BEST DESIGNED COUNCIL PUBLICATION

OurCityStoke-on-Trent

ISSUE 16: JULY 2010

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Our City p1 1/7/10 14:50 Page 1

2 Our City J U LY 2 0 1 0

HISTORIC decisions taken by the mainpolitical parties in Stoke-on-Trent meanwe now have a focused coalition ofsenior councillors forming a cabinet todecide our city’s future.

Make no bones about it, there aredifficult times ahead and difficultdecisions to be made.

Just like the coalition and cabinetneed to work together, it is importantwe work with you the people of the cityand the rest of the elected membersand the officers who work for the citycouncil to help us continue progress.

Communication is vitally importantin these difficult times. I promise thecity council will be open andtransparent about the decisions thatneed to be made and the cost savingsthat will need to be implemented.

And we want you to keep telling usyour priorities, aspirations andexperiences... so we can make sure theservices we provide meet your needs.

We have all heard about thespending cuts that will need to bemade to address the country’s deficit,and while we will be pressing the casefor Stoke-on-Trent’s communities to bespared the worst of the reductions, weknow we will not escape unaffected.

Additional support

“Austerity measures” announced bythe Government are beginning toemerge.

We will do everything we can toprotect front line services likeeducation, social care, street cleaningand initiatives to create a safer, greener,cleaner city.

Just as important is making sure theregeneration of the city continues togather pace as we breathe new life intothe city centre, provide the very besthigh schools and colleges for our youngpeople and attract the investment thatleads to new jobs.

The new cabinet is a diverse group ofpeople, from a broad politicalspectrum, but united in the cause tofight for our city.

We will press our city’s special casefor a sympathetic hearing andadditional support from Government.

No-one has said it is going to be easy,and none of us are under any illusionthat we have a difficult and challengingtime ahead.

But we have never had it easy inStoke-on-Trent, and there is a will in thisgreat city to stand together and helpeach other through the bad times.

We will do that, and together I amconfident we can manage what will be avery difficult time.

Let’s all worktogether toget throughdifficult times

A full list of dates and times of full citycouncil meetings and committeemeetings can be found on our websitestoke.gov.uk/meetingdates

Meeting dates are now online

By City Council LeaderCouncillor

MOHAMMED PERVEZ

Give us your feedback on thisissue of Our City by emailingourcity@stoke.gov.uk or write to:FREEPOST Our City

AStoke-on-Trent children’s centre has won a prestigious

national award.The Crescent, at Meir, beat off hundreds

of other entrants to scoop the title ofChildren’s Centre Team of the Year at theannual 4Children National Children’s StarAwards in London.

The Crescent originally made a shortlistof 10 centres, then the final two andeventually took the top honour after a teamfrom the centre travelled down to thecapital to make a presentation to a panel ofjudges.

Councillor Debra Gratton, CabinetMember for Children and Young People’sServices, said: “This is a terrificachievement and recognises all the excellentwork done by everyone at The Crescent.Our children’s centres throughout the cityplay a vital part in community life withfamilies taking advantage of the wide rangeof services on offer.”

Mum Claire Lawrence, who has beenusing the Meir based centre for fouryears, sent in the original nomination.She has five children ranging in agefrom two to 17 and has a sixth on theway, joking that she has to do somethingto keep her children’s centre going.

The former dental nurse pops in at leastthree times a week and uses the crèche,does courses, attends open days or simplyhas a coffee and a chat with friends.

“It’s just excellent. The facilities are greatand it’s so friendly as everyone knows eachother.

“Everyone is on the same level, parents,staff and management. We all support eachother.

“I decided to nominate the centre aftertalking to other mums and members ofstaff, who I feel don’t recognise theoutstanding work they do,” she added.

The award the centre has picked up

comes from 4Children, which is a nationalcharity dedicated to creating opportunitiesand building futures for children. It stagesan annual awards ceremony with 11categories.

TRACY Jackson, who managesthe Crescent Children’s Centre,was awarded an OBE for servicesto children and families in theQueen’s Birthday Honours List.

The 40-year-old mother-of-twoalso runs the Grange Children’sCentre in Meir and Treehouse inBentilee. She will visitBuckingham Palace later in theyear to receive her award.

Tracy, who has managed theCrescent since it opened in 2006,said:“The award is a tribute tothe hard work and dedication ofall the team at the centre,including staff, public servicepartners, parents and volunteers.

“We are all very proud of thesupport we provide to families

and will continue to work hard tomake sure children are at theheart of everything we do.”

Councillor Debra Gratton,Cabinet Member for Children andYoung People's Services, said:“The work that Tracy and herteam have done has beeninstrumental in making theCrescent Children's Centre a greatsuccess.”

Dr. Sharon Menghini, the citycouncil’s Director of Children andYoung People’s Services, said:“This award is testament toTracy's hard work and dedication.

“Children’s centres make a realdifference to people’s lives andwe are so proud of what Tracyand her team have achieved.”

Manager receives OBE for services to families

National acclaimStaff at citychildren’s centrescoop top UK accolade

Locality Manager TracyJackson OBE withJessica Valentine, 3, ofMeir at the CrescentChildren’s Centre.

Mother-of-five Claire

Lawrence, whonominated The

Crescent for the award,is pictured with three of her children, left toright, Issabel, Daniel

and Liam.

Our City is printed onrecycled paper. Whenyou have finished withthis publication pleasehelp the environment bypassing it on to a friendor recycling it.

Our City p2 1/7/10 14:54 Page 1

J U LY 2 0 1 0 Our City 3

WESTON COYNEY: A new£190,000 community centre,which will improve facilities forresidents in Weston Coyney,has been officially opened.Weston Heights CommunityCentre, based in the grounds ofWeston Coyney Infants School,features a large multi-functionroom and smaller rooms, willbe used for community,children’s centre and schooluse, and is available to deliver araft of public services.

MEIR: A RESPECT clean-upsession held in MacdonaldCrescent, Meir, was a hugeenvironmental success. Duringthe two-day event, new triprails were fitted, bags of littercollected, grass cut and weedswere pulled out and treated.

DRESDEN: Dresden andFlorence Residents’ Associationis hosting a summertime streetparty to mark 100 years of theFederation. The event will takeplace on Sunday 1 August,from Midday, on the greenspaces and car park aroundElim Pentecostal Churchbetween Cobden Street andRicardo Street. Fun-filled eventswill include a fancy dresscompetition, a sumo suitscontest and a performance byDandelion the Clown.

DownYourWayNews from

South EasternNeighbourhood

LONGTON: Thousands ofpeople turned out for aspecially-themed LongtonCarnival at Queens Park andwere treated to a variety ofmusical and sportingentertainment. Lord MayorCouncillor Denver Tolleyofficially opened the day-long“Centenary Celebrations” eventon 6 June, which marked the100th anniversary of theSix Towns Federation.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WIDE:Plans for a new £11 millionPrimary Care Centre have beengiven the go ahead. The newstate-of-the-art facility, to bebuilt on the site of the formerKing’s Arms Pub in WestonRoad, will bring together six GPpractices as well as providing arange of additional servicessuch as podiatry,physiotherapy, district nursingand a dental access centre.

The new coalition cabinet line-up:

Experienced and diverse team

has a common goalSKILLED, experienced members

of Stoke-on-Trent’s new cabinetare the right people to take the

city forward according to thecouncil’s new leader.

Councillors representing a coalition of theLabour, Conservative, Independent andLiberal Democrat groups have been broughttogether to make tough decisions on costsavings and meet other important challengessuch as boosting employment, attractinginvestment, driving regeneration and creatinga cleaner, safer city.

Five Labour members including Council

Leader Mohammed Pervez will sit alongsidetwo Conservatives, two Independents and oneLiberal Democrat.

Each cabinet member has been allocated aportfolio so they can work with senior officersat the city council to deliver the best possibleservices and offer the residents ofStoke-on-Trent good value for money.

They will meet regularly and in public to setpolicies which will be scrutinised by theappropriate committees of councillors beforebeing implemented to shape the future ofStoke-on-Trent.

Council Leader Councillor MohammedPervez has said he had every confidence in the

skills and abilities of the new cabinet, and thatthe coalition system would work well for thecity.

He said: “I am very optimistic that theexperience of the cabinet members will beused to good effect to run the city councilefficiently and effectively. We are a diverseteam of people who share a common goal ofmaking life better in Stoke-on-Trent andregenerating our city.

“Between us we have many years’experience of running the city council andmaking the important decisions which reflectresidents’ wishes. I am confident these peoplewill deliver.”

Council Leader MohammedPervez, 43, is married with twochildren. A research scientistand self-confessed gadgetfan, Pervez enjoys IT andcomputing in his spare time.He is passionate aboutsupporting Stoke-on-Trent’scommunities and drivingforward the city’sregeneration. He moved toStoke-on-Trent with his workand immediately felt at homebecause of its warmcommunity spirit.

Cabinet Member forTransformation Sarah Hill, 56,is married with two childrenand three stepchildren. She isa lecturer in social work atStaffordshire University andis currently harvesting abumper crop of salads fromher allotment in CampbellRoad. She cares aboutmodernising the city in asensitive way, and would likeresidents to be proud of theplace where they live and theservices they receive.

Cabinet Member forResources Councillor KieranClarke, 64, is married with onedaughter and threegrandchildren. He is an avidspectator of the Tour deFrance cycle race and has onlymissed three of the last 16,although this year’s tripclashes with the LocalGovernment Associationconference in Bournemouth!His aim is to secure the city’sfinancial future and seeforward its regeneration.

Cabinet Member forCommunication andCommunity EngagementCouncillor Tom Reynolds, 24,is married with one childand his wife is expecting asecond. He is a rugby fanand keen cook.Tom wouldlike everyone inStoke-on-Trent to feel thatthe city council is theircouncil and that they caninfluence the decisions itmakes by making theirviews known.

Cabinet Member for Housing,Planning and TransportationCouncillor Brian Ward, 62, ismarried with two daughters.He retired from working inthe motor industry toconcentrate on hiscommunity and councilwork. Brian wants tostreamline the way counciland social housing areallocated in the city to meetresidents’ needs, and makesure regeneration happens toattract investors to the city.

Cabinet Member for AdultSocial Care and Health (Sport,Leisure and Culture) HazelLyth is a managementconsultant specialising intraining and development.She wants to see the peoplein the city believe inthemselves and value theircreative abilities and talents.Hazel is passionate abouthelping people feel powerful,not powerless about howthey can help shape thecity’s future.

Cabinet Member forEnvironment, WasteManagement andNeighbourhood ServicesTerry Follows, 63, is a widowerwith one son and a grandchildon the way. He is a keen crowngreen bowler and oncemanaged the County Parksteam. He wants to get toughon litter louts to clean up thecity and aims to expand thenetwork of neighbourhoodoffices to make services moreaccessible to communities.

Councillor Mervyn Smith,Cabinet Member for CityDevelopment (Regeneration),50, is a solicitor working inStoke-on-Trent. He lived andstudied in Italy for seven yearsand is a fan of all thingsItalian, including travel, foodand culture. He wants toaccelerate regeneration bymaking sure key projects likeHanley bus station and theUniversity Quarter arecompleted as soon aspossible.

Deputy Council Leader RossIrving, 62, has two grown upsons and five grandchildren.His cabinet portfoliocomprises communitysafety, partnerships and theLocal Strategic Partnership.A retired businessman, hehas a keen interest inheritage and is an activemember of the NationalTrust. Ross believes thatimproving educationalattainment in the city is keyto attracting investment.

Portfolio Holder for Children’sServices Debra Gratton, 40, ismarried with two children andtwo step children and worksas an Accounts ServicesManager. Her hobbies includegardening, cycling andwalking the dogs. A formerMiss Port Vale, she ispassionate about theregeneration of Burslem.Improving education in thecity is a priority for Debra, whois proud to have been a schoolgovernor for 14 years.

Our City p3 1/7/10 12:51 Page 1

4 Our City JULY 2010

MORE than a million award winning bedding plants are

giving a little knownStoke-on-Trent CityCouncil department thesweet smell of financialsuccess.

Greenhouse 2000, the citycouncil’s Festival Park based plantproduction operation, grows 1.25million plants a year and puts£375,000 into city council coffers.

The business employs just 11full and part-time staff and offerswork experience and Future JobsFund placements.

The team, which includes afull-time florist, produce 550,000plants for use in floral displaysacross the city at roundabouts, inhanging baskets, parks and atCarmountside Crematorium.

Another 700,000 plants areproduced for neighbouring localauthorities and organisations nowGreenhouse 2000 is winning agrowing number of contracts.

Clients includeNewcastle-under-Lyme BoroughCouncil, High Peak BoroughCouncil, Staffordshire MoorlandsDistrict Council Cheadle InBloom as well as Cheshire EastCouncil, who use plants producedin the Potteries in Crewe,Congleton and Macclesfield.

Dedicated gardeners produce a

whole range of bedding plantsincluding marigolds and geraniumsfor use in borders and hangingbaskets. Displays produced for theRHS Tatton Park Flower Showhave won gold medals for the lastthree years and two Best In Showawards.

