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YOUR
inside FREE
MAGAZINE
FROM HALTON
BOROUGH
COUNCIL
SPRING
2014
www.halton.gov.uk
Spring 2014 | www.halton.gov.uk
Message from the Council Leader
In this spring issue There are details of the events planned Government cuts continue to bite.
you will find our by Halton libraries to mark the Reluctantly we’ve had to increase the
regular Mersey centenary of World War One, and we Council Tax, but we were left with no
Gateway update, will follow this up next time with more option as we strive to maintain quality
which offers a great about the commemorative activities services and protect vulnerable
volunteering taking place around the borough. residents.
opportunity for local It’s 50 years since Runcorn New Town There are still a lot of positives, though,
residents - a chance was born and you can find out how we as the regeneration of the borough
to be part of history are marking the occasion, looking at continues, including with work starting
in the making! the developments that shaped the new on a new leisure and industrial
town and changed the lives of the development at Venture Fields, Widnes,
May 22 is polling day in the local and people who settled there. and site works beginning in Runcorn
European elections and you will find The Council has set its budget for the Old Town.
inside some advice and information on coming year - a process which is
voting, including postal and proxy voting. getting harder each time as Cllr Rob Polhill Council Leader
16 Work is underway on the
Mersey Gateway and you can
be part of it by signing up to
be a volunteer.
16
05
05 To mark the centenary of
World War One, a series of
activities and events is taking
20
place in Halton’s libraries.
15 May 22 is Election Day - here’s
a reminder of why you should
take part in the poll and some
15
important information on the 20 Get into shape for summer, get fit, or just
different ways you can vote. have some fun by joining in with activities
organised by the Sports Development team.
Inside Halton is produced by Halton Borough Council.
Previous issues can be viewed at: www.halton.gov.uk and 08 Health information
audio versions are available on request. 10 Cheshire Police
Contact: Gill Cook. Tel: 0151 511 7770 e-mail: gill.cook@halton.gov.uk 12 Cheshire Police &
Design and print by Fractal Creative Ltd, Prescot. Tel: 07733 263463 Crime Commissioner
e-mail: fractalcreative@btconnect.com
23 Cheshire Fire & Rescue
26 What’s On
recycle for Halton 30 Councillors’ surgeries
When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it
31 Council meetings
& useful numbers
Spring 2014 | www.halton.gov.uk
Historic boards
Parks project takes
herald Hale’s root at Runcorn Hill
heritage Volunteers planted trees at Runcorn Hill Park to
launch the lottery-funded restoration project.
Hale Village has some new The new trees are workshop for the Runcorn Model Boat Club.
heritage boards, reflecting the near the planned The remaining £1 million will help support two
renewed interest in its past. new park pavilion part-time posts to help deliver a range of
building, off activity projects to help improve and encourage
The area is becoming quite a tourist trap Highlands Road, and replaced some that wider groups to use the park.
after last year's historic presentation of the had been damaged. Halton’s Mayor, Cllr Cllr Ron Hignett, the Council's Executive Board
new Childe of Hale statue, and to meet Margaret Ratcliffe, joined volunteers involved member, Physical Environment, said: “This
demand Halton Borough Council installed in the care and restoration of the Local project will become a valuable resource for the
interpretation boards. Nature Reserve for the tree planting. people of Halton and the wider area. We are
all looking forward to when the new park
Funded by the Council and the Heritage Halton Borough Council was successful in facilities will be available to use by the public in
Lottery Fund, the boards enhance the tourist securing a total of £2 million funding - £1.3 the summer next year.”
trail experience and explain some of the million from Heritage Lottery Fund Parks for For further information, or if you want to
area's fascinating history. They have already People and additional match-funding for become involved in the project, please go to
proved popular with locals and visitors alike. restoration and improvement at the park. the Runcorn Hill Park website below, or the
Deputy Council Leader, and Hale ward The funding is to be spent over a five-year project also has the Facebook/Twitter page
councillor, Cllr Mike Wharton, said: “With the period with completion in 2018 of £1 million giving information on project updates and
popularity of the new Childe of Hale statue worth of new capital work consisting of a new events.
and the interest it has generated we had a main park pavilion building with café and toilet www.runcornhillpark.co.uk/
lot of people wanting to know more about facilities, a refurbished bowling pavilion and a www.facebook.com/RuncornHillPark
Hale's interesting characters.” new lakeside pavilion building to be used as a www.twitter.com/RHP_Halton
One board is located at the end of Within
Way and shows information about this vital
former crossing point on the River Mersey.
Another is at St Mary’s churchyard near the
entrance lych gate. This board gives the
visitor details about the well-known giant of
a man, who is buried on the south side of
the church.
Opposite the church, adjacent to a bench,
stands another board which presents the
story of local-born Robert Molineux, who
was the Master of HMS Endeavour during
Captain Cook’s first voyage of discovery.
Robert Molineux died on the voyage in 1771
and was buried at sea off Robben Island,
near Cape Town.
Carl Horsdal (Landscape
Architect, Halton Council),
Siobhan Royle (Parks
Conservation Partnership Officer,
Halton Council), the Mayor of
Halton Cllr Margaret Ratcliffe,
Above: Heather Charles (HBC), Tom Banks (HBC) and parks conservation
Hale resident Terry Colquitt, Cllr Mike Wharton, volunteer, Adam Jones
and , Lucy Hatton, aged 11, Hale's Rose Queen, at
one of the new heritage boards.
This Easter Sunday morning why not do something different? Instead
of driving across the Silver Jubilee Bridge you could run across it!
On Easter Sunday, April 20, starting at 9.30am, the Run the maximum upper age limit). The whole course is run on a closed road
Bridge race is taking place. It is only five miles long and the system, which allows runners to complete the course in safety, while
route is closed off to traffic so it’s really safe. It’s fun and it traffic can only exit from the finish point in Hale Village and all points
raises money for Halton Haven or your own nominated between, using the diversion routes in force on the morning of the race.
charity, so log on to www.runhalton.co.uk for more details. Fancy dress, beginner or disabled athlete? All no problem.
