Working closerwith communities

Keeping you informed | www.northtyneside.gov.uk

December 2008

The magazine for NorthTyneside

UpcloseWaldotackles the litter bugs

All the festive funaround the borough

Annual Report2007/08

Win £250in vouchers!

Christmas and NewYear -refuse collection and recycling

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

There will be no refuse or recyclingcollections on the bank holidays:

Thursday,December 25Friday,December 26Thursday, January 1

Revised collection dates are set out alongside.Residents are reminded wheeled bins andrecycling boxes should not be put out forcollection any earlier than the eveningbefore your collection day.

Normal day: Revised day:

Monday, December 22 As normal

Tuesday, December 23 As normal

Wednesday, December 24 As normal

Thursday, December 25 Saturday, December 27

Friday, December 26 Sunday, December 28

Monday, December 29 As normal

Tuesday, December 30 As normal

Wednesday, December 31 As normal

Thursday, January 1 Friday, January 2

Friday, January 2 Saturday, January 3

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Countdown to Christmas!An advent calendar of things to do in therun-up to the festive season.

New pool – new nameYour chance to christen the refurbished WhitleyBay leisure pool – due to reopen in February.

Bins are ready to rollAn update on the council’s new recyclingscheme and what it means for you.

A day in the life of . . .WaldoThe council’s environmental mascot enlists localyoungsters to help him catch the litterbugs.

Be prepared!Some handy hints on how you can help toprotect your home if flooding occurs.

Health updateNews from your local primary care trust,including how you can contact a GP out ofhours.

What’s on at ChristmasYour guide to all the festive fun taking place inthe borough, including the Victorian ChristmasMarket.

Regeneration newsA boost for plans to revitalise the North Bankof the Tyne and good news for the Fish Quay.

Annual report 2007/08Find out what the council spends your moneyon – and how it’s making a difference to theborough.

Community Award 2009Your chance to nominate a council employee, orteam, that provides a great service to residents.

Inside this issueUp Close is produced by NorthTyneside Council.

To discuss news - contact:Steve ForshawMarketing & CommunicationsQuadrantSilverlink NorthCobalt Business ParkNorthTynesideNE27 OBYPhone: 643 5080email: steve.forshaw@northtyneside.gov.uk

To discuss advertising or distribution - contact:Claire Edge (at the above address)Phone: 643 2111email: claire.edge@northtyneside.gov.uk

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NorthTyneside Council wants to make it easier for youto get hold of the information you may need about theservices it provides.We are able to provide ourdocuments in alternative formats including large printand community languages. Audio tapes are available atlibraries. Please call 0191 643 5080.

North Tyneside Council endeavours to ensure all the adverts and advertising featuresin Up Close are accurate. It cannot, however, take responsibility for their content.

UpcloseDecember 2008

NTC DesignDec 08 | 1587

To contact the council:

� Customer services 0845 2000 101� Housing repairs 0845 2000 102� Envirolink 0845 2000 103� Council tax and benefits 0845 2000 104� Racial harassment 0845 2000 105� Families Information Service 0845 2000 108

The next issue of Up Close will bedistributed from February 2.

For more information regarding our services, or to discuss your leaflet distributionrequirements, please contact us on the number above, or send us an email.

THE GHOST OFCHRISTMAS PRESENTSMost burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves.Don’t tempt them by leaving presents on display.Make sure your home is secure and lock up every time you leave.

It may be the season of good willto all - but don’t make it a happyChristmas for criminals.

Crime & Disorder Reductiona n d M i s u s e o f D r u g sP a r t n e r s h i p

Dear Resident

Welcome to the latest edition ofUp Close.

At this time of year, it is traditional toreflect on what you have achieved overthe last 12 months, as well as what youcould have done better, and to lookforward to the challenges ahead.

As elected mayor of North Tyneside, Iam no different.

Together with the council’s corporatemanagement team, I have produced anannual report – included in this editionof Up Close – which sets out ourachievements for the financial year2007/08.

Perhaps the most important aspect ofour success is the council’s continuedfinancial stability, which provides asound foundation on which to grow.

At a time of global financial difficulties, itmeans the council is well equipped todeal with any pressures, for exampleincreased energy costs.

And the embedded procedures formanaging our finances mean we haveensured we have not placed money inany of the Icelandic banks experiencingdifficulties

This sound background enables us tocontinue delivering improvedhigh-quality services to residents, forexample our new recycling service andinitiatives such as North TynesideWarm Zone that makes a realdifference for people struggling withenergy costs.

However, it also means we can lookforward to delivering ambitiousschemes that, in addition to growingthe economy and regenerating theborough, will also increase theopportunities for our residents.

In recent weeks, our plans have beenboosted by some significantannouncements.

Firstly, the council and its partners haveconfirmed the appointment ofconsultants to deliver a masterplan forthe regeneration of the North Bank of

the Tyne, which will enable us to pressahead with our commitment toregenerate Wallsend town centre,including a university presence.

Secondly, we received good newsabout funding to develop theWallsend Parks restoration bid andour ambitions for further investmentin our coastal areas – with the world’sfirst multi-functional artificial reef, anexpansion of the promenades to linkcoastal towns and the restoration ofTynemouth Station.

So as we look forward withconfidence, I can promise that thewhole council team will continue towork together with our residents,communities and partners to deliverimprovement, growth and opportunityfor you, our borough and oureconomy.

I wish you all a happy and healthy2009,

Please feel free to contact me directly by email:john.harrison@northtyneside.gov.ukor by fax: (0191) 643 2431.

Looking forward – with confidence

Elected mayor

Warm welcome:John Harrison talks toresident Susan Faller, whohas benefited from theWarm Zone scheme.

Upclose •December 20086

Countdown toTake a look atthe Christmas

lights

There are festivedisplays in Wallsend,North Shields and

Whitley Bay.

December1Have a greenChristmas

Look for Christmascards made from

recycled paper anduse old Christmascards as present

labels.

December2Beat thecrowds!

Use the internet atyour local library tolook for Christmas

gifts.

December3Buying energy-

saving appliancescould save

electricity in 2009

Choose Energy SavingRecommendedproducts when

replacing old ones.

December4

Check out the StNicholas FestivalinWhitley Bay

There’s a farmers’market, street

entertainment andplenty of things to

buy!

December5Call in and see

Santa . . .

at his grotto onSt Mary’s Island,

Whitley Bay.(11am to 3pm)

December6Get crafty!

Children can maketheir own Christmas

gift or treedecoration at the

Rising Suncountryside centre

(Noon to 3pm).

December7Wind down

Have a relaxingwalk or cycle ride

along the borough’saward-winningwaggonways

network.

December8

Stay safe

Always use an RCD(A safety device

that instantlyswitches off the

power) on outdoorelectrical

equipment.

December9Buy a realChristmas

tree!

Artificial trees aredifficult to recycleonce they are nolonger required.

December10Go to the panto

Goldilocks and theThree Bears is on atthe People’s Theatre,

Heaton in January.Phone 252 3861 for

more details.

December11Take a breakfrom shopping

Visit your localleisure centre and

have a relaxingswim or work-out.

December12

Visit the VictorianChristmas Market

There will be around100 stalls selling

seasonal gifts, crafts andfood. And there’splenty of seasonal

entertainment!

December13Put a new

battery in yoursmoke alarm

And check yourChristmas lightsconform to theBritish Standard.

December14Don’t get caught

outStock up your

medicine cabinet. Ifyou are on regularmedication, make

sure you haveadequate supplies for

the holiday season.

December15Show you care

Pop over and seeyour relatives orinvite an elderly

neighbour in for acup of tea.

December16

As the big day approaches, Up Close looks at ways to get into the festivespirit and provides a few tips on having a safe Christmas.

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Christmas!Take a breakfrom the high

street

Stroll along the beachor visit the Rising Sun

country park.

December17Make sure thetoys you buy

are safe

For free, practicaladvice, contact

Consumer Direct on08454 04 05 06.

December18Have a nice

break

Curl up with a goodbook or DVD from

your local library.

December19Get into thefestive spirit

Backworth CollieryBand perform a

selection oftraditional Christmascarols at Backworth

Village Hall.

December20

Get on theright track

Your last chance toride on this year’s

Santa Special at theStephenson Rail

Museum.

December21Check yourcar’s oil andwater . . .

before setting off tostay with friends orrelatives. Make sure

you have anemergency kit in the

boot.

December22

Make sureyour home is

secure

Keep a light on ifgoing out at night and

check doors andwindows are securely

locked.

December23Left it to thelast minute?

The shops on yourlocal high street may

have just the giftyou’re looking for.

December24

Further details onspecific events

mentioned abovecan be found in theChristmas eventsguide, which starts

on page 29.

Upclose •December 20088

Why not learn a new skill orqualification in 2009?

You can enrol now for a range ofcourses starting in January, includingpart-time qualifications, Skills for Workand courses for personal interest anddevelopment.

You can pick up a prospectus fromyour local library or community centre,or by ringing 200 1628/7.You can alsoview the range of courses online atwww.northtyneside.gov.uk

The Freedom of the Boroughhas been awarded to comedywriter Ian La Frenais and theNorthTynesideVeteransCommittee.

Conferring the title of HonoraryFreeman is the highest honour thecouncil can bestow. Previous recipientsinclude Alan Shearer and WallsendBoys Club.

Ian La Frenais, who grew up in WhitleyBay, put the North-East on the mapthrough hit TV shows such as TheLikely Lads and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.

Chief executive Andrew Kerr hassought to reassure residents followingthe global financial crisis.

He confirmed the council has noinvestments in any Icelandic banks andhad, therefore, not lost any money as aresult of the crisis.

He said:“All our current investmentsare in UK or Irish banks, wheregovernments have taken action toensure the stability of the financialinstitutions and reduce the risk toinvestors.”

The credit ratings of banks and similarinstitutions are monitored daily as partof the council’s treasury managementstrategy.

Mr Kerr said:“We have a strict set ofcriteria that we adhere to, in order tomanage the risks associated withinvestments.”

Local authorities deposit money in awide range of banks and other financialinstitutions – working within strictguidelines – to make sure any risk isspread and there is no impact on thetaxpayer.

Guidance from the Treasury states thatcouncils should “seek the highest rateof return, consistent with the properlevels of security and liquidity.”

See pages 51 to 58 for the council’sAnnual Report 2007/08.

New year –new start!

Council’scash is safe

He was nominated by Cllr Joan Bell, inrecognition of his achievements incomedy writing and the promotion ofNorth Tyneside through frequentreferences to local towns, such asWhitley Bay and Wallsend.

North Tyneside Veterans Committeewas formed in 1997 and helpsex-service personnel, raises money fornew memorials and organisesceremonies and parades.

Deputy mayor Cllr Jim Allan nominatedthe committee and the honour wasaccepted by chairman and treasurerMajor (rtd) Bill Campbell.

Honour for Ianand veterans

Honorary Freeman:Ian La Frenais withchairman of the council,Cllr Ian Macaulay.

What’s on at Christmas - starts page 29

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A new Bus Strategy beingdrawn up by Nexus will set outways to improve how peopleget around their communities.

Most bus services in Tyne and Wearare provided by commercialcompanies but Nexus has a role toplay in improving and promoting publictransport across the area.

It hopes the new strategy will map outways it can work together withcouncils, including North Tyneside, andbus companies to lift standards acrossthe network.

Priorities will include making sure busroutes meet the needs of local people,buses run on time, and are clean,comfortable and affordable.

A better bus system will help reducecongestion and damage to the

environment by encouraging morepeople to use public transport moreoften.

Information also needs to be of thehighest standard so passengers cantravel with confidence.

Tobyn Hughes, Head of Strategy forNexus, said:“Our Bus Strategy identifiesactions to deliver a continuingimprovement in bus travel.

“We believe we also need to reviewhow bus services are planned andprovided, so that buses meet localneeds.”

