Pages six, seven and nine

Budget update:Where the money

really goes

See page two

See page 13

Children join citycouncil campaignto improve ourcommunities

Pages four and five

Building a great city:THE FACTS

FREECyclemap

FREECyclemapDelivered with this issue...

See page two

Chelsea FlowerShow gardenspectacular...WIN TICKETS

PrideCity

inour

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Issue 31

Our City p1 18/3/13 17:17 Page 1

Our City is printed onrecycled paper. Whenyou have finished withthis publication pleasehelp the environmentby passing it on to afriend or recycling it.

MEETINGS of the full council can now be viewed online. To see and hearthe debates and decisions which affect life in Stoke-on-Trent, visitstoke.gov.uk and click on webcasting.

A list of dates and times of council meetings and committee meetings can be found on our website at stoke.gov.uk/meetingdates

Live webcast of full council meetings Give us your feedbackon this issue of Our City by emailingourcity@stoke.gov.uk or write to: FREEPOST Our City.

STREETS were spruced up,wasteland was cleared andcrime prevention advice

handed out as part of a communityaction day in Ford Green andSmallthorne.

The city council joined forces with thepolice and fire service as part of the

wide-reaching event which enabledresidents to access a range of servicesright on their doorstep.

It was part of the RESPECT initiative,which has proved highly successful since itwas launched two and a half years ago.

Thirty five neighbourhoods have beencleared up so far and reports of antisocialbehaviour have plummeted by 35 per centfrom 17,000 in 2010 to 11,000 at the end of2012.

During the latest project, the city council’senvironment team were out in forcesweeping and cleaning the area, pruningtrees and treating weeds.

Free skips were available on many of theroads so people could dispose of bulkyhousehold items.

Meanwhile, new rubbish bins were alsoinstalled following litter picks.

City council staff were also out in forcetackling dog fouling and fly tipping, whilemembers of the housing team were availableto answer questions. Residents could drop into a Staffordshire Police bus for advice andfree equipment and Staffordshire Fire andRescue Service carried out home fire andsafety checks.

Councillor Janine Bridges, CabinetMember for Housing, Neighbourhoods andCommunity, said: “The Respect events

bring key local organisationsinto the heart of thecommunity, allowing residentsto access information andadvice right on their doorstep.

“People are able to make areal difference by gettinginvolved in cleaning up theirarea, sprucing up green spacesand disposing of any unwantedbulky household items in skips.The events give people a senseof pride and help to make theircommunity a great place to live– meeting an important aim inthe Mandate for Change.”

Many hands make lightwork of RESPECT action

Blooming marvellous garden competition

Resident Mary Billings, 69,talks about community safetywith PCSO Carl Radfordduring the Ford Green andSmallthorne RESPECT Day.

“”The events givepeople a sense ofpride and help tomake theircommunity a greatplace to live.

Everyone canplay a part inPride in OurCity campaignBy City CouncilLeader CouncillorMOHAMMEDPERVEZ

I was lucky enough to travel toJapan a few years ago where Ivisited places like Osaka, Ube andHiroshima. What struck me was justhow free the streets were fromlitter in these cities. When I askedhow they achieved such highstandards of street cleaning I wasgiven a very simple answer:“Wedon’t drop litter!”

I know many of you in our cityare very proud and on this pageand on page 28 you will see thefantastic efforts of our residents inhelping to keep our city clean. Butthe sad fact is that not everyonefeels the same.

That is why the council is proudto be launching a Pride in Our Citycampaign aimed at encouragingmore people to make this a city tobe proud of.

From litter picks to gardeningcompetitions we will beencouraging everyone to getinvolved. And we will also besending out a very strong messageto those who blight our areas bydropping litter or dumpingrubbish. This cannot be tolerated.

City Centre Bus Station

This month saw the opening of ourbrand new iconic Stoke-on-TrentCity Centre bus station as anotherpart of our city-wide regenerationcomes to fruition. The iconicbuilding has transformed the citycentre skyline and improved accessto public transport for residentsand visitors alike.

Marketing our city

The council has found aninnovative way to market the cityto investors and others whilecelebrating our rich heritage.

This year our landscapegardeners have worked inpartnership with local businessesto create a fantastic show garden atthe RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Sponsored by local businessesand Bartholomew Landscapes ofLondon, the garden will give us theopportunity to showcase our city toinvestors and other opinionformers during the show in May.

For more details and the chanceto win tickets for the show seepage 13.

DOES your garden dazzle with azalea, radiatewith roses or is it a haven for hydrangea? If sothen our new gardening competition is just foryou.

As part of our campaign to foster more Pridein Our City, the city council is encouragingresidents and businesses to spruce up theirgardens, back yards, school grounds andbusiness premises.

You may even want to get together to takeover green spaces where you live.

Full details of the competition will beannounced on stoke.gov.uk in earlyApril so look out for more details.

BBC Radio Stoke has promised tofollow the campaign’s progress.

The competition is open toeveryone who lives within thecity’s boundary.● Find out more on the council’sFacebook and Twitter profiles@SOTcitycouncil.

Web: stoke.gov.uk

Facebook: facebook.com/

stokeontrent.citycouncil

Twitter: @SoTCityCouncil

twitter.com/SoTCityCouncil

2 Our City S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

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Bill James withresident AndyWakefield.

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S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3 Our City 3

Campaign launched to recognise our citizens’ pride

Can you help create abetter neighbourhood?HELP is available for residents looking to tidy uptheir areas.

The city council will support volunteers andcommunity groups to coordinate their clean-upevents, provide equipment such as litter pickersand collect any waste gathered as part of theirefforts.

Councillor Andy Platt, Cabinet Member forGreen Enterprises and City Services, said:“Tohelp to create a better place for ourselves as partof our Mandate for Change, we all need to sell thecity to people from outside and to do that, itneeds to look attractive.

“Everyone can help a little to make their area abetter place to live by not dropping litter andhelping to pick up what is already there.

“We will always happy to support those effortswhere possible.”

For more information on support or events inyour area, please call our Administration Team on01782 235575 between 9am-5pm Monday toFriday.

Residents speak up aboutthe best of our cityEVERY day, people of all ages,

from all walks of life show what it means to be proud of

Stoke-on-Trent.From friendly neighbourhoods, world famous

ceramics industry and proud heritage to ourtwo professional football teams, our brand newschools to the parks and open spaces that beatlike a green lung, we have lots to shout about.

But don’t take our word for it.As part of the city council’s new campaign to

promote “pride in our city” we spoke toshoppers in the City Centre and asked themwhat made them proud about where they live.

Here is what they had to say:Lliam Green, aged 26, from Meir Hay, said:

“Everyone from Stoke-on-Trent is a promoterof the city and I think we should be proud ofthat.

“Stoke City being in the Premier League isanother big thing, as are our links with thepottery industry and the success EmmaBridgewater is having.”

Michelle Sanger, aged 41, from Oakhill,said: “Stoke-on-Trent has massive potentialand I think that is something to celebrate.

“Once some improvements are made and ifthe investment speculated for the city comes in,it could have a massive impact on all of us. The

next three to five years will be very exciting.”Victoria Felton, aged 36, from Milton, said:

“I am proud of our people. We have a small citywith a friendly attitude. Emma Bridgewater isalso something for us to be proud of. Stoke-on-Trent is famous for its pottery and Emma iskeeping the industry alive in the city. It is greather company is based here.”

David Bithell, aged 63, from JoinersSquare, said: “The people of Stoke-on-Trentmake me proud of the city. Eighty per cent ofthose who live here are nice people who will goout of their way to help others.

“I am also proud of both of our footballteams for what they have achieved over theyears.”

Don Williams, aged 66, from Bucknall, said:“I moved to Stoke-on-Trent from Bolton 22years ago and had such a warm welcome whenI arrived. The people here are so friendly and Ithink that is something that has been passeddown through the generations.”

Jacky Crosby, aged 47, from Trentham,said: “We have got a great theatre and otherfacilities in Stoke-on-Trent that people shouldbe proud of.

“They help to draw people into the city andspend money here. The new bus station willhelp to encourage even more people when thatis complete.”

Residents across Stoke-on-Trent feel great pride in the people and places that

make our city great... here Our City asks some visitors to the city centre what makes

them proud about the place where they live...

Michelle Sanger,41, from Oakhill:“Investment couldhave a massiveimpact on us all.”

Lliam Green, 26,from Meir Hay:“Everyone is apromoter of thecity.”

Victoria Felton,36, from Milton:“Great that EmmaBridgewater isbased here.”

David Bithell, 63,from Joiner’sSquare: “Nicepeople who helpothers.”

Don Williams, 66,from Bucknall:“Moved 22 yearsago and had sucha warm welcome.”

Jacky Crosby, 47:“Theatres help drawpeople into the CityCentre and spendmoney here.”

What makes you proud?We want to know what makes you proud ofStoke-on-Trent. You can post your thoughts toFREEPOST Our City or email ourcity@stoke.gov.uk

Residents Mel Hawkins,59, and Kath

Williamson, 66,litterpicking at

Ford Green.

DID you know that litter picking and gardening aregreat ways to get fit and healthy too? So not only canyou “clean up” but you can improve your overall healthand well-being. A series of events are arranged whereyou can volunteer. Details listed below:

Saturday 30 March: Woodcrafts at Hartshill Park LocalNature Reserve (10am-2pm ) Meet at Convent Poolsentrance, off Hartshill Road.

Sunday 31 March: Spring Clean at Holden Lane Pools LocalNature Reserve (10am-12noon and 1pm-3pm). Meet at thesite car park (Opposite to Aldi), off Leek New Road (A53).

Wednesday 3 April: Wildflower seed sowing at BerryhillFields Local Nature Reserve (1pm-3pm). Meet at the Hall HillDrive entrance, off Dividy Road, at 1pm.

Saturday 6 April: Spring Clean Guided Walk at Park Hall

Country Park (10am-12noon). Meet at the main visitorcentre car park, off Hulme Road, Weston Coyney.

Sunday 7 April: Volunteer workparty at Bagnall Road WoodLocal Nature Reserve (10.30am-12.30pm). Meet at theBagnall Road entrance, opposite Sunnyfield Oval.

Sunday 14 April: Chatterley Whitfield Heritage CountryPark Clean Up (10am-12noon and 1pm-3pm). Meet on theroadside just before the entrance gates to the ChatterleyWhitfield Enterprise Centre off Biddulph Road, Brindley Ford.

Sunday 21 April: Shrub and wildflower planting at HartshillPark Local Nature Reserve (10am-12.30pm). Meet at theConvent Pools entrance, off Hartshill Road.

Sunday 28 April: Scotia Valley Clean up (10am-12.30pm).Meet at the entrance barrier to Pittshill fishing pool at thebottom of St Michael’s Road, Pittshill.

Monday 6 May: May Day Country Fair at Park Hall CountryPark (10.30am-3.00pm) Find us at the main visitor centre carpark, off Hulme Road, Weston Coyney.

Sunday 12 May: Scotia Brook Pools Pond Dip (10.30am-12noon and 1.30pm-3pm). Meet at the barrier to Pittshillfishing pool at the bottom of St Michael’s Road, Pittshill.

Saturday 18 May: Hartshill Park Local Nature ReserveSpring Clean event (10am-12.30pm). Meet at the VicarageRoad car park, off Hartshill Road near to the Jolly Potter pub.

Wednesday 29 May: Pond dipping at Park Hall CountryPark (1pm-2.30pm). Meet at the Bolton Gate car park, off theA520 (Leek Road), Weston Coyney at 1pm.

Get volunteering...

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4 Our City S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

Stoke-on-Trent City Council Budget 2013/14 at a glance

It’s not all about cuts... every year Stoke-on-Trent City Council spends tens of millions ofpounds on much-needed services. Here’swhere the money will go in 2013/14...

DID YOUKNOW?

■ Council Tax accounts for less than 30 per

cent of funding, with over half coming from

central government, and the remaining 16

per cent from retained local business rates.

■ Stoke-on-Trent is the 16th most deprived

area in England. Stoke-on-Trent ranks 137th

highest out of the 151 counties, London

boroughs, unitary and metropolitan

authorities for preventable deaths; 147th for

smoking; 135th for teenage pregnancy; and

109th for childhood obesity.

■ Substantial sums are still being spent on

children’s and adult services and this

accounts for nearly two-thirds of service

expenditure.

■ PLACE DIRECTORATE BUDGET 2013/14A total of £94 million will be spent on services within the Place directoratein 2013/2014. It is at the heart of job creation and is responsible fordelivering major road improvement schemes. It also runs leisure servicesand collects waste as well as maintaining public open spaces andcemeteries. This financial year it will:

Pay for 5.6 million concessionaryfare journeys

Help and support 3,000 people whenthey leave hospital

Manage 19,000 council-ownedproperties across the city

Carry out financial assessments of 9,000 adult social care service users

Protect the public purse and ensure residents receive valuefor money

Pay £100 million in housing benefit

Return properties to council stock following successfulinvestigations into tenancy fraud

Raise £80 million in council tax

Bill £85 million in business rates

Process more than 11,000 schooladmission requests

Provide 1,600 hours of home care every day

Support 745,000 visits to libraries

Support 8,500 people to live independentlyon a daily basis

Provide 35,000 places for children atnursery, primary or secondary schools

Maintain more than 1,380 hectaresof parks and open space

Empty 5 million bins

Provide 3,700 car parking spaces

Maintain 34,000 street lights

Maintain 376 hectares of cemeteries

Maintain 590 miles of roadOrganise StreetGames for 5,700 children

Help 4,000 people to live safely in theirown homes with aids and equipment

■ PEOPLE DIRECTORATE BUDGET 2013/14A total of £352 million will be spent on services within the People directoratein 2013/2014. It provides vital frontline social care services for adults andchildren as well as overseeing school and nursery provision. It runs the councilhousing stock and supports people to live independently in their own homeswith the help of specialist aids and equipment. This financial year it will:

■ CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND CORPORATE SERVICESDIRECTORATE BUDGET 2013/14

A total of £3 million will be spent on services within the Corporate Services directorate in 2013/2014. It isresponsible for human resources, legal services, communications and finance including benefits, council taxand debt collection. This financial year it will:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE ANDCORPORATE SERVICES£3 million

PLACE£94 million

PEOPLE£352 million

Our City p4 18/3/13 15:48 Page 1

Milestones showhow our city israpidly changingfor the better

S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3 Our City 5

IT has been a busy but exciting fewmonths here at the city councilsince my Christmas update inDecember.

Alongside the core publicservices delivered by our dedicatedstaff to make an everydaydifference for our communities, wehave started to implement anumber of our longer termpioneering initiatives which willhave far reaching benefits for thecity and our residents and I wouldlike to share just a few of mypersonal highlights with you.

On 4 February, work commencedon ‘Station Gateway’, a scheme ofroad improvements startingoutside Stoke Railway Station onStation Road, College Road andWinton Square.

By widening footpaths; reducingspeed limits; installing newsignage; removing speed bumps;resurfacing the carriageway andcreating new cycle routes, thescheme will enhance the stationarea to make it a more attractiveand welcoming city entrance forvisitors, ease traffic congestion andspeeds and create a safer, greenerenvironment for pedestrians.

Our ground-breaking plan todrive economic growth and createover 31,000 jobs across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire moved astep closer when the Deputy PrimeMinister announced that the cityand county council’s collaborativebid for a Wave II City Deal hadmade the shortlist of potentialplaces.

Attract investors

By offering councils and theirpartners’ greater freedom, fundingand powers to attract investors, aCity Deal for the Stoke-on-Trentand Staffordshire area would seethe locality become the keyEuropean centre for research andadvanced manufacturing –including ceramics. Attaining aCity Deal would enable us to buildon and accelerate existing work togrow the local economy and createvital jobs for local people.

A decision on our bid isexpected later this year and ofcourse, we will keep you informedof our progress.

Linked to the Deal, is our bid forStoke-on-Trent to have a parkwaystation sited on the outskirts of thecity, on the HS2 line.

Our strategic location within theheart of the country puts us at thecentre of a huge marketplace uponwhich businesses could build andgrow.

With access to an availableworkforce, improved connectivity

to the rest of the country via a highspeed link makes us ideally placedto support and capitalise on ouraspirations and plans to become asustainable core city.

As part of our expansiveregeneration plans to reinvent ourcity’s fortunes, our iconic new busstation opened and welcomed itsfirst passengers.

The new building will providestate of the art facilities andincludes 22 departure bays, waitingfacilities, interactive touch-screenjourney planners and passengerinformation office.

Great things happening

Finally, it is worth mentioningthat the city council was shortlistedfor a national award by the LocalGovernment Chronicle. We had theprestigious honour of beingshortlisted as one of only six “MostImproved Councils”.

An accolade judged by ourpeers. A fitting end to thetransformational journey we havetaken over the past few years and agreat start to 2013.

From the few things I havementioned, I hope you will agreethat there are lots of great thingshappening around the city ofwhich we can all feel proud.

However, I am aware that whilstour attention has been focussed ondeveloping the building blocks onwhich to create our future there isthe equally important matter ofengaging with our residents andensuring that you understand andsupport the absolute need totransform our city now.

The challenge, one which wehave to address as a council, is totry and work with you, ourresidents, to match your needswith the city’s transformationplans.

In the meantime, we willcontinue to work collaborativelywith our partners and communitiesand build on our successes to driveimprovements across all of ourservices and ensure that ourultimate aim of makingStoke-on-Trent a great working cityis achieved.

Remember,“United strength isstronger” and together, we canaccomplish anything.

STOKE-on-Trent CityCouncil has agreed abalanced budget for

2013/2014, focussing onprotecting services for themost vulnerable andsupporting jobs andgrowth across the city

Councillors approved thebudget which will see savings of£21m achieved through workingmore efficiently and effectively –but ensure services that protectvulnerable adults and childrenare maintained.

The savings to its revenuebudget are in addition to the£56m it already made over thelast two years mainly as a resultof the cuts to public spendingimplemented by centralgovernment.

The budget clearly reflects thefour key pledges featured in citycouncil’s Mandate for Change:● Making Stoke-on-Trent theplace to bring business● Supporting and developingexisting businesses● Promoting independence andhealthy lives● Making Stoke-on-Trent agreat place to live

The financial plan recognisesthat many families in Stoke-on-Trent are facing toughtimes, with the cost of livingrising and wages stagnating.

That is why council tax has

been frozen for the next financialyear – meaning Stoke-on-Trent’sresidents have the 11th lowestaverage council tax bill in thecountry.

Councillor Pervez, city councilleader, said: “I see the impactthe economic downturn ishaving on hard working men andwomen in this city all the time.It is not fair and it is notsustainable which is why we havedecided to freeze council tax forthe next financial year.

“It is the right thing to do forthe many families who arecontinuing to go throughextremely difficult times.

“We are also introducing a‘living wage’ for all city councilworkers to protect employees onthe lowest end of the pay scales.This will benefit more than1,170 contracts.”

Economic powerhouse

Job creation has been put atthe heart of the budget, with acommitment to encourageinward investment and attractnew businesses to the city.

The city council is workingclosely with StaffordshireCounty Council to negotiate a‘City Deal’ with the government.

This will help to put the areaon the map as the country’seconomic powerhouse foradvanced manufacturing,breaking down barriers togrowth.

Councillor Pervez said: “Thebudget is not just about savings– it is also about investment topromote economic growth. We

have a clear and ambitious visionfor the city as a whole. We have aproud industrial heritage and weare working with our partners atStaffordshire County Council tonegotiate a ‘City Deal’ with thegovernment.

He added: “It will be a majorboost for both the city and thecounty, allowing us to improvesignificantly our key employmentsites.

“We will work closely withschools, colleges, universities,councils and the private sector tobetter align the skills of ourworkforce with the needs ofbusinesses, resulting in a brighterfuture for the local economy.”

Helping people to maintaintheir independence is anothertop priority in the budget.

The city council will offerpeople more adult social careservices in their own home tosupport their independence.

The service will be movedfrom St Michael’s centre intopeople’s homes to assistresidents with short termrehabilitation needs.

The early years’ service isbeing redesigned to allow the citycouncil to meet its obligations toextend free nursery care to sometwo-year-olds from September.

The authority will strive toachieve a positive result forchildren’s futures by following aseries of recommendations putforward by a specialistindependent panel.

Savings are also being madeby running the city council in amore cost effective way.

Teams supporting museums,culture, tourism and events willbe merged to make them morecost effective.

The museums service willreview its charges to boostincome at the Potteries Museum& Art Gallery and GladstonePottery Museum.