For more details and to get to the online or downloadable entry forms
The event, now in its 14th year is accredited to the highest use the link www.runhalton.co.uk
gold standard by the British Association of Road Racing The website also contains details of road closures, the various
and is looking to top 1000 entries this year. It’s not only for competitor categories, links and copies of past results.
club runners, anyone can enter aged 15 or over (with no
04
remembered
Halton libraries are holding a full programme of events
throughout 2014 to commemorate the centenary of the
First World War.
A touch-screen kiosk featuring
collections of images from across
historic Cheshire has been
travelling the country’s libraries,
including Halton Lea and Widnes.
It remains at Widnes Library until
Friday 28 March.
There will also be special posters
on view, with content created by
Halton librarians about local Victoria
Cross war heroes Thomas Alfred
‘Todger’ Jones and Thomas
Mottershead (both pictured).
Halton Borough Council also wants Thanks
JONES
ALFRED ‘TODGER’
to collect and record your Great War
photographs, documents, objects
and oral history. for the
Exhibitions Books and reading memories
Halton Libraries will be holding two Halton libraries will also have First World War
exhibitions containing First World War themed stock and displays throughout 2014 Do you know someone who
archives at The Brindley: 19 May–30 June, and will be offering special collections to is living with memory loss?
and 11 August–22 September. reading groups
Halton Library Service has launched a
www.kohalibrary.halton.gov.uk/first- memory box service to help stimulate the
Activities for children world-war-centenary/ memories of those suffering from
There will be several First World War themed Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
craft and story time events across all There will be other commemorative activities
branches during the May and October half- planned by the Council throughout the next These themed boxes contain local
terms. Look out for dates nearer the time on four years, and if any local groups are photographs, books, replicas of posters,
the libraries’ website and social media. planning events, please let us know by labels and pictures, plus smell bottles, music
e-mailing jim.yates@halton.gov.uk CDs and objects of the time.
They are available to be loaned free of charge
Activities for adults from Halton's libraries for a two-week period.
The popular tea dances are back
with a special First World War
themed tea at Widnes Library on
Wednesday 11 June. Booking is
essential and further details will be
advertised nearer the time.
The collection contains a broad range
of ten individual themes: War,
childhood, women, men, sporting life,
housework, schooldays, leisure time
and special events, holidays and
working life.
For more information contact your
local library.
www.kohalibrary.halton.gov.uk
TH
OM AD
AS HE
MOTTERS
Spring 2014 | www.halton.gov.uk
Award for spruced-
Runcorn up Runcorn station
Runcorn East Railway Station continues to blossom after
New Town at winning an award at the Cheshire Best Kept Station ceremony.
The Mayor of Halton, Cllr Margaret Ratcliffe, Executive Board Member for
On 10 April 1964 Transport, Cllr John Stockton, Council Community Development Officer
Runcorn was designated Kerry Ramsbottom and members of North Cheshire Railway Users Group
(NCRUG) celebrated as the station took the Best Kept Station in Halton
a New Town by the Government with the aim of providing award.
housing and employment for people from Liverpool and Thanks to the efforts of the NCRUG, Halton Borough Council and Arriva Trains
North Merseyside. Wales, the station recently celebrated its 30th anniversary with a bit of a
facelift - new planting, a deep clean, and further improvements such as
It was a decision that would change and shape the lives of many signage, access features and planters on the platforms planned.
residents, new and old. Fifty years on, a series of events are being held to Kerry Ramsbottom is working with primary schools to make posters into
mark this anniversary and provide opportunities for residents to share their street signs about fly tipping and littering, as the plan is to put the station up
memories and reflect upon an important part of Halton’s shared history. for the ‘most improved’ award next year.
There are numerous activities taking place in and around Runcorn East
Runcorn New Town was developed in accordance with a ‘Masterplan’. This Railway Station over the coming year such as environmental workshops to
make bug boxes, bird houses and much more, along with a World War One
was largely the vision of a single man, architect and town planner, Arthur themed event in the autumn. This will include a costumed musical
Ling. Many of the characteristics of the New Town are still evident today: performance reflecting the spirit of the British nation as soldiers went off to
• Unique housing and estate designs. the front in 1914. A choir of soldiers will recreate their departure on the
• Segregated paths for pedestrians, a station platforms, while their mothers and other loved ones bade them
dedicated busway and an expressway farewell.
Anyone in getting involved can contact Kerry on 0151 511 8642 or
network Kerry.ramsbottom@halton.gov.uk
• Extensive area of green space
‘The Town Park’, complemented by
landscaping throughout the New Town
• Creation of a New Town Centre.
• Large dedicated ‘planned’ industrial
areas.
It was a town for the motor age
(responding to the steady rise of car
ownership since the 1950s), but designed
with the pedestrian and non-car-owners in
mind. The dedicated busway was
originally designed to a figure of eight
principle with the New Town centre - the
Shopping City - at the centre of the two
loops. An underlying principle for the
Masterplan was that the majority of
people would live within 500 yards, or a
five-minute walk, of a bus stop on this
dedicated busway.
Initially, around 30,000 people migrated to Runcorn New Town, largely from
the post-war ‘slum’ clearance within Liverpool. Today, more than 45,000
residents live within the New Town areas, and its heritage continues to shape
and influence the policies and strategies of Halton Borough Council.
Everything from planning and regeneration, managing and maintaining
unique infrastructure, and dealing with the ageing population spike as first-
generation migrants to the New Town move into retirement age. Healthwatch Halton, a new independent consumer champion, aims to
help people get the best out of their health and social care services;
Events and activities include: Created to gather and represent the views of the public, Healthwatch
will play a role at local and national level and make sure that the views
• April 10 Launch event at Halton Lea Library on the actual 50th
of the public are taken into account.
anniversary with the screening premiere of a 1974 documentary about
the development of Runcorn New Town Whether it is about improving today’s services or helping shape them for
• April 14-26 Runcorn New Town at 50 Exhibition at Halton Lea Library, tomorrow, Healthwatch actively gathers anonymous feedback from all
featuring original models of the new town, archive materials, and a sections of the community about their positive and negative experiences
chance to contribute your own memories of using health and social care services in Halton.
