to FREEPOST MID254483,Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 6BR.

Public set tohave a say onmental health

ANJII Brown has won a top award for the way she helps

people with advice abouttheir housing and counciltax benefit entitlement,assesses claims and other issues.

The Benefits Assessor at thecity council’s Housing andCouncil Tax Benefits one stopshop in Stoke town centrecollected a prestigious prize in

the 2011 UK CustomerExperience Awards.

Anjii won the General sectionof the Customer ExperienceProfessional of the Year category,beating off stiff competition fromother finalists representing bigname organisations such asNatWest Bank, Legal & GeneralInsurance and QinetiQ.

After a 15 minute presentationby members of her team, Anjiifaced a 15 minute question andanswer session in front of a panelof five judges during the awardsheld in London at the SofitelHotel, Heathrow.

She was presented with a glasstrophy by M People singing starHeather Small during a galalunch at the venue.

Anjii, said: “I had no idea thatI was being nominated and I’mabsolutely thrilled to receive the

award. I really enjoy my jobbecause I love dealing withpeople and it’s really rewardingto know you have been able tohelp someone.”

Anjii, who is based at StokeLibrary, has worked for the citycouncil’s housing and taxbenefits office for 14 years.

She said: “Because of therecession a lot of people havefound themselves without a joband come to us. A lot of the timepeople just need our help as theydon’t know what they areentitled to or how to get it.”

Now she is in line for a secondhonour this year. Anjii has beenshortlisted for one of thecategories in the national WOWAwards – which acknowledgeworkers who display excellentcustomer service – which will beheld in October.

Benefits assessor Anjii named UK’s

professional of the year

Benefits assessor Anjii Brown

pictured outside the Stoke Local

Centre with the national award

which recognises her work.

ABBEY HULTON (Main) 0300 123 0976Children and Adolescents 0300 123 0987Mental Health Service

BENTILEE 01782 425900

BLURTON (Main) 0300 123 0971Children and Adolescents 0300 123 0977Mental Health Service

BURSLEM 0300 123 0979

FENTON 0300 123 0875

HANFORD (Main) 0300 123 0974Children’s Airway 0300 123 0988Support Team

HANLEY 0300 123 0980

LONGTON 0300 123 0993

LONGTON COTTAGE 0300 123 0975HOSPITAL

MEIR 0300 123 1452

NORTON 0300 123 1454

PACKMOOR 0300 123 0874

PICCADILLY CENTRE (Main) 0300 123 0985Sexual health helpline 0300 123 0970

SMALLTHORNE 0300 123 0982

STOKE 0300 123 0986Out of Hours District 0300 123 0989Nursing Service

TRENT VALE 0300 123 0876

TUNSTALL (Main) 0300 123 0972Dental Advice Line 0300 123 0981

WHITFIELD VALLEY 0300 123 1453

For more information andadvice on health issues pleasecall NHS Direct – 24 hrs a day

0845 46 47or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or www.nhs.uk

YOUR HEALTH CENTRES

For all city council services

contact 234234

CONGRATULATIONS arealso due to EnvironmentalHealth Officer Kerri Fordwho has won the RichardBooth Best CandidateAward for the highestachievement in theNEBOSH Diploma inOccupational Health andSafety (Unit B).

The Best CandidateAward recognises theachievements of the topperforming candidates inthe national certificate anddiploma qualifications.

Accolade forbest candidate

Our City p28 15/9/11 12:26 Page 1


YourCouncillors

Abbey Hulton and Townsend

GWEN HASSALL(Labour)(01782) 26316607557 [email protected]

ADRIAN KNAPPER(Labour) 07714 [email protected]

Bentilee and Ubberley

SHEILA PITT(Labour)07957 [email protected]

ALISON WEDGWOOD(Labour)07968 [email protected]

Hanford and Trentham

TERENCE FOLLOWS(City Independents) (01782) 31812707944 [email protected]

PETER HAYWARD(City Independents) (01782) 64405207920 [email protected]

Great Chell and Packmoor

JANINE BRIDGES(Labour)(01782) 85184207989 385631/07717 [email protected]

ANN JAMES(City Independents) (01782) [email protected]

Baddeley, Milton and Norton

JACK BRERETON(Conservative)07855 [email protected]

ANDREW LILLEY(Labour)07717 [email protected]

