widening horizons december 2009

Keeping you informed | www.northtyneside.gov.uk

Dec 2009

Studentshines a newlight on NorthTyneside

All thefestive funaround theborough

horizonswidening

Christmas and NewYear -refuse collection and recycling

There will be no collection of refuse and greyrecycling wheeled bins on the bank holidays:

Friday, December 25Friday, January 1

Revised collection dates are set out below.Residents are reminded wheeled bins should notbe put out for collection any earlier than theevening before your collection day.

Normal day: Revised day:

Monday, December 21 As normalTuesday, December 22 As normalWednesday, December 23 As normalThursday, December 24 As normalFriday, December 25 Sunday, December 27

Monday, December 28 As normalTuesday, December 29 As normalWednesday, December 30 As normalThursday, January 31 As normalFriday, January 1 Saturday, January 2

For more information, or if you need extra cleansingservices, phone Envirolink - 0845 2000 103

National Fraud Initiative – data matching exercise 2009/10Under section 6 of the Audit Commission Act 1998, the council is required to take part in theNational Fraud Initiative (NFI) data matching exercise. Data will be provided by the council tothe Audit Commission for the NFI and will be used for cross-system and cross-authoritycomparison for the prevention and detection of fraud.

The NFI takes place each year and during 2006/07 identified £140m of fraud and error acrossthe UK. Data included in data matching has been expanded by the Audit Commission and forthe 2009/10 exercise, the council is required to submit data to the commission relating to:

• Council Tax• Register of electors

Where data matches raise anomalies, these will be sent back to the council for furtherinvestigation. More information is available on the council’s website:www.northtyneside.gov.uk/nfior the Audit Commission website: www.audit-commission.gov.uk/nfi

By law, NorthTynesideCouncil has to protect thepublic funds it administers.

It is required to shareinformation with otherbodies responsible forauditing or administeringpublic funds, in order toprevent and detect fraud.

horizonswidening

3

Mayor’s messageLinda Arkley talks about the prospects for theborough in 2010.

Regeneration updateFind out what’s happening with theWhitley Bayand Battle Hill schemes.

Sport for allRead about a new initiative that will improvesporting opportunities for everyone.

Ease EXTRA is now availableA new young people’s card that offers a host ofdiscounts is launched in NorthTyneside.

First class treatmentSee how Northumbria Healthcare is providingthe best possible care for stroke patients.

What’s on at ChristmasYour eight-page guide to all the festive fun takingplace across the borough.

On the beatFind out about some of the policing initiativestaking place in NorthTyneside.

Annual report 2008/09What the council spends your money on – andhow it’s making a difference to the borough.

Keep it localA page of classified adverts featuring smallbusinesses from around the borough.

Inside this issue5

6

12

17

24

29

38

52

61

NorthTyneside Council wants to make it easierfor you to get hold of the information you mayneed about the services it provides.We are ableto provide our documents in alternative formatsincluding large print and community languages.Audio tapes are available at libraries.Please call 0191 643 5080.

Please recycle this magazinewhen you have finished with it.

Cover picture: ChristianWade, aged 13, has won a councilcompetition to design a new Christmas light for theborough.To see Christian’s winning design, see page 31.

December 2009

The next issue ofWidening Horizons will bedistributed from February 8.

NorthTyneside Council produces Widening Horizonsfor the residents of the borough.

The magazine is printed five times a year and distributed toevery home in the borough.

Our aim is to keep you informed about what the counciland its partners are doing to improve life for people inNorthTyneside.

If you would like to comment on any of the articles inWidening Horizons, please write or send an email to:

Steve ForshawMarketing & Communications(3rd floor right)QuadrantThe Silverlink NorthCobalt Business ParkNorthTynesideNE27 0BY

Email: [email protected]

Having problems getting your copy of WideningHorizons? Ring (0191) 643 5080.

NTC GRAPHICS 11/09 2647JWO

horizonswidening

Get active Get smart Get about

Get EXTRAAvailable from leisure centres and selected libraries

Call 0845 2000 101 or visitwww.northtyneside.gov.uk

messageMayor’s

Dear residents,

Welcome to the Decemberedition ofWidening Horizons.

Since my election in June, I have beenworking hard on the promises I madeto you and on the issues that you toldme are important.

One of my key election promises wasto stop the Mayor’s newsletter and touse that money to support our towncentres.

We have done that and very soon youwill see a marketing campaign, towncentre leaflets and a series of eventsand initiatives that we believe will helpmake our town centres the vibrantplaces we all want them to be.

We have also received good news inrelation to the local economy with theannouncement thatTesco Bank will becreating 1,000 jobs in the borough.

Securing these jobs has been a teameffort involving the council, One NorthEast and theTyne andWearDevelopment Company and I amdelighted our partnership has beenable to secure an investor of such highcalibre.

The regeneration ofWhitley Baycontinues – both the Playhouse and

Waves are now up and running andboth are proving to be a major success.The Playhouse has secured an excitingarray of performers, shows andcommunity events while the feedbackfrom users ofWaves has beenexcellent.

At the same time, we are continuing toregenerate other areas of the borough.

We have recently opened a new libraryand walk-in health centre in Battle Hill,with the support and involvement ofthe local community, and work on theNorth Bank of theTyne continuesapace.

It is that time of year when we all startto think about Christmas – reflectingon the past year and looking forwardto the NewYear.

The last 18 months have been difficultfor many people.The economy hasbeen in recession, house prices havebeen unstable and access to mortgages

and finance difficult. Individuals andbusinesses have had a hard time.

I believe we can now start to look tothe future.

NorthTyneside is well placed to takeadvantage of an upturn in the economy– we have a programme of investmentsand regeneration, excellent educationalopportunities and an attractiveborough in which to live.

In my view, the measures we have putin place to support local businesses,our town centres and individuals willadd to the upturn and ensure thatNorthTyneside remains an attractiveand prosperous borough.

I would like to take this opportunity towish you all a very happy Christmasand a successful and prosperousNewYear.

Linda Arkley

5

High standards:The new MonkseatonHigh School is a fine example of the

borough’s excellent educational facilities.See article on pages 44 and 45.

widening horizons •December 20096

In recent months, Battle Hill hasthrown off its old image andrelaunched itself as a vibrantcommunity.

The new library and health centre haveopened their doors, delivering extraservices for local residents, while a newTesco Express will compliment the Lidlfood store, which began trading earlierin the year.

And soon the parade of new shops willbe ready to welcome customers –offering a mix of long-standingbusinesses, including Greggs, Mills, BattleHill Taxis and an NHS dental practice,and new firms such as Subway andClark Butchers.

For people like hairdresser Jen Allan,who has worked on the estate formore than 20 years, the transformationis particularly welcome.

Jen, who is co-owner of the CuttingCrew, said:“There is no comparisonwith where we are moving to andwhere we have come from.

“The other site had rapidlydeteriorated and problems such asvandalism were getting worse.Wewere never going to attract peoplefrom outside the area but now thingsare different and that’s down to thenew shopping centre.”

It is five years since the transformationof Battle Hill began and the demolitionof the hard-to let maisonettes providedswathes of development land.

Haslam Homes has built 65 two andthree-bedroomed homes andapartments while Nomad E5 HousingGroup is providing affordable homesthrough its shared ownership scheme.

The site of the existing shoppingcentre, which is due to be cleared oncethe shops are all vacated, will providefurther opportunities for housing.

Feedback from residents has beenimportant in shaping theredevelopment, which when completewill have attracted around £25m inprivate and public sector investment tothe area.

The new library features a full range ofservices, including 16 computersproviding access to the Internet, andareas for teenage and younger children.

Local police officers will be using thebuilding as a rest facility and anopportunity to provide a visiblepresence in the community.

Meanwhile, the GP-led health centre isalready proving its worth for localresidents.

Hundreds have registered as newpatients at the centre, which includes awalk-in facility open 365 days of theyear and a range of services, includingx-ray, ultrasound and heart checks.

For further information onregeneration issues, contact KateLovelock on (0191) 643 6426.

Battle Hill

7

- a new era dawns

Exciting new plans to deliverthe next phase of theregeneration ofWhitley Bayare still available for publicinspection.

Drawings and information aboutthe proposals, previously displayedat the PLAYHOUSE, can be seen atWhitley Bay library during normalopening hours.They can also beinspected on the council’s websiteat www.northtyneside.gov.uk

The wider Spanish City site isearmarked for a mix of uses that

could include a high quality hotel,leisure and entertainment activities andhousing.

The re-routing of the road behind theSpanish City site could allow thecreation of a pedestrianised piazza –complete with fountains – at the frontof the Dome.

This cultural and leisure hub could belit at night and used as an attractivewater play area during the day.Thefountains could be switched off tocreate an events area.

It will complement the future use ofthe Dome, which is now the subject ofa European advertising process tocanvass potential future uses for thebuilding.

And the proposals recommend theimprovements are extended intoWhitley Park with proposals includingthe introduction of a multi use sportsarea, a water play facility, a BMX track

to complement the town’s popularskate/BMX park at Panama Dip, and astate of the art green-roofed café withtoilet facilities

“Whitley Bay is set to regain itsreputation as a place for visitors andresidents to enjoy family-friendly fun,”said Mayor Linda Arkley.

“These plans set out the scale of ourambition to transform our seafrontonce again into a public space that canbe enjoyed by everyone – from thefountains on the piazza, to the water-play area and new leisure activities inWhitley Park, to the visitor attractionsofThe Dome. It will benefit residents,visitors and local businesses.

“The comments we receive from thepublic are essential and will help uswhen we consider the expressions ofinterests for the site.”

Whitley Bayplans on showat library

Great move: Co-owners Jen Allan(left) and Joanne Douglass outsidetheir new premises.

Regeneration update

Show takes rootThe council’s Health andHorticulture Show has takenroot in Finland, thanks to a keengardener.

After reading about the annual eventon the internet, Joppe Ranta contactedorganisers for advice on staging hisown show.

Following guidance from council staffand a show judge, Joppe has now heldhis own harvest party inVantaa,Finland’s fourth largest city.

“The information provided by thecouncil has been very useful,” saidJoppe.“They also put me in touch withone of the judges, who explained therules and regulations.

“The harvest party was only a smallaffair this time around, with 25 peopletaking part. But I’m hopeful next yearI will be able to attract a great dealmore.”

As well as the contest to grow thebiggest leeks and carrots, the harvestparty had a strong British flavour.

Visitors were able to sample fish andchips, scones and ginger biscuits,

washed down by Newcastle Brown Aleand followed by a traditional pub quiz.

Cllr Glynis Barrie, cabinet member forCommunity Services, said:“We aredelighted to have been able to helpand it’s amazing the interest in ourshow has travelled so far.”

Joppe, a 45 year-old journalist, is eagerto expand his event along the lines ofthe NorthTyneside show.

British flavour: Joppe Ranta lookson as a judge announces the winnersof the harvest party in Finland.

“In Finland, we have no contests likethis,” he said.“We use leeks only insoup and it’s unpopular as it’s seen asbeing fairly boring.

“As well as the vegetablecompetition, we are thinking ofintroducing flower arranging andcookery contests, which would bereally exciting.”

Tesco Bank is to create 1,000jobs at a new customer servicecentre in NorthTyneside.

The centre – based at QuorumBusiness Park – will handle customersales and service forTesco Bank’s homeand motor insurance customers.

The council, One North East and theTyne andWear DevelopmentCompany have worked closely withTesco Bank to secure finance, scoutlocations and start a recruitment drivefor the centre.

Elected mayor Linda Arkley said:“I amdelighted this strong partnership hasonce again helped to secure a highcalibre investor.

“This support will continue as we helpto embed the company in the boroughand ensure it has a successful future.”

Tesco Bank plans to start recruitingnext year and open the centre by theend of 2010. It hopes to create 1,000jobs over the next five years.

The council is to establish and

co-ordinate a public sector ‘responsegroup’ specifically for the company.

It will work with One North East, theLearning and Skills Council, BusinessLink and JobCentre Plus to provide asingle point of contact for recruitmentand training tailored to meet therequirements ofTesco Bank.

Alan Clarke, the chief executive of OneNorth East, said:“This is an extremelyexciting and important project. It’s areal vote of confidence in the NorthEast economy.”

1,000 jobs set for borough


road improvementsThe first programme of road andpavement repairs, identified by thepublic as among their toppriorities, are due to be completedby Christmas.

The 10 schemes, spread across theborough, range from tackling unevenpavements and potholes to thecomplete resurfacing of neighbourhoodroads.

Elected Mayor Linda Arkley has madethe road and pavement improvementscheme a top priority in the newCouncil Plan – and pledged thatresidents will be fully involved in theimprovements being delivered.

An additional £1m will be spent onroad and pavement projects each year,agreed through the area forums.

Residents shape

The streets in the initialimprovement programme are:

� Cranwell Drive,Wideopen� CanterburyWay,Wideopen� Bromley Avenue, Monkseaton� Highbury Place, North Shields� Battle Hill Drive,Wallsend� Verne Road, North Shields� Warwick Road,Wallsend� Avondale Ave /Weardale Ave,Forest Hall

� Richmond Road,Whitley Bay� Links Avenue,Whitley Bay

And in a change to previous councilpractice, the additional funding will betargeted at neighbourhood and estateroads, rather than the main network ofdistributor roads.

To kick-start the programme, 10projects identified by residents werestarted in September.

Mrs Arkley said:“Our residents havetold me the state of our roads andpavements is not good enough – that’swhy I have taken action immediately tobegin a programme of improvements.

“In the future, residents will have anopportunity to shape thoseimprovements, funded by an improvedbudget, through the area forums ineach part of the borough.

“I know how important this is to localpeople and have given the go-ahead toan interim scheme of repairs, based onfeedback already received fromresidents.”

Before and after: Highbury Place inNorth Shields has already benefitedfrom the improvement programme.