Councillor Pervez added: “Interms of savings we have triedour best to safeguard frontlineservices as far as possible and toprotect the most vulnerable insociety. We will continue todeliver, balanced budgets yearon year.”

Overall the city council mayhave to save around £125million in 2011-2016. Thisincludes forecasts of £23 millionin 2014/2015 and £20-£25million in 2015/2016.● See Budget 2013-14: thefacts on page eight.

VALUE FOR MONEY: AverageCouncil Tax in the city is the11th lowest in the country.

MANAGEMENT CUTS: Citycouncil has slashed thenumber of seniormanagement from 32 to 16 intwo years saving £2.3m a year.

COUNCIL TAXFROZEN – NEWJOBS PLEDGED

By City CouncilChief Executive

Johnvan deLaarschot

Savings are beingmade by running thecity council in a morecost effective way.

“”Savings are beingmade by running thecity council in a morecost effective way.

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Bold newstrategyset out totransformour cityStoke-on-Trent then...

BORN from six towns in 1910 the city ofStoke-on-Trent transformed itself during the19th century becoming a powerhouse of theindustrial revolution.

At its height hundreds of ceramics factorieswere operating in the area employingthousands from all over the city.

Coal mining was also a prominent industrywith 20,000 miners across the city in 1947.And making up the last of the greatemployers Shelton Steel Works supported theWWII industrial effort and as recently as1978 10,000 were employed in the industry.

... and now...

MANY of the old ceramics factories havegone, but 30 remain and are still at theforefront of ceramic production across theUK… but Stoke-on-Trent needs to reinventitself to turn around its local economy andensure it can compete once again on anational stage.

Advanced manufacturing is making acomeback with 6,600 people currentlyemployed. City Deal – a partnership withGovernment, Staffordshire County Counciland the private sector – will see newopportunities for the city in the next decadewith a predicted 31,000 jobs on 22regeneration sites across the whole county,many of which are here in our city.

... and in the future...

BUT it isn’t just manufacturing jobs weneed. Plans to transform the city centre spinefrom Stoke town to the Central BusinessDistrict illustrated on these pages are all partof our strategy to secure a wider range of jobsin the professional services, retail and leisuresectors to benefit local people.

As the West Midlands works to recoverfrom the economic downturn investors arekeen to see commitment by councils toimproving their local area and that in turngives them confidence to invest.

The city council’s objective in creating avibrant city centre is to bring up to 10,000new jobs across the whole of the city – alongwith many temporary construction roles – aswell as creating a city centre residents andvisitors will want to come to.

... it’s more than just the Central

Business District...

LOTS of attention has focused on thecouncil’s plans to build new offices. But thecity’s transformation is so much more thanjust that.

The map and pictures on these pages showall the steps we are taking to transform thecity centre. The two buildings that form thecouncil offices are just a small part of aregeneration plan that covers the areaincluding Stoke town, the Station Gateway,the University Quarter and the city centre.

Myth-busting: your questions about thecity centre answered on page nine.

Station Gateway:Environmentalimprovements andtraffic managementaround the station,part of a programmeto enhance visitors’first impression tothe city.

Public realm improvements City Centre:De-cluttering the City Centre with beautiful,long-lasting, natural materials, designed tomaximise “dwell time”.

SpodeCraft Centre:

The beautiful heritagebuildings on the former

Spode Site offer thechance to create a new

retail, leisure andvisitor attraction.

Public Realm:The “space between”

the buildings has beenimproved de-cluttering

the city centre withbeautiful, long lasting

natural materials.

Spode retail site:A remarkable

opportunity to kick startthe regeneration of Stoke

town through a major retaildevelopment as part of amixed use new build and

restoration project.

Enterprise/Office/Hotel/Residential:The Stoke town sites offer opportunities for a rangeof higher value mixed uses to drive investment andspend into the heart of Stoke town.

Stoke town

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S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3 Our City 7

City Centre Bus Station:An iconic building, transforming the skyline, creating alandmark gateway to the city centre, transforming thepassenger experience.

City Sentral:Creating a major leisure and retailoffer which, along with the PotteriesShopping Centre and independentstores, will improve the city’s appeal.

Central Business District:The new professional officequarter designed to bringnew professional businessesand large numbers of highspending workers into theCity Centre.

Etruria Road corridor:Significant developmentopportunities for a rangeof commercial uses onsites skirting the ringroad, representing amajor gateway into thecity centre.

Etruria Valley:A key employment site plannedto create 3,000 new jobs andpresent a dramatically improvednorthern gateway to the city.

UniversityScience block:

Opened October 2012a landmark £30m high

specification facility,part of developing a

true universitycity.

City of Stoke-on-Trent SixthForm College:Opened in 2010 the £33mSixth Form College buildingtransforms the landscape inthe station gateway. Stateof the art facilities for over2,000 students.

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8 Our City S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

BernardSulzberger

winning themen’s race in

2012.

DOUBLE Olympicgold medallist EdClancy will be

whizzing through Stoke-on-Trent’s City Centre whenthe 2013 Tour Seriesreturns to the city for thefifth year running.

Clancy, who won a secondconsecutive team pursuit gold inworld record time at the LondonOlympics, as well as bronze in themen’s omnium, will line-upalongside some of Britain’s topcycling teams for the City Centrerace on Tuesday, May 21.

It is the second time theBarnsley-born cyclist has takenpart in the event in the city and hisfirst time back in Stoke-on-Trent

since his Olympic success.The 1.2 kilometre circuit will

see racers in 10 teams start inTown Road adjacent to thePotteries Shopping Centre’s mainentrance before embarking on acourse which takes in most of citycentre's commercial and retailareas including Town Road, OldHall Street, Cheapside, Piccadillyand Stafford Street.

Other high-profile cyclists set totake part include WorldChampion Andy Tennant, Tour deFrance stage winner MagnusBackstedt, and Olympic medallistand Commonwealth ChampionRoss Edgar.

Starting at 6.00pm, the day willalso see the opening round of theJohnson Health Tech GP Seriesstaged in the City Centre,

Britain’s leading women’s cyclerace series which is sponsored bythe Stoke-on-Trent based fitnessequipment supplier.

In addition to the Tour Seriescircuit race which is expected tostart at 7.30pm, organisers areputting together a packed list ofsupporting events andentertainment to take place in theCity Centre throughout the day.

Last year 100 schoolchildrenrode two laps of the professionalcircuit and a Corporate GrandPrix involving local businessesracing against each other on thetrack and organisers are keen toinvolve both groups again thisyear.

Caught the imagination

Councillor Mark Meredith,Cabinet Member for EconomicDevelopment, Culture and Sport,said: “We’re delighted to behosting a stage of this excitingseries for the fifth year running,one of only two venues to havedone so.

“Cycling really caught theimagination of the public last yearwith the success in the Tour deFrance and Olympics and it’sfantastic that people will get tosee so many top cyclistscompeting on their doorstep.

“We’re committed to promotinghealthy lives through Mandate forChange and hopefully seeing somany top cyclists in the city willinspire people to take up thesport.

“The crowds always turn out innumbers on the day and it’s greatto see people of all ages getting

involved and supporting theevent. This is a national eventwhich will raise the profile of thecity.”

The ten men’s teams takingpart are: Madison Genesis,Metaltek Knights of Old RacingTeam, MG – Maxifuel ProCycling, Node4 – GiordanaRacing, Rapha Condor JLT, SpinRotor – Primal – C Originals,Team Hope Factory Racing,Team IG Sigma Sport, TeamRaleigh and Team UK Youth.

The series has new riders fromaround the world includingAustralia, New Zealand, Canada,France, Poland, Ireland andSweden and will have a newchampion in 2013.

The Tour of Britain cycle raceand Tour Ride will also bereturning to Stoke-on-Trent laterin the year.

Tour Series race director MickBennett said: “This year marksthe fifth season of the Tour Series,so it is fitting that we are onceagain returning to Stoke-on-Trent, a venue that has been apart of the Series since itsinception.

“Last year the city was abrilliant host for the Grand Final,and we are looking to havinganother exciting and actionpacked round for spectators thisMay.”

Highlights of the Tour Serieswill once again be screened onITV4, with the terrestrial home ofcycling showing all the actionfrom every round of the Series thenight after the race, with repeatsthe following day.

Action from lastyear’s women’s race.

Olympic hero Clancy in city’sTour Series line-up

Budget2013-14:the facts

STOKE-on-Trent has receivedthe 47th biggest cut inspending power out of all the353 authorities in England interms of ‘pounds reduction perdwelling’.

From 2010/11 to 2014/15the city council will have lost£373.50 for each household inthe city.

Stoke-on-Trent has the 2ndweakest tax base (2nd highestproportion (94 per cent) ofproperties in bands A, B and C)when compared to the other92 unitary and metropolitancouncils in England.

This significantly limits thecity council’s potential to raiseadditional income fromCouncil Tax.

At £946.18 per annum,Stoke-on-Trent has the 11thcheapest average council taxper property out of all the 324billing authorities in England.

The city council will have todeliver circa £100 millionsavings over the four years2011/12-2014/15, andpotentially a further £20million – £25 million savings in2015/16 are predicted.

Despite this the city councilis:● Supporting Residents...

through a freeze in counciltax.

● Supporting business andgrowth... by providing highquality advice and creatingbetter competitiveconditions for inwardinvestment.

●Maximising the use of ourresources... by introducinginvest to save initiatives andmaking additional savings

● Taking a tough stance onbenefit and tenancyfraud... by continuing ournational award winning‘Spot the Cheater’ campaign.

● Supporting our lowestpaid workers... with acommitment to pay a livingwage from 1 April 2013.

● Continuing to improvecollection rates... across allincome streams.

OUR CITY WILL BEQUARTERLY: As part of thebudget cuts the council’smagazine will now bedelivered just four times ayear. The publication isfunded by the city council,Staffordshire Police,Staffordshire Fire and RescueService and also someadvertising costs. The citycouncil remains committed toproviding information aboutits services and is constantlyexploring ways to engagewith you. You can keep up todate on stoke.gov.uk orfollow us on Twitter@SOTcitycouncil orfacebook.com/sotcitycouncil

Our City p8-9 18/3/13 12:50 Page 1

S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3 Our City 9

CITY Council LeaderMohammed Pervez is clearwhy the council is relentlessly

pursuing a regeneration strategyaimed at transforming the city.

He said: “We are creating jobs andopportunities for local people with a boldstrategy to attract investors to our city.

He added: “Our regeneration strategy isabout jobs and growth and securing the long-term future of our whole city. As a city we are13th in size in the country, but our city centreis ranked 73rd in terms of its retail offer and60th in terms of office space. For too long wehave focused on small scale development andlost visitors and leaked spend to Birminghamor Manchester.

“We haven’t attracted anything like the kindof professional services jobs we need and it istime for action now, not in ten years’ timewhen it may be too late.”

The detailed map and images on pages sixand seven show just how many differentprojects are under way to transform an areafrom Stoke town to the city centre.

The debate about the civic centre is set torumble on, but below some of the mostfrequently asked questions asked about thenew development proposals are answered.

Why build new offices for the council?The council isn’t just building new offices forits staff but has developed a regenerationstrategy that will transform all of our city. Thisincludes creating a Central Business Districtin the city centre of which the council officeswill be a small but significant part (see pagessix and seven).

By investing in the Central Business Districtthe council is not only making a statementthat it thinks the city has great potential, it iscreating the right kind of conditions to

encourage further investment from the privatesector.

Centre for Cities – a national think tank onregenerating cities – said in a study: “In thecurrent financial climate, large scale privateinvestment is difficult to come by, meaningthat intervention needs to be publicly led.”

We could have rented the buildings, butowning them gives the council a valuable asset– in the same way that mortgage payers endup owning their own home.

What other developments can we expectto see?As well as the council part of the CentralBusiness District, the city centre can expect tosee more offices, car parking, shops, leisure,hotels, cinema and city centre housing along

with new public realm. We are also investingacross the whole city and plan to create morenew jobs in manufacturing advanced materialsas part of our city deal with Government.

Why do you say 10,000 jobs will becreated?New jobs – many professional – will beattracted to the new city centre as a directresult of the transformation of the area. Wecurrently have only half the number ofprofessional jobs that a city of our size isexpected to have.

There will also be around 400 constructionjobs created during the development of thebusiness district.

The council is doing all it can to ensurethese roles are local labour and thatcontractors provide training, andapprenticeships and that where possible theywill use local suppliers too. In total 10,000jobs will be created as a result of our citystrategy.

Why are you spending the money whenyou are trying to save £21m?The savings we have made relate directly tomoney the council has to spend on servicesnot capital projects such as new buildings.

The money the council will invest in thenew offices CANNOT be used to fundservices.

But the council will save money by reducingthe number of buildings it has andintroducing efficient ways of working.

The government’s cuts to council fundingmeans councils need to raise more moneylocally if they are to fund services in thefuture.

If we want to continue to provide qualityservices we need more businesses rates, morejobs and more homes. Creating a city centrewhere businesses want to come to will helpgenerate more business rates.

What’s going to happen to Stoketown and the Civic Centre?

The site of the Civic Centre,Kingsway car park, Spode, and theKing’s Hall is currently beingmarketed and 29 expressions ofinterest have already been lodgeddemonstrating the potential of theredevelopment.

The city council wants to see avibrant town centre area created thatlinks with the overall city centre spine.Work is already underway to de-riskthe site for private investors. Newstudent accommodation is currentlybeing built close by and work on theStation Gateway is under way. Furtherimprovements to Campbell Place aredue to begin soon.

How will you pay back the money?The sale of the Stoke sites outlinedabove and other land and buildingsales will help fund the development.

Why do costs keep going up?Costs have not risen. There are sixphases of the Central BusinessDistrict. The council buildings are inphase one. Other capital funds will beput in place in future to help fundinfrastructure needed to enableprivate sector investment.

● For more see the Council’s websiteat stoke.gov.uk/cbd

Stoke-on-Trent went through major transformation to emerge as one of the greatest cities ofthe 19th century – a real industrial powerhouse. But with the decline of its core industriesthe area has faced an economic downturn and its people have suffered as a result. In a bid totransform its fortunes the city council embarked on a bold transformational program tomake Stoke-on-Trent a great working city...

Businessleadersback bigmove planStoke City Football Club andbet365 Chairman PeterCoates: “Stoke-on-Trent CityCouncil’s move to the CBD is acourageous step which has thepotential to regenerate thiscity and make a real impact.

“The CBD will create jobs,growth and pride in Stoke-on-Trent and that is something forus all to get behind.

“This city is transformingunder the council’s Mandatefor Change, there is an energyand excitement about theplace and it’s what this citydeserves.”

Kevin Oakes, Chief Executiveof Middleport-based SteeliteInternational: “Given thedemands facing the city andthe need to provide a clearfocus for investment, the citycouncil is taking a verysensible commercially drivendecision that will be shown tobenefit the wider economy.”

David Beech, ManagingPartner at NorthStaffordshire law firmKnights: “For our area to cometogether as North Staffordshirewe need to have a regeneratedsuccessful city centre as thehub. In terms of comparing thiscity to our neighbours, we arethe poor relation and peopleso often miss us or simply passby en route.The creation of acity centre is crucial and theconstruction of officeaccommodation which is theright size and quality is anobvious place to start theregeneration programme.”

Phil Wood, Chairman of theNorth Staffordshire Chamberof Commerce: “One of themajor concerns for thechamber is the developmentof the city centre.

“We support the work Stoke-on-Trent City Council isdoing in rebuilding the retailand business districts toprovide a centre which willbegin to rival others.”

Stoke-on-Trent andStaffordshire LocalEnterprise PartnershipChairman Ron Dougan:“Stoke-on-Trent City Council’splans to relocate their existingcivic centre offices will bring anestimated 4,000 direct newjobs in the city centre with theeffect of creating a potential400 additional jobs. In additionto this there will be 400construction jobs.

“In the current climate thisrequires strong leadership anddecision making to ensureStoke-on-Trent is successfuland prosperous.”

IMPRESSIVE GATEWAY... an artist’s impressionshowing how the Central Business District willtransform the area of the City Centre betweenBroad Street and the Potteries Way.

The five-storeycouncil office

building – the designpays tribute to the

work of world famous potter

Clarice Cliff.

City strategy vital fornew jobs and growth

Our City p8-9 18/3/13 16:15 Page 2

10 Our City S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

Fans get their teeth into china

PLANS to restore and preserveStoke-on-Trent’s very ownSpitfire received a big boost at afundraising dinner which raisedtens of thousands of poundstowards the campaign.

Lord Mayor Councillor TerryCrowe was guest of honour atthe dinner also attended byStoke City Chairman PeterCoates and billionaireentrepreneur John Caudwell.

The evening at the BritanniaStadium was organised byOperation Spitfire, launched bymembers of the family of theplane’s designer RJ Mitchell andother local enthusiasts.

They aim to restore the planein the Potteries Museum & ArtGallery, improve its display areaand even create a unique,interactive Spitfire cockpit sovisitors can enjoy a “flyingexperience”.

The Lord Mayor said: “I takemy hat off to the generosity ofthe people of Stoke-on-Trenttowards those who are lessfortunate than themselves andto raise money for good causes.

“They will always dig in theirpockets and it makes me veryproud to be associated with theresidents of our city becausethey show such generosity allthe time.”

RJ Mitchell’s great nephewJulian Mitchell said:“The phasedrestoration of the aircraft will beunique, and undertaken in sucha way that visitors can see andappreciate the engineering andcraft skills needed to restore thisincredible aircraft to its nearfactory – but not airworthy –condition.

“It is intended to bothcelebrate the genius of theSpitfire’s Chief Designer RJMitchell and the dedication of adiverse Midlands workforce whoproduced such prodigiousnumbers of aircraft.”● To find out more aboutOperation Spitfire, read aboutthe fundraising efforts and seethe dinner programme, whichincludes an exclusive videoyou can view through yoursmartphone or tablet, visitoperationspitfire.org.uk

FANGS have really taken off forPotteries filmmaker Chris Stoneand his award-winning city-based Blood and BoneChina vampire series.

Released to critical acclaim onthe internet and with a growingglobal fan base to feed, Christhen got his teeth into re-crafting the 12 episodes intohis first full length feature film.

With showcase premieresalready staged here and inAmerica, the tale of a vet’sstruggle with the blood-suckingunderworld of VictorianStoke-on-Trent was released as alimited edition DVD and soldout.

But horror fans with insatiableappetites staked a claim foreven more and inundated Chris

with hundreds of emails askingwhere they could buy the finechina featured in the openingtitles and throughout the film.

He said:“The fans reallywanted a piece of it and manyasked where they could buy thecups made at the fictionalHemlock Pottery.

“So I commissioned a limitedrun which were made in the city.They’re being sold online andwe’ve only got a few left.”

Fundraising dinner raises cashfor city’s Spitfire restoration

Aschool student’simaginative ideas forthe future of

Stoke-on-Trent has helpedhim scoop a £250 iPodTouch prize in an Our Citychildren’s competition.

Twelve-year-old Michael Teagueput pen to paper to answer aquestion posed in the last issue ofthe magazine.

We asked: What is the one thingyou would like to see which wouldimprove life in Stoke-on-Trent themost?

The St Peter’s Academy studentcame up with an eye-catchingdesign listing a series of things hethought would improve city life.He suggested Stoke-on-Trent“needs to be one big communitybringing together age groups,races, schools, business and localauthorities”.

He added: “By working togetherwe can make Stoke-on-Trent an

amazing place to live and visit.”He said that improving things

would instil “a sense of pride”that would “make more peoplewant to live here”.

He also suggested the creationof more parks with gardens forelderly people, community link updays and additional communityclean ups.

Colourful ideas

Michael received his iPodTouch at a special presentationceremony in front of the wholeschool.

The hi-tech prize was donatedby competition sponsors KierStoke, who provide repairs andhome improvements for morethan 19,100 properties and 450public buildings in the city.

A flood of other entries came inwith many colourful ideas. Sevenyear-old James Copeland, whoattends St George’s and StMartin’s Primary School,

suggested that each public parkshould have a community sand pitand a paddling pool with waterfeatures installed.

Neema Akhtar of Normacotcalled for different races,communities and religions to “puttheir differences aside” in a bid toreduce racism and improve safety.

Stephen Gizzi of Packmoorwants to see a clamp down onpollution and 12-year-old OliviaProudmore of Tunstall would liketo see more for teenagers to doincluding the setting up of youthclubs.

Meanwhile, Owen Cox, whoattends Glebe Primary School,requested a skate, scooter andbike zone be built at Fenton Park.