DUNCAN WALKER(Labour)(01782) 91242207748 [email protected]

Birches Head and Central Forest Park

PAUL BREEZE(Unaffiliated)(01782) [email protected]

MARK MEREDITH(Labour)07717 [email protected]

Blurton East

GLENYS WARD(City Independents) (01782) 31267007922 [email protected]

Blurton West and Newstead

NEIL DAY(Labour)(01782) 59884407796 [email protected]

Bradeley and Chell Heath

GURMEET SINGHKALLAR(Labour)07900 [email protected]

Burslem Park

JOY GARNER (Labour)(01782) 768846 07986 [email protected]

Dresden and Florence

SHAZAD HUSSAIN(Labour)07899 [email protected]

Broadway and Longton East

TOM REYNOLDS(Labour)07850 [email protected]

Burslem Central

ALAN DUTTON(Labour)(01782) 82405107982 [email protected]

Boothen and Oakhill

ANDY PLATTLabour07919 [email protected]

Fenton West and Mount Pleasant

KAREN CLARKE(Labour)07917 [email protected]

Ford Green and Smallthorne

MATT WILCOX(Labour)07810 [email protected]

Etruria and Hanley

MAJID KHAN(Labour)07989 [email protected]

Fenton East

PAUL SHOTTON(Labour)(01782) 434445paul.shotton@ stoke.gov.uk

Eaton Park

TERRY CROWE(Labour)(01782) 26942207818 [email protected]

Joiner’s Square

ALASTAIR WATSON(Labour)07736 [email protected]

Lightwood North and Normacot

BAGH ALI(Labour)(01782) 34324607973 [email protected]

Hartshill and Basford

SHAUN PENDER(Labour)(01782) 63210407920 [email protected]

Hollybush and Longton West

KATH BANKS(Labour)(01782) 39975907790 [email protected]

Hanley Park and Shelton

AMJID WAZIR(Labour)07747 [email protected]

Meir Park

ABI BROWN(Conservative)07793 [email protected]

Meir South

DEBBIE WHEELDON(Labour)(01782) 59504307870 [email protected]

Meir Hay

MUHAMMAD AUMIR(Labour)07413 [email protected]

Meir North

RUTH ROSENAU(Labour)(01782) 50194007870 [email protected]

Little Chell and Stanfield

DAVID CONWAY (City Independents) (01782) [email protected]

Sneyd Green

DEBRA GRATTON (Labour)07748 [email protected]

Springfields and Trent Vale

SARAH HILL(Labour)(01782) 84504407584 [email protected]

Penkhull and Stoke

RANDOLPH CONTEH(City Independents) (01782) 25686907920 [email protected]

Sandford Hill

OLWEN HAMER(Labour)07717 [email protected]

Moorcroft

MOHAMMEDPERVEZ(Labour)(01782) 23246807919 [email protected]

Weston Coyney

MATTHEW FRY(Labour)07826 [email protected]

Tunstall

LEE WANGER(City Independents) 07971 [email protected]

Goldenhill and Sandyford

MARTIN GARNER(Labour)(01782) 76884607759 [email protected]

Information on city councillors was correct at the time of going to press.

For more information on your councillors go to stoke.gov.uk/councillors

FORTHCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS AT THE CIVIC CENTRE, STOKE:

● The next Cabinet meeting is scheduled for 29 September at 5.30pm.

● Full city council meetings 20 October and 8 December (times to be confirmed).

Our City p29 15/9/11 10:36 Page 1


Adult LearningON the next two pages you will findinformation about lots of courses foradults aged 19 or over to help you gainnew skills, knowledge and confidence –all in a fun, friendly and informal way.

Adult and Community Learning alsooffers a range of Family Learningworkshops and courses.

We have funding available forvoluntary and community sector groupsto deliver their own courses.

For information about joining a class, orfor more details about a particular course,please call 01782 234775.

Course FeesMANY of our courses are free of charge.Where fees apply course charges are£2.70 per hour with a £6 administrationfee also payable.

This £6 is paid on your first courseenrolment but covers you for as manycourses as you want to do until July 2012.

Payment is by cash or cheque; pleasenote cheques should be supported by acheque guarantee card.

Fee ConcessionsWE want our courses to be as accessibleas possible and try to keep costs to aminimum at all times.