The man in charge, CommercialServices Manager Andrew Mayer,said: “We run the operation strictlyas a business, producing incomefor the city council and proving wecan still guarantee quality whileproducing plants on a large scale.

“It’s a very small team, workingvery hard and with immense pridein the job and what they produce.

“My staff work fantastically hardto maintain quality and ourreputation is now growing as wetender for more contracts andbusiness. I’m proud of my staffand the city should be proud too.In these tough times, what weproduce really brightens up ourcity and only adds to ourreputation for excellence,” headded.

City’s plantsbusinessjust keeps on growing

Greenhouse 2000Nursery AssistantMargaret Ball picturedwith some of the manyhanging baskets shehas created.

Blooming marvellous

Your children’s centre will provide youwith a range of services including:

● Childcare

● Health services

● Family support

● Specialist supportfor children withadditional needs

● Outreach workers

● Information for parents

● Activities to help parents andcarers get back to work

Each children’s centre will alsodeliver additional services tailored to

meet your local communities’ needs.

Children’s Centres

Our Centres are:

For more information about Children’s Centres call us on 0800 015 1120

The Crescent Children’s CentrePinewood Crescent, Meir • Tel: 01782 596421

Stoke-on-Trent North Children’s CentreBishop Road, Chell Heath • Tel: 01782 232977

We also have an outreach centre at:Whitfield Valley Sure Start CentreFegg Hayes Rd, Fegg Hayes • Tel: 01782 232977

Blurton Children’s CentreOakwood Road, Blurton • Tel: 01782 231815

Kingsland Children’s CentreWerrington Road, Bucknall • Tel: 01782 238352

The Hope Children’s CentreGarth Street, Hanley • Tel: 01782 234357

Thomas Boughey Children’s CentreCollege Road, Shelton • Tel: 01782 237100

Treehouse Children’s CentreDawlish Drive, Bentilee • Tel: 01782 233670

Westfield Children’s CentreBuccleuch Road, Longton • Tel: 01782 237500

Ball Green Children’s CentreBall Green Primary School, Whitfield Road,Ball Green • Tel: 01782 234811

Norton Children’s CentreSt Nicholas Avenue, Norton • Tel: 01782 231096

Burslem Children’s CentreVale Park, Hamil Road, Burslem • Tel: 01782 238989

Fenton Children’s CentreTemple Street, Fenton • Tel: 01782 237650

Penkhull Children’s CentreGreatbatch Avenue, Penkhull • Tel: 01782 236333

Tunstall Children’s CentreWoodland Street, Tunstall • Tel: 01782 236655

The Grange Children’s CentreNormacot Grange Road, Meir • Tel: 01782 233775

Trentford Children’s CentreJubilee Road, Trentham • Tel: 01782 234204

Milton and Baddeley Green Children’s Centrec/o Kingsland Children’s CentreWerrington Road, Bucknall • Tel: 01782 238352

stoke.gov.uk

Our City p4 1/7/10 12:54 Page 1

J U LY 2 0 1 0 Our City 5

City has greatopportunitydespite fiscalchallenges

STOKE-ON-TRENT is at a crossroads. Our city hasa great opportunity to start moving forward at arate it has never done before despite the fiscalchallenges resulting from the new Government’sgoal of systematically reducing the nationaldeficit.

We have a new inclusive cabinet and we areembarking on a major transformation journeyto make the city council into a leaner, moreefficient authority that will better meet thediverse needs of local residents, businesses andcommunities.

To do this we need a radical rethink of ourapproach to customer service and value formoney. We need to better understand what ourresidents and businesses want from the citycouncil and then tailor our service provision tobetter meet those needs.

Simultaneously we are going to have torigorously prioritise what we do and perhapsmore importantly what we don’t do to ensurewe “cut our cloth according to what we canafford”. It is clear that we are going to receive asignificant reduction in Government fundingand consequently we will not be able to doeverything we do today.

With spending cuts as an inevitable backdropit is pivotal that we cut costs in those areas thathave the least impact on the services customerswant and to this end we are launching “Let’sTalk” (see centre pages) to gain your views onwhere we should be saving money.

Dedicated staff

In parallel we are re-engineering our servicesto be more “customer centric” by listening tocity council service users and building on theexpertise of front line staff. This has alreadyuncovered the fact that many of our systemsand processes leave a lot to be desired anddespite huge efforts by front line staff we stillmanage to occasionally “disappoint”.

As an example, consider Stoke-on-Call, thewindow into the city council if you have aproblem. We have some of the most fantasticand dedicated staff but the systems they areusing make their task of providing excellentcustomer service very challenging.

It’s not a lack of staff effort or dedication butbureaucratic processes that frustrate both thestaff and, most critically, the customers they aretrying to serve.

So far our efforts to re-engineer systems andprocesses have reduced the average time todeal with a pothole from over a month to oneto two days and we are on target todramatically improve the speed and quality ofresponse in housing maintenance with ourJoint Venture Company partner Kier, in benefitsand in other front line services as we roll-in theapproach.

Our philosophy, eloquently expressed by ournew leader Councillor Pervez is to put the city,its residents and businesses in-front of partypolitics. Rest assured, your team of electedmembers and city council officers will be doingeverything they can to make this happen and toensure you receive the best possible services inthese challenging times of economic austerity.

By CityCouncilChief Executive

Johnvan deLaarschot

THE city’s newLord MayorCouncillor Denver

Tolley has definite ideasabout the route that hisyear of office will follow.

That’s not surprising as thecurrent First Citizen is aretired bus and coach driver, ajob which steered himtowards doing what he lovesbest – meeting the “lovely”people of Stoke-on-Trent.

The chain of office andcivic regalia may havereplaced the bus companyuniform, but CouncillorTolley is looking forward tomeeting lots more peoplewhile negotiating his mostexciting journey yet – asambassador for the city andits residents.

Councillor Tolley originatesfrom the South Staffordshirevillage of Hednesford, buthaving lived in the city for thepast 44 years he is regarded asa true son of Stoke-on-Trent.

The 67-year-old has servedcontinuously as a councillorfor 25 years – first with thecounty authority for 12 yearsbefore joining the city councilin 1997 – and for the pastfour years has been Vice Chair

of Staffordshire FireAuthority.

Together with his citycouncil roles of Vice Chair ofHighways and Chair of RoadSafety, all theseresponsibilities have givenCouncillor Tolley an acuteinterest in community safety.

Time and energy

“While I was on the FireAuthority two drug addictswere killed in a fire,” herecalled. “It was a tragedy thattaught me never to bejudgemental. It brought homethe fact that we should try tohelp people out of whateverdifficulties they may have.

“That’s why as Lord MayorI particularly want to meetand support those in thevoluntary sector who givetheir time and energy to helpothers less fortunate.”

Councillor Tolley alsointends to meet the “moversand shakers” in order toattract more investment to anarea that still needs to replacejobs lost by the decline oftraditional industries such aspottery, steel and coal mining.

He said: “The people ofStoke-on-Trent are lovely –

and I’m proud of how theyhave proved they are able toadapt and retrain. They havealways diversified and provedtheir ability to bounce back. Itis the people who make thiscity great.”

During his year of officeCouncillor Tolley will raisemoney for three local charities– Arch (North Staffordshire)which supports homelesspeople; North StaffordshireSpecial Olympics which helpschildren and young peoplewith learning difficulties todevelop sporting and socialskills; and the BeatriceCharity which organises days

out on the area’s canals forpeople with special needs. TheLord Mayor also wants tosupport smaller charitiesthroughout the year.

Councillor Tolley issupported by his wife Lynneas Lady Mayoress – a role sherelishes as “the opportunity ofa lifetime”.

The couple have twochildren and four grandchildren– but the family will be seeingless of Stoke-on-Trent’s firstcouple as they embark on ahectic year of officialengagements – with DenverTolley firmly in the driving seatonce again! ■

Ex-bus driver slips into firstgear for year of civic duties

New Lord Mayor is onthe right routeNew Lord Mayor is onthe right route

Lady MayoressMrs Lynne Tolleywith her husbandin the LordMayor’s parlour.

FirstCitizen at the

wheel of a Firstbus – Lord MayorDenver Tolley in a

bus cab once morefor our fun

picture.

Our City p5 1/7/10 12:55 Page 1

6 Our City J U LY 2 0 1 0

A PRIME example of turningadversity into positivity is onproud display at the front of ashop in Burslem town centre.Staff at Roberta’s Bridal storein Market Place were left inshock when, during a busyFriday lunchtime, a driverlessToyota Yaris smashed throughtheir display window.

It had rolled from a parkingbay on the other side of thebusy thoroughfare – narrowlymissing a lorry and car –before ending its short, fateful,bizarre journey by skittling a

row of mannequinsresplendent in bride’s dresses.(A rumour swept the townthat it was a smash-and-grabraid but the robber couldn’tdecide which dress to nick.)

The window was boardedup – presenting a dourfrontage to a shop full ofbeautiful wedding regalia.Owner Kelly Bates was keen todo something to brighten upthe buff-brown blank board –and to the rescue came theacclaimed Mother Town-basedartist Rob Pointon.

Rob – whose painting of thefull city council in session waspraised by Prince Charlesearlier this year – offered hisservices free of charge. On theweekend of Burslem’s SummerArts Trail event, hetransformed the board with apainting of a Market Placetownscape incorporatingRoberta’s Bridal.

He even included, for goodmeasure, a bride standing onthe pavement outside theshop.“It’s absolutely brilliant –we have had so many goodcomments about thepainting,“ said Kelly,“It’sbecome a real talking point.”

Burslem’s RegenerationManager Julian Read wasdelighted to see a prominentmember of the town’s creativecommunity helping out a localretailer. He added:“When theglass window is replaced theshop should keep that board –with Rob’s growing reputation,it is undoubtedly the mostvaluable piece of plywood inthe city.”

Six Towns Federation – but not as we know it VETERAN radio broadcasterSam Plank, pictured right,revealed his own spin on theFederation of the Six Townswhen he spoke at TheInaugural Dinner of the newLord Mayor CouncillorDenver Tolley.

The former Radio Stokeand Signal Radio presenter,who now fronts themid-morning slot onMoorlands Radio, wasinvited to propose the toastto the city’s First Citizen atthe annual celebration at theKing’s Hall, Stoke.

Making reference to thisyear’s Federation CentenarySam recalled a somewhat

unlikely version of events100 years ago.

He told the assembleddignitaries and former LordMayors:“The Six Towns –Longton, Fenton, Stoke,Hanley, Burslem andTunstall... decided to cometogether and the name theycame up with for the newauthority was, of course –Bentilee! But in the end theysettled for Stoke-on-Trent.”

Sam admits he couldn’tresist the temptation onsuch a high profile occasionto glory in his belovedBentilee where he spent his“formative years”.

Sam also took the

opportunity in his speech toonce again show his greatpride for his home city andthe local pottery industry.He reminded guests:“We’re avery special place – for everyother city hasa piece ofour city.”

Out of the adversity of a bizarre accident andboarded up shop window comes a work of art

STOKE-on-Trent’s LordMayor has backed a localman’s bid to put the city

on the map with an annualNational Oatcake Day.

Special events to celebrate the city’slocal delicacy have already won thebacking of celebrities from TVcomedian Ricky Gervais to world dartschampion Phil Taylor. And the firstoatcake day, on 8 August, will bemarked with a concert by local bandsat the Sugarmill Club in the citycentre.

The day is the brainchild of37-year-old nightclub DJ Terry Bosson,whose favourite oatcake filling is baconand cheese with lots of brown sauce.

He said: “I was talking with a fewmates about areas like Gloucestershirehaving cheese rolling days and otherevents associated with places and thoughtwhat a great idea it would be to have anOatcake Day to put Stoke-on-Trent andNorth Staffordshire on the map.

“Oatcakes are delicious and uniqueand as far as I’m concerned we shouldhave a national Oatcake Day everyyear.”

City Centre Manager Jean Ballbacked the event as “lots of fun” whileLord Mayor Councillor Denver Tolleysaid he supported efforts to raise thearea’s profile. He said: “As a peopleperson, I know generations of Pottershave been brought up on oatcakes, andI’m all for using our local delicacy to

promote our city.”And the first citizen’s favourite

filling? “Bacon and chayse,” he said,“with a splash of brown sauce.”

Visit www.oatcakeday.com formore information or to buy a t-shirt.

Do you support the idea of aNational Oatcake Day? Let usknow by writing to FreepostOur City or by emailingourcity@stoke.gov.uk

Artist Rob Pointon paints a townscape, complete with bride,on the boarded shop window of Roberta’s Bridal.

DAY OF THE ACCIDENT – the Toyota Yaris picturedminutes after it smashed through the shop window.

Star of TV’s The Office Ricky Gervaislooks delighted to be supporting theNational Oatcake Day campaign.

Oatcake Day– a tasty ideaOatcake Day– a tasty ideaOatcake Day– a tasty ideaOatcake Day– a tasty ideaOatcake Day– a tasty ideaOatcake Day– a tasty ideaOatcake Day– a tasty ideaOatcake Day– a tasty ideaOatcake Day– a tasty idea

National Oatcake Daycampaigner Terry Bossonabout to tuck into hisfavourite – a doublebacon and cheese withbrown sauce.