• April 28-May 2 The above exhibition will be at Runcorn Shopping Centre Healthwatch Halton wants to hear your views on any local health and
• April 17-May 1 Community screenings of the new town documentary social care services you’ve used in the past 12 months, be it the hospital,
at Castlefields Community Centre (April 17), Murdishaw CC (April 24) your local GP, care homes and care services.
and Halton Lea Library (May 1). Entry by ticket only, available free Your feedback will be used to build a picture of current local health and
from venues social care issues and ensure residents’ voices are heard and influence
• April 28-May 3 Reinventing Runcorn - sessions in a number of new town how care is planned and delivered.
schools looking at what goes in to planning a new town, culminating with There are a number of ways to
an exercise to build a model contact Healthwatch:
• Late 2014 Canal Boat Adventure Project – New Town Dreams Call 0300 777 6543,
documentary. Young people will be making their own documentary e-mail enquiries@
reflecting on the past and looking to the future. healthwatchhalton.org.uk
visit the website
www.visithalton.com www.healthwatchhalton.co.uk
and submit a ‘Your Say’ form,
For more information keep an eye out or write/drop in to
on the Council’s Twitter and Facebook Healthwatch Halton,
accounts and in local press. FREEPOST-RTEG-XRUH-EZUB,
Sefton House,
Public Hall Street,
06 Runcorn, WA7 1NG.
Spring 2014 | www.halton.gov.uk
Electronic cigarettes
what you need to know
Electronic cigarettes are designed to look and feel like real
cigarettes. A typical electronic cigarette consists of four
components - an LED light; a battery; an atomizer; and a
cartridge containing nicotine. Levels of nicotine can vary and
some electronic cigarettes also contain flavourings.
Are they safe?
We don’t yet know the long-term effects on the body. There are
also other potential drawbacks to using them:
• Electronic cigarettes are not regulated as medicines so you
can’t be sure of their ingredients or how much nicotine they
contain
• They are not proven as safe. In fact, some electronic
Members of an innovative young people’s project which removes cigarettes have been tested by local authority trading
graffiti and makes the community a better place have been rewarded standards departments and been found to contain toxic
chemicals, including some of the same cancer-causing
with a special accolade from the High Sheriff of Cheshire. agents produced from tobacco
• The vapour that electronic cigarettes produce may reduce
The High Sheriff of Cheshire, Martin Beaumont, presented Steve Cheetham and Jay Halliwell from the oxygen levels in your body.
Youth Graffiti Solutions with the prestigious 2013 Butler Trust Certificate in recognition of their Are there other risks?
excellent teamwork. There have been some house fires that were caused by electronic
cigarettes. Electronic cigarette batteries need to be recharged,
The Butler Trust is an independent charity that often using a USB port on a computer.
celebrates and promotes excellence in UK Some electronic cigarettes have overheated and exploded,
prisons, probation and youth services. The causing very hot components to land on soft furnishings, starting
certificate is offered in recognition of the a fire.
teamwork undertaken within this particular
sphere of the Criminal Justice System. Why can’t I get an electronic cigarette on prescription?
Young people get involved with Youth Graffiti As there is no medical evidence on how electronic cigarettes can
Solutions (YGS) through the Youth Offending be used to stop smoking, they aren’t available on the NHS. At
Service and offer graffiti and chewing gum present, they are being thoroughly researched by the UK’s
removal services. The dedicated young people Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority as they are
offer a professional service, supervised by trained unregulated and unlicensed in the UK.
adults, who work in conjunction with agencies New legislation will be adopted this year so that all nicotine
concerned with crime prevention and community containing devices like electronic cigarettes are regulated as a
safety. medication in UK by 2016.
Being part of the YGS team provides young Support to stop smoking
Jordan Smith, 16, Jamie Newman, 18, showed High Sheriff people with opportunities to learn new skills and If you are looking for help and advice on how to cut down or stop
of Cheshire, Martin Beaumont, how they clean up graffiti take pride in their work and where they live. The smoking, great support is offered through local services in Halton.
with Project Workers Steve Cheetham and Jay Halliwell. YGS team also includes two apprentices, who act Trained smoking teams use tried and tested ways to help you
as role models for the other young people YGS change your smoking habits. Drop-in and one-to-one sessions
works with. Jamie Newman, aged 18, of Runcorn said: "About a year ago I was convinced I would have to are available at a number of locations across the borough. If you
sign on to get Job Seekers' Allowance, now I am with YGS it’s changed the way I look at life.’’ would like to know more, visit
Jordan Smith, aged 16, also from Runcorn, agreed. He said: "Since leaving school I have got some good www.healthimprovementteam.co.uk/our-services/smoking/
experience of day to day work, I’ve also picked up some good skills to use in the working environment.’’ call 01928 593043, or e-mail:
YGS is led by four partners – Cheshire West and Chester, Halton and Warrington Youth Offending Service, smoking.support@bridgewater.nhs.uk
Cheshire Probation Trust, Community Payback and the Canal Boat Adventure Project in Halton and In addition, there are a number of pharmacies in the borough
Warrington Youth Club. offer stop smoking advice and treatment.
