Stockton News - Winter 2013 by Stockton Council

WINTER 2013

www.stockton.gov.uk/stocktonnews

SEE STOCKTON SPARKLE!

The community magazine of Stockton Borough Council Big plans, bright future

CONTENTS

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR OPENING TIMES (Visit: www.stockton.gov.uk/festivehours) CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRES IN STOCKTON CENTRAL LIBRARY AND THORNABY LIBRARY: Tuesday 24 December, 8.30am-1pm Wednesday 25 December and Thursday 26 December, closed Friday 27 December, 10am-4.30pm Saturday 28 December, 9.30am-12.30pm Monday 30 December, 8.30am-5pm Tuesday 31 December, 10am-1pm Wednesday 1 January, closed THE CONTACT CENTRE (FOR TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES): Tuesday 24 December, 8am-4pm Wednesday 25 December and Thursday 26 December, closed Friday 27 December, 8.30am-5pm Saturday 28 December, 9.30am-12.30pm Monday 30 December, 8am-6pm Tuesday 31 December, 8am-4pm Wednesday 1 January, closed PLANNING AND BUILDING CONTROL SERVICES: Tuesday 24 December, 1pm until Thursday 2 January, 8.30am, closed. STOCKTON AND THORNABY CASH OFFICES: Tuesday 24 December, 8.30am-1pm Wednesday 25 December and Thursday 26 December, closed Friday 27 December, 10am-4pm Monday 30 December, 8:30am-4 pm Tuesday 31 December, 10am-1pm Wednesday 1 January, closed BILLINGHAM CASH OFFICE AND KINGSWAY HOUSE: Tuesday 24 December, 1pm until Thursday 2 January, 8.30am, closed LIBRARIES: Tuesday 24 December, Stockton and Thornaby Central Libraries, 8.30am -1pm Billingham, Egglescliffe, Fairfield, Ingleby, Norton, Roseberry, Roseworth, Thornaby and Yarm libraries, 10am -1pm Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 December, all libraries closed Friday 27 December, all libraries, 10am - 5pm Saturday 28 December, all libraries, normal hours Sunday 29 December, all libraries, closed Monday 30 December, Stockton and Thornaby Central Library, 8.30am-5pm All other sites, 10am-5pm Tuesday 31 December, all libraries, 10am-1pm Wednesday 1 January, all libraries, closed TRISTAR HOMES OFFICES Tuesday 24 December, closed from 1pm Wednesday 25 December and Thursday 26 December, closed Friday 27 December, calls open for all emergency “make safe” repairs, 10am-3pm

Saturday 28 December and Sunday 29 December, closed Monday 30 December and Tuesday 31 December, calls open for all emergency “make safe” repairs, 10am-3pm Wednesday 1 January, closed When closed all emergency “make safe” repair calls will be dealt with by the out of hours service on 0300 111 1000. HOUSING OPTIONS SERVICE, 16 CHURCH ROAD, STOCKTON Tuesday 24 December, closed from 1pm (phone lines open until 4pm) Wednesday 25 December to Thursday 2 January, closed For emergency temporary accommodation when the offices are closed please contact: Tuesday 24 December from 5pm and on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 December, the Emergency Duty Team on 08702 402994 or Police (01642) 326326. Friday 27 December, 8.30am until 5pm call the First Contact Unit on (01642) 527765. Between 5pm and 8.30am call the Emergency Duty Team on 08702 402994 or Police on (01642) 326326. Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 December, call the Emergency Duty Team on 08702 402994 or Police on (01642) 326326. Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 December, 8.30am until 5pm call the First Contact Unit on (01642) 527765. Between 5pm and 8.30am call the Emergency Duty Team 08702 402994 or Police on (01642) 326326. Wednesday 1 January call the Emergency Duty Team on 08702 402994 or Police on (01642) 326326. TEES ACTIVE Visit www.teesactive.co.uk for the most up to date opening times Visit www.activ8fitnessclubs.co.uk for Activ8 Health & Fitness Clubs Visit www.tbiwwc.com for Tees Barrage International White Water Centre SECURITY AND SURVEILLANCE CENTRE Tuesday 24 December until Thursday 2 January, Security, Care Call and Concierge Services and High Rise Support Service, open throughout on (01642) 528438/618946. Neighbourhood Enforcement Services continue with normal working hours apart from Christmas, Boxing and New Year’s days when the service is closed. ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR TEAM Residents can report anti-social behaviour 24 hours a day on the dedicated hotline (01642) 607943.

CHILDREN EDUCATION & SOCIAL CARE Adult Services – Billingham Queensway, Tithebarn Stockton and Ideal House, Thornaby. Tuesday 24 December, 8.30am-4.30pm Wednesday 25 December, closed Thursday 26 December, 8.30am-5pm Friday 27 December, 8.30am-4.30pm Saturday 28 December until Monday 30 December, closed Tuesday 31 December, 8.30am-4.30pm Tithebarn – Normal rapid response and intermediate care services will operate throughout Christmas and New Year holidays. Tithebarn will be staffed from 8.30am-5pm (4.30pm Fridays) with Rapid Response open until 8pm. The Emergency telephone number for Children, Education and Social Care is 0870 240 2994. STOCKTON REGISTRATION AND BEREAVEMENT SERVICES Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 December, closed Wednesday 1 January, closed An appointment system will be in operation with priority given to the registration of deaths on 23 and 24 December and from 27 to 31 December. To make an appointment, call (01642) 527720. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 8.30am to 5pm (4.30pm Friday). In case of emergency ‘out of office’ hours, please call (01642) 618946. TRADING STANDARDS & LICENSING Tuesday 24 December, 4pm until Thursday 2 January at 8.30am, closed PRESTON PARK MUSEUM Tuesday 24 until Thursday 26 December, closed Friday 27 December until Monday 30 December, 10am-4pm Tuesday 31 December and Wednesday 1 January, closed Thursday 2 January, 10am-4pm STOCKTON BUSINESS CENTRE Tuesday 24 December, closed from 5pm Wednesday 25 December until Wednesday 1 January, closed VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE/ REDISCOVER SHOP Tuesday 24 December until Thursday 26 December, closed Friday 27 December and Saturday 28 December, 10am to 3pm Sunday 29 December, closed Monday 30 December, 10am to 3pm Tuesday 31 December, closed Wednesday 1 January 2014, closed Thursday 2 January, 9.30am-5pm

See page 48 for Christmas waste and recycling collection dates.

Stars to return to Stockton

Top Ten

News Round Up

Economic Regeneration and Transport

Stockton set to sparkle again

Children and Young People

CONTENTS BIG NEWS FOR STOCKTON-ON-TEES

BIG PLANS FOR AN OUTSTANDING BOROUGH

Arts, Culture and Leisure

BIG PLANS FOR HELPING OUR COMMUNITIES PROSPER

BIG PLANS FOR KEEPING OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE

Your Council

Ward Surgeries in Your Area BIG PLANS FOR YOUR AREA

Stockton News is published by Stocktonon-Tees Borough Council and distributed to households across the Borough free of charge. If you have not received a copy please call (01642) 526098 or email snews@stockton.gov.uk

Health and Wellbeing

BIG PLANS FOR THE HEALTH OF OUR PEOPLE

AMBITIOUS, EFFECTIVE AND PROUD TO SERVE

Community Safety

BIG PLANS FOR OUR PLACES AND OPEN SPACES

BIG PLANS FOR GREAT EXPERIENCES

Strong Communities

Environment and Housing

BIG PLANS FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF OUR BOROUGH

Adults Services

BIG PLANS FOR THE CARE WE PROVIDE

What’s On

BIG PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

Stockton News aims to provide news and information about the Council, its partner organisations and local community groups and businesses. Every effort is made to ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date at the time of publication. Your views and comments are welcome.

Stockton News is produced by Stockton Council’s Communications Team and designed by Twentyseven Design. Pictures courtesy of Dave Charnley, Peter Mernagh, Gary Walsh, Gilbert Johnston, Rebecca Hues, Doug Moody, Bosh Creative and others. Front cover main picture: Stockton Sparkles Christmas Market.

There is an audio version of Stockton News. Call (01642) 526098 to order a copy or email snews@stockton.gov.uk PAGE 3

NEWS ROUND UP

Welcome to this Winter edition of Stockton News It’s been a busy few months since we last brought you Stockton News in July. We’ve been working hard to support our businesses and residents through tough economic times and we’ve been assisting people affected by welfare reform. We’ve been doing this whilst continuing to drive through our ambitious regeneration plans across the Borough. You can read about the great progress of our regeneration schemes on pages 6 to 14 and more about the welfare changes on page 46. We can’t ignore the fact that we, like other local authorities across the country, continue to face unprecedented cuts in funding for local services. We’re continuing to tackle this challenge in a planned way, and trying, as far as we can, to protect front line services. We continue to look for new and different ways of doing things and to invest in projects which will save us money in the long run but we will also be open with you about the difficult decisions we are facing, keep listening to you and involve you when we have hard choices to make. On page 47 you can get an update on some of the issues we’ve been consulting you on. The last few months have seen some great successes. My congratulations to the teachers, support staff and of course the young people in schools across the Borough who have done so well in their exams. I’m also delighted to see that once again we’ve struck gold in the Northumbria and Britain in Bloom competitions with national success. This is a real mark of the pride

we all feel in the Borough. My thanks go to the many volunteers, businesses, and our own teams who put so much work into making the borough a clean, green and beautiful place. My congratulations also go to the staff here at the Council whose hard work has been recognised by a fourth successive shortlisting for the coveted Council of the Year award by the Association of Public Service Excellence. The summer months have also seen another packed programme of fantastic events in the Borough. Helped by great weather we have seen record numbers of visitors enjoy our biggest and best summer calendar of events. You can relive the highlights on pages 30 and 31. We’re well and truly into the swing of our Autumn/ Winter events programme now. You can find details of the many exciting events on offer across the Borough in the What’s On section of the magazine.

Stockton blooms gold once again Stockton is celebrating national success after scooping Gold in the City category of this year’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom awards. RHS judges toured the Borough in August, visiting parks, allotments, town centres and gardens across Stockton to see the wonderful floral displays and well-tended green spaces. The judges’ comments said: “Stockton-on-Tees and its people have demonstrated that they are not afraid to keep re-inventing themselves and the current re-development of the High Street is testament to this. “Ropner Park is a fine example of horticulture at its very best, where a palette of flowers has been used to create a horticultural masterpiece. Well done.” The Borough also won the RHS Britain in Bloom Pride of Place award for demonstrating a duty and commitment to ongoing maintenance of cleanliness, hard landscaping and street furniture.

NEWS ROUND UP The Britain in Bloom success comes just weeks after Stockton won a gold award as Best City – for the tenth year running – at this year’s Northumbria in Bloom awards. The Best Small City award was presented to Thornaby for the second consecutive year, and Billingham scored the Borough’s third gold award in the Large Town category. Stockton’s Ropner Park also impressed the judges to win Best Park (Towns section) in the Special Awards section. Jamie McCann, Stockton Council’s Head of Direct Services, said: “Our thanks go to the residents and volunteers who work year round complementing the work of the Council’s outstanding Care for Your Area team to help to make the entire Borough a greener place to live, work and visit. “As well as making the area look lovely, the hard work that goes into preparing for Britain in Bloom brings people together with a common interest - helping to build a sense of community pride, share skills and introduce people to gardening and horticulture.”

On behalf of Stockton Council my best wishes for Christmas and 2014.

Neil Schneider

Chief Executive, Stockton Borough Council

NEW ERA FOR OLD FAVOURITE THANKS TO £4MILLION BOOST Stockton’s Globe Theatre has taken a huge step towards becoming a major live music and comedy venue once again. The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced a grant of £4million to help restore the Grade II listed Art Deco building to its former glory. It is one of the first buildings to be awarded funding through HLF’s new Heritage Enterprise scheme. Stockton Council’s Corporate Director of Neighbourhood and Development Services, Paul Dobson, said: “This is fantastic news. We believe the Globe can become a huge asset for Stockton High Street.” Read more on page 6. PAGE 4

BILLINGHAM TO HOST BBC NORTH EAST SPORTS AWARDS Billingham Forum will host the prestigious 2013 BBC North East Sports Awards in the New Year. The event takes place on the evening of February 5 and recognises the success, achievements and contributions of sportsmen and women, volunteers, coaches and teams in our region.

The awards ceremony will be hosted by BBC Look North Presenter Jeff Brown and BBC Tees presenter Alastair Brownlee. Public tickets will be available later this year from the BBC. Last year Kat Copeland and Josef Craig were joint winners of the North East Sports Personality of the Year award. PAGE 5

ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT

Local band Ca

ttle & Cane pe rform on the Globe’s stage

Live music and entertainment is set to be at the heart of Stockton’s rejuvenated town centre following its multi-million pound regeneration. STARS TO RETURN TO STOCKTON Exciting plans to bring the much loved, art-deco Globe Theatre back into use received a welcome boost last month when the Heritage Lottery Fund announced a £4million award towards its restoration. Concert goers once flocked to see the Beatles, Shadows, Rolling Stones and other stars at the Globe. Built in 1935, it hosted many top names in the music business until the 1970s, famously including a performance by The Beatles on the night President Kennedy was assassinated. It finally closed in the 1990s after nearly two decades as a bingo hall, since when it has remained empty. The Globe will be a spectacular 2,500 capacity music venue that would again attract the kind of big names that will bring thousands of visitors into a bustling and lively Stockton Town Centre. The Council will work with the building’s owners, Jomast, to plan the next steps for the redevelopment of the Grade II listed building. Local band Cattle & Cane provided a modern twist to some Beatles classics during a media event held to mark the funding announcement and will hopefully be performing to a bigger audience next time they grace the Globe stage! Events such as the Stockton International Riverside Festival have steadily raised the cultural reputation of Stockton. The restored Globe will further boost this by complementing existing venues such as Arc, the Georgian Theatre and facilities like the Green Dragon Studios. PAGE 6

The Globe 1950’s

Chief Executive of Stockton Council, Neil Schneider, said: “We’re really encouraged to see new investment at the northern end of the High Street. The redevelopment of the Lambton Castle as well as the external improvement works to the front of Debenhams are a welcome sign of transformation. I’m sure we’ll continue to see more exciting developments in the area as the multi-million pound regeneration of the High Street continues to take shape.”

The southern end is complete and work on the Dovecot Street area is progressing. The paving is being replaced and the Dovecot Street/Prince Regent Street junction is seeing improvements such as resurfacing and upgraded pedestrian crossings and street lights. The visual appearance of the area is also being enhanced through landscaping with trees and other greenery. Across the town centre new bus shelters with seating are in place and temporary street furniture will be replaced with new benches and seats specially designed for Stockton Town Centre in the coming months.

For updates on the project and to sign-up to The Globe e-newsletter visit www.stockton.gov.uk/globe

PROGRESS ON THE GROUND

Funding from the Department for Education’s ‘Aiming High for Disabled Children’ programme has paid for the installation of new changing and toilet facilities in the Shambles Market Hall.

The news from the Heritage Lottery Fund came as work at the northern end of the High Street to transform the town into a year-round destination for leisure, events, shopping and heritage continued.

Meanwhile St John’s Crossing was finished last month. A new linked signal-controlled junction has been introduced and dedicated lanes are providing a priority bus route between Bridge Road and Stockton High Street. It will make it easier for people to access the town centre. The scheme is part of the wider Tees Valley Bus Network Improvement Scheme to improve journey times for buses on key routes in the area.

Lindsay House was demolished last month and the site is being turned into a car park which will make it easier for people to access shops in the town centre. It will also be used as a dedicated space for specialist markets and events. The removal of the building also makes it easier for people in the town centre to access Stockton’s Riverside and the vast array of leisure activities it has to offer. A new taxi rank is being created and improvements are being made to the paving, road surfaces, pedestrian crossings and street lighting.

Lindsay House

The removal of the building also makes it easier for people in the town centre to access Stockton’s Riverside and the vast array of leisure activities it has to offer. PAGE 7

ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT

ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT RAILWAYS RETURN

A number of artworks are also being introduced to celebrate the Borough’s rich history and heritage. One of the features, an automaton, or moving sculpture, was granted planning permission in September. Inspired by George Stephenson’s Locomotion Number One, the automaton will both celebrate the Borough’s engineering achievements and remind us of Stockton’s rich industrial heritage. The mechanism will be concealed in a plinth and will emerge at a given time each day. The plinth will also serve as a platform for speeches, small performances and occasionally for the installation of temporary sculptures, in a similar way to the fourth plinth in London’s Trafalgar Square. Meanwhile, a life-sized reminder of Stockton’s railway heritage is now welcoming visitors to Stockton Town Centre.

Traders at the recent World Market

A large sculpture of the first train to travel along the StocktonDarlington Railway has been installed next to the new St John’s Crossing junction at the south end of the town.

Andreas Domique of Andreas’ Boutique, one of the businesses which has moved into the Town Centre

SHOPPING AND BUSINESS Markets have played an important role in Stockton Town Centre for hundreds of years. Its 700-year-old traditional market continues to be held every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The market has now moved into its permanent location at the southern end of the High Street and will soon be sporting an impressive new look with new canopies expected early next year. Meanwhile, the expansion of Stockton’s Spencer Market Hall located in Castlegate Shopping Centre has now officially opened. There are now 26 units there. The extra space was created as part of a £1.5 million investment to provide more retail space. Specialist markets are also continuing to broaden the shopping experience whilst supporting the development of independent businesses by giving traders the opportunity to showcase and sell their wares. In recent months the specialist markets programme has included a Maker’s Market and Craft Fair for people selling homemade products, a “Creative Expo” designed for artists and creative craftspeople and a World Market which brought an international array of foods, fashions, gifts and jewellery to the High Street. For details of Stockton’s specialist markets visit www.stockton.gov.uk/specialistmarkets Stockton’s Town Team is supporting business development and events in Stockton Town Centre, including a Student Market last month which saw young people from Durham University enjoy an evening on Silver Street with market stalls, live music and street theatre. Chair of Stockton Town Team, Joanna Wake, said: “Businesses, residents and community groups living and working in Stockton have a dedication and passion for our town centre. We can see how much it has to offer visitors and the vibrancy here

is continuing to grow, not just as a result of the physical improvements but as the events, festivals and markets continue to flourish and an increasing number of businesses establish themselves in the town.” It’s not just the markets which are supporting business development in the town. At Stockton’s Enterprise Arcade fledging businesses are offered low cost retail space and a full package of business support so they can test trade their ideas in a safe but busy environment. Recently, ten businesses which started life in the Enterprise Arcade have gone on to establish themselves in properties in the town centre – further boosting the unique shopping experience the town centre offers. Stockton Council’s Head of Regeneration and Economic Development, Richard Poundford, said: “Town centres should be lively, dynamic places.

An artist’s impression of the automaton concept

MURALS MARK STOCKTON’S MEMORIES The final touches have now been made to a unique mural in Stockton Town Centre. The artwork was completed by 20-year-old John Newton on behalf of his father Zak, the original artist who sadly passed away in August. John said: “I completed ‘A Century of Change’ by painting the panels of coal that reside on the side of the building. The mural leaves us all with a lasting reminder of my dad’s artistic vision and passion for art by the people, for the people.”

“Stockton is all about markets, events, heritage, a diverse range of independent shops, great cultural experiences offered by Arc, the Georgian Theatre and other venues as well as sports and leisure activities available at Splash and watersports on the River Tees.

