our city issue 07

OurCityCOUNCIL PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR

ISSUE 7: NOVEMBER 2008

King’s Hall stars in latest British cultmovie Souled Out

SEE PAGE SIX

Our City p1 5/11/08 17:17

2 Our City N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 8

Our City is printed on 100 percent recycled paper.When you have finished withthis publication please helpthe environment by passing iton to a friend or put it in yourrecycle blue bag.

IT continues to be a busy and exciting timefor Stoke-on-Trent.

With each month that passes,Stoke-on-Trent continues to grow in stature.This month has been no exception.

I was proud to launch the RegenerationBusiness Plan on behalf of the NorthStaffordshire Regeneration Partnership.

It’s a 30 year plan for a £1.5 billiontransformation of North Staffordshire.

The focus is on boosting investment,creating jobs and repositioning our area.

It’s important that at a time of globalfinancial uncertainty, people know thatlocally we are planning properly for the long-term.

It’s another packed issue includingexclusive stills from the Souled Out film shotin the King’s Hall, a special report on theimprovements in the health of our people, anew initiative to promote free access toleisure centres for thousands of people andlots, lots more.

What Our City shows more than anything ishow public services in Stoke-on-Trent areworking together, pooling resources andplanning ahead to improve all aspects of lifein the Potteries. We’re getting there together,although there are still many challengesahead.

If there is anything I can help you withplease e-mail me at [email protected], call me on 01782 232827 or write to me at Civic Centre, Glebe Street,Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1RN.

Exciting timesas city shapesup for future

ELECTED MAYOR

Give us your feedback on thisissue of Our City by [email protected] or write to:FREEPOST Our City– next issue out January 24

Mark Meredith

A full list of dates and times offull city council meetings andcommittee meetings can befound on the council websitestoke.gov.uk/meetingdates

Meeting datesare now online

Regeneration plan tobear fruit next yearTHIRTY year plans for the £1.5

billion transformation ofStoke-on-Trent and

neighbouring areas in NorthStaffordshire will start to changethe city landscape as early as 2009.

As the North StaffordshireRegeneration Partnership launched itsfirst business plan detailing majorprojects which will change the areaforever, work was already under way toimmediately start to deliver some of thelandmark schemes.

For the first time, the major partnersand stakeholders in regeneration acrosspublic, private and voluntary sectors areall committed to a shared vision of thefuture.

Plans include a multi-million poundnew shopping centre for Hanley, centralbus station and improved transportlinks, a vibrant business district creatingnew jobs on the former Unity Housesite, a huge new University Quarter,improvements to Newcastle, Cheadle,Leek and Biddulph town centres andknowledge-based developments atKeele University.

Stoke-on-Trent’s Elected Mayor

Mark Meredith, who is chairman of theNSRP board, said: “For the first timeever in the history of NorthStaffordshire we share a bold vision ofthe future and we speak as one voice.

“Our vision for 2030 is to transformNorth Staffordshire into a place whichoffers prosperity and quality of life bydesign for the people who live and workhere. The focus is on boostinginvestment, creating jobs andrepositioning our area, both to theoutside world and to people withinNorth Staffordshire.”

DevelopersProgress towards the business plan’saims has already started, with aplanning application to redevelopHanley’s East West Precinct alreadylodged with the city council.

Preferred developers have beenshortlisted for the city’s UniversityQuarter, with new colleges, a hi-techknowledge hub, media centre,performing arts centre and sciencebuilding.

The new buildings, including a newStoke on Trent College campus and a

new City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth FormCollege, are set to open between 2010and 2012.

Soon after Christmas the partnershipexpects to make an announcement on apreferred developer for the city centrebusiness district, while environmentalimprovement works on public squaresin Hanley will start next year.

Elsewhere in the city centre, the hugenew Tesco superstore at the top ofBroad Street is expected to be open bythe end of 2009, making way for theHope Village housing development andthe designs for a brand new bus stationwill be commenced next year.

Mayor Meredith said the time fortalking was over and NorthStaffordshire was entering a new era ofdelivering on a major regenerationstrategy.

He said: “We have a regeneration planwhich sets specific milestones.Theofficers in charge of regeneration inNorth Staffordshire will be accountablefor delivering by specific dates.

“This is an exciting step forward andwill continue to bear fruit over the nexttwo decades.”

PUTTING STOKE-ON-TRENT ON THE MAP... the city now has its very own version of the Monopoly board game,complete with Potteries place names. Our picture shows Lord Mayor Councillor Derek Capey with a giantversion of what is sure to be a popular Christmas gift in the city.

Our City p2 6/11/08 09:07 Page 1

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 8 Our City 3

WHEN Dr Giri Rajaratnamfirst checked the pulse ofStoke-on-Trent 12 years

ago the prognosis was notpromising. More people died fromacute illnesses like cancer and heartdisease than in many other parts ofthe country, while life expectancy inthe Potteries was alarmingly low.Little wonder that Stoke-on-Trentwas then branded a “Sick City.”

Fast forward to the present and DrRajaratnam, the city’s Director of PublicHealth, is positively encouraged by thepatient’s progress.

The Director’s latest annual report showsthat people in Stoke-on-Trent are livinglonger and fewer people are dying from themajor killers – cancer, heart disease, strokesand respiratory illnesses.

Now more schemes are being introducedwith the aim of turning the once “Sick City”into one of the healthiest in the country.

Efforts will be made to increase awarenessof Lifestyle programmes aimed at combatingproblems like obesity. Midwives, HealthVisitors and Early Years professionals willwork together to offer improved support forpregnant women and their babies;vaccination for cervical cancer will beavailable in schools for teenage girl pupilsand 17 and 18-year-olds who have left schoolcan be vaccinated at their doctor’s surgery.Messages about sexual health, contraceptionand relationships will be spread in the city’sschools and bowel cancer screening for theover-60s has just started.

One of the more important programmes isto help GPs and their practice teams to dothe best they can for the communities whichthey serve.

This means that NHS Stoke on Trent isagreeing some standards and, moreimportantly, a support team to help practicesincrease the quality of care they provide.

Dr Rajaratnam said: “Naturally I ampleased with the improvements that havebeen achieved, but I have to be cautiouslyoptimistic. We need to wait another couple ofyears to see if the figures are sustainable or afalse dawn.”

The gap between people in Stoke-on-Trentand the rest of England is closing. Lifeexpectancy in Stoke-on-Trent is nowincreasing faster than in comparable areaslike Manchester, Wigan and Barnsley –though we are still around two years behindthe national average.

Fewer people in Stoke-on-Trent are dyingprematurely of the most serious illnesses.Figures in the Director’s annual report showthat between 2002 and 2006, the number ofdeaths from circulatory diseases such as heartdisease, strokes etc. reduced by 35 per cent inStoke-on-Trent, whereas nationally thereduction was only 23 per cent – bringing thegap between the national average to a quarterof what it was in the mid-1990s.

Healthier Future

Likewise, the 743 deaths from cancer and416 from respiratory illness also represent aconsiderable reduction in the gap withnational averages, while infant mortality hasfallen to its lowest-ever level with sevenbabies per 1,000 dying before their firstbirthday – four fewer than in 2002.

So what is Dr Rajaratnam’s prescription foran even healthier future? Education anddecent incomes are key ingredients of hismedicine to make us even healthier.

“Around 50 per cent of the city’spopulation live in deprivation, which accounts

for 30 per cent ofill health,” heexplained.

Changes in the healthservice could reduce the inequality gaps byup to 40 per cent, but the remaining 60 percent is down to improving access toeducation which leads to affluence and anawareness of the need to change life stylessuch as stopping smoking, cutting down onalcohol, eating healthily and taking exercise.

“People in Stoke-on-Trent are takingnotice of these things – but not enough are.”

A crucial part of the doctor’s remedy isworking closely with the Local StrategicPartnership’s Forum made up of civicleaders, education providers, employers andmany more groups and agencies as well ashealth professionals to bring about betterhousing together with the skills and trainingthat lead to well paid jobs.

As an example of this effective partnershipapproach he points to the North Staffs WarmZone in which local authorities and the NHSwork together to improve fuel poverty andenable people to heat their homes andthereby prevent worsening of chronicrespiratory illnesses. Other factors helpingStoke-on-Trent to close the health gapsinclude the city’s increasingly popularsmoking cessation programme, the ban onsmoking in public places and advances inmedicine and surgical procedures.

Dr Rajaratnam said: “I am cautiouslyoptimistic that if everyone in the city workstogether we can reduce and even eradicatethe health inequalities that have plagued thiscity for so long.”

What could be done to improve Stoke-on-Trent’s health even more?Write to Freepost Our City or [email protected].

A TEXT message alert system hasbeen set up to keep residentsinformed on when their citycouncil homes are being repaired.

Kier Stoke will now send amessage to mobile phoneowners who have requestedworks 24 hours before they arecarried out.

Councillor Hazel Lyth, PortfolioHolder for Enterprise andCulture, said:“This is a great wayof improving communicationbetween us and residents –ensuring they are in when worksare set to take place. They willalso still receive writtenconfirmation, whether they owna mobile or not.”

People who wish to be textedshould give their mobile numbersto operators at Stoke- on-Call atthe time of reporting a fault.

Residents can phone Stoke-on-Call on 01782 234234.

BUDDING geologists uncoveredmysteries of the past at twospecial Park Hall Country Parkopen days.

They were led around theHulme Quarry by Dr PatrickCossey of StaffordshireUniversity, who showed how thelandscape had changedthrough erosion andearthquakes over the last 200million years.

There was a rock quiz in thevisitors centre, as well asdisplays showing how thequarry has eroded.

Councillor Debra Gratton,Portfolio Holder for Sport andLeisure, said: “Geology is anincredibly interesting subjectand Parkhall’s Geology Day is agreat chance for people to learnabout the history of the area.

“Parks don’t have to be justgreen spaces and in HulmeQuarry we have an interestingnatural resource that gives a biginsight into a subject mostpeople may not know too muchabout.”

Repairs alertssent by text

Rock aroundcountry park

NATIONAL Bookstart Dayencouraged children to startreading at six city libraries withpirate story sessions.

Children were treated to freepirate themed booty includinga book, bookmark and sticker.Councillor Hazel Lyth, PortfolioHolder for Enterprise andCulture said:“Using themeslike pirates is a great way ofencouraging young people totake up reading and learnmore about the past.”

Yo! Ho! Ho! forlibrary fun

‘Sick City’ becoming a ‘FitCity’ says health chief

Dr GiriRajaratnam

pictured at the newShelton Health Centre

with Health VisitorDebbie Lloyd, centre,mum Kerry Bloor and

baby Lilymae, agedten weeks.

Our City p3 6/11/08 11:42 Page 1

FOR a person whospends most of herworking life on the

phone listening to otherpeople’s problems, JaneMulliner appears to besurprisingly happy in herjob.

She is one of the PublicService Desk Operatives basedin a first floor suite at HanleyPolice Station who betweenthem each day handle hundredsof non-emergency calls made tothe police by members of thepublic.

Like all her colleagues whorun the service on rotating shiftsbetween 7am and 2am thefollowing day, Jane uses touchscreen computer technology topass on details to a relevantpolice officer or put callersthrough to other agencies whocan provide the help they need.

If she does consider a callneeds urgent action, Jane passesit by computer to the HanleyControl Room downstairs wheresimilar technology backed up bypinpoint accurate computermapping systems means that 90per cent of emergency 999 callsare answered within 30 seconds– one of the best response ratesin the country.

Typically Jane deals with threeto four calls each hour of hernine-hour shift, though there areno targets. The priority is to giveeach caller all the time neededto listen to their problem anddeal with it in the best possibleway. In fact when Our Cityvisited the Public Service Deskunit it had already received 266calls that day – and it was onlyhalfway through the normaloperating hours.

Crime detailsJane has been a member of

police staff for 16 years – and asa Special Constable she also getsto help the community withface-to-face contact rather thanthrough her headset.

She said: “Most of the calls Ideal with will not involvesending a police officer to thescene – at least, notimmediately. Typically, thecrimes I deal with are vehiclesthat have been broken intoovernight, handbag thefts,reports of anti social behaviourand assaults or robberies whichhave taken place.

“I take all the crime detailsand investigate by phone. Thatmeans I ask the caller aboutCCTV in the vicinity of theincident, whether they heard or

saw anything suspicious andarrange for a scene-of-crimeofficer to visit them and arrangefor a statement to be taken.

“But you never know what thenext call will be about. Peopleuse our number to talk to usabout a whole range ofproblems, such as domesticviolence, mental health issues ortheir children’s behaviouralproblems.

“Some, like the elderly whomay be worried about thepresence of large numbers ofyoung people near their home,often just need to be reassured,and usually we are able to puttheir minds at rest.

“If we can’t offer direct policeassistance, I can advise callersabout the best people to contact– such as social services,Citizens Advice Bureau or thecity council – and can oftenconnect them to the relevantservice through my computer.”