You will be entitled to a reduced fee ifyou are in receipt of Income Based JobSeekers Allowance.

Please bring proof of benefit whenenrolling.

Please note: non-UK residents have aslightly higher rate of charges. Adult andCommunity Learning reserve the right tochange the fee policy.

Information Adviceand Guidance

IF you would like to talk to someoneabout starting a course or receiveinformation about the content of any ofour courses please contact ourEngagement Team on 01782 234775 [email protected]

Our staff are qualified advisers who willbe happy to give you information aboutour courses and can also signpost you toother providers.

Please visit our website stoke.gov.uk/adultlearning for up-to-date courselistings.

Skills for Life andLearner Support

WE aim to offer an inclusive service to allof our learners.

If you are concerned about your literacyor numeracy skills or have a disabilitywhich you feel may affect your learningwith us please contact our Skills for LifeCoordinator on 01782 236461 or [email protected]

We want you to get the most out ofyour learning opportunities with us andwill endeavour to support you eitherthrough our Learning Support Officers orthrough assistive technology.

Every effort has been made to ensurethe accuracy of this information. TheAdult Learning Service reserves theright to change any fee, course orservice described.

▲▲

▲▲

Personal Development/Getting into work1

Active listening

Learners will learn more effective communication skills toenable them to engage.

HCL Fri 10:00-13:00 1 Wk (16/9/11-16/9/11) FREE (£6)

Mental health awareness

Learners will understand mental health, increasing awarenessof the various types of mental distress and their treatment.

HBC Thur 13:00-15:00 3 Wks (29/9/11-13/10/11) FREE (£6)

Stress management

Learners will understand the causes and consequences of stressand be able to employ techniques to manage stress.

HBC Thur 13:00-15:00 3 Wks (3/11/11-17/11/11) FREE (£6)

Languages4Digame – beginners Spanish

A basic introduction to the Spanish language - coveringgreetings, names, numbers etc.

HCL Wed 13:00-15:00 5 Wks (14/9/11-12/10/11) FREE (£6)

NPH Mon 09:30-11:30 5 Wks (19/9/11-17/10/11) FREE (£6)

English in the community

Learners will develop English conversation and comprehensionskills including culture, leisure, education and community.

CCC Thur 10:00-12:00 5 Wks (15/9/11-13/10/11) FREE (£6)

HCC Wed 12:30-14:30 5 Wks (21/9/11-19/10/11) FREE (£6)

TL Tue 09:30-11:30 5 Wks (13/9/11-11/10/11) FREE (£6)

Spanish conversation

Learners will develop existing knowledge to be able to conversefluently on a range of topics.

DC Mon 18:30-20:30 30 Wks (5/9/11-30/4/12) £162 (£6)

DC Thur 18:30-20:30 30 Wks (8/9/11-10/5/12) £162 (£6)

Everyday English

Learners will become confident and competent in using basicEnglish in home, transport, shopping and health situations.

TL Tue 13:00-15:00 5 Wks (13/9/11-11/10/11) FREE (£6)

Everyday British Sign Language

Learners will acquire the basics of British Sign Language to beable to greet and hold a simple conversation with a BSL user.

TY Wed 10:30-12:30 5 Wks (21/9/11-19/10/11) FREE (£6)

TL Mon 09:30-11:30 5 Wks (12/9/11-10/10/11) FREE (£6)

Lifestyle, Beautyand Home5

Facial treatments

Recognise skin types and conditions and the correct techniquesand products required for facial care.

WCC Thur 18:30-20:30 6 Wks (20/10/11-24/11/11) £32.40 (£6)

Hand and nail treatments

Learn the basic principles of manicure, nail polish applicationand hand massage.

HCL Wed 09:30-11:30 5 Wks (14/9/11-12/10/11) FREE (£6)

Holistic therapies

Explore and experience the benefits of Aromatherapy, IndianHead Massage and Reflexology.

WCC Mon 18:00-20:00 3 Wks (12/9/11-26/9/11) FREE (£6)

WVC Thur 10:00-12:00 3 Wks (15/9/11-29/9/11) FREE (£6)

Indian head massage

Perform a basic Indian Head Massage and understand thebenefits of massage in health and well-being.