The West Row Mural can be found on the back of the newly restored West Row Arts building.

“By bringing all these experiences together in one town centre we are creating a visitor destination which is something very different to other town centres in the area.”

Stockton Council’s Head of Arts, Leisure and Culture, Reuben Kench, said: “I’m so pleased that John was able to finish this spectacular mural. Zak’s efforts really have managed to effectively capture both the history of the site and heritage of this part of Stockton.

Footfall is increasing at a steady rate which is already having a positive impact on private sector confidence with Lathe Investments, who own the Castlegate Shopping Centre, investing approximately £5million pounds to make improvements to the parking areas and market hall. Similarly, Hewitts Solicitors is due to complete a renovation of an empty unit to create new offices on the High Street.

The steel model of the Locomotion No 1, created by artist Steve Tomlinson, was officially unveiled on Friday 27 September – the 188th anniversary of the first passenger rail journey.

It celebrates ‘A Century of Change’ at the former site of Stockton Fire Station (1883 to 1965).

“Not only does the mural contribute another exciting element to our town’s regeneration, it is also a lasting legacy to Zak whose artworks have complemented the look and feel of Stockton Town Centre for many years.

John Newton pic tured in front of the West Row Mural

Meanwhile, the Castlegate Centre launched the town’s newest piece of artwork last month. It brings together various Stockton Borough landmarks in a giant image displayed on the back of the shopping centre, facing the river. It has been created by Gayle Chong Kwan, who spent time in Stockton photographing various landmarks to inspire the piece. It will be in position for the next two years before another artist is selected to create another picture to display there. Artists from across the country will be invited to compete for the chance to showcase their work on the Castlegate Centre next year. Anyone interested in finding out more about the exciting developments in Stockton Town Centre should visit www.rediscoverstockton.com

The new artwork at Castlegate

Artist Gayle Chong Kwan PAGE 8

PAGE 9

ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT

SPOTLIGHT ON STOCKTON’S HERITAGE

More people will soon be choosing to live on or very close to the High Street thanks to the Grants for Heritage Buildings project, which is providing funding to help building owners transform empty properties into residential accommodation. Pre-1850s building 42 High Street is receiving around £430,000 funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Stockton Council for renovation works which will bring vacant floor-space back into use. The building, which is home to a travel agent, has played host to nearly 200 years of Stockton’s history – including a bookseller, printer, stationer, ironmonger, watchmakers, boot and shoe maker and wine merchants. The works, which are sympathetic to the age and style of the building, are seeing the upper floors and rear warehouse restored and turned into residential units. Apprentices are also receiving on-the-job training as part of the project. Mr Majinder Jagpal of Ingleby Barwick Land and Property Developments Ltd, and owner of 42 High Street, said: “There are so many great buildings on the High Street and lots of potential for new uses, such as the refurbishment of the basements for staff use whilst creating residential and other uses on the upper floors.

“I would encourage anyone who owns a historic building in Stockton Town Centre to seek advice on the potential funding and help to make sure the High Street looks its best for the benefit of everyone.” Meanwhile, a special project to capture the history of Stockton Town Centre’s buildings is now complete. Over the last five years volunteers have braved cold and wet weather conditions to record details of more than 400 buildings in the town centre.

£6million digital boost for Northshore

The recording has been coordinated by Tees Archaeology with support from Stockton Council’s Grants for Heritage Buildings programme. Anyone interested in finding out more about the recording of Stockton Town Centre buildings can contact Tees Archaeology by emailing teesarchaeology@hartlepool.gov.uk or calling (01429) 523455. For further details of the Grants for Heritage Buildings project visit www.stockton.gov.uk/grantsforheritagebuildings

On the banks of the River Tees the multi-million pound Northshore development – which is being delivered by Muse Developments and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) with support from Stockton Council – is seeing yet another exciting addition. It is set to be the hub for an influx of digital and science businesses thanks to the construction of a £6 million state-ofthe-art Innovation Centre. Digital, science and other innovative firms will grow their businesses at the 36,000 sq ft facility. The spectacular building is being developed by Muse Developments, Stockton Council and the HCA. Funding is from the European Regional Development Fund Competiveness Programme and the HCA. The dedicated workspace and business support facility will link with local academic institutions and DigitalCity Innovation (DCI) to create effective business and research partnerships between digital and science businesses.

42 High Street as a wine merchants PAGE 10

Alongside the Innovation Centre, the Northshore scheme will provide 750,000 sq ft of housing, commercial, retail and leisure accommodation.

Stockton Council’s Head of Regeneration and Economic Development, Richard Poundford, said: “It is really exciting to see so much progress on Stockton’s Riverside, which is certainly acting as a catalyst for further investment and business growth.

Work on a second phase of Vivo is now on site – 76 high quality two, three and four bedroom homes are being built, some of which have roof terraces overlooking the iconic Infinity Bridge. The first 25 units of this second phase will be complete by the end of the 2014.

“The Innovation Centre will make an invaluable contribution to this, providing a purpose-built facility for the Tees Valley’s rapidly growing digital sector.

Simon Dew, development manager at Muse, said: “The success of the award-winning first phase of Vivo is a demonstration of the popularity of the scheme, its fantastic location and high quality build.

“It is a perfect place for residents and businesses alike – what better location for businesses to grow and develop than in purpose-built space, within easy reach of the town centre and major transport routes and within a striking riverside setting?” The residential phase of Northshore – Vivo, which is being built in partnership with Muse’s sister company, Lovell – is well under way with all 50 of the homes built during the first phase being sold.

“With a state-of-the-art Innovation Centre now coming forward, momentum is building at Northshore and we look forward to making some further exciting announcements in the near future.” To find out more about Northshore visit www.northshorestocktonontees.com or for further information on the homes at Northshore visit www.vivonorthshore.com

PAGE 11

ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT

It’s official – Stockton Borough is in the top 10 per cent of places in the UK to do business. This impressive finding was revealed by a national survey commissioned by local government magazine, The Municipal Journal and research consultancy, Local Futures. The survey showed that there is an outstanding environment and business infrastructure within Stockton Borough as well as a strong skills base and solid local economy. Stockton Council’s Chief Executive, Neil Schneider, said: “We’re delighted to learn of our position in the top ten per cent of areas to do business – but not surprised. “At Stockton Council, we take a ‘can-do’ attitude to business and support all businesses and investment - from the first-time entrepreneur to established multi-national organisations. “While we will celebrate the news – we’re not complacent – and we will continue to work with businesses, funders and training, skills and education providers to secure further investment, jobs and economic growth for the area and the wider Tees Valley.”

Business boom

Stockton’s Enterprise Zones support business growth The research and development facility will be one of the largest

It’s not surprising then, that the Borough is also experiencing its highest-ever number of company start-ups.

And there’s further support for businesses in the Borough’s Enterprise Zones.

Research published as part of the Dupont Business Confidence Report shows that a total of 211 companies were registered in Stockton between January and March of 2013 - an increase of 6.0 per cent compared with the same period last year.

At the Enterprise Zones Business Rate Discount sites at Belasis Business Park and Northshore, businesses can take advantage of up to £55,000 of business rate discount per year for five years.

Top performer for planning And if this wasn’t enough to encourage businesses, Stockton Council is also one of the best local authorities in the country when it comes to the speedy turnaround of major planning applications. An impressive 87.4 per cent of all major planning applications were determined within a 13 week period – making Stockton Council third of all local authority areas in the country. This is based on analysis of the Department for Communities and Local Government planning application statistics.

PAGE 12

Tracerco, part of Johnson Matthey Plc, is one of the latest companies to benefit. Over the next five years the business, which provides diagnostic services and specialist measurement solutions to the global oil, gas and petrochemical industry, is eligible to benefit from £275,000 of Business Rate Relief. The discount will support Tracerco as it progresses an £8.6million investment programme which includes the construction of a new 61,000 sq ft bespoke research and development facility. Earlier this year Tracerco successfully secured a £1million grant towards this investment from the £30million ‘Let’s Grow’ programme, which is part of the Regional Growth Fund.

developments on an Enterprise Zone Business Rate Relief site in the country and is expected to create 50 new jobs. Cambridge Research Biochemicals is another company to benefit from this financial incentive which, along with a Let’s Grow grant of £65,000, is helping it to move to bigger premises within the Belasis Business Park Enterprise Zone. Other recent developments at Stockton’s Enterprise Zone sites include the expansion of international engineering information management specialists Phusion, also at Belasis Business Park, and a new £320million power plant for Air Products at the New Energy and Technology Park at Seal Sands, where businesses can benefit from Enhanced Capital Allowance on capital investment. The Northshore Enterprise Zone is also proving successful. Northshore is already home to an award-winning riverside housing development, ‘Vivo Northshore’, and plans to create a new £6million Innovation Centre for digital, science and technology businesses are moving forward. Read more about this on page 11.

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ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT

Customer services at the heart of Billingham’s new library Construction of Billingham’s new £2.7million Library and Customer Service Centre is scheduled to get under way in the New Year. Sarah Mullen, who currently works in Stockton Customer Services Centre, will take up the role of Customer Services Centre Manager at the new facility. “We can’t wait to bring customer services to the heart of Billingham,” she said. “We will have a team of highly-skilled customer service representatives who will be on-hand to help residents with a whole host of enquiries in a friendly and helpful manner. “The new centre will also have the latest self-service technology for residents – making service faster and easier than ever! “It’s exciting to be part of the changes that are taking place in Billingham.” The new Library and Customer Service Centre will be built on the grounds of the former Billingham Art Gallery and Council offices. The one-stop-shop will provide a pleasant environment for customer services for both Stockton Council and Tristar Homes (part of the Vela Group). The building will also incorporate a cash office and Billingham Town Council offices.

Sarah Mullen

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Residents will be able to talk with highlyskilled customer services staff face-toface at the new customer desks. Self-service technology will help residents who just want to pop in to report an issue or request services by completing a simple online form, make a payment or find out information. The Centre is in the final design stages and should be ready to open by the end of 2014. The new Customer Service Centre will deal with: Bulky household waste removal Community Transport Council Tax and Business Rates Environmental Health Free School Meals Highway Maintenance Horticulture Housing Benefit & Council Tax Support Parking & Concessionary Fares Private Sector Housing Recycling Refuse Collection School Admissions Street Cleansing Tees Achieve The existing Customer Services Centres in Stockton and Thornaby central libraries have proved hugely popular and serve around 9,000 visitors each month. For further information visit the Council’s website: www.stockton.gov.uk/ customerservices

BILLINGHAM IS CHANGING The new Library and Customer Service Centre is just one of the changes Billingham residents can look forward to. Work to provide new high quality paving and seating, feature lighting and a canopy for the bandstand continues as part of a £2.3million investment by the Council and the town centre’s owners, Stockland. Other works include new windows to the upper floors of Queensway and the town square, stairway repairs and lighting improvements as well as a new CCTV system and new public toilets. Repairs have also been carried out on the closed walkways to Kingsway car park, brickwork and handrails throughout the town centre. A planning application has been submitted for new retirement housing on the edge of the town centre. Improvements to John Whitehead Park including a new skate and BMX area, four improved tennis courts and a multiuse games area are in progress and are being supported by a range of partners including Billingham Town Council. In the coming months, Wetherspoons will open a new pub in the West Precinct. To find out more about investment in Billingham Town Centre visit: www.stockton.gov.uk/billingham

Eaglescliffe Station is undergoing a £1million upgrade as part of the Tees Valley Rail Network Improvements programme. The new facilities will include a modern glass station building with a waiting room, CCTV, new platform benches, handrails, and anti-slip paving and surfacing on the footbridge. The station car park will also be significantly extended seeing its capacity increase from 30 to 84 spaces. It is the second stage of improvements to the station following installation of a manned ticket office in 2012 and an improved Public Address system and new Customer Information Screens earlier this year.

Artist’s impressio n of the new waiting area.

Passenger numbers have risen from 136,000 per year to 150,000 since the ticket office was built, and it is hoped the developments will continue to attract rail users. Stockton Council, in partnership with Tees Valley Unlimited and Northern Rail, has secured funding for the improvements from the Department for Transport, Network Rail and Grand Central. Eaglescliffe is the fourth station in the Borough to be upgraded this year. Allens West, Billingham and Stockton stations have also benefited from investment secured by Tees Valley Unlimited from the Department for Transport. Work is expected to be complete by January 2014. The car park extension will then begin, with completion scheduled for May 2014.

£3million to reduce congestion Stockton Council has secured £3.3million of Government funding towards a scheme to tackle traffic pinch points and ease congestion on Thornaby Road. Works are expected to start on the £4.8million Thornaby Road A174/A1044 Congestion Relief Scheme in May 2014 and are planned to be complete by Spring 2015. The scheme will dual the A174 Parkway Extension between the A174/A1044 junction, where capacity improvements will also be made to complement the already secured Highways Agency improvements and the A19/A174 Trunk Road interchange. In addition the combined proposals will create new access to the Teesside Industrial Estate both reducing congestion and encouraging growth.

Richard McGuckin, Head of Technical Services at Stockton Council, said: “As one of 15 local authority schemes, nationally, the funding will see us tackling congestion alongside our partners, the Highways Agency. “It will help us deal with this pinch point, ease traffic flow and make journeys quicker and smoother for our residents and visitors. “Improvements to infrastructure are vital to help us keep the Borough moving and to attract new businesses.”

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CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

A FIRST IN THE UK Stockton has an exciting cultural events programme so it should come as no surprise that the Borough is leading the way in providing new opportunities in the arts and creative industries. Twelve new apprenticeships have been created in a range of theatrical, musical, creative and heritage organisations thanks to £45,000 from the Creative Employment Programme. The apprenticeships cover a range of roles such as box office/ front of house, creative development, technical and production areas, finance and administration, carnival events support, maintenance and joinery, historic and heritage gardening, live events and promotion and junior designer and technician roles. Nine internships will also be available including five new

business creative internships for young entrepreneurs who want to start an arts or creative Mike McG rother wit enterprise. The h his Wild cats interns will be supported by Mike McGrother, front man of local band ‘The Wildcats of Kilkenny’. Mike said: “The arts and creative industries offer so much – it’s important that young people have the opportunity to explore their talent and abilities whilst getting valuable experience in the day to day business of making things happen!” The Creative Employment Programme is an England-wide £15million grant fund delivered by Creative & Cultural Skills using lottery funding from Arts Council England.

A great start for young people The tough economic climate means young people face fierce competition for job vacancies, making it incredibly hard for them to get a foothold on the career ladder. Stockton Council is committed to helping them on the path to success by offering quality apprenticeship opportunities. Here we meet two young people who have successfully completed an apprenticeship with Stockton Council. Laura Salmon began her apprenticeship in Human Resources Administration (HR) in October 2012. The 24-year-old gained a wide range of experience, dividing her time between the Council’s Workforce Development Team and the HR Advisory Team Her work ranges from assisting with training, administration, filing, maintaining databases and employee record systems to the researching, preparing, collating and updating of statistical and other information as well as photocopying, mail duties and telephone call handling. Laura has also developed an understanding of the importance of data protection procedures. She has just

completed her NVQ Level 2 qualification in Business Administration and has secured a permanent position with another organisation. In October last year, 21-year-old Penny Simblet began a Business Administration apprenticeship within the Council’s front-line Registration and Bereavement Service. Her duties included managing the busy reception desk, meeting and greeting customers, booking birth and death registration appointments and assisting with family history research enquiries. She gained valuable experience and achieved an NVQ Business Administration Level 2 qualification.

The number of children and young people coming into Local Authority care in Stockton is rising, and on any one day there are more than 230 children and young people from Stockton needing foster families. Stockton Council needs to recruit more foster carers to help look after these children, who are some of the most vulnerable in the Borough. The reality of not having enough foster carers in Stockton means that some children need to be placed outside the Borough and therefore further away from their birth families. So, through its commitment to recruit more foster carers from Stockton, the Council is continuing with its ‘Put Yourself in the Picture’ campaign to promote the rewards of fostering, and banish some of the myths that some people believe may prevent them from becoming a foster carer.

ability to assist customers in a caring and sensitive manner has grown as has her understanding of the need to record information accurately and retain it securely.

Fostering is about caring for children and young people in your own home and many of these children will eventually return to their birth families. In some cases this may take a matter of days or weeks, in others it may take longer and the children could be living with foster carers for one or two years.

Penny became a reliable and well respected member of the team and following a temporary promotion of a previous apprentice in the service, she was offered a full-time contract for six to 12 months with the opportunity of working towards her NVQ Business Administration Level 3.

The ‘Put Yourself in the Picture’ campaign asks people interested in fostering to put themselves in the child’s picture and consider whether they could work as part of a team made up of social workers, health professionals, and schools, which all help to care for the child. Foster carers are also provided with a range of support such as a dedicated supervising social worker and financial support to cover the costs associated with caring for a child.

Surprisingly, many people still dismiss the idea of being able to foster – thinking they may not be eligible. In fact, foster carers come from all ages and backgrounds, some are single, some are retired, some have their own children, others may be same sex couples, and some carers come from black and minority ethnic communities. Other factors such as whether you’re employed or disabled are assessed on a case by case basis. One family in Stockton who have been fostering with Stockton Council for over six years are Ellen and Rob Winterton from Thornaby. Together with their 12-year-old daughter, Megan (pictured), they have helped to shape the lives of many children in Stockton. “Being a foster carer can be challenging but it’s extremely rewarding to know that we’ve helped many children to blossom by settling them into a stable routine, teaching them new skills and boosting their confidence to enable them to reach their full potential in life,” said Rob. Daughter Megan added: “Being an only child, fostering gives me lots of children to play with, and I enjoy being a role model ‘big sister’ to them. When a child first comes to us, I help to reassure them and I think they warm to me more as I’m a child myself.” Ellen said: “To be a foster carer, you need to be patient and willing to have fun to be able to relate to the children, and above all ensure that you welcome them into your family environment. My advice to anyone thinking about fostering would be to take the first step and find out more as there are children in Stockton who need foster carers urgently so there really is no time like the present.” To find out more about becoming a foster carer, email child.placement@stockton.gov.uk or call: (01642) 526218. You can also visit Stockton Council’s website: www.stockton.gov.uk/fostering

Given the nature of the service, Penny soon learnt the importance of providing a service which is polite, professional and customer-focused. Her confidence and Laura Salmon

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Stockton calls for more foster carers

Myth busting

Penny Simblet

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CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Family approach reaping results Ian Ramsey C of

E School

All Saints Academy

Rosebrook Primary School

Yarm Primary

Northfield

School and

School

Crooksbarn Primary School

Sports Col

lege

The family of schools, academies and colleges of the Borough are known collectively as Campus Stockton. All of our schools, academies and colleges work in partnership with a collective responsibility to ensure that all of the Borough’s young people have access to the best possible learning opportunities so that they can achieve their full potential, with no child left behind. Campus Stockton is built on 4 key principles: Putting the learner first Every school a good school Schools in partnership at the heart of the community Constantly striving to improve the quality of our school buildings It’s certainly been a good year. The academic results speak for themselves. This year 57 per cent of students achieved 5 A* to C grades, including English and maths, which is in line with the best ever results for Stockton. The best results in the Borough were at All

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“ The Borough’s A level students also did exceedingly well. All four school 6th forms and colleges exceeded the national average pass rate of 98.1 per cent.“

Saints Academy in Ingleby Barwick, where 87 per cent of students achieved 5 A* to C grades including English and maths. Other secondary schools and academies doing well include North Shore Academy whose results were 31 per cent higher than last year, whilst Our Lady and St Bede RC School, St Michael’s RC School and Thornaby Academy all saw significant improvements on last year’s results. The Borough’s A level students also did exceedingly well. All four school 6th forms and colleges exceeded the national average pass rate of 98.1 per cent. In our primary schools Stockton results at Key Stage One have

shown improvements on last year. At Key Stage Two, results also improved and have now placed Stockton above national and regional averages in many measures. In some measures, such as level 3 maths at KS1 and in spelling, grammar and punctuation at KS2, Stockton pupils’ performance is the highest in the North East.