Jane added: “To do this jobyou need to be experienced andhave a knowledge of criminaland civil law – but the mostimportant qualifications arecommon sense and the ability tolisten. A lot of people who ringare grateful for the reassuranceand advice we offer.

“It just helps them to talk to

someone like us about aproblem or something that’sworrying them.

“I love the job. Every day isdifferent and it’s very rewardingto be able to help someone evenif you don’t see them face-to-face.It gives me a sense ofachievement.”

Public Service Desk Operativeslike Jane sometimes receivetouching letters and cardsthanking them for their help.

“That makes it all worthwhile.It’s nice to know that what we dois appreciated,” said Jane.

Help and adviceSteve Clews, Deputy Manager

of the Hanley Control Roomwhich works closely with thePublic Service Desk and handlesthe 0300 non-emergency callswhen operatives are busy, said:“The Public Service Desk staffdo a superb job by takingpressure off the Control Roomand allowing us to focus onreacting in the fastest and mostefficient way to emergency calls.

“The operatives are able toprovide non-999 callers with allthe help, advice and time thatthey need and the operatives arean effective first point of contactfor many people who need thehelp of the police.”

THE single non-emergencytelephone number forStaffordshire Police has beenchanged to 0300 123 4455.

The new number was chosenwith the help of members of thepublic who are members of theforce’s Citizens’ Panel as well asthe CommunicationsIndependent Advisory Groupbecause it’s easy to rememberand dial.

It replaces the previous 0845-type number followingadvice from Ofcom, regulator ofthe UK communications industry.

The new number allows thepublic to make non-emergencycalls to Staffordshire Police forthe price of a local call fromboth landline and mobilephones – and they can beincluded in inclusive callminutes or discount schemessuch as “Friends and Family”packages.

Calls to 0300 123 4455 arehandled by highly trainedoperators who are allexperienced police staff.

You can use this number toget in touch with your local beatbobby or Police CommunitySupport Officer (PCSO).

Details of how to do this arefeatured on page 22 of Our City.

To contact police regarding anemergency you still dial 999. Anemergency call is defined as aninquiry relating to:

● Violence being used orthreatened.

● A danger to life.

● A crime in progress or anoffender who has beendisturbed.

● A road collision involvinginjury.

● A non-injury road collisioncausing serious trafficcongestion.

New numberto contactthe police


The firstpoint of call for

non-emergencies –Jane Mulliner, one of

the Public ServiceDesk Operativesbased at HanleyPolice Station.

The call handlers whosolve problems

Our City p4 6/11/08 11:25 Page 1

W.


WHEN wintertemperatures dip towards

freezing or the first flakes of snow start to fall, motorists welcome the reassuring sight of agritting lorry on the city’sroads. But how many givethe driver in the darkenedcab a second thought?

He could well be John Heathwho will have already done aday’s work before turning outon a gritting run to keepmain roads and bus routesthroughout Stoke-on-Trentsafe and prevent traffic fromslipping and sliding intogridlock.

John joined the citycouncil’s small army of 30 orso gritter drivers 14 years agowhen he started driving skipvehicles for the localauthority, and now assistswith that department’sadministration at the CromerRoad depot in Northwood.

He works 7am to 4pm on the“day job.” But when the specialweather-watch website monitoredclosely by Highways ResponsiveMaintenance staff, also at CromerRoad, warns of freezingconditions for that night, Johncollects his gritter lorry loadedwith salt at around 6pm and forthe next three hours treats theroads of his regular “patch”around Hanley city centre. Thenit’s back to work at 7am the nextday.

Teams of ten gritters go outeach time to treat all primaryroads and main bus routes in thecity (apart from the A500 and

A50 which are the responsibilityof the Highways Agency) and, likeJohn, it will be their second job ofthe day. The team of gritters aredrawn mainly from the refusecollection service, while others areHighways department and roadsweeper staff.

John said: “I have salted all tenroutes over the years. Sometimeswe would be back on the roadafter midnight for another run ifit had rained and washed awaythe salt, and when that happenedwe did not work the next day.However from this year there arenew shift arrangements whichmean we can never be called out

twice on the same night.“We are loaded with between

30 and 80 tonnes of salt,depending on the conditions, andif more than two inches of snow isforecast, the gritter is fitted with asnowplough.

“The vehicle is programmed toscatter 10 grams of salt persquare metre for frost and 40grams for snow.

“It sometimes gets a bit bleak,especially on the early morningruns when sometimes I seem tobe the only person on the road,but the cab is warm andcomfortable. I’m used to seeing aline of traffic form behind me as

most drivers feel safer following agritter when the roads are icy, butsometimes a boy racer doesovertake me.”

As well as routine gritting runs,John and his colleagues are alsocalled to the scene of accidentscaused by the winter conditionsin order to treat that particularstretch of highway and he oftengoes to the rescue of strandedbuses and heavy goods vehicles tospread salt to give them enoughgrip to get going again.

SnowballsJohn has so far avoided coming

to grief – but gritting crews doface dangers. “I once tried to saltan ice rink created by kidspouring water on the freezingroad and they pelted me withsnow balls, which made it difficultfor me to concentrate on mydriving.

“A colleague using a snowplough was hit by a car whosedriver turned out to be threetimes over the legal drink-drivelimit.”

Bob Brock, HighwaysResponsive MaintenanceManager who scrambles thegritting crews by calling theirmobiles when the weather websitehe monitors moves from amber tored alert, said: “If the roads areclear and we get no complaints,

then we know we’ve done our jobproperly. The drivers are realunsung heroes, and it’s easy totake them for granted. Butwithout them the main routes inthe city would come to a halt.”

John said: “Occasionally I getstopped by people who complainwe haven’t salted the road wherethey live, and I always try toexplain that our job is to keep themain roads and bus routes clear.Salting all the side roads andlesser used routes in the citywould not be possible.”

He added: “I suppose you haveto be a glutton for punishment tovolunteer for this job. Every day isdifferent and I have had to turnout on Christmas Day. We checkon weather forecasts more thanmost people, and our familiesworry about us when we arecalled out. I always get a call frommy fiancée checking I’m all right.

“But in all the years I’ve been agritter I never fail to get a lot ofpersonal satisfaction fromknowing that what I do is helpingto make roads safe and keepingthe city moving.”

Now, how’s that for a touch ofTrue Grit?

What do you think about thecity’s gritting service? Writeto Freepost Our City or [email protected]... to January 2004 when the city’s gritters battled against freak weather conditions.

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Continuing theseries on unsungheroes, Our Citytalks to JohnHeath, one of thecouncil’s small armyof dedicated gritterdrivers...

TRUEGRIT...

John Heathall set for the

big freeze.

Continuing theseries on unsungheroes, Our Citytalks to JohnHeath, one of thecouncil’s small armyof dedicated gritterdrivers...

Our City p5 6/11/08 09:36 Page 1


Artistic views of the cityin a very distinctive styleARTIST Rob Pointon has made it his mission to put thesights, scenes and architecture of his home city on tocanvas – in a very distinctive style.

The 26-year-old fine art graduate (pictured below) hasproduced more than 50 oil paintings of Stoke-on-Trentlandscapes and buildings –ranging from terraced houses inShelton and a footbridge over theA50 to Burslem’s iconic old townhall and the Wedgwood Institute.

His “wide-angled perspective’treatment of his subjects hasalready been critically-acclaimedand his work has been exhibited atthe Potteries Museum and ArtGallery as well as featuring inprivate collections in France and the UK, including those ofPrince Charles and the Duchess of Devonshire.

“I like to capture the whole scene rather than a tightframing of a scene,” said Rob who sets up his easel on thestreet and paints while being watched by passers-by. I liketo soak up the atmosphere of what I am drawing orpainting.”

He is currently working on a five-painting commissionfrom Potteries-born comedian and TV personality NickHancock – one of which is a view looking up at the roof ofStoke station. Another is a landscape of the only part ofStoke City’s old Victoria Ground that remains – some steps,now covered in undergrowth, that once took fans to theoriginal Boothen End.

For a life-long Stoke fan like Nick, that will be anevocative painting – and one, which given the Rob Pointontreatment, is bound to a very special work of art.

IF the pottery industry’s saggar maker’s bottom knocker

is the world’s most unusual job title, then Stoke-on-Trent

also has one of the most stomach-churning jobs...

making sure the globe’s biggest collection of loos and

sewers has an authentic pong.

Gladstone Pottery Museum’s operations officer Ian

Watson runs a hi-tech sound and light system which

welcomes thousands of visitors to the Flushed with

Pride gallery. But the exhibition’s jewel in the crown is

an open sewer complete with authentic smell, thanks to

a “perfume” called Flatulence, which is more expensive

than many ladies’ high street brands.

Ian, who works with a dedicated band of volunteers to

run the popular museum, said:“It’s concentrated stuff

and smells foul so we keep it on the lowest setting and it

still makes their eyes water!”

● A saggar maker’s bottom knocker made the

bottom of a saggar – used when firing pots – by placing

clay in a metal hoop and literally knocking it into shape.

A job not to be sniffed at...

A stylised townscape of Burslem by Rob Pointon.

STOKE’S King’s Hall, thevenue for many aglittering occasion over

the decades, has a starringrole in a new movie to beshown at next May’s CannesFilm Festival... but few will beable to recognise it on the bigscreen.

The hall was chosen as a mainlocation for the filming of Souled Out,set in the 1970s Northern Soulscene, because it closely resembledthe legendary club, the WiganCasino. However, before filmingbegan, producers gave the hall aperiod makeover including majorchanges to the stage.

In the interests of authenticity,walls were painted, exit signs becamered and even the toilets made to lookdirty with a brown wash put on thetiling. (Soulies – as the NorthernSoul afficionados were know – recallthat the Casino toilets werenotoriously gruesome).

Tim Steele, a city council VenueOfficer, said: “It was an amazingtransformation. When people go tosee the film I don’t think they willrecognise the place as the King’sHall.”

Souled Out, which stars BAFTAaward-winning actor MartinCompston (featured in our coverpicture), Alfie Allen, CraigParkinson, Nichola Burley andFelicity Jones, is tipped to be anotherBritish classic. It is a love story setagainst the backdrop of 1974 Wiganand the famous “All Nighters” at theCasino.

Natasha Carlish, the film’s

co-producer, said: “We were veryappreciative of the help and supportwe received from people at the citycouncil.

“We may well be back next yearbecause there’s a strong chance thatwe will stage the local premier at theKing’s Hall.”

It is perhaps entirely appropriatethat Souled Out should be filmed inStoke-on-Trent as, like Wigan, it wasa hot-bed for Northern Soul in theseventies, staging All Nighters at

Tunstall’s Golden Torch andHanley’s Top Rank.

Hundreds of extras were recruitedfor the film’s big dance scenesincluding students from StaffordshireUniversity. But some original 1970local Soulies who donned their old“baggies” and turned up for theauditions hoping to get in on the actwere sadly disappointed.

“Of course, we were just too old –but it was worth a try,” one of themlamented.

Movie makeoverfor the King’s Hall

A dance scenefrom Souled Out– filmed onlocation inStoke-on-Trent.

The toilets at the King’s Hallwere given a makeover togive them the authentic lookof 1970s Wigan Casino.Pictured are actressesNichola Burley, right, andFelicity Jones.

Our City p6 6/11/08 11:27 Page 1


SPRIGHTLY MaryFlanaghan has alwayslooked on the bright

side – and despite an illnessthat put her in hospital andhaving to cope with failingeyesight, the 84-year-oldwidow still enjoys life to thefull.

That’s largely due to the factthat as a resident of RowanVillage, a luxury extra carehousing development for theelderly in Meir, Mary can still liveunder her own roof while havingfriends, help, support and lots ofactivities literally on her doorstep.

She was one of the firstresidents to move into thesumptuous development thatboasts 75 apartments as well as agym, shop, hair salon, restaurant,healthy living suite and gardens.

She moved to Rowan Villagewhen the flagship development –the first of a series of similardevelopments planned for theover-55s throughout the city –opened its doors earlier this year.

Architects drew up adevelopment which is modern,light and airy, using stimulatingcolours and modern furnishings.

There are eight apartmentsspecifically reserved for peoplewho need extra support when

they come out of hospital orprevent admission to hospital inthe first place. Six apartments arereserved for older people whocare for a dependant with alearning disability.

It’s not just the village’simpressive facilities tailored tosuit the needs of each residentthat Mary appreciates.

Knowing she can count on firstclass support from staff, whileenjoying the independence ofhaving her own apartment,means just as much to thisoutgoing lady with a bubblypersonality.

Mary said: “I have made lotsof new friends and the staff aremarvellous. I particularly lookforward to meeting up with about30 other residents every morningfor coffee – we have a goodgossip!”

Highlights of her busy social lifeinclude Saturday night bingo,bake a cake sessions, fish and chipsuppers, quiz nights and watchingTV in the lounge.

Mary added: “Like a lot ofpeople of my age I want to beindependent with my ownaccommodation, but with my badeyesight it’s reassuring to knowthere are people around me tohelp if I have a problem.