He said: “I could then ride myscooter and do what I like doingbest.”● What would you do to makeStoke-on-Trent better for thefuture? Email your ideas toourcity@stoke.gov.uk

Student’s ideas for futurewin hi-tech prize

WORK from the UK’s leading contemporaryceramic artists will go on show when the BritishCeramics Biennial returns to Stoke-on-Trent.

Following on from the success of the lastBiennial in 2011, the festival will again take overthe China Hall at the Spode Factory site in Stoketown.

For six weeks between September 28 andNovember 10, the city will host new exhibitionsand special events as part of the festival.

In addition to the Fresh exhibition showcasingthe best of the current crop of UK ceramicsgraduates, there will be a strong internationalflavour with work on display from France, Norway

and China. In the City Centre the prestigiousAward exhibition will return to The PotteriesMuseum & Art Gallery and the AirSpace Gallerywill feature something new and unusual fromlocal artists’ collaborations.

There will be lots of free events and activities inthe build-up to the festival, especially for youngpeople, families and adults, to have a go and joinin making their own ceramic creations.

The full programme will be announced in May.For updates, sign up to free e-newsletters atwww.britishceramicsbiennial.com or search forthe British Ceramics Biennial on Twitter andFacebook.

Showcase returns to promote best in ceramics

The Spitfire is winched intothe Potteries Museum & ArtGallery in 1987.

PrizewinnerMichael Teague,aged 12.

Our City p10 18/3/13 12:58 Page 1

S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3 Our City 11

I live in the ward Irepresent and over the

years it’s gone into decline soI got involved to make adifference.

I always said I wouldn’tbecome a councillor unless Icould do it full time so whenI retired in 2011 I decided tostand and, thankfully, waselected.

Burslem has suffered so Iwanted to do what I could tohelp create jobs and revitalisethe Mother Town. We’ve gotabout 50 properties back inuse and with the next roundof funding coming onstream, things are lookingmore hopeful.

In a previous life I was anelectrician and had somesuccess as a singer and thenrunning a record label so I’vebeen lucky to travel all overthe world and I bring thoseexperiences to what I do.

I’ve seen some interestingplaces and it makes yourealise that the city isn’t halfas bad as people think.

I worked for the citycouncil for 20 years

before I left in 2007. I wasalways the one askingquestions about how andwhy we were doing thingsand people said then that Iwould make a goodcouncillor.

The real knack is torealise how the decision youmake will affect people onthe ground.

I work hard to speak upfor my residents and act asan advocate for those whocan’t attend meetings ortake part in discussions.

Blurton is a fantastic areaand there is so muchhappening here.

I get a lot of satisfactionfrom helping people bytaking their issues up andspeaking to whoever I needto in order to get thingssorted.

You couldn’t invent a jobwhere you come across somany characters and makeso many friendships.

As a first timecouncillor I can spend

half a day on the licensingsub-committee and an entireday on the adoption panel.

I visit the schools in myward, help at the food bankand take a turn in doing teasand coffee at the Methodisthall.

I chair the FentonFellowship of Churches,have countless meetings todiscuss ward matters and Ivisit homes and facilitiesacross my patch.

I seem to spend hours onthe phone and do hundredsof emails each week but Ialways strive to walk aroundthe ward and to beaccessible too.

There is a lot of demandon councillors’ time but Ienjoy my role.

I spend around 50 hourseach week on council workand I am often out until9pm but if it means our cityprospers then I believe it istime well spent.

I like being a councillorwhen we are getting

things done but I don’t likebeing a councillor when we areforced to make cutbacks whenthe government budget isreduced.

Dealing with local issues forlocal people is the bread andbutter of being a councillor. Itis hugely rewarding when yousee the effects of your hardwork and when communitiesknow you are making adifference to the city.

Not only is the role achance to make things bettermyself, it is an opportunity tomeet the countless individualswho work to bring positivechanges.

Whether it’s throughchurches, youth groups,residents’ associations orcharities, it is a privilege to bepart of a community thatwon’t settle for second best.

I hope to see strongercommunities to help keepStoke-on-Trent moving in theright direction.

Councillor

Majid Khan LabourEtruria and Hanley

Councillor

AlanDutton LabourBurslem Central

Councillor

Neil Day LabourBlurton West andNewstead

Councillor

Karen Clarke LabourFenton West and MountPleasant

Councillor

AlastairWatson LabourJoiners Square

Politics has always beenan interest of mine and

throughout my life I have beeninvolved in a lot of voluntaryand charitable work, whichgives me great pleasure, ashelping people is what I enjoymost.

After establishing myself asa successful businessman Idecided to take my first stepstowards my true passion.

I was first elected in 2010and re-elected in 2011. I amnow trying my best to forgethe bridges between theresidents and local authorityto the best of my ability giventhe current circumstances andfinancial stress. Only now do Itruly understand the difficultyfacing this area and the hardwork that is required.

Being a councillor is verytough but extremely rewardingat the same time. I really enjoymy role and with support fromresidents hope to continue mywork for a long time towardsbuilding a brighter and betterStoke-on-Trent.

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Public service can be time consuming and decision-making can be difficult.Here, another five councillors share their thoughts on politics and how their lifeexperiences influence them as they serve the people of their wards and the city...

Pictured at the Civic Centre are, left to right,City Councillors Karen Clarke, Majid Khan,Neil Day, Alan Dutton and Alastair Watson.

Our City p11 18/3/13 13:02 Page 1

Acouncil campaign to crackdown on fraudsters is beingpraised by local authorities

across the UK.Spot the Cheater was launched as a

12-month project in May last year toincrease awareness of different types offraud and the council’s ‘get tough’approach.

Marketing materials carrying thedistinctive image of a cheetah helped toreturn an 18 per cent increase in thenumber of reports received by the councilin the first few months.

Three London boroughs adopted thecampaign for their fraud awareness inNovember and Stoke-on-Trent CityCouncil won the Fraud Awareness Awardat the Fighting Fraud Awards in Londonthe following month.

The National Fraud Authority is nowrecommending the campaign to allcouncils in the UK.

Corporate Fraud Manager Paul Bicknellsaid: “We’re very pleased with how

successful Spot the Cheater has been inStoke-on-Trent as well as the recognition ithas received nationally.

“We wanted to make the campaignmemorable but it will go beyond that if it isadopted across the UK. We look forward toseeing the developments.”

Spot the Cheater focuses on housingtenancy and benefit fraud, council taxevaders and people who misuse the bluebadge scheme for people with mobilityproblems.

Figures show the number of reports ofpossible fraud jumped from 1,219 betweenApril and December 2011 to 1,438 in thesame months in 2012.

Over the same time period, the numberof allegations of Council Tax and bluebadge fraud rose from none to 41 and 14respectively.

Baroness Hanham, the ParliamentaryUnder Secretary of State at the Departmentfor Communities and Local Government,commended Spot the Cheater during herkeynote speech to the National Anti FraudNetwork conference in February.

stoke.gov.uk/reportfraud

Every year, thousands of pounds of your money isstolen by cheaters, money that should be used to improve your local community.

SPOT THE CHEATER - DON’T LET THEM GET AWAY

Call us on 01782 236800 or report fraud

on line at stoke.gov.uk/reportfraud

Campaign to Spot the Cheater hailed as ‘excellent stuff’

CouncillorPaul Shotton,

Cabinet Member forFinance, Procurement

and Commissioning withsome of the material topromote the Spot the

Cheater campaign.

THE city council has madeit clear that residentssuspected of fraud will beinvestigated andprosecuted whereappropriate.

Here are just a fewexamples of successfulcourt actions to punish thefraudsters:

● One benefits fraudsterwas jailed for 16 monthshaving been found guiltyof pocketing £100,000 in anine year benefit swindle.

● A woman from the citywas prosecuted for falselyclaiming £15,000 inbenefits she was notentitled to. She received a12 month community orderand 12 month supervisionorder.

● And in a housingtenancy fraud case aclaimant was found guiltyof not living in her councilproperty which resulted ina £17,000 benefitoverpayment.

The claimant wasprosecuted under theFraud Act 2006 and fined£200 and asked to paycosts of £360.

Fraudstersface actionin court

“”

Michael Hopkins – InvestigationManager, Lichfield District Council.

Tri-borough used a design to pilot aNational Fraud Authority anti fraudcampaign and tool kit, successfullyrolling out the Spot the Cheatermessage across all three councils ofWestminster, the Royal Borough ofKensington and Chelsea andHammersmith and Fulham.

“”

Andy Hyatt – Head of Investigation,the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

What other local authorities have said:

The Spot the Cheaterpublicity is very simple,effective and eye catching.It is also really good to seea Midlands council, inStoke, leading the way intackling tenancy fraud.Excellent stuff.

12 Our City S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

Our City p12 18/3/13 13:15 Page 1

TRADITIONAL skillsrelating to Stoke-on-Trent’s unique

heritage will be on displayat the world’s most famousflower show.

The city council’s landscapeteam has designed a gardenfeaturing a bottle kiln andceramic flowers for the RHSChelsea Flower Show in May.

The garden, calledTransformation, is being createdwith the support of 28 partners

including local businesses andorganisations. Artists are workingwith the British CeramicsBiennial Ltd, schoolchildren,Staffordshire University studentsand community groups to makeceramic flowers similar to thoseonce produced across the city.

They will be used across thegarden in a modern style tocomplement a special seating areaproduced with help fromMoorcroft, Johnson Tiles andmetalwork by PCT Engineering.

Landscape Development TeamManager Annita Gibson said:

“Showcasing Stoke-on-Trent atone of the best events in theworld is an exciting and fantasticopportunity and one that buildsinto the council’s Mandate forChange by showing the city isvery much open for business.

“Our traditional skills will beshown in a contemporary way toshow Stoke-on-Trent’s journeyfrom an industrial past to amodern city and we have hadsome fantastic support from ourpartners to help our designs reallycome alive.”

The Stoke-on-Trent GardenPartnership has one of 15 showgardens at the event, which is

celebrating its centenary thisyear.

It is the first time the cityhas entered the show, butit has previously won RHSTatton Park Flower Show

Local Authority FlowerBed Competition gold

medals in consecutive yearsand three Best in Show Awards.

● WIN: We have five pairs oftickets to the Chelsea GardenShow to give away. To winsimply send in your nameand address and a sentencesaying why you want to goto the show. Send yourentry to FREEPOST OurCity by 30 April, 2013

MY ambition for Staffordshire isa modern, technologicallyadvanced police force withtraditional values. It’s about acriminal justice system whichworks better for victims andensuring organisations whichmake communities safer acrossStaffordshire are working moreeffectively together.

It means all those servicesbeing focused on achieving acommon goal which localpeople support and it’s aboutdoing it all during a time whenbudgets are shrinking.

The common goal is reducingcrime and fear of it. It’s dealingwith antisocial behaviour andthe causes quickly and it’spolicing more visibly socommunities feel reassured.

It’s also tackling drugs at alllevels, from ‘pushers’ who sellthem to those at the top whomake the big money whilewrecking lives. And alcohol,when abused, leads to the mostdamaging social issues costingindividuals, businesses andpublic services a fortune.

But as well as very localpolicing, Staffordshire must playits part in dealing with seriousorganised crime which crossesborders but often devastateslocal communities. We must alsoensure enough resources tosupport national agencies incombating terrorism.

The role of Police and CrimeCommissioner is the first time asingle Office-holder at local levelcan influence all the parts of asector which exists to makeStaffordshire safer. It providesopportunities to improve thecomplex and often fragmented‘system’ by making sure it’seffective and more joined up.

Across Staffordshire it willmean more visible policing anda focus on preventing crimebefore it happens. And for the

first time local people will have avoice directly to an electedindividual with a powerfulinfluence over services.

Will it mean a crime free,Utopian Staffordshire withpolice officers on every corner?No, I wish I could promise that,but I can’t!

I do promise investment inmobile technology so officershave more information on themove and less need to return tobase meaning more visiblepolicing. Improving systems forstatement handling andprocesses all means morefrontline policing.

My promise

Work underway to reduce thebureaucratic burden whichkeeps police off our streets isalso ongoing and we arereviewing how to reduceunproductive target chasing too.

I’m sticking to my promisethat Council Tax payers shouldbe the last port of call, not thefirst, by freezing what residentspay towards policing at lastyear’s level.

This is a sense of what you canexpect with an ambitious CrimeReduction Plan being developedfor public consultation thissummer.

Look out for the local eventsin Staffordshire soon and I’dwelcome ideas, thoughts andcomments on how we mightmake our communities safertogether.

● You cancontact me inthe followingways. Either bytelephone on01785 232385emailing me onPCC@staffordshire.pcc.pnn.gov.uk through Twitter: @staffspccor by visting the website:staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk

Working togetherto make county’scommunities safer

City skills blossom forglobal display

An artist’simpression of howthe garden will look.

The man elected to lead the fight against crime in

Staffordshire – Police and Crime Commissioner

Matthew Ellis – writes about his priorities and his

pledge to Council Tax payers...

FlowermakersRita Ford, left, and

Jeanette Seabridgeuse traditional skills

to put together partsof the stunning

display.

S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3 Our City 13

Staffordshire’sPolice and Crime

CommissionerMatthew Ellis.

Our City p13 18/3/13 13:19 Page 1

14 Our City S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

WORK is wellunderway ona £695,000

highways schemedesigned to make therailway stationgateway to the citymore welcoming.

As the city’s new busstation opens, theimprovements aroundStation Road and CollegeRoad will also improve theconnection between themain railway station andthe City Centre.

The work supports£14million worth ofimprovements being carriedout by StaffordshireUniversity to its campus,including land off CollegeRoad.

Under the gatewayscheme contractors arewidening the footpath atthe station entrance inShelton to create anextended forecourt and cuttraffic speeds. New

information signs will beinstalled.

Road humps are beingreplaced with other trafficmanagement measuresalong College Road fromits junction with StationRoad to Avenue Road tokeep traffic to the 20mphspeed limit.

The section betweenStation Road and CauldonRoad is being narrowedwhile a new raised sectionbetween the two existingzebra crossings will make itsafer for pedestrians.

A new mini roundaboutis being installed at theQueen Ann Street junctionto slow southbound traffic.The carriageway on CollegeRoad will be resurfaced tomake bus journeyssmoother.

Loading and short stayparking bays are beingcreated to provide betterparking for shops inCollege Road. New treeswill be planted and a bench

is being installed near thestation entrance.

Councillor RuthRosenau, Cabinet Memberfor Regeneration, Planningand Transportation, said:“This is part of ourMandate for Changeagenda which is makingStoke-on-Trent a greatplace to live.

“This is an exciting andimportant project and Ilook forward to seeing thearea transformed andimproved as it will providebenefits for everyone usingthis area.”

The work, which beganat the start of February, isdue to be completed by thebeginning of April.● The gateway project ispart of the UniversityQuarter (UNiQ)regeneration initiativewhich has delivered£110million ofimprovements in the stationarea over the last threeyears.

TWO hundred vulnerable people andfamilies in Stoke-on-Trent were givenfree carbon monoxide alarms in a citycouncil safety drive.

Carbon monoxide poisoning causes50 accidental deaths, 200 non-fatalpoisonings that require hospitaladmission and 4,000 visits to accidentand emergency departments everyyear in England and Wales. It poses aparticular threat to children under 14and adults over 65, with these age

groups accounting for 31 per cent and25 per cent respectively of hospitaladmissions.

Councillor Janine Bridges, CabinetMember for Housing, Neighbourhoodsand Community Safety, said:“Thiscampaign aims to drastically reduce thenumber of people suffering fromcarbon monoxide poisoning by raisingawareness of the dangers and advisingpeople what to do if they developsymptoms.”

Streetworks improve

city gateway

Helping families beat ‘silent killer’

SiteForeman

Liam Fitzpatrickstarting works infront of the city’s

main railwaystation.

Our City p14 18/3/13 16:14 Page 1

S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3 Our City 15

WORK is now underway onthe last of 18 projectstransforming education in

Stoke-on-Trent under the £270million Building Schools for theFuture (BSF) initiative.

As construction started this month (March)on the futuristic Abbey Hill School andPerforming Arts College, thoughts are alreadyturning to the impact the iconic secondaryschool buildings across the city will have onyoung people’s achievement.

BSF aims to provide facilities which inspireyoung people to gain the skills andqualifications they need to take advantage ofjob opportunities arising from the city’sregeneration.

As well as improving learning opportunities,the huge programme has also boosted thelocal economy, providing jobs and business forthe city supply chain.

It has also seen almost 50 apprenticeslearning trades in different areas includingbusiness administration, plumbing, joinery,electrical, and carpentry.

National quality

The latest buildings to open their doors tostaff and students include the showcaseOrmiston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy(OSSMA), which has literally changed theBlurton landscape.

It’s a 21st century facility, where studentsuse fingerprint recognition to move around,where the music room has Apple Maccomputers for every student and wherelearning happens in light, bright, colourfulspaces.

OSSMA is built around a central street-stylearcade and has hi-tech facilities, a modernsports hall and upgraded pitches with links tothe Stoke City Academy.

Meanwhile, the new sports hall at StJoseph’s College in Trent Vale has beenhanded over.

As well as providing national qualitybadminton facilities, improved grass pitchesand a new multi-use games area, the centre

also provides an extension to the school’smusic facilities with enhanced acoustics.

Project Director Tracy Penrose-Gould said:“The idea of BSF was to build iconicbuildings which would create a feeling of hopeand pride in our communities.

“They replaced often outdated schools withstate-of-the-art, well-equipped learningfacilities.

“I have heard that some students who seethe new buildings have said they are ‘too posh’for people in Stoke-on-Trent.

“Our message is that these are facilities ouryoung people deserve – it’s OK for them tostudy in a place packed with the latestequipment, with great sports facilities, lightand airy public areas and lots of space forthem to learn, enjoy and relax.”

Cabinet Member for Education CouncillorAlan Dutton said all eyes were now on theimpact the new buildings and facilities would

have on inspiring young people to dobetter and achieve more at school.

He said: “The new buildingsare welcoming, comfortableand well-equipped. Theyprovide a place wherestudents want to be andwant to learn.

“But it’s not just aboutthe buildings... the staffworking in them alsohave a vital role to play.

“The city council isworking through itsearly years strategy andthrough primary andjunior education to makesure children are school-ready, and willtake advantage of theseamazing new facilities.”

21st century schools mean city

targets better results

Last of 18 schemes underway in £270 million improvements for secondary schools

Left, Yusuf Coban, 16, and Daniel Gyollai, 15, right in one of theschool’s hi-tech computer suites. Above, 15 year old Connor Barrattusing a fingerprint identity scanner.

OSSMA Headteacher MarkStanyer said: “I’mdelighted to see how farour building has come.

“This is a very excitingtime for our Academy withour Year 11 on track forrecord-breaking GCSEexamination results and ofcourse our state-of-the-artnew building.

“The facilities and layoutof the building will enableus to continue to provide afirst class educationalexperience for our youngpeople.

“We are also reallylooking forward towelcoming the communityto the Academy to shareour new facilities.”

Year 11 lookto break allexam records

The iconic frontage of the OrmistonSir Stanley MatthewsAcademy (OSSMA).

16-year-old twins Craig and Marcus Smithwho have played international badminton forEngland in St Joseph’s new sports facilities.