9

gymopening

hours

The Lakeside Centre Monday 1pm - 3.30pmWaves Tuesday 12.45pm - 2.45pmThe Parks Wednesday 8.30am - 11amTynemouth Pool Friday 7.45am - 10.30am

Last admissiontimes apply

(health suites ready halfhour after centre opens)

9am -10pm

9am -10pm

9am -10pm

9am -10pm

9am -10pm

9am -6pm

9am -6pm

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

7.15am -9.30pm

7.15am -9.30pm

7.15am -9.30pm

7.15am -9.30pm

10.30am -7pm

8.30am -4pm

8.30am -3pm

7.15am -9.45pm

7.15am -9.45pm

7.15am -9.45pm

7.15am -9.45pm

7.15am -8.45pm

8.15am -6pm

8.15am -6pm

7am -9.30pm

7am -9.30pm

7.30am -9.30pm

7am -9.30pm

7am -9.30pm

8am -5.30pm

8am -5.30pm

The Parks

Tynemouth Pool

The Lakeside Centre

Waves

GP ReferralSession Only

(gym closed for casual use)

The Parks - (0191) 200 6364Howdon Road, North Shields, NE29 6TL

Tynemouth Pool - (0191) 643 2900Beach Road, North Shields, NE29 9PZ

The Lakeside Centre - (0191) 643 4177Southgate, Killingworth, NE12 6SA

Sport & Leisure @ Burnside - (0191) 643 2025Burnside Business and Enterprise College, St. Peter’s Road,Wallsend, NE28 7LQ

Marden Bridge Sports Centre - (0191) 643 2929Hillheads Road,Whitley Bay, NE25 8RW

Waves - (0191) 643 2600The Links,Whitley Bay, NE26 1TQhorizonswidening

It’s time to get in

From aerobics to zumba, theborough’s six leisure centresoffer a range of fitnesssessions to suit you.

The Parks;Tynemouth Pool;The Lakeside CentreandWaves all boast fully equipped Contours gymswith trained staff available to provide help andguidance.

If you prefer getting fit in the pool, there are plentyof opportunities – ranging from aquafit atWaves tohydrodeep atThe Lakeside.

See below

and opposite for

what’s on offer at our

leisure centres.

The choice is

yours!

shape!

11

in the boroughAEROBICSAEROSCULPTAEROTONE

AQUAFIT (A)AQUABOXING (B)

AQUACIRCUITS (C)AQUAJOGGING (J)SPEEDO DEEP (S)

BODY PUMP

TECHNIQUE CLASS

BODY COMBAT

TECHNIQUE CLASS

BOXERCISEBOXERFIT

BUMS, LEGS &TUMSTOPTOTOETONING

TOTAL BODYBODY SCULPT

CIRCUITSSKIPPING CIRCUITS

LOW IMPACT CIRCUITS

SPINNINGSPIN &ABSSPIN & BOX

ENERGY CYCLING

HYDRODEEP

NIFTY FIFTIES5-0 CLUB

PILATESBODY BALANCE

YOGA

SALSAFITSALSACIZE

DANCEAEROBICSURBAN BOUNCE

ZUMBA

STEPSTEP &TONE

CORE STABILITYABS BLAST

SAT 9.30am – 10.30amSUN 4.30pm – 5.30pm

SUN 4pm – 4pm

TUES 7pm – 8pmTHURS 6pm – 7pm

MON 5.30pm – 6.30pmFRI 5.30pm – 6.30pm

MON 9.30am -10.30amMON 6.30pm – 7.30pmTUES 9.30am – 10.30amWED 9.30am – 10.30amWED 6pm – 7pm

TUES 6.30pm – 7.30pmWED, 12.15pm – 1.15pmWED, 7.15pm – 8pmTHURS 5.15pm – 6.15pmFRI 12.15pm – 1.15pmSUN 10.30am – 11.30amMON 7.30pm – 8.30pm

MON 11am – 11.45amMON 5.15pm – 6.15pmMON 6.30pm – 7.15pmTHURS 9.30am – 10.30amTHURS 10.45am – 11.45amTHURS 6pm – 6.45pmSAT 10.45am – 11.30am

MON 10.30am– 11.30amFRI 10.30am – 11.30am

MON 6pm – 7pmMON 7pm – 8pmWED 6pm – 7pmSAT 9.30am – 10.30am

MON 7.30pm – 8.30pm (urban)WED 7pm – 8pm (dance)WED 12.15pm – 1.15pm (zumba)THURS 7pm – 8pm (salsa)FRI 7pm – 8pm (zumba)

FRI 12.15pm – 1.15pm

TUES 6.30pm – 7.30pm

MON 9.30am – 10.30am

MON 7pm – 7.45pm (A)MON 8pm – 8.45pm (A)TUES 11.30am – 12.15pm (A)THURS 7pm – 7.45pm (A)

MON 7.15pm – 8.15pmTUES 6pm – 7pmWED 6pm – 7pmFRI 5.30pm – 6.30pmSAT 10.30am – 11.30amSAT 10am – 10.30am

THURS 5.30pm – 6.30pmSAT 11.45am – 12.45pmSUN 10.30am – 11.30am

THURS 5pm – 5.30pm

WED 6pm- 7pm

MON 6pm – 7pmTUES 9.30am – 10.15amTUES 6pm – 7pmTUES 8pm – 9pmWED 9.30am – 10.30amTHURS 6.15pm – 7.15pmFRI 9.30am – 10.30am

TUES 6pm – 7pmTHURS 6.15pm – 7.15pm

MON 7.30am – 8.15amTUES 7.15pm – 8pmWED 7.30am – 8.15amWED 5.30pm – 6.30pmWED 6.30pm – 7.30pmTHURS 5.15pm – 6pmFRI 7.30am – 8.15amFRI 5.30pm – 6.30pm (spin & box)SUN 9.30am – 10.30am (spin & box)

THURS 7.45pm – 8.30pmFRI 6pm – 6.45pm

TUES 1.30pm – 2.30pmTHURS 11am – noon

TUES 7pm – 8pmWED 6.45pm – 7.30pm (Beginners)WED 7.30pm – 8.30pm

MON 6.30pm – 8pm

TUES 7pm – 8pm (salsa)SAT 11am – noon (salsa)SUN 10.15am – 11.15am (urban)

THURS 9.30am – 10.30amSAT 10am – 10.45am

WED 7pm – 8pmTHURS 7.15pm – 8.15pm

MON 6.00pm – 6.45pm (aerobics)

MON 9.30am – 10.15am (A)MON 8.10pm – 8.50pm (C)TUES 9.30am – 10.15am (J)TUES 8.10pm – 8.50pm (A)WED 12.15pm – 1pm (A)WED 8.10pm – 8.50pm (B)THURS 8.10pm – 8.50pm (A)FRI 1.45pm – 2.30pm (B)

MON 7pm – 8pmTHURS 10.45am – 11.45amTHURS 5.45pm – 6.45pmSUN 11.15am – 12.15pm

WED 5.45pm – 6.45pmTHURS 9.30am – 10.30amTHURS 8pm – 9pmSAT 9.30am – 10.30am

FRI 5.30pm – 6.30pmSUN 10am – 11am

MON 9.30am – 10.30amTUES 9.30am – 10.30amTUES 5pm – 5.45pmWED 9.30am – 10.30am

WED noon – 1.pm

WED 7pm – 8pm (pilates)THURS 4.30pm –5.30pm (pilates)MON 8pm – 9pm (body balance)FRI 9.30am –10.30am (body balance)FRI noon – 1pm (body balance)

MON noon – 1.30pmTUES 8pm – 9.30pmWED 1.15pm – 2.45pmFRI 6.45pm – 7.45pm

TUES 7pm – 8pm(salsa)WED 8pm – 9pm (zumba)SAT 12.30pm – 1.15pm (kids dance)SAT 1.15pm – 2pm ( kids dance)SUN 12.30pm – 1.15pm (kids dance)SUN 1.15pm – 2pm (kids dance)

TUES 10.30am – 11.30amTUES 5.45pm – 6.45pmTHURS 7pm – 8pmSAT 10.45pm – 11.45pm (step & core)

MON 5.30pm – 6pm (abs)FRI 5pm – 5.30pm (abs)SUN 9.30am – 10am (abs)

FRI 6.45pm – 7.45pm

THUR 7.45pm – 8.45pmSAT 11am – noon

MON, 6.30pm – 7.30pmFRI 6.30pm – 7.30pm

TUES 6.30pm –8.30pm

THUR 6pm – 7pm

MON 7pm – 8pm

WED 7pm – 8pm

MON 8pm – 8.45pm (S)MON 8.45pm – 9.30pm (S)TUES 8pm – 8.45pm (A)TUES 8.45pm – 9.30pm (A)THUR 12.15pm – 1pm(A)THUR 6.30pm – 7.15pm (S)

TheParks

TheLakesideCentre

WavesTynemouth

Pool

Sport &Leisure @Burnside

MardenBridge

Sports Centre

Classes aresubject to change.Please check venuefor availability.


Widening Horizons

4The borough has lotsof great places to goand things to do.Now an initiative from Mayor LindaArkley will help improve sportingexperiences and widen opportunities forpeople to enjoy them.

Widening Horizons 4 Sport will offerresidents, and in particular young people,the chance to make the most of theirlives by trying new things and learningnew skills.

And it could ultimately improve people’shealth and well-being as well asstrengthen the communities we live in.

The council will work with and supportsports clubs, groups and voluntaryorganisations to create an environmentof new and enhanced culturalopportunities right across the borough.

Sport NorthTyneside (see next column),which offers improved access to sportingopportunities, is one of the first schemesto form part of theWidening Horizons 4Sport initiative.

And there will be a number of otherinitiatives as part of theWideningHorizons programme, includingWideningHorizons 4 Culture.

Mrs Arkley said:“We’re not interested insimply fulfilling residents’ aspirations, wewant to exceed them.

“Widening Horizons 4 Sport will providethe opportunity for everyone, and inparticular young people, to take part in asporting experience that could changetheir lives.

“Over the next few months we’ll beworking closely with our partners andthe community and voluntary sector tocreate an environment where this canhappen.”

As a first step, the council wants to hearfrom sports clubs and voluntaryorganisations in NorthTyneside to findout what they currently provide.

The council already holds a lot ofinformation but wants to build on thatand enrich its understanding, which willhelp it map out the range of sportingexperiences currently available in theborough.

Representatives of sports clubs andvoluntary organisations are also invited toone of the launch events at the council’sHQ, QuadrantWest,The Silverlink North,Cobalt Business Park, to find out more.

The events will be an opportunity toshape the initiative and tell the councilwhat support they would need to delivernew and improved opportunities forresidents.This could include helpaccessing funding opportunities or leasingnew premises.

There will be two events on Friday,December 4 (2pm to 4pm and 6pm to8pm) and one on Saturday, December 5(10am to noon).

For more information aboutWideningHorizons 4 Sport or to sign up for oneof the launch events, please contact JoTopping on (0191) 643 7444, or email:[email protected]

If you fancy getting fitand healthy – checkout the Sport NorthTyneside website.The website which can be found atwww.sportnorthtyneside.gov.uk isjam-packed with ways to get active.

Sport NorthTyneside is a partnershipbetween the council, NorthTynesidePrimary CareTrust, Sport England andlocal sporting groups.

The website will include leagues andcompetitions for newcomers to sportssuch as swimming, tennis, athletics,badminton, bowls and golf.

And if you are already part of a sportsclub, Sport NorthTyneside can help yougain accreditation and recognition, access

funding and training and assist coaches topick up new ideas and gain furtherqualifications.

To celebrate the launch of the SportNorthTyneside website, a series ofcommunity events will be taking place.These include:

� Learn Latino – Saturday, November28 (6pm to 11pm) atWallsendCivic Hall. Beginner andintermediate dance classes for theArgentineTango and Salsa,performances from professionaldancers and a Latin party dance. Freespaces available for the first 50beginners, £2.50 for ease cardholdersand £5 non-ease cardholders.

� Take Aim – Sunday, November 29,(noon to 3pm) atThe Parks SportsCentre, North Shields.Target activitytasters including, archery, fencing,boccia, bowls and trampolining. Freeevent for families, any age welcome.

Meanwhile, ‘sport club and coach’roadshows will be starting in January.Andif you sign up to the Sport NorthTyneside newsletter, you will be enteredinto a free prize draw to win sportsequipment for your club.

For further information, contactcommunity sport network manager JoTopping on (0191) 643 7444 or email:[email protected]

SportHelp to honour oursporting starsNominations are now being sought forthe second NorthTyneside SportsAwards.

The scheme aims to celebrate thecommitment and achievements ofcoaches, volunteers and sportsperformers throughout 2009.

The categories are: sports personality;disabled sports personality; juniorsports personality; junior disabledsports personality; senior team; juniorteam; senior sports volunteer; juniorsports volunteer; sports coach; sportsdevelopment; and services to sport.

All individual and team nomineesshould live in NorthTyneside, attend aschool in NorthTyneside or pursuetheir sport within the borough.

The deadline for applications is January31, 2010 and the awards ceremony willbe held at the council’s HQ, Quadrant,on March 25.

Application forms areavailable on the Sport North

Tyneside website -www. sportnorthtyneside.org.uk

You can also email:[email protected] or

call (0191) 643 7447.

13

14 widening horizons •December 2009

InspiringRe-vamped school lunches areproving a big hit with secondarypupils across the borough.

The council has been working withstudents and staff at Monkseaton High,George Stephenson High and ChurchillCommunity College to pilot a newlunchtime experience – aimed atencouraging students to remain oncampus at lunchtime.

Essential ingredients include simplefresh food, easier ways to pay, morechoice, less queuing and better, brighterdining areas.

Food on offer now includes ‘Rice NSpice’ – a mix of international dishesusing fresh herbs and spices; ‘Deli-Xpress’ – a ‘Subway-style’ sandwichcounter where students chose theirown bread and fillings, and‘Pasta-Xpress’ with daily hot pastaspecials. All are offered at under £2including a drink.

Clear displays and improvedpromotional materials help studentsunderstand what they’re buying, itsnutritional content and whether it’svalue for money.

Re-vamped and vibrant new diningareas at all three schools are alsoproving to be a big hit.

An American-themed diner at GeorgeStephenson High School is new for thisterm. Featuring seating booths, polishedstainless steel, framed artwork, retrolighting and even aWurlitzer jukebox,the diner, which can seat around 40pupils, is full within minutes of the lunchbell sounding.

The school is now in the process oftransforming its former dance studiointo a bistro-style outlet.

At Churchill, students can now buy ahealthy lunch from take-away styleservice points that face out into theschool’s quadrangle outdoor area.