“Also, as a person who has

always enjoyed life to the full andis usually the life and soul of theparty, it’s lovely to be able to mixwith the other residents and joinin all the activities.”

Rowan Village, owned andmanaged by Staffordshire HousingAssociation, is purpose-designedfor people who need independentaccommodation, with care andsupport on hand 24 hours a day,seven days a week, as, when and ifneeded. It also provides shortterm rehabilitation from eitherhospital or home.

The scheme was funded by thecity council, the HousingCorporation, StaffordshireHousing Association, WestMidlands Regional HealthAuthority, the Department ofHealth and Renew NorthStaffordshire.

Michila Goodwin, Manager ofRowan Village, said: “Residentscan continue to enjoy anindependent lifestyle while at thesame time knowing that any careor help they may need is alwayson hand.”

What do you think of plans toprovide more homes andsupport to older people?Write to freepost ourcity oremail [email protected]

Alternatively to obtain aHousing Options for OlderPeople booklet andquestionnaire please contactthe Housing Enabling Teamon 01782 233330 or [email protected]

A PIONEERING scheme which armsvolunteers with speed guns is set tobe rolled out across Stoke-on-Trentafter a successful pilot in the southwest of the city.

Speedwatch, run by StaffordshirePolice, uses hi-tech laser equipmentto track the speed, registrationnumber and make of a vehicle.

Offenders are sent an advisorywarning letter telling them to slowdown and keep to the speed limit. Ifthe same vehicle is caught twice, afollow-up final letter is issued andenforcement action considered.

Following the launch of threeschemes in Newstead, Trentham andPenkhull, other areas could soon beusing the technology to catchoffenders.

PC Sean Woodward, of the SouthWestern Neighbourhood PolicingUnit, said: “The three pilot projectsare doing well and have provedthemselves as a great way of raising

awareness for drivers. We couldsoon be seeing this in many otherareas of Stoke-on-Trent – it hascertainly had an effect in the areascurrently being targeted.”

The initial scheme was launchedin Newstead – the first of its kind inStoke-on-Trent – where six residentssigned up to monitor speed inBarlaston Road and Waterside Drive.

It was then introduced inTrentham – where four volunteersmonitor Burrington Drive and NewInn Lane and, as Our City went topress, a scheme was gettingunderway in the Newcastle Lanearea of Penkhull.

Bill Harvey, who volunteers inNewstead, said: “It’s had a reallysubstantial impact, especially inBarlaston Lane. As soon as driverssee the speed camera and the hi-visjackets they slow right down.People are now driving at 30mphrather than 40 or 50 mph.”

Speed camera volunteershelp to make roads safer

Mary’s new home isbest of bothworlds









MaryFlanaghan

has her hairdone by

hairdresser WendyLocker at theRowan Village

salon.

VolunteerBill Harvey

with a laser speedgun in Barlaston Road

watched by, left toright, fellow volunteer

Pam Pearce, PCSOPaul Muller and

PC SeanWoodward.

Our City p7 6/11/08 11:28 Page 1


THE writing is on the wall for Staffordshire Universitystudents, thanks to a giant digital projector thatStaffordshire Police are using to project safety messagesand useful information on to the exterior of the Stokecampus.

This spectacular hi-tech method of beaming hugeimages on to buildings has been used by TV style andfashion guru Gok Wan in his How To Look Good Nakedprogramme.

Now its displaying helpful information to students,such as how to keep their laptops safe, the new non-emergency number 0300 123 4455 for StaffordshirePolice and a picture and contact details of the campus’sown police officer.

VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help pilot a newhealth scheme that aims to identify people with bowel,lung and breast cancer earlier in Stoke-on-Trent.

The project, being delivered by the city’s PrimaryCare Trust, uses local residents and professionals toeducate and raise awareness of the symptoms ofcancer.

The teams deliver health-related information to getpeople to go to their GP earlier. From early next year,schemes will get underway in Burslem, Longton andNorton and Bradeley.

The initiative, which is funded by the Department ofHealth’s Improvement Foundation, is also being trailedin 10 other PCT’s across the country.

To get involved phone Project Manager Jill Davieson 01782 298064 or 07850 924753.

The writing’s on the wallfor university safety

Cancer screening schemelooks for volunteers

ELECTIONS held almost every year in Stoke-on-Trentcould soon be a thing of the past following the CityCouncil’s latest consultation on improving localgovernment.

Earlier this year the Governance Commission made14 recommendations, the first of which was a move to‘whole-council’ elections every four years. This wouldresult in the whole council of 60 councillors beingelected at once every four years.

Other Governance Commission recommendations,such as reducing the overall number of councillors,having only one councillor per ward, and increasingthe number of wards are dependant on a move to‘whole-council’ elections being carried out first.

The city council is now writing to organisations inthe city to ask their views, which will be put to ameeting of councillors in January.

Readers are invited to tell the city council what theythink. Further information can be obtained from ourweb site: stoke.gov.uk/ourfuture or by calling 01782232485. Comments can be made on-line using the linkfrom this web site, or by writing to Our Future,Freepost Our City, ST4 1RN.

Public asked for views onfuture of council elections

Free leisure access to boost city health

Enlightening displays which help cut campus crime.

ANYONE with aBluetooth mobilephone could soon be

getting a message fromStaffordshire Police.

They are using a revolutionarytransmitter device called TheBlue Zone that can sendmessages to 28 Bluetoothhandsets at a time within aradius of up to 50 metres.

The device will be usedin busy locations such asthe city centre or at bigpublic events likefootball matches to send

messages such as the new policenon-emergency number 0300 1234455, helpful information likehow to contact domestic violencehelplines and even photographsand contact details of localneighbourhood officers.

Phone owners will be alertedthat Staffordshire Police would

like to contactthem, and they

can decidewhether or

not toreceivethemessage.

All messages and pictures sentby the Blue Zone service can bestored on phones so theinformation is always instantlyavailable if needed.

Staffordshire Police’s Mediaand Communications ManagerDavid Bailey said: “With theincreasing use of Bluetoothphones, this is an effective way ofcommunicating with a largenumber of people in just a shortspace of time.

“Using the Blue Zonetransmitter means that around1,000 people can be contacted byphone in an hour.”

A LARGE-SCALE project toimprove the city’s health andfitness has been launched afterthe city council was awarded a£500,000 grant.

The city is engaging in the BeActive, Be Healthy 20-weekLifestyle Programme, designedto help people either lose weightor avoid heart disease.

Sport England has awardedthe funding to implement theproject – run in conjunction withNHS Stoke on Trent.

It allows anyone involved freeaccess to the city’s leisure

facilities. Criteria to be eligiblefor the scheme include being atrisk or suffering from heartdisease, having recovered fromheart problems, or beingdiabetic.

Councillor Debra Gratton,Portfolio Holder for Sport andLeisure, said: “Stoke-on-Trent iscommitted to improving thehealth and fitness of everyoneliving in the city.”

Following completion of theprogramme, participants will bepresented with an Energise PlusCard, giving them discounts to

city council leisure facilities for12 months.

Rauf Mirza, Chairman ofSport England West MidlandsRegional Sports Board said:“Taking part in sport andphysical activity can have suchan impact on improving thehealth of individuals. This awardhas been given to make a realimpact across a high number ofpeople in the city whose health isseriously at risk.”● For further information pleasecontact Marie Jenkins on 01782234992.

StaffordshirePolice Media andCommunications

Manager David Baileyuses the hi-tech

Bluetooth device tocontact thousands offans at the Stoke v

Spurs PremierLeague game.

Bluetooth messagingtargets thousandsBluetooth messagingtargets thousands

Our City p8 6/11/08 11:29 Page 1

MAJOR efforts are beingmade to ensure thateveryone who lives in the

city can afford to keep warmduring the winter months.

The city council’s three-year AffordableWarmth Strategy targets homes in fuelpoverty – that is where more than ten percent of household income is spent on fuelto keep warm.

Last availablestatistics showedthat 31 per cent ofprivate sectorhouseholds acrossthe city were livingin fuel poverty – butit’s likely that figurehas increased,particularly in viewof the recent steeprises in domestic gasand electricityprices.

The Affordable Warmth Strategy aims totackle fuel poverty by promoting andachieving affordable warmth.

The strategy sets out a raft of initiatives,which include:● Installing up to 20,000 insulationmeasures in homes across the city.● Referral of 3,000 households for benefithealth checks.● An energy efficiency training programme

for front-line staff, including health,housing and social care workers, tohelp them identify households livingin fuel poverty and advise them onwhat help is available.● Supporting and strengtheningthe local energy efficiency adviceservice.

Councillor Joan Bell, PortfolioHolder forCommunity Safetyand NeighbourhoodManagement, said:“This strategy is apledge by the citycouncil and itspartners to play a keyrole in improvinghousing conditions,raising incomes,tackling healthinequalities andreducing energy

usage in the city over the next three years.”For free independent advice about saving

energy and keeping warm, call the localenergy efficiency advice line on 0800 3892258. A copy of the Affordable WarmthStrategy can be downloaded fromstoke.gov.uk/affordablewarmth

What more could be done to helpresidents stay warm this winter? Write to Freepost Our City or [email protected]

ELECTED Mayor Mark Meredith joinedschool pupils to plant the first of 500 treesin the city to help highlight environmentalconcerns.

The trees were planted to offset carbonemissions generated by a climate changeconference and workshop to be held laterthis month.

Around 150 delegates, includingschoolchildren, will attend the event.

The children have been invited to posequestions to a panel of city leaders at theKing’s Hall conference. The event willcreate around 3.5 tonnes of carbon whichwill be offset by planting the 500 trees.

Mayor Meredith planted the firstsapling at Sandon Business andEnterprise College – the firstschool in the city to be named aGreen Flag Eco School.

Others are being planted inlocal schools, communitygardens and open spacesnominated by the public.

Strategy to help keep households warm this winter

Plan protectscity residentsfrom the cold

20,000 homes inStoke-on-Trent

will benefit fromenergy efficiencymeasures such asgrants for cavitywall insulation

HOME INSULATION!Yes, the maximum you pay for loft

or cavity wall insulation is £99*each and often it’s entirely FREE!

Call Warmzone for details:01782 238443

*Subject to a property suitability survey

Mrs HannahCotton, of

Newstead, shouldhave a warmer winterthis year thanks to loftinsulation installed by

Kieren Jordan andKevin Dale,

kneeling.

Tree planting offsets conferencecarbon footprint

MayorMeredith

plants a tree atSandon Businessand Enterprise

College with studentsCharleigh Smith,

13, and AdamAllcock, 12.


Our City p9 6/11/08 11:19 Page 1


FLU is set to strike again thiswinter but many people inStoke still haven’t had their

winter jab.The flu jab is a free vaccination available

to everyone over 65 and to people classed as“at risk” which includes anyone withdiabetes, liver or kidney disease, or who hashad a stroke or suffers from a chronicrespiratory or cardiac disease.

Although there has been a strong take upof vaccination from local people aged 65 or

over, there has been a slow response frompeople in the at-risk group who are entitledto the free flu vaccination.

Dr Simon Elsdon, Associate MedicalDirector at NHS Stoke on Trent, said:“Vaccination rates for the over 65s arecurrently running at around 70 per cent,which is in line with the national average,but there is a disappointing take up frompeople in the at-risk group.

“People don’t realise how important it isto get the flu jab. For many people flu is justa bad cold but if your immune system has

been compromised, through ill health, thenit can actually be a very serious illness,which can even require hospital treatment.”

As well as being offered the fluvaccination people are also being offered avaccination against pneumonia whichprovides potential protection for up to 10years.

GP surgeries across the city are nowcarrying out flu vaccination clinics so tobook an appointment contact your GPsurgery or, for more information, click on towww.immunisation.nhs.uk/Vaccines/Flu

Readers scoopbook prizes

WINNERS of a competition todesign the best “Eco-Bag” havebeen announced after an influxof creative entries.

Design students from schoolsacross the city designed an imagefor biodegradable bags thatwould be given out at marketstalls. Lord Mayor CouncillorDerek Capey announced thewinners in a prize givingceremony at the Civic Centre.

The competition was devisedto highlight markets in a positiveway as places that consider theirimpact on the environment.Traders and MarketsManagement will be handing outthe bag with the winning designas soon as it has been produced.

Councillor Adrian KnapperPortfolio Holder for EconomicDevelopment, said:“Thecompetition itself was a hugesuccess and demonstrates thewealth of talent amongststudents and the enthusiasm ofthe teaching staff involved.”

He added:“These studentshave shown a real desire to playan active role in environmentalissues.”

THOUSANDS of city centre workersleft their cars at home to show theycare for the environment as part of aday of organised activities to promotesustainable transport.

Councillor Joy Garner, Stoke-on-TrentCity Council Portfolio Holder forEnvironment, said: “We know that22,000 people work in the city centre.

“If only 10,000 of these people drivean average of a 10 mile round trip eachday, they each add 2.7 kilograms ofcarbon dioxide emissions to theatmosphere.