Our City p15 18/3/13 13:31 Page 1

MONDAYESOL

■(Term time only) 9:30-11:30am

Ready Steady Learn* 1-3pm(Transition based group)Earth Day Recyling Modelling (22 April) 1-2:30pm

TUESDAYFamily Links* 9:30-11:30amHome Play Sessions* 9:30-NoonGrowing Together* 1-2:30pm(PICL.0-2yrs)

WEDNESDAYLittle Stars* 9:30-11:30am(Additional needs group)Ramble in the Bramble 10-11:30am(Meet at All Saints Church.Bear Hunt on3 April)Play Together Drop-In 1-2:30pm(PICL.0-5yrs.Held at TBCC)Eater Fun in Hanley Park 10-4pm(3 April)

THURSDAYParent Forum Drop-In 9:30-11:30amHealth Visitor and Baby Weighing ClinicDrop-In 1:30-2:45pm

FRIDAYReady Steady Learn* 9:30-11:30amPlay Together 1-2:30pm

OTHER SERVICESSpeech and Language Support* Play and Learning in the Home* Family Support in the Home*Volunteering Programme

0178223633301782

238352

CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE SOUTH OF THE CITY

01782233775

01782596421

01782237650 01782

234024

01782233670

CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE NORTH OF THE CITY01782231096

MONDAY

Maths Course and Crèche #12:45-2:45pm

TUESDAY

Growing Together * 9:30-11amBaby Massage 11:30-12:30pmDrop-InJumping Beans

■1:30-2:30pm

(Music and movement)

WEDNESDAY

Adult Learning and Crèche #9:30-11:30am

Mum 2 Mum Breastfeeding CaféDrop-In 9:30-11:30amYoung Parents New Baby Stay andPlay (Designed for young parents withbabies 0-18mths) 1:30-3pm

THURSDAY

Young Parents Group 10-NoonMidwife Antenatal▲ 9:30am-4pmEnglish Course and Crèche #

12:45-2:45pm

FRIDAY

Busy Babies Baby Group 9:30-11am(0-18mths or confident walkers)Health Visitors Drop-In

9:30-11:30amParent Forum Meeting 1-2:30pm(Every second Friday of the month)

OTHER SERVICES

Stay and Play■

9:30-11am(Mon,Thur)Nibbles and Giggles Café (Mon-Fri,open to the public) 10:30am-1:30pm Saturdads (First Saturday of everymonth, location varies) #Early Intervention Outreach #Play and Learning Outreach #Volunteering Program # (Please speakto our Community and EconomicDevelopment officer Alison Shelly)Toy Library #Mobile Toy Library #

01782231096 01782

232977

01782238989

01782236655

MONDAYPlay Together Drop-In(0-5yrs) 9:30-11amBaby Massage

■10:30-Noon

Parents Forum (15 April) 1-2:30pmNot Just Mums (23 April) 1-2:30pm

TUESDAYTransition Crèche * 9:30-11am(Venue to be confirmed,term time only)Breastfeeding Café Drop-In 10:30-NoonGrowing Together * 1:15-2:45pm(PICL,0-5yrs,term time only)

WEDNESDAYPortage Play * 9:30-11:30am(17 April.Call 235489 for details)Parent Training 9:30-11:30am(Call for details)Triple P* 1-3pm

THURSDAYHealth Visitor/Baby Weighing ClinicDrop-In 9:30-11amPlay Together Drop-In 10-11:30am(Term time,0-5yrs,St John’s,Trent Vale)Family LInks * 9:30-11:30am(Starts 25 April.The Nurturing Programme)

FRIDAYPlay Together Drop-In 9:30-10:45am(0-5yrs,Stoke Library,term time only)Tiny Talkers * 1:30-2:30pm(18mths+.Stoke Library,term time only)

OTHER SERVICESToy LibrarySensory Room (By request)Midwife Clinic▲

Speech and Language Support▲

Play and Learning in the Home*Family Support in the Home*Volunteering Programme

MONDAY

Toast and Toys 9-11amHealth Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11amFenton Book Buddies 11:30-12:30pm(25 March,29 April,20 May,24 June)Walking Group 1-2:30pmGrowing Together* (0-5yrs) 1-2:30pm

TUESDAY

Play Together (0-5yrs) 9:30-11:30amBusybodies 1-1:45pm(£2 per family.26 March)Baby Massage * 1:30-3pm

WEDNESDAY

Breastfeeding Café 9:30-11:30amVarious Training Courses (6wk courses.Limited Crèche places) 12:45-2:45pmTeenage Pregnancy Group *

12:30-2:30pm

THURSDAY

Play Together (0-5yrs) 12:30-2:30pmOutreach Play Together 9:15-11am(Clarice Cliffe Primary School.Term time)

FRIDAY

Fenton Families First 9:30-11:30am(26 April,10 May)Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm

OTHER SERVICES

Parent Forum 9:30-11:30am(15 April,3,17 May)Toy and Book LibraryCommunity GardenPlay and Learning Home VisitsSensory Room

■

Volunteering Programme

MONDAY

Parent Forum Meeting 9:30-11:30am(Last Monday of every month)Adult Learning and Crèche # 1-3pm

TUESDAY

Messy Monkeys Baby Group (0-18mthsor confident walkers) 9-10:30amHealth Visitor Drop-In 9-10:30amEnglish Course and Crèche #

12:45-2:45pm

WEDNESDAY

Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am

THURSDAY

Maths Course and Crèche #9:30-11:30am

FRIDAY

Growing Together * 9:30-11amWalking Group # 1-2:30pm(All the family can take part in walksaround the locality)

OTHER SERVICES

Rumble Tummies Café (Mon-Fri,opento the public) 10:30am-1:30pm Saturdads (First Saturday of everymonth, location varies) #Early Intervention Outreach #Play and Learning Outreach #Volunteering Program # (Please speakto our Community and EconomicDevelopment officer Nanette Hulse)Toy Library #Mobile Toy Library #

MONDAY

English Course and Crèche # 1-3pm

TUESDAY

Sweet Peas Baby Group 9:30-11am(0-18mths)Young Parents Group 10-NoonMidwife Antenatal▲ 9:30-4pmAdult Learning and Crèche # 1-3pm

WEDNESDAY

Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am

THURSDAY

Jumping Beans (Milton Uth Centre.Music and movement) 9:15-10:45amChildminders Stay and Play Drop-In(Childminders only) 9:30-11:30amGrowing Together * 1-2:30pm

FRIDAY

Maths Course and Crèche #9:30-11:30am

Parent Forum Meeting 1:30-2:30pm(Third Friday of every month)

OTHER SERVICES

Saturdads (First Saturday of everymonth, location varies) #Early Intervention Outreach #Play and Learning Outreach #Volunteering Program # (Please speakto our Community and EconomicDevelopment officer Melissa Worth)Toy Library #Mobile Toy Library #

MONDAY

Baby Jabadao 12:30-2pm

TUESDAY

Growing Together** 9:30-11am(Family Support available for advice andsupport)

WEDNESDAY

Crèche for Training and Parent Forum9:30-11am

Parent Forum (Fortnightly) 9:30-11am

Pandas Group (0-5yrs) 12-2:30pm

Family Support Drop-In 2:30-3:30pm(Priory Primary School,term time only)

THURSDAY

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-2:30pm

Breastfeeding Café 10:30-Noon

Growing Together 1:30-3pm(28 March,4 April.)

Let’s Get Started 1:30-3pm(Starting 11 April.)

FRIDAY

Play Together (0-5yrs) 9:30-11am(Family Support available for advice andsupport)

Foster Carers’Group Noon-3pm(12 April)

OTHER SERVICES

Outdoor Play Area

Volunteering Programme

MONDAY

Play Together 9:30-11:30am

TUESDAY

Post Natal/New Baby 10-11am(Mums and Babies up to 9mths)Busybodies 11:15-Noon(£2 per session.Term time only)Asian Ladies Advice Group Drop-In(9,23 April) 11:30-1:30pmBaby Clinic ▲ 4:30-6pm(First Tue of every month)

WEDNESDAY

Speech and Language Therapy ▲ 9-5pmDevelopment Checks ▲ 9:30-1pmPlay Together 1-2:30pm

THURSDAY

Breastfeeding Cafe 10:30-NoonAsian Ladies Advice Group Drop-In(4,18 April) 11:30-1:30pmBaby Clinic 1-2:45pmBaby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm

FRIDAY

Parent Forum 9:30-11:30am(19 April)Baby Massage ▲ 10-Noon

1-2:30pmGrowing Together ▲ 1-2:30pmFUNraisers constituted 9:30-11:30amGroup (26 April)

OTHER SERVICES

Soft Play Area (Mon-Fri) 8:30-5pmESOLTue,Thur,Fri 9:30-11:30amTue,Fri Noon-2pmMidwife Clinic (Mon-Fri) ▲

Crèche for Training,Volunteering and RespiteMon 12:30-3pmTue-Fri 9-11:30amPlay and Learning Home Visits(Mon,Wed,Thur,Fri)Volunteering ProgrammeEarly Intervention TeamTraining and Employment Support

CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE CENTRE OF THE CITY

Families welcome totake part in packedactivity programme EVERY family in Stoke-on-Trent canmake the most of a great range ofservices and facilities at the city’schildren’s centres.

The teams reach out into theirlocal communities to supportfamilies and give children the verybest start in life.

Anyone is welcome to pop intotheir local centre and take part inone of the activities featured in thispull out and keep guide.

Children’s centres provide a rangeof services including:● childcare and children's learning

and development● health services● family support

● specialist support for childrenwith additional needs

● outreach workers● information for parents● activities to help

parents and carersback to work.Each children’s centre

also delivers additionalservices tailored to meet localneeds.

There are even opportunitiesto volunteer and learn new skillsthat could lead to qualifications, ajob or career change.

Contact details are included witheach centre’s calendar. Alternatively,follow your centre on Facebook.

PULL OUT GUIDE TO CHILDREN’S CENTRES ACTIVITIES

■ Book at Reception ▲ Appointments Only. ^ Limited crèche available. * Referral Only. PICL – Parents Involved in Children’s Learning.■ Book at Reception ▲ Appointments Only. * Referral Only. # Ask at reception.

MONDAY

Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30–11am

FRIDAY

Little Sprouts Sensory Stay and Play 1:30-3pm

OTHER SERVICES

Saturdads (First Saturday of everymonth, location varies) #Early Intervention Outreach #Play and Learning Outreach #Volunteering Program (Please speakto our Community and EconomicDevelopment officer Melissa Worth) #Toy Library #Mobile Toy Library #

MONDAYMaths Course and Crèche #

9:30-11:30amStay and Play Drop-In 1-2:30pm

TUESDAYEnglish Course and Crèche #

9:30-11:30amGrowing Together * 1-2:30pm

WEDNESDAYBaby Massage Drop-In 9:30-10:30amStay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am

THURSDAYTiny Explorers Baby Group 9:30-11am(0-18mths or confident walkers)Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11:30amAdult Learning and Crèche #

12:45-2:45pm

FRIDAYLets Get Creative Stay and Play (Messy play,please bring a change ofclothing) 9:30-11amParent Forum Meeting 1:30-2:30pm(First Friday of every month)

OTHER SERVICESSaturdads (First Saturday of everymonth, location varies) #Early Intervention Outreach #Play and Learning Outreach #Volunteering Program #(Please speak to our Community andEconomic Development officer JaniceHolmes)Toy Library #

Mobile Toy Library #

MONDAY

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-4pm

Jo Jingles ■

11:15-Noon(1-5yrs,£2 per family,term time only)

Growing Together**(0-5yrs)1-2:30pm

Family Support Drop-In 2-3pm(Blurton Primary School,term time only)

TUESDAY

Play Together Group ■

9:30-11am

Start Up Literacy 12:30-2:30pm

WEDNESDAY

Baby Jabadao■

(0-First steps) 9:30-11am

Baby Clinic 1:30-3:30pm(Blurton Health Centre)

Start Up Numeracy 12:30-2:30pm

Parent Forum (Fortnightly) 1-2:30pm

THURSDAY

Employment Workshop 11-Noon(1-2-1 sessions)

Baby Clinic Drop-In 11-Noon

Baby Massage ■

1:15-2:30pm

FRIDAY

Family Support Drop-In (NewsteadPrimary School,term time only) 9-10am

Growing Together** 9:30-11am(0-5yrs)

Play Together ■

(Newstead PrimarySchool,term time only) 1:30-3pm

OTHER SERVICES

Family Kitchen

Indoor and Outdoor Playspace(Open Monday to Friday) 9-4:45pm

Crèche (Available for parentsundertaking Parent Forum,Volunteering,Training and Respite)Mon 9:30-11:30amWed 12:30-2:30pmThur 9:30-11:30am

Baby Massage* (one-to-one sessions)

Volunteering Programme

Training Programme

Sensory Room (Mon-Fri)■

9-4:45pm

01782231815

SPRINGACTIVITIES

For the latest newsabout Easter events,pop into your localChildren’s Centre.

01782237100

MONDAYGrowing Together * 10-11:30amTime 4 You Wellness* 12:30-2:30pm

TUESDAYBaby Weighing Clinic 9-10:30amMidwife Clinic 9-12:30pmChill and Chat (No crèche) 1-2:30pmVolunteering Group 9:30-11:30amand Crèche (Weeks parent forum not on)Parent Forum 9:30-11:30am(16 April,7 May)Baby Massage* 1:30-2:30pm

WEDNESDAYPlay Together (PICL) 10-11:30amTime to Talk * 1:30-2:30pm(Communication and language group)

THURSDAYMidwife Clinic

■All Day

Ready Steady Learn * 9:30-11:30amBaby Weighing 1:30-3:30pm(Abbey Hulton Clinic)Easter Bonnet Parade 10-11:30am(4 April)

FRIDAYBreastfeeding Café 10:30-NoonPlay Together 10:15-11:30am(Carmountside Primary School)Growing Together * 1:15-2:30pm(Abbey Hulton)

OTHER SERVICESToy Library (By request)Sensory Room

■

Speech and Language Support*Play and Learning Home VisitingKingsland Kindergarten (Day Care)Job Centre (every Thursday)Volunteering Programme

MONDAY

Play Together Drop-In 9:15-11:15am(0-5yrs)

Outreach Drop-In 9-10am(Grange Nursery School.Term time only)

TUESDAY

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9:30-1pm

Parent Forum 10:30-11:30am(Every fortnight.Limited crèche)

WEDNESDAY

Growing Together ** 9:30-11am(0-5yrs.PICL)

Outreach Drop-In 9:30-Noon

THURSDAY

Jo Jingles ■

(£2 per family)10-10:45am

Outreach Drop-In 9:30-Noon

FRIDAY

Baby Jabadao Drop-In 9:30-11am(0-First steps)

Growing Together ** 1-2:30pm(0-5yrs.PICL)

OTHER SERVICES

Dads Saturday 10-Noon(First Saturday of each month at TheCrescent Children’s Centre)

Ball Green Primary School, Whitfield Road, Ball Green ST6 8AJ Vale Park, Hamil Road, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 1AW

St Nicholas Avenue, Norton, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 8JWBishop Road, Chell Heath, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6QW

Woodland Street, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6AP

Eaves Lane, Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 9ASGreatbatch Avenue, Penkhull, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7JU

College Road, Shelton,Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DQ

Garth Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 2DA

01782234357

MONDAY

Play Together (18mths-5yrs) (Younger siblings welcome) 9:30-11am

Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11:30am

Play and Learning in the Home* All Day

Playgroup 1-2:45pm(Etruscan Primary School)

Family Links * 12:30-2:30pm

TUESDAY

Connect Group ^ 9:30-11:30am

Baby Massage ■

9:30-11am

Health Visitor Drop-In Hanley Health Centre 9:30-11:30amShelton Primary Care Centre (0-1yrs)

1:30-3:30pm

Play and Learning in the Home * 1-4pm

Growing Together* (0-1yrs) 1-2:30pm

WEDNESDAY

ESOL ■

9:30-11:30am(Limited crèche.Term time)

Play Together (0-18mths) 1:30-3pm

Growing Together* 1-2:30pm

THURSDAY

Ready, Steady, Go* 9:30-11:30am(Transition crèche to NEG/School)

Hands from Around the World10:30-Noon

Incredible Years 12:30-2:30pm(Contact Connect,CAMHs and First Stepsfor more information)

FRIDAY

Safety Visit Drop-In 9-10am

Triple P* 9:30-11:30am(Limited crèche available)

Tiny Talkers* 1:30-2:30pm

Play and Learning in the Home * 1-4pm

OTHER SERVICES

Saturday Story Time 11-Noon(City Central Library)

Parent Forum 9:30-11:30am(26 March)

Half Term Activities ■

Volunteering Programme

Dawlish Drive, Bentilee, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 0HW Buccleuch Road, Normacot, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 4RF

01782 237500

Jubilee Road, Trentham ST4 8EFNormacot Grange Road, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 7AWTravers Court, Temple Street, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4NR

Oakwood Road, Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 3ARPinewood Crescent, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 6HZ

MONDAY

Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm

Outreach Play Together 1:30-3pm(Gladstone Primary School.Term time)

TUESDAY

Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11am

Growing Together** 9:30-11am

WEDNESDAY

Parent’s Forum 9:45-11am(27 Mar,24 April,8,22 May))

Baby Massage ■

(0-12mths) 1-2:30pm

Start Up – SMILE 10-12pm(SMILE Training and Employment Drop-In)

THURSDAY

Fitness Group ■

(Term time) 10-11am

Growing Together** 1-2:30pm

FRIDAY

Moss Green Growing Together**(Riverside Housing Office) 9:30-11am

Play Together 12:30-2pm

OTHER SERVICES

Crèche (Mon,Wed,Thur) 9:30-11:30am

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-3:30pm(Mon,Wed,Thur,Fri)

Playspace 9-3pm(Mon,Tue,Thur,Fri.Open to the public)

Café 10-Noon(Mon,Tue,Thur.Refreshments only)

Start-Up Courses available(Term time only)

Community Garden

Volunteering Programme

MONDAYJo Jingles

■(£2 per family) 10-10:45am

Parent Forum 9:45-11:30am(Runs every fortnightly.Limited crèche)Baby Jabadao Drop-In 1-2:30pm(0-First Steps)

TUESDAYChild Health Clinic 9:15-11:30amPlay Together 9:15-11am(0-5yrs.Weston Coyney Infant School.Please book via 596848)Play Together Drop-In 9:30-11:30am

WEDNESDAYGrowing Together ** 1-2:30pm(0-5yrs.PICL)Literacy * 9:30-11:30am

THURSDAYChild Health Clinic 9-11am(Weston Heights Community Centre)Zumba/Keep Fit

■9:45-11:30am

FRIDAYGrowing Together ** 1-2:30pm(0-5yrs.PICL)Numeracy * 9:30-11:30amTeenage Pregnancy 12:30-2:30pmDrop-In

OTHER SERVICESCrèche Training,Volunteering, RespiteMon,Wed,Thur,Fri 9-11:30amThur 12:30-3pmMidwife Clinic▲ (Tue,Wed,Thur) 9-1pmDads Saturday 10-Noon(First Saturday of each month)Baby Massage * Volunteering Programme (Pleasespeak to The Community and EconomicDevelopment Officer Caz Gotham)FREE Home Safety Advice andEquipment (Speak to the OutreachTeam)

* Referral Only. ** Bookable places with Play and Learning Team. ■ Book at Reception. ▲ Appointments Only.

