LutonlineLuton Borough Council’s newspaper for local people

Issue 133 March 2013 www.luton.gov.uk

www.luton.gov.uk

How fast can you stop on the road?

p3 p5Hundreds prove Luton is in Harmony

A new five-year plan for improving health and wellbeing across Luton’s communities has just been published.

‘A Healthier Future’ sets out the strategy between now and 2017 of the shadow Luton Health and Wellbeing Board.

The document is the first of its kind in Luton and includes specific goals such as increasing life expectancy and reducing infant mortality.

Priorities include ensuring every child and young person has a healthy start in life, having healthier and more independent adults and older people, and reducing health inequalities.

There is also a focus on involving patients and carers in shaping local services, and listening to the views of the public.

Other commitments include the safeguarding of vulnerable people, stronger partnership working, pooled budgets, joint commissioning and improved efficiency.

The strategy further considers how housing, leisure, education and employment can impact on important health issues.

Cllr Hazel Simmons, chair of the shadow board and Leader of Luton Borough Council, said: “We face some real challenges in Luton so it is vitally important that we make it easier for people to access the right service, in the right place and at the right time. This new strategy is our first step towards achieving this.

“Although there will always be a need to deal with illness, this strategy highlights the importance of maintaining good health and prevention, and ensuring that services are planned with this in mind.”

Cllr Simmons added: “In addition to improving health and wellbeing generally, we will also be targeting help towards those families and communities most in need.

“This isn’t just about health and

social care agencies making decisions, this is about patients being equal partners in this process and having their voices heard so that together we can secure a healthy Luton.”

The Shadow Health and Wellbeing Board will take on statutory responsibilities from April 1.

From 1 April, responsibility for local public health improvement and protection is transferring from Luton Primary Care Trust (PCT) to the Council.

The transition of public health teams from PCTs to local authorities is a part of big changes to the National Health Service.

Budgets for public health come from the Department of Health and are set for the next two years. Around £2.2 billion will transfer nationally to councils in England.

Measures are set by the Public Health Outcomes Framework, and these focus on how long and well people live and reducing health inequalities between communities.

Residents can find out how Luton is doing by visiting www.phoutcomes.info.

Cllr Mohammed Ashraf, Portfolio Holder for public health, said: “Health is a necessity not a luxury. It is unacceptable for Luton to have such a difference in health outcomes. Bringing public health back into local government is an opportunity for local people to create a town that prides itself on making health equality a reality.”

Key Council functions from April will include: * health protection incidents * tobacco control and stop smoking services * alcohol and drug misuse * sexual health * public health for children and young people aged from five to 19 years * national child measurement programme * tackling obesity * NHS health checks * campaigns to prevent cancer and long-term conditions * workplace health initiatives * supporting NHS programmes such as immunisation and screening * initiatives to reduce excess winter deaths * mental public health * dental public health.

Could you inspire the next generation?

p13Get on Track with professional athletes p9

New role for the CouncilFive-year plan for

a healthier Luton

● To view the strategy online go to www.luton.gov.uk and search ‘Health and Wellbeing Strategy’.

Lutonline March 20132

Keeping our community safeCrime rates fall again

www.luton.gov.uk

Leader’s column

Cllr Hazel Simmons

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Love to visit parks!

Tell us what you think about your local park at

www.GreenSTAT.org.uk

There are in excess of 19 million visits to parks and

open space in Luton each year*

Keep fit, meet friends or just chill out in your

local park today*Figures provided by Greenspace – calculated from

GreenSTAT national dataset

Because of the Government’s ongoing deficit reduction programme, preparing Luton Borough Council’s budget has been a

particularly challenging process this year.

After the full impact of the public sector funding cuts has been considered, and because of a fundamental change in the way local government is financed by Whitehall, the Council is expecting to have to find savings of £49 million over the next three years.

We have already looked ahead in our ‘Prospectus for Luton’ at how we will seek to tackle this between now and 2016. Now we have entered the decision-making process for 2013/14, and at the time of writing Executive had just agreed the proposals for consideration by Full Council on 20 February.

The report moved by my colleague Cllr Robin Harris, Portfolio Holder for finance, seeks to protect essential frontline services as far as possible while also identifying savings and additional income totalling more than £18.8 million.

It also proposes an increase in the authority’s share of council tax of 2.0 per cent, offset by the Council’s earlier decision to maintain council tax support at existing levels for those who need it most.

This will mean that the most financially vulnerable, those people in Luton currently receiving full benefit, will not be impacted by any tax increase – even though the Council will only receive 90 per cent of the money previously allocated for this by the Government.

The Council is also proposing to decline the Government’s offer of a grant enabling local authorities to freeze council tax because it would create a £1.5m hole in our finances in future years.

Now we do acknowledge that the Government’s provisional grant settlement for 2013/14, announced in late December, represents a temporary reprieve for Luton compared with its proposals in the summer. On the downside however, we already know that we will be substantially £7million worse off in the following two years.

Your Council is therefore recommending that we need to face up to the ongoing financial challenge now rather than delay the inevitable and have to deal with a much bigger problem next year.

Councils have been warned to expect continuing substantial reductions in direct grant over the next five years, so it is right that we do everything possible now to reduce our dependence on the money that comes to us from the Government.

Here in Luton we will also not be dipping into the Council’s reserves as a way of financing ongoing services.

To do so would be highly irresponsible at the best of times, let alone in the current climate when the lead civil servant is advising local authorities that they need to make savings that are permanent and sustainable.

The good news is that a record of strong financial management continues to put Luton Council in a better position than many others. We have already successfully delivered savings of £36 million since 2011 with minimal impact on frontline services.

The budget supports our vision to protect those who most need our help, create the conditions that will encourage business growth and continue to improve opportunities and outcomes for our children and young people.

It includes an additional £2.34 million to meet increasing demand for adult social care services, particularly mental health, drug and alcohol care packages, and also ensures that council tax in Luton remains the lowest in Bedfordshire.

The regrettable reality however is that the increasing scale of the Government’s ongoing spending cuts means it is no longer possible to protect the people of Luton from its effects.

I recognise these are challenging times for council tax payers. The Council too is having to make difficult decisions about how services can be changed, how the impacts of decisions can be mitigated and how the authority can continue transforming itself to meet the challenge.

“Less crime means fewer victims,” said Chief Constable Alf Hitchcock after Bedfordshire Police saw a huge fall in the number of burglaries, criminal damage and violent offences being committed in the 12-month period to September 2012.

More recent figures have also confirmed the trend, with the number of crimes committed between April and December considerably lower again.

“The figures are welcome confirmation that the force is achieving the aim of making the public of Bedfordshire less likely to be a victim of crime than the national average,” said Mr Hitchcock.

“We are not complacent but the significant fall in crime is testimony to the great job the men and women of Bedfordshire Police are doing, day in day out, to fight crime and protect the public against a backdrop of real cuts to resources.”

Bedfordshire has seen some of the largest reductions in crime rates in England and Wales, including a:•12.5percentreductioninoverall

crime•18percentreductionindomestic

burglary•32percentreductioninother

burglary•15percentreductioninviolence

against the person•10percentreductioninvehicle

crime•15percentreductionincriminal

damage

While figures for the 12 months to September 2012 show a slight increase in robbery, the most recent statistics for April to December 2012 reveal a 12 per cent reduction.

Robbery remains a priority for the force, with considerable work under way in schools and colleges in particular to help educate young people on how they can avoid becoming a victim. Most robberies are committed against teenagers who are preyed on by their peers for mobile phones or MP3 players.

Mr Hitchcock added: “Robbery is a difficult crime to tackle but we are committed to reducing it as these latest figures show. We are also detecting around seven per cent more robbery offences.

“Overall these figures show that when it comes to solving crime Bedfordshire Police is now one of the top 20 performing forces in the country.”

Chief Constable Alf Hitchcock

Lutonline March 2013 3

www.luton.gov.uk

New plan for tackling Luton’s empty homes

The Council has written to local householders to advise them about the removal of certain council tax discounts for anyone who owns a second home or empty property in Luton.

From 1 April, owners of any property in the borough which is empty and unfurnished, including those undergoing or in need or major repairs or structural alterations, will no longer be eligible for a discount on council tax.

Anyone owning a second home in Luton will also find they are not eligible for a 10 per cent council tax discount on the property.

The Council is further charging a premium of up to 150 per cent on council tax for homes here which have been empty and substantially unfurnished for two years or more.

Cllr Robin Harris, Portfolio Holder for finance, explained that the changes are being introduced following the Government’s public sector spending

cuts and its new mechanism for funding council tax support.

He said: “The Council has carefully considered Central Government’s funding cuts which cannot be met by efficiencies and savings alone – including savings required for the new

• Helping owners bring their property back into use is a Council priority.

• This includes offering advice about repairs and the possible reduction of VAT, depending how long the property has been empty for.

• The Council’s Empty Homes Grant Scheme can provide a maximum of £30,000 (match-funded by owners) to carry out essential repairs – on condition that the property is handed over to the Luton Community Housing Association on a private sector lease for five years. This vacancy can then

What the Council is doing:

A cocktail of music, dancing and uplifting speeches together with cake and conversation helped hundreds of people from different communities celebrate Luton in Harmony’s third birthday recently.

