Prize giving at Queen's Campus
On 12 November I attended the prize giving ceremony at the University of Durham Queen's Campus. I was able to watch Laura Parnell receive the Mayor of Stockton Community Placement Report prize from the current Mayor, Councillor John Fletcher. This is an annual award for a 2nd year medical student that I sponsored when I was Mayor and I am always pleased to meet the winner each year. Laura spent over 60 hours attached to the Intermediate Care Team and wrote an excellent report on her experiences. I was particularly impressed by Laura's acknowledgment in her report of the part played by informal family carers in the recovery process. I'm sure that one day Laura will be a very caring doctor and I wished her well for the future.
****STOP PRESS****
I have just received some advice from our local community police team that there are pickpockets operating in and around the shopping areas and everyone is advised to keep their wallets, purses and handbags safe at all times. Don't be a victim this Christmas.
****END OF STOP PRESS****
Waste & Recycling Revolution
Stockton to keep weekly collections of household waste.
What?
Greater recycling opportunities for every household in the Borough! Not only will you still be able to recycle newspapers, glass bottles, jars, tin cans and batteries in your blue kerbside recycling box and bag, but you will soon be able to recycle plastic and cardboard too!
When?
Starting soon, the programme will be rolled out across Norton West ward, like the rest of the Borough, in three phases. By November 2009 all households will have the facility to recycle plastic and cardboard.
How?
Prior to the first collection date every household on the scheme will receive a specially designed hessian recycling bag along with a leaflet explaining the scheme, collection times and what can be recycled.
Any more changes?
Yes. As you start to recycle plastic and cardboard, along with paper, glass, cans and bottles (not to mention the seasonal collection of garden waste), there will be less waste going into your wheelie bin. With this in mind the Council will no longer collect any extra rubbish that is left beside your wheelie bin and will only be emptying one wheelie bin per household, once a week. However this only applies once you have become part of the plastic and cardboard recycling programme.
Where Have All the Flowers Gone?
Some of you have pointed out that the daffodils and snowdrops that made such a fine display on the Ring Road between Fieldfare Lane and the A19 Roundabout have failed to show for two years. The horticultural team has no explanation. Ann & Dick now plan to use some of the Norton West small environmental budget to pay for replacement bulbs and invite any community groups to help with the planting
Corby Lodge
After a recent meeting with members of the management committee at Corby Lodge it has been organised for two recycling containers to be provided for the residents. Originally it was thought this would not be possible but residents are very keen to recycle and an area on the site was agreed. What great co-operation helping to spread the "green" message.
OPEN ALL HOURS!
Stockton Council has launched a new Out of Hours Noise Complaints Service for residents. The service operates each Friday and Saturday evening between 10pm and 3am the following morning and allows officers to deal promptly and more effectively with noise complaints.
Enforcement Officers are also on hand every night between 6pm and midnight to deal with any noise complaints. At all other times on call Environmental Health officers provide cover to deal with emergency noise incidents .Anyone wanting to make a complaint about noise during these times can call (01642) 528034. This is manned at all times.
The normal day time service remains unchanged and calls during normal office hours (8am to 6pm) can be made to (01642) 526575 or by e-mail to environmental.health@stockton.gov.uk
Who do you think you are?
Stockton Council's Registration & Bereavement Services Team have developed a fantastic new website www.stocktonroots.co.uk that is designed to help find a whole host of family records which are stored in the Council archives.
This website can be used to find family history records for births, deaths and marriages dating back to 1837 and burial records for our five cemeteries from 1869. For further information on the new website please contact:
Jayne Robins - Registration & Bereavement Services Manager
Tel: (01642) 527724
Email: jayne.robins@stockton.gov.uk
HandyVan Service
The Borough Council working with Help the Aged are working together to "Make a difference". HandyVan is a new local service for vulnerable people. It can provide help with: Minor Aids & Adaptations, Small Repairs, Home Security & Home Safety
For more Information please telephone: 0845 026 1055
Relax together
Come to the Fusion Cafe. This is a monthly "afternoon tea" offering people with memory problems and their carers an enjoyable time with other people in the same situation as themselves. The Cafe aims to promote an atmosphere that offers acceptance, recognition and support where needed. (and cream cakes!!) Contact Corinne Walsh on 01642 352744 for more details of dates and venue.
Community Skip
The next skip will be behind the Glebe shops on Wednesday 14th January 2009 and is for household waste only.
Your right to vote - don't lose it!
You are required by law to give your details on the Annual Canvass even if your details have not changed. Whichever way you register, by phone, Internet, text or returning a form and haven't yet done so then please do it straightaway. Phone 01642 526196 if you need more information.
Library Service
Take your children to the Library in Norton for stories and craft activities on Saturdays at 2.15pm and stories and rhymes on Wednesdays at 2pm. These are very popular with the children and parents who attend. Phone 01642 528019 for more information.
Are you a carer?