And the new Monkseaton High Schoolhas an ultra-modern café area, fittedout with bistro-style seating andsnacking areas with high-level stools.

More service points have also been theorder of the day at all three schools, aswell as healthy vending machines.

The innovative changes have beenmade in line with new rigorous foodstandards for secondary schools.Theguidelines mean schools must make iteasier for students to make healthierchoices at lunchtime.

Barbara Patterson, the council’s cateringservices manager, said:“Our studentstold us what they wanted and welistened.

Retro chic: (Left) Pupils in theAmerican-themed diner at GeorgeStephenson High. (Right) Studentssample the new lunchtime menu.

dining! Cutting the costof school lunches

From November 2, the council hasreduced the cost of a pre-paidschool meal from £1.70 to £1.60per day – to help local familieswith school-age children.“We’ve removed queues, we’ve

increased choice, we’ve improved ourcommunications and we’ve brought thedining areas bang up-to-date.

“Feedback so far has been extremelypositive and we’re looking forward toworking with the rest of oursecondary schools.”

15


In the current economic climate, it’s great to hear of localbusinesses going from strength to strength.

First Class Supply &Training Ltd ofWhitley Bay, a recruitmentagency specialising in the placement of teachers and teachingassistants throughout the North East, are one such successstory.

With their excellent reputation for partnering schools, they havebecome the preferred supplier for many schools throughout theregion and particularly in NorthTyneside. They offer anexceptionally cost effective service to schools, and are able toensure their teachers and assistants are of a very high calibre.

In the past year, they have taken on three new staff which hashelped maintain their reputation as a highly professional teamwith a personal and friendly touch. It has also ensured they areable to stay one step ahead of the legislation relating toSafeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education.

Mavis Lowery, retired deputy headteacher of Marden HighSchool, is a valued member of the team. She conductsinterviews as part of the registration process and can offer helpand advice to NQTs and experienced teachers new to supply.

She said:“I am proud to be a part of the First Class team andam delighted with the support we receive from our localschools. We look forward to continuing our partnershipsthroughout the following academic year.”

Success forlocal supplyteacher agency

Supply TeachersTeaching AssistantsNursery NursesDo you want to work inNorth Tyneside?

We can keep you busy!

Register now and experience the benefitsof working with your local agency● Higher rates of pay● Immediate work● Professional, friendly team with local expertiseOur teachers and support staff are always indemand!Call us now on (0191) 251 5566 oremail: [email protected]

Advertisement

Ready to help:The First Class team.

A new young people’s card thatprovides easy access to servicesand a host of discounts in NorthTyneside is now available.

The council has teamed up with Nexusand a group of retail partners to launchease EXTRA.

The card, which is for people under 25,offers combined membership oflibraries and leisure facilities, exclusivediscounts, proof of age andconcessionary travel (under-17s only).

It was launched at Quadrant, thecouncil’s HQ, by Elected Mayor LindaArkley, who launched the original easecard in 2004,Young Mayor JohnAkinropo and partners in the scheme.

Mrs Arkley said:“Thousands of youngpeople in NorthTyneside currentlyenjoy sport and leisure discountsthanks to their ease card.

Health promotion staff will bemanning stalls at libraries,community centres and othervenues during November to raiseawareness of sensible drinking.

Between November 23 and 27, NHSstaff will be providing advice andinformation as part of the national KnowYour Limits campaign.

NorthTyneside has one of the highestrates of hospital admissions in Englanddue to high levels of drinking.

Matt Hornsby, alcohol strategy managerfor the NHS in NorthTyneside, said:“Alcohol is one of the leading causes ofhealth problems in the borough.

“It’s so easy to get into a routine ofregular drinking without realising youmight be putting your health at risk.”

You can check how much you aredrinking by visiting:www.drinkcheck.nhs.uk For furtherinformation on sensible drinking, go to:www.nhs.uk/units

“The new ease EXTRA providessome great additional benefits includingretail discounts, joint librarymembership, and proof of age. It’s allabout making it easier for our youngpeople to access services and savemoney, at a time when incomes arebeing squeezed.”

Young Mayor John Akinropo said:“Every young person should getthemselves an ease EXTRA card -I’m definitely never going to leave thehouse without mine.”

The card is free if you’re aged under 17or have priority status and costs £5 ifyou’re aged between 17 and 24. It isavailable from all the council’s leisurecentres plus Dudley, Killingworth andLongbenton libraries.

For further details about easeEXTRA, visit the council website –www.northtyneside.gov.uk

ease EXTRA isnow available!

It’s easy: Elected Mayor LindaArkley andYoung Mayor JohnAkinropo join ourease EXTRApartners to launchthe scheme.

Awarenesscampaign

18 Widening horizons •December 2009

The council is backing theborough’s retail businesses andlocal services with a drive tobring more shoppers into thetown centres.

A £55,000 marketing campaign,funded by the council, gets underwaythis month to remind people acrossthe region of the benefits of shoppingin NorthTyneside.

It will turn the spotlight on the threemain town centres –Whitley Bay,Wallsend and North Shields – and inparticular the mix of high street andindependent businesses offered byeach.

A campaign bus – the Coaster servicewhich travels fromWhitley Bay toByker in Newcastle, taking in the threetown centres – will be a visiblereminder to shoppers acrossTyneside.

New guides are also being producedfor the three towns – the first forWallsend is published this month.Youcan get your copy, which includes

money-off vouchers, from theTownHall, Battle Hill library, HowdonChildren’s Centre, Sport and Leisure @Burnside orWallsend library.

They will include the latest informationabout the towns, includingentertainment and eating outsuggestions, places to shop and park,public transport information and detailsabout the specific culture and leisureoffer for each of the towns.

And events in each town centre,supported by Metro Radio, will be partof a series of initiatives to get morepeople backing local businesses.

Metro Radio will be giving away £100every hour between 11am and 1pmand free re-usable shopping bags at thefollowing locations:

� November 21 - outside the ForumShopping Centre,Wallsend.

� November 28 - North Shieldstown centre.

� December 5 -Whitley Bay towncentre.

Elected mayor Linda Arkley, who cutthe council’s budget for newsletters toinvest in the borough’s town centres,said:“This campaign is about remindingpeople both in NorthTyneside and inthe wider region that there are greattown centres here on their doorstepthat can meet all their shopping andservice needs.

“We need to get more people back inthe town centres and shopping on ourhigh streets – particularly at this timewhen many high street businesses arefinding it difficult.

“We are paying for the campaign toencourage people to come here, butare also implementing a raft of otherinitiatives – such as grants to makeshop fronts more attractive, free carparking and longer-term investment inthe regeneration and improvement ofour retail centres to ensure they arevibrant hubs for our localcommunities.”

We’re backingbusiness!

The marketing campaign ispart of a wider initiative bythe council to support localbusinesses, particularly thosewithin the town centres.

Two hours free parking is beingintroduced in the following publiccar parks:� Whitley Bay – theWhitleyRoad car park (near the healthcentre) and Park Road car park(near the library).

� Wallsend – Alexandra Streetcar park; Coronation Street car

park and John Street car park.� North Shields – Norfolk Streetcar park.

The council has commissioned anindependent retail centre study thatis identifying the solutions for eachof the town centres within futureregeneration projects.The retail andtown centre businessproperty/improvement scheme,developed by the council’s RetailCentres Task Group, is aimed athelping businesses meet currentchallenges. £400,000 is available to

fund projects to cut energy bills,enhance accessibility and improveshops or office frontages withgrants of up to 70 per cent.

So far, 27 businesses have receivedgrant funding, totalling £103,225.This has brought in an additional£153,696 of private sectorinvestment in local businesses.The investment in town centres isalso focusing on improving theshopping environment withcultural initiatives to improve theappearance of vacant shops.

19

Business leaders fromacross the borough haveissued a rallying cry toshoppers to support theirlocal town centres.

Ernie Nolan, of Acorn ComputerRecycling (CIC) inWallsend, said:“Without doubt, this is one of theworst recessions we have seenand no one seems to haveescaped its clutches but I believethat if we all work and staytogether, (residents and traders),as a community, we will see itthrough.

Maggie Richardson, chairman ofNorth Shields Chamber ofTrade,said: “Shoppers need to use theirlocal retail centres or risk losingthem.

“The council and the Chamber ofTrade need your help and

support. It is your town too. Pleasecontinue to shop in our town andbring your friends along too!”

Bill Midgley, chairman ofWhitley BayChamber ofTrade, said:“One of thetown’s problems has been aninability to sell itself, particularly to

the residents who, far too often, ignorewhat is on their own doorstep.

“The campaign is a start in remindingresidents to ‘shop locally first’ – anexperience that will surprise anddelight many.This is our town, let’suse it!”

Do you qualify

Cash-strapped parents andpensioners could have extramoney in time for Christmas -thanks to important changesbeing made to the benefitsystem.

From November 2, more people thanever are entitled to help to reducetheir rent and Council Tax bills. Underthe new rules, Child Benefit will nowbe ignored when assessing Council TaxBenefit and Housing Benefit.

More pensioners with savings of lessthan £16,000 will also be eligible for

help with rent and council tax becauseof a change in the assessment rules.

Some households with two childrenthat are not currently getting maximumbenefit could be as much as £28.22 aweek (or almost £1,500 a year) betteroff.

If you are receiving Child Benefit andhave not claimed Housing or CouncilTax Benefit or weren’t entitled in thepast, it’s important to find out if youqualify now, so that you don’t lose out.Even people who are employed canstill claim.

If you want to make a claim forHousing and Council Tax Benefit, orneed advice, please call in at any of ourCustomer Service Centres (see page62); telephone our Contact Centre on0845 2000 104 or fill in the tear-off slipbelow and return to the address onthe slip.

For independent advice, contact theNorthTyneside Citizens Advice Bureauon 08444 991 198 (weekdays, 1pm to4pm) or call in at the offices at 51Bedford Street, North Shields orSt Luke’s Church House, Hugh Street,Wallsend.

Name

Address

Post Code Telephone No.

Please return to:NorthTyneside CouncilPO Box 695North ShieldsNE27 9AG

for help?


�

21

Make sure you claim your

benefitsIf your take home pay orhousehold income has beenreduced, you may be entitled toclaim benefits.

The Citizens Advice Bureau hasprovided a summary of whathelp is available but the rulesare complicated. For furtheradvice, please see the panelbelow.

WorkingTax Credit and ChildTax CreditWorkingTax Credit is a payment totop up earnings of people working onlow incomes, including those that donot have children. Extra amounts arepayable if you have a disability, if youwork 30 hours or more a week, and ifyou have childcare costs.The credit ispaid directly into a nominated bankaccount. Payments made for childcarecosts are paid direct to the main carer.

ChildTax Credit is available to peopleresponsible for a child or young person,who have income below a certainamount.The amount you get willdepend on how many children youhave, and whether they have anydisabilities.The credit is availablewhether or not you are in work and ispaid to the main carer in a household,usually straight into a nominated bankaccount.

Tax credits are usually paid for a year,from April to April. If you’re making anew claim for tax credits, yourpayments will usually run from the dateof your claim to the end of the tax year.For example, if you make a claim on

November 10, 2009, your paymentswill be worked out from that date untilApril 5, 2010.

Housing BenefitYou can claim Housing Benefit if youare working.You do not have to beunemployed or getting Income Supportor Job Seekers Allowance to getHousing Benefit.You may be entitled tosome help with your rent if you are onlow income, or if you get a pension.Youcannot get Housing Benefit if you havemore than £16,000 in savings, stocksand shares or other capital unless youreceive Guaranteed Pension Credit.

Local Housing AllowanceLocal Housing Allowance has replacedHousing Benefit for some privatetenants. (This change does not affectyour council tax benefit.)

People under 25Housing Benefit for single people underthe age of 25 and living in privaterented accommodation is restricted tothe ‘market rent’ for a single room, withshared use of kitchen and bathroom.

Council Tax BenefitCouncil Tax Benefit helps people paytheir council tax if they are on a lowincome or get some state benefits.People on low incomes will have theirbills reduced.

In some cases, you can have your billreduced regardless of your owncircumstances (including earnings andsavings) if someone else who lives withyou gets certain benefits or is on a lowincome. This is called Second AdultRebate.

You cannot normally get main CouncilTax Benefit if you have savings of£16,000 or more but some pensionersare excluded from this rule.

Employment SupportAllowanceThis allowance helps people with anillness or disability move into work,rather than stay on benefits.

Further helpNorthTyneside Citizens Advice Bureau –

08444 991 198or call in to 51 Bedford Street, North Shields or

St Luke’s Church House,Wallsend.

For information on Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit, call into any of the council’s customer service centres (see page 62).

To claim Employment Support Allowance or for moreinformation, contact Job Centre Plus.

For information on tax credits, visit the HM Revenue andCustoms website at: www.hmrc.gov.uk

STAND OUTFROM THECROWD

December 10 Forum Shopping Centre, Wallsend

December 15 Park View Shopping Centre, Whitley Bay

January 14 Beacon Centre, North Shields

January 26 Killingworth Centre, Killingworth

January 28 Forum Shopping Centre, Wallsend

(0191) 293 6510www.northtyneside.gov.uk North Tyneside Strategic Partnership

Would you like help with your job application, coachingfor an interview or advice on education and training?Come along between 11am and 3pm and find out more.

Northumberland Park in NorthShields could be set for amulti-million pound revamp aspart of plans to regenerate theborough’s four main parks.

The council expects to hear inDecember whether it has beensuccessful in its bid for more than £1mfrom the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The money would be used to supportthe park’s restoration and regeneration ina scheme worth around £3.5m.

Local people and park users helped drawup the draft masterplan for theimprovement scheme.The proposalsinclude:

� Providing new visitor facilities(such as toilets, cafe and pavilion).

� Improving management andmaintenance of the park (includingmore staff based at the park).

� Restoring historic features andexplaining the park's history throughguidebooks and interpretationpanels.

� Improving footpaths and betteraccess to and within the park.

� Restoring the lake andwatercourses.

� Excavating St. Leonard's Hospitalruins.

� Improving sport and play facilities.

There are also plans to improveWallsend Parks, Churchill Playing Fieldsand Killingworth Lake Park.

Wallsend Parks is set for a £7mregeneration starting in Spring 2010.Meanwhile, people have been asked togive their views on how Churchill PlayingFields and Killingworth Lake Park couldbe improved.

