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.
****STOP PRESS****
"Roxby" 24 Junction Road.
Residents will know that the planning application to demolish "Roxby" and replace it with 19 apartments was refused and that the developer appealed against that decision on 9th October.
The deadline for writing to the Planning Inspectorate was 11th November BUT on 17th November Planning Services received a second application to build 4 semi detached dwellings in "Roxby's" garden with a new access point. Residents will remember a similar situation with Corby Lodge where the application for 21 apartments was refused. The developer appealed the decision but also submitted an application for 18 apartments. The planning inspector allowed the first application for 21 apartments.
****
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
Look out soon for more news about the plans for the new schools for our children in the Borough. A new consultation exercise will begin and it's important you make your views known.
As you know both Blakeston and Norton will close as part of the plans - but will be replaced by a superb new building in the Norton area.
With all the talk of school "closures" however, we think that the really good news of fantastic new school buildings for our children is getting lost.
We would also stress that the proposed closures of both Blakeston and Norton Schools in no way should be seen as a negative reflection on them and the education they provide. Both have produced good results - up considerably on last year's - and both add educational value to their pupils well in excess of that achieved by schools in the so-called "leafy suburbs". The pupils and staff deserve the chance to learn and work in a brand new building. Blakeston School - a Specialist Sports' College recently received a framed certificate from the Specialist Schools Trust with congratulations on being "one of the most improved schools" in the country.
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
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
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.
Over 50?
The Council regularly consults older people on future plans and developments. Each October a full day event takes place at the Oakwood Centre in Eaglescliffe with transport and refreshments provided. If you want to attend on Wednesday 22 October and play a full part in planning to improve services, give your councillors a call for more details on how to apply for a place.
Sainsbury's in the Community
Glebe School pupils and elderly residents from Cohen Court attended the grand opening of the Sainsbury's store on the Glebe.
Now Ann & Dick warmly welcome the support given to The Glebe Primary School's Breakfast Club. Since their arrival in the Ward they have donated the school's daily requirement of breakfast cereals. In addition, one day each month, they give bacon to grill in the bacon-grilling machine that was presented to the school by the company. There has also been a donation of fruit to help promote the Healthy Schools campaign.
Council AGM
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.
Calf Fallow Lane
The Planning Dept. have informed us that the second application by Tonks to deposit inert material on land down Calf Fallow Lane has been WITHDRAWN by the applicant. It is impossible to predict whether or not the applicant will resubmit some time in the future or if he will decide that Hartlepool is a better home for his waste material.
NEW! 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
Street name plates
Missing name plates for Heworth Drive, Brenkley Close, Dunlin Close and Kempston Way have been reported and we have asked for them to be replaced. If your street name plate is regularly damaged, the Highways team could consider fixing a new one on a wall or fence out of reach of vandals.
Toddington Drive
Your councillors attended a meeting recently to discuss the regular anti-social behaviour and vandalism on the path to the railway crossing here. Action was promised by the Police and Enforcement teams. Ann & Dick agreed to try to have extra lighting provided along the path with the consent of the immediate neighbours to be paid from their Ward Small Environment Improvement Budget. The path is well used by many local people but the behaviour of a few is causing the problem. The crossing is on an "ancient right of way" probably predating the railway line and it is almost impossible to have it permanently closed.
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."
Ward Environmental projects.
The final project involves the green space at the end of Fulthorpe Road. Following an extensive consultation it has been agreed to replace the old tubular railings with railings to match the newer ones, take out the old seats and replace them with a modern style seat. Eventually native Bluebells will be planted under the trees.
Now your councillors will be studying all the recent requests to decide how next year's budget can be spent to spread the projects across the ward.
Dog mess - again
Lots of complaints about more dog mess left on our pavements and open spaces. Care for your area squads have had to be called to move it. The Animal Welfare team are giving certain areas extra attention to spot the culprits. We know that dogs can't read, but the owners can!
It is known that eventually dog faeces will be eaten by the creatures that consider it their favourite food ----RATS.
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.
Need help at home?
Stockton Independent Living Centre has extensive displays in demonstration rooms of a whole range of aids and equipment that could make it easier for you to continue to live at home. To arrange to have a look around the Centre in Tithebarn House Hardwick, phone 528467.
Bogus Callers
A number of elderly residents have suffered at the hands of bogus callers sometimes posing as workmen who have stolen money from them. The usual tactic is to divert the resident's attention and then take the opportunity to search for money, car keys etc. The Council has piloted two "No Cold Calling Zone" schemes whose success will evaluated before extending it to other areas. A "No Cold Calling Zone" is similar to a Neighbourhood Watch scheme and works best in an area with only one entrance from a main road and ideally around 100 dwellings. Several mini estates in the Ward would be suitable for consideration. Be on the alert and never let anyone into your home on the most believable of excuses without checking that they are genuine.
Railway crossing
This path through from Toddington Drive to Roseworth is a source of complaint about the volume of litter and unruly weeds. Earlier this summer a squad of convicted offenders gave it a good clear out. It is great to see these people working as the "payback" team. If the litter problem persists, Ann and Dick hope to get the team back.
