Cuppa with a Copper
The local police have introduced a new initiative called "Cuppa with a Copper" for people to be able to drop in and have a chat about any issues they want to raise with them. If you want to do this over a cup of tea or coffee the next session is at Elm Tree Community Centre on Tuesday December 16th from 5.00 till 6.00 p.m. which is just before our ward surgery. You can, of course, contact the local police at any time by dropping a line to them at Medina House, or phoning 302930. If a more urgent response is needed then phone 326326.
If you have plans to extend or improve your home, please remember planning rules have changed.
From now on householders don't have to apply for permission for some small home improvement jobs. But some changes that might previously have been approved won't be now, if they are considered to impact significantly on neighbours.
Previously, the amount of additional space created by an extension was an important factor in deciding whether planning permission was needed. Under the new rules, this may no longer be the case if the extension does not affect the roof or sides of the building facing onto main roads.
Another significant change is about paving of front gardens. In a change prompted by last summer's floods, householders who want to pave an area of more than 5 sq metres at the front of their home must make sure surface water does not run off.
New rules also cover installing or replacing chimneys, flues and soil and vent pipes.
For details of the new regulations, visit www.stockton.gov.uk/planning or contact development.control@stockton.gov.uk or call (52) 6022.
Six saving for over 60s
If you are aged 60 or over you can save money by trying some of the following :
- get a bus pass and travel free
- get a Senior rail card and travel cheaper
- get an Option 2 Leisure Card for use with Tees Active facilities
- get a Boots Advantage Card and join their Health Club for 10% and more savings at Boots, including savings on new glasses.
- Shop at Holland and Barrett's (Castle Centre) on a Thursday for a 10% discount
- Shop at B & Q on a Wednesday for 10% discount
Can you add to the list?
ELM TREE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Saturday 6th December 2008 11am at Elm Tree Community Centre, Elm Tree Avenue, Stockton on Tees, TS19 0UW
Telephone: 01642 862090
Registered Charity No 1042780
Followed at 12.30 pm by Elm Tree Christmas Fayre
ELM TREE CENTRE CHRISTMAS FAYRE
Saturday 6th December 12:30 pm to 3:30pm
Elm Tree Community Centre and Sure Start Children's Centre
Face Painting, Poi Spinning, British Heart Foundation Information Stalls, Anti Social Behaviour Team
Stockton Riverside College, Adult Education, Youth Bus
Fire Engine, Neighbourhood Police, CCTV Vehicle
Sure Start festive Art, Craft & Fun Activities for children
Festive refreshments throughout the day, Tombola,
Ballet Demonstration, Kick Boxing Demonstration
Free Entry
Cuppa with a Copper
The local police have introduced a new initiative called "Cuppa with a Copper" for people to be able to drop in and have a chat about any issues they want to raise with them. If you want to do this over a cup of tea or coffee the next session is at Elm Tree Community Centre on Tuesday December 16th from 5.00 till 6.00 p.m. which is just before our ward surgery. You can, of course, contact the local police at any time by dropping a line to them at Medina House, or phoning 302930. If a more urgent response is needed then phone 326326.
Advice and Information
There is a new advice service for young people run by Stockton District Advice and Information Service (CAB) called The Cabin. It is open by drop in or appointment for those aged between 13 and 25 at 4 Nelson Terrace. They can be contacted by phone on 649723 or e-mail advice@stockton-yas.co.uk Please pass this information on to anyone who may be interested.
Stockton Community Counselling Service
Today I learnt of a Counselling Service now in Stockton - Stockton Community Counselling Service. This helps people with or affected by drug and alcohol problems in a non judgemental and confidential way. I was impressed with the attitude of the counsellors and how they talked about their work. Do have a look at their website if you want further information on the work they do and how to access the service.
Plastic and Cardboard Recycling
There were roadshows about the new recycling scheme you have been waiting for around the area in November 2008. If you want information about the new scheme you can look at the website www.recycleforstockton.co.uk or e-mail Care For Your Area at careforyourarea@stockton.gov.uk or ring them on 01642 391959
Council Finances
You may have seen the media interest in local authorities that have investments with the troubled Icelandic Banks. Stockton has not been mentioned in any story, as we do not have any investments with any Icelandic Banks, or indeed any investments with any foreign institutions at present.