BNC Tue 09:30-11:30 5 Wks (20/9/11-18/10/11) FREE (£6)

WVC Thur 10:00-12:00 5 Wks (6/10/11-10/11/11) FREE (£6)

Look good, new you

Review your lifestyle to improve your image and well-being.

WCC Thur 18:30-20:30 5 Wks (15/9/11-13/10/11) FREE (£6)

Parenting, Caringand Health2

First aid for the treatment of children

Gain the knowledge and skills to recognise and treat illnessesand injuries that are most likely to be encountered by childrenand babies.

SP Thur 09:15-11:15 5 Wks (3/11/11-1/12/11) FREE

Reflexology

Learn to identify the reflexes on the feet and understand howthis relates to general health.

WCC Mon 18:00-20:00 8 Wks (3/10/11-21/11/11) £43.20 (£6)

Why do we do it and how do we deal with it?

Understand why people behave in certain ways and gain skillsand strategies to accept or change behaviours.

BNC Wed 09:30-11:30 5 Wks (21/9/11-19/10/11) FREE (£6)

HCL Mon 09:45-11:45 5 Wks (12/9/11-10/10/11) FREE (£6)

WVC Tue 10:00-12:00 5 Wks (1/11/11-29/11/11) FREE (£6)

Drawing and painting

To provide a basic introduction to drawing and paintingtechniques and materials.

MCC Thur 10:00-12:00 5 Wks (15/9/11-13/10/11) FREE (£6)

TY Mon 10:30-12:30 5 Wks (19/9/11-17/10/11) FREE (£6)

WCC Wed 10:00-12:00 5 Wks (14/9/11-12/10/11) FREE (£6)

Floral art for beginners

Learn the basic floral art skills, art and design, to include colourharmonies and shapes of arrangement.

CC Fri 10:00-12:00 5 Wks (16/9/11-14/10/11) FREE (£6)

MCE Tue 18:30-20:30 5 Wks (11/10/11-8/11/11) FREE (£6)

Getting started with your digital camera

Understand the basics of operating a digital camera anddownloading images.

SBE Wed 18:30-20:30 5 Wks (2/11/11-30/11/11) FREE (£6)

Get to know your overlocker

Learners will be able to make effective use of an overlocker,includes threading.

BP Fri 12:45-14:45 3 Wks (25/11/11-9/12/11) FREE (£6)

SJC Fri 10:00-12:00 3 Wks (25/11/11-9/12/11) FREE (£6)

Glass painting

Experience painting on both glass and acetate; creating yourown design.

MS Mon 12:30-14:30 5 Wks (12/9/11-10/10/11) FREE (£6)

SJC Wed 10:00-12:00 5 Wks (28/9/11-26/10/11) FREE (£6)

Introduction to sewing

Learners will be able to set up their own sewing equipment andcomplete a small sewing project.

BP Fri 12:45-14:45 5 Wks (23/9/11-21/10/11) FREE (£6)

CCC Thur 12:30-14:30 5 Wks (22/9/11-20/10/11) FREE (£6)

SJC Fri 10:00-12:00 5 Wks (23/9/11-21/10/11) FREE (£6)

Learn to face paint

Develop a basic knowledge of application techniques to cover arange of face painting designs.

MS Mon 09:30-12:30 5 Wks (12/9/11-10/10/11) FREE (£6)

TCC Wed 09:30-11:30 5 Wks (2/11/11-30/11/11) FREE (£6)

Painting with acrylics

An introduction to using acrylics to create a diverse range ofartwork.

WCC Tue 10:00-12:00 6 Wks (1/11/11-6/12/11) £32.40 (£6)

Painting with watercolours

An introduction to using watercolours to create a diverse rangeof artwork.

WCC Wed 10:00-12:00 6 Wks (19/10/11-23/11/11)£32.40 (£6)

MCE Fri 10:00-12:00 6 Wks (4/11/11-9/12/11) £32.40 (£6)

Photo restoration

Develop skills in restoring old photographs; includesbrightening, resizing and retouching.

CCL Wed 12:30-14:30 6 Wks (14/9/11-19/10/11) £32.40 (£6)

SJC Fri 10:00-12:00 6 Wks (30/9/11-11/11/11) £32.40 (£6)

Sewing for baby

Design and create a range of personalised soft furnishings forbaby.