Play Areas
Your councillors are fully aware that there are no play areas in Norton West Ward although there are plans to create one some day. If you have children under five now and want to visit a play facility you could call Sure Start on 527210 for the opening times for your nearest Children's Centre.
Keep off the grass!
Many of you are as upset as your Councillors to see that the newly seeded verges in Junction Road are again being driven across. The worst affected areas are outside the Education Centre despite its huge rear car park. The Highways team plans to install short wooden bollards to protect these particularly vulnerable verges. Although some of you think that the grass verges should be removed to widen the road the majority believe that the grassed areas actually enhance the image of Junction Road and want them to be protected.
Just moved in?
The latest electoral roll shows that many new people have moved into the Norton West ward and the Councillors Ann & Dick Cains offer you all a warm welcome.
Green waste
last year the collection of green garden waste in the Borough was extended to ALL properties with a garden. A roll of special bags with a calendar of collection dates is now delivered each year to you in March along with details of collection dates. Dick believes that there is a great deal of satisfaction to be gained from making his own compost. Ask about buying your own very cheap compost bin.
Note that collections cease for the winter each November.
Security Camera
The CCTV camera which spent some months monitoring the activities on the Glebe Shopping Parade and car park did not spot any activity which was sufficiently severe to warrant either the Police or the Council's enforcement team calling round to the Glebe. But the tapes are being examined to see if the surveillance team missed anything. The camera has been relocated to St. Mary's Church that sadlyhas been a recent target for vandalism and theft .
Crooksbarn School
A working party consisting of parent governors, teachers, local residents, a Councillor and a Council Officer submitted a school travel plan aimed at reducing the number of pupils travelling to and from school by car. The plan was accepted and funding has been made available for cycle/scooter storage and safety equipment. One brave parent governor has volunteered to lead a "walking bus" from the Junction Road area.
Stop that rogue alarm
There have been a few calls this 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
Complaints
Only 7% of requests/complaints/queries sent into the Council go via the Councillors. This means that your Councillors usually become involved only when things go wrong. Please contact your Councillors at an early stage, either by copy of your e-mail, letter (use the Freepost address) or a phone call. However Ann & Dick ask you not to write anonymous letters to them, rest assured your details will never be disclosed without your permission. Without a name it is impossible to feed back information or seek clarification.
Disabled Parking Bays
Are you a disabled motorist and a Blue Badge holder and the registered keeper of the vehicle you drive and have no off street parking and are not always able to park in front of your property? If this is you, you may be entitled to a disabled parking bay to the front of your property. There may be reasons why a disabled bay cannot physically be provided but if you think you may qualify please contact Ann or Dick for advice.
Norton West Ward
If you receive our DOORSTEP newsletter then you live in 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 allof Crooksbarn estate, Glebe estate and Junction Road including all the roads off it as far as Harpers Garden Centre. 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 393939 extension 3829. Help to fill in the application form is offered either at the office or in your own home.
Aids and Adaptations
Ann recently cut the ribbon to officially open the Stockton Independent Living Centre where she sampled the display of equipment to help elderly or disabled residents who want to stay in their own homes as an alternative to residential care. Often the right equipment or adaptations could make this possible. Leaflets about the Centre will soon be available in libraries and GP surgeries but phone Ann for details of opening times.
New Cafe
Ann recently launched a cafe especially opened for adults with dementia and their carers to meet socially in a supportive atmosphere. It is open on the last Friday afternoon of each month. Please ring the project manager Corinne on 624988 for further details.
Glebe Playgroup
If your toddler is between 2 and 4 years old then you will be pleased to hear that the Glebe Playgroup on the Glebe Primary School site now has vacancies. Phone Chris 534800
Help to keep warm
There are still grants available to residents who need loft or cavity wall insulation. If you haven't had this work done yet then do ask Ann & Dick for more details. There is a special reduced price Senior Citizens and 100% grants for householders on certain qualifying benefits.
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. The most recent scam is a by a young man carrying a can and asking for money for petrol after his car has run dry on the main road. It seems sad to advise you not to help someone in distress but in too many cases it turns out not be genuine and a crime is committed.
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 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 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, 605676.
BUT - Bad News for Burglars
if you keep your doors and windows locked even when you are at home. One third of all burglars get in through an open door or unlocked downstairs windows.
In 2004 our Ward had the 8th lowest burglary level out of 28 wards in the Borough, calculated as burglaries per thousand households.
The Education Centre
Recently there have been problems over casual ball games on the field behind the Centre because this is not a public play area.. However some junior football teams from St. John's Community Partnership Junior Sports Club hire the field. If you want more information on how to get your children involved through this club, phone their treasurer Dawn Campbell on 528051. St. John's have more than one junior team.
Useful Guide
Recently a booklet has been published for older people in Stockton-on-Tees that is packed full of information on a range of local topics including money, health, care, your home and leisure activities. It is called The Golden Guide for Older People and it is FREE. You can pick up a copy in local libraries but Ann & Dick can get one for you if you ask.
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