The event in The Mall on Saturday 2 February carried this year’s theme of ‘many voices, one town’ and was described as “the best ever”.

Tropical FM’s Lee Drummond kept everyone in the party mood alongsiode performances from the Dallow Primary School Choir, Luton in Harmony songsmith James Deacon, street dance crew Unseen Shadows and singer-songwriters Tamara Evelyn and Teela Hughes.

Speakers included Mayor of Luton Cllr Syd Knight, the Council’s Deputy Leader Cllr Sian Timoney,

Hundreds mark Luton in Harmony’s third birthday

‘No more discounts’ for empty and second homes

MPs Gavin Shuker and Kelvin Hopkins, newly-appointed Police and Crime Commissioner Olly Martins, Bedfordshire Police Chief Supt Mike Colbourne, David Jonathan representing Luton Council of Faiths, and Peter Adams from Churches Together.

Independent chair Lloyd Denny said: “I would like to thank everyone who attended the celebration, the many people and volunteers who worked so hard to make it a huge success, and The Mall for hosting us.

“It was fantastic to see so many people signing the pledge committing their support to the campaign. The challenge is to keep up the momentum and strive to help Luton be a harmonious town where we all can live, work and raise our families.”

Discover the true cost to

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and the answers to

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funerallife.com

The Council has recently updated its strategy aimed at bringing up to 600 empty homes in Luton back into use.

The new action plan highlights key ways of tackling the issue, and includes a detailed database with a ‘points’ system that allows the Council to target those empty properties causing the most problems to residents.

A home is said to be empty when it has been unoccupied for more than six months.

But the length of time involved is not the only issue with empty homes, and the Council also considers factors such as the property’s appearance and condition, which can encourage antisocial behaviour, potential squatters and the risk of damage to neighbouring properties.

The database also records enforcement action and complaints.

Cllr Tom Shaw, Portfolio Holder for housing, said: “We are delighted 61 properties have been brought back into use since April 2011 thanks to support from the Council. With so much local pressure on housing, and in the current financial climate, clearly any empty property is one too many.”

Luton Mayor Cllr Syd Knight led the commemorations as Holocaust Memorial Day was marked at the Town Hall on 27 January – the date in 1945 when the largest Nazi killing camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated.

The event’s theme was ‘building bridges’ and saw the lighting of candles in memory of some 11 million victims.

Cllr Knight said: “We are very proud of Luton’s diversity, in fact it’s one of our major strengths and if we can all make the effort to connect with our different communities, together we can create a safer and more harmonious environment that we all can live and work in.”

Remembering the Holocaust

council tax reduction scheme which is replacing council tax benefit – and agreed certain changes to council tax discounts and exemptions from 1 April.

“We need to bring empty homes back into use quickly owing to the shortage of housing in the borough.”

be offered to the Council’s temporary accommodation team.

• The Council also advises accredited landlords about private sector leasing.

• It is always the owner’s decision whether to sell an empty property or rent it out, and the Council has no control over this. But if an owner just leaves a property lying empty, then the Council will consider using a range of powers, including compulsory purchase, enforced sale or empty dwelling management orders, to bring the home back into use.

● To report an empty home, or for specialist advice, call the Council’s empty homes officer Pam Scott on 01582 546370 or email empty.homes@luton.go.uk

James Deacon, right, and the Dallow Primary School Choir, below

www.luton.gov.uk

Lutonline March 20134

Give your views about librariesThe Council is urging residents to give their views on proposals affecting Luton’s libraries.

Following a review, and as a result of the Government’s latest funding cuts, it is proposed to close or move some standalone libraries, house new libraries in existing community centres, and introduce Library Information Points across the town where people can order, pick up and return books.

One additional option is to stop the mobile library service, with the alternative being to keep it by reducing hours at other libraries.

The Council’s vision is that 80 per cent of the population are within one mile of a library.

Cllr Mohammed Ashraf, Portfolio Holder for arts and leisure, said: “We recognise the importance that libraries have in the community, but unfortunately tough decisions need to be made due to the significant cuts to Council funding, and this will inevitably involve reducing services.

“However, we want to hear what people think of these proposals and how they would be affected by them as it is important that our future service still meets the needs of users. If you

can think of other options to meet the necessary savings, this consultation is your opportunity to put your views forward.”

Results of the consultation which runs until 19 April, will be presented to the Council’s Executive in June, and a decision made after that. Luton’s libraries are managed for the Council by Luton Culture.

Would you like a greener garden this summer?Why not make your own compost now?Not only will it save you money, but you will be helping the environment too. By composting at home you can stop a third of your waste going to landfill.

Order your 220-litre* compost bin now for just £15 and get a second for only £7.50.

To take advantage of this exclusive offer fromLuton Borough Council and Evergreener, visit www.luton.getcomposting.com

Please note a delivery charge of £5.49 per order also applies.

*(R.R.P £39.99)+ height 900mms, diameter 740mms

www.luton.gov.uk/recycling

Make a date for Carnival

It’s back! The Council has confirmed that Luton International Carnival will take place this year on Sunday 26 May, with the UK Centre for Carnival Arts (UKCCA) as artistic producers.

The collaboration was celebrated with a spectacular screening of two of the world’s greatest carnivals, from Trinidad and Tobago and Rio, into the UKCCA building during February.

Cllr Mohammed Ashraf, Portfolio Holder for arts and culture, said: “Once again we can’t wait for the town to come alive with tens of thousands of people enjoying the sounds, sights and smells of Luton International Carnival.

“Carnival demonstrates the diverse mix of arts, music and culture we are lucky enough to enjoy here in Luton, and seeing the colourful costumes, dance and floats is such a unique experience.”

Pax Nindi, UKCCA creative director, promised a high-quality parade in Luton for the whole community, young and old and from every background, to enjoy.

Holding the Carnival on a Sunday will deliver reduced staffing costs and enable the event to continue despite the significant ongoing cuts to Council funding.

Have your say

More information about the proposals and an online survey to provide feedback is available at www.luton.gov.uk/yoursay. Paper copies are available in all Luton’s libraries, community centres and Council buildings or by calling 01582 54 73 19. Face-to-face consultations are taking place with groups including young people, disabled and elderly residents.

Carnival queens Pat Forbes and Yasmin Nembard celebrate the launch of Luton International Carnival 2013. Photo by Steve Bainbridge

www.luton.gov.uk

Lutonline March 2013 5

News in BriefIcknield joins world record bidStudents at Icknield Primary School joined in a bid to break the world record for the largest number of people simultaneously ‘signing and singing’ on February 6.

Hundreds of schools across the country took part in the attempt in support of the national charity SignHealth that helps ensure deaf people enjoy equal access to healthcare. The result has yet to be declared.

Icknield Primary has a large provision for children with a hearing impairment and all the school’s pupils learned the words and actions to a specially-written song called ‘sign2sing’.

Headteacher Lyn Lyman said: “We really enjoyed taking part, it was a lot of fun and we are pleased to be able to raise money and awareness for a charity that does wonderful things for deaf people in the UK.”

Tree for LutonThe High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Jack Sapsworth MBE, has donated a beech tree to the town which has been accepted by the Mayor of Luton Cllr Syd Knight and planted in Lewsey Park. Mr Sapsworth committed to plant a tree in each town in Bedfordshire during his year in office to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Top ‘100’ improving school Lea Manor High School and Performing Arts College has been named among the 100 best improving secondary schools in the country.

Headteacher Christine Lenihan was told of the achievement in early February in a letter from the Minister of State for Schools David Laws MP.

The Government assessed pupils’ achievements in five GCSEs: English, maths and students’ three best other subjects.

Mr Laws said Lea Manor’s 2012 results “show that you are among the 100 best improving schools in terms of the progress your pupils make between key stage two results and their GCSEs. I would like to congratulate your staff, governors and pupils for their hard work and success.”

Mrs Lenihan said: “Our success is due to good teaching, hard work and

commitment from our students, and support from our families. We also developed new strategies last year which included better tracking of students’ progress. This enabled us to allocate resources and support to meet individual needs.

“As a performing arts college we were also able to enrich the English curriculum through drama and theatre visits. I would like to thank the local authority consultants for their support and the Luton Futures schools for sharing their strategies for success.”

Cllr Waheed Akbar, Executive Member with responsibility for children’s service, said: “This acknowledgement from the Government is a testament to the school’s willingness to raise the quality of teaching and learning to achieve high standards.”

Council in the van-guard The Council has been admitted to the Van Excellence scheme managed by the Freight Transport Association.

Luton is one of only a handful of local authorities to have received the accreditation which is designed to raise operational standards and covers maintenance, safety, driver competence and training.

The Council currently has 87 vans, managed by its fleet transport division and mostly used for housing services.

Cllr Tom Shaw, Portfolio Holder for housing, said: “We hope this will not only give residents confidence that our vehicles are safe but also that our van operators are among the best in the country in terms of their skills, professionalism and commitment to raising standards.”