Our City p6 1/7/10 12:56 Page 1

J U LY 2 0 1 0 Our City 7

NEIGHBOURHOOD WIDE:Environmental enforcementaction has been taken in 65cases during the past year.Fixed penalty fines have beenhanded out in 10 dog-foulingand 55 littering cases. Courtaction for non-payment hasbeen taken and, in one case, adropped cigarette butt cost aperson £290 in fines, costs anda victim surcharge.

TUNSTALL: Antisocialbehaviour and underagedrinking in the town are beingtackled through a Street Gamesprogramme. Young people inareas identified as having fewfacilities are being offeredcoaching and sports activitiesto help improve their healthand outlook until Spring 2011.Ward councillors and theNorthern Area ImplementationTeam have funded theprogramme.

BURSLEM: Funding from theArea Implementation team ishelping create bettercommunity facilities at Mill HillPrimary School. The pond isbeing made safer for childrenand adults, pathways are beingupgraded for disabled access,and an outdoor classroom isbeing created.

DownYourWay

News from NorthernNeighbourhood

NORTON AND BRADELEY:Improvements are beingcarried out at the BMX track inBall Green after consultation.The project, being supportedby the Werrington YoungOffenders Institution, involves anew entrance opposite GorseyBank and facilities like litterbins made from old tyres aswell as benches and bike rackscreated from fallen trees.

FEGG HAYES: More work isplanned on a communitygardens project on the estatenow Fegg Hayes Residents’Association has been awardedfunding. Landscaping is takingplace to finish off an existingseating area and path withrockeries, boulders and shrubs.

BURSLEM NORTH:Summer activities are beingstaged at Moorland Park YouthCentre. Partners likeStaffordshire Police,Dimensions, residentsassociations, Port Vale FootballClub and councillors areworking together to addressrespect and community issues.

HUNDREDS of Rainbows,Brownies and Guides will attenda centenary party in the citycelebrating 100 years of Guiding.

The event at Vale Park on 20October will feature anationwide live video link upwhen tens of thousands of girlswill renew their promise, witheach of them pledging to “lovemy God” and “serve the Queenand my country”.

In June Rainbows, Browniesand Guides planted a flowerbed in Central Forest Park,Hanley, to mark the centenary.

The blooms formed the shapeof the Guiding movement’semblem, the trefoil.

ASTARK warning about the summer-time dangers of swimming unsupervised in

open lakes and pools has been issuedin the aftermath of last year’s tragicdeath of a teenager in Tunstall.

Memories are still raw of the incident atGoldendale Pool where the 18-year-old gotinto difficulties and drowned after going foran impromptu swim in sweltering afternoontemperatures. Crews from Staffordshire Fireand Rescue Service were quickly on the scenewith a rescue boat, but their attempts weresadly in vain.

Ian Sloss, Head of Risk Reduction forStaffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said:“When the sun is shining it may be tempting

to go for a dip – but whilst outdoor pools andlakes may look appealing they often havehidden dangers, such as strong undercurrentsand undergrowth not visible from thesurface.”

The warning is echoed by Ian Housley,Assistant Area Commander, who raced toGoldendale Pool with colleagues on thefateful day last May.

He recalled: “When we arrived the youngman had been sub-surface for some time. Hehad unfortunately under-estimated the risksaround water, and swimmers in circumstanceslike these have the potential to receive thermalshock. We mobilised the rescue boat and usedvarious pieces of equipment to feel down intothe pool, which is a left-over from a formersteel works and very deep.

“Incidents like these are distressing,especially for family and friends. It makes youmore determined to ensure that peoplearound water are respectful of the dangers.”

Ian Sloss added: “If you see someone getinto difficulty ring 999 immediately and askfor the Fire Service. Make use of anybuoyancy aids available but never enter thewater to rescue them yourself as you too mayget into difficulty.

“If the person goes underwater pinpointtheir exact location to firefighters on theirarrival.

“Our firefighters have equipment to dealwith this type of incident. However thisshouldn’t detract from the point that peopleshouldn’t risk their lives by swimming inunsupervised lakes and pools.”

PUPILS from four city highschools have won a share of£34,000 in a Dragon’sDen-style competition forprojects in their area.

The competition was the jointidea of Staffordshire Police andStoke-on-Trent City Councilwho both contributed the prizemoney and the students had tosell their ideas to a panel ofjudges.

St.Thomas More wereawarded £10,000 for a projectto tackle higher than averageobesity rates and bring thecommunity together throughsport. Edensor Technology

College are spending their£10,000 improving theirschool’s Multi-Agency Centre,where students get advice onissues like sexual health andsupport to stop smoking.

Joint projects from twogroups at Longton High andSandon Business EnterpriseCollege won £14,000 forworkshops on drug and alcoholabuse in schools and to produce3,000 antisocial behaviourDVDs to try and improvecommunity relations in Meir.

Longton High pupil BethanyBellingham, aged 13, said:“There is a lot of fear about

antisocial behaviour in Meir butoften the fear is greater than theproblem. The DVD will showboth sides of the story byshowing the community whatwe are really doing and tellingyoung people how to act.”

City council NeighbourhoodManager Janet Simpson said:“We wanted something thatwould inspire and encouragethe young people to come upwith innovative ideas.”

Police Chief Inspector JeffMoore said: “The children haveshown a willingness to tacklesome really big issues anddeserve a lot of credit.”

Warningon waterdangersin the summer

Impromptu hot weather swims could end in tragedy

Pupils tame the dragons towin £34,000 for projects

100 years ofgirl guides

CrewManager Andy

Luinen, left, andFirefighter Sean

Walker with one ofStaffordshire Fire and

Rescue Service’sresponse boats at

Westport Lake.

Our City p7 1/7/10 12:57 Page 1

8 Our City J U LY 2 0 1 0

WHEN campaigningresident BernardWragg received news

that plans for a £14 millionhealth centre in Cobridge hadbeen given the green light heconfesses it was the proudestmoment of his life.

The retired HGV driver andgrandfather of 10 spent more than adecade pushing for a new centre to bebuilt in the heart of his neighbourhood.

After gaining the support ofthousands of residents, Bernard and hisfellow campaigners pressed their casewith the city council and NHS Stokeon Trent – backed by his localcouncillors and MP.

Now all the hard work has paid offwith a new three-storey communityhealth centre on Elder Road due toopen next year.

The facility will bring together threelocal GP practices – Dr Meena Parikhof Sneyd Green Surgery, Dr UdayPathak of Waterloo Road and theAspley House Surgery, also currentlybased on Waterloo Road.

Bernard, who is Chair of Dr Pathak’sPatients Group, said: “It certainly is theproudest moment of my life. We haveput a lot into this campaign and itcertainly shows that people power canwork.

“This is a real communityeffort because hundreds if notthousands of people supportedus, or signed petitions, whichled to the health centre cominghere.”

He added: “I have to say thatthe support we have receivedfrom the local councillors, and myMP, Joan Walley, was marvellousand I am glad to say that the PCTand city council have listened to whatwe have had to say and come throughfor us.”

The new health centre will include apurpose built integrated sexual healthunit, and a wide range of other servicessuch as an on-site pharmacy, chestclinic, specialist out-patients clinic andx-ray unit, which will reduce patientjourney time to the University Hospitalof North Staffordshire.

Contractors are now working on the4,300 sq metre site and the job is dueto be completed in late summer 2011.

Campaigner Bernard’sproudest momentCampaigner Bernard’sproudest moment

Long awaited£14m healthcentre giventhe go-ahead

Campaigner Bernard Wragg, left, onthe site where the new health centre

will be built with, left to right,current GP Practice Manager

Sandra Breeze, Patients GroupVice Chairman Derek Hulme

and Dr Uday Pathak. Inset, anartist’s impression of how

the centre will look.

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Our City p8 1/7/10 13:02 Page 1

J U LY 2 0 1 0 Our City 9

BUCKNALL PARK: Thenewly-formed Friends of thePark want to convert an oldbarn into a community facilityand set up a polytunnel togrow plants and raise funds.It comes as a Centenarycelebration event is staged inthe park on 28 July from 1pm.

MILTON: Six abandonedallotments behind houses onLeek New Road could bebrought back into use. EastValley ward councillors areworking with NeighbourhoodManagement to get funding toclear the site as part of the citycouncil’s drive to encouragepeople to eat healthily and takemore exercise.

BENTILEE: Plans to re-vampand improve Bentilee Valleyhave taken a step forward. Afriends group has been formedto apply for funding as theNeighbourhood Renewal andManagement teams work withlandscape designers on ascheme with the environmentand enterprise at its heart.

DownYourWay

News from EasternNeighbourhood

ABBEY HULTON: Fancy dressfrom a hundred years ago isthe order of the day as thethird annual carnival at HultonAbbey celebrates theFederation Centenary.Organisers and people comingalong to the free eventsupported by the AbbeyPartnership on 11 Septemberare being asked to dress up.

JOINERS SQUARE: Wildflower gardens have beencreated by the Joiners SquareResidents’ Association on landwhere properties have beendemolished in Leek Road. Itcomes as work continuesthrough a friends group topreserve the restored TrentmillNature Park, which bounds theRiver Trent.

BUCKNALL: TownsendCommunity Residents’Association is staging atraditional carnival andFederation CentenaryCelebration on 24 July atMitchell High School. Entrybetween 10.30am and 4pm isfree with attractions includingfamily sports and games,coconut shy and test yourstrength games.

LEADING architects have beenappointed to draw up designsand start building the city

centre’s new bus station on 28 Marchnext year.

The city council cabinet’s unanimousdecision to give the project the green light isjust the ticket for thousands of passengerslooking forward to the arrival ofstate-of-the-art passenger facilities inStoke-on-Trent.

Now citizens will excitedly await first sightof plans for the station which will be designedby Grimshaw Architects LLP, who created thehuge domes of the Eden Project in Cornwalland the 400m curved glass roof of theWaterloo Station international terminal.

Council Leader Councillor MohammedPervez said he was excited and pleased withthis significant step towards a new busstation.

He said: “At long last the people ofStoke-on-Trent will know their new, state ofthe art, modern and fit for purpose busstation is within reach.

“The bus station will be located at the heartof the East West Redevelopment which willbring a critical mass of investment into thecity directly creating much needed new jobs.

“I will personally be there on 28 March tosee the work start on site. It is a project thecity council has been keen to progress. It hasbeen a long time coming but we are definitelya significant step closer.”

Grimshaw Architects LLP will nowcomplete the final design for the city centre

bus station after producing a concept imagefor the short-listing stage. This final design forthe bus station is expected in Novemberbefore work begins in March next year.

Demolition of the old bus station willtransform the site of the existing East WestCentre into a high quality shopping schemethat will include a new department store, a

wide range of new shops, cafes, restaurants,vibrant public spaces, a multi screen cinema,new hotel and a modern new transportinterchange and improved parking.

The investment will benefit other areas inthe city centre by increasing footfall betweenthe scheme site and the Potteries ShoppingCentre.

Stoke-on-Trent Central MP

TRISTRAM HUNTChief Executive of NorthStaffordshire Chamber ofCommerce and Industry BRYAN CARNES MBE

Spokesperson for City CentrePartnershipRICHARD DAY

First Potteries bus company Commercial DirectorPAUL DE SANTIS

“It’s the kick start the citycentre needs to become theretail and business district weall want to see and it’s just thekind of strategic investmentStoke-on-Trent needs in thesetimes of austerity. We need allparties to make sure work doesstart in March. I look forward toseeing the cranes, piledriversand bulldozers on site.”

“Our main hope is that this willhelp restore business confidenceand inward investment in thecity and it will act as the catalystfor the entire East West Precinctredevelopment and proposed£195 million Central BusinessDistrict project. It’s very excitingthe project is moving forward.”

“It’s fantastic news that we’renow progressing with thisimportant development andregeneration of the citycentre. This is a significantstep forward for businessesin Hanley and will createhundreds of jobs… it’s greatnews for Stoke-on-Trent as awhole.”

“First very much welcomesthis news. Bus users in the citydeserve a better facility thanthe existing bus station whichis lacking in basic amenitiessuch as toilets. As the area’smain operator, we hope a newstation will encourage bustravel and be a boost forpublic transport locally.”

Long-awaited scheme given warm welcome

DESTINATION NEW BUS STATION:The words on thebus spell great newsfor the city centre ascity council LeaderMohammed Pervez,pictured, announcesa definite start datefor the development.

Our City p9 1/7/10 13:05 Page 1

10 Our City J U LY 2 0 1 0

Signal 1mascot DJ theMonkey getsto meet DianaVickers.

Concert revellers wavetheir arms as the partygets into full swing.R’n’B artist

Craig David.

A section of the 10,000 lucky pop fans who gottickets for the free concert at Hanley Park.

Australian popdiva GabriellaCilmi in action.

Chipmunkwas a bigbonus forrap musicfans.

X Factor duoJedward wowedthe crowd withmusic and antics.