Nexus would be interested to hearyour views on the Bus Strategy – thefull document can be viewed atwww.nexus.org.uk/busstrategy wherethere are details of how to comment.

Making your bus service better

Every year, about 20 peoplein the UK die from carbonmonoxide poisoning causedby gas appliances and fluesthat have not been properlyinstalled or maintained.

You can’t see it.You can’t taste it.Youcan’t even smell it. But carbonmonoxide can kill without warning injust a matter of hours.

However, if you:� own your homeand� receive an income-based benefitand� live aloneor� live with other adults, all of whom

are eligible for free servicesor� live with others, at least one of

whom is under five years-old . . .

. . .You can call 0845 688 9594 and geta free gas safety check of appliancesand other gas fittings.

Are you eligible for a safety check?

If you live in rentedaccommodation, your landlordis generally responsible formaking sure that gas fittingsand flues are maintained ingood order and checkedevery 12 months.

10 Upclose •December 200810

Name needed for newleisure pool

Whitley BayLeisure Pool isset to return witha splash - and youhave the chanceto give it a newname!The council is seeking suggestionsfor a new name for the pool, whichis undergoing a £6m refurbishmentbefore reopening in February.

A panel of judges will choose thebest name and the winner willreceive a fantastic new mountainbike.

Schoolgirl Sophie Willis won acompetition to name Killingworth’snew sport and leisure facility in2006 when she suggested theLakeside Centre.

Following feedback from the public,the pool will open for an extra113/4 hours each week.

The pool and gym will open at 7amon weekdays and 8am at weekends.It will stay open until 9.30pm onweekdays.

�

The new pool will feature an arrayof improvements, including:

� New ground floor reception

� Better access (including newlifts)

� New changing village

� Exciting aquatic children’s playequipment (featuring a pirateship design), three slides pluswave machine

� New ground floor soft play areaand cafe

� High-quality health suiteincluding a large gym withstate-of-the-art equipment,dance studios and saunas

� Extended car park.

People also asked for more adultswimming sessions, more activitiesfor families and young people, andexercise classes in the evenings.Theleisure pool team is now drawing upits activity programme to try tomeet these needs.

As well as the children’s aquatic playequipment, the leisure pool will havethree slides, which will lead into asplashdown area rather than themain pool. This will provide morescope for using the main pool forswimming sessions in lanes.

The council is currently taking onstaff to run the new pool, includingswimming teachers, fitnessinstructors, leisure assistants andexercise to music instructors.

Seven cleaners will also beemployed, compared to twopreviously, to ensure a high standardof cleanliness.

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w

Entries should be marked Pool NamingCompetition and sent to:

Wallsend Town HallHigh Street EastWallsendNE28 7RR

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

Terms and conditions:The closing date for entries is December 8,2008. Only one entry per person. In the eventof more than one person suggesting the samechosen name, the winning entry will be drawnat random from those suggestions. Entrantsmust be prepared to take part inpost-competition publicity.

Upclose •December 200812

A cleaner and greener

NorthTynesideWith your support, thecouncil has worked hard in2008 to make NorthTyneside a clean andattractive borough.

A host of new initiatives werelaunched during the year which – wehope you agree – have contributedto some big improvements to yourneighbourhood.

However, what’s really helped tomake a big impact is the number ofpeople who have worked with us toimprove North Tyneside, whether bytaking part in clean-up events orsimply disposing of litter responsibly.

On these pages, we take a look backat some of the activities that havetaken place over the past year.Thanksagain for your help, and here’s lookingforward to an even cleaner andgreener 2009!

� Clean neighbourhood patrolofficers (pictured below withelected mayor John Harrison)took to the streets, focusing onkey environmental priorities suchas street cleansing, litter, refusestorage and collection, fly-tippingand graffiti. So far, they havecarried out 123 litter picks,responded to 50 Envirolinkreports and organised fivecommunity litter picks.

� North Tyneside was awardedprestigious Blue Flag status for itsbeaches at Whitley Bay (south),Tynemouth Longsands (south) andKing Edward’s Bay. Meanwhile,over the summer, lifeguardsassisted in 52 rescues, saved 22lives, gave water safety talks to 25school groups and issued advice tocoastal users 8,248 times.

� The Garden Care Scheme forresidents aged 70 and over aimsto make gardens more

manageable and sustainable.Over 350 sessions have beencompleted so far.

� The first-ever Big Spring Cleanwas held and included 30community clean-ups and thetackling of 452 grotspots.

� Joint patrols between greenwardens and community supportofficers have led to the removal of13 drinking dens across theborough.

� Leaf fall and litter is currentlybeing tackled through an autumnenvironment campaign. It involvesextra street sweeping patrols,community clean-ups andcomposting initiatives.

� A record 173 entries werereceived from residents,businesses and community groupsfor this year’s North Tyneside inBloom competition.

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� The first-ever fence-to-fenceproject was launched, aimingto deliver a better responseto how the councillooks after itshighways and openspaces. Multi-skilledteams tackle allthe issues on a wholestreet approach, ratherthan on an individual basis.

� New standards werepublished, which set outhow the council will maintaingrassed areas and floraldisplays.

� Thirty-eight street cleansing,nine gritters and twowaggonway vehicles werefitted with vehicle trackingdevices. It means the councilknows where the vehicles areat any given time and canredirect them quickly toproblem areas.

Environment update

Upclose •December 200814

Residents in NorthTynesideare due to receive new andimproved recycling bins in2009.

People on the black box scheme willreceive a grey 240-litre wheeled bin forrecyclable materials and a separatecontainer, which sits in the top of the bin,for glass and batteries.

The new bins, which replace the existingblack box recycling service, will enableresidents to recycle even more of theirrubbish.

Elected mayor John Harrison said:“WhenI was elected in 2005, I promised toimprove the borough’s recycling schemesand provide a lidded container.

“People felt the black box was too smalland caused litter problems because it hadno lid. They also told me they wanted torecycle cardboard.

“I listened to what people said and I’mdelighted our team is introducing a newkerbside recycling service. I’m sure it willmake life easier for residents and helpthe environment.”

The benefits of the new bin include:• More space for recycling• A lidded container for better

storage• The collection of cardboard• Less lifting

The bins will be delivered to around90,000 homes across the boroughbetween January and June. There will bea series of roadshows (see oppositepage), where people can find out moreinformation and have their questionsanswered.

A few weeks before receiving your newbin, you will receive a leaflet. When thebin arrives, you will also get a calendarcontaining some handy hints, how to usethe bin and the collection dates.

Your usual rubbish collection willcontinue on a weekly basis and therecycling bin will be collected once afortnight.The first collection will takeplace two weeks after your bin isdelivered.

Your recycling collection day may bedifferent from your black box collection

day, so please check your calendar.

Different recyclable materials can bemixed in the bin – it will be sorted at arecycling plant.Thanks to the efforts ofresidents, recycling of householdwaste has increased by 598 per centsince the black boxes were introduced in2003.

They’re on the way!

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January 2 & 3Killingworth Shopping Centre

January 9 & 10Sainsburys,Monkseaton

January 30 & 31Killingworth Shopping Centre

February 6 & 7ParkView Shopping Centre,Whitley Bay

February 27 & 28Oxford Centre car park,Longbenton

March 6 & 7Morrisons,North Shields

March 27 & 28Sainsburys, Shiremoor and BJMBargains/Aldi car park,WiltshireDrive,Wallsend

April 3 & 4Morrisons,North Shields andBeacon Centre,North Shields

April 24 & 25The Forum,Wallsend

May 1 & 2Tesco,North Shields

May 22 & 23Wallsend Labour Club car park,Windsor Drive,Wallsend

Recycling roadshows

Environment update

about working for you

we did...Identified and removed

all dens where youths

were drinking or causing

anti-social behaviour

you said...Tackle the disorderly youths buildingdrinking dens close to homesin North Tyneside.

we asked...

We’d love to hear from you, give us a call on

0845 2000 101 or visitwww.northtyneside.gov.uk

In NORTH TYNESIDE we’re passionate about working together to deliver better services for you

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Energy-saving tipsfor ChristmasChristmas is an expensive time of year butthere are some easy ways to save energy -and money - over the festive season.

The Energy SavingTrust, which runs three advice centresincluding one in the North-East, has provided some handy hintsto help reduce your bills in the NewYear.

� Buying energy-saving appliances this Christmas could saveelectricity in 2009. Choose Energy Saving Recommendedproducts when replacing old ones.A list of accreditedproducts is available online at:www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/northeast

� LED Christmas lights are six times cheaper to run than themore traditional ones.

� If you are boiling vegetables on an electric hob, boil waterin the kettle first rather than on the hob.

� Defrosting food naturally - rather than using the microwave- uses less energy.

� Using a pressure cooker means the water boils at a highertemperature, so food cooks quicker.

� Cook more than you need and freeze it. That way you onlyhave to reheat it rather than cooking an entire meal again.

And don’t forget to recycle . . .� Look for Christmas cards made from recycled paper - or

send e-cards instead.� Use old Christmas cards as present labels.� Save and re-use wrapping paper where possible - sealing

presents with string or ribbon makes it easier to re-use.� Take re-usable bags when you do your Christmas shopping.

The Energy SavingTrust aims to cut emissions of carbondioxide by promoting the sustainable and efficient use ofenergy. It is an independent, non-profit making organisation.

You can contact the Energy SavingTrust advice centrefreephone 0800 512 012 or visit:www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/northeast

The council’s 5-50-500environmental campaign,launched in June, aims todeliver five pledges and 50promises within 500 days.

Our five pledges are:

� To work with the CarbonTrust toestablish the carbon footprint of fiveof our buildings and reduce it to theirtarget.

� To change the way we supporthousehold recycling – collecting morekinds of material in a new way.

� To make NorthTyneside a Fairtradeborough.

� To tackle bad driving and parkingoutside our schools.

� To help every member of the councilmake five commitments to workdifferently and help protect theenvironment.

Our 50 promises relate to the areas ofclimate change, energy, waste, sustainablecommunities, transport and access.

Environment update

Upclose •December 200818

The continuing adventures of...

the

Waldo the Wonder Dog, the council’senvironmental mascot, and his owner WayneYoung visit North Tyneside youngsters andencourage them to look after the environment...

At Amberley CommunityPrimary School...We’re doing a litterpick to help keepNorth Tyneside clean and tidy!

In the elected mayor’s office... OutsideQuadrant - the

We’re here.Now let’s findwho’s droppinglitter.

Wonder Dog

I think this is ajob for Waldo!

At Amberley CommunityPrimary School...

I’m feelingworse afterthat bike

ride

Cough,splutter!

Let’s getthat litterbug!

It provescostly todrop litterin NorthTyneside

Anyone over theage of 14 can be

issued with a £50 fixedpenalty notice for

littering. Over the pasttwo years, more than350 notices have

been issued

I’m shocked! We don’twant anyone droppinglitter in North Tyneside

Proud of our borough

Nearby,the litter bug ismaking a mess…Oh, no! I needto do somethingabout this

In the school’soffice...There

is no excusefor littering onNorth Tyneside.There are around

2,000 dog waste andordinary litterbins in

theborough Hello, is that the

elected mayor? Weneed help to catch alitter bug

council’s HQ...Wayne and Waldo’s home...

zz z z

Wake-up, Waldo! We’rebeing called. Someonemust be dropping litter

Sniff,sniff!

I wanted tostay in bed andget rid of my

cold

Wayneand Waldo

have visited morethan 12,500 pupils,asking them tolook after the

environment and beenergy efficient

We’ve got him!Hooray for Waldo!

Back home...The litter bugwon’t be gettingany presents thisChristmas

I’d behappy with acold tabletor two

AITCHOO!

Thanks for yourhelp today, Waldo.With a nose thatbright, Santa Clausmight be next to askfor a helping hand!

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Blooming lovely!The scheme to restoreWallsend Parks to its formerglory has been given a financialboost.