“That comes to 27,000 tonnes per dayin the city centre alone.

“If just 10 per cent of those samedaily travellers take the bus just one daya week, it would reduce carbon dioxideemissions by 2,000 tonnes each week –in a year it would be over 100,000tonnes.

“The average round trip to workjourney costs £6 in fuel and car runningcosts, plus parking. The same journeyby bus is £3.50.

“Car sharing is generally half theprice and much more social and cyclingis good for your health.”

Workers help cutexhaust emissions

Lively carnivala fun packedday for allRESIDENTS enjoyed a fun-packedcarnival and community daylaunched by the Lord Mayor –helping to boost communityrelations in Shelton.

Bhangra drummers, danceworkshops, Punch and Judy, asurfboard simulator, bouncycastle and obstacle course wereall part of the event at theRectory Road CommunityCentre.

The festivities took months oforganisation and were fundedby Stoke-on-Trent City Council,RENEW North Staffordshire andBeth Johnson HousingAssociation.

Lord Mayor Councillor DerekCapey said:“I was pleased to seeso many local residents takingpart.

“There was everything from alive band to face painting and acommunity wildlife mural.”

Experts issue flu warning Experts issue flu warning

Bags give agreen boost

THREE lucky readers havescooped book tokens aftertaking part in our NationalYear of Reading competition.

M Chesworth of Fentonscooped the first prize worth£100. Linda Burns of Trenthamwon the £50 runners up prizeand Hilda Peacock of Tunstallwon the £25 third prizevoucher.

Their names were pickedfrom scores of entrants whocorrectly answered a questionabout Stoke-on-Trent’sfavourite read J.R.R. Tolkien’sLord of the Rings.

We asked: Which famousactor played Gandalf in thefilm versions of the populartrilogy?

The answer is: Sir IanMcKellen. Congratulations toour winners – and everyonewho got the correct answer.

Meanwhile, the Books in theWild competition being run bythe city’s Library Services, iscontinuing across the city.

People are beingencouraged to review booksleft in public places, shops andother attractions and post in areview.

Everyone who sends in areview is entered into a prizedraw for a Nintendo Wii gamesconsole.

To learn more about thecompetition or for detailsabout National Year ofReading log onto stoke.gov.uk/libraries or call 01782 238455.

Mountain bikers DannyBitler and Rob Poyserperform in the city centre.

DrSam Reddygives a flu

jab to RonaldBourne, 68, of

Shelton.

Our City p10 6/11/08 10:55 Page 1


THE organisationwhich delivershealth care to

Stoke-on-Trent’s peoplehas changed its name.

Stoke on Trent PrimaryCare Trust has been renamedNHS Stoke on Trent to makeit more identifiable toresidents and to betterrepresent its changing role indelivering services.

Chief Executive GrahamUrwin said: “The publicknow what the NHS isand for the people ofStoke-on-Trent we aretheir local NHS. Our newname means that localpeople can identify moreeasily with who is responsiblefor meeting their healthneeds. And for us, our newname better reflects ourrole, which has evolvedinto being morethan justaboutprimarycare.”

Meanwhile,NHS Stoke on Trent hasappointed a new chairman.Chris Dawes worked atMichelin for nearly 30 years,where he held senior roles inthe UK and France. Beforeretiring in 2007, he heldexecutive positions of Managing Directorof Michelin UK and Managing Director ofMichelin Lifestyle Ltd.

He said: “I am delighted to take up thechair of NHS Stoke on Trent. I haveworked in Stoke-on-Trent and I feel Iknow the city well. It has issues – not leastin health – but I know I am joining anorganisation that is improving the health ofthe city and tackling health inequalities.”● A Health Fayre showcased the vast rangeof services available in Stoke-on-Trent tokeep locals in good shape.

The event at the King’s Hall in Stokeincluded more than 60 stalls with expertsin sexual health, tackling childhoodobesity, healthy eating, exercise andmental health on hand to give advice.

Acting as a one-stop shop for healthyliving, visitors to the fayre were alsooffered a free MOT health check andinformation on smoking. Lord MayorCouncillor Derek Capey and MayoressJoyce Capey attended the event to presentswimming passes and fruit and veghampers.

Healthy eating advice to help tacklegrowing childhood obesity issuesOVERWEIGHT youngsters inStoke-on-Trent are being taught howto keep trim on a new healthy lifestyleprogramme.

The Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do itprogramme (MEND) was developed byexperts at Great Ormond StreetHospital and the Institute of ChildHealth to combat the rising problem ofchildhood obesity.

Children aged between seven and 13attend sessions of fun and interactiveactivities aimed at both children andtheir parents – including practical tipson healthy eating, food labelling andportion sizes.

The sessions will take place afterschool across the city in local venuesincluding community centres, youthcentres, high schools and Port Vale FC.

Sui-Ann Pang, Senior Health

Promotion Specialist for Obesity forNHS Stoke on Trent, said: “Withchildhood obesity on the increase,programmes like MEND can providethe essential support for children andtheir families to identify and makepractical changes towards being moreactive and healthier.

“MEND also has an important partto play in helping young people buildtheir confidence and self-esteem.”

For more information and to findout where your nearest MENDprogramme is contact the HealthImprovement Team on 01782 289179 or298057.

MEND programme dates in 2008/09in Stoke can be found at: http://www.hpns.nhs.uk/news/mend.htm or forfurther information on MEND visitwww.mendprogramme.org

STATE-OF-THE-ART satellitetracking is being used in thefight against metal thieves inTunstall and Fegg Hayes.

Electronic GPS devices will befitted to boilers in abandonedproperties – a prime target forthieves eager to cash in onrising metal prices.

The initiative forms part ofStaffordshire Police’s OperationAmalgam which was launchedin April. The team of dedicatedofficers tackle metal theft andhave so far made around 100arrests.

Inspector Mark Hardern,Commander of TunstallNeighbourhood Policing Unit,said: “The message we want toget across to offenders with thisinitiative is ‘we’re after you, weknow who you are and we willarrest you.’

“Thefts of boilers and copperpipes have gone up in FeggHayes and Tunstall – whichcreates danger for people livingnearby and their properties.

“We are working with thelocal authority and landlords tosolve this – and will also befitting GPS to boilers in randomlocations – acting as a rat trapfor offenders.”

Hi-tech beatsthe thieves

Name change reflects

city’s own NHS

Health Improvement Worker Viv Hawken helpsvisitors to the Health Fayre at King’s Hall brushup on their oral hygiene.

Our City p11 6/11/08 11:48 Page 1

ANEW scheme aimed at giving tens of thousand of adults and children free

and discount access to sport andleisure facilities is spearheadingthe city’s drive to be more activethan ever before.

Energise Plus is a swipe card whichgives holders the opportunity to take partin sports and recreational sessions andfacilities at reduced rates at council-runleisure centres.

It replaces the old Recreation Keyscheme but it is available to more peoplethan ever before as Stoke-on-Trent gearsup to be more fit and active in time for theLondon Olympics of 2012.

Anyone who is on low or no income, oris affected by a disability, could be entitledto one of the Energise Plus cards. Thoseentitled include:

● All 42,000 children up to the age of16 in the city.

● Everyone aged over 60.● Job seekers, people on income

support and/or incapacity benefit.● People registered with hearing andvisual impairments.

● Householders on low income i.e. TaxCredits.

● Carers and foster carers.● Students, people on youth training

projects and enrolled onapprenticeship schemes.

Service and Development Manager forSport and Leisure Louise-Ann Smith said:“This is an exciting project which reallybroadens the accessibility of affordablesports activities to more people than everbefore.

“Our aim is to have 30 per cent ofpeople in Stoke-on-Trent reasonably active

by 2012. By this we mean exercisingfor 30 minutes five times a week.

“This is a real step forward inimproving the health and well-being ofeveryone and with the LondonOlympics as a backdrop for this webelieve it will inspire people to becomemore active.”

The scheme also keys into theLifestyle Support Programme – alarge-scale partnership project involvingthe city council and NHS Stoke on Trent.

Anyone completing the £2millionproject will be presented with an EnergisePlus card.

Councillor Debra Gratton, PortfolioHolder for Sport and Leisure said:“Stoke-on-Trent is committed toimproving the health and fitness ofeveryone living in the city.

“The Energise Plus scheme is part of our continuing commitment to ensureaccess to sport and leisure facilities isas widespread as possible.”

The Energise Plus cards cost £5and have to be renewed every 12months but open up a wholerange of free and concessionaryactivities.

These include free swimmingsessions at one of the citycouncil’s pools from Monday toFriday 10am until 4pm.Similarly, people can get accessto free sports hall sessions andfacilities – such as table tennisand badminton – during thosetimes.

Anyone wishing to apply forone of the cards can do so attheir local sports centre.Alternatively details areavailable online by loggingonto stoke.gov.uk

12 Our City N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 8 N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 8 Our City 13

A HANLEY-BASED Brownie packlearned all about crime reductionafter an informative visit fromtheir local police officer.

PCSO Lucy Stevenson and PCSamantha Casey, from theBucknall NeighbourhoodPolicing Unit, visited the 7thHanley group at their weeklymeeting at All Saints Church inKempthorne Road, Hanley.The officers helped theyoungsters to obtain theircrime reduction award byhosting a talk and discussion.She then presented badgesto the Brownies.

At the same time she helpedraise awareness of the new non-emergency number forStaffordshire Police – 0300 1234455.

MUSEUMS in Stoke-on-Trent took on board the views of their visitors inconsultation days to help develop and improve their futures.

The Outreach team gave people the chance to have their say aboutGladstone Pottery Museum in Longton, Etruria Industrial Museum and FordGreen Hall in Smallthorne. Each person was given post-it notes and a penciland asked to write down what they thought, good or bad, about the museum and its staff.

Outreach and Community Development Officer Victoria Martin said: “When we did this atthe Potteries Museum and Art Gallery we had many useful comments. Hopefully we can learneven more about our visitors and how they see the museums. All comments will be used tohelp develop the Museum Service over the next few years.” Have your say: Write to FreepostOur City or email [email protected]

A NEW police commander for the north ofStoke-on-Trent has vowed to make antisocial behaviour his top priority and isplanning a raft of new initiatives totackle the problem.

Inspector Mark Hardern, who hashelped police Tunstall andsurrounding areas since 1991, sayshe will be stepping up high-visibility patrols, organisingcommunity meetings, workingwith partner agencies and sendingofficers into schools to educateyoungsters.

He said:“The message I have beengetting from the public in Tunstall isthat anti social behaviour is a bigproblem. We receive around 10 to 15calls about it every day. I want theamount of incidents to be drasticallyreduced by this time next year andthrough working with the public and ourpartner agencies I think there are anumber of steps we can take to achievethat.”

More officers will be patrolling duringthe evening and night as part of thecrackdown. Neighbourhood officers willbe visiting secondary schools like JamesBrindley High and St Margaret Ward.

And six bicycles are also being boughtto help officers cover a greater distanceon their patrols.

Inspector Hardern said crime in Norton,

Tunstall, Goldenhill, Bradeley andSmallthorne has fallen in recent years.However, incidents of anti socialbehaviour have significantly increased.

“People have the perception thathundreds of burglaries are occurringacross Stoke-on-Trent every day – butthat simply isn’t the case. The average isabout four a day.

“However, respect and disciplineamong the younger generation has fallensharply – meaning anti social behaviouris one of our top concerns.”

Brownies earnbadges

Public have say on museums

GREENHOUSE 2000, the city council’s giant nursery at Festival Park, has teamed up with Stoke City FC toprovide matchday flower displays at BritanniaStadium. The Premier League club’s supporters andvisitors will be able to enjoy the floral arrangements infour troughs that separate the bar from the diningfacility, as well as in corporate hospitality areas, theboardroom and chairman’s room. Greenhouse 2000already supplies a number of events such asweddings, the Lord Mayor’s Ball and Keele University’sGraduation Ball – but this is the nursery’s first ventureinto sport. To make a booking call Greenhouse 2000on 01782 235068.

STOKE-on-Trent pools can now offer more types ofswimming lessons after three teachers successfullycompleted a disabled teaching qualification.

Debbie Ralph, Dan Ralph and Janet Slack have allpassed the ASA Level 2 Disability Qualificationfollowing a two-week intensive course inCambridgeshire.

They can now teach both children and adults withlearning disabilities, physical disabilities and thoserecovering from illnesses such as strokes.

Swimming Lesson Co-ordinator Debbie Ralph said:“Swimming is a great form of exercise for people withdisabilities or those rehabilitating because the bodyis supported by the water. We can now offer one toone swimming lessons at Shelton Pool and FentonManor Sports Complex.”

For more information, contact Fenton Manor SportsComplex 01782 233222.

Greenhouse offersPremier League blooms

Pools boost lessonsfor disabled swimmers

Public given insightinto crematoriumAN AWARD-WINNING cemetery and crematorium hasgiven residents a behind-the-scenes look at its newfacilities.