There is currently an information and advice programme for carers of older people with mental health needs being held in the Stockton Carers' Centre in Bishopton Lane. The programme is free of charge and wide ranging, covering topics such as benefits, carers' rights, management of the condition, carers' health and well-being and support services. For more information contact the Carers' Centre on 01642 739955. If you require a free sitting service for the person you care for to enable you to attend the programme please contact 01642 633556 to discuss your needs.
A10027 Ring Road/The Glebe Traffic Lights
A legacy of Cleveland County Council is that Middlesbrough BC has responsibility for Stockton's traffic signals. They have increased by 1 second the time between the Ring Road losing its green signal and The Glebe gaining its green signal providing an interval of 7 seconds for vehicles turning right into The Glebe.
Walking the Ward
Ann and Dick frequently spend time walking round parts of the ward but they had two special walks recently. Firstly with the local policing team and colleagues from antisocial behaviour and enforcement a morning was spent looking at problem areas and meeting local people. On another day your councillors walked along The Glebe with the Highway Asset technician discussing the identification of highway and footpath defects. Both were very interesting and useful experiences. The police walkabouts are planned to take place regularly in addition to the update meetings that Ann & Dick already have with the community policing team.
Contact your ward councillors
At a surgery in The Education Centre on Tuesdays, 7 October, 4 November and 2 December - 6pm to 6.30pm for young people and from 6.30pm to 7pm for all residents. The community policing team do try to attend when they can.
Norton West small environmental projects.
Orders have been placed for more bulb planting, extra dog waste bins and litter bins. There are also ongoing negotiations for improved street lighting in certain dark areas. The small budget does not go far but if you have suggestions for improvements in your neighbourhood, let your councillors know soon.
Bus Shelter
Although the "Footings" are in place for this shelter on The Glebe road, it will not be installed until the next financial year. The current budget has mainly been spent on new shelters with real time information in Stockton High Street.
Schools Choice Advice
We are approaching the time when some parents will be applying for school places. A new service is available to any parent/carer whose child is moving into Primary or Secondary school. A Choice Adviser has been employed by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council to work with families to understand their child's needs and interests and explain key information in order to help them make an informed choice. The advice is free and impartial. Phone Jamila on 526603 or e-mail jamila.khalid@stockton.gov.uk
Slimming World on Glebe
Phone Chris Hare on 650607 if you want to lose a little or a lot of extra weight. Chris holds Slimming World daytime and evening sessions in the Glebe Community Centre.
CFYA for horse & dog droppings on pavement
No need to put up with this sort of mess on the footpath. Contact Care for your Area on 391959 or e-mail careforyourarea@stockton.gov.uk to have it removed. Unlike dogs - the fouling of the road and footpaths by horses is not an offence but riding both horses and cycles on the pavement is an offence. In a perfect world there would be no droppings there in the first place.
BUT did you know that in the last 12 months there was a total of 25,000 phone calls and e-mails to CfYA of which 80,000 were requests for service.
Report holes and street lights
All highways (this includes footpaths) in the Borough are inspected at least twice yearly by Highways Inspectors. Norton West Ward's next inspection is scheduled for June. However - If you spot a hole in the road, a damaged footpath or faulty street light please tell CFYA as soon as possible - as many of you already do.
Parking round our Primary Schools
You may be aware that there is an informal one way traffic system around the Glebe Primary School at busy times that tries to avoid "head on" confrontations when trying to drive through narrow gaps in the parked traffic. There can be no similar arrangements for Crooksbarn. You can report school obstructive parking to Karen Smith, Traffic & Road safety Enforcement 01642 52 8499
Parking - and double parking
There are an ever increasing number of complaints coming in to Ann & Dick about inconsiderate parking. It really is not acceptable to park on grass verges, opposite neighbours' drives or opposite another parked car leaving a very narrow gap for other vehicles to get through. Please consider other road users.
Singers
If you are 50+ and like to sing why not go along to ARC every Wednesday from 23 April 1pm to 2.30pm and join others in an informal singing group. Price £3. For more information on this and other activities for those of us who are 50+ at ARC phone 525199
TODDLER TIME
If your child is ready, the Playgroup on the Glebe Primary school site in Pulford Road has vacancies. Children are accepted from 2 years old on Monday to Friday mornings. Visit during opening times 9.15 am to 11.30am or phone 534800 for more details.
What do you think about Stockton Council?
The Viewpoint Resident's Panel is looking to recruit new members who would join the ever-changing groups of local people, young or adult, who can be consulted by the Council over a variety of issues. If you want to know more call Jenny on 526090 or e-mail viewpoint@stockton.gov.uk
Plea to all
As with many problems, it is very difficult for the various agencies to give an area extra attention if there is a lack of documentary evidence from frequent reports and / or completed diary sheets.
Bob the Burglar
Keep him out! Last year in Stockton- on-Tees Borough there were 765 domestic burglaries - down on the number in 2006. We hope that you weren't a victim. Please keep your doors shut and locked. Nearly 40% of the domestic burglaries last year took place through unlocked doors. The "two for one" crimes where the burglar grabs the car keys and takes your car were also down. The Crime Prevention team say "Take your car keys to bed with you."