The Heritage Lottery Fund hasawarded £160,500 to enable thecouncil and local community todevelop final specifications for the £7mscheme – a key part of the plans forthe regeneration of the town.

Once they are agreed, the council canthen submit the second phase of thebid for a further £2.5m of HeritageLottery Funding.

Wallsend Parks consists of Prince RoadArboretum, Richardson Dees Park andthe Civic Hall grounds and date backto the 19th Century when they weredonated to the town to become publicopen spaces.

They aim of the project is to restorethem to their original beauty and newfacilities will include improved access,new sports facilities, new playsite,toilets, café and community trainingrooms.

Several historic features will berestored, including the bowls pavilion,Park Lodge, Duffy Memorial Fountain,Vinery wall and Wallsend Hall upperpromenade.

Plans were drawn up after extensiveconsultation with local residents,schools, parks users and other groups.

Year 7 pupils at Burnside Business andEnterprise College, assisted by aprofessional film producer, created aDVD about the parks, whichaccompanied the bid document earlierthis year.

Linda Lowther, Secretary of the Friendsof Wallsend Parks, said:“This is fantasticnews.This is a project we havecampaigned for since 1997 and itmatters so much to the people ofWallsend.

“It is important we all work together todeliver the specifications requested bythe Heritage Lottery Fund so we canbid for the further £2.5m.”

Lottery award forWallsend Parks

Villagers in North Tyneside havestruck gold – thanks to their hardwork and attention to detail.

Earsdon picked up a gold award andthe coveted title of ‘Best Village’ in thisyear’s Britain in Bloom contest.

Superb floral displays and colourfulhanging baskets helped the village togo one better than last year, when itwas awarded second place.

Roger Burnett, chair of the judgingpanel, said:“Despite the poor summerweather, the finalists proved beyonddoubt just what can be achievedwhen communities work together.”

The council’s grounds maintenanceteam played its part in helpingEarsdon scoop the Best Village title,providing more than 12,000 plantsand bulbs for the various displays andflowerbeds.

The team also carried out regulargrass-cutting, watering and strimmingsessions to ensure the village lookedin tip-top condition for the judges.

Environment update

Upclose •December 200822

In these days ofchanging weatherpatterns, when suddenoutbursts of very heavyrain can lead to flashflooding, it pays to beprepared.

It pays to plan in advance - floodwatercan rise very quickly and you may nothave time to get organised onceflooding starts.

Following recent flooding incidents, itwas apparent those people who hadinsured both their houses and contentsrecovered more quickly and with lessstress than those who had noinsurance.

While no amount of money canreplace the very personal possessionsthat many people lost, families withcontents insurance were able toreplace damaged cookers, fridges,freezers, floor coverings and furniture.

Flood damage is included in mostbuildings insurance policies but checkyour home and contents are covered.

The council has negotiated a schemewith Royal & Sun Alliance that meanscouncil tenants can have contentsinsurance, available through low-costweekly payments.

For more information, please phone643 2360 or email:

tenants.insurance@northtyneside.gov.uk

Handy hints:

Prepare a flood kit containing sparehouse and car keys, personaldocuments, torch, battery or wind-up

radio, mobile phone, rubber gloves,wellington boots, waterproof clothing,spare clothes, first aid kit and blankets.

Keep details of your insurance policyand the emergency contact numbersomewhere safe - preferably as part ofyour flood kit.

You may need to be evacuated in ahurry. Always have a supply of yourmedication handy – take it with you.

Make a list of useful numbers –including the North Tyneside Councilemergency contact number(0191) 200 6800, the emergencyservices, your doctors, friends andrelatives.

Get into the habit of storing valuableor sentimental items and importantdocuments upstairs or in a high place.

Make sure you know how to turn offyour gas, electricity and water. If you’renot sure, ask the person who checks

Be preparedFamiliar scene: Flooding incidentshave occurred across the country inrecent years. It pays to be prepared.

23

your meter when they next visit. Markthe tap or switch with a sticker to helpyou remember.

If roads and gardens are flooding andyou feel that floodwater will get intoyour house:

� Call 999 if you believe there maybe a threat to life.

� Call the council on our emergencycontact number (0191) 200 6800and inform us of the situation.Wecan deliver sandbags but we needto know before the water gets intoyour house.

� Move as many of your belongingsand personal possessions as safelyas possible upstairs.

� If you can’t move some belongingsupstairs, lift them off the floor.

� If you feel water is about to enteryour home – turn off yourelectricity supply and unplugappliances.

� Ensure you and your family washthoroughly with soap and hot waterif you come into contact withfloodwater or silt, and cover anycuts with plasters.

� Remember, blocking air bricks andmaking some kind of barrier forexternal doors could help keepwater out of the property. Fillcarrier bags or pillowcases withsand or earth to use as sandbags.

� Do not allow children to play infloodwater - it could containsewage or oils and chemicals thathave leaked from vehicles or gardensheds.There may also be opendrain covers that cannot be seenbut can be deadly if stepped in.

� You also need to ensure the safetyof pets and animals. If you have tobe evacuated, ask if your pets can

come with you. If you have to leaveyour home without your pets, leavethem upstairs with food and ringthe RSPCA Emergency Servicenumber on 0870 55 55 999, or tryto arrange to leave them withfriends or family who are notaffected by the flood.

� Ask if any of your neighbours willneed help during a flood.

� Tune into BBC Radio Newcastle(95.4FM or 1458 MW or DABDigital) for the latest information.

� Move your car, motorbike, or anyother vehicle to higher ground toavoid risk of damage.

� Move dustbins, garden chemicals,gas cylinders, or anything else notfixed down, to a safe location.

When floodwater hassubsided• Do not enter your property until it is

safe to do so

• Do not switch on gas or electricitysupplies until they have been inspectedand declared safe by qualified suppliers

• Remember sandbags keep water in aswell as out – remove them when it’ssafe

• Do not use any food or drink that hasbeen in contact with floodwater

• Check your property for any structuralproblems caused by the flood andkeep a note for your insurancecompany.

• Launder clothing and bedding, includingchildren’s soft toys, at 60°C or aboveand discard items that cannot becleaned by putting them out forcollection (keep evidence of these foryour insurer)

• Do not eat garden or allotmentvegetables that have beencontaminated with floodwater - leavein the ground for two weeks and thenuse them after thorough and carefulwashing and cooking

Cleaning up• Always wear rubber gloves when

cleaning up and moving items thathave been in contact with floodwater

• As your home continues to dry out,vacuum loose material and dust on aregular basis

• Prevent children from playing on anysurface that has been in contact withfloodwater until it has been properlydecontaminated

• If you or any member of your familybecomes ill or swallows floodwatercontact your doctor and let themknow you have been flooded.

If you do have to leaveyour homeDo what the emergency servicestell you.

Do try to stay calm and thinkbefore taking any action.

Do lock all doors and windows

Do not put yourself or others atrisk to retrieve personal items.

NorthTyneside Councilemergency contact number –(0191) 200 6800

Protect your home

� Do not dispose of any damagedbelongings until you have checkedwith your insurance company.

� Contact your insurance companyimmediately – if you are a tenantyour policy should cover fixturesand fittings.Your landlord will beresponsible for buildings insurance.

Upclose •December 200824

tips for festive fire safety12On 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.

Protect your home

Who’s laughing now?

Excessive drinking isn’t a joke.Acting drunk & disorderly in public can leadto your arrest and a possible fine of £80

Residents who are most at risk ofdeveloping serious complicationsfrom flu are being urged to takeadvantage of a free jab as thewinter months approach.

Dr Mike Guy, North Tyneside PCT’smedical director, said:“Common coldsare frequently confused with flu, but flu

can be potentially life-threatening andwill generally require weeks of recoverytime.

“Those at greater risk of developingserious complications from flu shouldvisit their local surgery as soon aspossible to protect themselves fromthe virus in the months to come.”

Make sure you get your flu jab

Upclose •December 200826

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

New number tocontact anout-of-hours GPPeople who need to speak to a GPurgently when their own GPpractice is closed can now use anew reduced rate NHS telephonenumber.

Out-of-hours GP care for North Tynesideresidents is provided by NorthernDoctors Urgent Care (NDUC) inpartnership with the primary care trust.

If you fall ill between 6.30pm and 8am onweekdays, or any time during weekendsand bank holidays, NDUC can advise youon the different options for treatmentclose to where you live.

NDUC has a new NHS number -0300 123 4343 - for patients living Northof the Tyne to access out-of-hourstreatment with a doctor.

The new number offers a reduced ratefor local calls, numbers using evening andweekend lower rate packages, and thosefrom a mobile phone. Patients can still callthe existing NDUC number, which willcontinue to operate across the borough.

For out of hours 0300 123 4343

The best way to avoid catching flu is tobe immunised. To help avoid infectingyourself and others, cover your coughsand sneezes with a tissue - dispose ofit after one use - and wash your hands.

Talk to your local GP, nurse orpharmacist to find out more, or visit:www.nhs.uk/flu

27

Campaignencourageshospitalpatients tochoose

‘Good news – you choose’ is themessage being given to patients whonow have more control over where andwhen they have their hospital treatment.

North Tyneside PCT, working with otherprimary care trusts and NHS North EastStrategic Health Authority, isspearheading a major campaign toincrease the number of patients whoexercise their right to choose a hospitalappointment at the most convenient

Find out more at www.nhs.uk/choices or your local library.

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

time and place for them. This givespeople more flexibility so that they can fitappointments around their work, familyor other commitments.

Patients can make their choice in anumber of ways.They can speak to theirGP or another member of staff while inthe GP surgery. Alternatively patients canchoose at home, using the internet, orover the phone using the dedicatedappointment line.

GP practices arenow open longerThe majority of GPpractices in NorthTynesideare now extending theiropening hours to givepatients more flexibilityover appointments.

GP practices in the borough arecontracted by North TynesidePrimary Care Trust to provideprimary care medical services tolocal people and must openbetween the core hours of 8amand 6.30pm.

Now the majority of GPpractices are opening for longer– with some holding earlymorning sessions starting at 7amand evening sessions up to 8pm.Some practices are also openingon a Saturday morning.

Chris Reed, chief executive ofNorth Tyneside PCT, said:“A veryclear message from the public is

they would like more choiceover when they can visit theirGP. By opening earlier in themorning, later at night or atweekends, practices areproviding more flexibility.”

Upclose •December 200828

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WEEKEND DISCOUNTS - ASK FOR DETAILSNo one can recycle more of your waste All major credit cards acceptedWaste recycling/topsoil and recycled aggregatesDemolition and asbestos removal

Email: emma.henderson@holystoneltd.co.uk www.holystoneltd.co.uk

An innovative project to delivera world-first attraction off theNorthTyneside coastline hasbeen awarded funding forfurther investigation.

The £29,525 grant of Sea Changefunding, through the Commission forArchitecture and the Built Environment(CABE), will enable the council and itspartners to consider the feasibility ofdelivering Project Trident - a new andexciting initiative for the coastal zone.

The overall project aims to deliverexciting opportunities for tourism,businesses, marine ecology, and leisureand recreation.

A multi-functional, artificial reef thatcould provide a focus for a range ofwater-based activities, including diving,angling, surfing and marine ecology isjust one part of the scheme.

The grant will also support furtherinvestigation into the options forbuilding on the current success ofTynemouth Station in providing acultural display space, thriving smallbusinesses and a visitor attraction.

Options will also be explored toenhance the seafront promenadelinking Whitley Bay, Cullercoats andTynemouth to encourage greatermovement between the three resorts,spreading the benefits to the localeconomy along the whole coastal strip.

Project Trident has the support of arange of partners including EnglishHeritage, One NorthEast, theUniversity of Newcastle and ScottishAssociation for Marine Science.

Once the feasibility study has beencompleted, the partnership will be wellplaced to bid for major funding.