Planning Application for Bishopsgarth Cottages
The revised planning application for Bishopsgarth Cottages on Darlington Back Lane (the new houses near The Mitre) has finally been decided by the planning Committee. The plans have been agreed and the conditions can be viewed on the planning website www.stockton.gov.uk/citizenservices/
buildingregulations/planappon/
Bishopsgarth Association of Residents
This is open to all residents in the Bishopsgarth area and meets on the first Monday of every month at 6.30 p.m. in Bishopsgarth School, except in school holidays. All residents are welcome to come along and raise any concerns about the area.
Bishopsgarth and Elm Tree Focus
Cllr Julia Cherrett and myself distribute a ward newsletter, Focus to all households in the ward on a regular basis, with the help of willing volunteers. It gives local news, along with our views on a number of issues. If you do not receive this for any reason then do let us know.
We also send out "BET NEWS" as an e-mail to residents who let us have their e-mail address to do so. This is sent out as a blind copy so other people do not see your e-mail address and does not have any attachments or graphics to clog up your in boxes. It covers issues that come up such as road works or planning applications, and is sent out when needed. If you live in the ward and would like to be on this list do e-mail one of us.
I update my blog on an external site almost every day. You may find more up to date information there at www.readmyday.co.uk/suzannefletcher
Please note that the above website is external and may include material of a political nature. Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council takes no responsibility for information contained on this website. Views expressed by individual Councillors on their own websites are not necessarily those of the Council itself.
Shed Burglaries
The police have asked us to let you know that there has been a spate of shed and garage burglaries. This has been particularly those with a rear access to the property, and the main items stolen are pedal cycles and power tools - so do be extra vigilant and make sure they are properly locked away.
Youth Football
There is youth football at Elm Tree Community Centre every Friday from 4 p.m. until 5.00 p.m. for young people aged around 10 to 15 years old. It is free and run by the local police team. Please tell any young people that you know, or are playing in your street.
Community Skips
The community skips are available only for residents of the ward to use and will be available on
Tuesday 16th December - Mosston Road (grassed area)
Shopmobility at Teesside Park
I was at the launch of the new Shopmobility facility at Teesside Park, and this addition to the existing service in Stockton High Street should be a boon to those wanting to get around the shops in both shopping centres. Stockton Shopmobility in the High Street (near to the Swallow Hotel) is open Monday to Saturday from 10 till 4, and the new Teesside Park one is in the far right-hand corner of the Retail Park, in a small building between Thomas Cook & JJB Sports. It is open 1000 to 1700 Monday to Saturday and 1100 to 1700 Sunday. Both centres will bring a mobility scooter or wheelchair to where you are parked, or you should be able to park in front of the Teesside Park one. You can ring 01642 671017 for more details.
Horizons service for lone parents
A new service for lone parents has just been launched. The partnership between the Citizens Advice Bureau, Family Welfare Association and One Parent Families / Gingerbread was launched on the 31st July 2008. It is called Horizons and people can make an appointment by calling Angela Corner on 01642 626101 based with the CAB at Stockton & District Advice and Information Service at Bath Lane Stockton. From the people we heard and met on opening day I am sure that you will get a good reception. Support and advice is given on money matters, providing grants towards education and training costs and help to get back into work.
North East and Europe News
For a round up of news relating to the North East region and the European Parliament please check out this link to the E-Newsletter written regularly by Fiona Hall MEP
Please note that the website referred to above is external and may include material of a political nature. Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council takes no responsibility for information contained on this website. Views expressed by individual Councillors and MEPs on their own websites are not necessarily those of the Council itself.
Councillors will represent you regardless of political persuasion. This site has been provided to the Councillor by the Local Authority. It has been provided subject to an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) that this Councillor has agreed to. If you think that this site is not being used according to the AUP, please inform the Local Authority.