HCC Mon 09:30-11:30 5 Wks (19/9/11-17/10/11) FREE (£6)

Sewing machine techniques

Gain an insight in to the various functions of a sewing machineand how to apply them.

BP Fri 12:45-14:45 3 Wks (4/11/11-18/11/11) FREE (£6)

SJC Fri 10:00-12:00 3 Wks (4/11/11-18/11/11) FREE (£6)

Window blinds

Learn to measure and choose fabrics and mechanisms fordifferent window settings.

MCE Mon 18:30-20:30 10 Wks (12/9/11-14/11/11) £54 (£6)

ICT6Build your own PC

Learners will be guided through the steps needed to build a PCincluding hardware and the installation of operating systemsand software.

BC Wed 18:00-20:00 8 Wks (21/9/11-23/11/11) £64 (£6)

Computers for absolute beginners

Gain an understanding of basic operations and uses ofcomputers including Microsoft Office and the internet.

BL Wed 09:30-11:30 10 Wks (14/9/11-23/11/11) FREE

CC Tue 18:30-20:30 10 Wks (13/9/11-22/11/11) FREE

CC Wed 18:30-20:30 10 Wks (14/9/11-23/11/11) FREE

CC Mon 10:00-12:00 10 Wks (12/9/11-21/11/11) FREE

Art and Craft3Art of photography

Develop knowledge of focal length, shutter speeds and the ruleof thirds applied to creative photography.

CCL Wed 12:30-14:30 6 Wks (9/11/11-14/12/11) £32.40 (£6)

SBE Thur 18:30-20:30 6 Wks (15/9/11-3/11/11) £32.40 (£6)

Card making

Design and create a range of greetings cards exploring differentmedia and techniques.

WCC Fri 10:30-12:30 5 Wks (4/11/11-2/12/11) FREE (£6)

Christmas crafts

Design and create your own range of Christmas stationery anddecorations.

BCL Tue 12:30-14:30 5 Wks (8/11/11-6/12/11) FREE (£6)

CCC Thur 12:30-14:30 5 Wks (17/11/11-15/12/11) FREE (£6)

SJC Wed 10:00-12:00 5 Wks (2/11/11-30/11/11) FREE (£6)

TY Mon 10:30-12:30 5 Wks (31/10/11-28/11/10) FREE (£6)

Christmas floral arrangements

Develop a range of traditional Christmas designs including aholly wreath and table arrangement.

BNC Wed 18:00-20:00 4 Wks (2/11/11-23/11/11) FREE (£6)

DC Thur 18:00-20:00 4 Wks (24/11/11-22/12/11) FREE (£6)

HCC Thur 18:00-20:00 4 Wks (1/12/11-22/12/11) FREE (£6)

MCE Tue 18:30-20:30 4 Wks (15/11/11-6/12/11) FREE (£6)

Craft sampler

Sample bead and fabric jewellery making, basic decoupage box,pop up card and glass painting.

BCL Tue 12:30-14:30 5 Wks (20/9/11-18/10/11) FREE (£6)

WCC Fri 10:30-12:30 5 Wks (30/9/11-28/10/11) FREE (£6)

Cushions

Learn to design and create different styles of cushion with avariety of fastenings and decoration.

MCE Fri 13:00-15:00 5Wks (21/10/11-18/11/11) FREE (£6)

Our City p30-31 15/9/11 10:39 Page 1

For information about joining a

class, or for more details about a

particular course, please call 01782

234775 or visit www.facebook.com/

AdultLearningStoke

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 Our City 31Computers for absolute beginners

Gain an understanding of basic operations and uses ofcomputers including Microsoft Office and the internet.

CC Thur 13:00-15:00 10 Wks (15/9/11-24/11/11) FREE

CCL Mon 09:30-11:30 10 Wks (5/9/11-14/11/11) FREE

dD Tue 09:30-11:30 10 Wks (13/9/11-22/11/11) FREE

HCL Mon 15:15-17:15 10 Wks (12/9/11-21/11/11) FREE

HBC Tue 10:30-12:30 10 Wks (27/9/11-6/12/11) FREE

NOR Tue 10:00-12:00 10 Wks (13/9/11-15/11/11) FREE

SJC Thur 12:30-14:30 10 Wks (22/9/11-1/12/11) FREE

SL Mon 09:30-11:30 10 Wks (12/9/11-14/11/11) FREE

TL Thur 10:00-12:00 10 Wks (15/9/11-24/11/11) FREE

WCC Mon 10:00-12:00 10 Wks (12/9/11-14/11/11) FREE

HBC Mon 13:00-15:00 10 Wks (26/9/11-5/12/11) FREE

MCE Mon 18:30-20:30 10 Wks (12/9/11-14/11/11) FREE

Introduction to Desk Top Publishing

Learn how to use basic features of Publisher through creatingand editing publications such as cards, posters and letterheads.