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary RC Primary and Egglescliffe CE Primary School have both seen the addition of an extra classroom.

And we’re continuing our drive to improve the quality of our school buildings. A huge amount of work has taken plan in both primary and secondary schools across the Borough.

Work to other primary schools include Junction Farm Primary School, St Mark’s Elm Tree CE Primary School, Christ the King RC Primary School, Mandale Mill Primary School and Yarm Primary School.

A few examples include: A substantial project has seen the infant and juniors buildings at Bewley Primary School combined into one modern extensively re-modelled building. At Fairfield Primary School, out-dated temporary buildings have been removed and Early Years, Key Stage 1 and 2 combined into a single new facility. Norton Primary School has been extensively remodelled and the Glebe Primary School extended to manage the increase in numbers of pupils.

The second phase of works to Barleyfields Primary School is due to complete in December 2013 this will enable the school to increase to three form entry.

Several of our secondary schools have undergone refurbishment. Work is now complete at Thornaby Academy and Ian Ramsey CE School, and work is still under way at Northfield School and Sports College. We also celebrated a brand new school, North Shore Academy in April this year. And there’s more to come. Exciting development plans are under way for Grangefield School, St Francis of Assisi Primary School and St Michael’s Catholic Academy. Meanwhile, work on a new post-16 maths and English block is planned to start in May 2014 on the former Billingham Campus site.

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CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

A new chapter for Frederick Nattrass Primary The Duke of Gloucester meets teachers and pupils at North Shore Academy.

RIGHT ROYAL OPENING FOR BOROUGH SCHOOLS His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO completed a hat-trick of official opening events in the Borough last month. The refurbished Glebe Primary School and brand new North Shore Academy were the first two on his list of engagements. The Glebe Primary School has undergone £1.5million of extensive refurbishment works to its Early Years and Key Stage 1 areas over 18 months, which has transformed this 1970s building into a 21st Century facility for future generations to enjoy. His Royal Highness met the Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Kathryn Nelson, and enjoyed a tour of the school, meeting many of the children and staff, before unveiling a plaque in the main hall. During his visit to officially open North Shore Academy, His Royal Highness met staff and students and learned about a special time capsule buried in the school garden.

Pupils and staff at Frederick Nattrass Primary Academy were joined by special guests as they celebrated its official launch as an academy school. The celebrations signify a new chapter in the history of the school, which is now sponsored by Northern Education Trust. The Trust’s Chair, Les Walton CBE and Baroness Estelle Morris, Company Chair of Northern Education, the company which created the Trust, visited the school to mark the occasion. They were shown round by headteacher, Caroline Reed, before being served sandwiches and savouries made by the children. They were also able to see some old school log books dating back to 1930 and were entertained by the school choir before formal speeches took place. This year a number of other schools within Stockton Borough converted to Academy status. These include Conyers Academy, St Gregory’s Primary School, All Saints Academy, Hardwick Green, Abbey Hill School Technology College, Westlands School. The Oak Tree Primary School and St Michael’s RC Voluntary Aided Comprehensive School.

Is your child entitled to free school meals? Your child may be eligible to receive free schools meals if you receive certain benefits such as: Income Support (IS) Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (IBJSA) Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, or Child Tax Credit (providing there is no entitlement to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs), that as of 6 April 2011 does not exceed £16,190 (this amount may change). Income-related employment and support allowance

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Any school applications received by post after the deadline will be logged as a ‘late application’ and will not be processed until places have been allocated to those submitted on time. This means your child could miss out on a place at one of your chosen schools.

If your child was born between 1 September 2009 and 31 August 2010, they will be due to start primary school in September 2014.

For more information, or to request an application form, call the School Admissions Team on (01642) 526605 or email: school.admissions@stockton.gov.uk

The application form will give you the opportunity to put up to three school preferences on the form and give reasons for the application. The closing date for application forms is Wednesday 15 January 2014.

His Royal Highness also unveiled a plaque and was presented with a painting.

After visiting the schools he completed the hat-trick by opening a new manufacturing facility at Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies in Billingham.

Parents with children due to start primary school next year are being urged to return their admission forms to secure a place at their preferred school.

To secure a place you must complete an application form to register with the Council’s School Admissions Team and let them know which schools you would prefer your child to attend.

He visited the food technology area and saw a cookery lesson under way and toured other areas including the gym, maths and ICT areas before taking lunch with the whole academy in the dining room.

North Shore Academy is now one of 12 academy schools sponsored by the Northern Education Trust, an independent charitable trust which sponsors academies to ensure all pupils achieve the highest possible levels of attainment within a rich learning environment.

Primary places for your children

Baroness ground), present ex Eastwood (fore Walton CBE, Chair of Al d an ry ea Cl Katelyn by Les her. bouquet watched Reed, Head Teac Morris (L) with a re) and Caroline nt (ce t us Tr on Northern Educati

Guarantee element of State Pension Credit Children who receive IS or IBJSA in their own right are also entitled to receive free school meals The Council will check your benefits but if we need to find out more we will contact you before confirming your child can receive free school meals. The Government recently announced that from September 2014, all children in their first three years of schooling will receive free school meals, but in the meantime to find out if your child is eligible for free school meals, to make an application (download a form) or to discuss arrears visit www.stockton.gov.uk/schoolmeals or call the Council’s Free School Meals Team on (01642) 526606.

You can also save time by applying online at www.stockton. gov.uk/schooladmissions and clicking on the link ‘apply for a school place online.’ If you apply online, you will receive an email on 16 April 2014 informing you of the school place allocated to your child. Parents who apply by paper application will receive a confirmation letter sent out on 16 April 2014 by second class post.

ARE YOU ENTITLED TO FREE CHILDCARE? Parents and carers across Stockton Borough are being reminded old funding, which begins after their third birthday. to check if their child is entitled to free childcare. Free entitlement can be used in: Stockton Council can provide two-year-olds with 15 hours’ Private and voluntary childcare settings, particularly those free childcare a week during school term time if they meet located in Children’s Centre buildings certain criteria. Childminders Looked After Children and children who meet the free school Nursery classes within schools meals criteria are eligible if parents or carers claim one or more Successful applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will of the following benefits: be issued with a unique reference number, a list of childcare Income Support providers and letter to prove eligibility to their chosen care Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (IBJSA) provider. Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 Application forms are available from childcare locations and The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit Children’s Centres, or through a childcare provider who can Child Tax Credit provided you are not receiving Working Tax complete the online form on behalf of a parent or carer. Credit and your annual income is less than £16,191 To apply online, visit www.stockton.gov.uk/freechildcare. Following a successful application, children will be entitled to For more information speak to a member of the Families the offer for two years from the start of term after their second birthday, up until they qualify for the existing three and four year Information Service on (01642) 527225 PAGE 21

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Improving our services for children with disabilities

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE Parents and carers of children with disabilities can now sign-up to a special register and be kept informed of all the support services available to them. Those who sign-up will also be able to influence and shape future services and will receive: Updates on services available Updates about local childcare Information on local activities and events Information on how they can become involved The register will help the Council maintain up-to-date information about the number of disabled children across the Borough, which will assist the Council in developing services for disabled children and their families. The register is for childen under 18 and living in Stockton Borough. They must have a learning difficulty, mental health or medical condition or a physical disability which substantially limits or prevents them from living and developing as other children of a similar age. To register visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ disabilityregister or contact the Families Information Service by emailing fis@stockton.gov.uk or calling (01642) 527225.

PREPARING FOR CHANGE The Government’s Children and Families Bill proposes a series of major changes to how local councils and their partners provide services to children and young people with special educational needs. The Bill sets out the Government’s vision for reform in relation to provision of services for children and young people aged up to 25 with special educational needs and their families. It is expected to be given Royal Assent in Spring 2014 with the changes coming into effect from September 2014. This will be a gradual transition rather than an immediate wholesale change. Stockton Council is already preparing for the introduction of the proposed changes, which include replacing statements for children with special educational needs PAGE 22

with a new integrated assessment and a single Education, Health and Care Plan (EHC Plan). A ‘Local Offer’ will also be developed to enable children and young people with special educational needs and their families to access information about all of the services available to them from one place. Importantly, the new approach will focus on ensuring coordinated services are planned across different services for education, health and care.

Over the coming months, we will be publishing further information about the changes and planning a range of activities to keep everyone who is affected informed and involved. Parents and carers will be kept informed and consulted on the changes along with a range of Council partners including Catalyst and parent participation group Stockton United for Change. Carole Wilson, a parent involved in Stockton United for Change, said: “The reforms will put parents, carers, young people and children right at the heart of decision-making.” For further information, please visit www.stockton.gov.uk/sensupport or contact the parent participation group, Stockton United for Change (SUfC), on 07935 447375 or email: stocktonunitedforchange@gmail.com.

BRIGHT SPARK WILL SOON LIGHT THE WAY The transformation of the former King Edwin School site into a new purpose-built non-residential facility for the education of children with special educational needs is nearing completion. The new facility in Norton, due to open early next year, is owned by the Council and will be operated by Spark of Genius – a provider of specialist education and support programmes. The investment will ensure that children and young people who require specialist care are provided with appropriate help and support within the Borough – rather than having to secure services from elsewhere. This ‘invest to save’ approach is expected to save the Council around £400,000 per year. In addition, around 100 jobs will be created when the project is up and running. Spark of Genius provides a supportive learning environment that encourages improved attendance levels, improved quality of health and well being, more training and education placements and jobs.

The new Spark of Genius facilities will offer a wide range of teaching to children and young people returning to services within Stockton including English, Maths, PE, Home Economics, Science and Art courses as well as technical qualifications and a host of other appropriate qualifications. Stockton Council, working with Spark of Genius, hopes that the facilities at the rear of the former King Edwin site will be made available to local sports teams for weekend use, including the basketball court, football pitches and changing facilities. The possibility of ‘Rural Skills’ being located on the current site is also being explored.

Giving young people support and direction Young people played a starring role in creating a new identity for Stockton Council’s recently-launched Youth Direction service.

The young people, from Bede College, came up with the name and logo for the service, which brings together all of the services that formerly came under the banner of Integrated Youth Support Services (IYSS). Youth Direction provides coordinated, flexible and easily accessible support to young people aged 11 to 19 (aged up to 25 for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities). For example, its universal youth support arm provides activities and centres in schools throughout the Borough while also undertaking outreach work to engage with young people, diverting them away from anti-social behaviour and towards more constructive pursuits. Young people can also take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Careers guidance offers lots of information and advice to young people in schools as well as targeted support for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities and those at risk of withdrawing from learning.

Left to right Laura-Jane Lincoln, Shaun McLurg, Head of Children and Young People’s Services, Matthew Powell, Jane Humphreys Corporate Director of Children, Education and Social Care and Sean Hobbs.

The preventions team works with young people who are at risk of offending, anti-social behaviour or being excluded from school and supports them to change their lives for the better. Young people can also call into the one-stop-shop based at 16 Bishopton Lane in Stockton where they can find out about the support available to them. To find out more about all that Youth Direction has to offer visit www.stockton.gov.uk/youthdirection or call (01642) 677600.

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CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Making music with Stockton’s looked after youth Children and young people in care across Stockton are discovering the joy of making music as part of a special project led by the Council. Stockton Council has secured funding for the project from musinc, an organisation that helps young people to develop and grow through music. The funding was secured with support from the Council’s Youth Direction team. Talented musician Tim Coyte and Apollo Arts are now working with children and young people aged six to 19 who have left care or are currently in care. The children and young people are members of the Council’s Let’s Take Action group and are being taught to make music in a variety of ways with musinc providing musical experiences including drumming, DJ skills, singing and creating music with technology.

The programme started last year and has been so successful that training for mentoring is being run for the third time since its launch. The music project is just one of a range of positive activities in which the group is involved and will continue for the rest of year with the aims of helping more young people to explore their creativity, develop their skills and compose pieces of music. Other activities have included crafts, cooking and creative writing as well as seasonal activities such as Halloween crafts and a pantomime performance this Christmas. For more information about the project contact Angela Nottingham, the Youth Direction team’s Positive Activities Worker on (01642) 677600 or Heather Johnson, Children’s Rights/ Participation Officer on (01642) 527642.

The Let’s Take Action group meet regularly to discuss the issues that matter most to Looked After Children and care leavers and group members take part in a peer mentoring programme.

Local youngsters had a great time working with Carl Pemberton of ‘Journey South’ X Factor fame when he visited Tees Valley Music Service’s Sound Pod in Stockton to teach the art of song writing. At the ‘Summer Songwriting School’ the youngsters, aged 10 to 16, began with a blank piece of paper and progressed to a CD recording. The event was organised by the new Tees Music Education Hub – one of 122 national hubs set up under the National Music Plan with Tees Valley Music Service as its lead partner. Carl said: “Over the number of years I’ve worked in the music industry, I’ve been able to take inspiration from some of the most successful songwriters around today.”

More than 20 young people aged 11 to 19 years met with councillors, senior council officers, the police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland as well as representatives of Catalyst to discuss a range of key topics. These included health and wellbeing, Police and crime, getting ready for work, arts and leisure, communities and the environment.

the issues affecting Stockton Borough and its residents. For the young people it was also a chance to have a frank and open discussion with the Borough’s decision makers. The debate was held in the run up to the re-launch of Stockton’s own Youth Assembly which, as Stockton News went to print, met for the first time. Last year Stockton Council’s Children and Young People Select Committee asked that consultation with young people was widened to form a newly strengthened Youth Assembly. The purpose of the assembly is to make sure young people are consulted, that their voices are heard

GET IN THE ZONE More than 20,000 visitors have already crossed the threshold of the Community Zone based in North Shore Academy to enjoy masses of different activities! In its first six months the Community Zone hosted a whole host of different programmes and sports activities – offered by Street Games UK, Stockton Council’s Sport and Leisure team, Cleveland Police and others.

Carl and his brother Andy reached the finals of the X Factor in 2005 before achieving a UK number one album, selling more than 600,000 copies and gaining double platinum status from the British Phonographic Industry. Carl has since founded Carl Pemberton Music Tuition and Recording (CPMR) in 2008 which provides one to one music tuition and music workshops to schools and colleges throughout the North East.

This just goes to show how brand new school buildings offer superb community facilities as well as providing an inspirational environment for educating pupils.

Stockton Council’s Youth Offending Team also worked in partnership with Carl on ‘Music That Won’t Offend’ – an innovative ‘sound pod’ experience for young people who are within the youth justice system.

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Young people preparing for the re-launch of Stockton’s newly strengthened Youth Assembly recently came together to take part in a special Borough wide debate.

The meeting provided an excellent opportunity for all those taking part to have a fresh and detailed look at some of

CARL’S JOURNEY TO STOCKTON

The sessions set out to help them explore music in a constructive and meaningful way to help them develop positive ways of managing themselves and the way they choose to act in their local community.

Future of our Borough

Carl Pemberton from Journey South in the Sound Pod (Picture courtesy of The Evening Gazette)

Earlier in the year the centre was jumping when dance group Diversity spent five weeks there rehearsing and filming for ‘The Town That Danced Again’ - to be screened by Sky One TV early in the New Year.

and to help the Council work with young people directly to shape local services. The Youth Assembly is made up of representatives from a wide range of existing youth forums, such as school councils, young carers, sixth forms, and special needs representatives among others. The UK Member of the Youth Parliament will also be part of the assembly so that young people’s voices across the Borough are heard on a local, regional and national level. For more information about Stockton Youth Assembly contact Stockton Council’s Democratic Services on (01642) 393939.

The centre is the home of Stockton West End Football Club with Tees Valley Music bringing regular activities for young people. Recently more than 2,000 young people also took part in Healthy Lifestyle Choices programme featured on local BBC Tees radio. The Community Zone is staffed by 15 young people, all under the age of 22. More parttime staff are being recruited and offered appropriate training to meet the growing demand – it’s a real success story! The Centre is going from strength to strength and, with careful planning and working closely with local organisations, is not only selffunding but is now open seven days a week. If you would like to find out what’s going on there that might interest you, call in to the Community Zone, based on Talbot Street, off Norton Road or visit www. northshoreacademy.org.uk for more information. PAGE 25

ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE

Preston Park – it just keeps getting better! A huge thank you to everyone who has supported Preston Park Museum and Grounds throughout a truly memorable year! This much-loved North East favourite has gone from strength to strength since a £7million refurbishment was completed in summer 2012.

st 2013 g show, 25, 26, Augu World Parmo Competition,edsoof wacky world ow. A reak a seri Summer Sh w! chance to b e th d ummer Sho n a y this year’s S f o horse displa ts h g li h the hig records were

March 13, 2013

Explosion of colour at re-launch. A spectacular performance marked the museum’s official re-laun ch following a £7million redevelopment.

THANK YOU TO OUR FANTASTIC VOLUNTEERS

September 10, 2013

Visitor numbers have doubled – with over 200,000 people pouring through the doors of the museum and 750,000 visits to the park itself. In July, judges hailed Preston Park as ‘a truly inspirational visit’ as it reached the finals of the prestigious ArtFund Prize for UK Museum of the Year 2013. Yes, 2013 has been a great year but with lots of exciting new developments coming in 2014, there’s plenty more to look forward to! Here are some of the highlights.

Easy does it. Former paralympian Dame Tanni GreyThompson officially opened a new wheelchair-accessible floating pontoon providing easy acce ss to the museum and grounds from the River Tees.

April 18, 2013

back in Fund judges are whisked ArtFund judges’ visit. Art as the ds un Gro d an n Park Museum time on a visit to Presto ize for Pr nd Fu Art us of the prestigio facility makes the finals 2013. UK Museum of the Year

A RISE IN RANK FOR ROPNER It’s official – Ropner Park is of national importance!

13 July, 2013

Reminisce 70s. It was disco time in Preston Park as people donned their loons and pl atforms and turned back the clo ck to the 1970s.

place for everyone to enjoy – in line with the wishes of Major Robert Ropner who bought the land over 100 years ago for the people of Stockton.

Following its 10-year restoration funded by a £3.5million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the magnificent park has been upgraded from Grade II to Grade II* listed status by English Heritage.

In 1890, Stockton-on-Tees Town Council appointed a committee to consider buying land for a public park. The Council received an offer from a highly successful businessman Major (later Sir) Robert Ropner of Preston Hall.