Boost for Project Trident

29

What’s on inNorthTyneside

Working closerwith communities

Christmas2008

Upclose •December 200830

TheVictorian Christmas Market in North Shields onDecember 13 and 14 is bound to be a major draw – witharound100 stalls selling seasonal gifts, crafts and food.

And to get you in the mood, the borough’s festive displaysare bigger, better and brighter than ever!

The lights inWhitley Bay have been replaced and extendedinto the whole of ParkView and South Parade while StMary’s Lighthouse will again be lit up.

North Shields’ lights feature a major expansion intoNorthumberland Square. Look out for a special light in theshape of an angel at the square’s entrance designed byMarden High School pupil Cameron Burn.

Cameron won a competition to design a Christmas light andwill proudly perform the switch-on ceremony on Friday,November 21, at 6pm.The rest of the borough’s lights will beturned on shortly afterwards.

On show again inWallsend will be last year’s winning lightdesign, by Carville Primary School pupil Bethany Horn.

Last year, for the first time, four Christmas trees wereinstalled on roundabouts across the borough.This year, thatnumber has been increased to eight.

The 30ft trees, which come from a sustainable forest, areilluminated. Floral planters across the borough also have afestive theme, containing holly, ivy and conifers.

We hope you enjoy NorthTyneside’s festive displays and theevents taking place around the borough.

Have a merry Christmas!

Welcome to your guideto what’s happening inNorthTyneside thisChristmas.From traditional carol services to trips onthe Santa Special, there’s something foreveryone!

31

What’s on inNorthTynesideFriday, November 21Christmas Lights switch-on – Northumberland Square,North Shields.The Smoking Sisters Choir will be singing traditional Christmassongs and carols from 5.45pm.The switch-on takes place at 6pm.

Saturday, November 22Santa Parade – Beacon Centre, North Shields.From 11.30am. Then see Santa in his grotto every Thursday, Friday andSaturday (11am to 4pm) until December 20. Entrance to the grotto is free.

Saturday, November 22 and Saturday, November 29Make your own tree decorations – Churchill Pavilion,Churchill Playing Fields,Whitley Bay.Learn how to make your own willow stars, angels and bows withWhitley Bay Community Allotment and Gardens.Your creations willbe displayed on the black poplar tree at the Dusk to Dark event onDecember 6. From 10am to noon, free admission. Book your place bycontacting Jean Morrison on 251 1861 or Bill Nilan on 07866 587 269.

Thursday, November 27Willow angels – at the Rising Sun Country Park.Get into the Christmas spirit by making your own willow angel - ideal as apresent or decoration! From 10am to 3pm. £33 per person, lunch and refreshmentsprovided. For adults only. Pre-booking essential – phone 200 7841.

November 29 & 30, December 6 & 7, 13 & 14, 20 & 21Santa’s Grotto – St Mary’s Lighthouse,Whitley BayAdmission to Santa’s Grotto is £3.25, which includes a gift for each child. See advert onpage 34 for opening times.

Friday, December 5NorthTyneside Disability Forum Christmas party –the Shiremoor Centre, Earsdon Road. Noon to 3pm.Lots of entertainment in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Buffet food and drink available.(200 8570 or visit: www.ntdf.co.uk)

Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6St Nicholas Festival –Whitley Bay town centre.The festive favourite features a farmers’ market and street entertainment. For more detailsphone 643 6419.

Saturday, December 6Christmas market at Silverlink Biodiversity Park.Festive celebrations including Salvation Army band – noon onwards.

Northumberland Square

North Shields

Carol Service - 10am (Saturday only)

Saturday 13 December 10am - 5pmSunday 14 December 10am - 4pm

AROUND 100 CRAFT, GIFT AND FOOD STALLSTRADITIONAL ENTERTAINMENT, FESTIVE MUSIC

TELEPHONE: (0191) 643 6419 FOR MORE INFORMATIONOR VISIT: WWW.VICTORIANMARKET.CO.UK

33

Saturday, December 6Dusk to Dark – Churchill Playing Fields,WhitleyBay.Join Whitley Bay Community Allotment and Gardens inmarking National Tree Week.The event willfeature a tree-decorating workshop, lights switch-on and treeplanting plus entertainment from circusact Bell and Bullock, story telling from Chris Bostock, musicfrom Smoking Sisters and light refreshments.From 4pm to 6pm, free admission.

Festival of ChristmasTrees – St Andrew’s Church,Benton.From 10am to 4pm (Close to Benton Metrostation.)Enjoy an exhibition of decorated Christmas trees and join inthe carol singing. Childrencan make a tree decoration to take home. Stalls,refreshments. All proceeds to Shelter.

December 6 & 7, 13 & 14, 20 & 21Santa Specials – Stephenson Rail Museum,North Shields.Join Santa on a magical journey. Take a trip on a real steamtrain and enjoy the entertainment, festive food and drink anda gift from Father Christmas.Tickets now on sale – phone200 7146. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Sunday, December 7Christmas crafts for children –at the Rising Sun Country Park.Indoor activities at the countryside centre for youngsters tomake their own Christmas gift or tree decoration. Includeswillow work, candles and country-style crafts. (Noon to3pm). Suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied byan adult. For more details, phone 200 7841.

Saturday, December 13St Columba’s Church,Northumberland Square,North Shields.Tynemouth Choral Society present Handel’s Messiah andcarols for choir and audience. Starts 3pm. Tickets cost £7.50and include a mince pie and coffee. (Details – 257 8636)

Saturday, December 13and Sunday, December 14North ShieldsVictorian Christmas Market -Northumberland Square, North Shields.Around 100 stalls selling seasonal gifts, crafts and food.Traditional family entertainment, including carol singing, brassbands and street performers. Ice sculpting demonstrationsduring the weekend. Fairground rides for children.

If you feel the festive period justisn’t the same without a trip tothe panto, then you’re in luck!

Whitley Bay Pantomime Society will bepresenting Goldilocks and theThree Bearsat the People’s Theatre in Heaton whiletheir normal home at The Playhouseis being renovated.

JoannaWingate plays Goldilocks,Cheryl Moody is Prince Richardand the cast also includes14 talented dancers and acolourful chorus ofsingers, dancers andacrobats.

The production runsfrom January 5 to 10and tickets are now onsale, priced £6 to £9.Discounts may begiven for groups.Phone 252 3681for more details.

Santa will be dropping in for awelcome rest at his grotto onSt Mary’s Island during thefollowing times:

If you have any last-minute Christmas shopping to do,why not popinto the lighthouse gift shop,which stocks a range of novel festive gifts.

Special ‘stranding event’Tuesday,December 2310.30am to 3pm

While stranded on the island,the children will be able to enjoyChristmas games, crafts, storiesAND a visit to Santa!

£7.50 per childBooking essentialPlease provide packed lunch

To make a booking for the ‘stranding event’or for more details, phone 200 8650 oremail: stmaryslighthouse@northtyneside.gov.uk

� Saturday, November 29 10am to 1.30pm� Sunday, November 30 10am to 1.30pm� Saturday, December 6 11am to 3pm� Sunday, December 7 noon to 3pm� Saturday, December 13 10am to noon� Sunday, December 14 10am to 12.30pm� Saturday, December 20 11.30am to 3pm� Sunday, December 21 12.30pm to 3pm

Admission to Santa’s Grotto is £3.25,which includes a gift for each child.

35

During the Victorian Christmas Market, St Columba’sChurch in Northumberland Square will be opening itsdoors and selling hot soup, sandwiches, scones and mincepies. 10am to 4pm, Saturday and noon to 3pm, Sunday.North Shields Baptist Church in Howard Street will have arange of charity and church stalls. Refreshments available.10.30am to 3.30pm, Saturday.

Sunday, December 14 (afternoon andevening) and Monday, December 15(evening)Christmas concerts, presented by NorthTynesideMusic Service – at The Sage, Gateshead.Featuring festive performances from various ensembles,including North Tyneside Youth Choir, Concert Band andOrchestra.The groups, whose ages range from six to 18,have rehearsed every Saturday morning and are thrilled tobe performing at The Sage. For more details, or to booktickets, contact Toni Ford on 200 1525 or email:toni.ford@northtyneside.gov.uk

Saturday, December 20Carols around the ChristmasTree - BackworthVillage Hall.Backworth Colliery Band performs a selection of traditionalfavourites. From 6pm to 7pm.For more details, phone 01670 790 412

Friday, December 26Woodlawn Christmas PuddingFun Run - the Links,Whitley Bay.A great way to lose those festive pounds.The 3.5 mile run is supported by North ShieldsPoly. Starts at 10.30am – all competitors get a freeChristmas pudding! Entry fee: adults £6, under-16s £3.For more details, contact Woodlawn School - 200 8729

Friday, December 26Boxing Day SwimJoin the North Sea Volunteer Lifeguards for their annual dip.Meet at HQ on lower promenade,Whitley Bay.Registration 10am, swim 10.30am to noon.Email: boxingday@nsvl.org for more details.

Thursday, January 1Monkseaton Morris Men -the Ship Inn, Monkseaton. (noon)Come along and support the Morris Men for what hasbecome a real North Tyneside tradition.For more details: www.monkseatonmorrismen.co.uk

Thursday, January 1NewYear’s Day Dip -Whitley BayJoin the members of the Panama Swimming Club for theirannual North Sea dip! Meet at 10.30am, swim at 11am.Email: info@panamaswimmingclub.co.uk

All information correct at time of going to print.

Winter snapscompetitionSend us your winter photographs of NorthTyneside andthe best will be used in a new series of council postcards.

There are two categories - under 16; 16 and over. Inaddition, NorthTyneside Homes are sponsoring twofurther categories – for the best photo in each age groupby someone living in one of their properties.

The best photograph within each category will be chosenby a panel of judges and featured on a set of postcardsavailable at local libraries.

All entries will also be showcased on the council’swebsite.The closing date is 4pm on January 31, 2009.

Photographs can be emailed to:competition@northtyneside.gov.uk

Prints should be sent toWinter Snaps Competition,Marketing and Communications,NorthTyneside Council, Quadrant,Silverlink North, Cobalt Business Park,NorthTyneside, NE27 0BY.

The photograph must have beentaken in NorthTyneside during2008/09.

Your entry should include yourname, age, address and telephonenumber. It must also include abrief description of what thephotograph shows.

All digital entries should be inJPEG format.When using a digitalcamera, we suggest you have yourcamera set to the highestpossible quality setting.

The same applies to using amobile phone camera. However,it is advised that you use a phonewith a camera above fivemegapixels.

Prints must be of a high quality,preferably an 8”x6” print. Theycannot be returned.We cannotaccept slides or negatives.

Opening times for councilpremises, includingcustomer service centres,leisure centres and libraries,are subject to change duringChristmas and NewYear.

Please check with individualcentres for revised openingtimes.

Upclose •December 200836

From Monday, January 5 untilFriday, January 16, the councilwill be recycling old Christmascards and trees – and here’show you can help.

We will be collecting Christmascards from all schools, customerservice centres, libraries,community centres and theRoyal Quays tourist informationcentre.

And you can drop off yourChristmas tree at the followingcollection points:

� Car park adjacent to scout hut atBriardene Park,Whitley Bay.

� Foxhunters car park, Shields Road,Whitley Bay.

� Household waste recycling site,Wallsend Road, North Shields.

� The council’s Killingworth site –Harvey Combe entrance offStation Road.

We’redreaming ofa whiteChristmasand a GREENNewYear!

Please ring Envirolink –

0845 2000 103– for opening times after Christmas.

Did you know?A satisfactory level of warmth is generally acceptedto be 21°C in the living room and 18°C in other rooms.

37

Project provides a

As winter arrives, keeping warm and cutting energycosts is a top priority for all residents.

AndWarm Zone – a partnership between the council and agovernment-backed scheme – is helping people to save energyand tackle ‘fuel poverty’ (when households spend more than10 per cent of their income on fuel for heating, hot water,cooking, lighting and electrical appliances).