TL Mon 13:00-15:00 3 Wks (28/11/11-12/12/11) FREE (£6)

CC Thur 10:00-12:00 3 Wks (15/9/11-29/9/11) FREE (£6)

CCL Mon 09:30-11:30 3 Wks (28/11/11-12/12/11) FREE (£6)

dD Tue 12:30-14:30 3 Wks (13/9/11-27/9/11) FREE (£6)

SL Fri 09:30-11:30 3 Wks (7/10/11-21/10/11) FREE (£6)

Introduction to email

Acquire the knowledge to set up, send and receive emails -including adding attachments and internet security.

BL Wed 09:30-12:00 4 Wks (30/11/11-21/12/11) FREE (£6)

CC Mon 13:00-15:00 5 Wks (7/11/11-5/12/11) FREE (£6)

CCL Tue 12:30-14:30 5 Wks (13/9/11-11/10/11) FREE (£6)

dD Tue 12:30-14:30 5 Wks (4/10/11-8/11/11) FREE (£6)

NOR Tue 10:00-12:00 5 Wks (22/11/11-20/12/11) FREE (£6)

SJC Mon 12:30-14:30 5 Wks (31/10/11-28/11/12) FREE (£6)

SL Mon 09:30-11:30 5 Wks (21/11/11-19/12/11) FREE (£6)

WCC Mon 10:00-12:00 5 Wks (21/11/11-19/12/11) FREE (£6)

Introduction to Excel

Learn how to create simple spreadsheets, enter data and usebasic formulae to produce charts or graphs.

BL Thur 09:30-11:30 3 Wks (1/12/11-15/12/11) FREE (£6)

CCL Tue 12:30-14:30 3 Wks (1/11/11-15/11/11) FREE (£6)

SL Fri 09:30-11:30 3 Wks (2/12/11-16/12/11) FREE (£6)

Introduction to Powerpoint

Learn how to create and edit basic PowerPoint presentations.

CCL Tue 12:30-14:30 3 Wks (29/11/11-13/12/11) FREE (£6)

SL Fri 09:30-11:30 3 Wks (16/9/11-30/9/11) FREE (£6)

Introduction to word processing

Learn to create a word document, change fonts and insert tables.

BL Thur 09:30-11:30 5 Wks (20/10/11-24/11/11) FREE (£6)

CC Mon 13:00-15:00 3 Wks (12/9/11-26/9/11) FREE (£6)

SJC Mon 12:30-14:30 3 Wks (26/9/11-10/10/11) FREE (£6)

TL Thur 10:00-12:00 3 Wks (1/12/11-15/12/11) FREE (£6)

Online shopping

Gain an understanding of the concept of online shopping;learning how to avoid dangers and how to explore shoppingwebsites and comparison sites.

BL Thur 09:30-11:30 5 Wks (15/9/11-13/10/11) FREE (£6)

CC Mon 13:00-15:00 5 Wks (3/10/11-31/10/11) FREE (£6)

CCL Wed 09:30-11:30 5 Wks (2/11/11-30/11/11) FREE (£6)

SL Fri 09:30-12:00 4 Wks (28/10/11-25/11/11) FREE (£6)

Web design for beginners

Learners will gain an awareness and understanding of basicwebsite design and creation, developing skills to build a website.

CCL Sat 10:00-12:20 8 Wks (10/9/11-22/10/11) £43.20 (£6)

Counsellingand Psychology7

Counselling skills introduction

Develop the skills and techniques to enable effectivecommunication, develop life skills and empathy with others.