Our City p10/11 1/7/10 14:21 Page 1

J U LY 2 0 1 0 Our City 11

AHOST of thecountry’s hottest pop stars turned up the

heat for Stoke-on-Trent’scentenary celebrationswhen they joined 10,000fans for the biggest birthdayparty the city has ever seen.

Huge crowds descended onHanley Park to see chart topperDiana Vickers, headline actThe Saturdays and GabriellaCilmi join a host of other stars onstage for the 2010Live summer

concert.And it has been hailed as

one of the best liveperformance events the city

has ever hosted… anda memorable way tocelebrate 100 years ofthe Federation of theSix Towns.

Almost 40,000people applied fortickets to the free event,

which also featuredMOBO award-winning

rapper Chipmunk, former boyband heart throb Dane Bowers

and popular R’n’B artist CraigDavid.

The 10,000 lucky winners weretreated to a fun-packed carnivalday in the park with a familyatmosphere shining through.

Among the highlights were X-Factor duo Jedward who wowedthe crowd with their mini-set ofhits and comedy antics. And it was

also a day for up and coming starswith singer-songwriter TiffanyPage and South African pop starElan Lea going down well at theconcert, presented by Signal 1radio station.

Councillor Hazel Lyth CabinetMember for Adult Social Careand Health (Sport, Leisure andCulture) said: “It was a very wellorganised and extremely popular

live event hosted at a fantasticvenue in Hanley Park – and creditmust go to the organisers and allthe partner agencies that made itpossible. I think it was a perfectway to celebrate Stoke-on-Trent’scentenary. This city is renownedfor having a creative gene and thiswas a diverse, artistic and culturalevent which really puts us on themap.”

Headline actThe Saturdayson stage.

Heart throbDane Bowershad the girls’pulses racing.

One fan is liftedshoulder high fora better view.

Stars come out for

Federation bashChart topper DianaVickers sang hernumber one hit Once.

Singer-songwriterTiffany Page wasone of the upand comingstars in theline up.

Our City p10/11 1/7/10 13:08 Page 2

12 Our City J U LY 2 0 1 0 J U LY 2 0 1 0 Our City 13

Stoke-on-Trent City Council wants the public’s views on where Government cuts need to be made in the city this year

It costs £695 million each year to run Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Butafter taking into account grants (for example, for schools), fees andcharges (the price that we charge for our services, for example, sport

and leisure) and internal charges for services within the city council, weneed £209 million to provide our services to you.

Due to unprecedented Government cuts, we need to save approximately£30million from this £209 million. That’s a reduction of 14 per cent.

The city council is responsible for many services in the city from bincollections to schools. Some of our services are “statutory” which means wehave to carry them out by law.

This includes, among others, looking after children in care and vulnerableadults to highway maintenance and planning regulations.

Even though a service is statutory the amount of money we spend on it is amatter for the city council.We also provide many “discretionary” services which we do because wethink it’s right. This includes, among others, libraries, swimming pools,museums and allotments.

The Government told us in its Emergency Budgetthat we would not be allowed to raise Council Taxnext year, so we need your help to identify where thesavings must be made.

What city council services are most important to you and your family? Have a look onthe left hand page at how we spend your money to see what we do.

How important are the following (please tick the appropriate box)?

Encouraging more jobs and businesses in Stoke-on-Trent ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Reducing antisocial behaviour and fear of crime ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Looking after the environment and tackling climate change ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Improving the health and well-being of residents ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Repairing and maintaining roads and pavements ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Street cleanliness: graffiti removal, fly tipping and dog waste ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Improving educational achievement in children and adults ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Supporting and protecting vulnerable adults and children ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Increasing the amount of rubbish we recycle ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Providing sport and leisure facilities ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Providing decent and affordable housing ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Other – please specify ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

■ High quality learning for

young people between the

ages 0-19

■ Provision of an inclusive

service for children with

additional needs

■ Provision of high quality

youth services

■ Ensuring that children and

young people are kept safe

■ Supporting effective

school organisation including

admissions, transport and

school meals

■ Older People’s Social Care

■ Younger Adults’ Social Care

■ Development Evaluation and Commissioning

■ Department of Health Grants

■ Community Services such aslibraries and sport

■ Museums and Archive Services

■ Culture

■ Highways

■ Property Services

■ Planning Services

■ Economic Development

■ Employment and Skills

■ Development andRegeneration Programmes

■ RENEW

■ Legal Services

■ Elections

■ Human Resources

■ Information andCommunicationTechnology

■ Audit Services

■ CorporatePurchasing

■ Benefit Services

■ Business Support

■ CorporateFinancial Services

■ DirectorateFinance SupportUnits

■ Revenue andPaymasterServices

■ This money pays for civic

spending, ward budgets and

councillors’ expenses, but a large

part of it is committed to repaying

our loans

■ Corporate Organisation and Development

■ Customer Access Centre

■ Member Support

■ Communications

■ Sustainable CommunityDevelopment

Housing, Environmentaland Neighbourhoods

Children andYoung People

£48m

Non-Departmentaland Corporate Costs

Chief Executives

Central Services

Regeneration

£26m

£28m

£27m

£5m

1

£5m

Please answer the following questions to help the city council set its spending priorities.

Where do you think the city council wastes money?2

3

Would you be prepared to pay higher charges for services like swimming pools ratherthan see services reduced?4

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?5

Please cut out the form and send it to Freepost OurCity, or alternatively you can email youranswers to ourcity@stoke.gov.uk We will publish the results shortly.

VeryImportant Important Neither

Notimportant

Notimportant

at all

Name* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

Are you a council tenant: Yes ■■ No ■■

Age. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Male ■■ Female ■■ * If you wish to provide it

■ Housing Services:Homelessness, Repairs and Maintenance.

■ Environmental Services:Waste Collection andRecycling.

■ Neighbourhood Services:Local Centre.

■ Regulatory Services:Parking Services,Licensing, EnvironmentalHealth and TradingStandards, Markets.

We need residents’ help tosave approximately £30m

£30m £179m Adult Social Care, Health and Communities

£70m

THIS IS HOW WESPEND THE

MONEY

Our City p12/13 2/7/10 10:49 Page 1

12 Our City J U LY 2 0 1 0 J U LY 2 0 1 0 Our City 13

Stoke-on-Trent City Council wants the public’s views on where Government cuts need to be made in the city this year

It costs £695 million each year to run Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Butafter taking into account grants (for example, for schools), fees andcharges (the price that we charge for our services, for example, sport

and leisure) and internal charges for services within the city council, weneed £209 million to provide our services to you.

Due to unprecedented Government cuts, we need to save approximately£30million from this £209 million. That’s a reduction of 14 per cent.

The city council is responsible for many services in the city from bincollections to schools. Some of our services are “statutory” which means wehave to carry them out by law.

This includes, among others, looking after children in care and vulnerableadults to highway maintenance and planning regulations.

Even though a service is statutory the amount of money we spend on it is amatter for the city council.We also provide many “discretionary” services which we do because wethink it’s right. This includes, among others, libraries, swimming pools,museums and allotments.

The Government told us in its Emergency Budgetthat we would not be allowed to raise Council Taxnext year, so we need your help to identify where thesavings must be made.

What city council services are most important to you and your family? Have a look onthe left hand page at how we spend your money to see what we do.

How important are the following (please tick the appropriate box)?

Encouraging more jobs and businesses in Stoke-on-Trent ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Reducing antisocial behaviour and fear of crime ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Looking after the environment and tackling climate change ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Improving the health and well-being of residents ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Repairing and maintaining roads and pavements ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Street cleanliness: graffiti removal, fly tipping and dog waste ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Improving educational achievement in children and adults ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Supporting and protecting vulnerable adults and children ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Increasing the amount of rubbish we recycle ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Providing sport and leisure facilities ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Providing decent and affordable housing ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Other – please specify ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

■ High quality learning for

young people between the

ages 0-19

■ Provision of an inclusive

service for children with

additional needs

■ Provision of high quality

youth services

■ Ensuring that children and

young people are kept safe

■ Supporting effective

school organisation including

admissions, transport and

school meals

■ Older People’s Social Care

■ Younger Adults’ Social Care

■ Development Evaluation and Commissioning

■ Department of Health Grants

■ Community Services such aslibraries and sport

■ Museums and Archive Services

■ Culture

■ Highways

■ Property Services

■ Planning Services

■ Economic Development

■ Employment and Skills

■ Development andRegeneration Programmes

■ RENEW

■ Legal Services

■ Elections

■ Human Resources

■ Information andCommunicationTechnology

■ Audit Services

■ CorporatePurchasing

■ Benefit Services

■ Business Support

■ CorporateFinancial Services

■ DirectorateFinance SupportUnits

■ Revenue andPaymasterServices

■ This money pays for civic

spending, ward budgets and

councillors’ expenses, but a large

part of it is committed to repaying

our loans

■ Corporate Organisation and Development

■ Customer Access Centre

■ Member Support

■ Communications

■ Sustainable CommunityDevelopment

Housing, Environmentaland Neighbourhoods

Children andYoung People

£48m

Non-Departmentaland Corporate Costs

Chief Executives

Central Services

Regeneration

£26m

£28m

£27m

£5m

1

£5m

Please answer the following questions to help the city council set its spending priorities.

Where do you think the city council wastes money?2

3

Would you be prepared to pay higher charges for services like swimming pools ratherthan see services reduced?4

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?5

Please cut out the form and send it to Freepost OurCity, or alternatively you can email youranswers to ourcity@stoke.gov.uk We will publish the results shortly.

VeryImportant Important Neither

Notimportant

Notimportant

at all

Name* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

Are you a council tenant: Yes ■■ No ■■

Age. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Male ■■ Female ■■ * If you wish to provide it

■ Housing Services:Homelessness, Repairs and Maintenance.

■ Environmental Services:Waste Collection andRecycling.

■ Neighbourhood Services:Local Centre.

■ Regulatory Services:Parking Services,Licensing, EnvironmentalHealth and TradingStandards, Markets.

We need residents’ help tosave approximately £30m

£30m £179m Adult Social Care, Health and Communities

£70m

THIS IS HOW WESPEND THE

MONEY

Our City p12/13 2/7/10 10:49 Page 1

14 Our City JULY 2010

SNEYD GREEN: Trafficcalming measures have beenintroduced in the Crosswayand Granville Road area afterresidents complained speedingvehicles were making themfeel unsafe. A project to installspeed humps and changes at ajunction were funded by theBurslem South Ward budget.

BIRCHES HEAD: A one-waysystem has been introducedon three streets to solve along-standing problem withparking and traffic congestion.The Northwood and BirchesHead Ward budget paid for thechanges in Campbell Terrace,Bradford Terrace andHammersley Street.

HANLEY PARK: Twoteenagers aged 12 and 15have come up with a schemefor wildlife improvements atHanley Park. The members ofSafer Angling For Everyonehave already spoken to theArea Implementation Teamand talks involving ThistleyHough High School are nowon-going.

ETRURIA PARK: Childrenhave given a £48,000“wildplay” facility in the parkthe thumbs up. The play area,which features tree stumps towalk over and climb on, hasjust been officially openedafter it was built under thenational Playbuilders scheme.It is one of 22 playgroundschemes being carried outacross the city after the citycouncil won funding totalling£1.1m from the Government.

DownYourWay

News from WesternNeighbourhood

NEIGHBOURHOOD WIDE:Action has been taken against42 people for littering duringan environmental crackdownin the past year. Fixed penaltyfines have been handed outwith 14 people paying up.People who fail to pay couldface court action.

CALL centre and One-Stop Shop staff whodeal with more than 15,000 enquiries aweek for Stoke-on-Trent City Council arebeing praised as a review gets underway toimprove services.

Fewer than 80 trained professionals processinquiries at the Stoke-on-Call centre in Fenton,dealing with core services like housing, highways andenvironmental issues as well as taking calls onrevenue and benefits and adult and social care.

A specialist team oversees the 24-hour a dayLifeline facility, which offers a red button service forthe elderly and vulnerable in case of medical or otheremergencies. Call takers also have to deal with out ofhours civil emergencies. Emails and texts are alsoprocessed.

Faye Batchelor, the city council’s Customer AccessChange Manager, said: “It’s relentless, day in day out,really tough and pressurised.

“What all our advisors do often goes unnoticed andthey don’t get the credit they deserve. I’m so proud ofthe Lifeline service, for instance, which is life critical.What they do saves lives.”

Just two in ten calls are for basic switchboardservices while the majority are dealt with at the

time. Each call is logged with questionsanswered, advice offered and jobs filtered

through to the relevant city councildepartments.

Beyond the call of duty

Call handlers deal with a wholehost of issues ranging from housingrepairs, potholes and antisocialbehaviour to fly tipping, bins andbulky waste collection. Staff at citycouncil walk-in centres in Bentilee,Burslem, Stoke, Longton andTunstall also offer face-to-face advice.

Faye said: “I’ve done the job myselfand it’s really hard work. People don’t

realise for instance that sometimes we’redealing with 20 or 30 calls on exactly the

same problem. But we have to deal witheach customer as if they’re the first and

offer them all the same high quality service.“All our advisors go above and beyond the

call of duty but the system and processes arefailing them. Advisors aren’t responsible if things

don’t get done when the customer expects but theyare the face of the city council. So we’re working

really hard to meet the needsand expectations of ourcustomers.