You can find out more about Youth Graffiti Solutions at www.youthgraffitisolutions.co.uk To find your nearest pharmacy visit:
www.healthimprovementteam.co.uk/our-services/smoking/
Cash pours in for Emily’s dry spell
A young Halton volunteer raised hundreds of pounds At the event Emily spoke to MPs and celebrities, including Alistair Campbell,
Lou Macari and Minister Nick Hurd about the challenge.
during Dry January and was invited to a reception in "Alistair Campbell congratulated me on all my hard work. I met many
London in recognition of her efforts. members of the Alcohol Concern team who were really grateful for all the
work I had done and wished me well for my tea room which was fabulous -
Emily Miller, 22, from Runcorn, was one of the councillors, commissioners, family and friends
country’s top fundraisers for Alcohol Concern’s came along as well as lot of the West Bank
Dry January campaign. As well as being community. Thank you to everyone who helped
sponsored for not drinking, Emily organised a and attended!"
fundraising tea and cakes party at West Bank Emily, who is also a volunteer for St Edward’s
Community Centre as part of her volunteering Brownies, was helped in her events by Young
role with Young Addaction. Addaction on behalf of Halton’s Children’s Trust
and Halton Borough Council as part of an on-
The event - branded Milly's Tea Room - raised going commitment to improve opportunities for
£130 alone. There were treats baked by Emily all children and young people living in the
and her friends, with quizzes on the topic to keep borough.
young people informed. Information was Halton Borough Council's Executive Board
provided on alcohol misuse, safety, and services Member for Children, Young People and Families,
to young people. Cllr Ged Philbin, said: "Emily has done
She said: "I chose to do Dry January as I thought I remarkably well in her fundraising
needed to regulate my own drinking - having and is a great role model for
attended university and drunk my fair share! I lost people of all ages in
a family member to alcohol misuse so set about Halton."
being a good role model and raising money for a
Emily with Cllr Ged Philbin and ward Councillor
good cause.”
Pamela Wallace at Milly’s Tea Room in West Bank.
Plans underway for two new
urgent care centres in Halton
Plans are now underway to extend urgent care services at enable patients to receive care closer to home whilst at the same
Widnes Walk-in Centre and create a new Urgent Care time reducing pressures on busy A&E units at Warrington and
Centre and Community Decision Unit at Halton Hospital in Whiston Hospitals.
Runcorn. Full feedback from the public consultation is available
Designed by local doctors, the proposals have received strong support online via www.haltonccg.nhs.uk/public-info
from local residents with 94% of the 350 people who took part in a
recent consultation survey either ‘Strongly agreeing’ or ‘Agreeing’
with the plans.
Simon Banks, Chief Officer of NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning
Group, said: “We are bringing medical care closer to home for local
people – building quality services that Halton residents can access
immediately when they need it, and taking away the worry and stress
of travelling to Warrington or Whiston A&E departments.”
The project, expected to be fully completed in September 2014, will
Halton’s health leaders are encouraging
the borough’s residents to have their
say on important proposed changes to
local NHS commissioning policies for
some healthcare services, treatments
and procedures.
Local people encouraged to have their say
on NHS commissioning policy changes
NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), the deemed as procedures of low clinical priority, thresholds for
NHS body responsible for planning and buying health particular treatments and those procedures requiring individual
services for the people of Runcorn and Widnes is approval.
reviewing existing local commissioning policies based “The patient’s voice is at the heart of everything we do and no major
on new national guidance. decisions will be made without engaging with our population so I
Local people can review the policies and feedback on the would personally encourage anyone who has an interest in
suggested changes by completing an online survey available up healthcare to have a look at the proposed policy changes and have
until 12noon on Monday 7 April. their say.”
The most important proposed changes and decisions are Following feedback from the public and healthcare experts including
regarding In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) which is a service that helps local doctors and nurses, the CCG will then decide whether it wants
couples with fertility problems to have a baby; Interventional to put the updated policies into practice - with or without changes.
treatments for Varicose Veins; Penile Implants and Diabetes / For further information on the policies and to have your say
Continuous Glucose Monitoring. www.haltonccg.nhs.uk/news-and-events/CPR.aspx
Dr Cliff Richards, local GP and Chair of NHS Halton CCG, said: If you do not have access to the internet and require a copy of the
“Most of the healthcare services and treatments that the CCG policies and survey via post please telephone 0800 218 2333.
commissions are provided for the whole population of Halton but Translated copies are also available on request.
some are only clinically effective in very specific situations or for Staff from the CCG will be engaging with local people about the
a very narrow group of patients. proposed changes over the coming months including visiting GP
“The policies which we are reviewing are very important and will patient groups and third sector organisations.
act as a guidance document for patients, clinicians and other If you would like to speak to directly to the CCG please contact Des
healthcare referrers in the town. They will set out eligibility Chow, the organisation’s Engagement and Involvement Manager on
criteria for patients in relation to certain healthcare services 01928 593578 or Des.Chow@haltonccg.nhs.uk
Spring 2014 | www.halton.gov.uk
Be part of fostering in Halton...
our children need you
Could you be a foster carer to a Halton child?
You’ll receive full training and support, not to mention a weekly allowance. Being
a foster carer allows you to use your life skills to help others when they need it
most. Once you are approved we will work with you to identify the right child for
you and your family.
Could you be a foster carer?
If you believe you have the right skills and experience and are interested in
taking the first step to find out more more
please visit: www.foster4haltongovuk
You can also discover more on Facebook
www.facebook.com/haltonfostering
or follow on Twitter.
Halton is committed to keeping children who need to live apart from their
Trust our new website
A new website has been launched to help parents, young people and
birth family for whatever reason in their local community, to enable them to
partner agencies keep in touch with all the work Halton Children’s Trust
stay at their school and be close to their friends and family.
does in the area.
What is important is finding the foster family with the right skills and experience Halton Children’s Trust was established in 2008 to bring together all
for each individual child. Foster carers are everyday people from all walks of life organisations who work for children, young people and families across
who undertake an exceptional role. When it comes to providing a safe, secure Halton to co-operate to improve children and young people’s wellbeing in
and caring home and family life, children don’t discriminate and neither do we. Halton.
Our foster carers tell us that fostering can be ‘challenging but equally rewarding’ The new website provides the very latest key information on Halton
and that becoming a foster carer ‘was the best thing they ever did’. Foster carers Children’s Trust.
welcome a child into their home and their family providing stable, secure and Why not log onto www.haltonchildrenstrust.co.uk and see what work the
loving homes to help a child at times of uncertainty. organisation does? You can also follow its Twitter account (@HaltonCT)
At least 8,600 new foster families are needed across the UK during 2014. Halton Borough Council's Executive Board Member for Children, Young
Currently Halton has a shortage of foster carers for teenagers, sibling groups People and Families, Cllr Ged Philbin, said: "Whether you want to stay
and children with complex needs (including disability and emotional needs). informed, get involved or be active members of the Halton Children’s Trust
Without local families to provide care for these groups, some children will find partnership, the website and Twitter account
themselves living a long way from family, school and friends, being split up from provide the opportunity to be involved at
brothers and sisters, or being placed with a foster carer who does not have the the right level for you."
ideal skills and experience to meet their specific needs.