HBC Wed 13:00-15:00 10 Wks (28/9/11-7/12/11) FREE

HCC Thur 09:30-11:30 10 Wks (22/9/11-1/12/11) FREE

SBE Thur 18:30-20:30 10 Wks (24/11/11-9/2/12) FREE

WCC Thur 18:00-20:00 10 Wks (15/9/11-17/11/11) FREE

Psychology – debates and memory

Learners will be introduced to the debates active in psychology,and be able to map out memory and how it works.

HCL Mon 12:15-14:15 5 Wks (12/9/11-10/10/11) FREE (£6)

TL Thur 09:30-11:30 5 Wks (15/9/11-13/10/11) FREE (£6)

Psychology of ageing

Understand and appreciate the changes in the human brain asit matures.

BNC Wed 09:30-12:30 1 Wk (2/11/11-2/11/11) FREE (£6)

HCL Fri 10:00-13:00 1 Wk (30/9/11-30/9/11) FREE (£6)

Psychology of behaviour

Learners will gain an understanding and knowledge of whypeople behave the way they do.

TL Thur 09:30-11:30 5 Wks (3/11/11-1/12/11) FREE (£6)

Music andDance8

Salsa for beginners

Learn basic salsa movements and perform a simple routine.

TCC Thur 09:30-10:30 10 Wks (15/9/11-24/11/11) FREE (£6)

GCC Thur 11:00-12:00 10 Wks (29/9/11-08/12/11) FREE (£6)

BP Belgrave St Bartholomews AcademySussex Place, Longton, ST3 4TP 01782 234775 or 07717 714279.

BJ Bentilee JETS19 Brackenfield Avenue, Bentilee, ST2 0DH01782 234775 or 07766 360798

BL Bentilee LibraryDawlish Drive, Bentilee, ST2 0HW01782 234775 or 07766 360798

BNC Bentilee Neighbourhood CentreDawlish Drive, Bentilee, ST2 0EU 01782 234775 or 07766 360798

BCL Bethel Church (Longton)Dunrobin Street, Longton, ST3 4NA01782 234775 or 07717 714279

CC Chatterley CentreWilding Road, Ball Green, ST6 8BQ01782 234775 or 07920 835877

CCL City Central Library (Hanley)Bethesda Street, Hanley, ST1 3RS01782 234775 or 07760 178495

CCC Cobridge Community CentreBursley Road, Cobridge, ST6 3DQ 01782 234775 or 07760 178495

dD dDeaflinks (The Ellis Centre)Wellesley Street, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 4NF 01782 234775 or 07766 360798

DC Dudson CentreHope Street, Hanley, ST1 5DD01782 234775 or 07760 178495

GCC Goldenhill Community CentreDrummond Street, Goldenhill,ST6 5RF01782 234775 or 07920 835877

HCL Haywood Community LibraryHaywood High School, Haywood Road, Stanfields,Burslem, ST6 7AH01782 234775 or 07920 835877

HBC Hollybush Centre77-81 Meaford Drive, Blurton, ST3 2BB01782 234775 or 07717 714279

HCC Hope Community ChurchGarth Street, Hanley, ST1 2DA01782 234775 or 07760 178495

LL Longton LibrarySutherland Institute, Lightwood Road,Longton, ST3 4HY01782 234775 or 07717 714279

MCE Meir Community Education CentrePickford Place, ST3 4DY01782 235150

ML Meir LibrarySandon Road, ST3 7DJ 01782 234775 or 07717 714279

MS Milton Scout HQ1802 Leek Road, Milton, ST2 7AF01782 234775 or 07766 360798

MCC Minton Community CentreOff Hartshill Road,Vicarage Lane, Hartshill, ST4 7NL01782 234775 or 07766 360798

MG Moss Green Residents AssociationMoss Green Road, Moss Green Village, ST2 0SP01782 234775 or 07766 360798

NPH Northwood Parish HallKeelings Road, Northwood, ST1 6PB01782 234775 or 07760 178495

NOR NORSACALindsay Annexe, Cannon Place, Hanley, ST1 4EP01782 267888 or 07766 360798

SBE Sandon Business and Enterprise CollegeSandon Road, Meir, ST3 7DF01782 234775 or 07717 714279

SJA St John’s Ambulance (Hanley)Tansey House, Sheaf Street, Hanley, ST1 4LW01785 257124

SJC St John’s CentreNewcastle Road,Trent Vale, ST4 6QD01782 234775 or 07717 714279