Our City p16-17 18/3/13 13:33 Page 1

MONDAYESOL

■(Term time only) 9:30-11:30am

Ready Steady Learn* 1-3pm(Transition based group)Earth Day Recyling Modelling (22 April) 1-2:30pm

TUESDAYFamily Links* 9:30-11:30amHome Play Sessions* 9:30-NoonGrowing Together* 1-2:30pm(PICL.0-2yrs)

WEDNESDAYLittle Stars* 9:30-11:30am(Additional needs group)Ramble in the Bramble 10-11:30am(Meet at All Saints Church.Bear Hunt on3 April)Play Together Drop-In 1-2:30pm(PICL.0-5yrs.Held at TBCC)Eater Fun in Hanley Park 10-4pm(3 April)

THURSDAYParent Forum Drop-In 9:30-11:30amHealth Visitor and Baby Weighing ClinicDrop-In 1:30-2:45pm

FRIDAYReady Steady Learn* 9:30-11:30amPlay Together 1-2:30pm

OTHER SERVICESSpeech and Language Support* Play and Learning in the Home* Family Support in the Home*Volunteering Programme

0178223633301782

238352

CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE SOUTH OF THE CITY

01782233775

01782596421

01782237650 01782

234024

01782233670

CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE NORTH OF THE CITY01782231096

MONDAY

Maths Course and Crèche #12:45-2:45pm

TUESDAY

Growing Together * 9:30-11amBaby Massage 11:30-12:30pmDrop-InJumping Beans

■1:30-2:30pm

(Music and movement)

WEDNESDAY

Adult Learning and Crèche #9:30-11:30am

Mum 2 Mum Breastfeeding CaféDrop-In 9:30-11:30amYoung Parents New Baby Stay andPlay (Designed for young parents withbabies 0-18mths) 1:30-3pm

THURSDAY

Young Parents Group 10-NoonMidwife Antenatal▲ 9:30am-4pmEnglish Course and Crèche #

12:45-2:45pm

FRIDAY

Busy Babies Baby Group 9:30-11am(0-18mths or confident walkers)Health Visitors Drop-In

9:30-11:30amParent Forum Meeting 1-2:30pm(Every second Friday of the month)

OTHER SERVICES

Stay and Play■

9:30-11am(Mon,Thur)Nibbles and Giggles Café (Mon-Fri,open to the public) 10:30am-1:30pm Saturdads (First Saturday of everymonth, location varies) #Early Intervention Outreach #Play and Learning Outreach #Volunteering Program # (Please speakto our Community and EconomicDevelopment officer Alison Shelly)Toy Library #Mobile Toy Library #

01782231096 01782

232977

01782238989

01782236655

MONDAYPlay Together Drop-In(0-5yrs) 9:30-11amBaby Massage

■10:30-Noon

Parents Forum (15 April) 1-2:30pmNot Just Mums (23 April) 1-2:30pm

TUESDAYTransition Crèche * 9:30-11am(Venue to be confirmed,term time only)Breastfeeding Café Drop-In 10:30-NoonGrowing Together * 1:15-2:45pm(PICL,0-5yrs,term time only)

WEDNESDAYPortage Play * 9:30-11:30am(17 April.Call 235489 for details)Parent Training 9:30-11:30am(Call for details)Triple P* 1-3pm

THURSDAYHealth Visitor/Baby Weighing ClinicDrop-In 9:30-11amPlay Together Drop-In 10-11:30am(Term time,0-5yrs,St John’s,Trent Vale)Family LInks * 9:30-11:30am(Starts 25 April.The Nurturing Programme)

FRIDAYPlay Together Drop-In 9:30-10:45am(0-5yrs,Stoke Library,term time only)Tiny Talkers * 1:30-2:30pm(18mths+.Stoke Library,term time only)

OTHER SERVICESToy LibrarySensory Room (By request)Midwife Clinic▲

Speech and Language Support▲

Play and Learning in the Home*Family Support in the Home*Volunteering Programme

MONDAY

Toast and Toys 9-11amHealth Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11amFenton Book Buddies 11:30-12:30pm(25 March,29 April,20 May,24 June)Walking Group 1-2:30pmGrowing Together* (0-5yrs) 1-2:30pm

TUESDAY

Play Together (0-5yrs) 9:30-11:30amBusybodies 1-1:45pm(£2 per family.26 March)Baby Massage * 1:30-3pm

WEDNESDAY

Breastfeeding Café 9:30-11:30amVarious Training Courses (6wk courses.Limited Crèche places) 12:45-2:45pmTeenage Pregnancy Group *

12:30-2:30pm

THURSDAY

Play Together (0-5yrs) 12:30-2:30pmOutreach Play Together 9:15-11am(Clarice Cliffe Primary School.Term time)

FRIDAY

Fenton Families First 9:30-11:30am(26 April,10 May)Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm

OTHER SERVICES

Parent Forum 9:30-11:30am(15 April,3,17 May)Toy and Book LibraryCommunity GardenPlay and Learning Home VisitsSensory Room

■

Volunteering Programme

MONDAY

Parent Forum Meeting 9:30-11:30am(Last Monday of every month)Adult Learning and Crèche # 1-3pm

TUESDAY

Messy Monkeys Baby Group (0-18mthsor confident walkers) 9-10:30amHealth Visitor Drop-In 9-10:30amEnglish Course and Crèche #

12:45-2:45pm

WEDNESDAY

Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am

THURSDAY

Maths Course and Crèche #9:30-11:30am

FRIDAY

Growing Together * 9:30-11amWalking Group # 1-2:30pm(All the family can take part in walksaround the locality)

OTHER SERVICES

Rumble Tummies Café (Mon-Fri,opento the public) 10:30am-1:30pm Saturdads (First Saturday of everymonth, location varies) #Early Intervention Outreach #Play and Learning Outreach #Volunteering Program # (Please speakto our Community and EconomicDevelopment officer Nanette Hulse)Toy Library #Mobile Toy Library #

MONDAY

English Course and Crèche # 1-3pm

TUESDAY

Sweet Peas Baby Group 9:30-11am(0-18mths)Young Parents Group 10-NoonMidwife Antenatal▲ 9:30-4pmAdult Learning and Crèche # 1-3pm

WEDNESDAY

Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am

THURSDAY

Jumping Beans (Milton Uth Centre.Music and movement) 9:15-10:45amChildminders Stay and Play Drop-In(Childminders only) 9:30-11:30amGrowing Together * 1-2:30pm

FRIDAY

Maths Course and Crèche #9:30-11:30am

Parent Forum Meeting 1:30-2:30pm(Third Friday of every month)

OTHER SERVICES

Saturdads (First Saturday of everymonth, location varies) #Early Intervention Outreach #Play and Learning Outreach #Volunteering Program # (Please speakto our Community and EconomicDevelopment officer Melissa Worth)Toy Library #Mobile Toy Library #

MONDAY

Baby Jabadao 12:30-2pm

TUESDAY

Growing Together** 9:30-11am(Family Support available for advice andsupport)

WEDNESDAY

Crèche for Training and Parent Forum9:30-11am

Parent Forum (Fortnightly) 9:30-11am

Pandas Group (0-5yrs) 12-2:30pm

Family Support Drop-In 2:30-3:30pm(Priory Primary School,term time only)

THURSDAY

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-2:30pm

Breastfeeding Café 10:30-Noon

Growing Together 1:30-3pm(28 March,4 April.)

Let’s Get Started 1:30-3pm(Starting 11 April.)

FRIDAY

Play Together (0-5yrs) 9:30-11am(Family Support available for advice andsupport)

Foster Carers’Group Noon-3pm(12 April)

OTHER SERVICES

Outdoor Play Area

Volunteering Programme

MONDAY

Play Together 9:30-11:30am

TUESDAY

Post Natal/New Baby 10-11am(Mums and Babies up to 9mths)Busybodies 11:15-Noon(£2 per session.Term time only)Asian Ladies Advice Group Drop-In(9,23 April) 11:30-1:30pmBaby Clinic ▲ 4:30-6pm(First Tue of every month)

WEDNESDAY

Speech and Language Therapy ▲ 9-5pmDevelopment Checks ▲ 9:30-1pmPlay Together 1-2:30pm

THURSDAY

Breastfeeding Cafe 10:30-NoonAsian Ladies Advice Group Drop-In(4,18 April) 11:30-1:30pmBaby Clinic 1-2:45pmBaby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm

FRIDAY

Parent Forum 9:30-11:30am(19 April)Baby Massage ▲ 10-Noon

1-2:30pmGrowing Together ▲ 1-2:30pmFUNraisers constituted 9:30-11:30amGroup (26 April)

OTHER SERVICES

Soft Play Area (Mon-Fri) 8:30-5pmESOLTue,Thur,Fri 9:30-11:30amTue,Fri Noon-2pmMidwife Clinic (Mon-Fri) ▲

Crèche for Training,Volunteering and RespiteMon 12:30-3pmTue-Fri 9-11:30amPlay and Learning Home Visits(Mon,Wed,Thur,Fri)Volunteering ProgrammeEarly Intervention TeamTraining and Employment Support

CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE CENTRE OF THE CITY

Families welcome totake part in packedactivity programme EVERY family in Stoke-on-Trent canmake the most of a great range ofservices and facilities at the city’schildren’s centres.

The teams reach out into theirlocal communities to supportfamilies and give children the verybest start in life.

Anyone is welcome to pop intotheir local centre and take part inone of the activities featured in thispull out and keep guide.

Children’s centres provide a rangeof services including:● childcare and children's learning

and development● health services● family support

● specialist support for childrenwith additional needs

● outreach workers● information for parents● activities to help

parents and carersback to work.Each children’s centre

also delivers additionalservices tailored to meet localneeds.

There are even opportunitiesto volunteer and learn new skillsthat could lead to qualifications, ajob or career change.

Contact details are included witheach centre’s calendar. Alternatively,follow your centre on Facebook.

PULL OUT GUIDE TO CHILDREN’S CENTRES ACTIVITIES

■ Book at Reception ▲ Appointments Only. ^ Limited crèche available. * Referral Only. PICL – Parents Involved in Children’s Learning.■ Book at Reception ▲ Appointments Only. * Referral Only. # Ask at reception.

MONDAY

Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30–11am

FRIDAY

Little Sprouts Sensory Stay and Play 1:30-3pm

OTHER SERVICES

Saturdads (First Saturday of everymonth, location varies) #Early Intervention Outreach #Play and Learning Outreach #Volunteering Program (Please speakto our Community and EconomicDevelopment officer Melissa Worth) #Toy Library #Mobile Toy Library #

MONDAYMaths Course and Crèche #

9:30-11:30amStay and Play Drop-In 1-2:30pm

TUESDAYEnglish Course and Crèche #

9:30-11:30amGrowing Together * 1-2:30pm

WEDNESDAYBaby Massage Drop-In 9:30-10:30amStay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am

THURSDAYTiny Explorers Baby Group 9:30-11am(0-18mths or confident walkers)Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11:30amAdult Learning and Crèche #

12:45-2:45pm

FRIDAYLets Get Creative Stay and Play (Messy play,please bring a change ofclothing) 9:30-11amParent Forum Meeting 1:30-2:30pm(First Friday of every month)

OTHER SERVICESSaturdads (First Saturday of everymonth, location varies) #Early Intervention Outreach #Play and Learning Outreach #Volunteering Program #(Please speak to our Community andEconomic Development officer JaniceHolmes)Toy Library #

Mobile Toy Library #

MONDAY

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-4pm

Jo Jingles ■

11:15-Noon(1-5yrs,£2 per family,term time only)

Growing Together**(0-5yrs)1-2:30pm

Family Support Drop-In 2-3pm(Blurton Primary School,term time only)

TUESDAY

Play Together Group ■

9:30-11am

Start Up Literacy 12:30-2:30pm

WEDNESDAY

Baby Jabadao■

(0-First steps) 9:30-11am

Baby Clinic 1:30-3:30pm(Blurton Health Centre)

Start Up Numeracy 12:30-2:30pm

Parent Forum (Fortnightly) 1-2:30pm

THURSDAY

Employment Workshop 11-Noon(1-2-1 sessions)

Baby Clinic Drop-In 11-Noon

Baby Massage ■

1:15-2:30pm

FRIDAY

Family Support Drop-In (NewsteadPrimary School,term time only) 9-10am

Growing Together** 9:30-11am(0-5yrs)

Play Together ■

(Newstead PrimarySchool,term time only) 1:30-3pm

OTHER SERVICES

Family Kitchen

Indoor and Outdoor Playspace(Open Monday to Friday) 9-4:45pm

Crèche (Available for parentsundertaking Parent Forum,Volunteering,Training and Respite)Mon 9:30-11:30amWed 12:30-2:30pmThur 9:30-11:30am

Baby Massage* (one-to-one sessions)

Volunteering Programme

Training Programme

Sensory Room (Mon-Fri)■

9-4:45pm

01782231815

SPRINGACTIVITIES

For the latest newsabout Easter events,pop into your localChildren’s Centre.

01782237100

MONDAYGrowing Together * 10-11:30amTime 4 You Wellness* 12:30-2:30pm

TUESDAYBaby Weighing Clinic 9-10:30amMidwife Clinic 9-12:30pmChill and Chat (No crèche) 1-2:30pmVolunteering Group 9:30-11:30amand Crèche (Weeks parent forum not on)Parent Forum 9:30-11:30am(16 April,7 May)Baby Massage* 1:30-2:30pm

WEDNESDAYPlay Together (PICL) 10-11:30amTime to Talk * 1:30-2:30pm(Communication and language group)

THURSDAYMidwife Clinic

■All Day

Ready Steady Learn * 9:30-11:30amBaby Weighing 1:30-3:30pm(Abbey Hulton Clinic)Easter Bonnet Parade 10-11:30am(4 April)

FRIDAYBreastfeeding Café 10:30-NoonPlay Together 10:15-11:30am(Carmountside Primary School)Growing Together * 1:15-2:30pm(Abbey Hulton)

OTHER SERVICESToy Library (By request)Sensory Room

■

Speech and Language Support*Play and Learning Home VisitingKingsland Kindergarten (Day Care)Job Centre (every Thursday)Volunteering Programme

MONDAY

Play Together Drop-In 9:15-11:15am(0-5yrs)

Outreach Drop-In 9-10am(Grange Nursery School.Term time only)

TUESDAY

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9:30-1pm

Parent Forum 10:30-11:30am(Every fortnight.Limited crèche)

WEDNESDAY

Growing Together ** 9:30-11am(0-5yrs.PICL)

Outreach Drop-In 9:30-Noon

THURSDAY

Jo Jingles ■

(£2 per family)10-10:45am

Outreach Drop-In 9:30-Noon

FRIDAY

Baby Jabadao Drop-In 9:30-11am(0-First steps)

Growing Together ** 1-2:30pm(0-5yrs.PICL)

OTHER SERVICES

Dads Saturday 10-Noon(First Saturday of each month at TheCrescent Children’s Centre)

Ball Green Primary School, Whitfield Road, Ball Green ST6 8AJ Vale Park, Hamil Road, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 1AW

St Nicholas Avenue, Norton, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 8JWBishop Road, Chell Heath, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6QW

Woodland Street, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6AP

Eaves Lane, Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 9ASGreatbatch Avenue, Penkhull, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7JU

College Road, Shelton,Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DQ

Garth Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 2DA

01782234357

MONDAY

Play Together (18mths-5yrs) (Younger siblings welcome) 9:30-11am

Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11:30am

Play and Learning in the Home* All Day

Playgroup 1-2:45pm(Etruscan Primary School)

Family Links * 12:30-2:30pm

TUESDAY

Connect Group ^ 9:30-11:30am

Baby Massage ■

9:30-11am

Health Visitor Drop-In Hanley Health Centre 9:30-11:30amShelton Primary Care Centre (0-1yrs)

1:30-3:30pm

Play and Learning in the Home * 1-4pm

Growing Together* (0-1yrs) 1-2:30pm

WEDNESDAY

ESOL ■

9:30-11:30am(Limited crèche.Term time)

Play Together (0-18mths) 1:30-3pm

Growing Together* 1-2:30pm

THURSDAY

Ready, Steady, Go* 9:30-11:30am(Transition crèche to NEG/School)

Hands from Around the World10:30-Noon

Incredible Years 12:30-2:30pm(Contact Connect,CAMHs and First Stepsfor more information)

FRIDAY

Safety Visit Drop-In 9-10am

Triple P* 9:30-11:30am(Limited crèche available)

Tiny Talkers* 1:30-2:30pm

Play and Learning in the Home * 1-4pm

OTHER SERVICES

Saturday Story Time 11-Noon(City Central Library)

Parent Forum 9:30-11:30am(26 March)

Half Term Activities ■

Volunteering Programme

Dawlish Drive, Bentilee, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 0HW Buccleuch Road, Normacot, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 4RF

01782 237500

Jubilee Road, Trentham ST4 8EFNormacot Grange Road, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 7AWTravers Court, Temple Street, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4NR

Oakwood Road, Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 3ARPinewood Crescent, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 6HZ

MONDAY

Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm

Outreach Play Together 1:30-3pm(Gladstone Primary School.Term time)

TUESDAY

Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11am

Growing Together** 9:30-11am

WEDNESDAY

Parent’s Forum 9:45-11am(27 Mar,24 April,8,22 May))

Baby Massage ■

(0-12mths) 1-2:30pm

Start Up – SMILE 10-12pm(SMILE Training and Employment Drop-In)

THURSDAY

Fitness Group ■

(Term time) 10-11am

Growing Together** 1-2:30pm

FRIDAY

Moss Green Growing Together**(Riverside Housing Office) 9:30-11am

Play Together 12:30-2pm

OTHER SERVICES

Crèche (Mon,Wed,Thur) 9:30-11:30am

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-3:30pm(Mon,Wed,Thur,Fri)

Playspace 9-3pm(Mon,Tue,Thur,Fri.Open to the public)

Café 10-Noon(Mon,Tue,Thur.Refreshments only)

Start-Up Courses available(Term time only)

Community Garden

Volunteering Programme

MONDAYJo Jingles

■(£2 per family) 10-10:45am

Parent Forum 9:45-11:30am(Runs every fortnightly.Limited crèche)Baby Jabadao Drop-In 1-2:30pm(0-First Steps)

TUESDAYChild Health Clinic 9:15-11:30amPlay Together 9:15-11am(0-5yrs.Weston Coyney Infant School.Please book via 596848)Play Together Drop-In 9:30-11:30am

WEDNESDAYGrowing Together ** 1-2:30pm(0-5yrs.PICL)Literacy * 9:30-11:30am

THURSDAYChild Health Clinic 9-11am(Weston Heights Community Centre)Zumba/Keep Fit

■9:45-11:30am

FRIDAYGrowing Together ** 1-2:30pm(0-5yrs.PICL)Numeracy * 9:30-11:30amTeenage Pregnancy 12:30-2:30pmDrop-In

OTHER SERVICESCrèche Training,Volunteering, RespiteMon,Wed,Thur,Fri 9-11:30amThur 12:30-3pmMidwife Clinic▲ (Tue,Wed,Thur) 9-1pmDads Saturday 10-Noon(First Saturday of each month)Baby Massage * Volunteering Programme (Pleasespeak to The Community and EconomicDevelopment Officer Caz Gotham)FREE Home Safety Advice andEquipment (Speak to the OutreachTeam)

* Referral Only. ** Bookable places with Play and Learning Team. ■ Book at Reception. ▲ Appointments Only.

Our City p16-17 18/3/13 13:33 Page 1

18 Our City S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

IT’S all aboard as Stoke-on-Trent’s newbus station opens for

business on 26 March.Passengers waiting for buses

will be sheltered from theelements in a stylish glass-frontedconcourse complete withconvenience store, newsagent,waiting areas and customerfacilities.

The building, with its iconiccurved roof and cedar interior

ceiling, has been designed byarchitects Grimshaw, who alsodesigned the huge Eden Projectsite in Cornwall.

The new bus station kick startsthe drive to transform Stoke-on-Trent’s retail heart intoa premier regional shoppingdestination.

Once the old bus station hasbeen demolished it will pave theway for construction work to starton the £350million City Sentral

Shopping Centre. Other changesin the City Centre include furtherpedestrianisation andimprovements to smarten upstreets and pedestrian areas inPercy Street and Tontine Street.

The work will eventually meanAlbion Square becoming a majorpublic area, with very littlethrough traffic.

Councillor Ruth Rosenau,Cabinet Member forRegeneration, Planning and

Transportation said the openingof the bus station would be apivotal moment in the citycouncil’s drive to transform theCity Centre.

She said: “The new bus stationwill transform a service which hasneeded to be improved for sometime. And a modern, attractivebus station will provide a muchbetter first impression for peoplearriving in the City Centre.

“As well as being a catalyst forregeneration, the bus station is,first and foremost, a hugeimprovement for its customers –the hundreds of thousands ofpassengers who travel into theCity Centre by bus. There are somany facilities which were notavailable in the old bus station.

“It is sheltered from theelements, has indoor toilets anddisabled facilities, and is safer asthere is a permanent city councilstaff presence.”

City council staff will be onhand between 6am and midnight,when the station is open, to helppassengers and discourage anypotential antisocial behaviour.● Watch a year in the life ofthe bus station construction atstoke.gov.uk/busstation

POLICE and city counciltrading standards officersseized alcohol, tobaccoand pornographicmaterial from anunlicensed shop in Stoke.

Following publiccomplaints that thegeneral store was sellingalcohol and tobacco awarrant was executed atthe location on Fridaymorning.

Officials seized alcohol(including more than 40bottles of vodka, andcans of cider and lager);several pornographicDVDs; 120 pouches oftobacco and 28 cases of200 cigarettes –suspected as non-dutypaid items.● Anyone with informationabout counterfeit or non-duty paid alcohol ortobacco can anonymouslycontact the TradingStandards Fakes Hotline01782 238444.

Anyone who hasconcerns about traders intheir community, or wishesto report underagedrinking, is asked tocontact Staffordshire Policeon 101.

THE city council’sapprenticeship schemeoffers excitingopportunities to worktowards a qualificationwhile gaining valuable on-the-job experience.

Apprentices are beingrecruited in Media,Business Administrationand Customer Service.

The city council offersIntermediate andAdvanced levelapprenticeships and oncevacancies are availablethey will be advertised atstoke.gov.uk/jobs

There are many benefitsto being an apprenticewith Stoke-on-Trent CityCouncil, including a 12month contract and 37hours’ work per week: £100per week pay; 27 daysholiday and 8 bankholidays per year; learningvaluable skills andknowledge fromexperienced staff andbeing allocated a mentorto provide support in theworkplace.● For further informationcontact Katie Archer on01782 238196.

Partnersraid illegalbooze shop

Apprenticesreap benefitsof training

THE city council has pledged tospearhead a campaign to savenewly-discovered StaffordshireHoard artefacts for the region.

The city council jointly owns theoriginal 3,900-piece Anglo-Saxontreasure following a £3.3 millionfundraising effort in 2009. Now afurther 81 items discovered in thesame farmer’s field have been ruledpart of the same collection.