The listing means the park will continue to have special protection and remain as a

Major Ropner agreed to donate £8,250 for the purchase of Hartburn Fields as long

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Over 180 volunteers help keep both the Museum and wider park running, carrying out a range of roles including traditional kitchen demonstrations, room stewarding and gardening. A heartfelt thanks to all involved! And there are lots of highlights still to come – including all kinds of Christmas fun with carol singers, wreath-making and an eagerly-anticipated visit from Father Christmas! Meanwhile, the popular range of ParkMade courses is set to continue. Jumps, street furniture and a bridge centrepiece will grace the Borough’s biggest BMX/skateboard park, which is set to open in Preston Park next summer. The Museum will continue to build on its reputation for great live music after sell-out gigs by Keaton Henson, Cattle & Cane and the Unthanks. Next year also sees commemorations for the First World War centenary, with the museum hosting a range of exhibitions, activities and events to mark this.

29, 30, June 2013 Park Fire Engine & Vintage Vehicle Rally. Fire engines from the past stood alongside vintage cars, a fun fair and arts, crafts and food stalls during this fabulous summer day out.

We couldn’t have done it without you!

as the Council agreed to lay out the park ‘tastefully’ and would ‘keep it forever’ for the people of Stockton. The restoration programme was completed in 2008 and retained many of the park’s original features including the bandstand and spectacular fountain. A visit to the park is a must – if you haven’t been yet to this jewel in the heart of Stockton which originally opened in 1893, then do put it on your list of places to see as it offers something for everyone.

28 September, 2013

it and kery demonstrations, fru Harvest Home. Live coo n tours rde ga d an ing ag g tests, for vegetable displays, tastin the Harvest Home event. were all on offer during

For more information about the museum and grounds and events taking place throughout 2014, visit www.prestonparkmuseum. co.uk, call (01642) 527375 or email: prestonhall@stockton.gov.uk Take a look on our ‘What’s On’ pages on pages 60 to 63 for more details.

STOCKTON COUNTS DOWN TO FIRST WORLD WAR CENTENARY A series of exhibitions, events and activities will be held in Stockton to commemorate the centenary of the start of the First World War next year. The 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the war is on August 4 and a number of countries are making preparations to mark it, including ours. Each nation will create a unique focus on its contribution to, and the impact and legacy of the Great War. Plans for Stockton’s own commemorative events are progressing at a pace and there will be more details in forthcoming editions of Stockton News. PAGE 27

ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE

Stockton set to sparkle again

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ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE Stockton is set to sparkle again this year with a series of magical events leading up to Christmas. From the Christmas lights switch-on to shopping for last-minute gifts, Stockton Town Centre really sparkles! Last year, the Stockton Sparkles festival helped many traders in the town report a successful run-up to Christmas – despite the downturn in the economy and the poor weather. The Castlegate Centre reported pre-Christmas trading up by six per cent. Wellington Square shopping centre also reported increased business, while Debenham’s had a great lead in to Christmas saying customer numbers were “definitely ahead of expectations”.

A survey of visitors to the Christmas Market Fair found more than half of those questioned were visiting Stockton Sparkles for the first time. Nine of out ten felt the event had a positive effect on their impression of Stockton, bringing people into the town and creating a good atmosphere and offering something different to other towns. This offers further proof that events are attracting customers to the town. For more information about the Stockton Sparkles 2013 calendar of events at: www.stockton.gov.uk/stocktonsparkles

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ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE

ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE Rat Race. More than 1,000 intrepid participants took on this year’s Rat Race – the 10k adventure route along both sides and sometimes across the River Tees. They walked, ran, kayaked, jumped off HM Bark Endeavour and scaled the mighty Newport Bridge. No skills required just enthusiasm!

SIRF. The breathtaking ‘Les Girafes’ brought this year’s 26th Stockton International Riverside Festival to a magnificent close as thousands of people joined the procession of a herd of red giraffes along Stockton High Street. Smoke effects and sweeping spot lights enveloped spectators as explosions sent clouds of red confetti into the air and water sprayed players and watchers alike.

The Town That Danced Again. No, you are not seeing things – this is Stockton Town Centre filled with thousands of people taking part in the massive street dance spectacular with Ashley Banjo and dance crew Diversity. A brilliant time had by all!

THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING HAPPENING IN STOCKTON! Stockton Weekender. Stockton Weekender featured some marvellous musical maestros as incredible bands including Primal Scream, Spiritualiszed, Dexys and the Proclaimers graced the stage.

Run-cycle-run! The Stockton Duathlon Festival offered hundreds of competitors the choice of three different races combining cycling and running.

Stockton’s fast-growing reputation for fantastic year-round events is welldeserved. Here, we take a look back at some of the best that Stockton has had to offer over the last year. To find out about forthcoming events visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events

Stockton Calling. Visitors to Stockton Town Centre were spoilt for choice as more than 50 bands performed at seven venues at this year’s one-day Stockton Calling event!

Golf Week. Golfers had fun on the fairways at the end of July at Eaglescliffe, Wynyard and Teesside Golf Clubs with lots of prizes up for grabs.

A fun-filled weekend saw elite cyclists race through Stockton Town Centre while families took part in a SkyRide during July’s Stockton Cycling Festival.

Billingham International Folklore Festival. Dance and music from across the world. With performances, parades, exhibitions and workshops, the 49th Festival had something for everyone.

Riveting Stuff. A festival to celebrate our area’s engineering heritage came to town with Riveting Stuff. Visitors flocked to the Tees Barrage and White Water Course over a summer weekend to take part in some hands-on activities to learn about the wonders of engineering and even build their own boat! PAGE 30

Stockton’s annual fireworks. As usual, Stockton’s superb firework display went off with a bang and the crowds enjoyed this dazzling display! PAGE 31

ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING

Did you know? We actu ally use locally mined rock salt from Boulby M ine, not grit (even though the wagons are called “gritters”). Salt lowers the freezing poin t of moisture but it needs to be crushed by traffic and dissolved into a solution to becom e really effective. Which roads are salted? Two categories of roads are eligible for salting: Priority 1 routes: (46 per cent of the road network) These are treated every time we receive a forecast of wintry conditions. Ready for winter – the Council’s winter maintenance crew.

Keeping the Borough’s roads safe in winter

Priority 2 routes: (19 per cent) We treat these in extreme and prolonged icy conditions, only during the day and when all Priority 1 routes are clear. For other routes: Trunk roads (A19 & A66): The Highways Agency (not the Council) is responsible for treating these major routes. Other roads: Depending on available resources, we may salt these during extreme and prolonged icy conditions. Footways and cycleways: We are not normally able to treat these but may treat main shopping areas during prolonged wintry conditions.

With winter just around the corner we’re prepared and ready to go.

major roads with salt before wintry conditions set in order to keep them clear with minimum disruption to traffic. See more details on the following pages.

We have topped up our stockpile of salt and our gritting fleet is checked and ready to go!

Why do I rarely see the gritters out?

In severe weather, our priority is to keep open all major routes and roads serving emergency facilities and outlying communities. However, local conditions, snow depth and traffic will all impact on this work.

MeteoGroup UK provides us with accurate, up-to-date weather forecasts, based on information taken from weather stations throughout the Borough which record data such as road surface and air temperatures, wind speed and rainfall.

The salt in Council salt bins is meant for use on public roads and footpaths, not private ones. If you see anyone using salt bins inappropriately or removing large amounts of salt unlawfully then please report it immediately to Care For Your Area on (01642) 391959.

Once the Priority 1 routes are fully open, where we have capacity, we will work on other roads during the daytime.

Gritting activity in the Borough

Make your journeys safer

Information about the Council’s winter maintenance service, such as gritting routes and salt bin locations, is available on our website – log on to www.stockton.gov.uk/gritting. During the worst of the winter months – usually from December to February – the main web page will have gritting activity information updated daily.

Bad driving, rather than bad weather, causes most accidents. When driving in wintry conditions:

We will grit during the day if it is needed, however, most gritting takes place at night when temperatures drop below zero. With Our winter maintenance gritting crews are on standby 24 hours lower temperatures and less traffic on the roads, overnight is the a day, seven days a week from October until late April (including Christmas and New Year’s Day), ready to treat the roads whenever most suitable time for gritting and helps to ensure the roads are usable for the morning rush hour. frost and snow is forecast.

Severe winter conditions can cause disruption to school transport services and those who use these facilities should listen to local radio for updates.. We are asked two questions more than any other:

Will my road be treated? It is impossible to grit every road so our priority is to treat the PAGE 32

How can I help? Our powerful gritters and snowploughs spread salt across the full width of the road. Drivers should maintain a safe distance from these vehicles – be patient and don’t attempt to overtake them. We provide more than 300 salt bins – most are in areas not covered by our gritting routes – for residents to salt the road and footpaths. We refill these regularly but you can report any empty or vandalised bins to Care For Your Area on (01642) 391959.

Make sure your journey is essential – can I wait until the weather improves? Allow extra time for your journey – drivers, pedestrians and those using public transport Check the weather forecasts and traffic news For long journeys, pack a flask with a hot drink, food, warm clothing, blankets, torch, wellington boots and a shovel

Let someone know your intended route and expected arrival time If possible avoid high ground and remote areas Make sure you have enough fuel Have a fully charged mobile phone Make sure your vehicle is well maintained with all lights and indicators working properly with clear windscreen, rearscreen, windows and mirrors Remove excess snow from your vehicle to avoid the danger of it sliding off whilst travelling Keep your washer bottle topped up with a low-temperature screen wash Check the anti-freeze level and strength in your radiator Have a screen de-icer spray or scraper handy Check tyres are at the correct pressure and have plenty of tread Check the fan belt and battery are in good order If you do become stranded, stay with your vehicle if possible until help arrives If you have to abandon it, give the local police the details, stay close to the road, don’t wander off into remote areas, don’t be tempted to take shortcuts across country

Take extra care when driving Black ice can be lethal – it’s difficult to see and can persist or recur even after the road surface has been salted. Dawn frosts can also catch drivers unaware as icy patches can form on wet roads. Falling snow reduces visibility – use dipped headlights and keep a longer gap than normal between you and the vehicle in front – you could skid even on treated roads. Icy roads – we must all drive more carefully – slow down if you suspect ice, steer smoothly and brake and accelerate gently. Keep your distance and never assume roads have been treated. Dazzle from the low winter sun is an underestimated hazard – slow down, use your visor and wear sunglasses if needed. In fog, drive slowly using dipped headlights and, if visibility is less than 100 metres, turn on front and rear fog lamps if fitted. Keep safe distances and remember to turn off your fog lights when visibility improves. Fog can be patchy, so stay alert – you can suddenly find yourself back in fog with little warning. Hail can occur unexpectedly, so slow down, use dipped headlights and take care in case there’s a build-up of hail and slush. Heavy rain reduces visibility, particularly from vehicle spray, so always use dipped headlights, reduce speed and keep back from the vehicle in front. At night, wet conditions worsen headlight glare so slow down. If there’s a snap frost after rain, take care – the rain may have washed away the salt. Don’t attempt to drive on flooded roads. If you have to, drive slowly in first gear to avoid stalling and keep the engine revs high by just engaging the clutch. Avoid the deepest water (usually near the kerb) and test your brakes after the flood, before driving on. For further useful advice on seasonal driving visit www.stockton. gov.uk/seasonaldriving

Public transport Bus services will be affected by wintry conditions so consider catching an earlier bus if possible. Take care while walking to and from the bus stop or train station – it can be tempting to rush which could cause you to slip.

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ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING

Taking care of our pavements too... We don’t just take care of the streets When there is very heavy snow, our Snow Plan calls upon highways, street cleaning and horticultural staff to join the battle to clear snow around shopping areas, sheltered accommodation and bungalows and school entrances. However, it simply is not possible for them to clear every area affected by snow – though we will use all available resources to cover as many of these priority areas as possible.

Can I clear snow from the pavement near my home? You can, providing you don’t cause an additional hazard by allowing surfaces to refreeze – don’t attempt to clear snow by pouring hot water on the area as this is likely to create a sheet of black ice. It is easier to move fresh, loose snow rather than hard-packed snow. So if possible, start removing the snow and ice in the morning. If you remove the top layer in the morning, any sunshine during the day will help to melt any ice beneath and dry out the surface. You can then spread salt on the cleared surface to prevent ice forming overnight. You can use ordinary household salt, rock salt purchased from local retail outlets or communal salt from a salt bin providing it is used on public footpaths and roads. When shovelling snow, take care where you put it so it doesn’t block people’s paths or drains. Make sure you make a path down the middle of the area to be cleared first, so you have a clear surface to walk on then shovel the snow from the centre of the path to the sides. More tips on snow clearance can be found at www.stockton.gov. uk/snowclearing

It is easier to move fresh, loose snow rather than hard-packed snow. So if possible, start removing the snow and ice in the morning. What about walking? To reduce the chances of falls and accidents: Wear suitable shoes or boots Wear bright clothing so drivers can see you easily If pavements are too icy or blocked with snow and you must step onto the road try and avoid busy roads, face oncoming traffic, stay as close to the kerb as you can and groups should walk in single file. PAGE 34

For further information on roads: STOCKTON Care For Your Area Tel: (01642) 391959 careforyourarea@stockton.gov.uk www.stockton.gov.uk A19 AND A66 (A19 TO TEESSIDE RETAIL PARK INTERCHANGE) Autolink Concessionaires (A19) Limited Tel: (01642) 560538 A66 (TEESSIDE RETAIL PARK INTERCHANGE TO BOROUGH BOUNDARY, WEST OF LONG NEWTON) A-one Integrated Highway Services Tel: 0300 123 5000

Left to right Paul Burgum, Kelly Hubbuck, Yasir Mahboob, Zahir Iqbal and Abdul Ghafar (Picture courtesy of The Evening Gazette)

They had grit and determination! Last year a group of local residents from Stockton (all pictured above) helped to make a real difference in their community and in doing so provided a brilliant example of the strong community spirit that exists in our Borough.

After a heavy snowfall they realised older residents and vulnerable people were unable to go out so they contacted the Council, asked for some snow shovels and tackled the heavy snow themselves! The group also contacted The Highways Agency and were given no less than half a ton of grit to spread. This was used to make pathways safer for some of the older residents in the central and Oxbridge areas of Stockton as well as around the local church, St Cuthbert’s on Spring Street. They went the extra mile and also contacted British Rail to gain permission to grit the footbridge in Oxbridge and rallied up support from a local business, which resulted in local building material supplier Jewson donating even more grit! PAGE 35

ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING

HOUSES BECOME HOMES

BRING ON THE WINTER!

Stockton Council is using special enforcement powers to help ensure more empty homes are brought back into use.

Stockton resident Pat Thompson, 64, pictured, no longer fears seeing her fuel bills this winter, yet still gets a chill when she thinks of the small fortune she had to pay previously to keep her three-bedroom terraced house warm.

The Council recently took control of a privately owned empty property in Roseworth after issuing a final Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO) – the first of its kind across the Tees Valley.

As part of the GoWarm scheme, Pat’s house, along with 2,000 others across the Borough, has undergone some major changes to dramatically cut fuel bills. The measures include external wall, cavity wall and loft insulation, draught proofing and boiler replacements including new heating systems and controls. As she looks ahead to the winter, Pat said: “I can’t believe how warm it is now. “I used to have my heating on all the time which is why I had such big bills last year. “This has made an absolutely amazing difference. We had no central heating before, just gas fires, and an immersion heater for the water. “Now we’ve got constant hot water and the house is really warm, even when the heating isn’t on. “I bet I’m the only person who is looking forward to seeing their heating bill because I want to see how much we’ve managed to save.” Karen Hindhaugh, Operations Director of the not-for-profit CES Group which runs the Go Warm scheme in Stockton, said: “These measures are making a massive difference to the quality of life for many people across Stockton while saving them money.” Next on the list will be the Oxbridge, Newtown and Thornaby areas.

As Stockton News went to print an auction to help Stockton residents, community groups and small businesses reduce their energy bills was taking place.

To find out which energy providers were declared winners of the auction and for more information about the Big Community Switch visit: www.stockton.gov/bigcommunityswitch

Powered by the sun Carbon-free and cost-free electricity is saving bills…and the planet. The installation of PV (photo-voltaic) panels at six of the Council’s main buildings has already generated nearly £16,500 in savings on electricity bills as well as reducing the Council’s carbon footprint.

£7,500 of solar powered electricity as well as generating electricity for the National Grid which will secure the Council up to £9,000 in ‘Feed In Tariff’ payments. Now the full installation programme has been completed it is expected that these savings will increase.

In addition, the panels are providing power for six super-efficient electric pool cars, providing no-cost electricity and running the cars at an efficient 200 to 300 miles per gallon cost equivalent.

The panels have a life of at least 35 years and the capital cost will be recovered within eight years whilst the income from Feed in Tariffs will continue for up to 20 years.

In the six months from April to September this year, the panels contributed up to

for more information.

PV panels have also been installed at a number of Stockton schools to ensure that During the day, electricity generated by the solar panels provides power for direct use by as many buildings as possible are reducing buildings and electric car points. During the their carbon footprint as well as securing evening, or when surplus energy is created, best value for money for the residents of the Borough. the electricity is provided to the National Grid with the Government paying a fee in PV panels are available for some domestic return called the ‘Feed In Tariff’. houses, visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

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The property had been empty for several years and residents and neighbours raised concerns as it was a target for antisocial behaviour.

The housing team provides assistance for owners of empty properties to help them successfully return their homes into use. Homeowners used the survey to give their views on how the team could improve their services and owners of unoccupied properties also received information and advice to help them find new tenants.

Another chance to switch to a better energy deal

This is the second auction to be held by Stockton Council and its partner iChoosr. Open to residents, the first Big Community Switch, held in May this year, was so successful that this auction was widened to include small businesses and community groups that may also be interested in taking advantage.

A significant refurbishment has been carried out since the takeover and the property now has a new tenant. Rental income from the property will be used to pay for the improvements.

The Council always tries to work with owners of empty properties to help bring them back into use before using enforcement powers. In September, Stockton Council’s Private Sector Housing Team invited owners of empty houses to take part in their 2013 Empty Homes Survey.

Pictured with Pa t Thompson are (left to right) Chris Ray from Castle Green and Steve Building Service s, who have work ed on the scheme

Hundreds have registered with the Big Community Switch to form a single, powerful buying unit to negotiate cheaper gas and electric costs.

EDMOs are issued by local authorities to help them manage private, long-term empty properties and increase the number of available homes. The EDMO issued in Roseworth allows the Council to have control of the property for the next seven years.

Empty Homes Week runs from November 24 to 30 – look out for news about the work we’re doing to tackle empty homes.

AFFORDABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP & RENTING A number of options are available across the Borough to help people struggling to get on or move up the property ladder. Buying a home The Government offers ‘Help to Buy’ products to assist first time buyers and to help current homeowners to move.

David and Kitty Mitchell have recently moved to a rented bung alow as part of the Council’s Mandale Rege neration Scheme. They have enjoyed more than 30 years of family life in their thr ee-bed semidetached home on Brott on Road. However, as part of the Mandale Regeneration Scheme, with the child ren having flown the nest and Kitty’s increa sing mobility problems - it was time to reconsider their options and secure more suitable accommodation for the ir needs. David said: “Brotton Ro ad was a good place to live - we had a stair lift but we started to think it would be easier to be in a bungalow.

Having moved in and loo king forward to Christmas, David and Kit ty are ‘over the moon’ with their new ho me.

For information about aff ordable housing in Stockton Borough, vis it www.stockton. gov.uk/affordablehome ownership or telephone (01642) 3939 39.