Multi-million poundbid to improve park

Did you know?Northumberland Park was officially opened on August 11,

1885 by the Duke of Northumberland who donated the land tocreate the park for the people of North Shields.

The opening ceremony was marked by the duke planting aTurkeyOak tree, which survives today.

The park contains the ruins of a medieval leper hospital, St Leonard’s, whichis believed to date from around the 13th Century.

It served asTynemouth Priory’s pastureland and, during the CivilWar asan alternative burial ground.

In the 18th Century, the adjacent House of Corrections used part of the sitefor formal gardens and to provide outdoor space for prisoners.

A pet cemetery is located in the north west corner of the park andcontains two graves dedicated to dogs commended for their

service inWorldWar II.

23

We’re always here for you... Giving the best care after a stroke

Every five seconds someone in the UK will have a stroke. It is the country’s third biggest killer and is the leading cause of severe disability in adults.

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust provides an award-winning service to patients who suffer a stroke. The teams at our three general hospitals, Wansbeck, North Tyneside and Hexham, are recognised nationally for the work they do with patients to reduce symptoms and help them lead a normal life after a stroke.

Care delivered by a specialist team is the single biggest factor that can improve a person’s recovery. Dedicated stroke units provide this level of specialist care, with rapid assessment and rehabilitation at North Tyneside, Wansbeck and Hexham hospitals and rehabilitation also provided at Alnwick and Berwick Infirmaries.

Dr Stuart Huntley, Consultant Head of Stroke Service, explains: “Our dedicated stroke units provide acute care and rehabilitation in one place with highly skilled specialist teams of nurses, doctors and therapists. We are also able to support patients who we feel would benefit from going home early with a unique discharge service which provides intensive support and rehabilitation seven-days-a-week in their own homes. It has halved the length of time patients need to stay in hospital.”

*Source: The Royal College of Physicians

M

NORTHUMBRIA’S STROKE SERVICES ARE RATED IN THE TOP 15% IN THE COUNTRY,WITH WANSBECK GENERAL HOSPITAL’S STROKE SERVICESRATED TOP IN THE REGION.*

Proud to be ‘Excellent’ – rated in the top 10% of trusts in the country

+ Fast treatment

For a proportion of patients, fast access to clot-busting drugs – known as thrombolysis – can provide huge benefits by avoiding longer term disability.

84-year-old John Young from Cramlington experienced this first hand when he suffered a stroke in May.

John said: “I had been in the shower and when I came out I had lost all speech. When I got to Wansbeck hospital the doctor advised I should have thrombolysis.

“My speech came back after about five hours and within 24 hours I was pretty much back to normal. I made a full recovery. To me my life never changed. It was all due to speed and attention. The team at Wansbeck hospital were first class. You couldn’t get a better team anywhere.”

+ Rehabilitation

A patient’s treatment doesn’t stop when they leave hospital. Ian Craigs, 54, from Morpeth suffered a stroke in May and has benefitted from first-class care and rehabilitation at home.

Ian said: “It meant a great deal to me to get home early where I was looked after by the discharge team who came twice a day for three weeks then once a day for a further three weeks. I felt much better being at home and the team coming in made me feel like I hadn’t been forgotten about at all. They became my friends. The care I received was fantastic.

“When I had my stroke I was seen by the team at Wansbeck hospital within an hour. From the moment I arrived I knew I was in good hands. I had physiotherapy on the ward and was looked after extremely well by everybody. I maybe wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for them.“

+ Patient support

Becki Sowerby, from Blyth, was just 29 when she had a stroke. Twelve years on, she wants to help people who are going through the same thing and has completed the Trust’s training programme to become a stroke support worker.

She said: “I had my stroke during a heart operation in London and when I woke up I couldn’t use my left side. It would have been fantastic if I could have talked to someone my age who was going through the same thing. I felt that my stroke would have been a complete waste of time if I couldn’t give something back. My role involves speaking to people on the wards who, like myself, have had a stroke and want to talk to someone who has been through the same thing.“

Have your say – join us as a memberNorthumbria Healthcare is a top performing trust, providing healthcare for over half a million people through our ten hospitals in Northumberland and North Tyneside.

As a Foundation Trust we can involve the local community in the planning and development of our services. Join us and you’ll get the opportunity to give your views and suggestions, stand for election to be a governor, vote for governors and attend meetings. It’s completely free to become a member, you just have to live in Northumberland or North Tyneside.

To find out more contact our team: Foundation Membership & Community Engagement Team Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Unit 7– 8 Silver Fox Way, Cobalt Business Park North Tyneside NE27 0QJ

E: [email protected] T: 0191 2031296 www.northumbria.nhs.uk

Main picture and above middle: Ian Craigs with wife Joanna. Above left: John Young and wife Pat. Above right: Becki Sowerby and patient Alan Miller.

To find out more visit www.northumbria.police.uk

NORTHUMBRIA POLICE

We will:

� Let you know who is in your local NeighbourhoodPolicing Team

� Tell you how you can get in touch with them

� Give you the chance to meet with us regularly

� Involve you in deciding the policingpriorities for your community

� Respond promptly to any report of poorservice and agree how it will be handled

Don’t let yourrubbish go to wasteThe HouseholdWaste Recycling Centre on Station

Road, North Shields can now take hard plasticitems such as children's toys and garden furniture.

It can also take books, pre-recorded videos, CDs,DVDs, computer games, plus textiles and shoes.

These are taken by local charities for eitherreuse or recycling.

If you have any items of IT equipment,for example computers, monitors,

printers or games consoles that youwant to dispose of, you can take

them to Acorn ComputerRecycling (nearWallsend Metrostation), Station Road,Wallsend.

Acorn, a Community InterestCompany, will guarantee thesafe removal of data and then

either refurbish theequipment for distribution tolocal groups free or at low-cost, or use the parts for

spares and repairs.

For further information,contact Acorn Computer

Recycling on (0191) 263 5010or visit www.acorncr.co.uk

27

Going greenis good for business

Local authorities in Tyne &Wearhave come together to promoterecycling, environmental awarenessand good waste practice forbusinesses.

As part of the Green BusinessPartnership, firms of all sizes acrossNorthTyneside, SouthTyneside andNewcastle are being encouraged totake part in the new scheme.

By signing up to take part, companieswill get a flexible recycling service atcompetitive rates, a range of guidanceon waste management and businesssupport and may qualify for a freeenvironmental assessment.

Businesses can make a big difference tothe environment and save themselvesmoney at the same time:

� In 2007, the total waste in the UKwas 272 million tonnes but of thisjust nine per cent was householdwaste.

� An average small to medium-sizedbusiness can make savingsamounting to more than £1,000 peremployee by taking simple steps tominimise waste.

Only a limited number of companies inNorthTyneside, SouthTyneside and

Newcastle can take part in the trialscheme so local businesses are urgedto sign up quickly to take advantage ofthe benefits.

To find out more about the schemeand how your business can be involved,contact Amy Short on (0191) 4272668 or email:[email protected]


NorthTyneside StrategicPartnership

NTSP wants NorthTyneside to bea borough where everyone cantake advantage of opportunities toimprove their lives, and play theirpart in building strong, inclusivecommunities where people wantto live and work.

There are similar partnerships all acrossthe country.All have SustainableCommunity Strategies setting out along-term vision for the economic,social and environmental well-being ofthe area.

In 2007, NTSP members agreed avision of what the borough shouldlook like in 2030. This followedwide-ranging consultation with thepublic.This vision formed the basis of ourSustainable Community Strategyfor 2007-10. Work is nowunderway to update the vision andstrategy for the years 2010-13.Our vision for 2030 and thelonger-term objectives outlined inthe current strategy are stillrelevant, so our aim for updatingthem is more to refresh thanmake wholesale changes.

NTSP members have taken intoaccount the current economicsituation and resident priorities(gathered through processessuch as the council’s annualResidents’ Survey).

Get the facts for your area

Have you ever wondered what the crime figures are for your area, or howmany people are in work, or how many are the same age as you? NowNorthTyneside residents can check the latest statistics for the borough witha new internet-based service.

The council has developed an ‘information observatory’, on behalf of NTSP.It has a range of fact cards covering subjects such as population, housing,travel, employment, health, crime, income and ethnicity.

To view the observatory, go to www.ntsp-online.org.uk and click on the‘information observatory’ button at the top of the page. For moreinformation, or to give feedback on the site, contact:[email protected] or call (0191) 643 5608.

Following this, it was agreed that:� The refreshed vision should bedistinctive to NorthTyneside,building on our heritage and plansfor the future.

� We want people to be proud oftheir area, so the language usedneeds to be positive.

� There should be a stronger focuson the North Bank of theTyne, asthis will be a driving force in thefuture.

We are carrying out consultation andasking if local organisations andresidents agree with our proposedpriorities for the new SustainableCommunity Strategy 2010-13 and ourproposed amendments to the visionfor 2030.

If you would like to take part, theconsultation document can be viewedon the NTSP website atwww.ntsp-online.org.uk Please phone(0191) 643 5608 for a paper copy. Theclosing date for comments isDecember 11, 2009.

Contact NTSPTelephone: (0191) 643 5608Email: [email protected]: www.ntsp-online.org.uk

NTSP brings togetherrepresentatives from the council,local primary care trust, police andemergency services,Tyne MetCollege, Jobcentre Plus, voluntaryand community groups, and theprivate sector. Partners worktogether to improve the quality oflife for people living and working inNorthTyneside.

Have yourself a merry

NorthTyneside is set for someglad tidings this Christmas.

That’s because the borough willfeature its best-ever festive displaysand a packed programme of events,including a switch-on ceremonyco-hosted by Metro Radio.

InWhitley Bay town centre, there willbe 93 lights plus new lighting for thetrees at St Paul’s Church while StMary’s Lighthouse will be illuminatedin a variety of colours.

Wallsend town centre doesn’t missout and will feature an entirely newdisplay of 56 lights along the HighStreet and the junction with StationRoad.

North Shields town centre’s 85 lightsreturn, while there will be lighting onthe trees in Northumberland Square.Look out for the special light designedby St Thomas More RC High Schoolpupil ChristianWade (see p31).

Christian will proudly switch on thelights on Friday, November 20 at6.30pm in Northumberland Square.

Christmas!Co-hosted by Metro Radio’s AnnaFoster, the event promises to be ourmost exciting switch-on yet and willfeature entertainment from 6pm.

The switch-on will also feature guestappearances by Jake Hendriks(Hollyoaks), Gareth Oliver (Britain’s GotTalent) and Damar Martin (Gladiators)– all starring in the Christmas pantoat the PLAYHOUSE,Whitley Bay.

Nearby, the windows of North ShieldsCentral Library will showcase adisplay of community memories andimages from bygone Christmases.

Each town centre will also featurefestive floral planters, containing ivyand conifers, and an illuminatedChristmas tree.

Meanwhile, following some greatfeedback over the past two years, nineof the borough’s major roundaboutswill also host illuminated Christmastrees.

Finally, there will be a variety of funevents, ranging from the Santa Specialsat Stephenson Railway Museum toSanta’s Grotto at St Mary’sLighthouse.

Have a merry Christmas and a happyNewYear!

See pages 30 to 35 for what’s onin NorthTyneside during thefestive season.

Please note:Times may be subjectto change.

Sunday, November 29Christmas Crafts Fair at the RisingSun Country Park (11am to 3pm).Come along to the CountrysideCentre and join in a mixture ofchildren’s crafts, including a creativerecycling activity in the House ofObjects. Pick up some unusual presents,from wooden toys to jewellery.Entry is free but there will be a smallcharge for each craft activity. Suitablefor all ages.You can also visit Santa’sGrotto (see immediately below forbooking details).

Sunday, November 29 to Friday,December 4Visit Santa’s Grotto andWinterWonderland at the Rising SunCountry Park (Open Sunday 11am to3pm; Monday to Friday, 3.15pm to5.30pm).Children and adults can enjoy a magicalwoodland quarry walk and visit Santaat his green grotto in the CelticVillage.See the amazing full-size recycledChristmas trees made by localschoolchildren using materials from theHouse of Objects.Cost £5 (includes Santa’s Grotto,WinterWonderland walk and craftactivity). Pre-booking essential as placesare limited – call (0191) 643 2241.

Tuesday, December 1 toTuesday,December 22Enjoy a Christmas lunch during theweek (Monday to Friday only) at theRising Sun Country Park.Lunches are served from noon andpre-booking is essential. Book early toavoid disappointment– (0191) 643 2242.

Tuesday, December 1 to Sunday,December 13Joseph and the AmazingTechnicolorDreamcoat at the PLAYHOUSEWhitley Bay.Starring Craig Chalmers from BBCTV’sAny Dream Will Do, the show is full ofnon-stop action, fun and laughter.(Various times, contact box office on0844 277 2771 or see advert onpage 42.)

Saturday, November 21Santa opens his grotto at St Mary’sLighthouse,Whitley Bay. From10.30am to 3pm.Admission is £4,which includes a gift for every child.The grotto is also open on Sunday,November 22 (10.30am to 3.30pm);Saturday, December 5 (10.30am to2pm); Sunday, December 6 (10.30amto 3pm); Saturday, December 19(10.30am to 2pm); Sunday, December20 (10.30am to 2.30pm); Monday,December 21 (10.30am to 3.30pm);Tuesday, December 22 (10.30am to3.30pm);Wednesday, December 23(10.30am to 3.30pm);Thursday,December 24 (11am to 3.30pm).

Saturday, November 28 andSunday, November 29Ride the Santa Special at theStephenson Railway Museum. Afantastic day out for the whole family.Tickets are £8 and pre-booking isadvisable. For more details anddeparture times, phone (0191) 2007146.The Santa Specials will also runon the first three weekends inDecember.


31

Friday, December 4 andSaturday, December 5St Nicholas Festival,Whitley Baytown centre.French and Northumbrian stallholderswill be offering a wide range oftraditional food to celebrate the feastof St Nicholas. Local children will betaking part in the lamplit processionfrom St Paul’s Church. Fairground ridesand street entertainment. The Callingof St Nicholas gets underway at 4pmon Friday. Craig Chalmers, starring atthe PLAYHOUSE in Joseph, will make apersonal appearance at 1pm onSaturday.