A group of ladies who meet up for a knit and natter to support
good causes are looking for new members to join them.
They meet twice a month (second and fourth Tuesdays) from 1pm-3pm at which provide professional medical and social care for sick, deprived children in
Widnes Baptist Church, Deacon Road, have a cuppa, a natter and do some rural Uganda. The main focus of their work is a dedicated children’s medical
knitting, and would love to encourage more people - men and women – to centre named Wellspring, and the group provides knitted blankets and jumpers
come along. They all have skills that they are happy to pass on to new knitters, for them.
but they are equally happy to welcome people who would just like a natter! If you would like to go along to the group, feel free to just drop in or, if you would
One of the projects they support is Medcare, prefer to call in advance, then ring Ruth on 01774 817127.
The Knit and Natter group
with one of the blankets
they have sent to Medcare.Spring 2014 | www.halton.gov.uk
Adult
learners
honoured
Halton learners, some of whom
have overcome prejudice and
personal barriers to continue
their education, were honoured
Children join the at the Council’s Adult Learning
Awards ceremony at the Select
Security Stadium, Halton.
Alongside them were those who have
volunteered to support other learners, and local
employers who have worked in partnership to
offer valuable work experience.
Primary school children have been learning how to deal
with everyday problems and danger at an annual safety
awareness event.
Crucial Crew is organised by Halton Road Safety, organisation - Cheshire Fire and Rescue,
funded by the Children’s Safeguarding Board and Community Safety Partnership, Halton Borough
Unison, and takes place every year at the Select Council (Road Safety, Environmental Health,
Security Stadium, Halton. This year 1,500 children Transport Co-ordination, Children Safeguarding
took part. Board and Sports Development Team), Innovative
Safety Solutions Ltd, Darren Dean Associate
An established fixture in the school calendar, Training Ltd and Bridgewater Community
Crucial Crew provides personal and safety Healthcare NHS Trust Health Improvement Team.
education messages to Year Five children (nine and
ten-year-olds) and encourages model behaviour
and good citizenship.
Rooms are set up to reflect different scenarios
which pose problems or danger to children, such
as how to ring 999, what to do if they see a danger
and so on. There is a mix of scenarios to provide a Carrie Grimes, aged 35, from Runcorn, receiving her
range of situations which children may well certificate for Making it in Fashion.
encounter in everyday life. A Social Care Jobs Fair takes place at
The children visit each scenario in groups, and the Select Security Stadium, Halton on The event was hosted by Halton's Mayor,
each one is staffed by members of a safety Friday 27 June, 9.30am-1pm. Cllr Margaret Ratcliffe, who said: “The adult
learning providers in the borough have worked
The event is held by Halton Disability closely with key partners such as Jobcentre Plus,
Partnership in association with Halton Halton People into Jobs, Riverside College, our
Borough Council and Runcorn Job Centre. children’s centres and local employers in making
Derek Twigg MP will be the special guest. learning accessible and providing routes to
employment.
The aim is to bring together people interested in "We are particularly proud of the numbers of local
working in social care with those providing people who have taken part in our pre-
opportunities for employment. employment programmes and got jobs, many of
in addition to its own employees, Halton whom were previously not employed. We are
Disability Partnership helps bring together also extremely proud of those individuals who
individuals seeking to employ their own have gained qualifications, for example in Maths,
personal assistants with those looking for this English, IT and Garment Construction.
kind of work. For more on this go to: "This ceremony recognises the learning journey
www.haltondisability.org.uk/direct-payment/ that adults in Halton have taken towards gaining
a range of new skills and qualifications.”
If you are interested in being involved in the For information on adult learning courses in the
Jobs Fair, or in working as a personal assistant, borough please call 0151 511 7788 or email
please contact Pam Batey or David Atkinson at adult.learning@halton.gov.uk
Halton Disability Partnership on 01928 593117
or e-mail: pambatey@haltondisability.org.uk www3.halton.gov.uk/educationandlearning/ad
ulteducation/
If you are looking for
advice on jobs and
training, then the
National Careers Service is here to help you.
Whether you need training to enhance your skills, guidance on work options,
interview tips or help to draft your CV, you could benefit from the face-to-face
support provided by the service.
To make an appointment with a qualified advisor at a time to suit you, please contact Halton People into Jobs on 0151 511 7555.
Appointments are available at Halton Lea in Runcorn, and Halton Direct Link and Kingsway Learning Centre in Widnes.Ladies
only
please!
Stadium Fitness at the Select
Security Stadium Halton is
offering a new reduced
membership scheme to
celebrate the opening of its
Silver Blades enjoys some Ladies Only Gym.
Wild nights One of the few exclusive ladies only
facilities in the area, the gym is set to be a
hit for those wishing to start spring with a
fitness kick. State of the art machines and
free weight areas, plus a dedicated fitness
package written just for you are some of
In their first exciting season, Widnes Wild ice hockey team the incentives you will find if you pop
along for a look.
have built up a loyal fan base at Silver Blades ice rink.
Nicola Fagan, Manager of Stadium Fitness,
They have been attracting great crowds on ‘Dancing on Ice’ is thrilled with the new look ladies only area:
Sunday evenings as they climb the skaters Vicky Ogden “It’s something we have been trying to
National Hockey League with some and Sam Attwater in accommodate for ages and have now finally
thrilling performances. training at Silver managed to establish the gym where
Blades. women can train in their own dedicated
There are two remaining home games – area.”
March 23 versus Solihull Barons and March The new membership scheme costs just
30 against Coventry Blaze. Face off is at £10.99 per month with no joining fee and no
6.15pm with doors open at 5.15pm. One minimum term for membership.
child gets in free with every full-paying adult.