The project is planning to visit every household in the boroughand can provide help in various ways.

Free cavity wall and loft insulation is being offered where thefollowing criteria are met:

� A member of the household is over 60� The occupants are claiming certain qualifying benefits� After assessment, you are deemed to be spending more than

10 per cent of your household income heating your home� You live in a council property� There is a dependant child under five living in the house.

However, those who don’t meet these criteria can still takeadvantage of a subsidised scheme - paying from just £99 for loftand/or cavity wall insulation.

The team can also offer the latest energy efficiency measures,such as low-energy light bulbs or expert and impartial adviceon saving energy.

If you want to know more about the scheme, contact NorthTyneside’sWarm Zone team on either 223 4199 or 223 4197.

Residents struggling withthe cost of heating mightfind they are entitled toextra cash.

TheWarm Zone project is offeringresidents a service to help them claimbenefits they are entitled to – and inthe first 12 months, NorthTynesideresidents are £500,000 better off.

Among those benefiting is Susan Faller(above) of Royal Quays. She had cavitywall and loft insulation added to herhome free of charge.

The scheme also helped Susan, whosuffers from arthritis of the spine, toclaim disability living allowance, whichshe didn’t realise she was entitled to.

“It’s made a real difference to me,”she said.“The additional cavity wallinsulation and loft insulation mean thehouse is always warm and is helpingkeep me mobile.

“And finding out about how I couldclaim the extra benefit was justfantastic. I feel in top form now.”

Warm Zone Director Alan Milburnsaid:“A warmer home costing less toheat, added to additional income, is awin-win situation for the client.

“All we want to do is help as manyhouseholds as possible.That’s what weare here for!”

Plans to regenerate the NorthBank of theTyne – and revitaliseWallsend town centre with auniversity presence – havetaken a major step forward withthe appointment of consultantsto produce a masterplan.

International property andregeneration expert GVA Grimley hasbeen selected by the North Bank ofthe Tyne Project Board - a partnershipbringing together North TynesideCouncil, Newcastle City Council, OneNorthEast and English Partnerships, tolead on this ambitious regenerationstrategy.

The blueprint produced will guide thedevelopment of the 600-hectare site,stretching from the Walker RiversideIndustrial Park in Newcastle to the BullRing Dock in North Shields.

This includes making recommendationson the future use of the former SwanHunter shipyard site and theregeneration of Wallsend town centre,with a university presence at thecentre.

A priority for the project is to provideincreased training and employment

opportunities for residents, particularlyfor young people in the area.

“All partners are committed todelivering on our shared vision ofrevitalising the North Bank of theTyne,” said elected mayor JohnHarrison, who has led on the project,initiated by the closure of SwanHunter.

“Together we want to create a thrivingarea of growth, of continued regionalimportance for marine and otheremployment development, with theeducation and skills so vital to ourregion at its core, supporting thesustainability of local communities,particularly Wallsend.“

The GVA Grimley team will build onthe findings of the White,Young Greenscoping study, which recommendedthe swathe of land along the NorthBank of the Tyne has significantpotential to grow the region’s marine-related industries, which are already atthe forefront of marine technology.

It is expected GVA Grimley will reviewall the existing planning blueprints forland in the area to create a singleframework for delivery. Prioritiesinclude ensuring improved accessibility

and transport opportunities linking theriverside and adjacentneighbourhoods.

Consultation with the localcommunities and key stakeholders –including businesses and landowners –will be an important part of theproject.

Gerry Hughes, of GVA North Tyneside,said:“To produce a strategy for such animportant part of North Tyneside, andindeed the North East region, is afantastic opportunity. It is not everyday that you get the chance to set aregeneration strategy for 600 hectareson one of the most iconic waterfrontsin the world.”

Ed Rowley, Acting Director ofRegeneration at One NorthEast, said:“The North Bank of the Tyne hasmassive redevelopment potential andwill be one of the most significant andexciting regeneration schemes seen inthis region.

“We believe the site will become oneof the region’s leading locations forindustry and education and theappointment of GVA Grimley is asignificant step towards realising thispotential.”

Boost for North Bank

Upclose •December 200838

The regeneration of North ShieldsFish Quay has reached a pivotal pointwith completion of the restoration ofone of the town’s most historicbuildings.

The Irvin Building dates back almost100 years and was previously a ship’schandler’s business that was key to theeconomy of the local area.

It faced dereliction until six years agowhen it was spot listed. It is the firstkey building to be rescued in theTownscape Heritage Initiative schemethat started in 2007.

English Partnerships, the HeritageLottery Fund and North TynesideCouncil have grant-aided the presentconversion of the Irvin.

Gentoo Ventures acquired the GradeTwo listed building last year and has

now converted the large warehouseinto a range of apartments, offices anda restaurant.

Andrew Jones, head of property forGentoo Ventures, said:“Theopportunity to breathe life back intosuch a historically prominent buildingwas something we relished.The Irvinbuilding is of huge local interest with agreat heritage.”

However, the Irvin Building is just oneaspect of the successful regenerationprogramme being delivered by thecouncil and its partners.

The aim is to deliver a vibrant area forbusinesses, residents and tourists.

At the centre of the heritage-ledregeneration scheme is the ongoingarchaeological work at Clifford’s Fort,which has recently had a section of the

counter-scarp wall revealed with theassistance of funds from the EnglishHeritage Conservation AreaRegeneration Scheme.

New interpretation boards are to beadded to help visitors understand themonument and the Fish Quay’s richhistory.

Scheduled monument consent hasbeen granted for the creation of publicspace within the fort, this includesre-interpreting the original fortbuildings, within the paving.This workwill proceed on completion of theconversion of the Quay Master’s officeand old Barrack Building, to officeaccommodation.

This will complement the success ofthe restoration of Vita House,Workingabove the shops project, and theSmokehouse that also providedaccommodation for businesses.

39

Work completed onIrvin Building

Regeneration

Start 2 Earn can help find a job for you

0191 200 7198 www.northtyneside.gov.uk

Make your

life workAre you a lone parentlooking for flexible work?

Are you claimingincapacity benefit?

Do you lack the skills tofind the job you want?

41

Residents are being invited to join landowners anddevelopers in suggesting potential sites for new homes.

The sites, along with those already identified by the council during itsassessment of available land, will then be subject to a programme ofengagement to decide which should be included in new 15-year plans.

North Tyneside is currently drafting its Local Development Documents,which will replace the current Unitary Plan and provide the planningblueprint for the borough up to 2022/2023.

As well as existing sites, the council has to provide 4,500 new homesover 15 years to support the government’s policies for the region and itseconomy, as set out in the Regional Spatial Strategy.

Each site will have to be considered against a range of issues, includingroad access, public transport, local services and existing use.

Anyone wishing to suggest a possible site can either email:planning.policy@northtyneside.gov.uk or write to: Planning Policy, NorthTyneside Council, Quadrant,The Silverlink North, Cobalt Business Park,North Tyneside, NE27 0BY.

Meanwhile, the council has been recognised nationally for its success indelivering successful housing that complements strong economic growth,record new business start-ups and employment levels above nationalaverage.

In July, it was granted national Housing Growth Point status by thegovernment, entitling the borough to a share of £97m tohelp tackle local infrastructure problems, unlock sitesfor new housing and enhance the localenvironment.

Suggest ahousing site

The council is setting up newarrangements for its construction,repairs and maintenance service.

It will be working with a private sectorpartner to improve the service and thenew partnership will build, repair andmaintain council houses, schools andpublic buildings.

North Tyneside has sent a questionnaireto all tenants and leaseholders toestablish their priorities for the service.

Using the best modern working practices,the new partnership will be able to takeon more work and achieve better valuefor money.

Existing staff will become employees ofthe new company and their employmentand pension rights will remain in place.The trade unions are fully involved andsupportive of the new scheme.

The council is currently talking to the finaltwo short-listed bidders - Kier Group anda consortium involving Keepmoat andEnterprise - before making a decisionearly next year.

The new service should be in placeduring the summer of 2009.

Construction,repairs andmaintenance

Upclose •December 200842

Raising the flag for the

It’s usually the location fordebates and decisions but thecouncil chamber featuredskipping and singing when ithosted theYear of Sportlaunch.

The event featured a demonstration bynational skipping champions, the Blueand Whites. Cullercoats Primary Schoolperformed a dance routine andshowed their fitness on rowingmachines.

Hazlewood Choir, made up of pupilsfrom Hazlewood Community PrimarySchool, performed a song for theguests.

The Year of Sport will feature around100 events for people to take part in.It will also recognise the borough’sunsung sporting heroes and provide ahelping hand to talented athletes.Afterwards, elected mayor JohnHarrison raised a special flag outsideQuadrant to launch North Tyneside’sYear of Sport.

“Sport plays an important role in thelives of many people. As well as beingfun, it can also contribute to a healthylifestyle,” he said.

“Our commitment to sport can beseen by an investment worth around£30m in leisure facilities across theborough, including Tynemouth Pool,TheLakeside Centre,Whitley Bay LeisurePool and Wallsend Pool.

“The Year of Sport aims to encourageas many people as possible to getinvolved in a wide variety of activitiesand events.”

Year of Sp

43

ort

Celebrating ourunsung heroesNorthTyneside’s top sports personalities willbe honoured at a special ceremony in March.

As well as showcasing talented performers, the awards aim tocelebrate the work of coaches, officials and volunteers.

The council will host the inaugural Sports Personality Awardsand are currently inviting nominations(deadline - January 31) for the following awards:

� Sports personality of the year� Disabled sports personality� Junior merit awards� Senior team� Junior team� Sport coach� Junior sport volunteer� Senior sport volunteer� Services to sport

Applications are available fromSports Development on 643 7447,

or email sportsdevelopment@northtyneside.gov.ukYou can also apply online at

www.northtyneside.gov.uk/leisure

Talented sportsperformers grants scheme

Grants of up to £250 are available for allsports performers (aged over eight) wholive or compete for a club in the borough,at regional level or above.

Applications are accepted throughout the yearwith awards being made quarterly.

Panel deadline dates:� Wednesday, December 24 2008� Tuesday, March 24 2009� Wednesday, June 24 2009� Thursday, September 24 2009� Thursday, December 24 2009

Application forms are available from SportsDevelopment on 643 7447 or emailsportsdevelopment@northtyneside.gov.ukYou can also apply online at:www.northtyneside.gov.uk/leisure

During the Year of Sport, each month’s eventsreflect a particular theme. January is‘determination’ and features the CarltonBadminton Championships at The Parks sportscentre in North Shields.

Social and recreational players from NorthTyneside are invited to take part in thechampionship, which takes place on January18 and 19. For more details on how to enter,contact the Sports Development unit on643 7447.

For more information about the Year of Sport,visit www.northtyneside.gov.uk

DomesticAbuseOne in three women willsuffer some form of physicalor emotional abuse at thehands of a partner or familymember during theirlifetime.

And men, as well as women, can findthemselves at risk. In 90 per cent ofdomestic violence cases, children are in thesame or next room during a violent attack -and the damage to a child can be complexand far-reaching.

Don’t ignore the warning signsHave you experienced any of the following from your partner,ex-partner or a family member?

� Being belittled, criticised or put down� Being stopped from seeing family and friends� Not being allowed to have money or other essentials� Violence or threats of violence� Being told what to do or what to wear� Threats to hurt your children or family� Intimidation� Being pressured into sex� Being blamed for their anger

You are not alone, you are not to blameIf you have been abused, you may feel trapped. You may have beenthreatened with more violence if you try to leave or your abusermay be threatening self-harm.You may fear you won’t be believed, asyour partner is outwardly charming in front of other people, or youmight feel the abuse is somehow your own fault.

Make the first stepYou have the right to live free from abuse and the threat of violence.There are services to support you, whatever your situation, and youdo not need to leave your home. You can get help with findingsomewhere safe and secure to live, accessing benefits and financialsupport, and support with any legal processes.