Carmountside – which was rated first in the countryfor its burial and cremation services out of 125 councils– staged an open day where locals could view facilities,remembrance tributes and features like the newVictorian shelter in the garden of remembrance.

The shelter, which was officially opened by Lord MayorCouncillor Derek Capey, includes a specially designedseating area where families can lease plaques.

Councillor Joan Bell, Portfolio Holder for CommunitySafety and Bereavement Care, said: ”We can help peopleselect an option when arranging a funeral which bestsuits their needs.”

Carmountside is the city’s largest cemetery andcrematorium with areas including babies’ and children’sremembrance gardens and a natural woodland parkarea alongside the more traditional garden ofremembrance and cemetery.

Stoke-on-Trent’s Lord Mayor andLady Mayoress open a new shelterat Carmountside Crematorium.

Inspector Mark Hardern onthe beat in Tunstall.

Police pledge to targetanti social behaviour

New sport and leisure accessscheme spearheads drive for

more fit and active city

















Lord MayorCouncillor Derek

Capey is presentedwith a giant-sizedEnergise Plus cardby scheme mascot

Fitzy the Fox.

Fitzy the Fox leads high-profile launchENERGISE Plus was launched with aweek of awareness-raising activitiesand free giveaways all around the city.

The scheme was unveiled at an openevent at Dimensions Leisure Centre inBurslem, before being rolled outaround the city.

Fitzy the Fox – the Energise Plusmascot – joined city council staff topublicise the card at the Britannia

Stadium for Stoke City’s PremierLeague clash with Arsenal in front ofmore than 25,000 fans and to nearly6,000 supporters at Vale Park for PortVale’s home game against Morecambe.

It culminated in an event at FentonManor sports complex attended byLord Mayor Councillor Derek Capey.

And, being over 60, the city’s firstcitizen was presented with his own

giant-sized Energise Plus card byFitzy.

Louise Ann Smith said: “We decidedto launch the scheme by giving the first2,000 Energise Plus cards away free.

“It is also being supported by acampaign of advertising on billboardsaround the city which is helping spreadthe message about the advantages ofthe card.”

Our City p12-13 6/11/08 10:14 Page 1


YOUNGSTERS across Stoke-on-Trentare being taught how to deal withissues like anti social behaviour and

substance misuse during a series ofinteractive workshops.

By early next year, the Crucial Crew schemewill have educated more than 2,800 childrenin staying safe and recognising threateningsituations.

The aim is to fill in gaps in theknowledge of year six pupils and showthem how to approach issues which areoften overlooked by the curriculum.Workshops also include basic first aid,road, rail, fire safety and “Respect”education – with pupils undertakingpractical challenges. The sessions havebeen organised by the Children'sSafety Education Foundation (CSEF)in conjunction with Stoke-on-Trent’sSafer City Partnership.

And Staffordshire Police, BritishTransport Police, West MidlandsAmbulance Service, Staffordshire Fireand Rescue Service,Young People’sDrug Service and A1+HighwaysService are all running sessions for theyoungsters. The scheme forms part ofStoke Won’t Stand For It Campaign – runby the Safer City Partnership born fromlocal residents telling partners that dealingwith anti social behaviour is a key priority.

PUPILS in Packmoor arebeing encouraged to walk orcycle to school following£160,000 worth ofimprovements to footpathsand bridleways.

Stoke-on-Trent CityCouncil carried out the worksto widen and re-surface1.5km of paths.

The project also includedreplacement gates, extrafencing and stone to createsafer, more presentableroutes to school.

Walking toschool launch

Minister backscity pledgeA GOVERNMENT Minister hasgiven his full support toStoke-on-Trent City Counciland its plans to tackle climatechange.

Phil Woolas, Minister of Statefor the Department forEnvironment, Food and RuralAffairs, urged residents to addtheir views to the consultationover Elected Mayor MarkMeredith’s Green Paper onClimate Change.● Write with your views toFreepost Our City or [email protected]

Crucial Crew face up toexciting safety challenge

Don’t delay...

...call today!

Do you have a child who isabout to, or has recently

celebrated their third birthday?

If so, then you could both benefit

from 12.5 hours per week (38

weeks per year) of free

Early Education.

All children are eligible to

free part-time early

education from the term

following their third

birthday, until they reach

compulsory school age.

For more information about

the free entitlement and a list of

childcare settings who deliver Early

Education in your local area, please

contact Stoke-on-Trent Parent Direct on

You can also email us at [email protected]

or visit our website at www.stokeeycs.co.uk

stoke.gov.uk

TomEaton, 10,

of Goldenhill,enjoys the

Crucial Crew dayat Cobridge TA

Centre.

Our City p14 6/11/08 11:32 Page 1


A PROJECT ledby primaryschool pupilsto save anendangered speciesof butterfly has taken flight.

Pupils at Burnwood PrimarySchool in Chell Heath havebeen harvesting and plantingwild flower seeds from a formercoal mine known to attract therare Dingy Skipper butterfly.

Once the seeds have growninto flowers, the children willtransport them back toChatterley Whitfield – where itis hoped they will attract thecreature.

The Dingy Skipper is high onthe conservation priority listand the project is part of aco-ordinated effort to improvetheir numbers across the WestMidlands.

The pupils are being helpedby Stoke-on-Trent City Council’secologist Suzanne Wykes.

A NATIONAL accolade hasbeen won by Stoke-on-TrentCity Council for their work inpreparing for the switch-overto digital TV.

The Homes Set for Digitalcertification mark is awardedto organisations that havetaken all “reasonable steps” toguarantee delivery of digitalTV services.

The city council has deviseda two-year plan in which 7,000aerials will be replaced andadvice given on convertingtelevisions and equipment.

The plans are in preparationfor 2009 when Granada, whichcovers Tunstall and Hanley,switches over. In 2011, the oldanalogue system in the Centralregion will also bediscontinued.

Residents are being advisedthat the changes do not meanold televisions should bethrown away as most can beconverted for around £25.

Anyone claiming pensioncredits, income support or jobseekers allowance are eligiblefor free help, including theconversion of one television.

More information can befound on teletext or bylogging on towww.digitaluk.co.uk

Council’s TVeffort praised

HANLEY Town Hall is being seenin a new light – thanks to anillumination project that bathes

the front of the historic 19th centurybuilding in a fabulous array of colours.

The £250,000 LED lighting systemincorporates a spectrum of more than 200colours to showcase the fine architecture ofthe Grade 1 Listed building in a new andexciting way.

This light show at the heart of the city’sCultural Quarter is a permanent attractionfrom dusk until dawn during summer andfrom 7pm to dawn over the winter months.

Hanley Town Hall started life in 1869 asthe Queen’s Hotel designed by RobertScrivener and became a civic building in1886.

The regeneration project to illuminate thebuilding took 12 months to complete andwas funded by the Single RegenerationBudget (SRB6) through Advantage WestMidlands.

Now the city’s mature studentsare being invited to create their ownlight show by computer for HanleyTown Hall incorporating the colours ofthe spectrum. Those selected will beinformed on which night their creation willbe displayed so they can come along to see itlive or they can view it by webcam – go to thecity council’s website stoke.gov.uk for detailsof how you can take part.

Cultural OlympiadOriginally the project was designed to

improve the image and attractiveness of amajor public building.

However the switch-on also coincided withthe national launch of Cultural Olympiad, thefour-year national programme of eventscelebrating Britain’s arts and culture in therun-up to the 2012 London Paralympics andOlympic Games.

The weekend event’s theme was Open Upand Light Up so it became a joint celebrationenjoyed by everyone in the city centre.

As well as enjoying the spectacular light

display, visitors were given afascinating behind-the-scenes

look around the PotteriesMuseum and Art Gallery and the

impressively lit Bethesda Chapel was alsoopened to visitors.

Nationally, a William Shakespeare festivaland 12 new public works of art will form partof the Cultural Olympiad and in the WestMidlands a host of activities, includingdance, film making opportunities for youngpeople and community Olympic Games, areplanned in the run-up to the London Games.

David Wilshaw, the city council’s SeniorEngineer who led the lighting project, said:“This is an impressive addition to the nightscene in the Cultural Quarter and contributesto the exciting atmosphere of the city centre.”

Councillor Debra Gratton, Portfolio Holderfor Sports and Leisure, said: “It was a happycoincidence that the switch-on happened atthe same time as the launch of CulturalOlympiad so it was a successful doublecelebration for the people of Stoke-on-Trent.”

SHINEA LIGHT

a fisheye lensphotograph ofHanley Town Hall lit up at

night.

Hanley Town Hall

Conservationtakes flight

Our City p15 6/11/08 11:35 Page 1


THE city council is bidding tobring the Tour of Britain backto Stoke-on-Trent next summerfollowing the outstandingsuccess of staging a leg of thisyear’s event.

Thousands lined the streets inthe Potteries to watch an excitingclimax to the fourth stage of theUK’s premier cycle race.

An uphill sprint involving some ofthe world’s top cyclists to thefinishing line in the city centreprovided a memorable spectacle –and further raised the city’s fast-growing reputation as a leadingsporting location.

Now, talks between raceorganisers and city council officersare well advanced with a view tothe tour returning next year.

Councillor Debra Gratton,Portfolio Holder for Sports andLeisure, said: “Race organisers toldus that the Stoke-on-Trent leg wasone of the best in the wholecountry. I think we have a verygood chance of getting it back tothe city next year.

“There is no doubt that the eventraised the city’s profile in a verypositive way and local people

enjoyed the occasion. The city is ahotbed for cycling and we arelooking to host other national cycleracing events in the future.”

To coincide with Tour of Britain

coming to the city, more than 200local cyclists of all ages and abilitiestook part in the Pied Piper 10-milecommunity fun ride which startedat Fenton Manor Sports Complex.

Bid to bring Tour ofBritain back to city

Racers in an uphill sprint to the finishing line in Hanley.

EdvalBoasson-

Hagen crossesthe line to win

the Tour of Britainstage which

finished in Stoke-on-Trent City

Centre.

New Opportunities forAdults in the New Year

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Our City p16 5/11/08 16:50 Page 1


THE face of Josiah Wedgwood –sculpted in red brick and keptunder wraps since the 1986

National Garden Festival – is to berelocated to a new home thanks tothe people of Stoke-on-Trent.

A panel has been set up to decide on a newhome for the sculpture after residentsresponded to a call for suggestions in asupplement distributed with the last issue ofOur City.

Local media followed up the story andBBC Radio Stoke even managed to trackdown the widow of the sculptor in California.

A shortlist of ten sites has been drawn up,including Burslem town centre nearWedgwood’s first factory, Festival Park nearthe master potter’s famous Etruria potteryand the Trentham roundabout on the A34.

Lord Mayor Councillor Derek Capey,

Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, CouncillorAdrian Knapper, historian Fred Hughes,BBC Radio Stoke journalist Tim Wedgwood(a descendant of Josiah) and Elsie Walker, aregular visitor to the Garden Festival 22 yearsago who called the radio station withinformation about sculptor Vincent Woropay,will decide on the brick face’s new home.

Head of Neighbourhood Management,John Evans said a decision would be madequickly so the head could be in place in timefor celebrations to mark the 250thanniversary of Wedgwood’s first factory nextyear.

He said: “The public has showntremendous enthusiasm and we had lots ofresponses with ideas for sites. We want tomove things forward now so once the panelhas made a decision on a new site we will setthe wheels in motion to have the sculpture inplace during next year’s anniversary.”

Sculptor Vincent Woropay, who died inJune 2002, has another sculpture on show inStoke-on-Trent.

Hand with Kronos, commissioned by BritishRail for the National Garden Festival atGateshead in 1990, is now at Stoke-on-Trentrailway station, and consists of a tiny figurepoised within the confines of a gigantichand.

BBC Radio Stoke’s Stuart Fear contactedWoropay’s widow Chloe Chard and she willbe invited to the ceremony when thesculpture is unveiled.

For more information on the sculpture seestoke.gov.uk/ourcity and see the OurNeighbourhoods supplement, or go towww.bbc.co.uk/stoke

Where would you like to see a sculpture orpublic art? Write to Freepost Our City oremail [email protected]

A FORMER miner, who has beenregistered with his GP practicefor more than 90years, became aVIP for a day toofficially openthe £8 millionflagshipSheltonPrimary CareCentre.

Charles Lovatt,aged 92, pictured right,unveiled a plaque tocommemorate the opening ofthe Norfolk Street centre onbehalf of NHS Stoke on Trent.

Mr Lovatt is one of thelongest registered patients atthe Queen Anne Street Practice,one of three GP practices tomove into the centre.

He first became a patient ofthe surgery when he was bornin nearby Havelock Street in1916.

The former pitman was guestof honour at a community funday at the centre where heperformed the official opening.

Unveiling a plaque, he said:“This is a lovely building and itis to everyone’s liking. You haveall done a fantastic job to get usin something as good as this inShelton.”

The centre will cater for atotal of 15,000 patients andprovide services includingmidwifery, nursing, familyplanning, health visitors, childhealth and minor surgery.