The coroner’s ruling means thatthe new artefacts are classed astreasure and will now be valued bythe Treasure Valuation Committeeat the British Museum.

This means city councils in

Stoke-on-Trent and Birminghamwill have to raise more money tobuy the artefacts to ensure they arekept with the original Hoard, savingthe treasures for the West Midlandsregion.

Councillor Mark Meredith,Cabinet Member for EconomicDevelopment and Culture, said:“Weare committed to doing everythingwe can to save these new finds.”

The fascinating new artefactsinclude a helmet cheek piece verysimilar to an item from the originaldiscovery and pectoral crosses thatalso match crosses from the 2009collection.

The Potteries Museum & ArtGallery in Stoke-on-Trent iscurrently displaying the largestexhibition of the StaffordshireHoard to date. This includes a piecefeaturing a pair of gold filigreelovebirds locked in a heart-shapedembrace crafted by Anglo-Saxongoldsmiths in the seventh century.

Campaign launchedto save new treasures

Museum OfficersAndrew Dawson and

Devina Visram showingthe newly-discoveredjewellery shaped like

lovebirds.

Now open... iconic new bus station

transforms services

CHANGING THE SKYLINE...Cabinet Member for Regeneration,Planning and TransportationCouncillor Ruth Rosenau at theCity Centre’s new bus station.

CITYCENTRE ROAD

CHANGES... whenthe bus station opens

there will be somechanges to the road

network. See the mapon the oppositepage for more

details.

Our City p18 18/3/13 13:39 Page 1

S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3 Our City 19

New BusStation

Boots

PotteriesShopping

Centre

Potterie

s Way

M&S

CrownBank

BHS

RegentTheatre

TownHall

VictoriaHall

CrownCourt

Library

Police Station

PotteriesMuseum &Art Gallery

Multi-storey

car park

Multi-storey

car parkSAFEGUARDING experts from Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshirehave heard first-hand the harrowingaccount of a young person who wassubjected to grooming and sexualexploitation at just 13 years of age.

This brave young person wasbehind screens when they personallytold their story to 230 delegates at aconference involving the city’sSafeguarding Children Board andcolleagues from StaffordshireSafeguarding Children Board andrespective agencies andorganisations.

The City’s Board Manager CarolePreston said:“What this young personhad to say was exceptionallypowerful and rendered all of usabsolutely silent.

“You’ve got to admire anyone who

has been throughsomething as horrendousas that and they find thestrength to speak out.This young person wantsto make sure what happened tothem doesn’t happen to anyone else.”

The young person’s account wasdelivered at the multi-agencyconference, which hosted delegatesfrom children’s services, voluntaryorganisations and charities, the policeand health services from acrossStoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

Delegates heard from nationalkeynote speakers and saw powerfuldrama presentations from theEyewitness Theatre Company whichbrought to life the impact and effectson children when they live in anenvironment where domestic abuse

happens. Delegates alsoexplored local issues ofchild sexual exploitationand grooming.

Carole said:“The ideawas to raise awareness of the

current issues in safeguarding and toacknowledge that domestic abuse,sexual exploitation and grooming areas much of a local concern as theyare a national issue.

“We were able to network at theconference and learn about the skillsof other colleagues in localorganisations.

“We were also able to look at the‘tools’ frontline staff have as we worktogether to tackle the trulyhorrendous issues of domestic abuse,child sexual exploitation andgrooming.

“Sharing information is reallyuseful as we tackle the issues ofabuse. My message to anyone outthere, is that there are lots ofagencies who can and do help andthat you really don’t have to suffer insilence.

“The young person who spoke atour conference proves that abusecan be tackled and children andyoung people can be supportedthrough their ordeals and givenhelp to have a brighter future.

“That’s what we’re absolutelycommitted to doing.”● For more information on childsexual exploitation including thesigns of grooming and who youcan turn to for help, please visitwww.safeguardingchildren.stoke.gov.uk or www.staffsscb.org.uk

If you are a victim ofabuse there are helplines and otherprofessionals that youcan talk to. You can callsomeone in our city:Advice and Referral Team– 01782 235100 (8.30am-5pm)

Emergency Duty Team –01782 234234 (5pm-8.30am)

In an emergency, you candial 999 and ask for thepolice.

Base 58 – 01782 40 60 00

Or, you can call anational free helplinenumber:-

NSPCCHelpline – 0808 800 5000

Child line – 0800 1111

Stoke-on-Trent’s new bus station meansthere will be changes to the City Centreroad network and improvements to thestreet scene to make it a better place towork, shop and visit.

The map below shows the pedestrianisedareas, roads which are closed to vehicles,new one-way streets and existing one-waystreets that will become two-way.

The changes come into place on 26 March2013.

This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey

material with the permission of Ordnance Survey

on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s

Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised

reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may

lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council 100024286 2012

KEY

Pedestrianised Area and Bus Lanes

No motor vehicles at anytime (road closed inboth directions)

Existing one-way streets

New one-way streets

Existing one-way streetsto become two-way

North

Where to turnBrave young person’s traumatic accountoutlines risks of grooming for sex abuse

Our City p19 18/3/13 13:43 Page 1

20 Our City S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

OVER 120,000up-to-date maps

showing a hugenetwork of cycle routesand facilities in Stoke-on-Trent havebeen distributed tohomes with this issue ofOur City.

The new city cycle map,which was last produced in2011, shows new cycle pathsand cycle ways, and also has adetailed inset of the CityCentre, showing cycle-friendlyroutes, improvements to streetsand pathways and newopportunities for cyclistsprovided by the new busstation.

And the user-friendly foldout map also points the way toover 160 kilometres (just over100 miles) of cycle routesaround the city, half of whichare traffic free.

Cycling Development OfficerStuart Aldridge said: “The mapshows our network of routeswhich enable cyclists toappreciate just how green ourcity is.

“There are some real hiddengems in Stoke-on-Trent, andcycling is the ideal way to findthem.”

Stuart said parts of the cyclenetwork ran along the city’scanal towpaths many miles oftraffic-free greenways and eventhe River Trent path betweenStoke Centre and Hanford.

He said: “More and morepeople are taking up cyclingparticularly due to the rise inpetrol costs.

“The map is very useful forplanning safe and quieterroutes to work or schoolby bike. It’s handy andpocket-sized and a greatway to plan a journey.

“Stoke-on-Trent isthe envy of many citiesdue to its vast greenopen spaces.What’s evenmore amazing is how youcan travel around this city,particularly north andsouth virtually traffic free!

“Its a great way to see thecity and keep healthy and fitat the same time. Exploringour city by bike has somethingfor everyone.”

University roadshows give awheely great intro to cycling

ROADSHOWS at Staffordshire Universityintroduced hundreds of students and visitors tothe exciting world of cycling round Stoke-on-Trent.

The sessions were staged in the open spacebetween the university’s new science block andthe Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College.

As well as being given the opportunity to try outlots of different types of bikes from a fleet availableon the days, and seeing all different kinds of safetyequipment, visitors also received training from ahelpful character called Dr Bike on:● Checking and cleaning a bike to keep it safe.● Learning to repair the dreaded puncture.● Identifying problems with brakes and setting

them up correctly.● Learning how to set up gears.

Other sessions will teach people how to ridebikes properly and safely, from the basics toadvanced advice such as how to ride throughcomplex junctions.

Cycling Development Officer Stuart Aldrige said:“We want to make cycling accessible to more andmore people, so showing people what cycles areavailable and helping them with maintenance andsafety advice is really important. The roadshowsessions were well-attended and lots of fun.”

Roadshows were also staged to advise and helpstaff at the University Hospital ofNorth Staffordshire.● For more information visitwww.bikeright.co.uk or call 01782 733989.

New map pointsthe way to100miles of tracks

New map pointsthe way to100miles of tracks

New map pointsthe way to100miles of tracks

New map pointsthe way to100miles of tracks

New map pointsthe way to100miles of tracks

New map pointsthe way to100miles of tracks

New map pointsthe way to100miles of tracks

New map pointsthe way to100miles of tracks

New map pointsthe way to100miles of tracks

Travel towork madeaffordableHUNDREDS of peoplelooking for work orstarting new jobs havebeen supported by a citycouncil initiative to helpthem travel to work.

The Home to Workscheme provides supportthrough bicycle loans,Flexi Taxi services and buspasses, as well as workingclosely with buscompanies to make sureroutes cover keyemployment sites.

There are also moves toexpand the service byoffering moped loans.

Tunstall-based NicholasGuy, who has recentlysecured a role as a LawApprentice, has received athree-month bus passthrough the initiative.

He said:“It takes meabout an hour and 20minutes to walk fromTunstall to the CityCentre, so the bus pass isa huge help. My lowapprentice wage meant Iwould have initiallystruggled getting intowork.”● For more informationplease telephone 01782 235367 or emailH2W@stoke.gov.uk

Project Manager Lindsay Vicary gives tips on getting the most out of his

bicycle to student Matthew Doughty,21, during one of the roadshows.

Belinda Riley,Admin Officer for

Health Records at theUniversity Hospital of

North Staffordshireriding her bike to

work.

Sustainable travel... healthier, cheaper and reducing congestion

Our City p20 18/3/13 14:00 Page 1

STUCK at home andbored was not 90-year-old Irene

Harrison’s idea of fun butall that has changed thanksto day activities arrangedspecifically for her byStoke-on-Trent CityCouncil.

Though she is supportedby her own family, Irene stillwanted more from her sociallife and was delighted whenshe was offered the chance toattend lunch clubs twice a week.

She said: “My legs aren’t verygood and I’d been stuck at homeon and off for ages. I was used togetting out so it was monotonousand boring. I enjoy going to thelunch clubs now. It’s goodcompany and everyone is verynice and helpful. The food is verygood too.”

One-to-one support

Irene is just one of hundreds ofpeople who have been supportedinto the activities so far this yearby two council teams covering thenorth and south of the city. Eachteam takes referrals from socialworkers before sourcing suitableactivities, tailored to meetindividual needs.

The council has commissionedservices from 11 specialist privateproviders so far. All offerone-to-one support as well ascommunity and centre-basedactivities which can range fromdancing, art classes, bowling,snooker and darts, gardening andeven social evenings.

Those helped so far range inage from 18 to 100 with eachperson being supported for thefirst six weeks in their chosenactivity by their own councilRehab Assistant. In Irene’s case itwas Lesley Garrett.

She said: “I made sure Irenegot to and from her lunch clubsand because she’s a bit unsteadyon her feet I supported her to getinside. She settled in really welland it was lovely assisting herhome each time knowing that I’dmade a difference.”

Rehab Officer South Trish

Smith said: “It’s a really excitingtime as the people we’re helpingnow have a greater choice ofservices depending on their needs.

“I’m very proud to be doingthis job especially when I thinkhow we’re helping people to enjoylife and, in many cases, to gettheir confidence back.”

S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3 Our City 21

Service-user Joe Sproston, 29, inthe soft room at Waterside withSupport Worker Alan Caddy.

Transformed service puts people first across city

Spotlight on quality care for our city’s most vulnerable residents

ONE of Stoke-on-Trent’s mostnatural sites has beenawarded official country parkstatus.

Park Hall Country Park hasbecome the first accreditedcountry park in the city.

To qualify for the statusparks must meet criteriaincluding clear information forvisitors on where they can goand what they can do; easy tofollow footpaths, cycle pathsand bridleways; a daily staffpresence and opportunitiesfor the local community tohave an influence over themanagement anddevelopment of the site.

Councillor Andy Platt,Cabinet Member for GreenEnterprises and Clean City,said:“One of the keycomponents of our Mandatefor Change is to make the citya great place to live and it’sobvious to see we’re well onour way to doing that withawards like this.

“This award is a real coupand testament to all the hardwork which is put in to make ita first class attraction.”

Quality parkis country atheart of city

GLADSTONE Pottery Museumhas been officially named as“excellent” by the NationalTourist Board.

It comes after an annualinspection, including a visit bya mystery shopper, and checkson the way the museum dealswith customers by phone andemail. The most recentinspection found theattraction – telling the story ofa Victorian pottery factory –“provides an overall excellentquality experience”.

The report said: “The levelof interpretation used withinthe museum was excellent,with a variety of techniquesused and activities to keepchildren entertained.”

Councillor Mark Meredith,Cabinet Member forEconomic Development,Culture and Sport, said: “Thisis fantastic news for themuseum and the city as awhole. We have somefantastic tourist attractions inour city and it is only rightthat they receive nationalrecognition.”● The museum is openevery day, Monday toSaturday 10am to 5pm,Sundays 2pm to 5pm.For more informationcall 01782 237777, visitwww.stokemuseums.org.ukor search for the museum onFacebook.

Inspectorsrate museumexperience as‘excellent’

IreneHarrison, 90,

enjoys a trip tothe city council-runlunchclub with her

own RehabAssistant Lesley

Garrett.

Lunch club fun gives Irene, 90,a new lease of life

To find out more abouthow the city councilcares for our mostvulnerable residentsvisit stoke.gov.uk, askat your local centre orcall 01782 234567.

STIMULATING day opportunities for adultswith learning disabilities are offered by thecouncil at four locations across the city.

The Learning Disability Team provide awide variety of activities and trainingsessions all designed to build confidenceand promote independence.

Waterside is the service’s jewel in thecrown. Previously known as NewsteadDay Service, the building has undergone a£1.6 million transformation to offer state-of-the-art facilities for adults withmultiple and complex learningdisabilities. Facilities include a fullyinteractive music and tactile suite, asensory room, a relaxing soft room and achill out area.

Services are also provided at PortlandHouse in Burslem, St John’s WelcomeCentre in Abbey Hulton and at Riversidein Stoke, which offers specialistemployment and training support.

The council’s Fulfiling Lives Team

Manager Christine Morton said:“Servicesacross the city for adults who havelearning disabilities have undergone amajor transformation over the past fewyears.

“Our focus is to provide support toenable people to live as independently aspossible and to be able to access the widerange of services and facilities.

“As well as the developments atWaterside, we have developed smaller,neighbourhood based services andcurrently support in excess of 200 people.

“Supported by our dedicated staffteam, people are able to accessemployment training, paid and voluntarywork, social and leisure activities, serviceswhich promote health, safety and well-being and life skills training, all of whichwill serve to ensure that peopleexperience fulfilling lives.”● Visit stoke.gov.uk to find out moreabout the Waterside service.

Our City p21 18/3/13 14:03 Page 1

22 Our City S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

Careers Service 11-19*welcome to the Careers Service 11-19*

Stafford St

Goodson St

Percy St

Stafford Ln

Lichfield S

Albion St

bion St

Pall Mall

l

Burton Pl

ty St

unswick St

St

Picca

dilly

Cheapside

Old Hall S

t

Charles St

Tontine S

t

Old Hall St • Argos

• B&M Bargains

• Webberleys

• McDonalds

TontineSquare

FountainSquare

• Regent Theatre

Not sure what to do next?Please call 237747 text 07879 115678email careers.advice@stoke.gov.uk visitstoke.gov.uk/careersservice or Tweet@sotcareersservice

Over 19? Please ring 233530.

• Choosing courses • Interview help

• University • CV’s

• Apprenticeships • Skills for work

• Job Search • College

• Internet Access • Employment

• Careers Advice and Guidance

• One-to-one Support and Mentoring

Come and see us at The Store (the old Post Office), Tontine Street,City Centre (Hanley), Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1LX. Open Monday-Friday.

*We used to be Connexions Service.

We can help you with:We can help you with:We can help you with:We can help you with:We can help you with:We can help you with:We can help you with:We can help you with:We can help you with:

You’ll find us in all of the schoolsand colleges in the city.You’ll find us in all of the schoolsand colleges in the city.You’ll find us in all of the schoolsand colleges in the city.You’ll find us in all of the schoolsand colleges in the city.You’ll find us in all of the schoolsand colleges in the city.You’ll find us in all of the schoolsand colleges in the city.You’ll find us in all of the schoolsand colleges in the city.You’ll find us in all of the schoolsand colleges in the city.You’ll find us in all of the schoolsand colleges in the city.

RESIDENTS will have a greater say in being able to shape key

health and lifestyle issues asthe city council takes overresponsibility for publichealth from the NHS.

As part of national changes,public health responsibilities willreturn to local authorities as ofApril 1.

It means services such assmoking cessation, sexual health(prevention through to treatment),mental health well-being and drugand alcohol programmes will all betransferred.

However, people are beingreassured that the changeover willbe seamless and that there will bea greater opportunity for everyoneto influence the future direction ofpublic health.

Sharon Taaffe, Head of HealthImprovement, said: “Generallyspeaking people should not noticeany changes and the transfer willbe seamless. Funding is ring-fencedso will not be affected by otherbudgetary issues and venues forservice delivery and the levels ofprofessional expertise involved willstay the same.

“There will be, however, moreopportunities for people to have a

direct say on the future of publichealth – for example throughresidents talking directly to theirward councillors about issuesaffecting them.”

The city council, NHS, socialcare, children’s services andrepresentatives from the LINk and

Healthwatch are now all workingin partnership to address issues ofhealth, wellbeing and healthinequalities across the city.

Sharon added: “We are verykeen for the council to work inpartnership with residents andother agencies to refine and

improve the service we providegoing forward.”

● For more details about thechanges people can contact theirlocal councillor or Sharon directlyon 298060 or by emailingsharon.taaffe@stoke.gov.uk

Public will have greater say on healthmatters as city council runs service

SOCCER fans shed hundredsof pounds in weight as part ofa high profile public healthcampaign in the city.

The 41 Stoke Citysupporters took part in a 12-week Drop A Shirt Sizeproject designed by healthimprovement specialists andsupported by a lifestyle coach.

In total they lost 126 kgs(278 pounds) – and 188.2 cmsoff their waists and chests.

The supporters – who eachlost more than five per cent oftheir body weight – werepresented with their new,smaller, replica team shirtsbefore The Potters’ homegame with Wigan Athletic inJanuary.

They then posed with stardefender Ryan Shotton for acelebratory pitch-side photo.

Soccer fansteam up tolose weight

Premier League star Ryan Shotton (standing in black tracksuit) pictured at the half-time interval during thePotters’ home game against Wigan Athletic with Stoke City fans who completed a 12-week ‘Drop A Shirt Size’programme run by the public health service in Stoke-on-Trent.

Our City p22 18/3/13 14:06 Page 1

S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3 Our City 23

Staffs Fire and Rescue @staffsfire

Deliberately starting grass firesis a crime.Don’t stop us being somewherewe could save a life.If you see a fire call 999. If you know who started it callCrimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk

NEW partnerships are beingdeveloped in 12 areas ofStoke-on-Trent now the

city council is overhauling freeearly years education to make itmore effective.

Children are currently offered 30 hoursin nursery each week though 10 per centof families do not take up that provision.

A wide-ranging review heard thatdespite those full-time hours, Key Stage 1attainment in the city remains the lowestin the UK.

So from September 2014, the standardcity council offer for three-year-olds willbe the statutory minimum of 15 hours.Children with additional needs will getfull-time provision.

Work is also underway to build closerpartnerships with key providers likeprivate and voluntary nurseries, schools,children’s centres and health colleagues toensure fair provision across the city andmore effective use of resources.

The council has also pledged that about1,000 children aged two who have higherlevels of need will be able to accessnursery provision. It is part of the citycouncil’s commitment to helping preparechildren for school as part of its efforts toimprove achievement.

Eleanor Brazil, the city council’sDirector of Children’s Services, said: “Toomany children are starting behind in theirdevelopment and schools have to workharder to ensure they catch up.

“We need to be better at identifyingchildren earlier, particularly those whoneed extra support and help.

“Not all parents want full time and oursystem is not sufficiently flexible.

“We want to use more of our resourcesin a targeted way to help those childrenwith higher levels of need and so we willbe developing and improving our earlyintervention and targeted support.

Parents who need extra help

“Our early intervention services andchildren’s centres are really important inreaching these children and their families.If health services, children’s centres,private and voluntary nurseries andschools work together, we can use ourcombined resources more effectively andsupport the more vulnerable children inthe city better.

“As part of this we need to ensure thatthose parents who need extra help haveaccess to good parenting programmesalongside their children attendingnursery.”

Early years changes designed

to boost education

Parties a chanceto find out moreabout centresA series of celebration parties are beingorganised for pre-school children.The events will take place at Burslem, Norton,Stoke North and Tunstall Children’s Centresthroughout the year.

On the day, there will be a host of funactivities laid on in a safe, comfortableenvironment for youngsters.

And while the children are having fun, parentswill be able to access advice from health visitors,Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service officers,the city catering team as well as informationfrom the library service and experts at thecentres.