Contact usThe panel on the right shows the numbers you can call if you thinkyou might need help.You can also contact domestic abuseco-ordinator Lesley Pyle on 200 6247 or emaillesley.pyle@northtyneside.gov.uk, for a copy of the North TynesideDomestic Abuse Directory, which is packed with useful advice andtelephone numbers.

The NorthTyneside Domestic Abuse Partnership brings together a range of agencies thatprovide services for those affected by domestic violence. It is committed to enhancingthe protection, support and justice for victims and their children, as well as working

on prevention and intervention with those responsible for the abuse.

North Tyneside Council issupporting the International Dayof the Elimination of ViolenceAgainst Women on Tuesday,November 25.

Wear a white ribbon, availablefree from a number of councilbuildings across the borough, toshow your support.The ribbonsymbolises hope for a worldwhere women and children canlive free from violence in thehome.

Don’

44

Don’t suffer in silence

NorthTynesideWomen’s Aid

251 3305Avenues

200 8590Victim Support

257 9079SAINT

293 1921Acorns

200 6302Norcare

261 2228Northumbria PoliceDomestic Abuse Helpline

0800 066 5555

Cathy’s storyCathy, 28, and Mark, 32, seemed the perfect couple.The view from the inside was a very different story.

Mark was a funny and sociable man but had alwayshad ‘a bit of a temper’; his family often made a jokeabout how easily he could blow his top. At first Cathycould deal with it, until he turned it onto her.

When Cathy was three months pregnant and startingto show a bump, Mark regularly told her she was fat.When Cathy was six months pregnant, Mark threw aplate of food at her because it wasn’t cooked to hisliking.

When Cathy left work to become a full-time mother,Mark didn’t let her have any of ‘his’ money and Cathyhad to ask for everything she spent.When sheargued back and threatened to leave Mark, he toldher he loved her, that he couldn’t live without her -and reminded her that no one else would have her.She believed him and eventually gave up fighting back.

Cathy felt trapped. She had no money, nowhere elseto live, a baby, and a horrible feeling that it was allsomehow her fault.

She eventually plucked up the courage to call NorthTyneside Women’s Aid. For the first time, she feltunderstood. The trained staff helped her come toterms with her situation, and spoke to her about heroptions. She eventually plucked up the courage toleave and now lives safely with her son. She isrelaxed and happy, and is slowly returning to thebright and confident woman she used to be.

Names have been changed to protect identities

’t ignore it

45

Upclose •December 200846

Rugby star JonnyWilkinsonand soccer legend MalcolmMacdonald have joined thecampaign to save SeatonDelaval Hall.

The pair are among thousands of peopleacross the region who are backing theNational Trust’s bid to preserve the hall –described as a forgotten gem of Britisharchitecture - for the nation.

More than £6m must be raised by Januaryto save the hall from being sold privatelyand possibly turned into a hotel or golfclub.

Liz Fisher, area manager for the NationalTrust, said:“We are leaving no stoneunturned when it comes to fund-raisingopportunities.”

An appeal has gone out to the trust’s 3.5million members; specialist teams haveapplied to grant-making bodies for fundingand local communities are rallying roundto stage fund-raising events.

These have included sponsored cyclerides, family fun days and art auctions.

“We can’t thank people enough forthe support they have shown,” saidLiz. “It’s great to see everybody in theregion rallying round to save the hall.Every donation, no matter how small,really does help.”

Designed in 1719, Seaton DelavalHall, near Seaton Sluice, was the finalmasterpiece of Sir John Vanbrugh,who had earlier designed CastleHoward and Blenheim Palace.

More than 25 leading architects havecalled for the hall to be saved,describing the building as ‘a landmarkof the English Baroque.’

If the campaign is successful, the trustis keen to see the hall and 450 acresof gardens and parkland become thehub of the community. It believes thenumber of visitors could reach 50,000a year within five years, with spin-offbenefits for businesses in the region.

Suggestions include a heritage andarts centre; a base for education andlearning or even a visitor attractionsuch as the Alnwick Garden.

How youcan helpFrom barbeques to bungee-jumping, and from karaoke tocake-baking, there are dozens ofways you can raise money to helpsave Seaton Delaval Hall.

The National Trust has adownloadable fundraising pack,which is full of handy tips to makeyour event a complete success.Visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

You can also contact Iain Miles on01670 773 939 for a communityfundraising pack.

Cheque donations should bemade out to the National Trustand sent to Seaton Delaval HallCampaign, the National Trust,PO Box 39,Warrington WA5 7BR.

back campaignSporting stars

47

Changes to

Blue BadgeScheme

Changes to theBlue Badgescheme arebeingintroduced fromDecember 1.

Following a review of thescheme, which provides parkingconcessions for the severelydisabled, the Department forTransport has issued newguidelines to local councils.

They take account not only howfar an individual can walk but alsothe manner and time it takes towalk up to 50 metres.

Other changes being introducedby North Tyneside includeautomatic approval for childrenunder two who need specialistequipment to move around.

The council will automaticallyrenew a Blue Badge if anapplicant is over 80 and provide afast-track service to terminally-illapplicants who would benefitfrom a Blue Badge in their lastweeks of life.

Application forms and moreinformation about the changesare available from the customerservices centres at the WhiteSwan Centre, Killingworth;Unicorn House, North Shields;Park House,Wallsend and VictoriaTerrace,Whitley Bay.

You can also download anapplication form from the councilwebsite:www.northtyneside.gov.uk

Parking restrictions in forceMotorists who ignore parkingrestrictions outside schoolsnow face a £70 fine.

The council has been given thego-ahead to make the yellow‘keep clear’ markings outsideschools compulsory andenforceable.

The restrictions came into forcefrom the beginning of the school

term in September although anamnesty period was introducedto enable parents to be toldabout the new rules.

Motorists who ignore therestrictions will be fined £70,reducing to £35 if paid within14 days.

Cllr Norma Redfearn, cabinetmember for Children,Young

People and Learning, said:“The amnesty period has nowrun out and we will issuefines to anyone who continuesto park in the ‘keep clear’zones.”

The move helps to fulfil one ofthe council’s pledges in its 5-50-500 campaign – to tackle baddriving and parking outsideschools in the borough.

Upclose •December 200848

Children in NorthTyneside who areoverweight or obesecan benefit from a freeweight-managementprogramme.

The sessions, for children under 11and their parents, are calledCarnegie Clubs and have beendeveloped by NorthTynesidePrimary CareTrust and the councilin partnership with CarnegieWeightManagement - experts in childhoodobesity.

The clubs will help children likeLauren English, aged nine. MumMaureen used to find shopping forschool uniforms a nightmare asLauren needed large sizes that couldonly be found in teenagedepartments.

Now it’s a different story - afterchanging to a healthy diet and gettingregular exercise, Lauren (left) has lostweight and fits into average sizeclothes for her age.

“When we bought Lauren’s uniformlast year we had to get a bigger sizethat would fit someone far older,”said Maureen. “This year, we wereable to go to the children’sdepartment and find exactly what wewanted.”

Lauren, a pupil at Goathland PrimarySchool, went to see her GP lastDecember with a chest infection andwas told her body mass index washigh.

“We were warned she could end upwith heart disease and all sorts ofhealth problems, so we decided toget some help to do somethingabout it,” said Maureen.

“It was like a wake-up call and it washer choice – she was old enough to

know what she was doing. Shestopped eating sweets, and we startedto buy fruit and vegetables, trydifferent snacks and have a banana orapple instead of crisps.”

Lauren also started taking moreexercise and, along with her10-year-old brother, enjoys usingexercise equipment in the garden.

“The weight has come off slowly butsteadily and she has much moreconfidence and is far happier now,”said Maureen. “In fact, it’s changedthe way we all eat.”

Jan Ogle, lead public health nurse forchildhood obesity, said: “Lauren hasdone really well and has helped thewhole family change to a healthierlifestyle.

“There’s lots of help available andLauren has already signed up to joinour new Carnegie Clubs.They’re greatfun with a variety of activities on offerto help children and their familiesbecome fit, healthy and happy.”

Cllr Norma Redfearn, cabinet memberfor Children,Young People andLearning, said:“We want our youngpeople to be fit and healthy and go onto achieve their full potential. Byproviding early intervention throughthis scheme, we can help give ouryoung people the best possible startin life.”

The next 12-week programme willstart in January and is currentlyseeking interested families who wouldlike help and support to lead ahealthier lifestyle.

Carnegie Clubs

To register for a place, or for more information, please contact:Jan Ogle (programme co-ordinator) on 07990 513 739 orDiane Legg (programme administrator) on (0191) 643 7454.

Weight management scheme for children

49

Five thousand people in NorthTyneside are being asked whatthey think of their area andlocal public services.

The aim of the postal survey is toimprove the quality of life for residentsand provide better services.

The 5,000, who were selected atrandom, have been invited to fill in aquestionnaire – with a minimum of1,100 responses needed byDecember 19.

Receive newsfrom your localneighbourhoodpolicing teamdirect to your

mailbox.

We’ll send you information about ourlatest initiatives and useful crime preventionadvice as well as how you can get in touchwith your neighbourhood policing team.

Free online registration

Visit www.northumbria.police.ukEnter your postcode in the “where I live” section, this will takeyou to the NorthTyneside area pages. You will then be giventhe option to register for your free e-policing newsletter.

To contact your neighbourhood policing teamdirectly call: 03456 043 043 ext 69191

NORTHUMBRIA POLICE

e-policing news

Have your say make a difference

If you have received a questionnaire buthaven’t replied, please take theopportunity to have your say.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve only justmoved into the area or don’t paycouncil tax. It’s important thateveryone’s views are heard.

The survey covers various topics,including local decision-making; gettinginvolved; respect and consideration; andcommunity safety.

The findings will be sent to thegovernment, which will compare howdifferent local authority areas areperforming.

This information will then help publicservices such as the council, police,health and fire services to understandhow to provide better services forlocal people.

Results from the survey will also allowpeople to compare their area withother parts of the country.

All replies will be treated in confidenceand stored securely. If you have anyquestions about the survey, you caneither contact the Ipsos MORI helplineon FREEPHONE 0808 238 5402 oremail: having.your.say@ipsos-mori.com

You can also call Noreen Mulhern atNorthTyneside Council on 643 5625.

Fact-finding: The aim of thesurvey is to find outwhat people thinkabout public services,including thoseprovided by thecouncil.

Upclose •December 200850

51

Dear Resident,

We have great pleasure inpresenting to you NorthTyneside Council’s annualreport for 2007/08.

We are committed to ensuring that wekeep you not only better informed butalso better engaged with the council.

Over the next seven pages, this annualreport gives you important informationon the income we receive and theservices we provide.

However, we realise that in order tofully engage with you we need to domore than just provide you withinformation. And that is why we willbe running public events in Decemberand January that will provide you withthe opportunity to discuss theinformation in more detail and give usfeedback on our plans.

We believe true engagement is atwo-way process which is why wewould encourage you to attend one of

the events if you possibly can. Detailsare included on page 61. We lookforward to seeing you there.

As we have said many times, achievingand maintaining financial stability is akey objective of the council. Over thelast three years, we have made goodthat objective. We are now betterplaced than we have ever been; wehave improved the way we plan ourspending through a fully costed 10-yearspending plan directly linked topriorities.

As everybody knows, these are difficulteconomic times. As a council, we havea key role to ensure we provide asmuch protection for our residents aspossible and that we maintain the highquality cost-effective services you havebecome used to. Our financial stabilitymeans we are well placed to do that.

This has been a great year for thecouncil. We have been recognised asone of the fastest-improving councils inthe country; we have received morethan £100m to improve

accommodation for our olderresidents; been selected to be at theforefront of government spending onnew schools, potentially worth up to£100m, and received numerous grantsand initiatives that have contributed tothe services we provide.