TV celebrities helped councils and police from across the East launch a new road safety campaign recently.

‘How fast can you stop?’ is a speed awareness initiative aimed at 17 to 24-year-olds, designed to show the effect different speeds have on stopping distances.

Emmerdale actor Matthew Wolfenden and Chloe Sims, from The Only Way is Essex, helped make a short film which demonstrates how people react differently to road hazards and the longer stopping distances at greater speeds.

Chief Insp Richard Hann, from the Beds and Herts roads policing unit, said drivers must always be able to stop safely in the distance they can see to be clear in front of them.

“If you need to brake at any speed, remember to consider your reaction time as well as the time it will take for your car to actually stop. Driving at speed increases thinking distances as well as braking distances, and if you are driving too close to the car in front, you may not have enough time to stop,” he added.

Mr Wolfenden said: “I think the skill is definitely in your personal reactions to what is happening on the road, because there is no skill in driving fast. Anyone can drive fast – you stick the pedal to the floor and go. The skill is in stopping and your reactions to stopping and to the cars around you.”

The film was supported by Luton

‘How fast can you stop?’

● To view the film visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUd1vBee9SY

Council and shot at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire in a new car containing current safety features. Stopping distances could be even further in an older or poorly maintained vehicle.

At the wheel: Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden under instruction at Millbrook Proving Ground

Don’t get caught out by rogue traders The Council is warning local people to be cautious about rogue doorstep traders this winter.

Wheelchairs, scooters, stairlifts, bath aids, hoists, adjustable beds and specialist seating are important products for users because they significantly improve the quality of lives. But reports reveal that consumers are experiencing problems when buying many of these items on the doorstep.

Bogus doorstep traders use a range of persuasive and emotional tactics to secure a fast sale and con people out of their money. Residents may, for example, be made to feel there is great urgency in a special offer, and that if they don’t sign up immediately, they will miss out.

Cllr Mohammed Ashraf, Portfolio Holder for trading standards, said:

“It is not impolite to simply say: ‘no thank you’. Do not agree to sign

anything on the spot. Take time to shop around and talk to someone you trust before you make any decision.”

● Buy With Confidence is a scheme listing effective, efficient and honest local traders. All members are carefully screened by the Council’s trading standards service to ensure they offer a high standard of customer service – see www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or call the Council on 01582 547262.

www.luton.gov.uk/parks

Love parks?

Tell us what you think about Stopsley Common and Lothair

Road Recreation Ground.

Visit www.GreenSTAT.org.uk

www.luton.gov.uk

Lutonline March 20136

SWAP FAGSFOR SWAG

IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD GAIN IF YOU QUIT SMOKING

NO SMOKING DAY

Top tips No smoking day events

For more information call the Luton Stop Smoking Service on 0800 013 0845 or 01582 757 635 or text Quit to 60003.

WEDNESDAY 13 MARCHAs well as improved health, you’ll have extra cash to spend on whatever you like … cinema tickets for the family, shoes, gym pass, holiday or even tickets to a Luton Town football match.

Set a date - No Smoking Day on Wednesday 13th March is a good time as you’ll be stopping with more than a million other people.

•Get free local help – you are more likely to succeed in stopping smoking with the help of your local free NHS stop smoking service: call 0800 013 0845.•Deal with nicotine withdrawal - your

pharmacist, GP or stop smoking service can talk to you about the proven treatments that can double your chances of success.•Get the support of your friends and

family. •Make a list of the reasons why you want

to stop smoking.

Wednesday 27 February - Stop Smoking Group - for 7 weeks, 6-7pm at Wigmore Health Centre. To book onto the group session or for more information call 0800 013 0845 or text Quit to 60003.

Wednesday 13 March - No Smoking Day trailer in St George’s Square in the Town Centre from 9am-5pm with friendly stop smoking advisers.

For more information on stop smoking and other tobacco related issues please see www.tobaccofreeluton.co.uk

www.luton.gov.uk

Lutonline March 2013 7

Allow extra time for weekend travel in Luton town centre Motorists are advised to leave extra time for their weekend journeys around Luton town centre until the end of March to allow for an essential road closure connected with the Luton Dunstable Busway.

Hatters Way will be closed between its junctions with Dunstable Road and Chaul End Lane from 5am on Saturday mornings until no later than 10pm on Sunday evenings on 23/24 February, and on 2/3, 9/10, 16/17 and 23/24 March.

Subject to weather conditions, the closures will allow for work to lay the busway’s concrete beams and pads, and for works on the gabion wall.

On three of these Saturdays – 23 February, and 9 and 23 March, Luton Town FC have home games at Kenilworth Road in the Conference Premier Division.

Cllr Dave Taylor, Portfolio Holder for transportation, said: “Throughout the busway construction programme works have been scheduled to minimise disruption, and this has

● For a full list of current works connected with the Luton Dunstable Busway please see www.luton.gov.uk/busway.

included avoiding clashes with Luton Town’s home matches wherever possible. On this occasion however no other solution can be achieved.

“The Council and its main contractor Bam Nuttall had planned works in Hatters Way over two clear weekends in January which were disrupted by the snow and freezing temperatures. Concrete pouring is particularly vulnerable to weather conditions and this work could not be undertaken because it would not have

The Council has recently despatched two ‘seek and repair’ gangs to identify potholes in the highway and make immediate repairs.

In Luton the Council makes safe or repairs any reported potholes within 24 hours that are more than 50mms deep and 150mms wide. Inspectors also assess if it would be more cost effective to repair a stretch of road rather than repeatedly repair individual potholes.

Cllr Dave Taylor, Portfolio Holder for highways, said: “Road users in Luton may have noticed more potholes on the highways network recently. This is because snow and ice causes damage to the road surface as water gets into the small cracks caused by traffic.

“When the temperature drops, the water freezes – and then when the temperature rises, the water thaws again. This continuous process causes cracks to widen, and voids to form, eventually leading to potholes caused by the load of passing vehicles.”

Crews working for the Council are touring the borough now, particularly concentrating on housing estates.

● Members of the public can also report potholes by calling 01582 510333, emailing highway.maintenance@luton.gov.uk or going online at www.luton.gov.uk/potholes

Help us tackle Luton’s potholes

set correctly. Now it is a priority that the works are carried out promptly.

“We will do everything possible to keep traffic moving as freely as possible, including changes to traffic light timings.”

A signed diversion route will be in operation via Dunstable Road and Chaul End Lane.

The busway is due to open this summer

The Luton Family Services Directory could provide the answer you are looking for.

Are you looking for a service or organisation to

meet your family’s needs but don’t know where

to start?

The directory is available at directory.luton.gov.uk and includes information on:

l local childcare providersl support for additional needsl counselling and therapyl financial and legal servicesl drug and alcohol servicesl housing and homelessnessl health and leisurel youth clubs and activities l and much more...

If you can’t find what you are looking for, or would like further information contact the Luton Family Information Service.

Or, if you are a local childcare provider or service who provides education, health, support or recreational activities for families in Luton then you can be added to the directory free of charge.

01582 54 88 88 fis@luton.gov.uk directory.luton.gov.uk

www.luton.gov.uk/fis

www.luton.gov.uk

Lutonline March 20138

www.luton.gov.uk

Lutonline March 2013 9

‘Get on Track’ withthe professionals!

competition to motivate the young people.

Luton councillor Tafheen Sharif, who is also Bedfordshire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner and sits on the project steering group, said: “The Get on Track scheme is really fantastic for young people. In addition to providing practical experience, it allows them to gain some invaluable advice from some incredible athletes.”

Hannah is a British and two-time English boxing champion who was included in Britain’s Olympic squad but had to pull out due to injury, and serves as an ambassador for the sport in the UK.

She said: “I’m really excited about coming to Luton for Get on Track. The programme is a great chance for young people to really make a difference, not only in their own lives, but in their local community too.”

Alistair played in youth sides for QPR and Oldham Athletic until he was involved in a serious road collision and had to give up the sport for four years.

The FA encouraged him to take part in disability football, and Alistair

Inspirational: Hannah Beharry, top, and Alistair Patrick-Heselton

Book for MillbrookBookings are now being taken for the More 16 and More Drive young driver training courses on 17 March.

If you are a 16-year-old looking forward to learning to drive, or a 17 to 24-year-old who has just passed the driving test, then these are the courses for you.

They take half a day and are hosted at Millbrook Proving Ground near Flitwick, offering young people invaluable experience on a skid pan so that in wintry weather they will be better able to control a vehicle.

● To book a place email roadsafety@amey.co.uk

Make a radio adDo you know a child aged from four to 16 years who would like to create a radio advert? The Council’s road safety team has teamed up with Heart FM looking to find the best idea that encourages people to swap the car for a different way of travelling to school.

All young people have to do is create a concept, which could be in the form of a rhyme, poem, song or an image, and get an adult to upload it to www.heart.co.uk. Individuals and groups may enter.

The best idea will be developed into a real 30-second radio advert on Heart. The winner will also get a VIP tour of the station, goody bags, meet a presenter and receive £500 to spend on something great for their school.