“When the lady from the Council visited us as we lived within the Mandale Regeneration area - we told her about what we were thinking and she was very good to us.”

The Council works in pa rtnership with registered providers acr oss the Borough to provide affordable ho mes for rent. Stockton Council’s Hous ing Regeneration Stockton Council is also working to Team discussed with Da vid and Kitty their increase the number of affordable homes re-housing options to fin d them a new for local people who are struggling to home which was suitable for their needs. buy a property. For more information, David continued: “We ha please visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ d one bungalow pointed out to us but I too affordablehomeownership k a look from the outside and said ‘th ere’s no way I’m Affordable renting moving into that!’ It loo ked so small. Affordable homes to rent are also But then I was persuad ed to take a look available. inside and it was a Tardis . It has two good bedrooms, a walk-in sh To find out more, visit Compass, the ower for my wife, a decent sized kitchen Choice Based Lettings Scheme (CBL) and a garden at the back. We agreed ‘that’ll at www.compasscbl.org.uk do nicely’.” Visit www.time2buy.org.uk for more information.

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ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING

Homes at heart of town centre plans 1 5 minute walk

Splash

Wellington Square

High Street

Map data: Google, Infoterra Ltd & Bluesky. Image copyright The GeoInformation Group

Castlegate Shopping Centre

Hundreds of new homes a short walk or bus ride from Stockton Town Centre will offer superb access to the shopping, activities and cultural events taking place there.

For residents of the new housing in the Swainby Road, Victoria Estate and Parkfield/Mill Lane areas, Debenhams, the Castlegate shopping centre and Splash leisure facilities will be a few minutes away. The developments will complement the major investment that is currently transforming the Town Centre and though all are at different stages, all are moving apace to bring about new and exciting places for people to live. 1 Swainby Road Stockton Council and Vela Homes are working together on the Swainby Road neighbourhood. The demolition programme is in the final stages with only 12 properties out of a total of 190 left to demolish. Tristar Homes (part of the Vela Group) completed its latest round of demolitions in September following the clearance of three houses and the former Brown Jug pub on Norton Road, in August. The area will be redeveloped, providing new homes for sale and rent. The Council is now selecting a developer partner to build a range of new homes for sale. Vela Group will be working in partnership with the Council to provide affordable homes for rent. 2 Victoria Estate Meanwhile the transformation of Stockton’s Victoria Estate, built in the 1960s behind Splash, took a big step forward in September. The Spotted Cow public house was the first building to be removed as part of ambitious plans to demolish and re-build the estate which consists of more than 250 maisonettes and flats. Working with housing partner Tristar Homes, demolition of the housing is expected to begin in 2014. The new development is set to include a range of two and three-bedroom homes for sale and rent while maintaining many of the existing trees and open spaces. Detailed plans will be drawn up once a developer is confirmed. 3 Central Stockton A short walk away, plans are progressing on a project between Stockton Council, Tees Valley Housing, Jomast Ltd and The Homes and Communities Agency to develop the area bounded by Dovecot Street, Hartington Road, St Bernard’s Road and Worthing Street. The project includes new houses, bungalows and apartments including a variety of low cost housing options for affordable rent and ownership as well as a small park. Work is due to start next year and should take around three years to complete. For more information about the housing schemes ongoing across the Borough, visit www.stockton.gov. uk/housingregeneration or contact the Housing Regeneration Team on (01642) 524970 or (01642) 526078 or email: housingregeneration@stockton.gov.uk

MORE HOMES NEEDED IN THE BOROUGH Stockton Borough’s population is continuing to grow which means more homes must be built to cater for its increasing number of residents. The Government stipulates local authorities must be able to provide evidence that they can deliver a five year supply of housing to accommodate its population. Despite several housing schemes recently being granted planning permission, at the moment Stockton Borough is not able to demonstrate a five year supply.

PAGE 38

This is because the Government asks local authorities to calculate the figure based on the number of homes that will be built within five years, rather than the total number with planning permission. It also takes into account any demolitions planned for the coming five years. In previous years the Council was able to favour brownfield sites for housing development as these were readily available and Government funding was provided to help bring them up to a standard suitable standard for development. Unfortunately, due to the current economic situation and

the Government’s strict five year supply rules, the Council now has to consider the difficult option of allowing homes to be built in previously undeveloped areas. As Stockton News went to print, Stockton Borough’s housing supply was short of the number needed for a five year supply. This means difficult decisions, including continued consideration of applications to develop greenfield sites, will have to be made over the coming months so the Government is satisfied the Council is doing all it can to address this shortage.

ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING The new recycling vehicles are ready for action

Waste collection service is cleaner, greener and leaner! Stockton Council’s waste collection service is cleaner, greener and leaner than ever thanks to the purchase of a brand new fleet of recycling wagons. The £1.65million investment was made possible after the Council made a successful bid to the Government’s Weekly Collection Support Scheme. The eight new wagons enable staff to collect recyclable materials in a single visit rather than two separate visits. The result – a reduction in carbon emissions of around 80,000kg per year! The means the Council can continue with weekly refuse collections and fortnightly recycling collections for at least the next seven years. The Council has also secured £220,000 so that it can continue to offer waste and recycling collections to hard to access properties in the Borough. It might seem that the crews tour our streets, collect our waste and drive off into the distance but there’s much more to the waste collection story!

The tonnage of refuse collected in the Borough is quite staggering! An annual average of 682kgs of waste is collected per household! Stockton’s recycling rate currently stands at around 30 per cent.

The crews collect waste from more than 83,000 homes across the Borough – but where does it go from there?

NON-RECYCLABLE WASTE Once non-recyclable waste is collected, 99 per cent of it goes to the Energy from Waste facility at Haverton Hill, where it is incinerated at high temperatures to generate power. Only one per cent of material goes to landfill.

RECYCLABLE WASTE

SITA’s Energy fro m Waste facility at Haverton Hill.

aluminium cans are compressed, melted and rolled into sheets for re-use by drinks manufacturers newspapers are sent for processing for re-use – all newspapers are made from recycled paper more than 80 per cent of glass is recycled and made into new bottles and jars For more information about waste and recycling collections visit www.stockton. gov.uk/wasteandrecycling

The new recycling wagons boast three different compartments where mixed glass, paper, and a mix of plastic, cardboard and cans can be separated. The materials are then delivered to a local sorting facility where they are categorised and sorted further, in some cases by hand. The materials are then taken to other locations across the country where they can be processed for re-use, for example:

During 2012/2013, just take a look at how the waste racks up – in tonnes! General refuse (non-recyclable) Paper Cans Glass

51,309 tonnes 4,356 tonnes 404 tonnes 2,388 tonnes

Plastic Cardboard Tetra-pak Batteries Green Waste

1,080 tonnes 1,655 tonnes 52 tonnes 5 tonnes 5,234 tonnes

See page 48 for details of the Christmas waste and recycling collections. PAGE 39

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

HEALTH AND WELLBEING In each edition of Stockton News we explain how Stockton Council, NHS health partners and other organisations are working together to tackle health inequalities through the Borough’s Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2013 – 2018.

Stoptober in Stockton Stockton Council supported the national Stoptober campaign to help people quit smoking by giving up cigarettes for 28 days during October

NEED URGENT CARE BUT IT’S NOT AN EMERGENCY?

Stockton residents are being asked to do their bit to ease the demand on hospital accident and emergency departments this winter. A well-stocked medicine and first aid cabinet can enable you to treat minor illnesses or injuries at home. If a minor illness is something you are worried about why not ring 111, make an appointment to see your GP, visit a walk-in centre or talk to your local pharmacist who will be happy to advise you? But if you or someone you know has difficulty breathing, a suspected stroke, severe loss of blood or a person is unconscious do not delay – phone 999 straight away.

Don’t get caught out by flu Flu vaccinations save lives and the NHS is urging people who are at high risk from seasonal flu to protect themselves with a free vaccination. Local GPs will be writing to patients and carers to invite them for their jab. You are advised to get the jab this winter if you: Are pregnant Are aged over 65 Have a long term health condition such as diabetes, asthma, a heart condition (this includes children with serious health problems) or COPD PAGE 40

Stockton’s Director of Public Health Peter Kelly (far left) lends his support to Stoptober, joined by members of the Local Stop Smoking Service, Catherine Taylor from Fresh (second from right) and Health Improvement Specialist Ruby Poppleton (far right).

A light at the end of the tunnel

all sorts of reasons but to address all the issues you have to look deep inside yourself. Because I began taking drugs at such a young age I stopped growing emotionally.” The road to recovery has been long and Ian says it involved “undertaking a process of self reflection with many low points.” But, since engaging with the services and with the help and support offered by CRI, Ian is making sense of the jigsaw and getting his life back on track and showing that with help and support, along with a willingness to change, it is possible to overcome addiction.

The Council allowed its Rediscover Shop on Stockton High Street to be taken over by the campaign. Its customer service teams also chipped in by informing residents where they can find out more about local stop smoking services. To find out more about the Stop Smoking Service, log on to www.nth.nhs.uk/stopsmoking or call (01642) 383819.

Keep warm – keep healthy Cold weather can have a serious impact on our health and can cause problems such as pneumonia, heart attacks, strokes and depression. Keeping warm during the winter can help keep illness away. Vulnerable residents can access a range of support during the winter months including boiler repairs, emergency heating help, energy debt advice, a home handyman service to assist with minor repairs and a buddy service.

Many people are eligible for this support and need to meet just one of the following criteria: Are elderly and live alone On low income and struggle to afford heating Have a long term illness made worse by the cold Over 75 years old Have a disability If you would like to know more about the service please visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ warmhomes or call (01642) 528215.

Have a weakened immune system such as HIV/AIDS or are being treated for cancer Care for people in these ‘at risk’ groups The flu vaccine changes every year to fight the latest strains of flu, so even if you had a jab last winter you need another one this year to stay flu safe. Peter Kelly, Stockton’s Director of Public Health, said: “Flu is not just a cold – it can be a really serious illness and doesn’t just affect older people. If you’re pregnant or have lowered immunity or a long term health condition, such as severe asthma, a chest or heart complaint, or diabetes, then you should also get a free flu jab from your GP. The flu jab is safe, and it can’t give you flu. It’s particularly important children with serious underlying conditions get the flu jab as they are at higher risk of complications.” If you think you need a flu jab contact your local GP to arrange for a jab or to find out more visit www.nhs.uk/flu

In this edition we look at the effects of drug addiction. To see 30-year-old Ian McNulty (pictured) walking down the street you would never know he was not only in the process of changing his own life, but also helping others to change theirs. This smart, articulate, young man is in a very different place now to his ‘past life’.

on hard drugs – benzodiazepines – and quickly progressed to heroin. Ian explained: “By this time I wasn’t only addicted ‘mentally’ I was addicted ‘physically’. The only real thing I was interested in was planning how I could get my next fix.

Now Ian and his partner, Jaquelyn, are the proud parents of little Melannie Jane who was born in September. Ian said: “I’ve learned so much and am learning more every day – but feel I am truly blessed to have my beautiful daughter and be in a position to help others.”

The door is always open at CRI on William “I stole from cars, businesses and factories Street for anyone needing help, or call (01642) 613 358 to speak to one of the For Ian was heavily addicted to drugs and and felt justified because I never stole openly admits he not only took them himself from anyone’s home – which of course was friendly staff. but sold them to feed his own habit. wrong but that’s how my mind worked.” But thanks to his own inner strength and with much help and support from CRI in Stockton (Stockton Recovery Service) he has turned his life around and is now volunteering as a Peer Mentor at the organisation’s William Street base. Ian has been drug free for six years and methadone free for three years. As an exuser who can both empathise and relate to others, he is now intent on completing his Peer Mentor training through CRI and is hoping to become a Recovery Champion with the service. Originally hailing from the area of Scunthorpe, his mum had problems of her own and a family rift resulted in him living with her – without his brother. From a very young age, he had to take care of himself and his mum. At the tender age of 13 his drug taking began. Within a couple of years he was

When taking drugs Ian regularly ‘missed days and days’ of his life where he wouldn’t even know how much time had passed. There was no ‘middle ground’ in relation to drug taking – it was ‘full on’. At the age of 19 a bail hostel in Leeds became Ian’s home where he had help to become drug free. He thought he had conquered his addiction. He said: “I went back to Scunthorpe and seeing the old places and faces – I was very naïve and soon began taking drugs again. “Most people become equipped to deal with life’s everyday stresses – I didn’t have this – my life was like a jigsaw puzzle where all the pieces were messed up with pieces missing. “I hadn’t addressed the real underlying reasons of why I started taking drugs in the first place. People take drugs for PAGE 41

STRONG COMMUNITIES

Five years of fundraising

Bringing about a Brighter Borough for All The Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Kathryn Nelson, with the chief executive of Butterwick Hospice Care, Graham Leggatt-Chidgey

After half a decade of fundraising and grants, a special new building in the Borough has been officially opened by the Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Kathryn Nelson. The new £500,000 Butterwick Hospice Family Support and Complementary Therapy Centre in Stockton is a welcome addition to the services already provided by Butterwick Hospice. Funding came from national grants, a grant from the Social Investment Enterprise Fund and personal donations. The new building provides additional accommodation so the Hospice can

provide greater family support and counselling to meet the ever increasing demand for these services and in particular, the growing need to work with children who are facing bereavement – or who are bereaved. Also located in the building is the social enterprise, the Seven Wellbeing Centre, whose profits support the work of the Hospice.

The Mayor was extremely moved by what she saw during her visit and said: “I applaud all of the Butterwick staff, now and in previous years, for their dedication and commitment to helping those individuals and families who are dealing with some very difficult and sad times in their lives. ”This is a most welcome facility to help many people in their special times of need.” To find out more about Butterwick Hospice Care visit: www.butterwick.org.uk or www.sevenwellbeingcentre.org.uk

SUPPORT FOR OUR ARMED FORCES – ONE YEAR ON

Tackling family poverty across Stockton is the new focus of the Borough’s Local Strategic Partnership (LSP). The LSP will see the Council, health, police, fire and housing services work closely with the voluntary and community sector to improve the lives of local residents.

Marie Curie Cancer Care is looking for volunteers to collect donation boxes and tins from businesses in the Stockton and Hartlepool areas.

Help is now needed to collect them, count and bank the contents and also find new locations to place them. For more information contact Michael Streets on (01904) 436625 or email: michael.streets@mariecurie.org.uk

They include the introduction of the Armed Forces Community Helpline, activities and events to celebrate Armed Forces Day, Veteran Mental Health Awareness Training and employment support and training through JobCentre Plus. The Covenant was signed in March 2012 and committed the Council and Stockton Renaissance partners to:

support employees who volunteer reserve duties ensure that the voice of serving and ex-service personnel is heard report annually to Council on the impact of the Covenant identify key officer and Member champions while implementing PAGE 42

the working relationship with all the various bodies which attend the Forum meetings can only be described as excellent.” The work of the Forum will continue with plans to develop and expand current services including reviewing housing priorities, expanding the Youth programme, exploring new funding for Armed Forces community groups and improving links to employment opportunities.

For more information about the support on offer to armed forces personnel visit www.stockton.gov.uk/communitycovenant

The Area Partnerships set up as part of Stockton Renaissance will now be known as Locality Forums. Though councils are no longer required to have an LSP, Stockton Council recognises the value of this way of working and has decided to refresh its approach. The creation of the Locality Forums means residents, voluntary and community groups can continue to play a huge part in the success of the Borough. The Forums will be focussing on the priorities of maximising family income and giving every child the best start in life and what that means in their area. Elections to the Forums will be taking place in the New Year. The LSP’s key strategic document is ‘A Brighter Borough for All – Tackling Family Poverty across Stockton-on-Tees’. If you are interested in getting involved in a Locality Forum near you, you can find out more at www.stockton.gov.uk/lsp.

URGENT APPEAL Nominate your FOR VOLUNTEERS community champions now! The boxes and tins provide a vital source of income to the charity, which provides specialist end of life care to terminally ill patients in their own homes.

Stockton Council is celebrating the strong progress it has made the recommendations of the Regional Scrutiny Review of the in increasing support for its Armed Forces community following Health needs of the Ex-Service Community the signing of the ‘Stockton Armed Forces Community Covenant’ In the Commanding Officer’s 102 Battalion REME Annual Report, last year. Colonel Andy Black, who is also co-chair of TVAFF, writes: The last 18 months has seen the newly-established Tees Valley “Stockton Council has embraced the Community Covenant Armed Forces Forum (TVAFF) develop a range of activities and concept wholeheartedly. services for veterans, serving forces personnel reservists and “The Forum has acted as an extremely valuable platform on which their families. to engage with all the local authorities across the Tees Valley and

It replaces Stockton Renaissance, which served the Borough well throughout its 10 year existence.

Do you know anyone who goes the extra mile to help others in your community? If so, Stockton Council wants to hear from you. Nominations are now open for the Borough’s Civic Awards, which recognise those remarkable people who make a real difference in their communities. There are four categories: Young Person’s Award Service to Community Award Green Award Carer/Foster Carer Award

To find out more, or to make a nomination, visit www.stockton.gov. uk/civicawards or call the Mayor’s Office on (01642) 528161. The deadline for nominations is 5pm on Friday, February 21 next year.

HEALTHWATCH BOARD APPOINTED Healthwatch has appointed its board members. The organisation is the new consumer champion which will make sure residents of the Borough have a voice in the planning of their health and social care services. The board members come from a whole host of different backgrounds ranging from the voluntary and community sector to housing associations and carers groups. Healthwatch takes evidence built on residents’ views and experiences and use this to help shape and improve local health and social care services for adults and children. As Stockton News went to print the Board had started the process of recruiting a Chair. To find out more about Healthwatch visit: www.healthwatchstockonontees.co.uk or call (01642) 688312.

New Healthwatch Board back row left to right Abdul Khan, Oz Sadiq, Paul Noddings. Seated left to right Tracy Hamilton, James Hadman, Ingrid Brough Williams with Liz Green, Programme Manager (Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees). PAGE 43

STRONG COMMUNITIES

Achievement Awards

SPOTLIGHT ON… Stockton has a thriving voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE) made up of organisations of varying sizes from community and residents’ groups to multi-million pound operations delivering local and national contracts. Unfortunately, the fantastic work of these organisations often goes unseen so through Stockton News, we’re going to put that right! Over the coming editions, we will be putting a deserved spotlight on some of these remarkable organisations and the invaluable contribution they make to the Borough and beyond. We start this series by looking at one such organisation – Catalyst. Catalyst for success Catalyst does not deliver services direct to clients but offers support to those VCSE organisations that do and in this challenging economic climate in which reduced funding is available, they must be stronger than ever to survive. As the name suggests, Catalyst works closely with these organisations to help them build the capacity and expertise needed to win contracts, serve their communities better and become strong, sustainable entities. As well as acting as a voice for the VCSE sector in Stockton, Catalyst can support VCSE organisations in business planning, marketing, HR, insurance and other services.

The work of volunteers does not go unrecognised in Stockton.

The annual Catalyst Achievement Awards celebrate the successes and achievements of organisations and people working in the voluntary and community sector (VCS). Stockton Council sponsored the Adult Volunteer Award and Youth Volunteer Award categories of this year’s scheme, which culminated in the presentation of the awards at a ceremony last month. The Adult Volunteer Award went to Kubra Aziz, a founder member of Stockton BME Network. Kubra has worked as a volunteer in the community teaching both children and adults for nearly 40 years! She is now teaching her third generation and her work has had a massive positive impact both on the local community as well as the harder to reach communities.