As well as celebrating the progress wehave made, we also recognise the needfor even more improvements. Theseinclude better engagement andcommunication with you; more help forour older people; cleaner streets; lesscrime; investments in schools; moreactivities for our young people andmore value for every penny you spend.

Our vision, planning and delivery isbased on sound financial management.

We have come a long way already andwe have exciting plans that we believewill take us further – towardsbecoming the best local authority inthe country.

John Harrison, elected mayorAndrew Kerr, chief executive

Annual Report 2007/08

Financial stability is the keyto high-quality services

Commitment to residents:Chief executive Andrew Kerr (left) andelected mayor John Harrison.

Upclose •December 200852

Highlights of the yearThe council plans its work around fivemajor themes.These draw on ourvision for the borough in 2030 whichwas agreed with residents andpartners, such as the police, last year:

� Create positive futures for childrenand young people – Improve theireducation, health and social careand develop a sense of engagement

� Improve well-being – Encouragehealthy lifestyles and a good qualityof life

� Regenerate our borough – Createa prosperous borough and build forthe future

� Strengthen our communities –Create strong, sustainablecommunities that can live together

� Increase organisationaleffectiveness – Put the customerfirst and deliver high quality,cost-effective services.

Create positive futures forchildren and young people

All Children and Families services arerated as at least ‘good’ by inspectors.Ofsted inspections in October 2007demonstrated ‘excellent’ FosteringService provision, a ‘good’ AdoptionService and ‘good’ for Private Fosteringarrangements.

We’re investing in new schools andchildren’s buildings across the borough.A new special school, Beacon Hill, andthree new children’s centres haveopened.Work has started on the newbuilding for Monkseaton High Schooland the Building Schools for the Futureprogramme will fund the new build orsubstantial refurbishment of anotherfive secondary schools.

Two skills and enterprise centres arenow open, enabling young people todevelop the skills that employers need.Eventually, every area of the boroughwill have at least one skills and

enterprise centre. We’ve alsoprogressed plans for a ‘multiversity’ inWallsend, which will deliver high-qualityhigher education within the borough.

We’re developing 28 public play areasand an adventure playground. Fournew playsites have already been built,with children and young peoplecontributing to their design.The playsiteat Whitley Park won a LocalGovernment News award and waspraised for considering the needs ofchildren and the local community.

We had another record year for GCSEresults, with our best results ever. Ourexam results are above the nationalaverage at every Key Stage. Attendancein our schools continues to be betterthan the national average andpermanent exclusion rates arecurrently zero.

Our Fuel 4 Kids programme wassuccessfully piloted and will be rolledout to all primary schools, offering allprimary school children free breakfastand fruit.

Annual Report 2007/08

53

Improve well-being

Life expectancy in North Tyneside hasimproved again. A man living in NorthTyneside can now expect to live 3years longer than a man living here 10years ago and a woman 1.6 yearslonger.

Our new customer service centresbring together a range of council andpartner services under one roof, givingcustomers easier access with longeropening hours. Customer servicecentres at the White Swan Centre(Killingworth), Unicorn House (NorthShields) and the John Willie SamsCentre (Dudley) have all openedrecently.The network of local servicecentres will ensure that no residentwill live more than two miles awayfrom access to council services.

We’re continuing our record levels ofinvestment in adult social care. Ournew contract for home care servicesfocuses on the importance of timespent with clients, extending care slotsfrom 15 minutes to 30 minutes whereit’s needed.

We’re also increasing the quality andcapacity of residential care.The OlderPeople’s Homes for the Future projectis the single biggest capital investmentproject in the history of the council.Through it, we’ll build 12 new schemes,

completely refurbish 12 existingschemes and build a new cluster ofbungalows. By engaging with users, we’llmake sure these schemes meet theirneeds.

It was a successful second year for theMayor’s Well-being Fund, whichreceived 254 applications and funded209 individuals and organisations at acost of £456,000. The activities fundedincluded new wheelchairs for a ‘live athome’ scheme and the development ofa community garden.

The number of people using our sportand leisure facilities has increasedsignificantly this year, with more peopletaking up Ease Cards and membershipof our Contours gyms.

Upclose •December 200854

Regenerate our borough

Inspectors said that NeighbourhoodRegeneration in North Tyneside “. . . hasa good track record of deliveringsignificant levels of improvement andcontinues to reduce overall levels ofdeprivation in the borough.”

2007/08 saw continued expansion ofbusiness parks in North Tyneside.Cobalt Business Park has attractedcompanies such as Procter and Gamble,GE Money and Fujitsu and more thanhalf of the current total of 9,000 jobsare held by local residents.

We’re investing significant amounts ofmoney in the physical regeneration ofthe borough – £274m over the last fiveyears (£66m in 2007/08) across allCouncil Plan themes with £687mplanned over the next 10 years.

Major capital investments include:

� Opening of the award-winningLakeside Centre in Killingworth

� Refurbishing Whitley Bay LeisurePool

� Building a new pool and associatedhealth/fitness provision for Wallsend

� Stabilising the infrastructure of theLighthouse tower on St. Mary’sIsland

� New changing pavilions at LockeyPark and the Rising Sun SportsGround

� Investing £8m in the refurbishmentof the Playhouse

� Significant investment in therefurbishment/regeneration of theSpanish City Dome

� New Joint Service Centres atShiremoor and Dudley

� Building refurbishment andheritage/environmentalimprovements at North Shields FishQuay

� Whitley Park and the new skatepark

� A new bypass for Backworth andShiremoor

� Replacing Blue House Bridge on theCoast Road

Strengthen our communities

North Tyneside is still one of the safestareas to live, compared with similarparts of the country.We’ve continuedto reduce crime, with total crime downby 33.4 per cent from 2003/4 to2007/8 and we remain the lowestcrime area in Tyne and Wear.

We’ve begun work to ensure that by2010, every neighbourhood will have aneighbourhood agreement. A DecentNeighbourhoods Standard will set outservice delivery standards andneighbourhood charters will say whatthe council and key partnerorganisations will do to deliver againstthe priorities agreed with theneighbourhood, and whatresponsibilities will fall to localcommunities.

Between 2004/05 and 2010/11, we’reinvesting about £170m in improvingcouncil houses, with more than £27mof that spent in 2007/08. Our biggestinvestment in council housing for 30years will ensure all our housing meetsthe Decent Homes Standard by 2010.

We’ve set up a new SustainableDevelopment Unit to drive ourapproach to the environment.We’veset targets to reduce carbon emissionsacross the borough by 11 per cent by2011; we’re analysing our own carbonfootprint and use of natural resourcesand are developing plans to reduce ourenvironmental impact.

We’ve launched our ‘5-50-500’environmental campaign, whichincludes carrying out energy efficiencyaudits on five of our buildings. In2008/09, we’ll develop links betweenour work on sustainability with that ofour partners.

Through Warm Zone, the council iscommitted to visiting every home inthe borough to assess its energyefficiency. Our residents’ surveysuggested not everyone was happywith our current recyclingarrangements, so we’re replacing theblack box with a new wheeledrecycling bin with a lid.This year, for thefirst time ever, we halted the increase inthe overall amount of waste producedin North Tyneside and recycling ratescontinued to rise.

Increase organisationaleffectiveness

We’re improving accommodation forour staff as well as our customers.Thecouncil moved to Quadrant, our newcorporate headquarters at CobaltBusiness Park, in December 2007.Thedecision to move to Quadrant wastaken on the basis of the 25-year costof alternative accommodation options.

We achieved the efficiency savingstarget set by the Department forCommunities and Local Government

55

Annual Report 2007/08

with savings totalling £3.7m during the2007/08 financial year. Over the pastthree years, efficiencies totalling £11.2mhave been achieved. None of thesavings resulted in a reduced service tothe public. Our Annual Accounts areavailable in a wide variety of formats tomeet local user needs.

Our Community Cohesion Strategy willhelp us engage with all communities ofinterest and identity and give theirviews appropriate weight in decisionmaking.We also have a programme inplace to ensure we deliver on ourcommitment to equalities and diversity.

As we want to make it easier forresidents to get information about theservices we deliver, we are able toprovide our documents in alternativeformats including audiotape, large printand other languages – please contactMarketing and Communications on(0191) 643 5080.

What the inspectors saidIn 2007/08, inspectors assessed NorthTyneside Council as three-starand improving strongly - a significant improvement from the previousyear’s two-star and improving adequately rating. Only 25 other councilswere rated as improving strongly.

The inspectors said that:

� Adult social care services have improved significantly

� Health outcomes are improving and crime has fallen

� Services for children are improving, with GCSE results now the best inthe region and above national averages

� Benefits services remain excellent

� There has been investment in cultural facilities and improvements inenvironmental services

� Regeneration schemes are establishing new businesses, learning andemployment opportunities

� The housing service has the highest improvement nationally.

These assessments confirm that we are improving the quality of life for theresidents of North Tyneside.The inspectors also identified areas in need ofimprovement, including diversity and equality. Progress on these areas iscontinuing.

56 Upclose •December 2008

Revenue ExpenditureRevenue Expenditure is spending onthe day-to-day running expenses of thecouncil. It includes expenses such assalaries and wages, heating, lighting, rent,rates and stationery.

Income & ExpenditureAccount for the year ending31 March 2008

The income & expenditure accountbelow represents the cost of runningcouncil services between April 2007and March 2008, identifying where themoney came from to finance thesecosts.

Net cost of service by Council Plan theme - (£000’s) Total £166,628,000

£7,861

£41, 064

£59,011

Create positive futures forchildren & young people

Improve wellbeing

Regenerate our borough

Strengthen our communities

Increase organisationaleffectiveness

Corporate

�

�

��

�

�

£5,661

£15,071

£37,960

Net cost of services is the cost of theservices provided by the council e.g.schools, waste collection, social care etc.after taking account of any income orgrants received.

Net operating expenditure is theamount that is left to be funded aftertaking account of our contribution to thePassenger Transport Authority,Environment Agency,Tyne Port HealthAuthority and Northumbria Sea Fisheries,along with interest paid and received andother costs related to capital expenditure.This is the amount which needs to befunded from either Council Tax, NationalNon Domestic Rates or GovernmentGrants.

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

The Net Increase in General FundBalances for the year is the increase inthe balances held by schools as atMarch 31, 2008.

Full explanations of the terms used canbe obtained from the Statement ofAccounts . A copy of the accounts isavailable on the Council’s website or onrequest.

Central Services 2,868

Court & Probation Services 382

Cultural, Environment & Planning Services 44,322

Children & Education Services 43,792

Highways, Roads & Transport Services 5,825

Adult Social Care 55,596

Housing Services 3,906

HRA Services -1,098

Corporate & Democratic Core 5,374

Non Distributed costs 5,661

Net Cost of Service 166,628

Precepts and Levies 12,046

Interest Received & Investment Income -5,757

Interest Payable & Similar Charges 16,136

Appropriations and other Internal Accounting 7,507

Net Operating Expenditure 196,560

Financed by:

Council Tax -76,686

Revenue Support Grant -11,426

Non Domestic Rates -68,759

Net General Fund Deficit 39,689

Other Accounting Treatments -41,033

Net Increase in General Fund Balance for theYear -1,344

£000’s

Annual Report 2007/08

57

Capital expenditure by Council Plan theme - (£000’s) Total £78,422,000

£18,379

£30,381

£15,328

£1,067

£12,706

Create positive futures forChildren & Young People

Improve wellbeing

Regenerate our borough

Strengthen our communities

Increase organisationaleffectiveness

�

�

�

�

�

Sources of capital funding (£000’s)

£876

£25,251

£9.034

£14,671

£5,875

Government grants

Capital grants andcontributons

Reserves and contributions

Embarked receipts

Direct revenue funding

Unsupported( Prudential)borrowing

Supported borrowing andcapital receipts

Finance lease

Other

��

�����

�

��

£55

£60

£5,916

£16,684

Capital ExpenditureCapital expenditure generally is moneyspent by the council on purchasing,improving and upgrading assets suchas council houses and other buildings.The council and its residents receivethe benefit from this expenditure overa long period of time. The followingtable outlines the capital expenditureduring 2007/08.