● Go to www.heart.co.uk for more information. Entries must be submitted by 28 February.

Recruitment took place recently for an innovative new scheme offering mentoring by world-class athletes to young people in Luton not currently in education, employment or training.

‘Get on Track’ aims to equip 16 to 25-year-olds with key skills including self-discipline, motivation and confidence.

The project is being delivered by partners including the Council’s Community Development Service and the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust. Those signing up will learn about CV and interview skills while taking part in work experience and a range of different sports

Professional athletes including international boxer Hannah Beharry and GB Paralympic footballer Alistair Patrick-Heselton provide the support, sharing personal advice and using their experience of world-class

● For more information see www.dkhlegacytrust.org/

went on to compete in the World Championships and the London 2012 Paralympics.

www.luton.gov.uk/counciltaxdd

Cut the hassle …pay your council tax by direct debit

So what are you waiting for?

Direct debits are:• Convenient – spread payments over the year

• Hassle free – payments are made automatically so no missed payments

• Cheap – saves postage costs for 12 cheques

• Timesaving – no trips to the postbox or queuing in the Town Hall

• Simple – just visit www.luton.gov.uk/counciltaxdd or call 0300 790 0340

HASSL E

www.luton.gov.uk

So what are you waiting for?

Signing up is simple – just see www.luton.gov.uk/counciltaxservices or email Revenues@luton.gov.uk and tell us your account number.

Want to save yourself time, effort and money?Manage your council tax account online and switch to e-billing from April:

• it’s easy

• it’s secure.

Council tax – do it online!

www.luton.gov.uk

Lutonline March 201310

If you tune into Diverse FM, you may have heard us sponsor the Breakfast Show with Mick Foster.

In week one some of the station’s presenters took part in a smarter driving session to test their fuel efficiency skills. You can save around 15 per cent on your petrol costs by driving more efficiently – it’s so easy to do, just check out our top ten tips at www.travelluton.co.uk.

In week two we featured the benefits of taking the bus, with Arriva offering advice and information about using Luton’s public transport. One of the main benefits is the money you can save – it’s around 30 per cent cheaper than the car for the average journey made in Luton! Check out www.travelluton.co.uk for all the information you need to plan your journey in Luton by bus.

In week three we showed you (despite the snow!) that you do not have to let your fitness drop just because the temperature does. Our team took one of the Diverse presenters on a winter walk along a section of the Upper Lea Valley, which is lovely at any time of the year. For ideas and advice on making your winter warmer on foot and by bike,visit www.travelluton.co.uk.

Around three-quarters of the people joining our campaign told us they were doing so because they wanted to get fit, with 20 per cent wanting to save money on their travel costs.

More than 500 residents took part in Travel Luton’s New Year’s Resolutions campaign in January, committing to make some simple changes to the way they travel.

Our initiative aimed to raise awareness of how easy it can be to save money, get fit and do more of the things you want by swapping those short car journeys for

travel on foot, by bike or bus, or by using your car more efficiently.

If you drive regularly into town, you may have seen our billboard and lamppost banners displayed along many of the main roads. If you were shopping in the sales in The Mall, you may have seen our team of ‘purple people’ or advertising on the screens.

Starting 2013 on a good footing

Benefits of taking a bus

We are obviously not able to introduce you to everyone who took part but here are three of our lucky competition winners, John, Zoe and Mark. Each signed up online to make their resolutions, winning great prizes too!

John’s resolution was to try something new this year. Although he cycles regularly around Luton, John challenged himself to explore more of the routes in his local area, especially near Bramingham woods.

“Travel Luton is a good idea to get people out there and realise what’s on their doorstep,” he said. “I like cycling off-road using the bridleways and easy paths around Luton. I’ve noticed that the cycle network is getting a lot better, which is great.”

John won a picnic hamper which we hope he will enjoy when the weather gets warmer.

Zoe committed to get fit by walking into town instead of driving. She has recently stopped smoking after 40 years (well done Zoe!) and said that resolving to walk more regularly fits perfectly with the new healthier her. She now thinks twice before jumping into the car for a short journey.

“I feel like my fitness level has grown massively in a short matter of time,” Zoe said. “I would normally have to stop at least twice when coming up a huge flight of stairs but I managed to do it today without even stopping once.”

Zoe’s prize of an MP4 player will hopefully enable her to listen to her favourite music while walking.

Mark challenged himself to cycle into town and to Butterfield Business Park daily. He has recently sold his car as he felt there was no need for it in Luton when he can get around more easily (and more cheaply) on the bus and by bike.

He enjoys cycling because he

feels a lot fitter and happier and also manages to get the exercise without even realising. Even the recent snowy weather did not deter Mark from achieving his resolution as he made sure he was well prepared for the conditions.

Mark said: “The Travel Luton project is a great way to encourage and motivate local residents to become more active and use other means of travel, which is better for them and makes people aware of facts they wouldn’t otherwise know, such as cycle paths and walking routes.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves Mark. We hope you enjoy your MP4 player.

If you have been inspired by one of our winner’s stories, and you want to find out how to save money on your travel costs, get fitter or try something new, then you too can get involved! For a personal travel check and the chance to win one of our great prizes, just call us on 0800 0281 755 or email info@travelluton.org.uk. You can also visit www.travelluton.co.uk, the place for information on all your travel needs in and around Luton.

Interested in joining the Travel Luton team? We will be looking for people to become travel advisers this summer. Check our website towards the end of March for information and details of how to apply.

Meet our latest stars!

Zoe Moran

John Robson

Mark McCall

www.luton.gov.uk

Lutonline March 2013 11

Lealands twins with Tanzania!Lealands High School has been chosen to develop links with Tanzania as part of a major new twinning project to boost global education, skills and understanding.

Teachers and students in Sundon Park will work with Sazira Secondary School, near the Serengeti in Bunda, after being nominated under the Connecting Classrooms initiative sponsored by the Government and British Council.

Lealands teacher Ken Slatter and Tanzanian counterpart Edward Ntongi will take part in an exchange visit and work up classroom projects about tourism, local economies and fair trade.

The idea is to enable students to consider how global problems such as sustainability, fairness, equality and conflict can be resolved.

Mr Slatter said: “The potential impact on teaching and learning is enormous. The two schools already communicate via letters and emails and the students have shown a strong desire to discover more about each

other’s environment and culture.“The visit will enable us to

experience the very different environments in which we live and work. We will be able to exchange ideas and resources.”

Justine Greening MP, Secretary of State for International Development, described the venture as an excellent opportunity for Lealands.

“Young people and teachers can make a fantastic contribution by sharing the best of Britain with their peers around the world and at the same time the great thing is that they can get invaluable knowledge of what life is like in other countries,” she said.

“Connecting Classrooms will enable pupils to learn about the world around them, about the facts of poverty that children their own age face in developing countries, and how education can help eradicate poverty. It will also benefit teachers by enhancing their professional skills.”

Cllr Waheed Akbar, Executive Member with responsibility for children’s services, said: “It is a fantastic privilege for Lealands High School to be selected to participate.”

Homes get new insulationForty-eight homes in Upwell Road, Luton, have benefited from the installation of new external wall insulation in a project undertaken by the Council and partners recently.

Residents say the work has made an immediate difference to the warmth of the post-war properties which were constructed with precast reinforced concrete.

Funding was provided by the Carbon Energy Saving Programme, contract management by the Luton Learning Community Partnership and the work was carried out by Wates.

Cllr Tom Shaw, Portfolio Holder for housing, said: “It is absolutely vital that we do all we can to ensure that people can afford to heat their homes, particularly during the winter months. Looking ahead, we are already planning our next stage of refurbishment projects so that even more people can benefit.”

Following the success of this scheme, the Council has decided to invest £1.4million from its housing revenue budget to fund similar projects across the borough.

A successful funding bid led to the Council being awarded £120,895 from the Department of Health to help combat fuel poverty in the town this winter.

Most of the money is being used by the Council-led Home Improvement Agency to carry out works such as boiler repairs and draught-proofing for low-income households.

These are free to those households on income-related benefits that meet certain criteria. Anyone who does not qualify can pay a competitive service fee.

The grant is also supporting advice for local residents on how to keep warmer for less money, and also research into fuel poverty to help shape future services.

● For more information or to apply for the assistance call 01582 54 67 89. More information about the agency and tips on keeping your home warm is available at www.luton.gov.uk/keepingwarm

www.luton.gov.uk/mot

Call Luton Borough Council's MOT testing stationon 01582 546839 or go online at www.luton.gov.uk/mot

Need an MOT? Want a free re-test?

As recommended by Martin Lewis at www.moneysavingexpert.comWe are an independent MOT testing station that does not offer repairs,

tyres or exhausts, what we offer is peace of mind.

www.luton.gov.uk

Lutonline March 201312

think Luton business think Luton business

New business-to-business newsletter

The Council’s Economic Development Team will be launching a business-to-business newsletter soon to share the positive success stories in Luton and keep companies across the country informed on the progress of key developments here.