Kubra Aziz, winn er of the Stockto n Council sponsore d Adult Voluntee r Award category.

Winner of the Youth Volunteer Award was Matthew Leather. Matthew is described as ‘a diamond’ and gives his time willingly, helping older members of the community with gardening, handy-work and even decorating. Other Catalyst Achievements Award 2013 winners on the night were: Community Group Award – Children’s Urdu Project Trustee Award – Andrew Fox Partnership Award – Elm Tree Community Association Community Building Award – High Grange Community Centre

Catalyst is also supporting VCSE groups to transfer, run and manage their own buildings. It recently established community building charity, On-Site Limited, which will run public buildings and help groups looking after community buildings. This type of community ownership can often open up access to lottery and other funds which helps to improve and maintain the buildings for community use.

Biggest Health Impact Award – Eastern Ravens Trust

Most Enterprising Award – Cultures CIC Outstanding Achievement Award - SRCGA Well done to all involved!

The judges made their selection from 48 entrepreneurs from across the North West, Yorkshire and North East.

This award follows Five Lamps’ recognition as the 2012 RBS SE100 ‘Impact Champion’, its inclusion in the Sunday Times 100 Best Not-For-Profit Companies to Work For in 2011 and 2012 and its receipt of Investors in People Gold status. To find out more about the work of Five Lamps visit www.fivelamps.org.uk or call (01642) 608316. Graeme Oram

Investment fund success Stockton Council is helping voluntary and community organisations to thrive by continuing to offer an investment fund aimed at supporting their development, despite the difficult economic climate. The Voluntary and Community Sector Investment Fund can be accessed by organisations looking to develop their capacity and support their sustainability so they can compete for and deliver contracts that support local priorities.

Butterwick has also created its own dedicated social enterprise and clinical service, giving it greater opportunity to attract further funding from other trusts and national investment fund organisations. All profits go directly to patient care. The Voluntary and Community Sector Investment Fund is for organisational capacity building and will not fund service

delivery. Organisations can apply for between £5,000 and £60,000 and can submit more than one bid in a calendar year, provided it is to address a different area of capacity building. The fund is administered by Catalyst and will reopen for bids in the New Year. For further information log on to www.catalyststockton.org

The new facilities at Butterwick Hospice

The Butterwick Hospice successfully applied for a grant of £13,820 from the fund in March 2012, enabling the charity to buy essential complementary therapy and IT equipment and furniture for its new Family Support and Complementary Therapy Centre, which opened in Stockton earlier this year.

Through its weekly e-bulletin and quarterly newsletter – The Catalyst Chronicle – Catalyst keeps the VCSE sector informed of the latest policy changes and opportunities available to them. For further details on Catalyst or the work of VCSE organisations in Stockton, log on to the Catalyst website: www.catalyststockton.org or call (01642) 733906.

PAGE 44

Ernst & Young have awarded their Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 North award to Graeme Oram, Chief Executive of the Five Lamps charity in Thornaby.

Margaret Elliott OBE, Director of Care Services at Sunderland Home Care Associates and a member of the judging panel, said: “Graeme attributes his business success to his ability to create a clear vision for the business, to be innovative, continuously reinvent, build ‘win win’ partnerships and demonstrate social impact.”

Catalyst recently set up Synergy, a consortium of VCSE organisations that work together to bid for larger contracts. Synergy is now a company in its own right.

Whilst Catalyst supports VCSE organisations that offer services to clients, community and residents’ groups can get practical support for their groups from Stockton Community and Residents Groups Association (SCRGA) and Tees Valley Rural Community Council (TVRCC). They will be coming under the spotlight in future issues of Stockton News!

MEET THE NORTH’S SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR!

s. ent Awards 2013 winner

The Catalyst Achievem

The new centre means Butterwick can now offer complementary therapies as well as bereavement and family support counselling rooms, therapy treatment rooms and a library resource centre. After 28 years, all staff are now based on one site, which has cut the charity’s costs dramatically.

PAGE 45

YOUR COUNCIL

Protecting those most in need How Stockton Council and its partners are responding to the Welfare Reforms In April 2013 the Government implemented the biggest change to the welfare system in decades. Since then Stockton Council and its partners in the voluntary and community sector have been working to protect the most vulnerable and offer advice and support to those affected. While it is still too early to fully understand how the changes introduced will affect the Borough’s residents the Council continues to monitor the situation so that we can ensure our services evolve to meet emerging demands. If you are struggling to cope financially or are starting to get into debt it is best to get help quickly and there are organisations across the Borough which can help, offering free and impartial advice. Read on to find out how to access this information and support. GENERAL SUPPORT AND ADVICE We recognise that understanding the huge amount of information about benefits and the changes to welfare reform can be difficult. There are a number of places across the Borough where you can get advice and support on a range of issues such as checking your benefit entitlement, tax credits as well as budgeting and debt advice. Visit the Council’s website for a summary of the recent changes to key benefits or

use our benefits calculator to help you work out what benefits you may be entitled to. You can also pop into one of the Council’s customer service centres or Borough’s branch libraries to get information or telephone the Council’s Welfare Rights Service. The Council is working to make sure officers are up to date with the latest welfare reform support available and are also helping individuals to make sure they are getting all their entitlements, in particular through Personal Independent Payments. Stockton District Advice and Information Service also deal with queries, support and advocacy. FINANCIAL SUPPORT Finding it hard to pay your bills? The Council and its partners have put in place a range of financial support to help those who are affected by the reforms. This includes a Hardship Relief Fund for those really struggling as well as help for those finding it hard to meet housing payments and Council Tax bills. Financial support is also available from Five Lamps to help those who find themselves in a crisis situation. The Council is also working with energy fund iChoosr to offer a collective switching scheme to help reduce residents’ energy bills. You can read more about this on page 36. It is also supporting increased capacity for Tees Credit Union ahead of an anticipated rise in demand.

HOUSING We are working closely with Tristar Homes and other social landlords to continue to monitor the impact of welfare reform at a local and regional level so that services can evolve to support those affected. The Council’s Housing Options Team continues to provide advice and support, in many instances, preventing families from having further debt problems and becoming homeless. The Compass choice-based lettings partnership is working to promote affordable housing and access to the scheme has been simplified. HELP AND ADVICE IS AVAILABLE FROM: The Council’s website at www.stockton.gov.uk/benefitchanges or telephone Stockton Council’s Welfare Rights Service (01642) 526141 Stockton Council’s Housing Options Service, 16 Church Road, Stockton, open Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm, Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm (01642) 528389. OTHER EXTERNAL AGENCIES, INDEPENDENT OF STOCKTON COUNCIL: Stockton District Advice and Information Service 0844 4111 444/0300 3300 650. For appointments telephone: (01642) 633877. Five Lamps (01642) 608316 www.fivelamps.org.uk The Money Advice Service: 0300 500 5000 www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk StepChange Debt Charity (formerly Consumer Credit Counselling Service) 0800 138 1111 www.stepchange.org National debtline 0808 8084000 www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

PAGE 46

Here we bring you an update on the consultations being carried out by the Council. Adult Mental Health Services Efficiency Improvement and Transformation (EIT) Review. Following a 12 week consultation period, the review identified that the existing services at Ware Street and Norton Road are under used as people are increasingly choosing alternative services provided in more personalised ways. Consequently, alternative options for rehabilitation, respite, day time, and short break services will be developed and the Council will cease providing the in-house day services at Norton Road and Ware Street. This will allow the Council to create services that are fit for the 21st Century and which offer people greater choice and flexibility.

Next year, the results will be used to inform the design of the school nursing facility which is currently delivered by North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.

Egglescliffe and Fairfield will also change. Opening hours at Billingham Library (Bedale Avenue) will reduce. Details are available at each library or at www.stockton.gov.uk/consultations

To take part visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ schoolnursereview Hard copies are also available in libraries, schools and customer service centres or by calling Gemma Mann at Stockton Council on (01642) 527237.

Roseworth Library will relocate into Redhill Children’s Centre and Thornaby (Westbury Street) is planned to move into the Riverbank Children’s Centre. In Billingham, work will start on a new combined Library and Customer Service Centre which is scheduled to open in winter 2014. To find out more see page 14.

The closing date is November 30 and all completed surveys are entered into a prize draw to win a £50 Tees Active voucher.

The Council will work with service users and carers to develop a range of new services in conjunction with independent and voluntary sector providers. There will be no immediate closure of any services and alternative services will be in place before any service ends. If you would like to find out more visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ adultmentalhealthservicesreview Having a say on school nurses Parents and carers across Stockton Borough are being asked for feedback on the School Nursing Service to help shape its future.

Library Services Following consultation, opening times will change at a number of libraries and several will be co-located with other facilities like children’s centres to make it easier for communities to access services they use most. From January 2014, Stockton Central and Thornaby Central Libraries will not open on Sundays. The opening hours of Roseworth, Thornaby (Westbury Street),

In those communities where opening hours are reducing, extra mobile library and homebound visits are planned to support those people who cannot get to a branch library easily. Yarm parking The Council’s Appeals and Complaints Committee met on 10 September to consider representations made by the public on proposed new parking arrangements for Yarm. The Committee recommended some changes, which have been accepted by the Council. The Council was seeking representations on the recommendations at the time of going to print. Gypsy/Traveller consultation Early next year the Council will be carrying out a consultation as part of its work to identify suitable sites for gypsy and traveller communities. Information will be available at www.stockton.gov.uk/ consultations

PAGE 47

YOUR COUNCIL

Time is running out for you to return your voter registration form During recent weeks, all households across the Borough have received their annual voter registration form. This form asks you to confirm or change the names of the people registered to vote at your property.

CENSUS SURVEY SHOWS… POPULATION

It’s important that you’re registered in the right name and at the right address otherwise you could miss your chance to vote in vital elections, such as electing your MP, MEPs or your local councillor.

Be ing reg Ge is t bil app tered l s als It’s important to fill in this form because if you are not registered, pro – b rove oh com ves eing d for elp you can’t vote. Every property in the Borough needs to return this w o sy c reg pan her n th red ou form, even if there is no one in your household who is eligible to e i i i e t e s to: y ba a vote. nk ter yo s. If y ou li elect nd u mo ac v o o til u e r u To find out if you are registered, or for more information, Ev rtga coun may are to m al rol ity a g n l b e t n , lo e r ot you n if e. call the Electoral Services Helpline on (01642) 526196, an efu on y y o a , t Yo ua re cre sed he email electoral@stockton.gov.uk or visit our website dit a If u can not a re p at www.stockton.gov.uk/registertovote car you a als uto yin –e d d m g o or reg xerc o no app atic Cou ist ise t re ly t ally nci o l er g y tod our ister vote regis Tax t ay. hist yo b ori u c y po ered c r an st. . igh no t a t vo nd te

178,408

2001 2013

191,610

CAR OWNERS

OWNER OCCUPIED PROPERTIES

70.4

71.6

IN 2001

74.1

Stockton makes national awards shortlist Stockton Council’s relentless efforts to meet the high expectations of the Borough’s residents have been recognised for a fourth year running. Once again, the Council was shortlisted in the prestigious Council of the Year Award at the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) awards. The Council won the award in 2010, was shortlisted again in both 2011 and 2012, and this year was one of only six local authorities to make the shortlist. Along with this Stockton was also shortlisted for its work in: Local Democracy Parks, Grounds and Horticulture Waste and Refuse Management Building and Facilities Cleaning PAGE 48

Neil Schneider, Chief Executive of Stockton Council, added: “These are really tough times for local councils and it’s great that our staff continue to remain focussed and committed to delivering quality services for Stockton’s residents, businesses and visitors.” “This recognition from APSE and our peers follows the really positive feedback we had from last year’s Ipsos MORI survey of our residents as well as a recent national study that identified Stockton as one of the best places in the country to do business. “It’s always very nice to receive this kind of recognition but at the same time we are far from complacent. We know we don’t get everything right all of the time but we also do a lot of things very well and that is a credit to our hardworking and dedicated staff.”

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR WASTE AND RECYCLING COLLECTIONS Tuesday 24 December, normal scheduled collections Wednesday 25 December and Thursday 26 December, no collections Friday 27 December, Wednesday’s scheduled collections Saturday 28 December, Thursday’s scheduled collections Sunday 29 December, no collections Monday 30 December, Friday’s scheduled collections Tuesday 31 December, normal scheduled collections Wednesday 1 January, no collections Thursday 2 January, Wednesday’s scheduled collections Friday 3 January, Thursday’s scheduled collections Saturday 4 January, Friday’s scheduled collections Sunday 5 January, no collections Monday 6 January, no collections Tuesday 7 January, normal collection service resumes

The Office of National Statistics recently published results from the March 2011 Census and they show some interesting changes to the population and characteristics of our communities. This vital information is used by the Council to plan transport, schools, housing, adult and children’s services and many other aspects of Council business. Stockton had the highest ever response rate at 94 per cent. POPULATION Our population is increasing with 191,610 people now living in Stockton compared with 178,408 in 2001.

68.8%

IN 2013

Civil partnerships, never recorded before, show that 0.2 per cent of people over the age of 16 have entered into a civil partnership. RELIGIONS AND ETHNICITY The percentage of people who identify themselves as having a Christian belief is down by 22 per cent, while other religions have seen slight increases.

We have a 5.4 per cent BME (black, minority and ethnic) population compared The number of people of retirement age has increased by 13 per cent from 26,493 in with 2.8 per cent in 2001. 2001 to 29,951 in 2011. EMPLOYMENT The over 85s population has grown by 42 There has been an increase in the number per cent from 2,456 in 2001 to 3,481 in 2011. of 16 – 74 year olds working part-time from 13.6 per cent to 15.7 per cent and a slight The number of under 18s has also decrease in those in full-time work. increased by five per cent from 42,845 in 2001 to 44,961 in 2011. The percentage of 16 – 74 year olds who are self employed stands at 6.4 per cent – MARITAL STATUS a slight increase from 2001. The number of people who are single has risen by almost six per cent with those married reducing by a similar figure.

IN 2013

HOUSING Some 68.8 per cent of households are owner occupied properties compared with 71.6 per cent in 2001. Those privately renting properties have increased significantly from 5.2 per cent to 13.15 per cent. Only 1.2 per cent of households are without central heating compared with 3.9 per cent in 2001 and more people now live in detached properties. There is an increase in the numbers living in flats and fewer people living in semidetached or terraced properties. TRANSPORT The percentage of households without a car has fallen from 29.6 per cent to 25.9 per cent – resulting in more cars on our roads. We’ll bring you more information on the census results and how this impacts on council services in future editions of Stockton News. For more information, log on to www.ons.gov.uk/census

PAGE 49

ADULTS SERVICES

The reception and dining areas as they are now and an artist’s impression of how the reception will look.

Day in the Life The New Year could open up a whole new world for adults across the Borough as evening classes with Tees Achieve, Stockton Council’s Adult Education Service, offer a whole host of great learning opportunities in lots of different venues from schools to community centres. One such evening class, held at Kiora Hall in Stockton, is in the art of making items in glass as well as creating stained glass and even stained glass windows!

A HUB OF ACTIVITY FOR DEMENTIA PATIENTS

The art of stained glass hails from the first century AD and was used by wealthy Romans in their villas and for the last two years Brian Lane, 33, (pictured) has taught the art, and craft, of working with stained glass as an evening class tutor with Tees Achieve. His course has proved so popular that another will be added, starting in January.

Stockton Council and its health partners have secured over £500,000 of government funding to create a new facility that will offer support to people with dementia as well as their families and carers.

Gillian Tomlinson, from Thornaby attends the Halcyon Centre and thinks it is a wonderful facility.

The new Halcyon Centre ‘Live Well’ Dementia Hub and Memory Clinic will be based at the current Halcyon Centre in Thornaby and its transformation into a centre of excellence in dementiafriendly design is set to get under way.

Robert Johnston of Norton also thinks it’s a great place and said: “I love the plans for the future, they sound brilliant.”

“I think the work that happens here at the centre is marvellous,” she said. “I thoroughly enjoy myself and this is just going to make it even better.”

The new hub is expected to be completed by Spring 2014 and its development is part of the the work of the North of Tees The hub will provide a single ‘one stop shop’ offering assessment, Dementia Collaborative. information, training and consultation opportunities for people This collaborative has been established to deliver large-scale with dementia in a friendly and welcoming environment. change across organisational boundaries to improve services It forms part of a national pilot scheme to showcase the best for people with dementia in Stockton-on-Tees and Hartlepool examples of dementia-friendly environments across England. comprising Stockton and Hartlepool Clinical Commissioning The pilot will also be used to build evidence around the type of Group, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust, Stockton Borough facilities that most benefit patients living with dementia. Council, Hartlepool Borough Council and Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.

ARE YOU BEING SERVED...WELL? A report which provides a ‘Local Account’ to help residents understand how the Council has addressed priorities and improved outcomes for adults in need of social care is now available. PAGE 50

The report, called ‘Are You Being Served…. Well?’, explains the work the Council does to develop services, how it has responded to feedback from service users and residents, what has been achieved and its plans for the future. It focuses on the Council’s key priorities of Safeguarding (keeping vulnerable

adults safe), Carers, Personalisation and Prevention and Early Intervention.

In the new class Brian will be offering more opportunities to work in glass using fusion, where multiple levels of glass are fused together to make a variety of items such as bowls, lamps, jewellery and pendants. Currently students are making some fabulous Christmas decorations to hang around their home as well as on the Christmas tree! Brian said: “People don’t really need to know anything about glass, or art, but naturally it helps if you have a bit of artistic flair and some people have a natural knack for it!” Brian’s entry into the world of stained glass was relatively straightforward when, around 18 years ago, one of his teachers told him a local company had a vacancy. Brian went for the job – got it – and has never looked back. Tees Achieve’s many courses not only offer the opportunity to learn something new but also to meet new people and make friends.

Students can be confident Brian is passing on a lifetime of skills and in his day job he has his own company where he works on restoration at churches up and down the country. And it’s not a job that comes without a risk of injury, as Brian explains: “I cut myself everyday – it’s something you can’t really avoid. Smaller splinters can cause more damage than big ones and I have the scars to prove it!”

It’s very easy to enrol either online or by downloading an enrolment form and posting it or calling in with it in person to their office based in Billingham Community Centre, The Causeway, Billingham, TS23 2DA. To find out more about Brian’s work visit www.thestainedglassshop.co.uk or email: thestainedglassshop@hotmail.co.uk

Working from home enables Brian to spend time with his wife Donna and two children – Isabel, seven, and twoyear-old Jackson. Tees Achieve offers a multitude of courses include Computing, Creative Media and Photography, First Aid, Dance Sport and Fitness, Languages and Sign Language. There are many more though! The economic climate may have affected parts of the domestic market but Brian says there is still plenty of work out there with stained glass. Some of his students may follow in his footsteps as a craftsman in glass. Who knows? To view the full extensive list of courses offered by Tees Achieve visit www.stockton.gov. uk/teesachieve call (01642) 527904 or email teesachieve@stockton. gov.uk

To request a copy of the report, or the brochure ‘Services for Adults Explained’, visit: www.stockton.gov.uk/adultservices or call (01642) 527521.