Council Annual General Meeting
Ann and Dick were both elected to positions of responsibility at the Council AGM on Wednesday 2 April 2008.
Ann is Chair of the Health Select Committee, which will undertake the overview, and scrutiny of all adult health issues in the Borough. Dick is Vice-Chair of Regeneration and Transport Select Committee about to scrutinise the Council's responsibility for the condition of roads in the Borough.
Pictured with Ann & Dick are PCSO Darren Lake, acting Sgt Andy Richmond, Mike Lincoln (the SBC officer responsible for counteracting Anti Social Behaviour in Norton West Ward) a member of his team and a member of the Enforcement team. The squad toured the anti social behaviour hot spots on the Glebe estate and took the opportunity to speak to residents and hear their concerns. It was interesting to note that 90% of the graffiti was identified as being the work of one known individual. The exercise will be repeated on the Crooks Barn Estate later this year.
Staying Safe
Brook is a free and confidential sexual health service for all young men and women under the age of 18. Brook can be contacted at:- Norton Community Centre, 58/60 Somerset Road, Norton or on 01642 535300.
Fusion Cafe
This special cafe is a monthly event offering people with memory problems and their carers an enjoyable time with other people in the same situation as themselves. The cafe aims to promote an atmosphere that offers acceptance, recognition and support where needed (and cream cakes!!) Phone Corinne Walsh 624988 for times and venue.
Community Police
The ward community police officers P.C. Andy Richmond and P.C.S.O. Louise Lockhart have a new neighbourhood policing phone number. 01642 302930. When they are unavailable you can call this number and ask for an email to be sent to them to respond to when they are available. They also ask that even minor crimes be reported to themselves, or the Police or the Council's enforcement team.
Stop that rogue alarm
There were a few calls last summer complaining that the alarm in an unoccupied house is creating a noise nuisance and no one knows how to stop it.
Councillors Ann & Dick are fortunate to have a good neighbour and friend who keeps an eye on their property whilst they are on holiday (thank you Margaret). She keeps the spare key and knows the alarm key code. Other residents may not be so lucky - statistics show that 1 in 4 neighbours do not even speak to each other. This is where the Council's Security Services can help - for a small weekly fee they will for example:
Monitor your alarm 24/7 Hold your house keys
Contact up to three mobile phone numbers if there is a problem
Liaise with the police if necessary
For details of the full range of services phone 01642 52 8438
Daisy Chain
Ann & Dick have maintained their support of this local charity by buying a brick engraved with their names. Do join in this splendid worthwhile appeal. Phone Matt at Daisy Chain on 531248 or for more details use the link to the left of this page to view the Daisy Chain website.
Norton West Ward
If you receive our DOORSTEP newsletter then you live in the Norton West ward. Ann and Dick often get calls about problems in other parts of Norton and have to pass them on to the other councillors in either Norton North or Norton South. Just to remind you that Norton West ward is all Crooksbarn estate, Glebe estate and Junction Road including all the roads off it as far as Harpers Garden Centre site. The ward is bounded on the Norton side by the A1027 (ring road) so it does not include Norton Green or the Village. It does however have half of that beautiful roundabout!
Do you qualify?
Many older people tell Ann & Dick that they have a problem paying their Council Tax. If you are on a low income and struggling with money, you may be able to claim Council Tax Benefit. The government is very keen to make sure that older people claim all the benefits to which they are entitled. You can ask for advice from Stockton Benefits Service phone 01642 393939 extension 3829. Help to fill in the application form is offered either at the office or in your own home.
How to quit smoking
Stockton Council, working with the Primary Care Trust has sessions all over the Borough helping residents to give up smoking. The decision to ban smoking inside and in the grounds of all Council buildings is helping people to quit. If you want to stop smoking, our local session is in The Norton Green Community Centre on Tuesdays from 5pm to 6.30pm. To confirm availability please phone the Tees Start Stopping Service on 01642 223023
Cold callers
The local crime prevention team is alerting householders not to give money at the door to people they don't know and never deal with trades people without a prior invitation.
Glebe Community Centre
Group Activities include:-
Carpet Bowls, Tap/Ballet Class, Sequence Dancing, Art Class, Ladies Keep Fit, Slimming World, Flower Arranging, Dance Class, Bingo, Mums & Toddlers. For more details contact 01642 890704.
Good News for Carers
If you are caring for a relative or a friend Stockton Carers' Centre has been re-launched as part of the George Hardwick Foundation. For advice, information and support phone 01642 739955.
Good News for the Disabled
In addition to hiring a scooter for short term use - you can now try out and buy a scooter of your own from Shopmobility, 3 Bridge Road, Stockton, 01642 605676.
CAB Help Line
Anyone over 60 years of age can contact the CAB 60 plus telephone Help Line, on 01642 60 60 05, Monday to Friday between 09-30 and 12-30, they will be able to tell you if you might be entitled to extra money. Unfortunately this Helpline is only manned if advisers can be spared so you may need to call back again if there isn't anyone available when you first call.
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