There is no doubt that the substantial infrastructure developments being initiated and coming on stream over the next five years will lead to significant jobs growth in Luton.

Luton Borough Council is always looking to attract new business and to support those already here by maximising investment opportunities.

To help companies consider Luton as the location to be, the newsletter will feature good news stories from the local business community, from enterprises both large and small, as well as news about major developments coming to fruition.

Do you want to be part of this success story? Find out more from Mal Hussain on 01582 547227 or email mal.hussain@luton.gov.uk

For more good news stories please visit our web page: http://www.luton.gov.uk/Business/Business%20News/Pages/Think%20Luton%20Business%20Updates.aspx

FSB Bedfordshire Business Awards 2013

Are you a business based in Bedfordshire or a company that can prove most of your business is conducted in Bedfordshire? If so, why not enter your business for the FSB Bedfordshire Business Awards 2013. Closing date for entries is 25 April. For more information on how to enter the competition see: http://www.fsb.org.uk/default.aspx?loc=bedsawards

If you are a Luton-based business and would like help in making an application, please contact the Council’s Economic Development Service on 01582 547970.

Monarch Aircraft Engineering officially opens state-of-the-art training facility

The award-winning independent aircraft maintenance provider has opened a new state-of-the-art training facility: Monarch Aircraft Engineering Training Academy (MAETA).

Based at London Luton Airport, the training academy has undergone a complete refurbishment providing several new theatre style classrooms and facilities for composite and fibre optic training, a technology now being employed on next generation aircraft. To book a training course online, please see: www.monarchaircraftengineering.com/services/training

Free skills training solution for your business

The Luton Higher Level Skills Programme is a local Government-funded initiative offering fully-funded management qualifications and business skills workshops to Luton-based businesses up to the value of £2,500 per person.

For more information please see: http://www.exemplas.com/Luton-Higher-Level-Skills/?goback=%2Egde_4200725_member_211728668

Regional Growth Fund Round 4

The Regional Growth Fund is a £2.6 billion fund operating across England from 2011 to 2016. It supports projects and programmes that lever private sector investment to create economic growth and sustainable employment. Private sector organisations are eligible to bid either individually or in partnership with other private or public sector organisations, with a minimum bid threshold of £1 million. Deadline for applications is 20 March.

For more information on guidance and application forms please see: https://www.gov.uk/understanding-the-regional-growth-fund

Want help and support for your business?

Whether you are starting up or already running a business in Luton, the Business TimeBank Service can help develop and support your business. The service offers up to one hour’s free 1:1 advice with a local business expert.

For further information please contact the Economic Growth and Investment Team on 01582 547970 or email: regeneration@luton.gov.uk or see www.thinkluton.co.uk / www.luton.gov.uk/business

think Luton Business TimeBankthink Luton Business TimeBank

www.luton.gov.uk

Lutonline March 2013 13

...be a VOICE...be a VOICE

Don’t just be a face in the crowd...

www.luton.gov.uk/areacommittees

North Luton Area Board Bramingham, Icknield, Limbury, Northwell & Sundon Park Thursday 7 March 20136.30pm Ward Meetings8pm Area BoardMarsh Farm Futures (old Coulters building) Community Enterprise & Resource Centre,The Moakes, Luton, LU3 3QB

Central Luton Area Board Barnfield, Biscot, High Town & Saints Tuesday 12 March 2013 6.30pm Ward Meetings7.45pm Area BoardDenbigh Academy SchoolAlexandra Avenue, Luton, LU3 1HE

East Luton Area Board Crawley, Round Green, Stopsley & Wigmore Tuesday 19 March 2013 6.30pm Ward Meetings7.30pm Area Board Wenlock Junior School Beaconsfield, Luton, LU2 0RW

Area Boards are designed to give you a voice in your neighbourhood. And a say in how things are run.

For further information contact Gary J Roberts Area Boards Support Manager Town Hall, Luton, LU1 2BQ Telephone: 01582 54 69 85 Fax: 01582 54 63 69Email: gary.roberts@luton.gov.uk or

area.committees@luton.gov.uk

South Luton Area Board Dallow, Farley & South Thursday 21 March 20136pm Ward Meetings7.30pm Area BoardCentral Baptist Church (Entrance to car park via Cumberland Street) 52A. Park Street, Luton, LU1 3ET

If you require transport, phone Gary Roberts on 54 69 85. Transport suitable for people with disabilities.

www.luton.gov.uk/areacommittees www.luton.gov.uk/wardforums www.luton.gov.uk/areatours

Calling all young dads! Do you want to have a more positive relationship with your child? Do you want to receive advice on issues affecting you, or simply want to socialise with other fathers?

If so, then a new young dads’ support group has recently got under way at Challney High School for Girls.

Free activities include sports and games, refreshments and first aid training. Group discussions will cover access rights, finance and benefits, sexual health, housing, gaining qualifications and substance misuse.

The aim is to support dads aged under 21 years (under 25 if you have a disability) in a safe and non-judgemental environment. Those attending will also be able to share experiences, support each other or simply make new friends.

Young dads need support too!

● If you require help with transport or more information, contact youth worker Bernie Abbey on 07887 78 23 00 or 01582 54 89 39, email youth@luton.gov.uk or visit www.youth.luton.gov.uk. For childcare, advice or support contact the free Luton Family Information Service on 01582 54 88 88 or visit www.luton.gov.uk/fis

Can you inspire the next generation?The Council is looking for people from all walks of life to come forward and inspire the next generation by becoming foster carers in 2013.

There are currently 385 children in Council care, from babies to teenagers, from a variety of cultures and backgrounds, some of whom require a loving home on a short-term basis for only a few weeks or months.

There are also 30 children who need long-term placements until they reach the age of 18 years, where they can feel safe and receive love, attention, emotional support and guidance.

You don’t need new qualifications, in fact the skills you use every day may make you an ideal candidate to foster children. And, by looking after a child, with your support and direction you could help them aspire to be a doctor, teacher, lawyer, carpenter or whatever they want to be when they grow up.

Luton currently has 161 foster carers but more are urgently needed.

Cllr Waheed Akbar, Portfolio Holder for children’s services, said: “Caring for a child is probably one of

the most challenging roles you will ever undertake but it’s also one of the most rewarding. Foster carers make a positive impact on young people’s lives and can really help inspire children to achieve their goals.”

In return you will receive professional training, 24-hour telephone support from a qualified social worker and an allowance. There are also regular opportunities to meet with other carers to share concerns and best practice.

● If you are interested in fostering or would like more information about the different schemes available in Luton, please contact Luton Fostering Service on 54 75 69, visit www.luton.gov.uk/fostering or email FosteringServices@luton.gov.uk

A carer says:A foster carer for Luton Borough Council, looking after babies and young children, said: “I decided to foster because I wanted to make a real difference, it was never about the money. I receive very good support from the Council, and the social worker supporting me works in the same office as those who are supporting children in care, so it allows me to work more closely with council officers.”

The quality of the Council’s fostering service was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in 2011, and one young person told the inspectors: “I feel very lucky to have such brilliant foster carers.”

www.luton.gov.uk

Lutonline March 201314

Community spirit helps to restore Saints garden

The new improved facility

Residents using Saints Community Centre will now be able to enjoy its garden once more thanks to a partnership working initiative.

Young offenders who had committed a crime that otherwise may have resulted in a prison sentence have been carrying out unpaid work there as part of a community payback scheme.

Formed 10 years ago with the help of lottery funding, the community garden used to boast bird feeding and patio areas with benches, a variety of flowers and fruit trees.

Over time though a lack of funding and manpower meant that it was impossible to keep up with maintenance and it fell into disarray.

The Council’s community development team approached Bedfordshire Probation Service with the idea of young offenders renovating the garden.

Since November the group has completed a complete transformation, ridding it of weeds, cleaning the patios

and cutting back overgrown trees and shrubs.

Plans are now being made to incorporate the space in the centre’s annual picnic.

Cllr Sheila Roden, Portfolio Holder for community development, said: “This work has benefitted both parties as well as many people who use Saints Community Centre. People will now be able to really enjoy the garden and see it restored to its former glory.”

www.luton.gov.uk

Luton’s garden kerbsidewaste collections arerestarting in February

Luton’s Household Waste Recycling Centres in Progress Way and Eaton Green Road also accept your garden waste all year round

Brown bin collections of your garden waste will begin again in Luton from week commencing Monday 25 February. To find your first collection day, check your recycling collection calendar for 2013 on our website at www.luton.gov.uk/recycling

This is the perfect time to do the sort of gardening you can’t during the rest of the year – so make the most of it now before the growing season begins again very shortly!

• Rethink the design of your garden• Select plants and seeds for the spring• Replenish nutrients in the soil• Start home-composting – and take advantage of the great deals

on our website.

www.luton.gov.uk/recycling

Tuesday 26 March 2013, 4pm - 7pm

LUTONYOUTHSERVICE

Barnfield West Youth Zone - re-launch event

Activities available at the club include:

DJ facilities internet access PS3, Xbox and Wii with latest games table tennis

pool table educational workshopsemployability skills courses

www.youth.luton.gov.uk

For more information contact Abdul Ghafoor on

or visit Facebook.com/youthluton twitter.com/youthluton

Barnfield West Academy, Leagrave High Street, Luton, LU4 0NE

01582 60 76 88

Barnfield West Youth Zone, a youth club for 11 to 19 year olds, has been transformed!