Silver Blades invited Halton’s Mayor, Cllr
Margaret Ratcliffe, to do the face off at the
home game against Deeside Dragons and,
since then, she has attended all their home
games and become a lifelong fan of the
game.
She says: “I was very pleased to be invited
and thoroughly enjoyed the ice hockey
match – it was fast and furious!
“I congratulate Silver Blades on providing
such a great way for people of all ages to
have fun at an affordable price, and would
encourage anybody who had not visited the
rink to go along and see what is happening 10am-4.30pm, and on Easter Sunday, 20
there. It is a great feather in the cap for April, there is the Egg Extravaganza when
Halton to have a Silver Blades in the every skater gets a free raffle ticket to win a
borough.” giant Easter egg.
Head Coach Paul Robinson has been busy
• Silver Blades is offering one free Ice out and about at local schools delivering the
Hockey Basics session to anyone who 100% attendance programme in which
wants to give it a go. These take place on pupils receive a complimentary skating
Thursdays, 6.15pm - 7.15pm for under session with a friend in recognition of full
16s, and 7.15pm - 8.15pm over 16s attendance at school. It is proving very
• The junior development team train every popular and the programme will be run
Tuesday at 6.15pm. Anyone interested again before the end of the school year.
should contact the rink on 0151 420 7930 While at the schools Paul is talking to the
• Other courses on offer at Silver Blades are pupils and students about all the different
Learn to Skate, for all abilities and ages, kinds of skating available and the benefits to
and Speed Skating. All new courses start health, as well as how much fun it is!
in April and there are six week and 20 Any interested school or group can book for
week options. Details can be found on a presentation on a number of topics, and
the website www.silver-blades.co.uk or staff are also available for school fetes, so
by calling the rink on 0151 420 7930. just give the rink a call.
The Easter Mega Skate takes place Top: The Mayor of Halton with Deeside Dragons’
weekdays from Friday 4 – Monday 21 April, Mark Lovall and Widnes Wild’s Tom Revesz.
14Spring 2014 | www.halton.gov.uk
Halton goes to the polls
on Thursday May 22 use your
in the local borough council elections and also the European
ote
Parliamentary Elections and you are urged to use your vote.
In the local elections, 17 of the 21 wards
are being contested. (There are no local
Poll cards The deadline for postal vote applications is
11 working days before polling day. If you
elections in Beechwood, Daresbury, Poll cards are delivered shortly before an think you will need a postal vote at a
Riverside and Windmill Hill). But voting for election. Each member of the household who is forthcoming election, you can apply today
the European Parliament takes place in all eligible to vote should receive a poll card which whether or not an election has been
21 wards. informs them of the date of the election, where called. Please ring 0151 511 7802 for an
their polling station is and the hours of poll. You application form.
Politics affects us in almost everything we do not need to take the poll card with you to be
do, from motoring to shopping, from the able to vote.
television we watch to the food we eat. Proxy voting
That's why elections are so important – it is
our chance to influence politics and shape Polling hours You can appoint someone to vote on your
behalf at your usual polling station, but you
the decisions that, in turn, will shape our The hours of poll for all elections are 7am-10pm. have to provide a reason to vote by proxy for
lives. Voting is the most important way to a single election. The deadline for proxy vote
make your voice heard on the issues that applications is six working days before
concern you.
Decisions are made on your behalf every
At the polling station polling day.
On arrival at your designated polling station, You can only vote by proxy on an indefinite
day, about local services and facilities, on basis for the following reasons: Physical
national issues like healthcare and the Presiding Officer will ask you to confirm your
name and address and will issue you with a incapacity, overseas voter, studying at
education, and on global issues like defence university and certain occupations such as
and the environment. ballot paper.
You should take the ballot paper to the voting armed forces.
booth and mark with an ‘X’ the candidate you You need to tell your proxy which candidate
The following people are allowed to vote: or candidates you wish to vote for.
wish to vote for. Fold the ballot paper and
deposit it in the ballot box. If you change your mind and wish to vote in
• If you are 18 years or over person, you can still do so, providing that
• All British, Commonwealth, Irish and other To register to vote you must contact us and
request the necessary form. your proxy has not already voted on your
European Union citizens behalf.
• Members of HM Forces and their spouses
• Crown servants employed outside the
United Kingdom Voting by post The deadline for proxy vote applications is
six working days before polling day.
• European citizens are allowed to vote in You can still vote even if you are unable to go to Call 0151 511 7802 for an application form.
European and local elections only your polling station on election day. You can
• Overseas electors are allowed to vote in vote by post and you may now receive a postal
Parliamentary and European Elections vote on request. Please note that postal votes
only. are normally sent out approximately one week
before polling day.Spring 2014 | www.halton.gov.uk
Mersey Gateway volunteer
programme launched
Are you a passionate Halton resident who
wants to be a Mersey Gateway volunteer?
Now is your chance - Merseylink wants to hear from Construction consortium Merseylink is seeking hundreds
local people aged over 16 who want to volunteer and of volunteers to join the project team. They will
be part of the Mersey Gateway Project. Get in touch complement the thousands of direct and indirect jobs
and register your interest now by emailing that will be created as a result of the project.
volunteers@merseylink.com Together, they will help to tell the story of Halton and the
£600m bridge – one of the largest building projects in the
UK – over the next three and a half years.
Volunteers will get a ‘once in a “We’ve already started our recruitment activity and now
we also want to talk to local people young and old who
lifetime’ opportunity are keen to roll up their sleeves and be part of something
amazing,” said Neil Wilcock, Merseylink’s Employment
Halton residents are being invited to become Skills Co-ordinator.
volunteers and be part of the ‘once in a “The volunteers, who have to be over 16 and
lifetime’ Mersey Gateway Bridge enthusiastic, will find a great way to learn new skills, meet
project. new friends and have fun.”
Merseylink will work with the Halton Employment
Partnership to market the training programme and
volunteer opportunities to target groups within Halton.