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ADULTS SERVICES

COMMUNITY SAFETY

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BUILDING BRIDGES Stockton Council is pioneering a new approach to helping people with learning disabilities access all that their local community has to offer. The STEPs project offers support to people with learning disabilities so they can discover and explore the many activities, facilities and organisations that exist within their local area. John Dowson (pictured) is passionate about photography. Since getting involved with STEPs he attends a variety of activities including a local camera club. John, who gets out and about taking photographs for discussion at the club, said: “I enjoy learning how to get better use out of my camera through going to the camera club and meeting new people at the other activities I do.” John’s mum, Pam, added: “John is more independent and outgoing since his involvement with STEPs and has made many new friends through the many new activities he has participated in.” The STEPs project forms part of the Council’s continuing work to modernise and transform Adult Services to improve choice and provide more flexible options for local people. To find out more visit: www.stockton.gov.uk/steps

Ageing better in Stockton

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Claire Dale

Organisations and businesses across the Tees Valley are taking part in a new scheme to provide a safe place for people with learning disabilities. Under the ‘Safe Place’ scheme, people with learning disabilities can carry a card (pictured above) showing their details and two contact numbers and should they feel unsafe, they can go to a variety of buildings such as libraries, customer service centres, local shops, cafes and transport providers for help and support. Those taking part in the scheme will be displaying Safe Place stickers in their windows and include Stockton Council, VELA Tristar Housing, Citizens Advice Bureau, Carers’ Centres ran by George Hardwick, Wellington Square in Stockton, Sustrans Cycle Hub in Bridge Road, Stockton, Victim Support, Community Transport, Home-Start charity shops in Norton and Newham Grange areas, Cleveland Police, social housing providers Fabrick and Endeavour and the Housing Options service. To find out more about the scheme visit www.stockton.gov.uk/safeplace The project could receive between £2million and £6million to spend over six years to tackle the issue of social isolation in people over the age of 50.

Stockton is one of 32 areas across the country to be shortlisted under the Big Lottery ‘Fulfilling Lives, Ageing Better’ Programme.

Local voluntary sector organisation, Synergy, has been identified as the lead organisation to develop the partnership approach to take the Borough to the next stage of developing the vision and strategy; this will build on the solid foundations of the survey on loneliness undertaken on behalf of the Over 50s Assembly.

Selected from 91 expressions of interest, Stockton’s project was chosen as one of those that ‘potentially demonstrated the strongest need, ambition and potential for lasting change’.

Up to 20 areas across the country will receive funding and we will find out in July 2014 whether Stockton is one of them, so watch this space!

PAGE 52

George Evans

Stuart Hodgson

Liz Lutz

Jodie Prosser

Recognising first rate work Cleveland Police’s annual awards recognised not only those police officers who go the extra mile in their everyday work but also the valuable contribution made by the police staff and volunteers who support them. Experienced police officer Jodie Prosser was awarded ‘Incident Response Officer’ for the individual or team that has made the most significant contribution to response policing and policing objectives. Jodie is described as ‘one of the best performing Response Officers in Stockton’ and was recognised for her ‘determination to bring offenders to justice and her ability to carry out investigations to a high standard.’ Police volunteer George Evans has worked at Stockton Police Station for around four years, completing more than 2,500 hours of voluntary work. His volunteering duties range from maintaining records to visiting victims of crime. For this work he was awarded Volunteer of the Year.

In accordance with the Data Protection Act, George has painstakingly updated the details of all 28,000 Neighbourhood Watch members, creating an effective tool in crime prevention and intelligence gathering. The Pride Award went to Temporary Detective Sergeant Stuart Hodgson, who worked within CID for four years as Acting Detective Sergeant before his current role. Stuart is ‘focused on delivering high quality services and supporting the force in its vision, values and priorities’. He has received numerous letters of appreciation from victims of crime along with recognition from the Crown Prosecution Service for his work with them.

PC Liz Lutz received the Chief Constable’s Problem Solving Award after proving to be particularly adept at identifying a range of problems and then finding the perfect solutions to prevent them from escalating. Liz was involved in the multi awardwinning project to provide a games area at Elm Tree Community Centre, which has contributed to a 75 per cent fall in antisocial behaviour. PC Claire Dale, winner of the Professionalism Award, has five years’ service and has been a Sexual Offences Liaison Officer (SOLO) for three of them. Her investigation skills are extremely advanced for her level of service and she has received written praise from CID supervision on a number of occasions. Despite her demanding role Claire undertakes extra work, ensuring it is always completed to a high standard, leading to many arrests, detections, intelligence submissions and convictions. She has demonstrated extraordinary bravery in the line of duty.

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COMMUNITY SAFETY

Flooding – are you prepared? With winter on its way it is important to ensure you are flood-ready and learn about what you can do to prepare for bad weather. Joining forces to prevent flooding Properties along the Lustrum Beck corridor were among those worst affected during last September’s floods. The Council has already secured funds of £415,000 from the North-East Local Levy which will fund a flood alleviation scheme to reduce the risk of flooding on Lustrum Beck in the vicinity of the Brown’s Bridge area. In addition, over the last few months the Council and the Environment Agency have also submitted a further bid for funding from Government to contribute towards a more substantial scheme along the Lustrum Beck corridor in Stockton. The bid will face strong competition from other projects across the country and news on whether the bid has been successful is expected early in the New Year. Causes of flooding are complex and can involve both surface water flooding as well as river flooding. The Environment Agency, Stockton Council and Northumbrian Water Ltd are working in partnership to secure funding for measures that can reduce the risk of flooding in the wider area. A newsletter has recently been distributed to all residents affected along the Lustrum Beck corridor, giving further details on the inter-agency work undertaken over the past year. Options on appropriate schemes will be developed and a further community consultation meeting will be arranged. The Council has also been busy tackling other flooding issues across the Borough including working in partnership with the Environment Agency and the Highways Agency to deal with the capacity and maintenance issues at ‘Billingham Bottoms’. It is intended this work reduces the risk of flooding to properties from Billingham Beck and its associated drainage channels. Funding has also been secured for a property level protection scheme in Hardwick and for additional maintenance of the ordinary watercourses within the Borough. Meanwhile, the Council has also allocated funding of £100,000 for the purchase of further emergency defence measures such as pumps and temporary flood barriers which can be placed in strategic locations. What can you do to prepare for a flood? make a flood plan before a flood happens, take a little time to work through what information and equipment you might need the Environment Agency provides a checklist to help you prepare (see website address at end of this item) obtain sandbags and flood protection equipment It is the responsibility of private householders and landlords to provide flood protection equipment such as sandbags and barriers at their properties. You can search online for products or contact your nearest builder’s merchant to purchase sandbags. The Stockton Council and Environment Agency websites have a range of flooding advice and information. To find out more visit www.stockton.gov.uk/flooding or www.environment-agency.gov.uk where you can also sign-up to a free flood alert service. PAGE 54

BE ALERT TO FLOODING DID YOU KNOW?

Stockton is a national specialist cen tre for flood and resilience training.

The Borough’s Tees Barrage Internat ional White Water Centre is used for training exer cises by Fire and Rescue services from around the country. The training prepares fire crews for attending flooding situations in swift water and for dealing with widespread flooding incidents . Staff at the Centre work in partners hip with Rescue 3UK based in North Wales to deliver certified rescue training courses held at the site.

Staff are also working with the Nat ional Resilience Programme (part of Communities for Local Government’s contribution to the Gov ernment’s Civil Contingencies Capabilities Prog ramme) to identify training needs at a nationa l level and then develop appropriate courses to mee t them. As well as helping the country prep are for flooding, the Tees Barrage Internat ional White Water Centre provides a range of acti vities for businesses, groups, schools, colle ges and individuals. For more information, visit www.tbiw wc.com, email: enquiries@tbiwwc.com or tele phone (01642) 678000.

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WARD SURGERIES IN YOUR AREA

13 January 2014, High Grange Community Centre, 6:30pm– 7:30pm 10 February 2014, North Billingham Methodist Church 10 March 2014, High Grange Community Centre, 6:30pm– 7:30pm Councillor Mrs Lynne Apedaile Tel: 01642 554344 Email: lynne.apedaile@stockton.gov.uk Councillor Colin Leckonby Tel: 01642 872896 Email: colin.leckonby@stockton.gov.uk Up to 31 March, 2014 www.stockton.gov.uk/wardsurgeries

NORTH WARD SURGERIES Billingham Central 18 December 2013, Billingham Youth & Community Centre, 6:30pm – 7:30pm 08 January 2014, Billingham Youth & Community Centre, 6:30pm – 7:30pm 12 February 2014, Billingham Youth & Community Centre, 6:30pm – 7:30pm 12 March 2014, Billingham Youth & Community Centre, 6:30pm– 7:30pm Councillor Mrs Ann Mccoy Tel: 01642 535604 Email: ann.mccoy@stockton.gov.uk Councillor Barry Woodhouse Tel: 01642 371638 Email: barry.woodhouse@stockton.gov.uk

Billingham East 29 November 2013 New Life Family Centre, 5:00pm – 5:40pm Hereford Centre, 5:45pm – 6:30pm 13 December 2013 New Life Family Centre, 5:00pm – 5:40pm Hereford Centre, 5:45pm – 6:30pm 31 January 2014 New Life Family Centre, 5:00pm – 5:40pm Hereford Centre, 5:45pm – 6:30pm 28 February 2014 New Life Family Centre, 5:00pm – 5:40pm Hereford Centre, 5:45pm – 6:30pm 28 March 2014 New Life Family Centre, 5:00pm – 5:40pm Hereford Centre, 5:45pm – 6:30pm Councillor Mick Stoker Tel: 01642 371641 Email: mick.stoker@stockton.gov.uk Councilor Evaline Cunningham Tel: 01642 532090 Email: evaline.cunningham@stockton.gov.uk

Billingham North 09 December 2013, North Billingham Methodist Church, 6:30pm– 7:30pm PAGE 56

Billingham North 03 December 2013, North Billingham Methodist Church, 7:15pm- 8:15pm 07 January 2014, High Grange Community Centre, 7:15pm- 8:15pm 04 February 2014, North Billingham Methodist Church, 7:15pm- 8:15pm 04 March 2014, High Grange Community Centre , 7:15pm- 8:15pm

Up to 31 March, 2014 www.stockton.gov.uk/wardsurgeries

CENTRAL WARD SURGERIES Bishopsgarth & Elm Tree

12 December 2013, Billingham Branch Library, 6:00pm– 7:00pm 09 January 2014, Billingham Branch Library, 6:00pm– 7:00pm 13 February 2014, Billingham Branch Library, 6:00pm– 7:00pm 13 March 2014, Billingham Branch Library, 6:00pm– 7:00pm

19 November 2013, Elm Tree Community Centre, 6:00pm - 7:00pm 02 December 2013, Bishopsgarth School, 6:00pm - 6:30pm 17 December 2013, Elm Tree Community Centre, 6:00pm - 7:00pm 14 January 2014, Elm Tree Community Centre, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 20 January 2014, Bishopsgarth School, 6:00pm – 6:30pm 11 February 2014, Elm Tree Community Centre, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 24 February 2014, Bishopsgarth School, 6:00pm – 6:30pm 11 March 2014, Elm Tree Community Centre, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 24 March 2014, Bishopsgarth School, 6:00pm – 6:30pm

Councillor Mrs Jean O’Donnell Tel: 01642 559717 Email: jean.odonnell@stockton.gov.uk Councillor Michael Smith Tel: 01642 371782 Email: michael.smith@stockton.gov.uk

Councillor Mrs Julia Cherrett Tel: 01642 785473 Email: julia.cherrett@stockton.gov.uk Councillor Elliot Kennedy Tel: 01642 618851 Email: elliot.kennedy@stockton.gov.uk

Billingham West

Fairfield

29 November 2013, Wolviston Court Community Centre, 6:00pm– 7:00pm No December surgery 31 January 2014, Wolviston Court Community Centre, 6:00pm– 7:00pm 28 February 2014, Wolviston Court Community Centre, 6:00pm– 7:00pm 28 March 2014, Wolviston Court Community Centre, 6:00pm– 7:00pm

09 December 2013, Fairfield Library, 6:00pm– 6:30pm 13 January 2014, Fairfield Library, 4:30pm– 5:00pm 10 February 2014, Fairfield Library, 4:30pm– 5:00pm 10 March 2014, Fairfield Library, 4:30pm– 5:00pm

Councillor Ray Mccall Tel: 01642 880999 Email: ray.mccall@stockton.gov.uk

Billingham South

Councillor Mrs Mary Womphrey Tel: 01642 555755 Email: mary.womphrey@stockton.gov.uk Councillor Mick Womphrey Tel: 01642 555755 Email: mick.womphrey@stockton.gov.uk

Councillor Maurice Perry Tel: 01642 586914 Email: maurice.perry@stockton.gov.uk Councillor Bill Woodhead Tel: 01642 584409 Email: bill.woodhead@stockton.gov.uk

Grangefield Ward

Hartburn

Norton South

18 November 2013, Fairfield Library 6:00pm – 7:00pm 05 December 2013, Grays Road Institute 6:00pm – 7:00pm 09 December 2013, Hartburn Scout Group Hut 6:00pm – 7:00pm 16 December 2013, Fairfield Library 6:00pm – 7:00pm 13 January 2014, Hartburn Scout Group Hut, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 20 January 2014, Fairfield Library, 12:00 – 1:00pm 06 February 2014, Grays Road Institute, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 10 February 2014, Hartburn Scout Group Hut, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 17 February 2014, Fairfield Library, 12:00 – 1:00pm 06 March 2014, Grays Road Institute, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 10 March 2014, Hartburn Scout Group Hut, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 17 March 2014, Fairfield Library, 12:00 – 1:00pm

02 December 2013, Elmwood Community Centre, 6:45pm start 06 January 2014, Elmwood Community Centre, 6:45pm start 03 February 2014, Elmwood Community Centre, 6:45pm start 03 March 2014, Elmwood Community Centre, 6:45pm start

19 November 2013, Albany Resource Centre, 5:30pm – 6:30pm 03 December 2013, Albany Resource Centre, 5:30pm – 6:30pm 17 December 2013, Assembly Hall, St John Ambulance Place, 5:30pm – 6:30pm 07 January 2014, Albany Resource Centre, 5:30pm – 6:30pm 21 January 2014, Assembly Hall, St John Ambulance Place, 5:30pm – 6:30pm 04 February 2014, Albany Resource Centre, 5:30pm – 6:30pm 18 February 2014, Assembly Hall, St John Ambulance Place, 5:30pm – 6:30pm 04 March 2014, Albany Resource Centre, 5:30pm – 6:30pm 18 March 2014, Assembly Hall, St John Ambulance Place, 5:30pm – 6:30pm

Councillor Carol Clark Tel: 01642 675688 Email: carol.clark@stockton.gov.uk Councillor Michael Clark Tel: 01642 675688 Email: michael.clark@stockton.gov.uk

Hardwick Ward No December surgery 10 January 2014, Salters Lane Community Centre, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 11 January 2014, Aspen Gardens, 11:00am – 12:00pm 14 February 2014, Salters Lane Community Centre, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 15 February 2014, Aspen Gardens, 11:00am – 12:00pm 14 March 2014, Salters Lane Community Centre, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 15 March 2014, Aspen Gardens, 11:00am – 12:00pm Councillor Nigel Cooke Tel: 01642 589442 Email: nigel.cooke@stockton.gov.uk Councillor Norma Stephenson OBE Tel: 01642 675891 Email: norma.stephenson@stockton.gov.uk

Northern Parishes 12 December 2013, Grindon Parish Hall, Thorpe Thewles, 7:00pm– 8:00pm January 2014, To be arranged No February surgery March 2014, To be arranged

Councillor Terry Laing Tel: 01642 587356 Email: terry.laing@stockton.gov.uk Councillor Ken Lupton Tel: 01642 587286 Email: ken.lupton@stockton.gov.uk

Newtown 29 November 2013, Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 13 December 2013, Newtown Community Resource Centre, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 10 January 2014, Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 24 January 2014, Newtown Community Resource Centre, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 07 February 2014, Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 21 February 2014, Newtown Community Resource Centre, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 07 March 2014, Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 21 March 2014, Newtown Community Resource Centre, 6:00pm – 7:00pm Councillor Paul Baker Tel: 01642 608406 Email: paul.baker@stockton.gov.uk Councillor Bob Gibson OBE Tel: 01642 614482 Email: robert.gibson@stockton.gov.uk

Norton North 04 December 2013, Norton North Community & Resource Centre, 6:00pm 7:00pm 15 January 2014, Norton North Community & Resource Centre, 6:00pm 7:00pm 19 February 2014, Norton Library, 6:00pm - 7:00pm 19 March 2014, Frederick Nattrass Children’s Centre, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Councillor Bob Cook Tel: 01642 890058 Email: robert.cook@stockton.gov.uk Councillor Eileen Johnson Tel: 01642 673952 Email: eileen.johnson@stockton.gov.uk

Norton West 03 December 2013 Crooksbarn Primary School, 4:30pm – 5:30pm The Education Centre, 5:45pm – 6:45pm Glebe Community Centre, 7:15pm – 8:00pm TBC 07 January 2014 Crooksbarn Primary School, 4:30pm – 5:30pm The Education Centre, 5:45pm – 6:45pm Glebe Community Centre, 7:15pm – 8:00pm TBC 04 February 2014, Crooksbarn Primary School, 4:30pm – 5:30pm The Education Centre, 5:45pm – 6:45pm Glebe Community Centre, 7:15pm – 8:00pm TBC 04 March 2014 Crooksbarn Primary School, 4:30pm – 5:30pm The Education Centre, 5:45pm – 6:45pm Glebe Community Centre, 7:15pm – 8:00pm Councillor David Wilburn Tel: 01642 532517 Email: david.wilburn@stockton.gov.uk Councillor Norma Wilburn Tel: 01642 532517 Email: norma.wilburn@stockton.gov.uk

Councillor Steve Nelson Tel: 01642 534417 Email: steve.nelson@stockton.gov.uk Councillor Mrs Kathryn Nelson Tel: 01642 534417 Email: kathryn.nelson@stockton.gov.uk

Councillor John Gardner Tel: 01740 645357 Email: john.gardner@stockton.gov.uk PAGE 57

WARD SURGERIES IN YOUR AREA Parkfield & Oxbridge 21 November 2013, Oxbridge Christian Fellowship, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 05 December 2013, Parkfield Community Centre (Cllr Javed only), 6:00pm – 7:00pm Oxbridge Christian Fellowship (Cllr Rose only), 6:00pm – 7:00pm 19 December 2013, Oxbridge Christian Fellowship, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 16 January 2014, Oxbridge Christian Fellowship, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 06 February 2014, Parkfield Community Centre (Cllr Javed only), 6:00pm – 7:00pm Oxbridge Christian Fellowship (Cllr Rose only), 6:00pm – 7:00pm 20 February 2014, Oxbridge Christian Fellowship, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 06 March 2014, Parkfield Community Centre (Cllr Javed only), 6:00pm – 7:00pm Oxbridge Christian Fellowship (Cllr Rose only), 6:00pm – 7:00pm 20 March 2014, Oxbridge Christian Fellowship, 6:00pm – 7:00pm Councillor Mohammed Javed Tel: 01642 602420 Email: mohammed.javed@stockton.gov.uk Councillor David Rose Tel: 01642 789993 Email: david.rose@stockton.gov.uk