Friday, December 4 to Sunday,December 6ChristmasTree Festival at St Peter’sChurch,Woodleigh Road, Monkseaton.Local schools and organisations havebeen invited to be part of thecelebrations by providing a decoratedChristmas tree on a theme of theirchoice.Friday (10am to 4pm) Come and meetSt Nicholas. Saturday (10am to 4pm)Christmas fayre. (7pm) Carol concert.Sunday (noon to 4pm) Churchservices. For more details, contactCanon Jim Robertson on(0191) 252 1991 or Olive Redfern on(0191) 252 7370.

Saturday, December 5WinterWonderland Event at theSilverlink Biodiversity Park.(11am to 3pm).Join the Christmas walk through thepark before meeting Santa! (Tickets,price £2 per child, are available fromNovember 23. Phone (0191) 2576457). Other events taking place freewithin the park include falconrydisplays, children’s activities, arts &crafts, face painters and much more.

Saturday, December 5St Andrew’s Church, Benton (near toBenton Metro) stages its annualFestival of ChristmasTrees, from 10amto 3.30pm. Come along and enjoy theexhibition of decorated Christmastrees and join in the carol singing.Therewill be craft activities for children and avariety of stalls and refreshments.

Christian’s starattractionTis the season to be jolly – andfor one talented NorthTynesidepupil, it will be even jollier thanusual this Christmas.

That’s because ChristianWade, 13,fromWallsend, will be turning on theChristmas lights in NorthumberlandSquare, North Shields, after winning acouncil competition to design a light.

TheYear Nine pupil at StThomas MoreRC High School, North Shields, will belighting up the borough on November20 at 6.30pm at a special event hostedby Metro Radio’s Anna Foster.

After finding out his drawing of a stardressed as Santa Claus had beenchosen, Christian said:“I was reallypleased when I found out my drawinghad won.

“I’ve never won anything before so Iwas surprised when I heard the news.

“The idea came to me during atechnology class when we wereresearching our designs. I saw the starof Jerusalem, then I saw a picture ofSanta, and I thought I’d merge themtogether.”

The switch-on will also feature guestappearances by Jake Hendriks(Hollyoaks), Gareth Oliver (Britain’sGotTalent) and Damar Martin(Gladiators) – all starring in theChristmas panto at the PLAYHOUSE.

The borough’s Christmas lights aremanufactured by Blachere and leasedas part of the council’s PFI streetlighting arrangements with energygiant Scottish and Southern Energy(SSE).

Because they are LEDs (light emittingdiodes) they have very low energyconsumption, emit little or no heat andhave long life expectancy.

Continues on page 33

Northumberland Square

North Shields

Carol Service - 10am (Saturday only)

Saturday 12 December 10am - 5pmSunday 13 December 10am - 4pm

CRAFT, GIFT AND FOOD STALLS,TRADITIONAL ENTERTAINMENT, FESTIVE MUSIC

TELEPHONE: (0191) 643 6419 FORMORE INFORMATIONORVISIT:WWW.VICTORIANMARKET.CO.UK

33

Saturday, December 5 andSunday, December 6Enjoy a unique Christmas shoppingexperience at Tynemouth Priory andCastle.Pick up a few unusual presents notavailable on the high street whileenjoying hot chocolate andmulled wine and being serenaded bycarol singers in the grounds of thepriory.On December 5 only, there will be anextra 20 per cent off all gifts.Open all day with carol sessionsstarting at 1.30pm and 3pm. Normaladmission charges apply.

Saturday, December 12 andSunday, December 13Victorian Christmas Market atNorthumberland Square, NorthShields.Now in its 11th year, the marketfeatures around 100 stalls sellingseasonal gifts, crafts and food. It alsofeatures appearances by Jake Hendriks(Hollyoaks), Gareth Oliver (Britain’s GotTalent) and Damar Martin (Gladiators) –all starring in the Christmas panto atthe PLAYHOUSE.There will also be street performers,carol singers and a small children’sfairground. For more details, contact643 6419.

Saturday, December 12 andSunday, December 13‘Stranding’ event at St Mary’sLighthouse. (Saturday – 10am to1.30pm; Sunday – 10.30am to 3pm).While stranded on the island, childrenwill be able to enjoy games, crafts andstories – as well as a visit to Santa!

£10 per child, please provide packedlunch. Booking essential – phone(0191) 200 8650 or email:[email protected]

Saturday, December 19 toSunday, January 3Christmas Pantomime – Jack and theBeanstalk at the PLAYHOUSEWhitley Bay.Starring Jake Hendriks from Hollyoaksand Damar Martin from Gladiators.Theshow is packed with great songs,superb dance routines and plenty oflaughter. (Various times, contact boxoffice on 0844 277 2771 or see adverton page 42.)

Saturday, December 19Something Amazing – the SalvationArmy Christmas Spectacular takesplace at Kings School,Tynemouth.(Starts 6.30pm)A festive concert featuring SalvationArmy musicians, a mini musicalstaged by local children and specialguests Ashley Stirling and theHarmony singers. Proceeds tolocal charity – Sara’s HopeFoundation.Tickets, price £5, are available fromthe Salvation Army Hall in HowardStreet, North Shields (everyThursday, 10.30am to 12.30pm)and the charity shops in Bedford

Street, North Shields andWhitleyRoad,Whitley Bay.

Saturday, December 19The Ravenswood Singers stage theirannual Christmas concert at theSaville Exchange in Howard Street,North Shields. For more details or tobuy tickets, contact the box office on643 7093.

Saturday, December 26The annual Xmas Pudding Fun Runstarts at 10.30am at theWar Memorialon the Links opposite Spanish City inWhitley Bay. The 3.5 mile run is atraditional fundraiser forWoodlawnSchool inWest Monkseaton and isjointly organised by the school’s Parentsand Friends Association and NorthShields Polytechnic Running Club.Entry fees are £6 for adults and £3 forunder-16s. PhoneWoodlawn School on(0191) 200 8729 or email:[email protected] for anentry form. Entries will also beaccepted on the day.

Tuesday, January 12 to Saturday,January 16Whitley Bay Pantomime Societypresent Sleeping Beauty at thePLAYHOUSEWhitley Bay. (Varioustimes, contact box office on 0844 2772771 or see advert on page 42.)

Send us yourwinter snapsLast year’s contest to find thebest winter photographs ofNorthTyneside proved a realsuccess – so we’re running itagain.

Just like last time, we will turn the topfour photographs into limited editionpostcards available free from librariesand tourist information centres.

All entries will also be showcased onthe council’s website.The closing date

for entries is Friday, January 30 at 4pm.Photographs can be emailed [email protected]

Prints should be sent to:Winter Snaps Competition,Marketing & Communications,(3rd floor right)Quadrant,Silverlink North,Cobalt Business Park,NorthTyneside,NE27 0BY

Terms and conditions:The photograph must have been takenin NorthTyneside during 2009/10.Yourentry should include your name,address and telephone number. It mustalso include a brief description of whatthe photograph shows.

All digital entries should be in a JPEGformat.When using a digital camera, wesuggest you have your camera set tothe highest possible quality setting.

The same applies to using a mobilephone camera, however it is advisedthat you use a phone with a cameraabove five megapixels.

Prints must be high quality, preferablyan 8”x6” print.They cannot bereturned.We cannot accept slides ornegatives.

Window displaycompetitionTown centre businesses areinvited to get into the festivespirit by competing for the bestChristmas window display.

Each business judged to have the bestdisplay in North Shields,Wallsend andWhitley Bay will receive a first prize of£50 while there will be runners-upprizes of £30 and third placed prizes of£20.

For further information, contact towncentre manager John Fleet on(0191) 643 6419 or email:[email protected]


35

Visit SantaSaturday, November 21 (10.30am to 3pm)Sunday, November 22 (10.30am to 3.30pm)Saturday, December 5 (10.30am to 2pm)Sunday, December 6 (10.30am to 3pm)Saturday, December 19 (10.30am to 2pm)Sunday, December 20 (10.30am to 2.30pm)Monday, December 21 (10.30am to 3.30pm)Tuesday, December 22 (10.30am to 3.30pm)Wednesday, December 23 (10.30am to 3.30pm)Thursday, December 24 (11am to 3.30pm)

Admission is £4, whichincludes a giftfor every child.

The grotto at St Mary’s Lighthousewill be open at the following times:

in his grotto!

Special ‘stranding’ events at

the lighthouse

Saturday, December 12 (10am

to 1.30pm)

and Sunday, December 13 (1

0.30am to 3pm).

While stranded on the island

, the children

will be able toenjoy games, c

rafts and

stories – as well as a visit to

Santa!

£10 per child,please bring a

packed lunch.

Booking for the ‘stranding’ ev

ents is essential

– phone

(0191) 200 8650 or email:

stmaryslighthouse@northtyn

eside.gov.uk


Festive safety

On the 1st day of Christmas –Check your Christmas lightsconform to the British Standardand always use an RCD (a safetydevice that instantly switches off thepower) on outdoor electricalequipment.

On the 2nd day . . .Never place candles near yourChristmas tree or furnishings. Donot leave them burning unattended.

On the 3rd . . .Make sure your family and anyvisitors staying for the festive periodknow what to do in an emergency.Practise a fire escape plan.

On the 4th . . .Decorations can burn easily – don’tattach them to lights and heaters.

On the 5th . . .Switch off electrical appliances whennot in use, unless they’re designed tostay on. Always switch off and unplugChristmas lights before you go to bed.

On the 6th . . .Celebrate the festive period safely. Therisk of accidents, especially in thekitchen, is greater after alcohol isconsumed.

On the 7th . . .Most fires start in the kitchen – neverleave cooking unattended.

On the 8th . . .If you are planning to celebrate withfireworks, store them in a metal box,read the instructions and never go backto a lit firework.

On the 9th . . .Make sure cigarettes are completelyextinguished.

On the 10th . . .Check the battery in your smoke alarmevery week and use Christmas as areminder to clean it and remove dust.

On the 11th . . .Keep candles, lighters and matches outof reach of children.

On the 12th . . .Take the time to check on elderlyrelatives and neighbours this Christmas– make sure they are safe from the riskof fire.

For more festive firesafety advice, visit:www.twfire.gov.uk

Tyne andWear Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to stay safeand protect their homes over the Christmas period by following the12 tips for festive fire safety.

According to government research, people are 50 per cent more likelyto die in an accidental house fire during the Christmas period than atany other time of the year.

The council has achievedLevel 3 of the EqualityStandard for Local Governmentfor its work in promotingequality and eliminatingdiscrimination.

NorthTyneside reached Level 2 in2007 and since then has worked hardto improve further.

Under the criteria for Level 3, thecouncil had to provide evidence thatequality and diversity objectives aretaken into consideration in all serviceareas and at all levels of theorganisation.

External assessors, made up ofrepresentatives from other councils,reviewed our evidence of goodpractice and interviewed staff, electedmembers, partners and residents tofind out about some of the projectsthat have helped to improve standards.

Cllr Glynis Barrie, whose Cabinetportfolio includes equality and diversity,said:“Central to the improvements hasbeen getting to know our residents andstaff better, understanding their needsand adapting how we work to meetthose different needs.

“Achieving Level 3 has been theculmination of months of hard work byall our service areas, to make sure weare providing the most inclusive servicepossible.”

CouncilachievesLevel 3

The council’s next step is to updateand combine its Corporate EqualityPlan and equality schemes to make itscommitments and actions on equalityand diversity clearer and moreaccessible.

If you would like to contribute to this,more information is available on thecouncil website or by phoning(0191) 643 5608 for a paper copy.The deadline for comments isDecember 7.

Celebrating diversityThe council has joined other organisations in the borough to markCelebrate DiversityWeek – a co-ordinated series of activities to raiseawareness of equality issues and celebrate diversity.

The idea for the week – held at the beginning of November – came at ameeting of equality representatives from the council, local primary care trust,VODA/Community Network, police,Tyne Met College, Learning and SkillsCouncil and fire service.

All the organisations are members of NorthTyneside Strategic Partnership(see page 28) and have a responsibility to incorporate equality, diversity andcohesion into its work. Those that took part tailored activities to their ownorganisation and staff.

The next issue ofWidening Horizons will include a full round-upof the week.

37


Northumbria Police

Drink driversface extrapolice patrolsExtra police will be on dutyover the festive period –looking out for drink drivers.

Anyone who fails a drink or drug testfaces a minimum one-year driving ban, afine and a huge increase in insurancepremiums for the 10 years the convictionstays on their licence.

NorthTyneside Operations InspectorMilan Kupusarevic said:“Anyone who hasa drink and gets behind the wheel couldbe risking their life and the lives of others.”

He pointed out that motorists should beaware they can still be affected by alcoholthe following day, despite sleeping orhaving something to eat.

“Our advice is to plan ahead and makesensible arrangements to get home. Don’tbe tempted to drink and drive.”

Motorists are beingurged to help cut carcrime at Christmas bykeeping their vehiclessecure.

Expensive items, such as satnavs, mobile phones and iPods,should always be removed orkept out of sight when your caris parked.

Officers will be paying specialattention to car parks in busyshopping areas during theChristmas period.

Det Chief Insp Mick Paterson,of NorthTyneside AreaCommand, said: “Car crime iscontinuing to fall in the

borough but we want to makesure this downward trendcontinues, especially overChristmas.

“Never leave shopping ondisplay in your car – it’s anopen invitation to thieves.”

You can keep your possessionssafe by:

• Think about where youpark – use a well-lit placeor a secure car park ifpossible.

• Keep valuable items in theboot.

• Remove detachable radiosand CD players.

• Keep doors and windowslocked while driving.

Do your bit tocut car crime

Community meetings

Partners and CommunitiesTogether (PACT) meetingstake place regularly across theborough.

Residents can meet their local officersand discuss any concerns.Representatives from the council arealso present to deal with any queries.

The next PACT meetings are on:• Thursday, December 3

(11am to 2pm) – HighViewResidents’Association, HighFarm,Wallsend.

• Saturday, December 5 (3.45pm to4.45pm) – Percy Main PrimarySchool, NelsonTerrace, NorthShields.

• Tuesday, December 15 (7pm to8pm) – Brierdene scout hut,Whitley Bay.