“A review of our processes isunderway aimed at streamliningwhat we do and adding value.We are looking to reduce thetimescales to do jobs.

“We are all in this togetherand we must do better together.We are improving as we work inthe best interests of thecustomer. The bottom line isthat we’re not a privatecompany who people choose tocall, they have to call us abouttheir services so we need to dobetter.”

Stoke-on-Call on01782 234234 operatesMonday to Friday from8am to 8pm andSaturday from 9am to1pm. Lifeline is a24-hour a day service.

Your call countsProfessional teamsof advisers providefront line servicesfor city’s residents

Customer Service TeamLeader Katie Smithsontakes another call from aStoke-on-Trent residentat the Stoke-on-Callcentre at Fenton.

Customer ServiceAdvisor Zuher Rehman

busy at his workstation.

A section of the busy Stoke-on-Call centrewhich deals with thousands of enquiries a day.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WIDE:Three thousand pounds isbeing made available to helpcommunity groups with eventsacross the area. Up to £250 atime is available for things likeevent leaflets or even to hire aface painter for a fete. Anyonewho is interested should call01782 235753.

Our City p14 1/7/10 13:09 Page 1

J U LY 2 0 1 0 Our City 15

EASTERN NEIGHBOURHOOD – NUISANCE PAIR GIVEN ASBOS:Two teenagetearaways havebeen given ASBOsafter 86 complaintsabout theirbehaviour in 18

months. Dempsey Murray, 18, left, andCory Gilchrist, 16, have been banned

from going into a supermarket, petrolstation and neighbourhood centre inBentilee after threatening and abusing staffand customers. They have also been bannedfrom associating with each other in anypublic building.

SOUTH EASTERN NEIGHBOURHOOD – TEEN GIVEN SECOND ASBO: *A 15-year-old girl from Meirwith a catalogue of “appallingbehaviour” has been given asecond antisocial behaviourorder after terrorising residentsin Meir. A court heard she hadalready spent time in custody for breachingan ASBO she received when she was 12.She has been banned from visiting LongtonHigh School, Yarnfield Close and StansmoreRoad, using racially offensive language,throwing stones and visiting a shop whereshe caused problems.

NORTHERN NEIGHBOURHOOD – WOMAN JAILED AFTER KNIFE ATTACK:Three years in prison wasthe penalty for SusanThomas after she stabbedher sister-in-law in the leg.She had repeatedlylunged at the victim withan eight-inch kitchen knife. Mr JusticeRoderick Evans told Thomas going armedwith a knife was a “very dangerous andunwise thing to do”.

WESTERN NEIGHBOURHOOD – VIOLENT ROBBER SENTENCED TOPRISON STRETCH: Drugaddict William Phillips hasstarted a three year, fourmonth prison sentenceafter being convicted ofrobbing a massageparlour where his girlfriend worked. Hethreatened a 60-year-old woman with aknife before making off with £400 in cash.He was caught after a police officerrecognised the serial offender on CCTVfootage of him spending the money at alocal shop.

SOUTH WESTERN NEIGHBOURHOOD –SAFER STREETS: *Staffordshire Police, the citycouncil and other partnersworking together for a safercity have hit back at a group ofyoung people who haveterrorised parts of Fenton andStoke. Members of the self-styled ST4 grouphave threatened members of the public,carried out violent attacks and caused anuisance. 20-year-old Nathan Walley, ofFenton, was sentenced to four months incustody for threatening a woman with aknife, while Daniel Watson, 19, pictured, nowof Nantwich, was jailed for 32 months forthrowing a brick which fractured an off-dutybouncer’s skull. Police have also worked tosecure antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs)against three more members of the group,after which officers reported a marked dropin the number of reported incidents in thearea. Sentencing Walley, Judge Paul Glennsaid: “I do not see why the people of Fentonhave to be subjected to this behaviour.”

*Picture courtesy Staffordshire Sentinel News & Media

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

HE’S got one of the mosthigh profile roles in the cityand each year is seen by

thousands of people – but you mayfind it hard to put a name to theface.

As chauffeur and mace bearer for theLord Mayor for the past 10 years, TonyGrainger attends as many official functionsas the First Citizen, providing a safe pair ofhands for the steering wheel of the LordMayor’s limousine as well as theceremonial mace.

Tony is well qualified for the job, havingclocked up 12 years’ experience as achauffeur and recently he achieved a Road

Passenger Transport NVQ Level 2qualification. He’s also a member of theGuild of Mace Bearers.

As Tony is often just a few respectfulsteps away from the Lord Mayor he gets aclose view of famous people who visitStoke-on-Trent. This year alone he hasseen darts ace Phil Taylor, The Prince ofWales and The Duchess of Cornwall, andonce comedian Ken Dodd shared a jokewith him.

Tony said: “As the Lord Mayor’schauffeur it is most important that I ensuremy passengers have a smooth andcomfortable journey and that they arrive attheir function on schedule. After so manyyears in the job I am sometimes able to

offer guidance to new Lord Mayors at thestart of their years of office.”

He added: “Carrying the mace can alsobe challenging. It can feel heavy on myshoulder when I have to carry it for anylength of time – especially during theRemembrance Sunday ceremony. I love myjob and I’m particularly proud to beinvolved in the city’s centenary functions.”

The stretched Daimler, which was theLord Mayor’s official car when Tony firstjoined the civic team as chauffeur, has beenchanged for a more up to date Audi A8.

“The Daimler really turned heads, butthe Audi is much nicer to drive,” said Tonywho drives his more modest family FordFocus when he’s off duty.

FRESH safety warnings arebeing issued about barbecuesby Staffordshire Fire andRescue Service.

Now the summer is well andtruly here, people are beingencouraged to barbecue safelyto prevent injury and flamesspreading.

Ian Sloss, Head of RiskReduction at Staffordshire Fireand Rescue Service, said:“Barbecues are a great way tohave fun and enjoy the summersun with friends and family

however we’d urge people toensure they follow some simplefire safety tips.

“The most common problemwe come across is barbecuesbeing sited too close to sheds,fences and trees. With thembeing wood, they can very easilycatch alight.

“Other issues occur after thebarbecues have finished whenpeople dispose of the ashes intheir wheelie bins which thenmelt and set alight. Instead weadvise people to wait until the

ashes are cool and then emptythem onto bare garden soil,” headded. Other barbecue safetytips include:■ Keep a bucket of water orsand or garden hose nearby■ Use only enough charcoalto cover the base to a depth of 5cm■ Never use paraffin or petrolto revive the barbecue■ Keep children and petsaway ■ Don’t play garden gamesnearby

■ Never leave the barbecueunattended■ Don’t drink too muchalcohol if you’re in charge■ Let the barbecue coolbefore moving it

A safe pair of hands for

limousine and mace

Hot tips to stay safe at summer barbecues

TonyGrainger

holds the citycouncil’s ceremonialmace in front of the

Lord Mayor’slimousine.

Our City p15 1/7/10 13:10 Page 1

16 Our City JULY 2010

MORE than 5,000 adult andfamily learners have takenpart in courses provided

by Stoke-on-Trent City Council so far this year… up around athousand on the same period last year.

Ninety-five per cent of those who signedup for the extensive range of sessions andworkshops rated them good or excellent.

Kath Reynolds, Adult LearningProgramme Manager, said: “I’m thrilledthat so many more people are taking partin our courses and delighted that they ratethem so highly. All the courses are aimed atraising confidence, improving skills and arefun. They are delivered in a relaxedenvironment, by hand picked tutors whounderstand the needs of adults who arereturning to learning.

“Our courses range from just two hoursto longer sessions running for two to 20weeks so you can dip your toe in the waterwithout worrying about over-facingyourself. We strive to make it as easy aspossible for people to get to courses by

running them in convenient locations andat times to suit everyone,” she added.

Courses are offered in schools,community centres and other venuesacross the city and include Computers forAbsolute Beginners, Salsa Dancing, Skillsfor Jobs and Stress Management, whileFamily Learning classes include English,Maths, Arts and Crafts and even RobotMaking.

New brochure

All Family Learning classes, which arefor mums, dads and carers along with theirchild, are completely free. Many otheradult learning courses are also free whilecosts for other sessions are kept low. Awide range of concessions are on offer forthose on means tested benefits and forpeople over 60.

A new course brochure will soon beavailable through a range of communityvenues including libraries and communityand children’s centres.You can call anoutreach worker on 01782 234775 foradvice or email adultlearning@stoke.gov.ukto be added to a mailing list.

IMPROVED job skills and earningpotential are one of the key benefits ofmany adult-learning courses.

Help is on offer with CV writing and ITskills while specific courses have alsobeen set up for people who want tobecome teaching assistants. Hobbies canhelp people into whole new careers socourses like photography and even

flower arranging are always popular.Floral Art Tutor Sharon Morris, who has

taught well over a thousand people over16 years, said: “We have had severalex-pottery workers come along as thefirst step in their journey to retrain for anew career. I know that one or two ofthese people have gone on to open uptheir own businesses.”

SURVEYS show a third of adults in the cityneed help to improve their Maths and Englishskills but many find the thought of coursesdaunting.

However, feedback from adults who do signup for literacy and numeracy courses show 90per cent of them have had a really positiveexperience and quite often continue on to dofurther qualifications. The city council’s FamilyLearning courses are often a great first stepback in to learning for adults with children.

Family Learning courses support the role ofmums and dads as the primary educators oftheir children but at the same time offer adultsthe chance to brush up on their skills. Onelearner said: “It is always enjoyable andeducational.You learn lots in a short time andit’s fun. It’s not just classroom learning.”

Kath Reynolds, Adult Learning ProgrammeManager, said: “Many of our parents who takeEnglish and Maths courses say they feel muchmore confident in supporting their childrenwith their homework. They’ve helpedthemselves and are more able to help theirchildren at the same time – so that’s great.”

More than 1,500 families have taken part inFamily Learning in the city so far this year.

You can get advice or information aboutcourses from your local school or by callingan Outreach worker on 01782 234775 oremail adult.learning@stoke.gov.uk

THE majority ofadult learningcourses are aimed atthe over 19s butcourses areavailable foryounger people.

Apprenticeshipprogrammes in bothSport and BusinessAdministration areon offer with youngpeople getting thechance to gainNational VocationalQualifications at thesame time asearning somemoney.

Those aged 16 to19 who want acareer in the sportand leisure industryare catered forthrough theAdvantage Sportprogramme.

For moreinformation onthese programmesring 01782 234435and ask to speak toeither Janet orDuncan.

Courses gettop marksfrom learners

One third ofadults needto improvetheir Mathsand English

Hobbies can lead to new careers

HEALTH and wellbeing are the focus of severaladult and community learning courses.Learners feel better about themselves as aresult of taking part in courses but sometimesthe outcome is actually physical fitness.

Salsa dancing for beginners andintermediates is taught by tutor Gisela Duranfrom Spain. Gisela has been running classes

across the city for about a year and a half. Shehas dancers aged 19 right through to their 80s.

She said:“I’ve been dancing all my life. It’sgood fun and the music makes you feel happy.It’s a very easy dance to learn and it’s verysociable.

“You don’t have to be fit but you’ll becomefit and all ages are welcome.”

Teenagerscan gainNVQsand earnmoney

Floral Art Tutor Sharon Morris, right, helpsHayley Anderson create a table arrangementduring a class at Hope Centre, Hanley.

TutorGisela Duran

leads a lively Salsaclass at Willfield

Education Centre,Bentilee.

Dancing their way to physical fitness

Our City p16 1/7/10 17:14 Page 1

J U LY 2 0 1 0 Our City 17

ADVENTURE fans all over the world

are being askedto put Stoke-on-Trenton the extreme sportsmap... by posing forphotographs drinking acup of tea.

The hunt is on for theworld’s wackiest, wildest snaptaken of someone sipping acuppa from finest Potteriesceramics. It could be on topof a mountain, at the bottomof the ocean, bungee jumping,wing walking or parachuting.

The latest viral internetcraze has been launched bythe city council to promote adifferent side ofStoke-on-Trent as a tourismdestination. And stars at the2010 Live pop concert atHanley Park were amongthe first to support thecampaign by posingdrinking a cuppa

Tourism MarketingOfficer Sam Hall said:“The city has a proudhistoric tradition ofceramics dating backhundreds of years, includingsome of the most famousnames in pottery.

“But we also have a vibrant,happening modern ceramicsscene with companies likeEmma Bridgewater leading

the way in trendy pottery andaccessories. The Extreme TeaDrinking competition leadspeople to our website whichshows there is literallysomething for everyone inStoke-on-Trent.”

The competition is beingpromoted through Twitter,Facebook and Flickr socialnetworking sites and thewinners could scoop trendyprizes including the latest flipvideo cameras, VIP passes toAlton Towers and a weekendsampling the city’s delights.

Residents can take partin the competition.Anyone who wants toenter an extreme teadrinking photo should goto www.visitstoke.co.uk

BLURTON FARM: The newlyre-vamped £653,000 St AlbansCommunity Centre is beingopened at the end of themonth. The multi-functionalFinstock Avenue centre hasbeen transformed and nowincludes a café. A free fun dayis being laid on during theopening on 31 July at 1pmincluding a circus skillsworkshop, bouncy castle andface painting.