Tips on healthy eating, money-saving ideasand safety in the home will all be on theagenda. Party food will be provided as well as ahealthy birthday cake.The next party dates are:Wednesday, 27 March: Tunstall Children’s Centre – for 2 year olds (born between 1 October 2010 and 31 March 2011)Wednesday, 17 April: Burslem Children’s Centre – for 2 year olds (born between 1 November 2010 and 30 April 2011)Wednesday, 24 April: Norton Children’s Centre– for 3 year olds (born between 1 November2009 to 30 April 2010)Wednesday, 1 May: Stoke North Children’sCentre – for 3 year olds (born between 1 October 2009 and 30 May 2010)

They all take place between 1pm and 3pm.More parties are planned for later in the year.See the Stoke North Facebook pages for moredetails.

Involving parents...Ruth Mancey enjoysan arts activity with

her son, three-year-oldHenry Timmis, in the

nursery at TheCrescent Children’s

Centre in Meir.

Applications due for nursery places PARENTS with a child aged three by 31August this year should make theirapplication for a place at a local schoolnursery by 28 March.

Anyone who makes their applicationafter this date may also get a place ifthe school has capacity. Schoolnurseries will still be offering full-timefree places from this September.

If not offered a place, parents can

speak to the city council’s admissionsteam by calling 01782 234598.

They will advise parents on thereasons they were not offered a placeat the nursery of their choice and willlook for vacancies at alternativenurseries.

They also have the option of applyingfor 15 hours free provision at amaintained or a private nursery.

Our City p23 18/3/13 14:33 Page 1

24 Our City S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

HELP and support areavailable to people inStoke-on-Trent

affected by theGovernment’s welfarereforms.

Pensioners, people receivingEmployment Support AllowanceSupport Component and peoplereceiving a severe disabilitypremium will not be affected bythe changes to payments that helpwith council tax.

But independent research showsthe reforms will have the greatestimpact on poorer families andthose with children.

The changes will mean:● Some people paying an element oftheir Council Tax for the first time;● Some people receiving lessHousing Benefit because they donot occupy all the rooms in theirhouse (the so-called Bedroom Tax);

● Changes to the CommunitySupport Fund which can providevulnerable residents with help intimes of crisis;● Changes in the way HousingBenefit is calculated for tenantswho rent from a Private Landlord;and● Changes in the way the city

council supports people who needhelp with their housing coststhrough Discretionary HousingPayments.

Councillor Paul Shotton,Cabinet Member for Finance,Procurement and Commissioning,said: “The Welfare Reformsintroduced by the Government willaffect thousands of residents inStoke-on-Trent, many of themalready finding it difficult to makeends meet.

“We understand many peoplewill find this difficult but we wantto offer as much information, helpand support as we can.

“These changes which affectbenefits the city council deliversare set against rising cost of livingand other benefits being raised byless than inflation – all this adds tothe pressure.The city council ishere to help as much as it can.”

Council offers residentshelp over reforms

Don’t ignore changes... seek adviceMEMBERS of the public are beingurged to make the most ofadvice and different ways tomake payments that may be dueunder the new arrangements.

There are many ways peoplecan pay their Council Tax,including a weekly option whichmakes it easier to make endsmeet. Assistant Director ofFinancial Services Peter Bates

said: “Our advice is for peoplewho might never have had to payany Council Tax before to findout how they can pay and theoptions available.

“Ignoring the bill won’t makeit go away and could lead todebts soon stacking up.”● Visit stoke.gov.uk emailbenefitservices@stoke.gov.uk orcall 01782 232982

You can call into any council local centre or One Stop Shop for general advice. If you want to talk to

a benefit assessor they are available as shown in the table below. Call 01782 232982 if you want to

make an appointment.

We understand manypeople will find this difficultbut we want to offer asmuch information, helpand support as we can.Councillor Paul Shotton Pensioners,

severelydisabled people

and peopleunder 25 who

are activelyseeking work

will NOT BEAFFECTED.

You mighthave topay someCouncil Tax

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

BentileeNeighbourhood Centre

Blurton111 Finstock Avenue

Burslem15/21 Brickhouse Street

HanleyFloor 2, City Central LibraryBethesda Street

Longton1 Commerce Street

Meir737-730 Uttoxeter Road

StokeSouth Wolfe Street

TunstallNext to the market

Drop in 9am-12pm

Appointments 1-4pm

Drop in 9am-12pm

Appointments 1-4pm

Drop in 9am-12pm

Appointments 1-4pm

Drop in 9am-1pmAppointments 2-4pm

Drop in 9am-12pm

Appointments 1-4pm

Drop in 9am-12pm

Appointments 1-4pm

Drop in 8.45am-5pm

Drop in 9am-12pm

Appointments 1-4pm

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

How do I contact the council about my Council TaxSupport or Housing Benefit?

● foster carers● young people

leaving care● people whose home has significant

adaptations to meet their needs

Can I get any other helpwith my rent?

YES the city council might

be able to provide a

Discretionary HousingPayment

Who will qualify?

Who for?

People claiming Housing Benefit

The amount of Housing

Benefits paid to

WORKING AGE tenants

who live in Council or

Housing Association

properties will be

reduced if they have

more bedrooms than

the Government think

the family needs. This is

called Under Occupancy

and sometimes referred

to as the Bedroom Tax.

Could youhave toomany sparebedrooms?

Changes at a glance - how the beneGovernment changes to benefits – April 2013

“”

Our City p24-25 18/3/13 14:37 Page 1

S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3 Our City 25

Options:

STAY AND PAY: your landlord can advise you on managingyour money

HOUSING WELFARE ADVICE:visit: stoke.gov.uk/welfarereform

MOVE: your landlord could try and help you findsomewhere with fewer bedrooms. You could

register for a mutual exchange atwww.homeswapper.co.uk, or call the Housing

Advice team on 01782 233696 or email:housing.adviceservices@stoke.gov.uk

TAKE IN A LODGER: you will need permission from yourlocal office or housing association and will need to inform

your home insurer

FIND A JOB: visit: direct.gov.uk/Jobseekers

Advice from the city council:Please call us on 01782 234234

We can help you pay by setting up apayment plan that suits you.

Options include:● Monthly payments over

12 months, on any date up to 28th of the month

● Weekly payments

● Direct debit

You can also pay online or on ourautomated payment line 01782 234123

Under the new rules you’re allowed:

What does it mean?

One bedroom if

you are a single

customer or

part of a

couple,

plus:

one bedroomfor a child or

or one bedroom fortwo children of the

same sex up tothe age of 16

one bedroom eachfor children over the

age of 10 of theopposite sex

One bedroom forsingle people or

couples aged16 or over

one bedroom for twochildren under 10

If you have onebedroom toomany yourHousingBenefit willbe reduced by

If you have twoor morebedroomstoo manyyour HousingBenefit willbe reduced by

The changes will mean:

14

The maximumCouncil TaxSupport anybodycan claim is

The amount of capital that a person can hold andstill claim Council Tax Support will be restricted to

unless you’re not affected(see left) you’ll have to paypart of the bill

The maximumamount ofCouncil TaxSupportanybody canclaim is

Child benefit is

counted as income%

£10,000

NOT70 of the band

D charge

%

25

e

o

{ }(this means that anybody livingin a property whose Council Taxband is higher than Band D willonly be able to claim up to 70%of the Band D charge)

70Second Adult

Rebate is to beabolished

p Are you aware of the various methods of paying your

rent, Council Tax and other CityCouncil Charges?

One room for anynon-resident carer(s)providing overnight

careve

n

k

is

nefit reforms will affect residents

%

%of youroverallrent

of youroverall rent

A hassle free way to pay. Itgives you the flexibility to payweekly or monthly – your

choice and your payment is taken directly from your bankaccount. If you would like to set up a direct debit or wouldlike to discuss this further please contact your nearest LocalCentre or alternatively contact: 01782 234234Paypoint, Payzone

or Post Offices

Internet

Direct Debits

Ways to pay yourRent, Council Taxand other CityCouncil charges

Based at various outlets you can pay when it suits you. This givesyou that flexibility to pay in the evening and at weekends.

Local Centres/ One Stop ShopsYou can pay at the City Council’s Local Centres and One Stop Shops.

Please see our web page for our opening times: stoke.gov.uk/localcentres

You can pay 24 hours a day,7 days a week by telephoneon 01782 234123 using adebit/credit card

Telephone

You can pay over the internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just log on tostoke.gov.uk/payments and using a debit/credit card you can make a payment.

Our City p24-25 18/3/13 14:37 Page 2

26 Our City S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

stoke.gov.uk/brownbin

Your seasonal brown bincollection will start againfrom 8 April.

Please leave yourbrown bin out on your usual recycling day.

Please place your food waste in yourbrown bin now that collections have resumed.

If you are unsure of your recycling day please visitstoke.gov.uk/brownbinor call 01782 234234.

Funtime cheerleading sessionsa great way for young people to exerciseMORE youngsters

are being giventhe chance to

get fit and have fun bytrying their hand atcheerleading.

A 12-week course launchedat Stoke-on-Trent GymnasticsCentre in Burslem in Januarywill return in April.

Children will be guidedthrough the basics ofcheerleading with theopportunity to progress theirpom-pom skills with moreadvanced lessons on how toperform displays.

Each session will be taughtby a team of professionally-qualified and experiencedinstructors and for newcustomers, the first session isfree.

Events and CommercialManager Chris Austin said:“We’re very pleased to hostmore cheerleading sessions.

“Cheerleading is an activitywith an increasing popularityin the UK. As well as being afun activity, it also givesparticipants a great all-round workout.

“Starting with the basics ofmovement and teamwork,

those on the course willalso benefit from increasedfitness, muscle tone,suppleness and acrobaticability.

“And with cheerleadingbeing a team activity, itwill also provideopportunities to improvesocial skills and make newfriends.”

The new course startson Sunday, 14 April 2013with sessions from12.45pm until 2.15pm forthose aged between sevenand 10.

They cost £4. Sessionsfor children aged 11 andabove run between2.30pm and 4pm onSaturdays and cost £6.

No equipment isneeded, but youngstersneed to take trainers andwear gym clothes thatallow easy movement.

Spaces are limited andshould be pre-booked on01782 233111.

For more informationcall Stoke-on-TrentGymnastics Centre on01782 234444 or visitstoke.gov.uk/leisure

City lobbiesGovernmenton HS2 stopTHE city council has pledgedto continue campaigning forthe Government’s proposedhigh speed rail service tostop in North Staffordshireto serve the city andsurrounding urban area.

Working withGovernment, the authoritywill carry out a study toidentify the economicbenefits that having a HS2stop would bring to thearea.

It is hoped the findingswill persuade CentralGovernment to put a stop inNorth Staffordshire.

The city council and theChamber of Commerce andIndustry have met withPatrick McLoughlin MP,Secretary of State forTransport, to discuss thegovernment’s proposals andthe need for further work todetermine a robust businesscase for a station.

The study will becompleted in the next fewmonths, before a finalannouncement is made onthis phase of the high speedrail project. POM-POM POWER... Rebecca Murray, left, and Lucy Griffin, both Year Nine students,

from Haywood Engineering College, keep fit with some cheerleading practice.

City council pledgesto support New VicSTOKE-on-Trent City Councilwill continue to support oneof North Staffordshire’s mostpopular theatres.

The city council’s fundingfor the New Vic Theatre facedproposed reductions of£23,000 in each of the nextthree financial years under

planned budget cuts to save£24 million in 2012/13 –meaning funding would beremoved altogether by2016/17.

Following discussions thecouncil has confirmed thegrant will reduce from£67,500 to £45,000 in thecoming year and will nowremain at that level for thefollowing two years.

The council will review theoverall provision of culturalactivity and festivals in thecity in context with the grantprovided to the theatre.

Councillor Mark Meredith,Cabinet Member forEconomic Development,Culture and Sport, said:“I was

pleased to meet and listen tothe concerns raised bytrustees and managers of thetheatre.

“We recognise the value ofthe New Vic Theatre to thecity in terms of its economicimpact and also the valuablework it does with localschools and communities.

“We also recognise theimportance of the New Vic asa producing theatre with anational profile. We are fullycommitted to playing ourrole in supporting thetheatre in the coming years.”

Newcastle BoroughCouncil and StaffordshireCounty Council also providefunding to the theatre.

The popularNew Vic Theatre.

VISITORS to a health clubare being given the chanceto enjoy racket sports forfree as part of theirmembership.

Members at ShapesHealth and Leisure Club willsoon be able to addbadminton, squash, shorttennis and table tennis totheir fitness regimes.

The sports are in additionto their existingmemberships, which includeuse of the centre’s gyms,pools, health spa, exerciseclasses and free parking.● For more details aboutmembership call 01782233444 or visitstoke.gov.uk/shapes

Free sports at health club

Our City p26 18/3/13 14:51 Page 1

PLANS are being formulatednow the review designed toboost Stoke-on-Trent’s

night-time economy has beencompleted.

Recommendations will go before the citycouncil’s Cabinet on 6 May after a group ofcouncillors carried out wide-rangingconsultation with restaurants, bars, theatresand music venues.

Supporting businesses and service providerslike public transport, the police, healthservices and street cleaners were also asked fortheir views as the review gathered evidence aspart of the council’s Mandate for Changeagenda.

For the first time, the council used social

media to support the review, partly sourcingfeedback via its Facebook page and askingpeople for their views via posts as well asoffering an online survey.

The council’s webcasting system was usedto broadcast evidence sessions live whileTwitter coverage generated additionaldiscussion and interaction.

Public meetings were staged at which a widerange of different organisations from nightclubowners to taxi companies, the police andvoluntary sector talked about their experiencesand suggested ways on how the City Centrecould be improved for visitors.

Councillors also visited the City Centre atnight to talk to people.

Councillor Matt Wilcox, Chairman of theReview Group, said: “It’s been illuminating to

hear from people who live and breathe ourcity centre night-time economy and for us ascouncillors to go out and see some of thedifferent venues, such as the theatres,first-hand during late-night visits.

“We have heard from people thatdifficulties with public transport puts them offtravelling to the city centre for a night outand that people would really like to be able tospend a whole night out enjoying a meal aswell as going to a show or enjoying a sociabledrink.

“But there’s real excitement about thepotential the Central Business District andCity Sentral is bringing to the city.”● Listen for details of our great SummerNight Out on BBC Radio Stoke in thenext couple of weeks.

FOR decades, Stokies have been turning over cups, saucersand plates in all parts of the globe to check whether or notthey were made in the city.

Now people are being encouraged to join a club whichgives them the freedom to turn over pottery and checkingthe backstamp whenever and wherever they like.

Membership of the Backstamp Club is free and open toanyone in the world. The club was launched nationally at thePotteries Museum & Art Gallery on Monday, March 11 whenJames Beresford, chief executive of VisitEngland, waspresented with his official Backstamp Club card.

Deputy council leader councillor Paul Shotton, whopresented Mr Beresford with his card, said:“The idea of theclub celebrates this endearing habit and carries the messagethat there is great pride in seeing the name of Stoke-on-Trent,Staffordshire and even Britain being carried worldwide onfine china and ceramics. As well as celebrating the past, weare also looking to the future with the City Deal bid, whichwould put the region at the forefront of international researchand development in manufacturing and make it the home foradvanced materials businesses in Europe.”

All Backstamp Club members will receive their ownpersonal Backstamp Club card, the latest club news and havethe chance to enter various competitions throughout theyear and win some great prizes.● To join the club visit http://www.visitstoke.co.uk/backstampclub.aspx or www.facebook.com/backstampclub

A project has been launchedto celebrate Longton’s pubs,past and present.

To kick off the events, RayJohnson, Director ofStaffordshire Film Archive,delved into the history of thearea’s nightlife and invitedguests to share memories oftheir favourite watering hole.

A sneak preview of therefurbishment of theAmerican Hotel, which waspopular with employees atthe Enson Pottery Works, wasalso shown.

Engineers from Stoke-on-Trent City Councilpainstakingly dismantled thehistoric building, which is in aconservation area, brick bybrick after the structurebecame unsafe.

The team is now in theprocess of rebuilding the pubwhich is benefiting from amajor regeneration, costing£600,000.

It is hoped the work willsoon be completed and anofficial re-opening will takeplace in the spring.

The building will be usedmainly by businesses and willshowcase the latest greentechnology.

New projectcelebratestown’s pubs

AN award winningStoke-on-Trent service whichis helping improve speechand language skills in youngchildren has played animportant role in aParliamentary inquiry.

The city council-led StokeSpeaks Out was asked to bean expert witness in a majorreview of the links betweencommunication difficultiesand social disadvantage.

Programme lead JanetCooper and early years leadGill Latos spoke at the Houseof Lords as part of the AllParty Parliamentary Group onSpeech and LanguageDifficulties, led by LordRamsbotham.

Councillor Alan Dutton,Cabinet Member forEducation, said:“This isfantastic recognition of thevery high regard StokeSpeaks Out is held in.

“The service is a leader inthe field of prevention andearly intervention for speech,language and communicationdifficulties and has won arange of national awards.”

● To find out more about the project visit www.stokespeaksout.org/

City languageservice givesexpert input atWestminster

Club members show pride in our pottery

Potter Beverley Hewitt and City Council Leader Councillor Mohammed Pervezcheck the backstamp on ware made in Stoke-on-Trent.

Plans put forward to boost city’snight-time economy

S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3 Our City 27

BUSINESSES in Stoke-on-Trent will have theopportunity to show their support for Fairtradewhen they receive their Business Rates.

The city council has worked with the Chamberof Commerce and Industry to encouragecompanies to help Fairtrade producers all overthe world by changing the products they use.

Events staged in Fairtrade Fortnight saw anannual event hosted by Lord Mayor CouncillorTerry Crowe to promote thecity’s commitment andencourage people to follow suit.

There was also a visit bypupils from Eaton Park PrimarySchool who took part in adebate in the council chamberat the Civic Centre in Stoke.

Councillor Crowe said:“We do supportFairtrade in Stoke-on-Trent but we wouldencourage everyone to do their bit to benefitFairtrade producers, it’s good to see schoolpupils getting involved, as well as the manythings going on in the wider community.”● To find our more visit stoke.gov.uk andsearch for Fairtrade.

Pupils and employerssign up to Fairtrade

Pupilsat Haywood

Engineering CollegeAdam Hesketh, 12, andShayden Versfeld, 13,who help to run the

school’s Fairtradeshop.

Our City p27 18/3/13 14:55 Page 1

Awildflower meadow is set to become the latest feature at a protected playing field site.

Brindley Ford Community Residents’Association secured the future of an area off

Fisher Street by applying for Queen ElizabethII Field status in an initiative run to celebrate

the Diamond Jubilee last year.Members helped to get a new play area

and are now growing saplings donated bythe Woodland Trust in preparation for ameadow to enrich the field.

Michelle Brown, who chairs thegroup, said: “Protecting the field hasgiven our community and futuregenerations a recreational place theycan enjoy for years to come.

“The play area is very popular andwe’re already planning furtherimprovements.

“The wildflower meadow willimprove the appearance of the areaand once that is complete we will lookat putting in a nature walk and anatural pond.

“Everything is aimed at encouragingmore people to get outdoors and enjoy

what is on their doorstep.”

Michelle Brown with some of thesaplings donatedby the WoodlandTrust, which willeventually beplanted in thewildflowermeadow.

28 Our City S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

Spotlight onour city’sRESIDENTS’ASSOCIATIONS

TENANTS of councilproperties have beenreminded they can getinvolved and influence thehousing services theyreceive.

A number of changesrelating to tenantinvolvement have been

introduced over the past 12months, including the launchof a series of panels.

More members are neededfor panels covering areasincluding housingmanagement, improvements,leaseholders, mysteryshopping and complaints.

● Anyone who isinterested in gettinginvolved, or who wouldlike more information,should speak to theTenant Involvement Teamon 01782 238515 or emailtenantinvolvementteam@stoke.gov.uk

Tenants asked to help shape service

RESIDENTS are being encouraged to take responsibility for theirown patch in order to make Hartshill and Harpfields a betterplace to live.

The area’s residents’ association covers 80 streets and 3,000homes and businesses as well as Hartshill Park Local NatureReserve and Hartshill Cemetery.

Barbara Andrew, Chairman of the group, litter-picks in adifferent part of the neighbourhood each time she goes out withher dog Toby, and encourages others to take a similar approach.

She said:“I am appealing to residents and businesses to takeresponsibility for the tidiness of their own patch. Pick up litterfrom the pavement and street by your property, check yourgarden for rubbish, report dog-fouling and serious fly-tipping tothe city council and cut back those overhanging bushes andhedges.