Training opportunities
All successful applicants will be enrolled on to a special
Mersey Gateway volunteer training programme, and once
recruited, volunteers will work alongside Merseylink staff
in delivering a programme of talks, presentations and
temporary exhibitions in local community venues, schools
and colleges.
“The volunteers will be vital in the creation of a great
visitor experience of which Halton can be proud...”
Cllr Eddie Jones, portfolio holder for Economic Development with Halton Borough Council
16Spring 2014 | www.halton.gov.uk
He added: “For our young people,
volunteering can be very fulfilling. It
can also be a major supplement to
their CVs, providing valuable
character-building and work
experience to aid their employment
prospects. So this is a rare
opportunity. Also, it can be a
wonderful chance for older people to
contribute, to demonstrate their skills
or display some great local
knowledge. For those keen to give
something back to their community,
this is the opportunity to be an
important part of our amazing and
iconic project.”
You can register to become a
volunteer by e-mailing
volunteers@merseylink.com
Volunteers will also support the “The volunteers will be
exhibitions, talks and presentations vital in the creation of a
offered through the Visitors Centres. great visitor experience
The volunteering experience, with of which Halton can be
training and work experience will proud,” commented
offer individuals: Cllr Eddie Jones,
portfolio holder for
· An enhanced CV Economic
· Vital work experience Development with
· New skills Halton Borough
· Wider social networks and Council.
increased success in the job
market after involvement.
Find out more...
If you would like to find out more about the project, then please contact us by
e-mailing mersey.gateway@halton.gov.uk or logging on to
www.merseygateway.co.uk where you can find out more details of the tolling
arrangements and scheduled work and sign up for our e-newsletter.Street sport scheme a success A scheme that uses sport as a way of reducing anti-social behaviour among young people in Halton is proving a great success. Halton Children’s Trust and Halton Borough Council have been working with the Wellbeing, Sport and Education organisation to run street sport sessions across the borough. The aim of the project in Halton is to reduce anti-social behaviour, increase young people’s involvement in activity to improve their health and fitness, while supporting the work of other services such as Young Addaction. One of the areas where the sessions have been a success is Bechers on the Upton estate in Widnes, where schools including The Bankfield have been involved. Across the borough there has been a 27% reduction in anti-social behaviour. Upton was previously a major contributor to these figures and, although it still has a number of problems, WSE say they are starting to reap the rewards of being on the estate. Lead Tutor, Joe Clements, says: “‘We wanted to see an increase in the use of existing facilities, and we have done this at Bechers with an equipment loan scheme, introduction of simple rules and a ‘soft’ code of conduct around how to behave when using the facilities. The young people have taken to our sessions in a positive frame of mind and have been able to engage with each other in cases where they wouldn’t in their normal peer group. “The young people have been a credit to themselves and their families. I’d like to thank them for their participation and hope they keep on coming. These sessions have been a huge success in bringing positive experiences and fun to young people’s evenings, and parents and local people know that the sessions are safe and enjoyable. “Traditionally the parents used to see other young people on the estate as the trouble causers, but we have tried to break down boundaries and reduce stereotypes by encouraging parents to come and get involved helping as volunteers or just watching what we do.” 18
Spring 2014 | www.halton.gov.uk
Super-fast broadband on its way
programme will
Homes and businesses in be delivered by
parts of Runcorn and Widnes BT Openreach.
It will build on
are set to benefit from the first the existing fibre networks already provided by
phase of brand-new fibre BT’s commercial investment that will enable 96
broadband networks. During the first phase, faster fibre broadband per cent of Cheshire premises to access
will be available for the first time in central high-speed broadband over the lifetime of the
From the end of this month, high-speed Runcorn, Hale Bank and Weston, where the programme.
broadband will become available to more majority of homes and businesses will be able Maps and coverage information on the
than 15,000 premises in communities across to connect to the new network. Connecting Cheshire website
Cheshire. The £28.5m Connecting Cheshire broadband www.connectingcheshire.org.uk/check-
availability are available to provide greater
detail on the areas that can expect fibre
coverage to arrive under the
Unique project shines first phase. Information is
also available showing
the proposed
timescales for
on national stage areas in the
second and
third phase
of the
In the five years since LOOSE staff, volunteers and users took it over, The programme,
Studio has gone from strength to strength - with the Widnes community 2014 onwards.
music and arts centre receiving national recognition recently for its Access All
Areas project at the Children and Young People Now awards.
Access All Areas (AAA), funded by The Big
Lottery, gives under-19s the opportunity to try
Emergency
plan tested
out music-making and other creative
activities, for free. Complete beginners can
get music lessons with use of instruments,
and bands get access to rehearsal space.
An exercise took place recently to
“Just one of the reasons the project is unique -
it is run by people who are themselves test the effectiveness of the off-site
performers, musicians, film-makers,” says Jaki emergency response that would
Florek, long-term volunteer and a Director of
LOOSE.
be used in the event of a major
“Young people can experiment and develop emergency at the
creatively, with as much (or as little) support as INEOS/Mexichem site in Runcorn.
they want. There are performance
opportunities but also people can help
organise and run their own events. They can Events at The Stu Halton Borough Council has a statutory duty
learn hands-on to use the recording and live
sound and lighting equipment.”
Saturday 5 April dio under the Control of Major Accident Hazard
(COMAH) Regulations to produce an off-site
The Studio invites multi agency emergency response plan for the
The project also supports the young people the
of music and dram public to attend a wealth INEOS/Mexichem site.
a
who attend The Studio in other ways. For free. There will als performances, admission
o
example, following a remembrance event for a photographs in the be an exhibition of These regulations govern chemical sites that
young person who lost his life, a donation was the history of The ArtSpace Gallery relating to make, store or handle hazardous substances
Qu
made that enabled two of the AAA Team to in preparation for eens Hall and The Studio and are designed to ensure that effective
attend training around the prevention of young a Community Herita
Project. ge measures are in place to protect people and the
suicides. Now, all Access All Areas young environment in the event of a major chemical
people are assigned a Personal Mentor and Saturday 12 April
Halton Rocks! The emergency.
time is put aside to discuss their creative work, an As part of the routine testing schedule, a table-
personal development, and if they want to, to organised by local nual live music event
musician Si Owen top exercise was held to test the INEOS
share any other issues or problems big or promises another s
nig ChlorVinyls / INEOS Enterprises / Mexichem Fluor
small. at The Studio, with ht of excellent live music
all proceeds going Off-Site Multi-agency Emergency Response Plan.