BLURTON: Hem HeathBowling Club is encouragingnew members to join. The cluboperates next to LongtonCricket Club off Ripon Roadmost days of the week and isopen to all ages. It has a juniorteam and promotes bowling asa great social activity and wayof staying mentally andphysically fit. Pete Dudley on01782 613130 has moreinformation about the club.

FENTON: Play equipment hasbeen installed at Foley Fieldsoff Goldenhill Road.Groundworks secured fundingas part of a year long projectwith Staffordshire Universityand the city council in whichthe Youth and Play Service hasbeen holding sessions in thefields and reaching out toyoung people.

HARTSHILL: The Tea at Twoover 50s social group is goingfrom strength to strength andis now so popular it runs on afortnightly basis. The group,which operates from theMinton Community Centre,serves refreshments, lays onfree entertainment andorganises social outings. CallMargaret Simpson on 01782614374 for more information.

DownYourWayNews from

South WesternNeighbourhood

PENKHULL: New playequipment is now in place at are-vamped Richmond StreetPark. The modernisation workincludes slides, swings,climbing frames and footballposts. A deployable CCTVcamera ensures protection forthe equipment and thechildren using the play area. Afree fun day is being stagedduring a grand opening on7 August. A variety of StreetGames sessions are also beingstaged at the site.

READERS can win a children’s birthday party at historic Ford GreenHall in our great competition.

A lucky child and up to 14 friends could celebrate in style bydressing up in Elizabethan costume, making masks and puppetsand enjoying some historic storytelling.

The birthday boy or girl will go away with a free goody bag – andmuseum staff at the city’s oldest house will even provide the cake.

To enter the competition, just write 100 words on why you wouldlike to hold your birthday party at Ford Green Hall, using yourimagination to travel back in time to describe a traditional Tudor orElizabethan party.

Museum Manager Malgosia Phillips said:“Ford Green Hall is anideal setting for the birthday boy or girl to be treated like a princeor princess for the day and to hold court by being treated likeroyalty. The competition is an opportunity to win a fantastic freeexperience and ensure a truly memorable birthday celebration.”

Ford Green Hall is a 17th century timber-framed farmhousecomplete with period garden, and was home to the Ford family foralmost 200 years.

Now an award-winning museum, the hall offers visitors afascinating insight into the life of the 17th century.

Entries for the competition can be sent by email tomuseums@stoke.gov.uk or posted to The PotteriesMuseum & Art Gallery, c/o Marketing Department,Bethesda Street, City Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 3DW.The closing date for entries is 31 August 2010.

Please mark all correspondence “Birthday PartyCompetition” and include your name, address andtelephone details.

WIN a children’s birthdayparty with a difference athistoric Ford Green Hall

It’s tea-time forextreme cuppas

TEATIME TERROR... Front row: Tim Sharman, Sam

Hall. Back row: Julie Obada, Claire Williams and

Sarah Matthews – all of the city's tourism

service – launch the Extreme Tea Drinking

Campaign on the new th13teen roller

coaster at Alton Towers.

Left, Jedward support the campaign by

posing with a cuppa at the 2010 Live concert.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY:Museum assistants PamMincher, left, and Nicky

Gane complete withTudor dress and a cake

outside Ford Green Hall.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY.The winning party must agree tobeing photographed and givepermission for the images to be usedfor publicity purposes. A copy of thephotographs will be provided to thechild on CD-rom as part of the prize.Birthday parties at Ford Green Hall

last around two hours and areavailable on Sundays between 2pmand 4pm.There is a maximum limit of15 children and the party prize mustbe booked before 31 March 2011.Drinks will be provided and parentsare welcome to bring their own partyfood (non-refrigerated items only).

Wewould also like

to hear your viewson Our City magazine.

Please include with your entry, email to

ourcity@stoke.gov.ukor write to Freepost

Our City.

COMPETITION

Our City p17 1/7/10 13:13 Page 1

18 Our City JULY 2010

Creating a healthier and safer city

AN INNOVATIVEproject is giving elderlyand vulnerable peoplepeace of mind byenhancing security intheir homes. TheHandyman scheme hasbeen expanded to helppeople affected byburglary.

Anyone who is the victimof a crime at their home isreferred to the Safer CityPartnership-co-ordinatedproject by StaffordshirePolice.

Subject to a survey,security devices such asbolts, chains, window locksand intercom systemscould be installed. Peopleare given safety advice andreferred to other services ifnecessary.

The Safer CityPartnership pays for theequipment. Revival HomeImprovements, themaintenance arm ofStaffordshire HousingAssociation, provides thelabour free.

The latest phase buildson work carried out byRevival along with BeatThe Cold and the SaferCity Partnership over thelast two years.

Safer NeighbourhoodsProgramme Lead MikeBrunt said: “Originally wehelped these twoorganisations successfully

bid for money to deliverthe Handyman scheme ona city-wide level and it hada real impact.

“Following on from thatsuccess we have nowrefined the scheme totarget the elderly andvulnerable who have beenaffected by crime.

“It provides peace of

mind and reducesburglaries.

“In the last 12 monthswe have noticed asignificant reduction inburglaries. They are downfrom 1,635 to 1,341 andthe Handyman scheme hasplayed a significant part inthis.”

STUDENTS who leave theirrented accommodation for thelast time after the end of theircourses at university are beingtargeted as part of a big clean-upoperation run by the Safer CityPartnership.

Two skips were set up in Sheltonallowing departing tenants todispose of old furniture or otherunwanted items without littering

the local neighbourhood.Pete Hall, Safer City Partnership

Fire Officer, said:“In the past wehave seen students clearing outtheir rented rooms after finishinguniversity who leave unwanteditems in alleyways or on theroadside.

“This has an antisocial knock-oneffect, because not only is itunsightly and can attract vermin,

but it is also a potential fire hazard.In previous years we have carriedout environmental clean-ups afterthe students have gone – but thiscan be costly.

“So we decided that, by bringingin the skips, we can actively helpstudents get rid of their unwanteditems responsibly and also cutdown on the cost of a clean-up at alater stage.”

Home burglary reduced byalmost 20 per cent

Young People’sDrug Projectis expanded

Skips prevent fly-tipping problems

Pete Hall, left, Safer CityPartnership Fire Officer, loads anold armchair into a skip with thehelp of Gareth Barron, StaffordshireUniversity Student ActivitiesOfficer, and Vanessa Brumby,an Education Officer at the university.

Project DevelopmentWorker Steve Morrey,centre, withvolunteers Stevie LeeColclough, left, andAmber-RoseHarrington examinedrug samples on theBuzz mobile unit.

TWO Drug, Alcohol and TobaccoAdvisors have been appointed by theSafer City Partnership to work withschools.

The Young People’s Substance MisuseNeeds Assessment 2008 identified theneed for the posts and subsequently twoyears of funding was secured from

NHS Stoke on Trent and localGovernment.The advisors will helpschools provide this information in linewith national standards.

They will also ensure that teachers arecompetent and confident to deliverdrug, alcohol and tobacco educationsessions.

New advisors to help teachers

THE team behind thesuccessful Young People’sDrug Project has expandedto provide a service tomore children and youngpeople.

Six full-time and foursessional staff now work forthe scheme, whichidentifies and helps youngpeople vulnerable to drugand alcohol misuse.

In 2008 the projecthelped to increasesubstance misuseawareness to more than1,500 young people. Schoolattendance, physical and

mental health andemotional wellbeing wasimproved for many youngpeople. Their substancemisuse was also reduced.

Diane Morgan, YoungPeople’s lead, said:“Basedon the project’s success, itwas developed further toreach more young people.”

One aspect of the team’swork is outreach workersvisiting targeted areas in aspecial ‘Buzz’ mobile unit toconnect with youngpeople. An extra benefit is areduction in alcohol-relatedantisocial behaviour.

Our City p18/19 1/7/10 13:58 Page 1

J U LY 2 0 1 0 Our City 19

WHEN Steve Wilshaw wasoffered the chance ofemployment with one of the

country’s top construction andproperty maintenance companies, it’ssafe to say it transformed his lifecompletely.

Steve had just left Featherstone Prison –the final chapter in a 15-year spell of his life,which had spiralled into petty crime and aseries of convictions.

During his last few months in prison Steveenrolled onto a painting and decorating courseas part of the City Break project provided bythe Safer City Partnership and Stoke on TrentCollege.

The scheme is set up to give people leavingprison the chance to gain training, workexperience or employment, buildself-confidence and ultimately reduce thechances of re-offending.

For Steve, it was just the kick-start heneeded, as it led to him being offered a traineepainting and decorating job with Seddon, oneof the area’s best-known constructioncompanies.

More than five years on and the father ofthree is still working for the company, hasgained a whole set of new qualifications and,most importantly, has left his earlier life ofcrime far behind.

A fresh start

Steve, 41, said: “It has transformed my lifeand although I’m open about my past I haveleft it a long way behind me. The scheme andSeddon gave me the opportunity I needed tosecure a job and prove to the people close tome, like my family, that I had turned over anew leaf.

“Seddon put a lot of trust in me in the firstplace and I will always be grateful for thechance I got. I can now hold my head up high.My dad says that he is proud of me again –and that sums up everything that has changedin my life for the better.”

Steve now works with Seddon throughoutthe north west, particularly on social housingprojects. He has gained his NVQ Level 2 inPainting and Decorating, holds various healthand safety certificates and is trained in usingmachinery such as a “cherry picker” boom lift.

He is even working as an “ambassador” forthe City Break project now and goes intoprisons to encourage others to get involved.

Seddon Contract Manager John Tilstonesaid: “I can’t praise Steve enough. He is avalued part of the team, always enthusiasticabout his work and looking to better himselfwith extra training and qualifications.”

Dawn Cliff, Reducing Re-offendingProgramme Lead, said: “One of our prioritiesis to a deliver a plan which reduces

re-offending and promotes rehabilitation.The City Break project is a major factor inaccomplishing this.”● Any businesses that would like to learnmore about taking part in the City Breakproject should call Stoke on Trent Collegeon 01782 603603 or emailemployerservices@stokecoll.ac.uk

A two-page special Our City report

A SPECIAL team of five new PoliceCommunity Support Officers hasbeen recruited by the Safer CityPartnership to tackle antisocialbehaviour on a city-wide scale.

The new officers are deployedinto antisocial hotspots when andwhere they are needed to detertrouble.

The presence of more highlyvisible uniformed officers – whowork with the localneighbourhood policing unitsand neighbourhoodmanagement staff – also creates

peace of mind for residents andreduces the fear of crime.

Bill James, Respect ProgrammeLead, said:“This is a multi-agencyscheme involving the city council,Staffordshire Police and other

agencies to clamp down onantisocial behaviour. Through thispartnership approach we aredetermined to tackle antisocialbehaviour, and recruiting PCSOs isa big part of that.”

Following the initial success ofthe scheme the Safer CityPartnership is now looking torecruit five more PCSOs to expandthe project. These are likely to bein post by the end of October.

Ex-offender’s job chance transforms his life

RESIDENTS’ groups inTunstall have been askedto come up withimaginative ways oftackling antisocialbehaviour.

The Safer CityPartnership askedcommunities to suggestprojects that could reducedisorder or crime in theirneighbourhood.

Around £12,000 worth offunding has beenprovided. The best ideaswill receive a share of themoney to put the ideasinto practice.

To set the ball rolling, aninteractive workshop washeld at Norton Cricket Clubso members of the publiccould get a feel for thekinds of projects that couldmake a difference.

Ruth Kemp, of the SaferCity Partnership, said:“This is a great way ofempowering residents andhelping them tackleantisocial behaviour intheir neighbourhood.”

A NEW solicitor has beenappointed by the Safer CityPartnership to tackleantisocial behaviour.

Lionel Desa is an expertlitigator specialising inantisocial behaviour. Hehas more than 10 yearsexperience working withpartnerships.

In his new role, he liaiseswith the Safer CityPartnership and the CourtsService to gain AntisocialBehaviour Orders (ASBOs)and Antisocial BehaviourInjunctions (ASBIs).

Lionel said:“There arevarious solutions availableto us from ASBOs anddemoting secure tenanciesto injunctions. If ASBOs arebreached custodialsentences can be given.

“This is a challengingrole for me and the SaferCity Partnership but we areworking hard to cutantisocial behaviour in allits forms.”

My dad saysthat he is proud

of me again –and that sums up

everything thathas changed in my

life for the better.STEVE WILSHAW

Residents’groups helpto cut crimeand disorder

Specialistsolicitorjoins team

New officers to tackle antisocial behaviour

‘‘’’

GOING UP IN THE WORLD:

Painter anddecorator Steve

Wilshaw, right, withhis colleague atSeddon’s Steve

Hancock.

Our City p18/19 1/7/10 16:38 Page 2

20 Our City JULY 2010

CYCLE-FRIENDLYStoke-on-Trent is offering bikeriders new ways to experience

the scenic magic of its greencorridors where exploring on twowheels is tranquil and traffic-free.