It was funded through apartnership between NHSStoke on Trent and Prima 2000.

VIP patientopens centre

A SUPPORT centre aimed atgiving young people a widerange of advice has beenofficially launched at BlurtonHigh School.

The Multi Agency Centre(MAC) operates before and afterschool and during lunchtimeswith trained pupils on hand togive advice to other students.

The range of agencies on offerincludes the Teenage PregnancyPrevention Team, Connexions,Mental Health Services, YouthService and Health Services.

Portfolio Holder for Childrenand Young People’s Services,Councillor Roger Ibbs said: “Wedon’t want to preach to youngpeople, we want to inform andeducate them about subjectsthey wouldn’t necessarily find onthe curriculum.”

The centre is one of seven inthe city. The others operate atHaywood, James Brindley,Trentham, Mitchell, ThistleyHough and Birches Head HighSchools.

Advice servedat lunchtime

DECISION TIME...the panel who will decide on a

new home for the statue ofJosiah Wedgwood which has

been in storage since the 1986National Garden Festival.

Pictured left to right areGarden Festival fan Elsie

Walker, Councillor AdrianKnapper, local historian Fred

Hughes, BBC Radio Stokejournalist Tim Wedgwood – who

is related to Josiah – and LordMayor Councillor Derek Capey.

Panel set to decide onnew home for JosiahPanel set to decide onnew home for JosiahPanel set to decide onnew home for JosiahPanel set to decide onnew home for JosiahPanel set to decide onnew home for JosiahPanel set to decide onnew home for JosiahPanel set to decide onnew home for JosiahPanel set to decide onnew home for JosiahPanel set to decide onnew home for JosiahPanel set to decide onnew home for JosiahPanel set to decide onnew home for JosiahPanel set to decide onnew home for JosiahPanel set to decide onnew home for Josiah

Our City p17 6/11/08 11:36 Page 1

LoveStoke volunteerspledge to transform cityDEDICATED teams

of volunteers whohave already

transformed threevandalised play areas haveset their sights on helpingsome of the city’s mostneedy families.

Organised under theLoveStoke banner – agrowing community of peopleand organisations dedicated tomaking Stoke-on-Trent abetter place – they havelaunched an ambitious projectto distribute clothes, shoesand toiletries donated bynational retailers around thecity and abroad.

A 15,500 sq ft warehouse inHanley has been filled with 60tonnes of vital everydayproducts, and distribution hasalready started throughhostels and women’s refugesin Stoke-on-Trent.

Jim Halliday, a communitypastor from Bethel CityChurch in Abbey Hulton, saidinitiatives run by LoveStokewere capturing theimagination of residentsacross the city.

He said members of thepublic had been quick to joinin when teams moved in togive facelifts to play areas atAbbey Road, Bucknall Parkand Joiner’s Square, inpartnership with the citycouncil and StaffordshirePolice.

Now the organisation isplanning a new programme ofinitiatives and events, and iskeen to attractnew

volunteers. Mr Halliday said:“People from all walks of lifeare joining our initiatives toimprove life in the city, fromretired people to people out ofwork, families and people whohave come off substanceabuse. We also have lots ofyounger people aged 15-30who want to make adifference. We’ve found lots ofpeople want to do somethingto help but are just waiting forsomething to latch onto.”

Plans for the run up toChristmas include a switch-onof festive lights in AbbeyHulton, complete with Santatrain rides and a concert inthe community centre.

A Gardens Association forthe Abbey Hulton area is alsobeing set up to promotehealthy eating and healthyliving to residents.

Mr Halliday added: “Weare working across the city,from Fegg Hayes and Chell

Heath to Longton and Meir,and we are looking for moreprojects.”

To find out more aboutvolunteering, or to suggest aproject, visit www.lovestoke.orgor phone the Bethel CityChurch on 01782 537079.

Can you suggest a projectfor the LoveStokevolunteers? Write toFreepost Our City or [email protected]

LoveStoke volunteers Andrew Swan and Kirsty Scullion with some of the clothing andtoys being distributed in the city and further afield.

Kier Stoke serveup new kitchenRUN-down domestic facilities at BentileeVolunteer Centre were improved when thecity council’s building maintenancepartner dished up a brand new kitchenfree of charge.

Employees at Kier Stoke set to work onthe centre in Chelmsford Drive as part oftheir ongoing Decent Homes programme,providing and fitting the kitchen as agoodwill gesture for the benefit of the localcommunity.

Apprentice plumber Richard Leylandand apprentice joiner Alex Tapner,pictured left, installed the kitchen as partof their training.

Ian Dyke, a voluntary worker for thecentre and a member of East BentileeResidents’ Association, said: “As avolunteer trying to get funds it’s verydifficult, so we were overjoyed when KierStoke agreed to do the work. They wereamazing.

“We use the centre for residents’association meetings and there are also anumber of disabled groups who benefitfrom the facilities, so this really is atremendous boost for the community. It’svery important to us.”

Kier Stokeapprentices

Richard Leyland,left, and Alex Tapner, who

installed the newkitchen.

YOU won’t be Grumpy... just Happy – if

you win the top prize in our Christmas

pantomime competition. A VIP family

night out at The Regent to see the

spectacular production of Snow White

and the Seven Dwarfs is up for grabs.

The winners will be the theatre’s guests

for the show for an evening in early

January which will include the chance to

meet the cast backstage.

And there are two runners-up prizes of

family tickets, for two adults and two

children.

This year’s panto again stars

Stoke-on-Trent-born singer and

television personality Jonathan Wilkes,

who plays the Prince. Co-starring as the

Wicked Witch is Claire Sweeney, who has

played leading roles in West End

musicals.

All you have to do for your chance to

win one of the prizes is answer the

following question:

Name three of the seven dwarfs.

Send your answers along with your

contact details to: Panto Competition,

FREEPOST, Our City, or email

[email protected] by Wednesday

December 17. First correct answers

drawn out of the hat win the prizes.

The editor’s decision is

final and the winners

will be contacted

before Christmas.

● Parminder

Takhar of

Trentham won a

state-of-the-art

mountain bike in a

competition in the

July issue of Our City.

Win a VIPnight out atthe panto











JonathanWilkes is

the Prince.

Claire Sweeney is the Wicked

Witch.

Our City p18 6/11/08 10:26 Page 1


Opportunity knocksfor every single pupilEDUCATION experts

have unveiled an excitingvision of how five new

academies built as part of a£230 million investmentprogramme will help totransform education in thecity.

As well as offering studentsunprecedented quality facilitiesand learning choices, 13 newstate-of-the-art schools, includingthe academies, will improveopportunities for every single highschool student.

The academies willcomplement the other schools,providing learning and trainingbrought in by a range of sponsorswho will run the showpiece sites.

Organisations from universitiesto businesses, the charitablesector to faith communities andexisting educational foundationscould become involved to helpcreate a thriving, excitingeducational “family” of schoolsand academies.

In a new document explaininghow the academies will work andmesh with other schools, the citycouncil sets out its vision forpotential sponsors.

It explains that they will workalongside the city's other schools,and how they will sign up toimportant principles such asincluding students of all abilitiesand from all sections of thecommunity, allowing wide use ofschool premises out-of-hours,schools admissions, and staff payand conditions.

As has happened elsewhere inthe country, Stoke-on-Trent’s firstacademies will be launched inexisting buildings so studentsstart to benefit immediately whilenew schools are built.

Tracy Penrose, BuildingSchools for the Future ProjectDirector, said: “At the very heartof our plans is an entitlement foreach young person to receive thevery best education available.

“Flexible use of space, extensiveand innovative use of facilitiesand technology will help makelearning effective, more personaland accessible. All our schoolswill offer a core of high qualityteaching and learning, but willalso provide a particularcontribution to the city-widecurriculum – through existing andnew special opportunities.

“They will work together andwith colleges and other learning

providers for the benefit of allyoung people in the city, whatevertheir learning needs.”

A special DVD has beenproduced as part of efforts toexplain the benefits of academiesto students and parents inStoke-on-Trent.

A city council delegation wasfilmed visiting ShirelandCollegiate Academy in Sandwell,which has already earned anoutstanding accreditation fromschool inspectors Ofsted.

The academy has a reputationfor excellence, and for instilling inits students a sense of pride and avibrant enthusiasm for learning.

Shireland Principal Sir MarkGrundy agreed withStoke-on-Trent’s plan to set upan academy ethos before newbuildings were built. He said: “Weneed to get over to people thatyou don’t have to wait for your

buildings before you become anacademy. When we get newbuildings it will just take us to anew level. It's the whole spirit ofwhat it means to be an academyand what goes on inside here thatis important."

Councillor Roger Ibbs,Portfolio Holder for Children andYoung People, said: “This is areally good example of exactlywhat you can do. It’s about heartsand minds – not bricks andmortar.

“There’s no reason why we can’tbe making a start in Stoke-on-Trentnow in terms of the cultural shift:such as looking at the teachersand how they are going to beworking within a structure that isactually more flexible andbuilding a system round the childrather than the other way round.

“The whole programme isabout making some radicalchanges, but also about thinkingabout the future and how we canuse technology to wideneducational access to as manypeople as possible.”

STOKE-on-Trent’s academieswill be built on the current sixthform college site at Fenton,Parkhall, James Brindley High atChell, Brownhills High and a siteto be determined in theTrentham and Blurton area.They will replace St Peters,Edensor, Mitchell, Berry Hill,Trentham, Blurton, Brownhillsand James Brindley HighSchools.

STUDENTS at ShirelandsAcademy in Sandwell havegiven top marks to theirnew way of learning.

In a special DVD they senda message to their peers inthe Potteries about thebenefits of academies andthe difference they make tothe community.

Head boy Gwilym Evans,aged 15, who is studyinghistory and drama, says:“Everything at the academyis a lot more definite than inyour average secondaryschool.

“There are set rules we allstick by so everybodyknows the direction they'regoing in.”

Student James McKenna,15, said:“I’m studyingconstruction, which is myfavourite subject, and oneof the great things aboutstudying it at the academyis the fact that I get to do alot of practical work off-site,so I get real hands onexperience which I wouldn’tget at other schools.”

Shareeba Kaur, aged 14,who specialises in musicand cookery, said:“Whenyou are selecting yourGCSEs there are so manydifferent options you canchoose from which you justcan’t find at other schools.It’s amazing.”

Sandwellstudentstestify tobenefits ofacademies

Ground breaking academies will form important part of city’s secondary education ‘family’

TRACY PENROSE,Building Schools for the Future Project Director

Lord Mandelson, Secretary of State for Business and Enterprise, is pictured with Sandon Businessand Enterprise College student Calum Whitfield, 15, after officially opening the new school. LordMandelson praised facilities, saying: “What you are doing here is so very important. This is notonly about encouraging enterprise – the need for enterprising employees will also grow.”

‘‘

’’

At the veryheart of our plansis an entitlement

for each youngperson to

receive the very best education

available.

Academy success...student ShareebaKaur at theShirelands Academyin Sandwell.

Our City p19 6/11/08 11:37 Page 1


FIREFIGHTERS fromStoke-on-Trent blazed a trailof glory as they scooped top

honours at the World FirefighterGames.

Team Staffordshire picked up 11 golds, sixsilvers and four bronzes as they competedagainst 4,000 Firefighters from 40 different

countries at the games in Merseyside.Among them, Robin Smith of Trentham

picked up two golds, two silvers and onebronze in athletics. Jacqui Slack of Bradeleywon golds in the triathlon and open waterswim.

Meanwhile, Steve Turner and Simon Bills,both from Longton Fire Station won silvermedals in the indoor rowing and cycle road

race, while Jim Cooke, a Firefighter atBurslem Station picked up a bronze in theorienteering event.

Chief Fire Officer and Chief ExecutivePeter Dartford said: “The team has done thecounty proud. I am delighted that thesehighly dedicated and professional people aredelivering our services to the communities inStoke-on-Trent.”

STAFFORDSHIRE’S top fire officer visited residents ofStoke-on-Trent in their homes to give them a personal homerisk check.

Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive Peter Dartfordaccompanied officers in Longton and Dresden as part of theMORE for Less campaign.

The initiative has been designed to reduce the amount ofdeaths and serious injuries from accidental house fires.

Mr Dartford said: “MORE for Less is one of the biggestcampaigns this service has ever run. I felt that it was importantfor me to go out with the crews and get a feel for what they’redoing.”

Dorothy Lester, from Dresden, had a new smoke alarm fitted.She said: ”We’re very pleased we had the home fire risk checkcarried out – we feel much safer now. It was very nice to meet theChief. He and the Firefighters were very friendly and so helpful.”

To book a free Home Fire Risk Check phone 0800 0241 999.Checks are aimed at the elderly and vulnerable but are free andopen to everyone.

Accolade forchlamydiatext campaign

A WOMAN who acted as aninterpreter for a drugs ganghas been jailed as part of apolice crack down on dealers.

Xiao Quing Lin was given athree-year sentence atStoke-on-Trent Crown Courtafter pleading guilty toconspiring to producecannabis.