In November 2013, LOOSE beat off competition charity. to
In addition to the Council, INEOS and Mexichem
to become winners of the Arts & Culture www.facebook.co Fluor, the exercise involved representatives from
category at the prestigious Children & Young m/groups/
thestudiowidnes the emergency services who would manage the
People Now Awards. In addition, volunteer www.aaastudio.or response to a major emergency, along with
Jane Bennett was ‘Highly Commended’ for the g
Young people can health agencies, the Environment Agency, the
work she does with ‘Just Chill’, a project which drop in any Saturda Health and Safety Executive, Cheshire West and
runs alongside AAA. Sunday afternoon y or
an
chatting to the frie d find out more by Chester Council.
ndly AAA Team. If you have any enquiries about the exercise or
would like more information, please contact
Michelle Cotgreave, Risk & Emergency Planning
Division, Halton Borough Council on
0151 511 7918 or e-mail
michelle.cotgreave@halton.gov.uk
For more information regarding emergency
planning in Halton, please use link below:
www.halton.gov.uk/
councilanddemocracy/
emergencies/
emergenciesmajor
incidentresponse/pitches up at
Widnes Market
Look who is getting Love Your
Local Market fortnight off to a
‘cushty’ start!
Get into shape for summer, get fit, or just have some Loveable TV rogue Del Boy is coming with his
Trotters Independent Traders van to do a charity
fun by joining in with these activities, organised by auction on Wednesday 14 May at 10am.
the Sports Development team. The auction is organised by Widnes Market
traders and will feature some exclusive items,
with all proceeds going to Marie Curie Cancer
BOOT CAMP (For ages 16yrs +) Care.
I-pitch, Select Security Stadium, Halton. Every Wednesday 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Love Your Local Market (14-28 May) is a national
£3.50 per session or £2.10 per session for Halton Leisure Card holders. initiative set up three years ago to promote
Activities set up in a circuit and vary each week to improve your fitness and focus on toning markets, independent market traders and how
and weight loss. Just wear suitable clothing and bring a drink. important markets are to the local community. In
the past, Widnes Market has been one of the
GIRLS’ FOOTBALL (School Years 3, 4, 5 & 6) boldest when it comes to the fortnight of activities,
Kingsway Leisure Centre. Every Wednesday 4:30pm to 5:30pm. £2 per person. hosting fashion shows and launching its own
Get involved in our girls-only football session - All coaches are FA-qualified and CRB-checked. currency. This year, nationally-renowned Del Boy
impersonator Steve Rooney will start the ball
SWIM4HEALTH rolling in the award-winning outdoor market with
Kingsway Leisure Centre and Runcorn Swimming Pool. Six weeks for only £20. his distinctive Reliant three-wheeled van.
Swimming is a good all-round activity because it helps you to build endurance, muscle During the fortnight, the market will also be
strength and cardiovascular fitness. It also helps to improve coordination, balance and hosting new traders as they try out the Two Stalls
posture. Included in the £20 price is: for a Tenner initiative, trading on Fridays and
• Unlimited access to public/lane sessions Saturdays to see if market life gives them the
• Unlimited aquatic fitness classes business start they need.
• Access to a variety of aquatic activities at times to suit you
• Take part before work at lunch time or in the evening.
Call Kingsway Leisure Centre on 0151 495 2200 (option 2) or Runcorn Swimming Pool
on 01928 572114.
love your
JOG CLUB (Ages 16yrs+)
Halton Athletics Academy at Wade Deacon High, Widnes. Every Monday 5pm to 6.30pm. local
market
A fully floodlit track means every Monday night is jog club,even during the winter. Staffed by
the Sports Development Community Coach, no bookings necessary, you can register on the
night.
Sports Development events, coming soon: Another first will be a Cash Mob. On Saturday 24
May, the market is asking people to go along
KINGSWAY AMATEUR BOXING CLUB and see what they can buy for £10 at the market
Open boxing competition. Select Security Stadium, Halton, and tweet to their friends, using the hashtags
Friday 4 April 2014, doors open at 7pm with the competition to #widnesmarket and #LYLM2014.
start at 8pm. The best ones will win a prize and be a ‘Star for a
Tickets advance: £15 seniors and £10 juniors with hotpot day for a week in May’, where the Market
Tickets on the door: £10 seniors and £5 juniors follows their Twitter activity and retweets
Tables of 10: £150. appropriate content in an effort to get them more
followers. Don’t be afraid to send pictures with
HALTON SPORTS FAIR 2014 your tweets - the more the merrier.
Various venues, Saturday 19 to Sunday 27 July 2014, The market also hopes to host local
Halton Sports Fair showcases the wide variety of local Women’s Institutes or other
sports and activities happening across the borough organisations to challenge them in a
through voluntary sporting clubs and venues in version of The Apprentice, where they
Halton. are asked to raise as much profit from
Open to all ages, this is your chance to try out a a certain amount of money, again offered
new sport or activity by taking part in a taster by the market traders, with all monies going
session, demonstration or competition. Sessions to charity.
are FREE to all those wishing to attend, unless Runcorn Street Market will be open during
otherwise stated. the fortnight, with free children’s rides on 20
May and a black tie market on 27 May with
If you have a session you wish to promote, then send your
Rat Pack-style singers to serenade you as you
details to sports.development@halton.gov.uk shop.
For more information on any of these sports or events call
0151 510 6000 or e-mail sports.development@halton.gov.uk For more details www.widnesmarket.com or
if you are interested in having a stall, e-mail
20 markets@halton.gov.ukYou can also read