• Wednesday, December 16 (6pmto 7pm) – Oxford Centre,WestFarm Avenue, Longbenton.

�

39

local news

Be on your guardPrivate landlords are beingwarned to be on their guard forcriminals who pose asrespectable tenants to rentproperty.

Once they have the keys, the criminals– usually part of an organised gang –turn the premises into a cannabis farm.

Officers are issuing a guide to makelandlords aware of the problem andhow they can stop criminals getting afoot in the door.

If you have concerns there could be acannabis farm operating in your area,contact the neighbourhood policingteam on 03456 043 043 ext 69191.

NorthTyneside operates a LocalSafeguarding Children Board topromote child welfare acrossthe borough.

The LSCB agrees how the relevantagencies will work together tosafeguard children, including those whoare at risk of suffering significant harm.

Among the organisations involved arethe council, police, primary care trust,probation service and the NSPCC.

NorthTyneside Area Command workswith the LSCB at both strategic andoperational levels.

At the strategic level, Supt Ralph Loganattends the LSCB meetings chaired byGill Alexander, the council’s StrategicDirector for Children,Young Peopleand Learning.

He said:“Working together with ourpartners in the LSCB is a primaryobjective of the area command. It’s aneffective way of setting strategies toensure the safeguarding and welfare ofchildren and young people.”

Operationally, Det Insp Neil Brothertonsits on a number of LSCB sub-groupsand works closely with other agencies,including children’s services.

Helpful advice:Det Chief Insp Mick Paterson with the new guide.

Joint effort onchild safety


Operation Ironshows its mettleOperation Iron is showing nosign of running out of steam inNorth Shields.

Ten people were arrested in the townduring October for offences includingtheft, assault, criminal damage andpossessing cannabis.

Patrols also focused on the Fish Quayand Low Lights car park to deal withspeeding motorists and inconsideratedrivers.

The operation ties in with theforcewide ‘It’s good to know’ campaign

to reassure communities that theirconcerns are being listened to andacted on.

Sgt Clare Russell said:“This operationhas had a big impact. By focusing theefforts of officers and council staff inthese areas, we’ve made a realdifference.”

Operation Iron has also involvedofficers and council staff in:• Speaking to a number of youngpeople about cycling on footpaths.

• Clearing a drinking den inTrinityTerrace.

• Holding crime prevention events.• Removing several dumped sofasfrom Seymour Street.

• Seizing counterfeit alcohol andcigarettes.

• Clearing litter inTennysonTerrace,Borough Road and Little BedfordStreet.

Cllr Glynis Barrie, cabinet memberfor Safer Neighbourhoods, said:“We are working in closepartnership with Northumbria Policeto ensure our communities are safeand attractive places to live, workand visit.”

Joint approach:Community support officer Marc Hopkins and council staffclear up land atTrinityTerrace, North Shields.

41

Northumbria Police local news

Officers involved inOperation Respect havebeen busy inWallsendduring October.

The scheme, a joint venturebetween the police and council, isdesigned to curb anti-socialbehaviour and tackle troublesometenants.

Officers visited homes in BurnCloses Crescent,WillingtonTerraceand Shafto Street to give tenants

Officers recently dropped intoaWhitley Bay nursery to talkto the children about keepingsafe.

Members of the local neighbourhoodpolicing team called in to theChildren’s Choice Nursery onNorham Road at the request ofstaff.

PCs Paul Mckenzie and CarolineBrown explained to the children howthey could identify a police officerand make sure they stay safe.

PC Mckenzie said:“They were veryinterested in trying on my helmetand looking at the equipment I carry.

“Once we explained what we did tohelp them and their families, theystarted talking to us with lots ofenthusiasm.”

Meanwhile, police have been back toschool to help educate pupils aboutthe effects of anti-social behaviour.

Officers from KillingworthNeighbourhood PolicingTeam andthe council’s Safer EstatesTeam madejoint visits to local primary schools inthe run-up to Halloween and BonfireNight.

The youngsters, aged eight and nine,were encouraged to think abouttheir behaviour and the effects it canhave on others.

They also designed posters aboutanti-social behaviour with the best ineach school winning a prize.

Special visit: PCs Paul Mckenzie andCaroline Brown with some of thechildren at the nursery.

It’s just child’s play!

the opportunity to discuss anyconcerns.

Six tenants were warned abouttenancy breaches following reportsof anti-social behaviour andcleansing staff removed threewaggonloads of rubbish.

Neighbourhood Inspector PamBridges said effective partnershipworking had helped to reducerecorded crime by 44 per cent andanti-social behaviour by nine percent inWallsend during the lastyear.

Respect inWallsend

Booking Information:

12-16 Jan 10 Whitley Bay Pantomime Society - Sleeping Beauty Various £10, £12and £40 family

22 Jan 10 Magic - a Kind of Queen 7.30pm £16.50, £15 conc.

28 Jan 10 Count Arthur Strong “The Man Behind the Smile” 7.30pm £14, £12 conc.

6 Feb 10 The Day of the Dead - Circus of Horrors 7.30pm £12-£26

11 Feb 10 Chris Addison 8pm £15

13 Feb 10 John Hylton - “Real Diamond” 7.30pm £16

28 Feb 10 In the flesh - The Pink Floyd Show 7.30pm £17.50 & £16.50

8 – 13 Mar 10 Tynemouth Amateur Operatic Society. 7.15pm & £15, £13 conc- Beauty and the Beast Sat 1.15pm (exc Sat eve)

19 Mar 10 ABBA Forever 8pm £17

20 & 21 Mar 10 Love Letters - starring Edward Woodward 7.30pm £17-£22& Michelle Dotrice

23 Mar 10 An Evening with Pam Ayers 7.30pm £17.50 & £16.50conc.

26 Nov 09 Jeremy Hardy 8pm £15

28 Nov 09 Joe Longthorne 7.30pm £22.50 & £19.50

29 Nov 09 Alan Fox & Sue Sweeney 7.30pm £12

Tuesday 1st December to Sunday 13th December 2009

Joseph and theAmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoat

Time: VariousFrom £13to £24.50

Saturday 19th December 2009to Sunday 10th January 2010

Jack and the BeanstalkStarring Jake Hendriks(Hollyoaks)

Time: VariousFrom £8.50

to £13

In person: Mon-Fri 10am to 4pm & Sat 10.30am to 2.30pmOnline: www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk

Booking Hotline:0844 277 2771Accessibility Bookings: (0191) 251 5484Group Bookings: (0191) 260 6006

Forthcoming Events

43

PlayhouseCurtain up at the

Two special gala concertscelebrated the multi-million poundrefurbishment of the PLAYHOUSEWhitley Bay, sponsored by theEvening Chronicle.

The events showcased the very best oflocal talent and featured schools andcommunity groups.

Organised by the council’s MusicService, the first concert featuredaround 200 children and adults inroutines showcasing musical excellence,talent and entertainment.

Acts include the popular NorthTyneside Concert, NorthTyneside Steel

andVermont Big Bands, flute groupTuttiFlutey andTALENT Musical TheatreGroup as well as various choirs andsoloists.

The second concert was co-ordinatedon the council’s behalf byWhitley Bay’sarts and culture organisation, CultureQuarter.

More than 100 performers fromorganisations includingTynemouthOperatic Society,Whitley Bay OperaticSociety and Imperiya Stage School(above) took part, supported by anine-piece live band.

The refurbishment of the PLAYHOUSE,

sponsored by Evening Chronicle, hasbeen funded by the council and acontribution of up to £700,000 fromthe European Regional DevelopmentFund.

It boasts an elegant new glass foyer,front-of-house facilities, box office andbar facilities with a sea view. It also hasa re-designed auditorium with newseating, corporate facility, new greenroom and chorus rooms.

The venue, situated in Marine Avenue,is owned by the council and managedby SMG Europe, which also owns andmanages the Metro Radio Arena andThe Journal TyneTheatre.


The new £20m Monkseaton High Schoolhas opened its doors to staff andstudents.

And as they settle in to their new surroundings,Widening Horizons highlights some of theinnovative features that have already made thebuilding a local landmark.

� The school’s structure includes more than7,000 pieces of steel, weighing a total of950 tonnes.

� The roof incorporates 30 wind catchers,which are designed to reduce reliance onair conditioning and stabilise temperatures.

� Solar panels and high levels of insulation onexternal walls help energy saving.

� The ventilation system improves the circulationof fresh air and helps to boost attention levels.

� A sports hall and two gyms have been placedin the centre of the building to enableconvenient access to physical activity duringthe day.

� The school’s design avoids square classrooms,which cuts down on noise.

� Other facilities include a drama studio, musicsuite, recording studio, ICT rooms and severalopen-plan areas where students can eitherwork together or by themselves.

Highschoolhighstandards

Widening horizons •December 200946

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� Being belittled, criticised and put down� Being stopped from seeing family and friends� Not being allowed to have money or other essentials� Violence or threats of violence� Threats to hurt your children or family� Intimidation� Sexual assault� Being blamed for their anger

The Freedom Programme – run byNorthTyneside Domestic AbusePartnership – is designed to supportwomen who are or have been in anabusive relationship.

Run in an informal and friendlyenvironment, the weekly sessions look atdifferent aspects of domestic violence,including talking about the signs to spotas well as the different personalities thata bullying or controlling partner canadopt.

The sessions also focus on what a goodrelationship might look like andencourage people to think positivelyabout their future.

SusanWilson has been running FreedomProgramme sessions at HowdonChildren’s Centre for the past five years.

She said:“For many users, these sessionshave been lifesaving. Many come with lowself-esteem or are worried they’reimagining things – beliefs which are often

being re-enforced by a controllingpartner at home.

“The sessions help them to come totheir own conclusions at their own pace,and enable them to develop the strengthto address the problem or leave therelationship.

“Users regularly tell me that they’vebecome more confident, more able tospot the signs, know more aboutthemselves, or have felt supported andunderstood.

“I see people making real changes totheir lives – starting afresh, building newlives, and entering into the kind of newand positive relationships which they’dlost all hope of ever finding.”

The Freedom Programme sessions areheld in a number of community venues.For details on the nearest session, calldomestic abuse co-ordinator LesleyPyle on (0191) 643 7383 or email:[email protected]

47

You can get help and support whatever your circumstances. Contact NorthTynesideWomen’s Aid on(0191) 251 3305 or visit www.northtyyneside.gov.uk for more details.

Are you concerned that you or someone you knowmight be trapped in an abusive relationship?

Domesticabuse

Spotting the early signs: Useful numbersVictim Support – (0191) 257 9079

SAINT – 07552 164 256

Acorns – (0191) 200 6302

Northumbria Police domestic abusehelpline – 0800 066 5555


Primary Care Trusts are the local part of yoursuch as those provided by GPs, district nurses,

A health scheme offering sexualhealth advice and free condoms toyoung people has been relaunchedin the borough.

NHS North ofTyne has rebranded itsC-Card (condom card) scheme –which gives young people access toadvice and free contraception –following input from youngsters onhow to improve the design.

Under the C-Card scheme, anyoneunder 25 can register for a card –similar in size to a credit card – to

access confidential sexual healthand relationships advice, achlamydia screening test and freecondoms.

The plastic card can be used atvenues across the boroughwherever young people see theC-Card logo.

For more information on theC-Card scheme, visitwww.northoftyne.nhs.uk.

Head lice?ThinkPharmacyFirstA campaign launched to enablepeople who receive freeprescriptions to go straight totheir pharmacy for treatment ishelping to treat head lice.

Around three million people in the UKcatch head lice every year andaccording to independent research,around one in five children are affected.

Think Pharmacy First aims to give

patients across the North ofTyne areawho receive free prescriptions, due tolow income, greater choice and fasteraccess to treatment for minorconditions.

And the scheme is proving a useful toolto tackle the condition.Pharmacist Hayley McDonald ofDavison the Chemist in Burradon,which is contracted by NHS North ofTyne to provide pharmacy services tothe local population, said:“We generallysee a rise in head lice as children goback to school. Kids have a lot of head-to-head contact and that is how itspreads.

“We have had people come throughthe doors for treatment of head liceunder theThink Pharmacy First scheme.

They know they can come straight tous.”

UnderThink Pharmacy First, parentscan be given a plastic comb to checkfor head lice.The treatment is a lotionwhich you apply to dry hair and leaveover night then wash off with shampooin the morning.This is repeated sevendays later.

Look out for the bright yellow postersand window stickers displayed inparticipating pharmacies, urging you toThink Pharmacy First.

For more information, go to anypharmacy that shows aThink PharmacyFirst window sticker.You can also get alist of these pharmacies fromwww.northoftyne.nhs.uk.

Free advice: TonyLee Jamieson (left) and Jamie Redgrave, members of ThePosse at the MeadowWell Centre youth club, wearing their C-CardT-shirts.

C-Card – no judgements, no problems

49

NHS and run community healthcare services,health visitors and specialist therapists.

Don’t forget toget the jab!People who are most at risk of developing seriouscomplications from flu are being urged to get their free jabas the winter months approach.

People aged 65 and over, and those of any age with a long-termcondition, are encouraged to have the jab to protect themselves againstseasonal flu.

‘At risk’ residents can simply contact their GP surgery to make anappointment to get their free flu vaccine.

To find out more about flu and getting the jab, please talk to your localGP, nurse or pharmacist or visit www.nhs.uk/flu.

Injured or unwell? Choose wellThe NHS has launched aregional campaign to providelocal people with clearinformation about whatdifferent services are availableto them and when they aremost appropriate to be used.This campaign is called Choosewell.

Using a colour-coded thermometer asits logo, the Choose well campaign aimsto help people to associate the severityof their symptoms with a particularNHS service:

Self-care - a well-stocked medicinecabinet and plenty of rest can help youtake care of very minor ailments.

NHS Direct - for the answers to anyhealth questions – around the clock –and to find local services, choose NHSDirect, 0845 46 47 orwww.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.

Pharmacist - for common colds, sicklystomachs and everything between,choose a pharmacist.

GP - make an appointment with yourGP for medical advice, examinationsand prescriptions for illnesses you justcan’t shake off.

NHS walk-in centre or NHS minorinjuries units - for treatment of minorinjuries or illness without anappointment, choose an NHS walk-incentre or minor injuries unit.

A&E or 999 - for symptoms ofserious illnesses and major accidents,choose A&E or 999.This includeschoking, chest pain, blacking-out andblood loss.