23 January 2014, Culture CIC, Dovecot St, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 06 February 2014, The Willows Centre, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 13 February 2014, Parkfield Community Centre, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 20 February 2014, Victoria House, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 27 February 2014, Culture CIC, Dovecot St, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 06 March 2014, The Willows Centre, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 13 March 2014, Parkfield Community Centre, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 20 March 2014, Victoria House, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 27 March 2014, Culture CIC, Dovecot St, 6:00pm – 7:00pm Councillor David Coleman Tel: 01642 673952 Email: david.coleman@stockton.gov.uk Councillor Paul Kirton Tel: 01642 559331 Email: paul.kirton@stockton.gov.uk

09 December 2013, Kiora Hall, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 13 January 2014, Kiora Hall, 5:30pm – 6:30pm 10 February 2014, Kiora Hall, 5:30pm – 6:30pm 10 March 2014, Kiora Hall, 5:30pm – 6:30pm

Stockton Town Centre 21 November 2013, Victoria House, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 28 November 2013, Culture CIC, Dovecot St, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 05 December 2013, The Willows Centre, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 12 December 2013, Parkfield Community Centre, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 19 December 2013, Victoria House, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 09 January 2014, Parkfield Community Centre, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 16 January 2014, Victoria House, 6:00pm – 7:00pm

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Eaglescliffe 19 November 2013, Egglescliffe Community Centre, 6:30 - 7:30pm 06 December 2013, Trinity Methodist Church, 6:30 - 7:30pm 17 December 2013, Egglescliffe Parish Hall, 6:00 - 7:00pm 21 January 2014, Egglescliffe Community Centre, 6:30 – 7:30pm 07 February 2014, Trinity Methodist Church, 6:30 – 7:30pm 18 February 2014, Egglescliffe Parish Hall, 6:00 – 7:00pm 18 March 2014, Egglescliffe Community Centre, 6:30 – 7:30pm Councillor Alan Lewis Tel: 01642 784910 Email: alan.lewis@stockton.gov.uk Councillor Mrs Maureen Rigg Tel: 01642 785689 Email: maureen.rigg@stockton.gov.uk

Eaglescliffe 09 December 2013, Preston Primary School, 5:30pm - 6:30pm 20 December 2013, Egglescliffe Community Centre, 5:30pm - 6:30pm 13 January 2014, Preston Primary School, 5:30pm - 6:30pm 17 January 2014, Egglescliffe Parish Hall, 5:45pm – 6:45pm 10 February 2014, Preston Primary School, 5:30pm - 6:30pm 21 February 2014, Egglescliffe Community Centre, 5:30pm – 6:30pm 10 March 2014, Preston Primary School, 5:30pm – 6:30pm 21 March 2014, Egglescliffe Parish Hall, 5:45pm – 6:45pm

Roseworth

Councillor Jim Beall Tel: 01642 602510 Email: jim.beall@stockton.gov.uk Councillor Miss Barbara Inman Tel: 01642 586564 Email: barbara.inman@stockton.gov.uk

WARD SURGERIES IN YOUR AREA

Up to 31 March, 2014

WEST WARD SURGERIES

Councillor Phil Dennis Tel: 01642 790916 Email: phil.dennis@stockton.gov.uk

Western Parishes

Yarm

www.stockton.gov.uk/wardsurgeries

07 December 2013, The Wilson Centre, Long Newton, 7:00pm – 8:00pm 03 January 2014, The Chapel School Room, Carlton, 7:00pm – 8:00pm 07 February 2014, Stillington Village Hall, Stillington, 7:00pm – 8:00pm 07 March 2014, The Wilson Centre, Long Newton, 7:00pm – 8:00pm Councillor Andrew Stephenson Tel: 0778 529 3416 Email: afsegg@hotmail.co.uk or andrew. stephenson@stockton.gov.uk

03 December 2013, Layfield Primary School, 5:45pm – 6:30pm 07 January 2014, Yarm Library, 5:45pm – 6:30pm 04 February 2014, Layfield Primary School, 5:45pm – 6:30pm 04 March 2014, Levendale Primary School, 5:45pm – 6:30pm Councillor Ben Houchen Tel: 01642 786639 Email: ben.houchen@stockton.gov.uk Councillor Andrew Sherris Tel: 01642 786767 Email: andrew.sherris@stockton.gov.uk Councillor Mark Chatburn Tel: 01642 789982 Email: mark.chatburn@stockton.gov.uk

Tel: 01642 764652 Email: david.harrington@stockton.gov.uk Skype: david.harrington01642 Councillor Ross Patterson Tel: 01642 764865 Email: ross.patterson@stockton.gov.uk

Mandale & Victoria

Up to 31 March, 2014 www.stockton.gov.uk/wardsurgeries

EAST WARD SURGERIES Ingleby Barwick East (Joint surgery with Ingleby Barwick West) 04 December 2013, All Saints C of E Secondary School, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 08 January 2014, All Saints C of E Secondary School, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 05 February 2014, All Saints C of E Secondary School, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 12 March 2014, All Saints C of E Secondary School, 6:00pm – 7:00pm Residents of Maltby & Hilton are welcome at Ingleby Barwick Ward Surgeries but if unable to attend, can request a meeting with Councillors Corr, Faulks and Kirby by appointment before Parish Council meetings. Councillor Gillian Corr Tel: 01642 764056 Email: gillian.corr@stockton.gov.uk Councillor Kevin Faulks Tel: 01642 764874 Email: kevin.faulks@stockton.gov.uk Councillor Jean Kirby Tel: 01642 762092 Email: jean.kirby@stockton.gov.uk

Ingleby Barwick West (Joint surgery with Ingleby Barwick East) 04 December 2013, All Saints C of E Secondary School, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 08 January 2014, All Saints C of E Secondary School, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 05 February 2014, All Saints C of E Secondary School, 6:00pm – 7:00pm 12 March 2014, All Saints C of E Secondary School, 6:00pm – 7:00pm

30 November 2013, Westbury Street Library, 11:00am - 12:00 noon No December surgery 25 January 2014, Robert Atkinson Youth & Community Centre, 11:00am - 12:00 noon 22 February 2014, Rochester Court Sheltered Housing, 11:00am - 12:00 noon 26 March 2014, Robert Atkinson Youth & Community Centre, 4:00pm - 5:00pm Councillor Tina Large Tel: 01642 676509 Email: tina.large@stockton.gov.uk Councillor Steve Walmsley Tel: 01642 604176 Email: steve.walmsley@stockton.gov.uk

Mandale & Victoria 20 November 2013, Riverbank Children’s Centre, 10:30am – 11:30am 21 November 2013, Robert Atkinson Youth & Community Centre, 5:00pm – 6:30pm 18 December 2013, Rochester Court Sheltered Housing, 10:30am – 11:30am 19 December 2013, Robert Atkinson Youth & Community Centre, 5:00pm – 6:30pm 15 January 2014, Rochester Court Sheltered Housing, 10:30am – 11:30am 16 January 2014, Robert Akinson Youth & Community Centre, 5:00pm – 6:30pm 19 February 2014, Riverbank Children Centre, 10:30am – 11:30am 20 February 2014, Robert Akinson Youth & Community Centre, 5:00pm – 6:30pm 19 March 2014, Rochester Court Sheltered Housing, 10:30am – 11:30am 20 March 2014, Robert Akinson Youth & Community Centre, 5:00pm – 6:30pm Councillor Tracey Stott Tel: 01642 674471 Mobile: 07528 014 605 Email: tracey.stott@stockton.gov.uk

Stainsby Hill 25 November 2013, South Thornaby Community & Resource Centre, 5:00pm – 6:00PM No December surgery 20 January 2014, Eltham Crescent Communuity Centre 5.00pm – 6.00pm 17 February 2014, Eltham Crescent Communuity Centre 5.00pm – 6.00pm 31 March 2014, South Thornaby Community & Resource Centre 5.00pm – 6.00pm Councillor Derrick Brown Tel: 01642 751028 Email: derrick.brown@stockton.gov.uk

Stainsby Hill No December surgery 16 January 2014, South Thornaby Community & Resource Centre 6:00pm – 7:00pm 15 February 2014, Thornaby Pavilion, 11:00am – 12:00 13 March 2014, Eltham Crescent Communuity Centre 6:00pm – 7:00pm Councillor Mrs Sylvia Walmsley Tel: 01642 602375 Email: sylvia.walmsley@stockton.gov.uk

Village 09 December 2013, The Griffin Pub, 5:00pm – 6:00PM 13 January 2014, The Griffin Pub, 5:00pm – 6:00pm 10 February 2014, The Griffin Pub, 5:00pm – 6:00pm 10 March 2014, The Griffin Pub, 5:00pm – 6:00pm Councillor Ian Dalgarno Tel: 01642 882985 Email: ian.dalgarno@stockton.gov.uk Councillor Mick Moore Tel: 01642 764381 Email: mick.moore@stockton.gov.uk

Councillor Ken Dixon Tel: 01642 764650 Email: ken.dixon@stockton.gov.uk Councillor David Harrington

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WHAT’S ON WHAT’S ON

A look at what’s going on across Stockton from November 2013 to March 2014. This is just a taster so make sure you visit our new events website www.stockton.gov.uk/events for a full list with the very latest details. The events listed are subject to change. We reserve the right to alter or cancel any event.

REGULAR EVENTS Nov - March

MONTHLY

Café Scientifique

Preston Park Museum and Grounds

Date Monthly Time 8pm to 10pm Location The Point, ARC, Dovecot Street Café Scientifique meets monthly to chat about current issues in science and technology. Free entrance but participants (other than students and the unwaged) are invited to make a donation of £3 towards expenses. Held on the third Tuesday of the month. Visit: www.cafesci-stockton.org.uk

Tees Barrage Park Run Date Every Saturday Time 9am Location Tees Barrage International White Water Course The hour long run is open to everyone regardless of running pace or level of fitness. You must register at www.parkrun.org.uk/teesbarrage

Your local library To find out more about the huge range of regular and special events held at Stockton Borough libraries from craft events to parent and toddler as well as reading groups, pop into your local library or visit www.stockton.gov.uk/libraries

WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER

Miracle on 34th Street The Musical Date Wednesday 20 to Friday 22 November Time Thursday Matinee 2.30pm, Evenings 7.30pm Location Billingham Forum A white-bearded gentleman claiming to be the real Santa Claus brings about a genuine Miracle on 34th Street, spreading a wave of love throughout New York City. This heart-rending tale is one for all the family and promises to get you in the mood for the festive season. To book visit www.forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk or call the Box Office (01642) 552663.

Book up to learn a new traditional pastime and make a beautiful stained glass panel, Christmas wreath or rag rug with the special ParkMade taster days.

Date

Sunday 24 November

Time Youth Race (8-14 years) - Register from 9am, Race (2K) starts 9.45am

Groundwork North East offers a range of walks, workshops and events suitable for adults, children and families. All walks are free and funded through Big Lottery Community Spaces. Some have limited spaces available. To find out more or book a place visit www.fthp.org.uk or telephone Amie Henry, on (01642) 613636, 07587 778449 or email amie.henry@groundwork.org.uk

Location Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park, Seal Sands Link Road, Billingham

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Stockton Sparkles Christmas Market

Winter Trail Series Adult Race - Register from 9am, Race (5K) starts 10.15am

See the beauty of the night sky in the Planetarium’s star-theatre and observatory near Thorpe Thewles. Over the coming months there are a host of exciting public planetarium shows exploring highlights of the night sky as well as special events and regular Cleveland and Darlington Astronomical Society meetings. Visit the website for full listings www.wynyard-planetarium.net

The launch of Stockton Sparkles with the Christmas light switch on, BBC Tees, children’s choir and brass band. For more information visit www.stockton.gov.uk/sparkles

Stockton Sparkles’ Christmas Market comes to Parish Gardens with a host of goodies offering Christmas gifts, festive fayre and the best in locally made produce. Enjoy a bite to eat from the food cabin which includes traditional sausages, mulled wine, speciality coffees and much more. For more information visit www.stockton.gov.uk/sparkles

Tees Heritage Park

Wynyard Woodland Park Planetarium and Observatory

Date Thursday 28 November Time 5pm to 7pm Location Stockton High Street

Date Wednesday 27 November to Sunday 8 December Time Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/sparkles Location Parish Gardens, off Stockton High Street

There is so much going on over the coming months to get you in the mood for Christmas and to thrill and entertain you into 2014. From exhibitions to special and regular events there will be something to suit everyone.

Calling all dancers, from beginners to pros, come along and enjoy Tea and Tango – afternoons of dance in the elegant surroundings of the Museum’s recently restored Music Room. For full details about what’s going at Preston Park Museum and Grounds make sure you visit www.prestonparkmuseum.co.uk or call (01642) 527375.

Stockton Sparkles Launch

Working alongside the Tees Trail Races team Stockton Council has organised a series of great races throughout the winter. They are open to runners of all abilities, with extra support and encouragement on hand for less experienced runners. Adult Race £3 (UK Athletics Affiliated Members), £5 (Non UK Athletics Affiliated Members), Youth Race £1. For more information visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events

Farmers’ Market Date Saturday 30 November Time 9am to 2pm Location Wellington Square, Stockton Town Centre High quality food and drink produced within 50 miles of the Borough are the order of the day at the ever popular Farmers’ Market. The perfect opportunity to sample local food as well as supporting local businesses. For more information visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events

Seaton Carew-sel Guided Cycle Ride Date Saturday 30 November Time 10.30am to 1pm Location Meet at Billingham Forum Get on your bike and ride the great 24 mile circular route to Hartlepool and Seaton Carew. Over 16s only. No booking required. For more information call The Hub on (01642) 803441 or visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events PAGE 61

WHAT’S ON

Cinderella on Ice

DECEMBER

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Date 7 December to 5 January 2014 Time Various – see website Location Billingham Forum Theatre

Date Sunday 15 to Thursday 19 December Time 5.30pm on Sunday, 6.30pm, Monday to Thursday Location Billingham Forum Come along to see Billingham Forum’s 40th Ice Panto. Tickets include a free skate after each performance. Adults £8.75, Juniors/OAPs £5.50. To buy tickets contact the Forum on (01642) 551381, www.teesactive.co.uk

Come and join us for this classic, star- studded, family pantomime with Jimmy Cricket, and Kurtis Stacey from Emmerdale. Early booking is recommended. Tickets cost £13 - £16.50. To book visit www.forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk or call the Box Office (01642) 552663.

The World of Jane Austen Date Tuesday 3 December Time 6.30 to 8pm Location Stockton Central Library Come along to this exciting and interactive talk on Jane Austen’s style costumes. Booking necessary. Tickets cost £6. Contact the Visitor Information Centre or book tickets in advance on (01642) 528130.

Sound of the Eighties – Duran An Duran Date Friday 6 December Time 8pm to late Location The Georgian Theatre, Green Dragon Yard Your favourite night of 80s hits returns with all the classics. This event is for people aged 18 years and over. Tickets cost £6, £8 on the door. Visit www.georgiantheatre.co.uk or tel (01642) 674115.

Winter Trail Series Date

Sunday 8 December

Time Youth Race (8-14 years) - Register from 9am, Race (2K) starts 9.45am Adult Race - Register from 9am, Race (5K) starts 10.15am Location Preston Park Museum and Grounds Working alongside the Tees Trail Races team Stockton Council has organised a series of great races throughout the winter. They are open to runners of all abilities, with extra support and encouragement on hand for less experienced runners. Adult Race £3 (UK Athletics Affiliated Members), £5 (Non UK Athletics Affiliated Members), Youth Race £1. For more information visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events

Three Little Pigs by Stuff and Nonsense Date

Stockton Sparkles Reindeer parade Date Sunday 15 December Time 2pm Location Stockton Town Centre Come and see Father Christmas and his entourage of reindeers as he makes his way through the Town Centre on his sleigh. There’s also live dance and music performances and late night shopping throughout the town centre. For more details visit: www.stockton.gov.uk/stocktonsparkles

Tuesday 10 to Tuesday 24 December

Time Weekdays 10.30am and 1pm, weekends 11.30am and 2.30pm Location ARC, Dovecot Street, Stockton Stuff and Nonsense theatre company bring their incredible puppets to life with their unique spin on this classic tale. Children aged two to seven years old will love this incredible Christmas show. Tickers cost £9 each, £32 for a family ticket and can be purchased by calling ARC Box Office on (01642) 525199 or online at www.arconline.co.uk

Friends of Ropner Park Christmas Fair Date Sunday 15 December Time 11am to 1pm Location Ropner Park Come along to the perfect Victorian Christmas setting and listen to some festive music provided by the Old Glory Jazz Band and St. Peter’s church choir singing Christmas carols. With sideshows, stalls and tombola there’s plenty to do. The café will be open for refreshments and look out for Santa who is expected to pay a visit. For more information visit www.forp.org.uk

Christmas Farmers’ Market Date Saturday 21 December Time 9am - 2pm Location Wellington Square, Stockton Town Centre High quality food and drink produced within 50 miles of the Borough are the order of the day at the ever popular Farmers’ Market. The perfect opportunity to sample local food as well as supporting local businesses. For more information visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events PAGE 62

Christmas Crafts Date From Monday 23 December to 3 January 2014 Time Various Location Libraries across the Borough Keep youngsters entertained over the school holidays with Christmas craft sessions. Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events for more information.

The Wynyard Whizz - Guided Cycle Ride Date Saturday 28 December Time 10.30am - 12pm Location Meet at The Hub, Stockton Town Centre Get ready for the New Year and burn off some of those Christmas calories on our last ride of the year. 14 miles on cycle paths and minor roads. This ride is free and no booking is required. For more information visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events From November to March there’s plenty going on at your local arts and entertainment venues – simply call or visit their websites: ARC: www.arconline.co.uk tel (01642) 525199 Billingham Forum: www.forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk tel (01642) 552663 Georgian Theatre: www.georgiantheatre.co.uk tel (01642) 674115 PAGE 63

Christmas shopping and festive fun! Get ready for Christmas shopping and festive fun when Stockton Sparkles returns. Thursday 28 November, 5.00pm – 7.00pm The launch of Stockton Sparkles with festive music, lights and fireworks. Join Santa and his friends, a children’s choir featuring over 1,500 children and a brass band, for this magical evening hosted by BBC Tees.

Wednesday 27 November – Sunday 8 December, 10.00am – 4.00pm (open late till 6pm on Thursdays) Christmas Market - For a whole 12 days the Parish Gardens will be transformed into the Christmas Market with a host of goodies perfect for Christmas gifts. There will be more than 30 cabins selling a wide range of gifts - such as candles, soaps, clothing and jewellery - decorations for the home plus lots of stalls offering festive fayre and the best in locally made produce. You can take a break and enjoy a bite to eat from the food cabin which includes mulled wine and speciality coffees as well as sampling traditional sweets and Christmas chocolates. There will also be a kids zone and family entertainment.

Friday 6 December, 1.30pm - 3.30pm Mayor’s Carol Service - The Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Kathryn Nelson, will be spreading Christmas cheer as she hosts the Mayor’s Carol Service at Stockton Parish Church.

Sunday 15 December, 2.00pm Reindeer Parade – Come and see Santa on his sleigh and his entourage of reindeers for the 12 days of Christmas parade in Stockton Town Centre.

For more details visit: www.stockton.gov.uk/stocktonsparkles

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