The greenways and canal towpaths – one ofthe best off-road cycle networks in thecountry – can now be travelled along loopedroutes using a series of maps produced by thecity council’s CycleStoke team.

Many of the 161 kilometres of cycle routesare leafy pathways tucked away inthe core of the city itself, leadingout through open spaces to placeslike Newcastle-under-Lyme andthe Staffordshire Moorlands.

The peaceful green arteries,often old railway lines which havebeen surfaced, guarantee aleisurely means of uncoveringhidden charms of the city and itssurrounding area.

The eight route maps revealing the “countryin the city” routes are user-friendly, and areaccompanied by an overview leaflet givingdetails of each looped course with a grading ofthe journey. Many can be joined together tocreate longer routes.

“Information about the length of the rides,and the time they will take to complete, issupplied along with hints and tips aboutcycling. The highlighted routes vary in lengthfrom an easy six-mile loop between theBritannia Stadium and Trentham, to amoderate 14-mile ride from Ford Green toBiddulph Grange.”

The maps have been compiled with the aimof introducing cyclists to ways to get aroundthe city and beyond with hardly any roadriding, and at their own speed.

They will be of special value to participantsin the Leisurely Cycle Rides organised byvolunteers on the third Sunday of eachmonth, covering each of the routes in turn.

Maps can be downloaded by visitingcyclestoke.co.uk

To request a copy in the post, or for moredetails about the Leisurely Cycle Rides, emailcyclestoke@stoke.gov.uk or call 01782238692.

Stoke-on-Trent has been awarded therare Cycling City status by CyclingEngland. The CycleStoke team at the citycouncil aims to double cycling in the cityby 2011.

PHAB Freewheelers, theBurslem-based social groupfor physically disabled andable bodied people, isinviting members past andpresent to log on theirnewly-launched Facebookonline social networkingsite.

The aim is to reunite pastand present members ofthe 37-year-old groupformed to encourage thosewith and without physicaldisabilities to share funactivities, make new friendsand learn new skills.

The Freewheelers meetevery alternate Thursday atthe Burslem Day Centre,and new members andvolunteers are alwayswelcome.

Development Officer PaulAustin said:“The site is formembers past and present.A few members from yearsgone by have alreadyjoined our Facebook pageand we would like to hearfrom more so they cancatch up with old friends,talk about old times andget to know the presentgroup members.”

He added:“We have a veryactive group but there isalways room for moremembers and volunteers.The group offers everyonethe chance to make newfriends, and opportunities togo to places and do thingsthey’ve never done before.”

For more details aboutthe Facebook page or aboutjoining Phab Freewheelersas a member or volunteer,phone Paul on 01782812625, email him onkatrina.paul@hotmail.co.ukor visit the group’s websiteat phab freewheelers.org.uk

A WIDE range of National Bike Week activitiesin Stoke-on-Trent encouraged local people toget more out of life by taking to two wheels.

The “Wheely Fun” annual event, sponsoredby Team Great Britain, demonstrated thehealth, social and environmental benefits ofcycling.

Held from 19-27 June, the week-long,cycle-packed programme began with a SanityFair in the city centre featuring an ExtremeMountain Bike Display and an easy “get onyour bike” ride to demonstrate the freedom ofbeing in the saddle.

Free Bikeability Level 2 cycling training wasprovided at the Dimensions Leisure Centre,Burslem and Fenton Manor.

Also featured were a ladies-only eveningleisurely ride, mountain bike training, a cycletour of the remaining bottle ovens in the cityand a treasure hunt.

Emily Robinson, Cycling City ProjectManager at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:“Our aim during National Bike Week was topromote everyday cycling for everyone, and wewant to continue doing this throughout theyear. CycleStoke has a vast array of freetraining, rides and route improvements to easepeople on to two wheels.”

Visit cyclestoke.co.uk for more informationor email cyclestoke@stoke.gov.uk to sign up toour e-newsletter.● Stoke became the only city in the UK tostage a professional women’s race as part ofthe televised Halford’s Tour Series which wasonce again held in the centre, on 17 June.

CYCLESTOKE is organising avariety of free rides,training and activitiesthroughout the summer –so sign up for their regularnewsletter by visitingcyclestoke.co.ukalternatively emailcyclestoke@stoke.gov.uk ortelephone 01782 238692.

Bikeability courses arebeing held at Port ValeFootball Club, Stoke CityFootball Club, FentonManor, Dimensions and theWallace Centre duringAugust, and a circularLeisurely Cycle Ride will runfrom Central Forest Park viaHanley Park and AcreswoodPark on 15 August.

Facebooksite aims toreunitemembers

Promoting everyday cycling for everyone

Summeractivities

Cycling training instructor Mike Bolton, left, takesJessica Cartwright, aged 16, and her father Simon

Cartwright on a ride to show how canal towpaths canbe used to cycle in and out of the city centre.

Maps to help cyclists explorecity’s green routes

Maps to help cyclists explorecity’s green routes

Maps to help cyclists explorecity’s green routes

Maps to help cyclists explorecity’s green routes

Maps to help cyclists explorecity’s green routes

Maps to help cyclists explorecity’s green routes

Maps to help cyclists explorecity’s green routes

Maps to help cyclists explorecity’s green routes

Maps to help cyclists explorecity’s green routes

TylerSurtees, aged

10, who enjoyscycling on the city

greenways with hisfamily, shows a couple

of the Leisurely Cycle Rides

maps.

Our City p20 1/7/10 13:55 Page 1

A WIDE–REACHING publicreview is underway which islooking at how the citycouncil allows disabledresidents to apply for a buspass.

The consultation whichbegan in June and runs for11 weeks until the endAugust is being conductedwith six disabled charitiesand more than 200 passholders.

The aim is to improve thecurrent system to ensurethat only residents whoqualify for a bus passreceive one, and to allowdisabled people to have apass for three years ratherthan one.

The new method ofissuing passes will notaffect people whoautomatically qualify, butthose who apply using amedical recommendationform signed by their doctor.

Anyone who has one ofthe following documentsautomatically qualifies:

● BD8 or CVI form.

● Registration withsensory loss team.

● Registration with socialservices as having alearning disability.

● Higher rate DisabilityLiving Allowance for helpwith getting around.

● War pensioners mobilitysupplement.

● Letter from DVLA.

Councillor Brian Ward,Cabinet Member forHousing, Planning andTransportation, said: “Theconsultation process is avital part in making surethat the plans the citycouncil have put togethermeet the needs of thepublic. By getting viewsfrom people who willactually feel the effects, wecan make sure that thechanges will serve thecommunity in the bestpossible way.”

Residents who wantfurther information or acopy of the consultationand feedback form cancontact the ConcessionaryFares Scheme Officer,Passenger Transport, CivicCentre, Glebe Street, Stoke,ST4 1RF, telephone 01782235995, emailtransportation@stoke.gov.uk or go to the city council’swebsitestoke.gov.uk/concessionaryfares

AS strange as it may seem, to many people the“rules” of bus travel are a complete mystery.

Transport experts believe this uncertainty even putssome people off using public transport when it wouldbe the cheapest and most convenient way for them totravel.

But the truth of the matter is it is really very simple– as simple as one, two, three. So here are three easysteps to give people the confidence to catch the bus:

� STEP ONE – checking when the bus is due. So,you’ve got your information and now you are at thebus stop. What now? Well, at the bus stop there willeither be a printed timetable confirming your bustimes or there will be an eight-digit reference codewhich you can text to 84268 for details of the nextfew buses due to arrive at the stop.

� STEP TWO – getting on the bus and paying. Putyour hand out as the bus approaches to signal the busto stop. Then, you simply tell the driver where youwish to go and he/she will tell you the correct fare. Ifyou are not sure of the best ticket for you – single,return, day ticket etc – then just ask.� STEP THREE – getting off the bus. When you wishto get off the bus, simply press the bell on the busand the driver will stop at the next stop. Please feelfree to ask the driver where the bus picks up for thereturn journey.You’re at your destination… and itwas as easy as one-two-three.

■ If you have any questions about public transportcontact the city council at transportation@stoke.gov.uk or call us on 01782 234500.

USING postcodes to guideSat Navs is becoming moreand more popular formotorists… now the samebenefit is available foranyone planning a journeyby public transport.

Whether it is a longdistance journey by rail, alocal bus journey, or acombination of both, peoplecan click on a website andwork out the best way to getfrom A to B.

Would-be travellers canlog onto www.traveline.infoand simply type in theirstart and finish post codes.

They can also choose fromvarious travel options – forexample the fastest route orthe fewest changes – andthey will receive a fullydetailed description of thebest journey tailored totheir individuals needs.

This will include an easyto understand map showingfull journey details.

The site is easy andcompletely free to use andreally takes any hassle outof planning a journey bypublic transport.

The fact it can be tailoredto suit so many differentrequirements also makes itan invaluable online tool.

THIS issue of Our Cityincludes a free copyof the North

Staffordshire Bus NetworkGuide – a valuablecompanion to travelling bypublic transport in the city.

The pocket-sized, fold-awayguide gives people everything theyneed to have the confidence touse the local bus service, whetherit is to start using it moreregularly to go to work, or theshops or just for emergencies.

One of the most noticeablethings highlighted is that much ofthe city has a reliable and frequentbus service – at least every 10minutes – so customers can justturn up and go.

The guide also includes an easyto follow colour-coded

“overground” map of all themajor routes and servicesthroughout the city andsurrounding North Staffordshirearea.

There is also a simple guide tobus fares in North Staffordshireso people can see at a glance whatthey have to pay.

However, for those who wantmore precise information – suchas exactly where the nearest busstop is, or the exact time the busgoes – there is plenty moreinformation out there too.

The easiest way is to callTraveline on 0871 200 22 33 orto go onto the Traveline website atwww.traveline.info

The city council’s PassengerTransport Team Manager BrianEdwards said: “The guide is aconvenient and handy-sized way

of accessing the information youneed about using the local busnetwork.

“So, please keep it in a safeplace and it will always be at handwhen you next need to use thebus.”

Anyone who doesn’t receivea copy of the Guide with theirOur City should contact thePassenger Transport Team on01782 234500 or emailtransportation@stoke.gov.uk

A Sat Navfor publictransport

Valuableguide to services

Reviewunderwayon howdisabledresidentsapply forpasses

steps to easy bus travel

Pensioner Beryl Shingley withone of the North StaffordshireBus Network Guides.

Philip Davies checks the newand improved timetables at abus stop in Stoke town centre.

JULY 2010 Our City 21

3

Our City p21 1/7/10 13:19 Page 1

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

BENTILEE 01782 231300

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

BURSLEM 0300 123 0979

WHITFIELD VALLEY 01782 425720

FENTON 01782 743100

HANFORD (Main) 0300 123 0974Children's Airway 0300 123 0977Support Team

HANLEY 0300 123 0980

LONGTON 0300 123 0993

LONGTON COTTAGE 0300 123 0993HOSPITAL

MEIR 01782 425676

NORTON 01782 534599

PACKMOOR 01782 794600

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

SMALLTHORNE 0300 123 0982

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

TRENT VALE 01782 425260

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

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

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

HEALTH CENTRESYourYour

For all city council services

contact 234234

Fire & Rescue contact numbers S-O-T AREACOMMANDAREA COMMANDER

Wayne Bowcock01785 898894

ASSISTANT AREA

COMMANDER

– LONGTON

Glynn Luznyj01785 898693

ASSISTANT AREA

COMMANDER

– HANLEY

Andy Leedham01785 898765

ASSISTANT AREA

COMMANDER

– BURSLEM

Ruth Watchorn-Rice01785 898554

HEAD OF

STOKE-ON-TRENT

RISK REDUCTION

Kelvin Knapper01785 898882

ADMINISTRATION

MANAGER

Paula Goodwin

01785 898895

COMMUNITY

SAFETY

ENFORCEMENT

OFFICERS

Chris Thompson

01785 898883

Dave Gallimore

01785 898885

Paul Shaw

01785 898755

RISK REDUCTION

OFFICERS

Donna Broadhead

01785 898904

Jim Taaffe

01785 898976

Rehana Iqbal

01785 898891

Tracey Cresswell

Longton

01785 898951

Neil Cheshire

Burslem

01785 898498

Mick Warillow

Hanley

01785 898902

Pete Hall

Safer City

Partnership Officer

07967 573263

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

IT was just a car airfreshener hanging fromthe rear view driving

mirror… but it was enoughfor a crime busting hi-techpolice/city councilpartnership to bring one ofthe city’s most prolific “fueldrive off” thieves to justice.

The vital piece of evidence wascaptured by the Automatic NumberPlate Recognition technology usedby the city council’s CommunityCCTV Centre to help police trackdown criminals in the city.

And its latest success comes as awarning to motorists thinking ofcarrying out a “drive-off” – fillingup with petrol then driving fromthe service station without payingfor the fuel.

This sort of offence is on theincrease as the price of petrol anddiesel has soared at the pumps, butin Stoke-on-Trent there’s a goodchance that vehicles used in thissort of crime will be caught onCCTV and identified.