For more information on the Choosewell campaign, please visit:www.northoftyne.nhs.uk.

If you become unwell orare injured, make sureyou choose the rightNHS service

new service!A new company that willprovide a better repairs andmaintenance service for counciltenants is now up and running.

Kier NorthTyneside is a joint venturebetween the council and supportservices specialist Kier BuildingMaintenance.

More than 500 council employees –including construction, housing repairsand admin staff – have transferred tothe new company, which is based at theexisting depot at Killingworth.

Elected mayor Linda Arkley said:“This isgreat news for all our tenants.

“The repairs and maintenance servicewas an area that needed to besignificantly improved. I believe thispartnership with Kier will achieve thatand ensure value for money for localtaxpayers.”

Kier NorthTyneside will carry outrepairs and improvements to theborough’s 16,000 council homes andall council-owned buildings.

Staff will be responsible forcompleting all work on thegovernment’s Decent Homesprogramme, carrying outmajor construction projectsand providing a buildingdesign service.

John Norton, regionaldirector for Kier BuildingMaintenance, said:“We’reexcited to be making astart.

“Not only are we aiming to provide aservice with which the residents ofNorthTyneside will be delighted butwe’ll be offering education, training andemployment opportunities for localpeople.”

Council staff and their colleagues inKier worked together to make sure thetransition to the new service went assmoothly as possible.

For example, staff in gas servicing wereissued with newly-branded vehicles,tools and equipment and were tacklingjobs by 11.30am on the morning of thechangeover.

Kier is a leading construction,development and services group with astrong background of working withcouncils and other social housingagencies to deliver high quality services.

The new venture brings the number ofpublic sector homes maintained by Kierto more than 240,000 across thecountry.

New name

For all enquiries aboutcouncil housing or repairs,contact 0845 2000 102

The NorthTyneside StrategicPartnership, which includes the counciland other organisations, has developeda vision for 2030 that sets out what wewant the borough to be like in 21 yearstime.

The vision for 2030 aims to develop:

A Diverse Borough

An Enterprising Borough

A Learning Borough

A Healthy Borough

AnAccessible Borough

A Borough of Sustainable

Neighbourhoods

During 2008/09, as part of the processof working towards our 2030 vision,the council:

A Diverse Borough� Invested £31m in making 1,726homes decent and reducing thenumber of non-decent homes from35 per cent of the housing stock to24 per cent.

� Developed new customer servicestandards.

An Enterprising Borough� Supported approximately 150 newbusiness start-ups.

� Secured £5.2m funding over threeyears to support economicinclusion.

� Established a NorthTynesideBusiness SupportTask Force.

� Completed refurbishment of theDock Masters House on the FishQuay.

� Established a Landlords’ Forum andcarried out fire safety training forlandlords.

� Progressed our major regenerationproject at North Bank of theTyne.

A Learning Borough� Achieved another record year forexam results.

Highlights ofIt gives me greatpleasure to presentthe NorthTynesideCouncil AnnualReport for 2008/09.

Linda ArkleyMayor ofNorthTyneside


Annual Report 2008/09

� Elected our firstYoung Mayor.

� Won a Local GovernmentAssociation award for the design ofthe new playsite inWhitley Park.

� Completed a new skatepark inWhitley Bay.

A Healthy Borough� Completed the refurbishment ofWhitley Bay Leisure Pool, which hasreopened asWaves.

� Started on-site development workforWallsend Pool.

� Exceeded targets for attendance atour leisure facilities inWallsend.

AnAccessible Borough� Completed the new shoppingcentre in Battle Hill.

� Opened three new service centresat Unicorn House, North Shields;White Swan Centre, Killingworthand JohnWillie Sams Centre,Dudley.

A Borough of SustainableNeighbourhoods� Started the roll-out of our newrecycling scheme, with more than35,000 new recycling bins deliveredby March 2009.

� Introduced dedicated teams toremove litter from hotspots acrossthe borough and completing 575litter picks.

� Completed projects at EastHowdon including traffic calming,new CCTV, community allotmentand multi-use games area.

� Helped more than 20,000properties to receive energyefficiency assessments throughWarmZone.

What the inspectors saidDuring 2008/09, we received our last assessment under the oldinspection process.We were rated as three-star and improving well.

The inspectors said:“The council continues to consolidate its record ofsignificant achievement. It is performing well across a wide range ofactivities. Adult social care services are rated highly, as are children'sservices. Regeneration schemes are delivering outcomes for the peopleof NorthTyneside and progress continues despite the recent recession.

“The council has made progress in reducing the numbers of houseswhich do not meet the decent homes criteria, but more remains to bedone. More also needs to be done to speed up the time taken toprocess new Housing Benefit claims.”

the year

%of overall carbon emissions

Emissions from buildings:Electricity

Emissions from buildings:Gas and Oil

Street Lighting

Fleet

Staff business miles

�

�

�

�

�

SustainabilityAs part of our commitment to sustainability, we’ve calculated our total carbonemissions.We’ve worked out last year we emitted a total of 36,021 tonnes ofcarbon.We’ve now set a target to reduce our carbon emissions by 34 per cent by2015.

836

14

39

2

53


The net cost of services is the cost ofthe services provided by the Councile.g. schools, waste collection, socialcare etc. after taking account of anyincome or grants received.

Net operating expenditure is theamount that is left to be funded aftertaking account of our contribution tothe PassengerTransport Authority,Environment Agency,Tyne Port HealthAuthority and Northumbria SeaFisheries, along with interest paid andreceived and other costs related tocapital expenditure.This is the amountwhich needs to be funded from eitherCouncil Tax, National Non DomesticRates or Government Grants.

The Financed by elements show thesources of funding that are used to payfor the expenditure.

The Net Increase in General FundBalances for the year.

Full explanations of the terms used canbe obtained from the Statement ofAccounts. A copy of the accounts isavailable on the council's website oron request.

Central Services 1,411

Court Services 360

Cultural, Environmental, Regulatory and Planning Services 68,958

Children's and Education Services 66,255

Highways andTransport Services 9,561

Adult Social Care 56,215

Housing Services -743

HRA Housing Services 113,241

Corporate & Democratic Core 7,403

Non Distributed Costs 676

Net Cost of Services 323,337

Precepts & Levies 12,679

Interest Received & Investment Income -4,836

Interest Payable & Similar Charges 16,598

Appropriations & Other Internal Accounting 9,658

Net Operating Expenditure 357,436

Financed by:

Council Tax -79,876

Revenue Support Grant -10,410

Non Domestic Rates -75,303

Net General Fund Deficit 191,847

Other AccountingTreatments -192,469

Net Increase in General Fund Balance for theYear -622

Net expenditure £000’s

Income & Expenditure Account for the year ending March 31, 2009

Revenue Expenditure is spending on theday-to-day running expenses of the council. Itincludes expenses such as salaries and wages,heating, lighting, rent, rates and stationery.

The income & expenditure account belowrepresents the cost of running council servicesbetween April 2008 and March 2009, identifyingwhere the money came from to finance thesecosts.

55


Capital expenditure (£000’s) Total £110,858,000

32,632

8,697

13,071

30,450

26,008

Central Services

Cultural, Environmental,Regulatory & Planning Services

Children’s & EducationServices

Highways &Transport

Housing

�

�

�

�

�

Sources of capital funding (£000’s)

1,891

26,250

35

41,237

Unsupported (Prudential)Borrowing

Supported Borrowing

Government Grants

Capital Receipts

Capital Grants &Contributions

Direct Revenue Financing

ERDF

Finance Lease

�

��

�

�

�

625

8,278

17,315

Capital ExpenditureCapital expenditure generally is moneyspent by the Council on purchasing,improving and upgrading assets suchas council houses, roads and otherbuildings.The Council and itsresidents receive the benefit from thisexpenditure over a long period oftime.The following table outlines thecapital expenditure during 2008/09.

Key achievements include:� Opening ofWaves leisure pool� Opening ofWhitley Bay Skatepark� Opening of Skills & EnterpriseCentre at Norham CommunityTechnology College

� Opening ofYouthVillage� Opening of Marden Bridge MiddleSchool kitchen

� Opening of Norham Playsite� Continued school improvements� Started building work forWallsend Pool

� Major investment towards theDecent Homes Standard of £31m

� Major works to Burn Closes Bridge� Investment on improved kerbsiderecycling

NorthTyneside Council is continuallyaiming to improve its services. As partof this process, we would like yourviews on how useful this year’s AnnualReport has been.

Please spare a few minutes to provideyour comments. In particular, we areinterested in your views on thefollowing questions:

Send your comments to JaniceGillespie by Friday, December 18.

Email:[email protected]: (0191) 643 5701Post: Quadrant,The Silverlink North,Cobalt Business Park, NorthTyneside,NE27 0BY.

1 Did you find the Annual Report useful? Yes No

2 Is the level of detail in the Annual Report:

Too much About right Needs more

3 Is the balance of words, numbers and graphics appropriate?

Yes No

4 If your answer to Q3 was no, what would you like to see changed? Pleaseadd any other comments about the Annual Report. (Please use extrapaper if needed.)

Annual Report feedback

15,227

Fixed and other long-term assets 1,094,957Cash in bank 38,020Money owed to the council 37,198Money owed by the council -439,317Other short-term assets 972Pension Fund Deficit -303,964Council NetWorth 427,866Financed by:Distributable Reserves 677,976Non Distributable Reserve 53,854Pension and Equal Pay Reserve -303,964

427,866

Housing Revenue Account

The Housing Revenue Account is a statement, for councilhousing, which includes expenditure such as the repairs andmaintenance of council houses, as well as recording incomesuch as rents. It is a legal requirement to keep thisexpenditure/income in a separate account.

The costs and income relating to the authority's councilhousing provision are shown above.

The council owned 15,686 houses and flats as at March 31,2009.

Summary Balance Sheet - what weown and what we owe

The following is my personal statement, in my role as thecouncil’s Chief Finance Officer, to describe some of the keypoints on the council’s stewardship of public funds.

Financial Performance: The revenue budget has beenmonitored closely during the financial year and spent on targetfor the year, after a net contribution to reserves. The GeneralFund Balance, excluding schools, remained unchanged at£6.476m and schools balances are £4.447m.

Council Housing: The council charges rent on the 15,686homes that it owns. The council is required by law to accountfor all of its income and expenditure relating to those dwellingsin a separate account, called the Housing Revenue Account(HRA). At March 31, 2009, the balance on the HRA was£4.559m.

Capital Expenditure: Capital expenditure is money spenton the purchasing, upgrading or improving of assets such asbuildings, information technology equipment and roads. Capitalexpenditure differs from day-to-day expenditure as the councilreceives the benefit from the assets for longer than one year. Italso includes expenditure on structural changes to the council,where we have express permission from central government

to account for spend as capital expenditure. During 2008/09,we spent a total of £110,858m, of which £32.632m was oncouncil housing.

Chief Finance Officer’s Statement: The council’sStatement of Accounts was prepared in accordance withstatutory/regulatory timetables, relevant accounting andreporting standards and the council’s agreed accountingpolicies. The figures in this summary were originallycompiled having regard to proper accounting practice,but for the purpose of this summary somemodifications have been made to provide more meaningfulinformation.

The Audit Commission has audited the Statement ofAccounts and agreed that they present fairly the council’sfinancial position for 2008/09.

A full copy of these accounts is available on request and isalso on the council’s website. Please contact (0191) 6435724 for further details.

Fiona Rooney CPFA,Quadrant,The Silverlink North,Cobalt Business Park, NorthTyneside, NE27 0BY

Financial review

Fixed assets and other long-term assets are assets whichhave value to the council for more than one year e.g. land,buildings and equipment.

Money owed to the council includes debtors andpayments made in advance.

Money owed by the council includes long and short-termborrowing, trade creditors and income in advance.

The Non Distributable Reserve is a reserve earmarkedfor specific accounting treatments which is not available tofund general expenditure.

As at March 31, 2009 £000’s


-50000 -40000 -30000 -20000 -10000 0 10000 20000 30000

Housing RevenueAccount - Income & Expenditure

Capital costs

Supervision & management

Repairs & maintenance

Other costs

Other income

Council house rents


Be part of it

www.sportnorthtyneside.org.uk

Regular exercise triggers your happy hormonesand reduces stress.

There are many ways for you to get active in NorthTyneside – go surfing, go for a bike ride or go dancing!


councillorsNorthTyneside Council has an elected mayorand cabinet, who have the authority to takeimportant decisions about council policy andservices.

The elected mayor is Mrs Linda Arkley and her cabinetincludes:

� Cllr JudithWallace (deputy mayor and OrganisationalImprovement)

� Cllr Glynis Barrie (Community Services and SaferNeighbourhoods)

� Cllr Nigel Clothier (Finance)

� Cllr Leslie Miller (Adult Social Care)

� Cllr Ed Hodson (Environment)

� Cllr Ian Macaulay (Housing)

� Cllr Jon Jo MacNamara (Regeneration)

� Cllr Pam McIntyre (Community Engagement)

� Cllr GeorgeWestwater (Children,Young People andLearning).

A mayoral election takes place every four years and thenext will be held in 2013.

NorthTyneside has 60 councillors for 20 wards.The nextcouncil elections are scheduled for May 2010.

The Chairman of the Council is Cllr Michael Huscroft andthe Deputy Chairman is Cllr Barbara Stevens.

Please note: Some councillors prefer to have theircorrespondence sent to the council HQ at Quadrant –the full address is Quadrant, Silverlink North, CobaltBusiness Park, NorthTyneside NE27 0BY.