Chief Superintendent JaneSawyers from Stoke-on-Trentdivision said:“We aretargeting drug dealers of alltypes. This sentencing is areminder to landlords towatch out for tenants whomay be using their propertiesfor illegal behaviour.”

Warning overdrug factories

Sporty firefighters scoopworld games medal haul

ChiefFire Officer

Peter Dartfordpays a home fire

safety visit toDorothy

Lester fromDresden.

Chief makes VIP visit in bighome safety campaign

Stoke-on-Trent’s

World FirefighterGames medallists, left

to right, Paul Robinson,Simon Bills, Steve

Turner, Jacqui Slack, JimCooke, Robin Smith,Mark Hancock and

Ruth Watchorn-Rice.

A PIONEERING approach toencourage young people in thecity to protect themselvesagainst the sexuallytransmitted infectionChlamydia has been presenteda prestigious national award.

The Stoke-on-Trent andNorth Staffordshire ChlamydiaScreening Team were highlycommended in the annual GuyRotherham Award – whichcelebrates the best communityhealth services – for using textmessaging and the Internet toreach 15 to 24-year-olds.

Judges were impressed withthe B-clear programme – thefirst in the country to use textmessaging for young people toreceive their Chlamydia testresults.

The team has also madesignificant improvements to itswebsite www.b-clear.org.uk sousers of the service can get theirresults confidentially on-line.

The website also offers anon-line form to receive a freepostal Chlamydia screening kit.

This facility has more thantrebled the usual number ofkits returned for testing.

Programme Leader CarolLatham said:“We have usednew technology to targetyoung people and putinformation right at theirfingertips in a way that theyfind interesting.

“Chlamydia affects one inten sexually active youngpeople. It doesn’t have anyimmediately noticeablesymptoms, but if left untreatedit can lead to long-term healthproblems.”

Our City p20 6/11/08 11:38 Page 1

ROGUE traders are beinggiven a strong message inthe city’s first No Cold

Calling Zone... don’t come callinghere.

Posters, stickers and signs on lamp postshave been put up in streets near CentralForest Park, Hanley in the project launchedby the city council, Staffordshire Police andthe local residents’ association.

It is hoped the scheme will not only detercold callers pressure selling dodgy productsand services no-one wants, but will also putoff criminals like those who prey on elderlyand infirm people with distractionburglaries.

Elected Mayor, Mark Meredith, said:“No Cold Calling Zone schemes have beensuccessfully used in other parts of thecountry to reduce the levels of doorstepcrime and to reduce the fear of crime,particularly amongst the elderly and othervulnerable groups.”

Reg Shaw, Secretary of the Union Streetand Forest Park Residents’ Association,added: “We are really pleased we’ve beenselected as the first place to have a NoCold Call Zone.

“We have had a spate of cold callers inthis area recently, and with quite a fewpensioners living in the area we have beeneasy targets in the past. We are very keen tohelp out the city council, the police andtheir partners in any way we can.”

Inspector Martin Brereton, Commanderof Burslem Neighbourhood Policing Unit(NPU), said: “Residents should alwaysfollow the stop, chain and check rule whenpeople call at the door.

“If you are not expecting anybody andthey don’t have an appointment – don't letthem in. Use your door chain or bar beforeopening the door, and ask to see theiridentification and double check.”

Are you plagued by rogue traders?Write to Freepost Our City or [email protected]

Every fortnight tune in to local community radiostation Cross Rhythms City Radio, 101.8FM, tocatch the latest update with Mayor MarkMeredith as he comments on all the latest newsand issues in the city. Got a question for Mark?Then email [email protected].

For a list of forthcomingupdates go towww.crossrhythms.co.uk/mayoronair

MAYOR ON AIR

THE city has 36 maintainedroundabouts of which 20 areseasonally bedded out.

These will be blooming lovelyall year round thanks toreorganisation that has put asingle dedicated city councilteam in charge of maintainingthem. The team, made up ofexperienced horticulturists andskilled landscapers, willcontinue to use plants andflowers from the city council’sGreenhouse 2000 at FestivalPark.

The roundabouts areavailable for sponsorshipagreements, which helps tomeet the cost of keeping thefloral displays lookingattractive.

Andrew Mayer, the citycouncil’s Commercial ServicesManager, said: “The centralisedteam will continue to work on arolling 12 month programme,visiting each roundabout on aregular basis to ensure they willalways look their best and be areal asset for the city.”

FOOD safety experts are urgingChristmas cooks to make suretheir turkey treat doesn’t cause aseasonal stomach upset. Theirtips include:● Defrost a frozen turkey

thoroughly before cooking,ideally in the bottom of thefridge away from cooked food.

● Allow enough cooking time –20 minutes per pound plus anextra 20 minutes. Allow for theweight of the stuffing.

● Wash your hands afterhandling raw poultry.

● Check your turkey is fullycooked by piercing thethickest part and making surethe juices run clear.

● Cool leftovers quickly, place inthe fridge and use within twoto three days.

People making food whichthey intend to sell in a domestickitchen – such as Christmascakes and buffet food – must, bylaw, register with EnvironmentalHealth.

Phone 01782 232065 for aregistration form.

RESIDENTS of Stoke-on-Trentwere urged to make sure theyare eligible to vote at a series ofroadshows.

City council officers hit thestreets of Longton and Tunstallto encourage residents to returntheir electoral registration forms.

Principal Elections Officer JohnHammersley said:“We urgedresidents to fill in their forms andreturn them as soon as possible.

“If residents’ names don’tappear on the electoral register,they can’t vote in elections heldin the city.

“They could also struggle toget credit or services that requirea credit check.”● For more information andadvice please call the ElectionsOffice on 01782 233800.

Public urgedto register

Safety topsfestive menu

PC KateBeardmore andHanley resident

Irene Myatt, 64, atthe launch of thescheme to deter

cold callers.

Dedicated team createssome magic roundabouts

Gerald Bott, Craig Pointon, Mick Bagnall and Paul Tipperpictured at the colourful Festival Park roundabout.

Signs give cold callerscold shoulder


Our City p21 5/11/08 15:44 Page 1


BucknallNeighbourhoodNPU commander – Inspector 3283

Steve JonesBucknall Police Post, Ruxley Road,Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 9BG.

Tel. 0300 123 4455email: [email protected] officers are based at Bucknall.

SGT 3615 Paul ClarkeSGT 3415 Dave Lowe

ABBEY HULTON

PC 4837 Dylan MorreyPCSO 16295 Steve CowanPCSO 8982 Marie McCormack

BENTILEE

PC 5078 Scott Turner PC 4755 Craig ShieldsPCSO 16226 Rachel KnightPCSO 6612 Andrew Meakin

BERRYHILL & EATON PARK

PC 4953 Angela BroadhurstPCSO 8983 Rob Guthrie

BUCKNALL AND TOWNSEND

PC 975 Nathan Ames

JOINER’S SQUARE

PC 0970 Paul SajdakPCSO 16232 Andy AlcockPCSO 8893 Lucy Stevenson

MILTON, BADDELEY GREEN WEST AND NORTON HEIGHTS

PC 0865 Clare BowkerPCSO 6514 Nicky Burton

SMALLTHORNE

PC 3911 Keiron EdridgePCSO 6613 Matthew LockettPCSO 16231 Carl Radford

SNEYD GREEN

PC 4837 Sarah GriffithsPCSO 8980 Charlotte Barker

NEIGHBOURHOOD ACTION TEAM

PC 0735 Jo PawellPC 0998 Peter Underwood

LongtonNeighbourhoodNPU commander – Inspector 0892

Asha Kaur Longton Police Station, SutherlandRoad, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent,ST3 1HH.

Tel. 0300 123 4455email: [email protected] officers are based at Longton PoliceStation.

Sgt 3890 Ian JonesSgt 3862 Tony GodwinSgt 4082 Adrian Hughes

DRESDEN, FLORENCE,LIGHTWOOD & NORMACOT

PC 5274 James IbbsPC 5169 Toni SunderlandPCSO 6433 George BouldPCSO 6627 Nadeem MalikPCSO 16240 Leanne Sherratt

LIGHTWOOD, MEIR PARK & MEIR SOUTH

PC 4090 Russ ElliotPC 4725 Wayne FlowersPCSO 6500 Mark Simon

LONGTON NORTH & LONGTON TOWN

PC 3287 Frank FlanniganPCSO 16224 Zoe Garside

MEIR HAY & SAXONFIELDS

PC 0733 Donna TalbotPC 4991 Steven MeighPCSO 6603 Gemma PricePCSO 8829 Kate Stevenson


PC 4021 Andy Edwards

PC 0971 Paul NixonPC 4838 Gareth WhitfieldPC 4106 Paul Massey

StokeNeighbourhoodNPU commander – Inspector 3734

Christopher HarringtonStoke Police Station, Boothen Road,Stoke–on–Trent, ST4 4AH.Tel. 0300 123 4455email: [email protected] officers are based at Stoke PoliceStation.

Sgt 0583 Jo Blandford Sgt 4653 Phil EatonSgt 3851 Dave Fenton

BASFORD, CLIFF VALE, HARTSHILL WEST &HOSPITAL

PC 4685 Steve WilsonPCSO 6434 Kramer Caldwell

BLURTON EAST

PC 4822 Sean WoodwardPCSO 16234 Stephen Sherratt

BLURTON & NEWSTEAD

PCSO 6607 Philip McGlynnPC 5107 Simon Stone

BOOTHEN & TOWN CENTRE

PC 4433 Andy BirchenallPC 4941 Craig FlahertyPCSO 8825 Karen Billings

FENTON EAST

PC 0905 Robert MountfordPCSO 8827 Scott Holland

FENTON, HERON CROSS & MOUNT PLEASANT

PC 4576 Steve StuttardPC 4475 Ivor OwensPCSO 6443 Rachel MountfordPCSO 16229 Wendy Rodgers

HANFORD & TRENTHAM WEST

PC 4034 Malcolm Ford

HARTSHILL WEST

PCSO 5133 Scott GidmanPCSO 8958 Paul Muller

HOLLYBUSH & PENKHULL

PCSO 16234 Stephen Sherratt

TRENTHAM EAST & TRENTHAM LEY

PCSO 6609 Penny Carr

TRENT VALE

PC 4964 Andrea Oakes


PC 5050 Roy BarberPC 0762 Becky HarrisPC 4382 Dave Ellis

TunstallNeighbourhoodNPU commander – Inspector 3573

Mark HardernTunstall Police Station, Scotia Road,Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 6BG.

Tel. 0300 123 4455

email: [email protected] officers are based at Tunstall PoliceStation.

SGT Rob BatemanSGT 4594 Marcus Ferns

BALL GREEN & NORTON

PC 4383 Andy BaddeleyPCSO 16238 Masmino John

BRADELEY

PC 3822 Rob ThomasPCSO 16235 Sarah Wood

BRINDLEY FORD, OXFORD,PACKMOOR & TURNHURST

PC 0944 Jaime IsaacsPCSO 8986 Andrew Wootton

BURSLEM NORTH EAST, BURSLEM PARK &SMALLTHORNE NORTH

PC 5086 Craig Carpenter PCSO 16233 Hannah Mayer

CHELL HEATH

PC 4904 John SwinnertonPCSO 6616 Sally Wright

FEGG HAYES & GREAT CHELL

PC 4969 Sam BrayPCSO 6513 Sara Bowen

GOLDENHILL & SANDYFORD

PC 4733 Glyn Talbot PCSO 8953 Michael Frost

STANFIELDS & MILL HILL

PC 5055 Dan MarshPCSO 16233 Hannah Mayer

TUNSTALL

PC 4835 Adam Edwards PC 5158 Amanda WhitfieldPCSO 8954 Richard Farrar


PC 4233 Dave O’DonnellPC 3755 Paul HarrisPC 4858 Simon PricePC 3930 Steve Farmer

Burslem & City CentreNeighbourhoodsBURSLEMNPU commander

Inspector 4465Martin BreretonBurslem Police Station, JacksonStreet, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent,ST6 1AF.