That’s what happened to a22-year-old Trentham man whocommitted a string of drive-offsusing a series of different stolennumber plates on his car to avoiddetection.

Captured on camera

Each stolen number plate usedwas captured on CCTV at servicestations where the scam was carriedout and police passed these detailsto the city council’s CCTV Centreteam in Hanley which wasautomatically alerted when one ofthe plates was captured on camera.

Each time the suspect carappeared the community CCTVcameras were activated to zoom infor close-up shots that might revealanything that could identify thevehicle and its driver.

Even though this vehicleappeared on camera with differentnumber plates, the CCTVoperators used their sophisticatedequipment to determine that ineach sighting the tax disc wasdisplayed in the same position onthe windscreen – and that

distinctive air freshener couldclearly be seen.

It wasn’t long before police foundout the genuine registration of thevehicle and arrested the owner, whoadmitted to a long list of fuel andnumber plate thefts.

Magistrates gave the driver a12 month community order, whichincluded 40 hours unpaid work andhe was ordered to pay for the petrolhe had stolen.

Chief Inspector Wayne Jones said:“This has been an excellentinvestigation using some of thelatest technology to allow us tobring charges against thisindividual. I have no doubt moreoffenders will be caught byourselves and our partners as aresult of how we work together.

Serious offence

“So-called drive off incidents areon the increase, but working withthe city council and service stationsthere is a very good chance thatCCTV technology will help us tocatch those who commit this typeof crime.”

Chief Inspector Jones added:“Some may not regard drive offtheft as a crime, but it is a seriousoffence which causes significantlosses to businesses, the cost ofwhich is ultimately paid for byother road users in higher pumpprices.”

Jason Handy, Operations andDevelopment Manager at the citycouncil’s CCTV Centre, said:“Effective partnership with thepolice works both ways. When oursystem picks up somethingsuspicious we pass the informationto the police.

“Also, the police can feed usdetails of a suspect vehicle withcertain markings or other identifyingfeatures, and, between us, oursystems will filter these details so wewill be alerted if the vehicle entersthe city. From then on our operatorswill keep track of the vehicle so weare able to keep police informedabout its precise location.

“This technology has proved tobe particularly effective in dealingwith drive off incidents at servicestations.”

Hi-tech teamwork tracks down

prolific fuel thief

22 Our City J U LY 2 0 1 0

A member ofthe city council’s

CCTV Centre teammonitors banks of

screens usingstate-of-the-art

computertechnology.

Our City p22 1/7/10 13:24 Page 1

J U LY 2 0 1 0 Our City 23

Berryhill and Hanley East

RITA DALE (City Independents)(01782) 267451 rita.dale@stoke.gov.uk

ADRIAN KNAPPER(Labour) 07714 334453adrian.knapper@stoke.gov.uk

JOHN DAVIS(City Independents)(01782) 26412607786 440876john.davis@stoke.gov.uk

Abbey Green

ELLIE WALKER(Non-aligned)(01782) 39787007917 854352ellie.walker@stoke.gov.uk

GWEN HASSALL(Labour)(01782) 26316607851 751813gwen.hassall@stoke.gov.uk

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

Bentilee and Townsend

STEVEN BATKIN(BNP) (01782) 859054steven.batkin@stoke.gov.uk

MERVIN SMITH (Labour)(01782) 53721107891 395199mervin.smith@stoke.gov.uk

DAVID MARFLEET (BNP)(01782) 876661 07745 157918david.marfleet@stoke.gov.uk

Blurton

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

BRIAN WARD(City Independents)(01782) 312670 07879 115704brian.ward@stoke.gov.uk

MARGARET BARBER(Labour)(01782) 30551407825 882059margaret.barber@stoke.gov.uk

Burslem North

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

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

JOY GARNER (Labour)(01782) 768846 07986 442770joy.garner@stoke.gov.uk

Burslem South

JAVID IQBAL NAJMI (Labour)07846 879920javid.najmi@stoke.gov.uk

DEBRA GRATTON (Labour)07748 251695debra.gratton@stoke.gov.uk

MOHAMMED PERVEZ(Labour)01782 23246807584 407273mohammed.pervez@stoke.gov.uk

Chell and Packmoor

TONY FRADLEY(Labour)07919 528515tony.fradley@stoke.gov.uk

PETER KENT-BAGULEY (Non-aligned)07773 464626peter.kent-baguley@stoke.gov.uk

JANINE BRIDGES(Non-aligned Group)(01782) 85184207989 385631janine.bridges@stoke.gov.uk

East Valley

HAZEL LYTH(Conservative &Independent Alliance)07825 732680hazel.lyth@stoke.gov.uk

MATT WILCOX(Labour)07810 825600matt.wilcox@stoke.gov.uk

JOANNE POWELL-BECKETT (Cons &Independent Alliance)07816 518275joanne.powell-beckett@stoke.gov.uk

Hanley West and Shelton

ZULFIQAR ALI (Liberal Democrat)07838 262062zulfiqar.ali@stoke.gov.uk

AMJID WAZIR (Labour)07747 830461amjid.wazir@stoke.gov.uk

MOHAMMAD IQBAL (Labour) (01782) 26689307792 071266mohammed.iqbal@stoke.gov.uk

Hartshill and Penkhull

KASSEM AL-KHATIB(Labour) (01782) 849823kassem.al-khatib@stoke.gov.uk

RANDOLPH CONTEH(City Independents) (01782) 256869randolph.conteh@stoke.gov.uk

BARBARA BEESTON (City Independents) (01782) 61207207729 896622barbara.beeston@stoke.gov.uk

Fenton

MICK BELL(City Independents) (01782) 847760mick.bell@stoke.gov.uk

SARAH HILL(Labour)(01782) 84504407833 249272sarah.hill@stoke.gov.uk

PAUL SHOTTON(Labour)07805 638609paul.shotton@ stoke.gov.uk

Longton North

MARK DAVIS (Labour)07813 473625mark.davis@stoke.gov.uk

TOM REYNOLDS(Labour)(01782) 34229507850 828717tom.reynolds@stoke.gov.uk

DENVER TOLLEY(Labour)(01782) 316815 07799 032939denver.tolley@stoke.gov.uk

Longton South

BAGH ALI(Labour)(01782) 34324607973 848428bagh.ali@stoke.gov.uk

OLWEN HAMER(Labour)(01782) 657133olwen.hamer@stoke.gov.uk

MICHAEL BARNES(Non-aligned Group)(01782) 87006507850 939611michael.barnes@stoke.gov.uk

Meir Park and Sandon

CLIVE BRIAN (Conservative &Independent Alliance)(01782) 31570207584 174484clive.brian@stoke.gov.uk

JOHN BURGESS(BNP)(01782) 39439707889 137308john.burgess@stoke.gov.uk

ABI BROWN(Conservative &Independent Alliance)07793 844169abi.brown@stoke.gov.uk

Northwood and Birches Head

DAVE SUTTON(Liberal Democrat)(01782) 54299807512 564815dave.sutton@stoke.gov.uk

JEAN BOWERS (Liberal Democrat)(01782) 26261307712 350430jean.bowers@stoke.gov.uk

KIERAN CLARKE (Liberal Democrat)(01782) 78801007886 358143kieran.clarke@stoke.gov.uk

Norton and Bradeley

ALAN RIGBY(Christian Independent) (01782) 542364 07790 374152alan.rigby@stoke.gov.uk

MICK SALIH(Non-aligned Group)(01782) 53354207977 843026mick.salih@stoke.gov.uk

DUNCAN WALKER(Labour)(01782) 533198duncan.walker@stoke.gov.uk

Stoke and Trent Vale

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

JEREMY DILLON(Labour)07505 777571jeremy.dillon@stoke.gov.uk

PAULINE JOYNSON(Non-aligned Group)(01782) 41368307813 836057pauline.joynson@stoke.gov.uk

Trentham and Hanford

TERENCE FOLLOWS(City Independents) (01782) 31812707944 055379terence.follows@stoke.gov.uk

MARK WRIGHT(Conservative &Independent Alliance)(01782) 64265307814 744775mark.wright@stoke.gov.uk

ROSS IRVING(Conservative &Independent Alliance)(01782) 335982 07900 135565ross.irving@stoke.gov.uk

Tunstall

MEGAN RYAN(Conservative &Independent Alliance)(01782) 86676107903 458768megan.ryan@stoke.gov.uk

MOHAMMED MATLOOB(Labour)(01782) 57765807811 147372mohammed.matloob@stoke.gov.uk

MAJID KHAN(Labour)07989 441707majid.khan@stoke.gov.uk

Weston and Meir North

MICHAEL COLEMAN (BNP)(01782) 31169707926 532922michael.coleman@stoke.gov.uk

JOHN DANIELS (Conservative &Independent Alliance)(01782) 39678007885 894804john.daniels@stoke.gov.uk

RUTH ROSENAU(Labour)(01782) 50194007870 503575ruth.rosenau@stoke.gov.uk

COUNCILLORSYourYour

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

Our City p23 1/7/10 13:24 Page 1

Our City is published by a partnership of

Stoke-on-Trent City Council, NHS Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire

Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue and Job Centre Plus

Contact us by mail at FREEPOST Our City or by email at ourcity@stoke.gov.uk or telephone 01782 236703

24 Our City J U LY 2 0 1 0

TOP cycling event the Tour ofBritain returns to the city for thethird year running with the high-profile stage starting on thehistoric streets of Burslem.

Cyclists from all over the worldwill complete the race which willfinish in the city centre after theycomplete a gruelling coursethrough North Staffordshire.

The action takes place on 12September and is sure to attractcrowds of thousands aftersuccessful tour stages came to

the city in 2008 and 2009.On the big day there will also

be family and community eventstaking place in the city centre.

City Council Leader CouncillorMohammed Pervez said:“TheTour of Britain is a prestigiousevent for the city to host and weare delighted to welcome the raceback for the third year running.

“It promises to be anothergreat day, and the start inBurslem will add anotherdimension.”

INTERNET radio and a range of newtechnologies are being used to reach outto the young people of Stoke-on-Trent.

Uth Services at the city council are using radio,Bluetooth, a new website, social networking sitesand a virtual youth worker to get moreinformation across.

SoniQ Radio is a new 24-hour, sevendays a week station on the youthservices website featuring five youngpeople presenting music, interviewsand information aimed at 13 to 19year olds.Youth developmentworkers are overseeing the mainlypre-recorded material.

Bluetooth is being used torelay messages from a fleet ofyouth service vehicles and toteenagers passing youthcentres around the city whilethe new website features aPostitive Activities finder.

Advice and help is on handvia a Virtual Youth Worker onFacebook and a Twitteraccount feeds informationtoo.

Pat Shelley, Head ofYouth Services, said: “Theseare methods and disciplinesyoung people use to keep intouch and communicate andwe need to make sure we tapinto every available resourceto make sure they know wecan be contacted 24/7.”

Youth Development WorkerJohn Simmonds said: “Wewant to be able to reach asmany young people as possibleand for them to feel they canturn to us, whether it’s to findout what’s on at their local youthcentre or if they need advice orhelp with any problems they mighthave.”

To listen to SoniQ Radio and formore information log on atstoke.gov.uk/uthstoke orfacebook.com/uthstoke or twitter.com/uthstoke

HYGIENE teams from the citycouncil won a prestigiousnational award for dishing upinnovative advice.

They joined colleagues fromNewcastle-under-LymeBorough Council to win a FoodChampion award.

The teams had linked up todeliver a six-month campaigneducating small cateringbusinesses about new laws.

PUBLIC services in the city areusing the latest social mediawebsites to give outinformation to the public.

Twitter, Facebook, Flickr andVimeo are used by millions ofpeople seeking informationfrom all over the world.

You can find out more fromthe city council on Twitter attwitter.com/sotcitycouncil orsee the latest photos atwww.flickr.com/photos/stoke-on-trent/

News from StaffordshirePolice is available atwww.facebook.com/staffordshirepolice, while updates andfootage of incidents fromStaffordshire Fire and Rescueservice is at www.vimeo.com/8259295

Service newson socialmedia sites

A TEDDY bear’spicnic was held atMeir Library to helpcelebrateNationalBreast-feedingWeek.

Familieswere encouraged to bringtheir favourite cuddly, furrytoys to the event held lastmonth, which encouragedmums to feel proud andcomfortable with feedingtheir babies.

The NHS-fundedcampaign was delivered inpartnership with the NHSMum2Mum team and wasorganised as part of theBetter Information (BIBH)project.

Food advicewins award

Top cycle race to start in BurslemTop cycle race to start in BurslemTop cycle race to start in BurslemTop cycle race to start in BurslemTop cycle race to start in BurslemTop cycle race to start in BurslemTop cycle race to start in BurslemTop cycle race to start in BurslemTop cycle race to start in Burslem

READY TO BROADCAST...SoniQ Radio DJ AshleyHubszer, aged 19, of Chell.uth

Reaching out to young people with

super SoniQ Radio

A sprint to thefinishing line inStoke-on-Trent

city centre at lastyear’s Tour of Britain.

Teddy bear’spicnic at Meir

Our City p24 1/7/10 13:25 Page 1