SL Stoke Library (Stoke Local Centre)South Wolfe Street, ST4 4SZ 01782 234775 or 07766 360798

SP Sutherland Primary SchoolBeaconsfield Drive, Blurton, ST3 3DY01782 234775 or 07717 714279

TY The YardForrest Road, Meir, ST3 7BY01782 234775 or 07717 714279

TCC Tunstall Community Centre/Floral HallTunstall Park,ST6 6EE01782 234775 or 07920 835877

TL Tunstall LibraryThe Boulevard,Tunstall, ST6 6BD01782 234775 or 07920 835877

WCC Wedgwood College and Conference CentreStation Road, Barlaston, ST12 9DG01782 372105

WVC Whitfield Valley Community CentreFegg Hayes Road, Fegg Hayes, ST6 6QR01782 234775 or 07920 835877

TeachingAssistant9

School support services courses – if you areinterested in training to work in a schoolenvironment please ring Sue on0771 789 2744 for further information.

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BECREATIVE...

with one of themany craft

courses on offerin the city.

Our City p30-31 15/9/11 10:39 Page 2

THE wind batteredTour of Britain gotback on track in

Stoke-on-Trent as the UK’sbiggest professional cyclingrace returned to thePotteries for the fourthconsecutive year.

After 75 mile an hour gustsforced the cancellation of theprevious stage from Kendal toBlackpool, around a hundredriders got back in the saddle forthe 140-kilometre long stage.

Trentham Gardens hosted thestart for the first time withthousands turning out on a crisp,

clear day to watch the race headout towards Stone and into theMoorlands before steaming backthrough Leek and the finish intoHanley City Centre.

Thousands more lined thestreets as Rabobank’s Dutch riderLars Boom took the stage winwith overall race leader and 20-time Tour de France stagewinner Mark Cavendish finishingfifth.

With an international TVaudience watching, the eventshowcased Stoke-on-Trent andwhat the city has to offer.

The council’s Cabinet Memberfor Economic Development, Mark

Meredith, said: “The Tour ofBritain has once again highlightedStoke-on-Trent’s ability to host anevent of international proportions.

“It has proved to be anotherhuge success with large numbersof people from inside and outsideStoke-on-Trent coming into thecity centre to enjoy the activities.”

Mike Herbert, RegionalDirector for St. Modwen whoown Trentham Gardens, said: “Wehave a wonderful and beautifulItalian Gardens and starting theevent from this location is unique,creative and really exciting.”

Mike Bennett, Tour of BritainRace Director, said: “The raceand the riders have proved verypopular in this part of the worldand we love coming back to thecity, creating a tough route acrossthe region and developing arelationship with our partners andcycling supporters in the area.

“Our partners in Stoke alwaysproduce a great event with us.”● Amateur cyclists will get thechance to ride the stage if theysign up for The Prostate CancerCharity Tour Ride on SundaySeptember 25, starting fromTrentham Gardens. Find outmore at www.tourride.co.uk

Our City is published by a partnership of

Stoke-on-Trent City Council, NHS Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire

Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue and Jobcentre Plus

Contact us by mail at FREEPOST Our City or by email at [email protected] or telephone 01782 236703


Spectators praise big event

WORLD’S LEADING CYCLISTS TACKLE GRUELLING 140-KILOMETRE RACE STAGE

electric finish

Thecameras roll to

capture the dramaticfinish and, below, LordMayor Councillor Terry

Follows presents thecuddly toy “trophy” toKing of the Mountains

leader RussellHampton.

THEY’RE OFF...Mark Cavendish,

in gold, leads out theriders as they start in the picturesque

Italian Gardens at Trentham.

FANS from across the city made ita start to remember andsupported riders all along theroute.

Imogen Crooks, 16, fromOakhill, said:“I thought it wasgreat having it at TrenthamGardens because you could getreally close up and see theprofessionals. I’ll never forget it.”

Visitors flocked to the city for

the stage. Sue Holmes, whotravelled from Mansfield, summedup the feelings of many when shesaid:“We are great cycling fanaticsand go to the Tour de France so itis great to see an event like this inthe Midlands.

“It is good to see the stagegetting bigger and better.

“Stoke-on-Trent always providesa really good venue for the stage.”

Thousands line streetsto cheer on riders in

Our City p32 15/9/11 12:34 Page 1

our city issue 23

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