Tel. 0300 123 4455email: [email protected]

Sgt 4602 Paul Clarke Sgt 3840 John Hazeldine Sgt 4336 Craig Burton

BIRCHES HEAD

PC 0848 Ruth BarlowPCSO 8979 Michelle ChadwickPCSO 16225 Adrian HemmingsPCSO 8984 Rebecca Simon

BURSLEM AND SNEYD GREEN WEST

PC 0896 Tracy Adams

PC 4718 Paul RigbyPCSO 8957 Justine MarshPCSO 6440 Wendy Rigby

CENTRAL FOREST PARK

PC 0805 Kate Beardmore PC 0806 Amanda WhitePCSO 8987 Liz OldPCSO 8831 Katie Sullivan

ETRURIA AND SHELTON NORTH

PC 4632 Andy ManderPC 4389 Guy WainPCSO 8995 Lucy Slater PCSO 16230 Vicky Smith

LONGPORT AND MIDDLEPORT

PC 4368 Andy GrahamPC 0966 Adam SyredPCSO 6628 Tich NyamayaroPCSO 8832 Adam van de Sande

NORTHWOOD

PC 3829 Ian MartinPCSO 9045 Sue Wall

SHELTON SOUTH

PC 4139 Dave Marshall PCSO 16299 Katie BrickleyPCSO 6484 Lisa Donachie

STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY

PC 4483 Keith Emery


PC 5106 Gareth CheethamPC 5056 Andy Percy

CITY CENTRENPU commander

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

Tel. 0300 123 [email protected] 4151 Brevic Jones Sgt 4777 Jon Ward Sgt 4425 Phil White

CITY CENTRE

PC 4528 Darren BelfieldPC 0817 Kerry GrantPC 0726 Claire HarrisonPC 0400 Diane HoylePC 4644 Rob KelsallPC 4511 Richard LongmorePC 4634 Lee RobinsonPC 5410 Steve SmithPC 0564 Lisa TrevorPC 4149 Jason HowellPCSO 16293 Mel BartholemewPCSO 8516 Andrea BolamPCSO 8955 Chris HillPCSO 8457 Simon Holmes

ETURIA ROAD CORRIDOR& FESTIVAL PARK

PC 4871 Lucas HackneyPC 0605 Nicola Humphries PC 4452 Roger Poole PC 4133 Craig RussellPC 5208 Andy SherrattPCSO 6602 Chris CantrellPCSO 16227 Daniel Nettleton PCSO 8830 Chris Stone

Special constablesAll NPUs are supported by a team ofspecial constables.

ABBEY HULTON 01782 427900

BENTILEE 01782 231300

BLURTON 01782 227770

BURSLEM 01782 425700

COBRIDGE 01782 525893

WHITFIELD VALLEY 01782 425720

FENTON 01782 423100

HANFORD 01782 421000

HANLEY 01782 425120

LONGTON 01782 425530

MEIR 01782 425676

NORTON 01782 534599

PACKMOOR 01782 794600

SMALLTHORNE 01782 425755

STOKE 01782 425220

TRENT VALE 01782 425260

TUNSTALL 01782 425800

For more information and adviceon health issues please call NHSDirect on

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

IT’S easy to get in touch with a local beat bobby or Police CommunitySupport Officer (PCSO) via their digital airwave radios. All officers haveindividual collar numbers which are either four or five digits long. Forofficers with four digit numbers dial 0300 123 2345 then enter ‘0’followed by the four digit collar number of the officer you need to speakto. No ‘0’ is needed for officers with five digit collar numbers. If the officeris on duty, their radio rings like a mobile phone and you will beconnected. If they are off duty or dealing with victims, witnesses oroffenders, your call goes through to the officer’s individual voicemail box.Remember, in an emergency, dial 999.

CONTACT NUMBERSPolicePolice

HEALTH CENTRESYourYour Call Crimestoppers on

0800 555 111.

Just tell us what you know,

not who you are.

In an emergency dial 999

CRIMESTOPPERSOTHER USEFUL NUMBERS

Your newStaffordshire PoliceNON-EMERGENCY

NUMBER

0 3 0 0

1234 4 5 5

ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR 0800 561 5610

EMERGENCY SERVICES 999

GAS LEAKS (TRANSCO) 0800 111999

SEVERN TRENT WATER 0800 783 4444

STOKE-ON-CALL 01782 234234

Our City p22/23 6/11/08 10:43 Page 1

Berryhill and Hanley East

RITA DALE (City Independents)(01782) 267451 07778 [email protected]

ADRIAN KNAPPER(Lab) 07714 334453/07825 [email protected]

JOHN DAVIS(City Independents)(01782) 26412607786 [email protected]

Abbey Green

ELLIE WALKER(BNP)(01782) 39787007917 [email protected]

ALBY WALKER(BNP)(01782) 39787007917 [email protected]

MELANIE BADDELEY(BNP)(01782) 76361507979 508837melanie.baddeley@ stoke.gov.uk

Bentilee and Townsend

STEVEN BATKIN(BNP) (01782) [email protected]

PHILLIP SANDLAND (BNP)(01782) [email protected]

DAVID MARFLEET (BNP)(01782) 876661 07745 [email protected]

Blurton

ROY NAYLOR(City Independents) (01782) 31397507833 183922roy.naylor@ stoke.gov.uk

DEREK HALL (City Independents)(01782) 25871507837 [email protected]

BRIAN WARD(City Independents)(01782) 312670 07814 [email protected]

Burslem North

JEAN EDWARDS (Lab)(01782) 816171jean.edwards@ stoke.gov.uk

DAVID CONWAY (Lab)(01782) 790922david.conway@ stoke.gov.uk

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

Burslem South

JAVID IQBAL NAJMI (Lab)07846 [email protected]

DEBRA GRATTON (Lab)07825 [email protected]

MOHAMMED PERVEZ(Lab)07919 917632 07825 [email protected]

Chell and Packmoor

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

PETER KENT-BAGULEY (Potteries Alliance)07773 [email protected]

JANINE BRIDGES(City Independents)(01782) 85184207989 [email protected]

East Valley

HAZEL LYTH(Conservative &Independent Alliance)07825 [email protected]

GEOFF KNIGHT (Potteries Alliance)(01782) [email protected]

JOANNE POWELL-BECKETT (Cons &Independent Alliance)07913 [email protected]

Hanley West and Shelton

ZULFIQAR ALI (Lib Dem)07838 [email protected]

ALAN JOYNSON (Non-aligned)(01782) [email protected]

MOHAMMAD IQBAL (Lab) (01782) 26689307792 [email protected]

Hartshill and Penkhull

IAN MITCHELL(City Independents) (01782) 31435307885 [email protected]

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

BARBARA BEESTON (City Independents) (01782) 61207207729 [email protected]

Fenton

MICK BELL(City Independents) (01782) [email protected]

DEREK CAPEY(City Independents)(01782) 319949 07752 [email protected]

PAUL SHOTTON(Lab)(01782) 845323paul.shotton@ stoke.gov.uk

Longton North

MARK DAVIS (Lab)07813 [email protected]

TOM REYNOLDS(Lab)(01782) 34229507783 [email protected]

DENVER TOLLEY(Lab)(01782) 316815 07799 [email protected]

Longton South

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

JOAN BELL(Lab)(01782) 31899807757 [email protected]

MICHAEL BARNES(Lab)(01782) 87006507877 [email protected]

Meir Park and Sandon

CLIVE BRIAN (Conservative &Independent Alliance)(01782) [email protected]

JOHN BURGESS(BNP)(01782) 39439707889 [email protected]

MARGARET PYATT (City Independents)(01782) [email protected]

Northwood and Birches Head

DAVE SUTTON(Lib Dem)(01782) 54299807512 [email protected]

JEAN BOWERS (Lib Dem)(01782) 26261307712 [email protected]

KIERAN CLARKE (Lib Dem)(01782) 78801007886 [email protected]

Norton and Bradeley

ALAN RIGBY(City Independents) (01782) 542364 07790 [email protected]

MICK SALIH(Non-aligned)(01782) 53354207977 [email protected]

SHEILA MATTHEWS(Conservative &Independent Alliance)(01782) [email protected]

Stoke and Trent Vale

GAVIN WEBB(Libertarian)07949 026660gavin.webb@ stoke.gov.uk

PAUL BILLINGTON(Lib Dem)(01782) 413225 07743 [email protected]

PAULINE JOYNSON(Non-aligned)(01782) 41368307813 [email protected]

Trentham and Hanford

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

ROGER IBBS(Conservative &Independent Alliance)07824 [email protected]

ROSS IRVING(Conservative &Independent Alliance)(01782) 335982 07900 [email protected]

Tunstall

MEGAN RYAN(Conservative &Independent Alliance)(01782) 86676107903 [email protected]

MOHAMMED MATLOOB(Lab)(01782) 57765807811 [email protected]

LEE WANGER(Conservative &Independent Alliance)07971 [email protected]

Weston and Meir North

MICHAEL COLEMAN (BNP)(01782) 31169707926 [email protected]

JOHN DANIELS (Conservative &Independent Alliance)(01782) 39678007885 [email protected]

ANTHONY SIMMONDS(BNP)(01782) 334919 07855 [email protected]

COUNCILLORSYourYourN O V E M B E R 2 0 0 8 Our City 23

Our City p22/23 5/11/08 17:08 Page 2


Our City is published by a partnership of Stoke-on-TrentCity Council, NHS Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire Police andStaffordshire Fire and Rescue.

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

STAFF at the ThomasBoughey Children’sCentre have every

reason to be proud of theirvery own little stars.

They are youngsters with specialneeds who attend the centre inShelton and benefit from itspioneering programme calledLittle Stars – developed speciallyto prepare the children for theworld of school and providesupport for their families at thesame time.

The Centre caters for pre-schoolchildren aged from birth to five –and the Little Stars initiative forthose with special physical ormental health needs has proved tobe a shining success since itslaunch two years ago.

Through the group, the childrenplay games and learn in a fun way.They are taught skills so that theycan be stimulated and have fun inan environment relevant to theindividual’s needs. Staff are trainedin special educational needs sothey can provide that specialistskill that can be so often missing ina child’s development.

In addition, families are helpedto share with their youngsters theskills of play and learning, whileLittle Stars also helps them accesssupport from physiotherapists,

paediatricians, health visitors andother professionals.

Centre Co-ordinator PhilShemilt said: “Little Stars has beendesigned specifically to help boththe children and their families.

“The children with special needsbenefit from the social aspectbeing with children from similarbackgrounds and this helps breakdown barriers.

“Many children have benefitedfrom the programme and there hasbeen extremely positive feedbackfrom both parents and the nurseryschool.”

Fazia Hameed, mother of Zainwho is currently taking part in theLittle Stars initiative, said: “TheLittle Stars group has helped meto make the best use of toys andequipment so I can help Zain buildhis confidence and self-esteem.

“The group has also enabled meto talk and share my concerns withstaff and meet other professionalssuch as Zain’sphysiotherapist.”

Zain’s father Khalidadded: “The group hasgiven parents theopportunity to meetother parents and hasgiven the children achange of environmentand the opportunity tomake new friends.”

COMMUNITIES workedtogether in a variety ofsporting activities as part ofa scheme dedicated toreducing crime.

The Respect SportsFestival took place atFenton Manor SportsComplex and was partneredwith NHS Stoke on Trent,The Douglas MacmillanHospice and the YouthService.

Residents wereencouraged to take part insports such as football,rugby, squash, fencing,martial arts and volleyball.

The first 300 people toarrive also received a freelunch voucher andswimming lesson.

Councillor Joan Bell,Portfolio Holder forCommunity Safety said:“TheRespect campaign has beena great success so far but weneed to keep working toensure more people getinvolved.”

Councillor Debra Gratton,Portfolio Holder for Sportand Leisure said:“I havealways maintained thatsport is an excellent way tocross traditional boundariesand encourage people towork towards an aim. In thiscase it is spreading themessage of respect.”

Little Stars shine with alittle help from play staff

SCHOOLS across the city competed in a footballtournament as part of an initiative to helpchildren achieve their sporting goals.

The Football Action tournament which tookplace at Dimensions Leisure Centre, Burslem putgrass roots football in the spotlight.

As the final whistle sounded Crescent PrimarySchool won the Junior School tournamentbeating Whitfield Valley in the final.

Meanwhile, JBR Academy (a combined teamfrom James Brindley High and Brownhills) beatBlurton High in the high schools final.

Other schools that took part includeddefending champions Thistley Hough High,Berry Hill High, Mitchell High, Birches HeadHigh, Longton High and Blurton High.

Other primary schools included Glebe,Kingsland and Burnwood.

The Football Action programme is apartnership between the city council, BalfourBeatty and the Football Foundation. It currentlyorganises fourteen coaching sessions per weekfor young people in Stoke-on-Trent, all staffedby FA certified coaches. Following thetournament, Lord Mayor Councillor DerekCapey handed out the trophies to the winners.

Soccer action scores for teams of youngstersSoccer action scores for teams of youngstersSoccer action scores for teams of youngstersSoccer action scores for teams of youngstersSoccer action scores for teams of youngstersSoccer action scores for teams of youngstersSoccer action scores for teams of youngstersSoccer action scores for teams of youngstersSoccer action scores for teams of youngsters

Sports helpto cut crime

Members ofthe winning team

from CrescentPrimary School, Meir,are, left to right, Jason

Holford and TeejayManley, both aged 10,

and Tristen Barkerand Matthew Bell,

both aged 9.

SeniorFamily Support

Worker MaryHoward, of the

Thomas BougheyChildren’s Centre,

with two-and-a-half year old

Zain.

Soccer action scores for teams of youngsters

Our City p24 6/11/08 10:32 Page 1

our city issue 07

Documents

changethe city landscape

page sixour city p1

exciting timesas city

city n o v e

stokeontrent areworking

regenerationbusiness

business plan detailing

history of northstaffordshire