Key achievements include:� Opening of the Lakeside Centre� Opening of Beacon Hill School� Opening of West Moor

community facilities� Opening of Lockey Park changing

facilities� Continued school improvements� Design work for Monkseaton High

School � Improvements to Blue House

Bridge and Burn Closes Bridge� Children’s Centre programme � Review of office accommodation � Major investment towards the

Decent Homes Standard of £27m.

North Tyneside 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 Jon Ritchie,Corporate Finance Manager, by Friday,December 19.

Email: jon.ritchie@northtyneside.gov.ukPhone: (0191) 643 5749Post: Quadrant, The Silverlink North,Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside,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? Please add any other comments about the Annual Report. (Please use extra paper if needed.)

Annual Report feedback

Upclose • December 200858

Fixed and other long term assets 1,168,455Cash in Bank 76,707Money owed to the Council 33,565Money owed by the Council -406,489Other short term assets 1,453Pension Fund Deficit -175,363Council Net Worth 698,328Financed by:Distributable Reserves -50,927Non Distributable Reserve -829,279Pension and Equal Pay Reserve 181,878

Housing Revenue Acount

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

The costs and income relating to the authoritiy’s councilhousing provision are shown in the table above:

Upclose • December 200858

Fixed and other long term assets 1,168,455Cash in Bank 76,707Money owed to the Council 33,565Money owed by the Council -406,489Oter short term assets 1,453Pension Fund Deficit -175,363Council Net Worth 698,328Financed by:Distributable Reserves -50,927Non Distributable Reserves -829,279Pension and Equal Pay Reserve 181,878

Fixed assets and other long term assetsare assets which have value to theCouncil for more than one year e.g.land, buildings and equipment

Money owed to the council includesdebtors and payments made inadvance

Money owed by the Council includeslong and short term borrowing, tradecreditors and income in advance

The Non Distributable Reserve is areserve earmarked for specificaccounting treatments which is notavailable to fund general expenditure.

Housing Revenue Acount

The housing Revenue Account is astatewment, for Council housing, whichincludes expenditure such as therepairs and maintenance of councilhouses, as wellas recording incomesuch as rents . It is a legal requirementto keep this expenditure /income in aseperate account.

The costs and income relating to theauthoritiy’s Counci lhousing provisionare shown in the table opposite:

Housing Revenue Account - Income & Expenditure (£000’s)

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

Capital Costs

Supervision & Management

Repairs & Maintenance

Other Costs

Other Income

Council House Rents

£12,238

£10,752

£3,460

-£5,129

-£40,727

£21,077

Summary Balance Sheet - What we own 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. Theimportance of our financial stewardship is reflected inCouncil Plan Objective 5.1 (and the Mayoral Priority 1),which is to manage our resources to provide value to theorganisation and the community.

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 were increased by £1.344m to£4.968m.

Council Housing: The council charges rent on the 15,718homes 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, 2008, the balance on the HRA was£3.252m.

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 council

receives the benefit from the assets for longer than one year.It also includes expenditure on structural changes to thecouncil, where we have express permission from centralgovernment to account for spend as capital expenditure.During 2007/08, we spent a total of £78.422m, of which£28.862m was on 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 originally compiledhaving regard to proper accounting practice, but for thepurpose of this summary some modifications have beenmade to provide more meaningful information.

The Audit Commission has audited the Statement ofAccounts and agreed that they present fairly the council’sfinancial position for 2007/08.

A full copy of these accounts is available on request and isalso on the council’s website. Please contact (0191) 643 5724 for further details.

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

Financial review

Fixed assets and other long-term assets are assets whichhave value to the council for more than one year, such asland, 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 2008 £000’s

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STARAwards

It’s your chance to name a star

Do you know a councilemployee, or team, whoprovides a great service?Perhaps they care for you in your home or cutthe grass on your estate. They may work at thelocal library or deal with your planning inquiry.

Each year, the council holds its Star Awardsevening to reward staff for their hard work andcommitment. Managers and employees nominatetheir colleagues in various categories.

The council wants local residents to be involvedin deciding which member of staff or team shouldwin the Community Award. This categoryrewards employees for providing an excellentservice and showing their commitment to thecouncil’s customers.

We would like you to nominate someone for theCommunity Award, telling us why they provide afirst class service and how they make yourexperience of council services a better one.

A panel of judges will look at the nominationsand choose three to go to the awards evening inFebruary, when the winner will be announced.

Pictured above: Last year’s winner, Kendal Fox -warden at Clifton Court sheltered housing unit,West Moor.

Community Award

Name of person/team

Their job title and service area

Your name

Your addess

Your telephone number

Your email address

Why do you think this person or team deserves an award?(Please use extra paper if you need to)When giving your reasons, please think about:

� How they go that little bit extra to provide a great service

� How they show their commitment to providing the best possible service

� How they have a positive effect on how you feel about council services

Please return by December 5 to Joyce Taylor, RecognitionCo-ordinator, HR Unit, 3rd floor, Quadrant, SilverlinkNorth, Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside, NE27 0BY.If you have any queries, please ring 643 5060or email: star.awards@northtyneside.gov.uk

Upclose • December 200860

FREE Workshops and advicefor anyone thinking aboutstarting a business

• Does being your own boss appeal to you, but not sure about a business idea? Then our Self Employment Exploration workshop is for you.

• Got an idea but not sure how to take it forward or what skills are needed?Then why not try our Starting Your Own Business workshop?

• Got an idea and just need to know how to get your business going?Then our How to Start in Business course of 5 sessions is for you.

We run regular workshops in venues local to you, there isno need to travel outside of North Tyneside and they mayeven be in your local community centre. We also have ateam of advisors who can provide free one to one adviceand support on how to start your business.

For more information and workshop dates contact Danielle on 0191 428 3319 or e-mail starting@tedco.org

www.tedco.org TEDCO

27%

Work with usand help usachieve ourgoals

Council vacancies

School crossing patrol officers£11,577 - £11,907 pa pro rata,various hours.Ref no: DE000103You will assist people to cross the road atprescribed points. Holidays cannot be takenduring the school term.

Cleaners£11,577 - £11,907 pa pro rata,various hours and locations.Ref no: DE000843You will provide a clean workingenvironment. Full training will be given.

Parking attendants£14,882 - £15,842 pa37hpw, permanentRef no: DS000321You will undertake street enforcementduties. Training will be provided, allowingyou to use computers, digital cameras andhand-held notice processing equipment.

These posts are ‘open’ posts and do nothave a closing date. Reference numberspreceded with DE require an enhanceddisclosure from the Criminal RecordsBureau, DS requires a standard disclosure.

We are committed totransforming the way wedeliver services, work withour partners and relate tolocal communities.

We have a range of jobs tosuit people with varyingskills and experience andare looking for staff whowill help us to achieve ourgoals.

You can apply online at www.sector1.net or www.northtyneside.gov.uk

You can also obtain an application form by phone (0845 2000 101), minicom(0191 219 2440) or email: recruitment@northtyneside.gov.uk

Please quote relevant reference number.

61

Ever wondered what the council is doingwhere you live?

DigiTV

Well, soon you’ll be able to, thanks to a new servicebeing provided by the council.

Looking Local is a digital channel through which youcan find and use local government services. It will allow you to request services, report incidentsor search for local and national information onsubjects such as healthcare, education, transport orcommunity facilities.

Future issues of Up Close will keep you informed about this exciting new project and when it will be available to local residents.

New service Comingsoon

Imagine being able to check what’s on in North Tyneside orreport an abandoned car while watching TV?

North Tyneside Council willbe running a series of publicevents across the borough inDecember and January aspart of the Council Plan andbudget engagement process.

Come and talk to the chief executiveand his senior team about thecouncil’s plans and how the money isspent.

This is your opportunity to hearabout our plans and have your say.

Refreshments will be available at allevents.

The dates are:

North East December 16South West January 6North West January 8South East January 14

Venues will be confirmed closer to thetime. For more information and tobook your place, call 643 7242, email:areas@northtyneside.gov.uk or visitwww.northtyneside.gov.uk

North East - includesWhitley Bay, Monkseaton,Shiremoor and Backworth.

South West - includesWallsend, Willington Quay,Battle Hill and Howdon.

North West - includesKillingworth, Longbenton,Holystone, Seaton Burn,Dudley and Wideopen.

South East - includes NorthShields, Cullercoats,Tynemouth and EastHowdon.

*Bottled water or medium cold dispensed drink. Free Sub must be of equal or lesser price.Free Sub not available with double meat, extra cheese, bacon or any other extras.

Limited time only at participating stores. No substitutions allowed. ©2008 Doctor’sAssociates Inc. SUBWAY® is a registered trademark of Doctor’s Associates Inc.

63

With up to 60 per cent off bigbrand names, Royal Quays is theplace to be for great gift ideas thisChristmas.

Enjoy high street fashion and homewaresfrom Marks & Spencer and Next whileBody Shop’s naturally-inspired skin andhair care products make perfect presents.

For those with designer names in mind,Brand Fusion is the place to visit for TedBaker, Berghaus and Lacoste. The newKiller Brands store offers a wide range ofleading labels including Bench, Lipsy, Kappa,Helly Hansen and New Balance.

And if sport is your thing, the Nike, Puma,Reebok and Fila stores have everythingfrom trainers to tracksuits.

Great shopping

Great brandsGreat value forChristmas

Puma will also be unveiling an exclusivenew store at Royal Quays on November24. The store will be open for a fortnightonly, selling footwear and clothing whichcan’t be bought anywhere else!

Carphone Warehouse has all the latestmobile technology and Le Creuset offersbudding chefs the chance to get theirhands on the latest kitchenware. Onceyou’ve shopped, Costa coffee, caféThorntons and the new Subway offer awelcome break.

There are 800 free car parking spaces, itsopen seven days a week and fromNovember 27, Royal Quays will be openweekdays until 8pm.

If that’s not all, the Royal Quays clearancesale starts Boxing Day!

We've got Christmas all wrapped up with acracking competition to win £250 in vouchers tospend on your perfect presents at Royal Quays.

For your chance to win, simply answerthe following questions (all answers canbe found within the magazine):

1 When does the new Puma store open at Royal Quays?

2 What colour is the new recycling bin, which will be delivered to residents during 2009?

3 What is the council's emergency contact number?

Completed entries should be markedUp Close competition and sent toCommunications Team, NorthTynesideCouncil, Quadrant, SilverlinkNorth, Cobalt Business Park, NorthTyneside, NE27 0BY

Please include full address and daytimephone number.

Terms and conditions:Closing date for entries: December 15, 2008. Open to North Tyneside residents only. One entry per person. The winner will be the first all-correct entry drawn at random after the closing date. The prizeis vouchers to the value of £250. No cash alternatives available. The winner will be notified bytelephone after the draw has taken place and must be prepared to take part in post-competitionpublicity. The editor’s decision is final.

£250win

late nightshopping

until 8pmmonday to friday27th nov - 23rd dec

The winner of the October competitionis Mrs Joanne Scorer of Holystone, whowins a champagne meal for four atAspire, in Tynemouth.

on the 12 days

gave to me...Royal Quays

christmas

Royal Quays has christmas all wrapped up

with great brands on offer and late night shopping from 27th November,

there are loads of great ideas for the perfect present, all with up to 60% off

Next to the International Ferry Terminal,

follow the Ferry Signs.

www.royalquaysoutletcentre.co.uk

up to 60% off rrp

free parking

Sample store

late nightshopping

until 8pmmonday to friday

27th nov-23rd decOpen

2 weeks only24th Nov -7th Dec

new

of

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