“Toby and I pick up about 200 pieces of litter every time we goout for a walk. If everyone chips in, it can make a big difference.”

Cleaning up with alittle help from Toby

PRIDE IN OUR CITY...Hartshill and

Harpfields Residents’Association ChairBarbara Andrew,

pictured with her petToby, picks up litter

on the streets.

A quiet zone created in a onceovergrown area has become a hit withresidents.

Part of land at the back of WestonCoyney Junior School has been cutback and spruced up with a pond, newplants, raised flowerbeds and aseating area.

Weston Coyney Residents’Association carried out the work afterbeing granted almost £6,000 from theBig Lottery Fund.

Group Secretary Sue Bourne said:“It took some work to improve thearea but it looks so much better now ithas been cleared and we have planted

some bulbs and putin some hedging.

“Residents seem to reallyenjoy their time in the quietzone, it is well used and it hashelped to bring the communitytogether as well as encouraging people to look at the school’sAnderson shelter.

“Eventually, we hope to introduce a few more shrubs and develop the area from there.”

Last year, schools and residentsused the plot of land to grow theirfirst crop of potatoes. They hope togrow more produce again this year.

Quiet area a‘ssh..ure’win

PRIDEPRIDE

OurOurCityCity

ININ

WestonCoyney Residents’Association Group

Secretary Sue Bournein the quiet areabehind the local

junior school.

Meadow planted with

beautiful bloomsbeautiful bloomsbeautiful bloomsbeautiful bloomsbeautiful bloomsbeautiful bloomsbeautiful bloomsbeautiful bloomsbeautiful blooms

PRIDEPRIDE

OurOurCityCity

ININ

Our City p28 18/3/13 15:22 Page 1

HARD-hittingcrimefightingtactics pioneered

by police officers inStoke-on-Trent six yearsago have now been rolledout to yet another part ofthe county.

Operation Nemesiscontinues to operate in thePotteries on a daily basis andhas resulted in hundreds andhundreds of offenders beingbrought to justice since 2007.Serious acquisitive crime hascome down in that time.

The model of major raidsand daily warrants for furthersearches and arrests developedin the city is widely used acrossStaffordshire and has just beendeployed by police officers inBurton upon Trent.

Launched there on 13January this year, there havebeen 31 arrests so far in twomajor raids involving more than250 officers. Serious acquisitivecrime in the town has dropped bya massive 72 per cent in that time.

Chief Inspector MartinBrereton, Police Commander forStoke Central, said: “OperationNemesis is the overarching brandname for the Staffordshire Policefight against drug dealers.

“Since it was developed andlaunched in Stoke-on-Trent,hundreds and hundreds of dealershave been brought to justice in thecity and the clear experience andskills of officers on the ground hasbeen transferred to Burton.

“We listen to communities,learn what is going on and act onwhat they tell us.

“Clearly our message to thecriminals it’s that it’s notacceptable to be a drug dealer butOperation Nemesis is not justabout enforcement.

“We work closely with partnerslike the city council on theprevention side too so we’realways trying to find ways ofhelping individuals to addresstheir offending and not do it

again. I’m very proud at howStoke-on-Trent has led the waywith Operation Nemesis.

“Almost daily arrests andtargeting of drug dealers is nowcore business for us and that’sreflected in the continuousreduction in serious acquisitivecrime and increased communitysatisfaction levels, particularly inthe area of tackling what mattersto our communities.”

● Anyone with information ondrug supply or use in the cityshould contact StaffordshirePolice on 101 or the independentcharity Crimestoppersanonymously on 0800 555 111.

Villains’Nemesis leads our city’s

clampdown on crime

S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3 Our City 29GO, GO, GO...the moment when OperationNemesis strikes, surprisinganother suspected drug dealer.

Hundreds of offenders have been brought to justice and crime has dropped since the operation was launched in 2007.

SWIMMERS will be able tohave a go at swimming theequivalent of the EnglishChannel and track theirprogress by downloading aniPhone app.

Splashpath is beingintroduced for users of Stoke-on-Trent City Council’sthree pools, to make thevenues even more user-friendly.

It will give swimmers atFenton Manor Sports Complex,Dimensions Leisure Centre andNew Horizons Sport andLeisure Centre comprehensivepool information on theiriPhones at the touch of abutton.

Swimmers can take upchallenges including ‘swim thechannel’, ‘Loch Ness swim’ and‘the great London swim’, andthe app lets them record theirvisits and work towards thedistances.

It also allows swimmers tocommunicate their swimmingactivities to friends via socialmedia features.

The swimming challengesand achievement trackingprogrammes are ideal forpeople to setthemselves fitnessgoals and have funat the same time.

For more details,call one of thecentres involved orvisit stoke.gov.uk/swimming

iPhone poolapp makes areal splash

DISABLED visitors to a citypark will soon be able to enjoycycling around the venue.

An accessible cycle-hirefacility will be launched atWestport Lake as part of theGreen Door Project.

The four-year project,funded by the Big Lottery’sReaching Communities Fund,is aimed at encouragingpeople, particularly older anddisabled members of society,to make more use of greenspaces to improve physicaland mental wellbeing.

As part of the project, 11specially adapted bikes will beavailable for low-cost hire,allowing disabled visitors tocycle around the lake’s onemile-long level footpath.

Anyone interested involunteering tohelp or wishing tofind out moreshould call 01782236667, emailgreendoor@stoke.gov.uk orvisit stoke.gov.uk/leisure/

Green Dooropens upcycling

“”Almost daily arrestsand targeting of drugdealers is now corebusiness for us andthat’s reflected in thereduction in publicperception of howmuch more reassuredthey feel.

Our City p29 18/3/13 15:25 Page 1

30 Our City S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

SCHOOLS are being targeted aspart of a campaign to cut thenumber of deliberate grass fires.

On average, Staffordshire Fireand Rescue Service attends1,200 grass fires a year. Almosthalf of them are during schoolholidays and more than 85 percent are started deliberately.

Emails have gone out to allheadteachers in Stoke-on-Trentasking them to help deliver theFlames Aren’t Games message.

Prevention teams will bevisiting schools and touringneighbourhoods in problemareas.

Parents are also beingencouraged to ensure theirchildren are aware of thedangers of starting firesdeliberately.

Prevention Manager Donna

Broadhead said:“Those whostart small deliberate fires puttheir life and those of thecommunity and local wildlife atrisk while wasting resourcesthat could be saving a lifeelsewhere.

“Incidents like this are muchhigher during school holidays,particularly from Easteronwards.We want to raiseawareness that grass fires canspread quickly and theconsequences of starting them.

“As well as a potential policerecord, these actions could alsoimpact on future employmentprospects.”● Anyone who sees a fireshould call 999. If you knowwho started a blaze, please callCrimestoppers anonymously on0800 555 111.

Pupils warned of thedanger of grass fires

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue firefighters battle to stop agrass fire causing even more damage.

New 111 number tocontact NHS services

No cold-callingzone launchedin Trentham

NHS 111 is a new service starting on 1 April tomake it easier to access local healthcareservices. Residents should call 111 when theyneed medical help fast but it’s not a 999emergency.

NHS 111 is a fast and easyway to get the right help,whatever the time.

WHEN TO USE IT:

● Dial 111 service if youurgently need medical help or advice but it's not alife-threatening situation.

CALL 111 IF:

● You need medical help fast but it’s not a 999emergency.

● You think you need to go to A&E or needanother NHS urgent care service.

● You don't know who to call or you don’t havea GP to call.

● You need health information or reassuranceabout what to do next.

● For less urgent health needs, contact your GPor local pharmacist in the usual way.

● For immediate, life-threatening emergencies,continue to call 999.

Support package will help people

kick smoking habitFREE advice and

support to helppeople kick the

smoking habit for goodis available acrossStoke-on-Trent.

Spring is an ideal time tostart thinking about a freshstart and join the thousandsof people who have alreadyquit and start enjoying someof the benefits of notsmoking.

That means fresherbreath, clearer skin andmore spare cash to spend...just a few of the great thingspeople notice when they gosmokefree.

Many people trying toquit smoking findwithdrawal symptoms fromthe nicotine they crave canmake them fall at the firsthurdle.

Control the cravings

But support, together withstop smoking medicinessuch as patches or gum, canreally help them control thecravings and has beenproven to mean they aremuch more likely to staysmokefree.

Vicky Scott, a HealthImprovement Practitioner atStaffordshire andStoke-on-Trent PartnershipNHS Trust, said: “We offer one to one orgroup support sessions at lots of locationsaround the city, together with access to stopsmoking medicines for prescription cost orfor free to those exempt from charges.

“Our experienced, trained Stop SmokingAdvisors will help anyone who wants toquit smoking by drawing up a personal planwhich is reviewed in weekly supportsessions. Support is available for people forup to 12 weeks free of charge.”

Anyone who has tried to give up smoking

before, but has not managed to stopcompletely need not worry.

Vicky said: “It can take some peopleseveral attempts before they quit smokingfor good. Every time they try to quit theywill learn something from that attempt thatthey can take into the next one.”● If you would like more informationabout the options available to help youto stop smoking, please callStoke-on-Trent Stop Smoking Serviceon 0800 085 0928.

Stoke-on-Trent StopSmoking Service offersfree support from NHSaccredited Stop SmokingAdvisors, together withNicotine ReplacementTherapy (NRT), such aspatches or gum, for thecost of a prescription or forfree to those exempt fromcharges.

Telephone: 0800 085 0928

Text: ‘stokequit’ to 60777

Facebook.com/NHSSmokefreeStoke

Vicky Scott, a Health Improvement Practitioner, carriesout a carbon monoxide test on a smoker who wants tokick the habit.

STOKE-on-Trent City Council has introduced theinitiative in Trentham after 100 per cent ofresidents supported the scheme in a recentconsultation.

The zone will cover Allerton Road, TrentleyRoad, Malvern Close, Cranbrook Close, PerthyGrove, Churchill Avenue and Churchill Way.

The scheme has already been usedsuccessfully in many parts of the country andcity to reduce levels of distraction burglary androgue trading.

The Trentham zone comes in the wake of anincident in December when an elderly residentwas conned out of £32,000 by a fake company.

The work, including hedge cutting, theerection of a fence, driveway resurfacing anddouble glazing, was grossly overpriced. Thecompany’s address, details of the owner andtelephone number were found to be bogus.

Councillor JanineBridges, pictured, CabinetMember for Housing,Neighbourhoods andCommunity Safety,pictured, said:“We take azero tolerance approach tocon artists who dupe olderpeople out of their savings.These acts are absolutelydespicable and we will take action againstanyone found to be carrying them out.

“People should not be in fear in their ownhomes and we believe that the new initiative inTrentham will give residents a peace of mind aswell as acting as a stern warning to roguetraders who are considering targeting our city.”

Residents in the zone who continue to becold called by traders offering to sell goodsor services should contact trading standardson 01782 232065. Other suspicious callersshould be reported to the police on 101.

Anyone who feels afraid, harassed,threatened or intimidated at any time bydoorstep callers should ring 999 and report theincident to the police.

Our City p30 18/3/13 15:29 Page 1

Contact us by mail at FREEPOST Our City or by email at ourcity@stoke.gov.uk or telephone 01782 236703

Our City is published by a partnership of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, NHS Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue

Web: stoke.gov.ukFacebook: facebook.com/stokeontrent.citycouncilTwitter: @SoTCityCounciltwitter.com/SoTCityCouncilTel: 01782 234234

New non-emergency number: 101In an emergency always call: 999Web: www.staffordshire.police.uk Facebook: facebook/staffordshirepolice Twitter: @staffspoliceYouTube: YouTube/staffordshirepolice

Web: www.stoke.nhs.ukTel: 01782 298002

Free Home Fire Risk Check: 0800 0241 999For all other enquiries: 08451 221155In an emergency always call: 999Web: www.staffordshirefire.gov.ukTwitter: twitter.com/staffsfireFacebook: facebook.com/staffordshirefireandrescueservice

Information in Our City correct at the time of going to press.

Astate-of-the-artfootball centre thatdoubles as a

community facility islooking for more support.

The Hardman FootballDevelopment Centre in Milton isrun in partnership with the citycouncil.

It boasts nine high-qualitygrass pitches, a floodlit thirdgeneration all-weather pitch,modern changing rooms,catering facilities and afunction/training room as well asample secure parking.

Working with a range ofpartners, the centre is home tothe Milton Youth League andMilton Carnival and can playhost to fundraisers, birthdayparties and other events.

A drive has been launched tobring in more bookings andrecruit volunteers to help withthe management of the centre.

Councillor Mark Meredith,Cabinet Member for EconomicDevelopment, Culture andSport, said: “The centre hasalways been popular but we arelooking to build on that and getmore people in.

“The centre has great facilitiesand is in an idyllic spot. Onceyou are through the gates youcould be anywhere because itfeels so secluded, yet safe at thesame time.

“Committee members arealways open to ideas for eventsand are happy to help withcatering or planning.”

The building was erected onthe site of the former MiltonLads and Dads Centre, offMillrise Road.● For more information, or tobook the centre, call caretakerJohn Hughes on 07957 621868.

SCHOOLS, community groupsand residents are beingencouraged to try their handat outdoor activities.

Stanley Head OutdoorEducation Centre is takingadvance bookings foradventure days and residentialvisits for everything fromeducational courses to

corporate events and hen,stag and birthday

parties.Activities include

canoeing, climbing,orienteering,sailing and a highropes course. Amobile climbingwall is availablefor communityevents and

parties.Head of Centre

Adam Geens said:“Kids love the

activities and can returnfrom them with a

confidence boost, greater selfesteem, better communication

skills and knowing theimportance of teamwork.

“We can turn archery lessonsinto maths lessons and theactivities have clear links withraising attainment withinschools.”

As well as school visits,leisure bookings for partiesand celebrations can be madefor groups of five upwardsfrom seven-year-olds up toadults.

Adam added:“Activityparties for children arepopular but we can alsoarrange weekends with adifference for adults who arelooking for an adventure and achance to try somethingdifferent.”

Accommodation is availableat the facility, in Stanley, in aconverted barn, an oldfarmhouse, a purpose-builtdormitory and tents.● For more information, emailstanley.head@stoke.gov.uk,visit www.stanleyhead.org.ukor telephone 01782 503208.

Great outdoors activitya popular visit for all

Soccer centre is attop of league

Niamh Gallagher, 6, andDeclan Charles, 4, on the

third generation all-weatherpitch at Hardman Football

Development Centre.

Inset, Voluntary CommitteeMember Andrew Smith at

the popular facility.

Tanja Lind,16, on foreign

exchange fromFinland enjoysthe facilities atStanley Head.

S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3 Our City 31

Our City p31 18/3/13 15:34 Page 1

32 Our City S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

YourCouncillors

Abbey Hulton and Townsend

GWEN HASSALL(Labour)07557 848765gwen.hassall@stoke.gov.uk

ADRIAN KNAPPER(Labour) 07714 334453adrian.knapper@stoke.gov.uk

Bentilee and Ubberley

SHEILA PITT(Labour)07957 948896sheila.pitt@stoke.gov.uk

ALISON WEDGWOOD(Labour)07968 477901alison.wedgwood@stoke.gov.uk

Hanford and Trentham

TERENCE FOLLOWS(City Independents) (01782) 31812707944 055379terence.follows@stoke.gov.uk

PETER HAYWARD(City Independents) (01782) 64405207920 835839peter.hayward@stoke.gov.uk

Great Chell and Packmoor

JANINE BRIDGES(Labour)(01782) 85184207989 385631/07717 714205janine.bridges@stoke.gov.uk

ANN JAMES(City Independents) (01782) 836766ann.james@stoke.gov.uk

Baddeley, Milton and Norton

JACK BRERETON(Conservative)07855 916134jack.brereton@stoke.gov.uk

ANDREW LILLEY(Unaffiliated)07717 714010andy.lilley@stoke.gov.uk

DUNCAN WALKER(Labour)(01782) 912422duncan.walker@stoke.gov.uk

Birches Head and Central Forest Park

PAUL BREEZE(Unaffiliated)(01782) 279684paul.breeze@stoke.gov.uk

MARK MEREDITH(Labour)07717 714020mark.meredith@stoke.gov.ukTwitter:@markmeredith01

Blurton East

GLENYS WARD(City Independents) (01782) 31267007922 909545glenys.ward@stoke.gov.uk

Blurton West and Newstead

NEIL DAY(Labour)(01782) 59884407796 040002neil.day@stoke.gov.uk

Bradeley and Chell Heath

GURMEET SINGHKALLAR(Labour)07900 604232gurmeetsingh.kallar@stoke.gov.uk

Burslem Park

JOY GARNER (Labour)(01782) 768846 07986 442770joy.garner@stoke.gov.uk

Dresden and Florence

SHAZAD HUSSAIN(Labour)07899 771815shazad.hussain@stoke.gov.uk

Broadway and Longton East

TOM REYNOLDS(Labour)07850 828717tom.reynolds@stoke.gov.ukTwitter:@longtontom.

Burslem Central

ALAN DUTTON(Labour)(01782) 82405107982 231567alan.dutton@stoke.gov.uk

Boothen and Oakhill

ANDY PLATT(Labour)07919 660221andy.platt@stoke.gov.ukTwitter:@CllrAndyST4

Fenton West and Mount Pleasant

KAREN CLARKE(Labour)07917 270594karen.clarke@stoke.gov.uk

Ford Green and Smallthorne

MATT WILCOX(Labour)07810 825600matt.wilcox@stoke.gov.uk

Etruria and Hanley

MAJID KHAN(Labour)07989 441707majid.khan@stoke.gov.uk

Fenton East

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

Eaton Park

TERRY CROWE(Labour)(01782) 26942207818 044755terry.crowe@stoke.gov.uk

Joiner’s Square

ALASTAIR WATSON(Labour)07736 837822alastair.watson@stoke.gov.ukTwitter:@CllrActional22

Lightwood North and Normacot

BAGH ALI(Labour)(01782) 34324607973 848428bagh.ali@stoke.gov.uk

Hartshill and Basford

SHAUN PENDER(Labour)(01782) 63210407825 142327shaun.pender@stoke.gov.uk

Hollybush and Longton West

KATH BANKS(Labour)(01782) 39975907790 699379kath.banks@stoke.gov.uk

Hanley Park and Shelton

AMJID WAZIR(Labour)07747 830461amjid.wazir@stoke.gov.uk

Meir Park

ABI BROWN(Conservative)07793 844169abi.brown@stoke.gov.uk

Meir South

DEBBIE WHEELDON(Labour)(01782) 59504307870 777807debbie.wheeldon@stoke.gov.uk

Meir Hay

MUHAMMAD AUMIR(Labour)07886 581082muhammad.aumir@stoke.gov.uk

Meir NorthRUTH ROSENAU(Labour)(01782) 50194007870 503575ruth.rosenau@stoke.gov.ukTwitter:@CllrRuthRosenau

Little Chell and Stanfield

DAVID CONWAY (City Independents) (01782) 790922david.conway@stoke.gov.uk

Sneyd Green

DEBRA GRATTON (Labour)07917 854981debra.gratton@stoke.gov.ukTwitter:@debra_gratton

Springfields and Trent Vale

JACKIE BARNES(City Independents)(01782) 845619 /07813 539410 jackie.barnes@stoke.gov.uk

Penkhull and Stoke

RANDOLPH CONTEH(City Independents) (01782) 256869 07920 835902randolph.conteh@stoke.gov.uk

Sandford Hill

OLWEN HAMER(Labour)07717 714207olwen.hamer@stoke.gov.uk

Moorcroft

MOHAMMED PERVEZ(Labour)(01782) 232468mohammed.pervez@stoke.gov.ukTwitter:@pervezstoke

Weston Coyney

MATTHEW FRY(Labour)07826 891801matthew.fry@stoke.gov.uk

Tunstall

LEE WANGER(City Independents) 07971 303729lee.wanger@stoke.gov.uk

Goldenhill and Sandyford

MARTIN GARNER(Labour)(01782) 768846martin.garner@stoke.gov.uk

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

For more information on your councillors go to stoke.gov.uk/councillorsCouncillors can also be contacted through the Councillor and Civic Support Team who cantake messages and forward them on. They can be contacted on (01782) 231922 or 231924.

Cabinet meetings are scheduled at 5.30pm:28 March 2013, 25 April 2013 amd 23 May

2013.

The Annual Meeting of the Full City Councilmeeting takes place at 11.00am on 16 May2013.

FORTHCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS AT THE CIVIC CENTRE, STOKE:

Our City p32 18/3/13 15:35 Page 1