Full details of councillors’ surgeries and email addressesare available on the council website –www.northtyneside.gov.uk

Battle HillChris Croft12, Stamfordham Close,WallsendNE28 8ER07890 261 871

Liberal Democrat

Mary Glindon2,Allendale Ave,WallsendNE28 9NA263 7517

Labour

Dorothy BradleyQuadrant07968 250 895

Liberal Democrat

ChirtonJohn Stirling39, LansdowneTceWest,North ShieldsNE29 0RZ257 6188

Labour

David Corkey7, Lovaine Ave,North ShieldsNE29 0BX07714 099 668

Labour

Amanda NormandQuadrant07855 461 677

Labour

BentonLeslie Birkenfield6, Eastwood Court,Midhurst Rd,BentonNE12 9NZ266 1968

Conservative

John Goodfellow15, GlebeVillas,Forest HallNE12 7PS200 8403

Conservative

Pat Greenwell5, Northumberland Ave,BentonNE12 9NR259 9921

Conservative

CollingwoodBarbara Stevens43, Hotspur St,TynemouthNE30 4EN259 6057

Conservative

Julia Macaulay41, King Edward Rd,North ShieldsNE30 2RW296 3289

Conservative

Charles Hobkirk6,Amble Ave,Whitley BayNE25 8PT200 8554

Conservative

CamperdownJimAllan11, Bannockburn,KillingworthNE12 6QJ07967 140 961

Labour

Ray Glindon2,Allendale Ave,WallsendNE28 9NA263 7517

Labour

Jayne ShottonQuadrant643 5352

Labour

CullercoatsShirley Mortimer46 Kirkstone Ave,North ShieldsNE30 3BD253 3071

Conservative

Lawrence Goveas MBE41, Hatherton Ave,North ShieldsNE30 3LG252 9128

Conservative

Jon Jo MacNamara19, Billy Mill Ave,North ShieldsNE29 0QY296 0991

Conservative

Guide to

59

HowdonJohn Hunter98,Tynemouth Rd,WallsendNE28 0LQ263 6169

Labour

David CharltonQuadrant250 2484

Labour

Maureen Madden103 Park Rd,WallsendNE28 7LP263 5317

Labour

RiversideFrank Lott112 Dolphin Quay,Clive StNorth ShieldsNE29 6HJ07974 568 197

Labour

Norma RedfearnQuadrant643 5349

Labour

Bruce Pickard44, Sunlea Ave,North ShieldsNE30 3DT200 8514

Labour

KillingworthNorma Peggs19,Alderley Drive,KillingworthNE12 6FS268 8952

Conservative

Nigel Clothier17,Alderley Drive,KillingworthNE12 6FS200 8142

Conservative

Linda Darke152West Farm Ave,LongbentonNE12 8RX270 9279

Labour

St Mary’sJudithWallace91,Village Crt,Whitley BayNE26 3QB253 7169

Conservative

Ed Hodson76, Monkseaton Drive,Whitley BayNE26 3DG252 4513

Conservative

Pam McIntyre58, Holywell Ave,Whitley BayNE26 3AD253 7672

Conservative

LongbentonEddie Darke152West Farm Ave,LongbentonNE12 8RX270 9279

Labour

Kevin Conroy21,Tenbury Cres,LongbentonNE12 8BY200 7411

Labour

JoanWalker28, GreenhaughWest MoorNE12 7WA07967 246 540

Labour

TynemouthKen Jordan19, Hastings Drive,TynemouthNE30 2LN257 0862

Conservative

Ian Macaulay41, King Edward Rd,TynemouthNE30 2RW296 3289

Conservative

Monkseaton NorthJoan Bell8,Westfield Ave,Whitley BayNE25 8NW200 8686

Conservative

Bill Prendergast4,WoodburnWay,Whitley BayNE26 3DX252 6182

Conservative

Leslie MillerQuadrant259 2790

Conservative

ValleyTommy Mulvenna53, Benton Rd,West AllotmentNE27 0EP266 6212

Labour

Carole GamblingQuadrant200 1418

Labour

Brian Burdis14, Peebles Close,North ShieldsNE29 8DN200 5354

Labour

Monkseaton SouthGeorge Partis49,Athol Grds,Whitley BayNE25 9DN253 0883

Conservative

Ken Mewett24, Hawthorn Grds,Whitley BayNE26 3PQ252 5888

Conservative

Frank Austin5, ParkView Crt,Whitley BayNE26 3LJ253 2572

Conservative

WallsendMichael Huscroft104 Kings Rd North,WallsendNE28 9JQ200 7200

Liberal Democrat

Nigel Huscroft146 St Peter’s Rd,WallsendNE28 7HH263 8019

Liberal Democrat

Margaret Finlay69 Laburnum Ave,WallsendNE28 8HG200 6543

Liberal Democrat

NorthumberlandGraeme BrettQuadrant643 5344

Liberal Democrat

David OrdQuadrant200 7082

Liberal Democrat

Marian Huscroft104 Kings Rd North,WallsendNE28 9JQ200 7200

Liberal Democrat

WeetsladeDuncan McLellan49, Melness Rd,HazleriggNE13 7BJ236 6293

Conservative

Muriel Green36, Links Ave,Whitley BayNE26 1TG253 3761

Labour

GeorgeWestwater15,WestView,WideopenNE13 6EG217 1626

Conservative

PrestonGlynis Barrie8, Campville,North ShieldsNE29 0NR07779 997 413

Conservative

David Sarin12, Hawthorn Grds,North ShieldsNE29 9BY

Conservative

Simon Button20a BurnfootTce,Whitley BayNE26 2ED252 9570

Conservative

Whitley BayMichael McIntyre58, Holywell Ave,Whitley BayNE26 3AD253 7672

Conservative

Alison Austin3,Ventnor Grds,Whitley BayNE26 1QB200 1424

Conservative

Margaret Marshall23, Grosvenor Drive,Whitley BayNE26 2JP253 7571

Conservative

David Lilly15, Fairfield Drive,CullercoatsNE30 3AF07974 569 838

Conservative

The council is in the process ofshaping its Area Action Plan (AAP)for the coast.

The plan will set out ways in which thecoastal area could be improved –socially, economically andenvironmentally.

It will also take into consideration thespecial status of NorthTyneside'scoastline as a wildlife area ofinternational importance.

We are keen to gather residents' viewsand ideas and would especially like tohear your thoughts on:

� How the coastal area couldmaximise its potential for tourism

� What could be done to improveexisting facilities?

� What improvements could be madetoWhitley Bay, Cullercoats andTynemouth?

The latest plan can be viewed at anylocal library. More information isavailable at:www.northtyneside.gov.uk/planning

A planning officer will be available todiscuss the Area Action Plan at thefollowing times:

November 25 –Whitley Bay Library(9.30am to 12:30pm)

November 26 –Tynemouth Library(4.30pm – 7pm)

November 27 – Cullercoats Library(10am – 1pm)

November 30 –Waves (4pm –6.30pm)

December 1 – Monkseaton Library(4pm – 6pm)

Have your say:Email:[email protected]

Phone: Peter Slegg on(0191) 643 6308.

Write to: Planning Policy, NorthTyneside Council, Quadrant East,The Silverlink North, Cobalt BusinessPark, NE27 0BY.

Views soughton coastal plan

A trial of LED street lights,which could save money and cutcarbon emissions, is beingconsidered by the council.

The borough’s street lights aremaintained on the council’s behalf bySEC Lighting Services as part of aPrivate Finance Initiative contract.

If the pilot scheme goes ahead, bulbs

Scheme to reduce carbonemissions in the spotlight

would be gradually replaced bymore efficient LEDs, which producethe same lighting levels with a savingof up to 65 per cent in energyconsumption and carbon emissions.

Cllr Ed Hodson, cabinet member forEnvironment, said:“Using LEDs couldsubstantially reduce our carbonfootprint while, at the same time,save taxpayers’ money.

“If the pilot scheme is successful, itcould lead to the roll out of LEDlighting across the borough over thenext few years.”

The council is setting up aCarbon Management ProgrammeBoard to co-ordinate a range ofinitiatives that will help to cutcarbon emissions across theauthority.

Keep it localwww.northtyneside.gov.uk

It’s free to advertise on this pageContact (0191) 643 2111 or email: [email protected]

Terms and conditions apply

Your one stop wedding and celebration shop.264 Whitley Road, Whitley Bay NE26 2TG

JustTo Say…The Balloon Decorators at the coastWe can decorate most venues in colours to matchyour theme. Also a huge range of helium-filled foilballoons and party items

107 ParkView,Whitley Bay Tel: (0191) 253 2755

A warm and friendly welcome to all.www.themelroseguesthouse.co.uk45 Esplanade,Whitley Bay

Email:[email protected] Tel (0191) 251 4037

Rickard - estate agentsWhether you need a survey, valuation, mortgageor property management service, we have theexperience and local knowledge.

1 Park View, Whitley Bay NE26 2TP

The new home for live music26-32 South Parade, Whitley Bay NE26 2RGEmail: [email protected]

www.thetrojanrooms.co.uk Tel: (0191) 251 0080 www.1stclassteachers.co.uk Tel: (0191) 251 5566

PPRROOPPEERRTTYY LLEETTTTIINNGGSS:: RREELLOOCCAATTIIOONN && PPRROOPPEERRTTYY MMAANNAAGGEEMMEENNTT AAGGEENNCCYY

We are always looking for apartments and houses in North TynesideProtection House, Albion Road, North Shields NE30 2RH - Tel: (0191) 258 7340105 Park View, Whitley Bay NE26 3RJ - Tel: (0191) 251 8010

www.propertyquarters.co.uk [email protected]

F E MaughanChristmas gifts for all the family

www.femaughan.co.uk

2 Railway Street, North Shields

Tel: (0191) 296 3853

Deakin Printers LtdStationery, thermography, brochures, folders andpoint of sale, digital and wide format printing, officesupplies and furniture

3 Earsdon Road, Monkseaton, Whitley Bay NE25 9SX

Email:[email protected] Tel: (0191) 297 0111

Maxine Wallace-WinterBSc (Hons) Podiatry. M.Ch.S

32 Ilfracombe Gardens, Whitley Bay NE26 3SJ Tel: (0191) 252 5159

SHUTTERSPEED Digital photoprinting, posters, canvas wraps,VHS to DVD

83-85 Park View Whitley Bay

www.shutterspeed.org.uk Tel: (0191) 251 0185

Finlay's DecorThe best selection of wallpapers, paints andfabrics at the coast. Professional help andadvice from our friendly staff.28 Park View, Whitley Bay

www.finlaysdecor.co.uk Tel: (0191) 252 5011

Sunholme Guest HouseA well-established, family run business offering highquality, value for money, B&B accommodation.Open all year round - group bookings welcome.53 North Parade, Whitley Bay NE26 1NX

www.sunholme.co.uk Tel: (0191) 251 1186

Email: [email protected] Tel: (0191) 252 2920

Supply teachers... do you want to work in North Tyneside?

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Old, new, borrowed and blue Ltd

www.somethingoldnewborrowedblue.co.uk Tel: (0191) 251 6911

Podiatry & chiropody care Our Health Professions Council registered practitionersoffer a range of foot care treatments and advice, all atcompetitive rates.

The Melrose Guesthouse

Mother Nature Health Shop Est 1986

Views sought on coastal plan

40 Park Avenue, Whitley Bay Tel: (0191) 252 1660

Launch Dixerit and listen to our pages

The council website is now speech enabled – thanks to a newservice called Dixerit.

It does not require visitors to the site to download or installany software or browser plug-ins.

Dixerit works on any computer with an internet connectionand sound capability, so can be accessed in many locations,including schools, libraries and internet cafes.

When you launch Dixerit, there are useful tools and a helpguide within the browser screen to enable you to get the bestout of the system.

You can find Dixerit by clicking on the rolling icon at the topof the home page.

How to get in touchwith the councilWe want to make it easy for you to contact us – and thatincludes in person, by phone, online or email.

In personYou can call in at one of our customer service centres,located across the borough. Staff can provide advice andinformation on a range of council services, including housingand benefit matters.

Our centres are based at:� White Swan Centre, Killingworth.� Unicorn House, Suez Street, North Shields.� Park Road, Wallsend.� Victoria Terrace, Whitley Bay

By phoneYou can contact our main Contact Centre on the followingnumbers:� 0845 2000 101 (general enquiries)� 0845 2000 102 (housing repairs)� 0845 2000 103 (environment)� 0845 2000 104 (benefits and council tax)� 0845 2000 105 (reporting racial harassment)� 0845 2000 107 (payments)� 0845 2000 108 (Families Information Service)

OnlineThe council website – www.northtyneside.gov.uk - containsplenty of information on a wide range of subjects.

You can apply for planning permission, pay your council taxor report an incident of graffiti. Page after page is availableat the click of a mouse.

EmailYou can also contact the council via: [email protected]

63

Jack and the Beanstalk!

This month’s prize willmake a really greatChristmas present forone lucky family.We’re giving away a family ticket (for four people)to see Jack and the Beanstalk – the Christmasspectacular at the PLAYHOUSE Whitley Bay,sponsored by the Evening Chronicle, courtesy ofSMG Europe.

And you’ll also have the chance to meet theshow’s star, Jake Hendriks (Father Keiron Hobbsfrom Hollyoaks).

Jack and the Beanstalk, which also features DamarMartin (Destroyer in Gladiators), is packed withgreat songs, fantastic dances and plenty of fun andlaughter.

A trip to the panto is an essential part ofChristmas and you and your family could bejoining in the fun at the PLAYHOUSE Whitley Bayif you answer the following question correctly.

Question: What is the name of Damar Martin’scharacter in Gladiators?

Entries should be marked Widening Horizonscompetition and sent to:

Communications Team (3rd floor right)Quadrant,Silverlink North,Cobalt Business Park,North TynesideNE27 0BY

(Please include your full address and a daytimetelephone number.)

Jack and the Beanstalk runs from December 19to January 3. Individual tickets are priced from£11 to £13. Group bookings are available. You canring the box office on 0844 277 2771, visitwww.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk or call in to thePLAYHOUSE on Marine Avenue – Monday toFriday (10am to 4pm), Saturday (10.30am to2.30pm).

Win

October’s winnerCongratulations to Mr R Stephenson, ofNorth Shields, who won a pair of tickets forthe opening night of Joseph and the AmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoat.

Terms and conditionsClosing date for entries – December 7. Open to North Tyneside residents only. One entry per person. The winner will be the first correct entry drawn at randomafter the closing date and will be notified by phone. Entrants must be prepared totake part in post-competition publicity. The editor’s decision is final.

tickets for

Shops, parking andentertainment on yourdoorstep

North Shields Wallsend Whitley Bay

horizonswidening

www.northtyneside.gov.uk

widening horizons december 2009

Documents

council tothe audit

collection day

audit commission website

collection of refuse

audit commission act

detection of fraud

revised collection dates

new initiative