Come and see the new wall art and youth friendly layout.

Hourly presentations delivered by young people and a small light buffet is also provided.

Everyone will have a chance to use the facilities and find out more about what the club has to offer young people.

www.luton.gov.uk

Lutonline March 2013 15

Have your say on HMO licensing

● For more information or to have your say by Tuesday 12 March, go to www.luton.gov.uk/housing and click on ‘HMO Licensing Consultation’. Alternatively, call 01582 54 72 22.

The Council is asking residents for their views on proposals to extend licensing rules for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) from April.

An HMO is a building, or part of a building such as a flat, occupied by unrelated people or households who share facilities such as a bathroom, toilet or cooking facilities.

The Council’s proposal is to extend its licensing rules to include smaller HMOs which are two or more storeys and occupied by three or more people who share facilities. Around a quarter of households in the private rented sector in Luton live in HMOs.

The proposal follows studies showing the condition of private rented housing in Luton is below the national average. Since many HMOs are unlicensed, the Council has no power to stop any landlord renting out an unsuitable or unsafe property.

Cllr Tom Shaw, Portfolio Holder for housing, said: “The Council is determined that all private tenants in Luton live in good quality accommodation that provides value for money. There have been

a few recent examples of landlords deliberately putting people at risk by renting out unsuitable or unsafe HMOs which damages the reputation of good landlords.

“In addition to improving safety for private tenants, we think additional licensing would bring significant benefits to Luton by securing improved housing accommodation and better management of properties.

“However, we want to know what people think of the proposals before we make any decision.”

Applying a licence would help prevent landlords renting out properties that are damp, cold, dirty, unsecure, too small or lacking the appropriate number of bathrooms or toilets.

It would also ensure that there are no serious health and safety risks, such as dangerous gas appliances, faulty electrical systems, fire hazards and no smoke detectors.

If the proposals are approved, the Council is considering plans to publish an online list of licensed HMOs.

MPs’ Advice SurgeriesLuton’s two MPs, Kelvin Hopkins and Gavin Shuker,hold regular Advice Surgeries and are always happy

to help their constituents.

Luton NorthKelvin Hopkins MPCovering: Barnfield, Bramingham, Challney,Icknield, Leagrave, Lewsey, Limbury,Northwell, Saints and Sundon Park

Please call Kelvin’s office on 488 208 for anAdvice Surgery appointment

Luton SouthGavin Shuker MPCovering: Biscot, Caddington, Crawley,Dallow, East Hyde, Farley, High Town, RoundGreen, Slip End, South, Stopsley and Wigmore

Please call Gavin’s office on 457 774 for anAdvice Surgery appointment

www.kelvinhopkinsmp.com

www.gavinshuker.org

MPs Surgeries_Layout 1 12/05/2010 13:29 Page 1

11Lutonline October 2011

www.luton.gov.uk

www.luton.gov.uk/councillors

Councillor advice surgeriesLabourWard Councillors Date, time, venue/contactBarnfield RachelHopkins SecondSaturdayofeverymonth,10.30am-12noon, BushmeadCommunityCentre,HancockDrive

Biscot MohammadAyub FirstandlastSaturdayofeverymonth,10am-12noon, NaseemAyub BuryParkCommunityCentre,161DunstableRoad TahirKhan

Challney KhtijaMalik EverySaturday,10am-12noon, TomShaw ChaulEndCommunityCentre, TahirMalik 515DunstableRoadCrawley MelvinCato FirstandthirdSaturdayofeverymonth,9.30-11.30am, HartHillAdventurePlayground,BroomsRoadDallow MohammedAshraf LastSaturdayofeverymonth,10am-12noon, MohammedFarooq andlastThursdayofeverymonth,3-5pm, DallowCommunityCentre,234DallowRoad

TafheenSharif LastTuesdayofeverymonth,9.30-10.30am, BuryParkResourceCentre,161DunstableRoad

Farley SianTimoney EverySaturday,10am-12noon, MahmoodHussain HousingOffice,FarleyCommunityCentre, RobinHarris DelphineClose

Hightown AndyMalcolm EveryThursday,10am-11am, RoxannaWhittaker HightownCommunityCentre,ConcordeStreet

Leagrave WaheedAkbar FirstandthirdSaturdayofeverymonth(excluding SheliaRoden August),10am-12noon,HockwellRingCommunity DeslineStewart Centre,MayneAvenue

Lewsey JoanBailey EverySaturday,10am-12noon, AslamKhan LewseyFarmCommunityCentre,LandraceRoad HazelSimmons

Limbury JacquelineBurnett SecondSaturdayofeverymonth,10am-12noon, StephenLewis LeagraveLibrary,MarshRoad

Northwell RoyDavis FirstandthirdSaturdayofeverymonth,10am-12noon, DonWorlding FuturesHouse,MarshFarm

RoundGreen YaqubHanif EverySaturday(excludingAugust),10-11.30am, MarkRivers 3YeovilRoad MohammedZia

Saints MohammedRiaz LastSaturdayofeverymonth,10am-12noon, RajaSaleem SaintsCommunityCentre,SolwayRoadNorth AsmaRathore

South KeirGale FirstandthirdSaturdayofeverymonth, AmyO’Callaghan 10.30-11.30am,ParkTownCommunityCentre, DaveTaylor BaileyStreet

SundonPark SydKnight FirstSaturdayofeverymonth,10am-12noon, SundonParkCentreTrust,210SundonParkRoad

ThirdSaturdayofeverymonth,10am-12noon, FuturesHouse,MarshFarm

Liberal Democrats–pleasecontactthenumbersbelowWard Councillors ContactBarnfield MartinPantling 07944048759

Crawley DavidFranks 414925

Stopsley JennyDavies 726995 MichaelDolling 429646

SundonPark DorisHinkley 592516

Wigmore PeterChapman 480629 RoyDavies 726995 DianeMoles 723293

Conservatives–pleasecontactthenumbersbelowWard Councillors ContactBramingham GilbertCampbell 572252 KatieFoord 615165

Icknield MichaelGarrett 575630 JohnTitmuss 508674

They say the best things in life are free! So what could be better than a healthy, tasty meal for your child every day at school and it doesn’t cost you a penny?

Many children are missing out on free school meals, which could save parents on average £300 per child every year. Plus, if you qualify for free school meals, you will automatically get school clothing assistance worth £25 per child per year.

School meals have come a long way from stodgy pie and mash, sponge and lumpy custard. Pupils are now spoilt for choice with a nutritional, balanced menu, meeting government standards, where they can choose from three main courses and a selection of desserts.

Children can tuck into meals to tickle their tastebuds including roast dinners, spaghetti bolognaise, chicken curry and vegetable moussaka, as well as delicious desserts like raspberry and apple tart and fruit crumble. On a daily basis they also enjoy salad, fresh fruit and yoghurt.

Your child will be entitled to free school meals and school clothing assistance if you or your partner receives any of the following benefits:• Incomesupport• Income-basedJobSeeker’s

Allowance• Income-relatedEmploymentand

Support Allowance• ChildTaxCreditandanannual

income less than £16,190

Don’t miss out on free school meals• TheguaranteeelementofState

Pension Credit• WorkingTaxCredit‘run-on’(the

payment you may receive for a further four weeks after you stop qualifying forWorkingTaxCredit)–freemealsapply for these four weeks only

• SupportfromtheNationalAsylumSupportService(NASS).CllrTahirKhan,ExecutiveMember

with responsibility for Children’s Services, said: “School meals are a great way of ensuring that children are eating anutritious,tastyandwell-balancedmeal during the day. Research suggests that a healthy school meal may improve concentration levels and therefore help pupils achieve better results.

“Wewanttomakesurethatallschoolchildren who are entitled to a free meal don’t miss out so please do check if your child is eligible.”

You will also be helping the school yourchildattendstoreceiveextraGovernment funding as it will get £430 for every pupil that applies and qualifies for free school meals.

So what are you waiting for? Apply today–it’ssoeasytodo.Checkyourentitlement at www.luton.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals or contact the education welfare team on 548180 or 548174. You can also email education.welfare.service@luton.gov.uk or visit Unity House Reception, 111 Stuart StreetLU15NPfrom9-11amonMondaystoFridays–orcontacttheteam to arrange an appointment.

www.luton.gov.uk/councillors

Councillor advice surgeriesLabourWard Councillors Date, time, venue/contactBarnfield RachelHopkins SecondSaturdayofeverymonth,10.30am-12noon, BushmeadCommunityCentre,HancockDrive

Biscot MohammadAyub FirstandlastSaturdayofeverymonth,10am-12noon, NaseemAyub BuryParkCommunityCentre,161DunstableRoad TahirKhan

Challney KhtijaMalik EverySaturday,10am-12noon, TomShaw ChaulEndCommunityCentre, TahirMalik 515DunstableRoadCrawley MelvinCato FirstandthirdSaturdayofeverymonth,9.30-11.30am, HartHillAdventurePlayground,BroomsRoadDallow MohammedAshraf LastSaturdayofeverymonth,10am-12noon, MohammedFarooq andlastThursdayofeverymonth,3-5pm, DallowCommunityCentre,234DallowRoad

TafheenSharif LastTuesdayofeverymonth,9.30-10.30am, BuryParkResourceCentre,161DunstableRoad

Farley SianTimoney EverySaturday,10am-12noon, MahmoodHussain HousingOffice,FarleyCommunityCentre, RobinHarris DelphineClose

Hightown AndyMalcolm EveryThursday,10am-11am, RoxannaWhittaker HightownCommunityCentre,ConcordeStreet

Leagrave WaheedAkbar FirstandthirdSaturdayofeverymonth(excluding SheliaRoden August),10am-12noon,HockwellRingCommunity DeslineStewart Centre,MayneAvenue

Lewsey JoanBailey EverySaturday,10am-12noon, AslamKhan LewseyFarmCommunityCentre,LandraceRoad HazelSimmons

Limbury JacquelineBurnett SecondSaturdayofeverymonth,10am-12noon, StephenLewis LeagraveLibrary,MarshRoad

Northwell RoyDavis FirstandthirdSaturdayofeverymonth,10am-12noon, DonWorlding FuturesHouse,MarshFarm

RoundGreen YaqubHanif EverySaturday(excludingAugust),10-11.30am, MarkRivers 3YeovilRoad MohammedZia

Saints MohammedRiaz LastSaturdayofeverymonth,10am-12noon, RajaSaleem SaintsCommunityCentre,SolwayRoadNorth AsmaRathore

South KeirGale FirstandthirdSaturdayofeverymonth, AmyO’Callaghan 10.30-11.30am,ParkTownCommunityCentre, DaveTaylor BaileyStreet

SundonPark SydKnight FirstSaturdayofeverymonth,10am-12noon, SundonParkCentreTrust,210SundonParkRoad

ThirdSaturdayofeverymonth,10am-12noon, FuturesHouse,MarshFarm

Liberal Democrats–pleasecontactthenumbersbelowWard Councillors ContactBarnfield MartinPantling 07944048759

Crawley DavidFranks 414925

Stopsley JennyDavies 726995 MichaelDolling 429646

SundonPark DorisHinkley 592516

Wigmore PeterChapman 480629 DianeMoles 723293

Conservatives–pleasecontactthenumbersbelowWard Councillors ContactBramingham GilbertCampbell 572252 KatieFoord 615165

Icknield MichaelGarrett 575630 JohnTitmuss 508674

Children and Families

Luton Central LibrarySt George’s Square, Luton LU1 2NG01582 547418

Wardown Park MuseumOld Bedford Road, Luton LU2 7HA01582 546722

Stockwood Discovery CentreLondon Road, Luton LU1 4LX01582 548600

The Hat Factory65-67 Bute Street, Luton LU1 2EY01582 878100

Luton Library Theatre &Visitor Information Centreare located within Luton Central Library

World Book DayMonday 4 March – Monday 11 March, 4-5pmVarious libraries

Dangerous Books goes global as we explore the terrifying world of text. Suitable for ages eight to twelve years. For further details check www.lutonlibraries.co.uk.Free, drop in.

Toddler Time – Mother’s DayFriday 8 March, 10-11amWardown Park Museum

A programme of fun and creative activities for your toddler. Suitable for the under fives. All children must be supervised by a parent or carer. Please book on 01582 546722.£3 per child.

Re-Created presentsThe Little Vardo VillageSaturday 9 March, 11am-3pmLewsey ParkSaturday 23 March, 11am-3pmSt George’s Square

Enjoy a fun-filled day during which you can see up-close the traditional Romani gypsy living wagon and the Pakistani truck that have been transformed into folk-art masterpieces by the Re-Created youth team. Plus, join Re-Created for lots of exciting activities. This project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.Charges or donations for individual activities may apply, drop in.

Teddy’s PicnicSaturday 9 March, 11amLuton Library Theatre

Eddy the teddy and his best friend Sammy Ragdoll decide that tomorrow would be just the day for a picnic. Sammy doesn’t think Eddy will be able to organise it. Will she be pleasantly surprised? This show features theatre, mime, puppetry and songs you can join in with – a perfect introduction to live entertainment for young children. Suitable for ages two to six years. Please book on 01582 547474 or 878100.Running time: 45 minutes.£5 per child, first accompanying adult free, additional adults £6.50.

Trains, Boats and PlanesSaturday 2 March – Saturday 16 MarchVarious libraries

Stories, facts and quizzes about all sorts of transport. Suitable for five+ years. Family event. For further details check www.lutonlibraries.co.uk.Free, drop in.

Stockwood Country Fair 2013Easter Sunday 31 March and Easter Monday 1 April, 11am-4.30pmStockwood Discovery Centre

Come along for a taste of the countryside, including a local farmers’ market, rural life demonstrations, local craft and gift stalls, an animal petting farm, children’s activities and more.£3.50 adults, £3 concessions and Culture Card holders, £2.50 children, under fives free.

Toddler Time – Here Comes SpringFriday 22 March, 10-11am Stockwood Discovery Centre

A programme of fun and creative activities for your toddler. Meet at the Discovery Hall entrance. Suitable for the under fives. All children must be supervised by a parent or carer. Please book on 01582 548600.£3 per child.

Dewey DetectivesFriday 22 March – Thursday 28 MarchVarious Luton libraries

Can you solve the mystery with the help of the Dewey classification numbers on the books? Drop into the homework help session and put your skills to the test. Suitable for seven+ years.Free, drop in.

Rumpelstiltskin and the Wheel of FortuneSaturday 30 March, 11amLuton Library Theatre

Poor Polly Buckwheat is in a bit of a pickle! If she doesn’t turn a roomful of straw into gold by the morning, the greedy king will turn a bit nasty. But should she accept the help of Rumpelstiltskin, the eccentric dwarf? Using its trademark puppets, music, storytelling and transforming sets, Widdershins creates a wonderful new version of the Grimms’ classic tale. Suitable for four+ years. Please book on 01582 547474 or 878100.Running time: 50 minutes.£5 per child, first accompanying adult free, additional adults £6.50.

Who’s the Best?Saturday 30 March – Saturday 13 AprilLuton Mobile Library, all stops

Who’s the best? Champion your favourite friend or foe. Will it be a Doctor or a Dalek? Peter Rabbit or Mr McGregor? Suitable for all ages.Free, drop in.

Luton Culture is a local charity that provides you with excellent cultural activities | Charity No. 112296

www.lutonculture.comOther venues: Bury Park Library, Leagrave Library, Lewsey Library, Marsh Farm Library, Stopsley Library, Sundon Park Library and Wigmore Library. For full details please visit our website

BOX OFFICE:01582 547474 / 01582 878100www.lutonculture.com

Exhibitions

British Wildlife Photographer of the Year5 January – 3 MarchStockwood Discovery Centre

This collection of inspirational photographs showcases the very best of nature photography and celebrates British wildlife in all its beauty and diversity.Free, drop in.

Amulets by Basketry Plus10 January – 28 AprilWardown Park Museum

Sharing a common passion for contemporary basketry, Basketry Plus aim to push the boundaries of basket-making forward and introduce the craft to a wider audience. This display was inspired by the amulet collection at the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology in London.Free, drop in.

Events for AdultsGhost Hunt Saturday 9 March, 8pm-2amWardown Park Museum

Dare you spend the night at haunted Wardown Park Museum? After dark, the old house takes on a completely different persona. Join the museum’s first public ghost hunt which starts at 8pm and continues well past the witching hour. Is your nerve strong enough? Strictly 21+ years. Booking is essential, please call 01582 546722.£30 per person, includes coffee, tea and a finger buffet.

Luton: the Hat Town8 January – 10 March Wardown Park Museum

We all know that Luton is steeped in hat-making history, but how much do you know about all the amazing hats made in the town today? This exciting, colourful display of contemporary fashion will unveil the brand new season’s headwear from Luton’s hat producers and suppliers.Free, drop in.

Monster Creepy Crawlies29 March – 3 November Stockwood Discovery Centre

See, smell, hear and touch …giant bugs! This highly interactive, magnified world of ‘mini-beasts’ features human-size animatronic models of creepy crawlies.Admission charges apply.

Theatre and Dance

Spike Theatre presentsSink or SwimFriday 1 March, 7.30pmThe Hat Factory

A darkly comic tale of three men and their maddening struggles at sea.Recommended for 12+ years. Box office: 01582 547474 or 878100.Running time: 70 minutes.£10, £8 concessions, £5 NUS and Culture Card, £3 under 18s.

The Hat Factory and Arts Council England presentArtist Salon – Creative Speed DatingThursday 7 March, 2pmThe Hat Factory

The first in a series of workshops to help artists and producers understand how to launch their projects. Box office: 01582 547474 or 878100.Running time: 240 minutes including 30-minute interval.£5 workshop including lunch, £10 workshop including lunch and a ticket for the evening show, The Trench.

Les Enfants Terribles presentsThe TrenchThursday 7 March – Saturday 9 March, 7.30pm (plus Saturday matinee at 3pm)The Hat Factory

A miner, entombed in a tunnel during the First World War, discovers a strange world beneath the mud and death.‘Stays with you like a strange, significant dream. Beautiful.’ – The Times.‘Perfect.’ – The List.‘Phenomenal, five stars.’ – British Theatre Guide.Recommended for 10+ years. Box office: 01582 547474 or 878100.Running time: 60 minutes.£10, £8 concessions, £5 NUS, £3 under 18s.

Luton Central LibrarySt George’s Square, Luton LU1 2NG01582 547418

Wardown Park MuseumOld Bedford Road, Luton LU2 7HA01582 546722

Stockwood Discovery CentreLondon Road, Luton LU1 4LX01582 548600

The Hat Factory65-67 Bute Street, Luton LU1 2EY01582 878100

Luton Library Theatre &Visitor Information Centreare located within Luton Central Library

Talks, Courses and WorkshopsCalligraphy Workshop – the Wonderful World of LettersTuesday 26 March, 12-4pmWardown Park Museum

Come along to learn the fascinating art of calligraphy. This is the first in a series of informal, hands-on workshops led by local calligraphist Bill Grant. Suitable for 12+ years. All abilities welcome. Booking is essential; please call 01582 546722.£6 per person, concessions £3, includes tea and coffee.

Tavaziva Dance presentsGreedTuesday 19 March, 7.30pm The Hat Factory

Hard-hitting modern dance that examines the complexities of money, power and religion in African and Western cultures.‘A seamless blend of contemporary and traditional African movement.’ – The Independent. Recommended for 12+ years. Box office: 01582 547474 or 878100.Running time: 80 minutes including interval.£10, £8 concessions, £5 NUS and Culture Card, £3 under 18s.

Film

Singin’ in the Rain (U)Wednesday 13 March, 2pmLuton Library Theatre

In this, one of the world’s most beloved film musicals, a silent film production company and its cast make the difficult transition from silent movies to ‘talkies’. Starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds (1952).Running time: 98 minutes.£4, £3 concessions, £2 with Culture Card.

Olympian Productions and The Hat Factory presentBallroom CaliforniaThursday 21 and Friday 22 March, 7.30pmThe Hat Factory

As part of the Mixology strand, Olympian Productions present an extract from act one of their new musical about Dunstable’s infamous California Ballroom in the 1960s/70s. Recommended for 12+ years. Box office: 01582 547474 or 878100.Running time: 45 minutes including questions and answers session.£5, £3 under 18s.

Monkey Poet – Welcome to Afghanistan/ Welcome to the UKThursday 14 March, 7.30pmThe Hat Factory

A double bill of comedy, poetry and Britain’s greatest disasters.‘Deadly historical accuracy and wicked barrages of humour. A must-see show.’ – The Stage. Recommended for 16+ years. Box office: 01582 547474 or 878100.Running time: 120 minutes.£10, £8 concessions, £5 NUS and Culture Card, £3 under 18s.

Luton Irish Forum and Dooega Drama Group presentTranslationsSaturday 16 March & Sunday 17 March, 7.45pmLuton Library Theatre

Set in Donegal in 1833, Translations deals with many issues including language, love, communication and the colonial relationship between Ireland and England. Box office: 01582 547474 or 878100.£10

Photo: Irven Lewis

Have a Go – Beginning PatchworkFriday 15 March, 2- 4.30pmWardown Park Museum

Come along and learn this easy and portable hand-sewing hobby. Basic English or Pieced Paper patchwork suitable for complete beginners, with Cathedral Patchwork available for return visitors to move on to! Materials and notes will be provided. Suitable for ages 12+ years. Booking essential, please call 01582 546722.£5 per person, concessions £3, includes tea and coffee.

Have your say on Luton Libraries consultationHave your say on the future of your library. Fill out the library consultation survey in your local library or complete it online at www.luton.gov.uk/yoursay. Surveys must be completed and returned by Friday 19 April 2013.

Anna Karenina (12a)Thursday 14 March, 2pm and 7.45pmLuton Library Theatre

In late19th century Russia, aristocrat Anna Karenina enters into a life-changing affair with the affluent Count Vronsky (2012).Running time: 130 minutes.£4, £3 concessions, £2 with Culture Card.

Life of Pi (PG)Wednesday 27 March, 2pm and 7.45pmLuton Library Theatre

A young man who survives a disaster at sea is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away, he forms an unexpected connection with another survivor – a fearsome Bengal tiger (2012)Running time: 127 minutes.£4, £3 concessions, £2 with a Culture Card.

Luton Culture is a local charity that provides you with excellent cultural activities | Charity No. 112296

www.lutonculture.comOther venues: Bury Park Library, Leagrave Library, Lewsey Library, Marsh Farm Library, Stopsley Library, Sundon Park Library and Wigmore Library. For full details please visit our website

BOX OFFICE:01582 547474 / 01582 878100www.lutonculture.com

The University of Bedfordshire presents:Spaghetti CinemaThursday 11 April – Saturday 13 April Luton Library Theatre

A film festival celebrating the weird and wonderful world of spaghetti westerns. An object of fascination and affection for fans, filmmakers and scholars, the Italian westerns of the 1960s are key influences on contemporary movies like Django Unchained. The festival, open to the public, features rare screenings, talks and question and answer sessions. See www.lutonculture.com for the schedule and booking.

Coming Up Soon

Luton Live and Gigging – UK DecayFriday 10 May, 6pm networking and 8pm gigThe Hat Factory

A not-to-be-missed opportunity for anyone who wants to get ahead in the music industry. In May, join Live and Gigging for an audience with internationally acclaimed 1980s post-punk band UK Decay. You will have the chance to ask your questions and gain valuable insight into the music industry before enjoying an intimate gig.£10, £8 concessions.

Music

The Live LoungeSaturday 2 March, 8pmThe Hat Factory

Featuring the region’s finest up-and-coming artists in a relaxed atmosphere, experience some of the best in live urban music or have a go yourself in the open mic session. Apply to take part as an original act or in the open mic night by emailing mike@lutonlivelounge.co.uk.£5.50 or free for musicians.

Music on Mondays – Ensemble 360Monday 4 March, 7.45pmLuton Library Theatre

Ensemble 360, led by born and bred Lutonian Adrian Wilson, deliver a programme including oboe quartets by JC Bach and Mozart, Britten’s Phantasy Quartet and Beethoven’s string trio Op 9 No 3. They will also premiere a recently discovered oboe quartet by Elgar composed in 1878. £14, £8 concessions, under 18s free on the door.

Music on Mondays – Bobby ChenMonday 11 March, 7.45pmLuton Library Theatre

Described by International Piano Magazine as “an armour-clad player of complete technique, a thinking musician, a natural Romantic”, Bobby Chen will play a very popular programme including Schubert’s Four Impromptus Op 90, Chopin’s Fantasy in F minor, the Petrarch Sonnet 104 by Liszt and ten pieces from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet. £14, £8 concessions, under 18s free on the door.

PDM RAW Open Mic NightWednesday 13 March, 8pmThe Hat Factory

Just come along to watch or collaborate with other musicians including house band Good Little Roses. If you are new to performing or have loved it for years, then this is your chance to show your talent. Register to perform at raw@lutonculture.com.£3 audience, free to performers who book in advance.

Luton Live and Gigging – ShlomoFriday 15 March, 6pm networking and 8pm gigThe Hat Factory

Live and Gigging is a fantastic opportunity for anyone wanting to get ahead in the music industry. This March, join Live and Gigging for an audience with internationally acclaimed human beatboxer Shlomo. You will have the chance to put your questions to this established artist and gain valuable insight into the music industry, before enjoying an intimate gig from internationally acclaimed Shlomo himself.£10, £8 concessions.

Music on Mondays – Face to FaceMonday 18 March, 7.45pmLuton Library Theatre

Join Roger Wright, controller of BBC Radio 3 and Director of the BBC Proms, in a chat show with well known radio presenter Petroc Trelawney. The chat will be interweaved with musical contributions from the talented young group, The Berkeley Ensemble.£14, £8 concessions, under 18s free on the door.

Music on Mondays – Travelling by Tuba II: the SequelMonday 25 March, 7.45pmLuton Library Theatre

Following their great success here two years ago, Chris Cranham and Stewart Death offer another entertaining show of all things brassy. This event replaces the duo’s cancelled January show.£14, £8 concessions, under 18s free on the door.

Easter FunTuesday 2 April – Sunday 14 April, various times Stockwood Discovery Centre

Come along and see what Stockwood Discovery Centre has in store for your family this Easter holiday, including face-painting, trail packs, bouncy castle, rides and children’s craft activities. Family event.Free entry. Individual charges for activities may apply. Drop in.

www.luton.gov.uk

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