MARCH 2018 - The community magazine of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Big plans, bright future - Stockton Council
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
MARCH 2018
www.stockton.gov.uk/stocktononteesnews
The community magazine of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
Big plans, bright future
CONTENTS
5 18 23
Our Beautiful Bright Minds ENJOY
Borough Big Futures Major Events
CONTENTS
News Round Up
4 Strong
Communities 6 Economic Regeneration
and Transport 9
BIG NEWS FOR BIG PLANS FOR HELPING BIG PLANS FOR AN
STOCKTON-ON-TEES OUR COMMUNITIES PROSPER OUTSTANDING BOROUGH
Community
Safety 17 Children and
Young People 18 Arts, Culture
and Leisure 22
BIG PLANS FOR KEEPING BIG PLANS FOR THE YOUNG BIG PLANS FOR GREAT
OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE PEOPLE OF OUR BOROUGH EXPERIENCES
Environment
and Housing 30 Health and
Wellbeing 34 Adults
Services 36
BIG PLANS FOR OUR BIG PLANS FOR THE BIG PLANS FOR THE
PLACES AND OPEN SPACES HEALTH OF OUR PEOPLE CARE WE PROVIDE
Your
Council 38 Ward Surgeries in
Your Area 42 What’s On
45
AMBITIOUS, EFFECTIVE BIG PLANS FOR BIG PLANS FOR
AND PROUD TO SERVE YOUR AREA THE FUTURE
Stockton-on-Tees News is published by Stockton-on-Tees News aims to provide Stockton-on-Tees News is produced
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and news and information about the Council, by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
distributed to households across the its partner organisations and local Communications Team and designed by
MARCH 2018
www.stockton.gov.uk/stockto
nonteesnews
Borough free of charge. If you have not community groups and businesses. Every Twentyseven Design. Pictures courtesy
received a copy please call 01642 526098 effort is made to ensure all information of Dave Charnley, Peter Mernagh, Gary
or email snews@stockton.gov.uk is accurate and up-to-date at the time of Walsh, Gilbert Johnston, Doug Moody,
publication. Your views and comments Dawn McNamara, Gilmar Ribeiro,
are welcome. Matt Witchell, Carla Whittingham, The
Gazette and others.
Borough Council
of Stockton-on-Tees
The community magazine future
Big plans, bright
There is an audio version of Stockton-on-Tees News. Call 01642 526098 to order a copy or email snews@stockton.gov.uk
PAGE 3
NEWS ROUND UP NEWS ROUND UP
WELCOME TO THIS
MARCH EDITION OF
Our beautiful Norton duck pond
Awards nomination Borough
STOCKTON-ON-TEES
hat-trick
NEWS Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council has completed
a hat-trick of award nominations, including in the
It’s the time of year when the Council sets its budget.
prestigious ‘Council of the Year’ category of the LGC
On page 41 there’s an update on our Medium Term
(Local Government Chronicle) Awards.
Financial plan which sets out how we will continue to
make savings and deliver vital services. We still face The authority was shortlisted in the Association of Public
some really tough challenges but we remain ambitious Service Excellence (APSE) and the Municipal Journal
for the Borough and we have plans in place to manage Achievement Awards 2017, and the Council is also one of only
six local authorities shortlisted in the ‘Council of the Year’
those changes effectively.
category of the LGC Awards, with the winner to be announced
Since the last edition we’ve received the good news on 21 March.
that the Council is in the final shortlist for ‘Council Neil Schneider, Chief Executive, said: “To reach the shortlist in
of the Year’ in the LGC (Local Government Chronicle) all three of these awards categories in a single year is quite a feat Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park
Yarm Bridge
Awards 2018. We couldn’t have achieved this without and reflects the high standards we set ourselves in all we do.
the ongoing work of our dedicated staff and partners so “We never lose sight of the fact we’re here to serve our A year on from the successful Infinity be able to vote for their favourite. The winner will be featured
a huge thanks to them for all their efforts. residents and businesses, and these awards are recognition as a double page spread in the November edition and receive
that we’re performing alongside the best in the country and at
Bridge photography competition, we’re a hamper full of wonderful products made right here in the
Congratulations also to Our Lady and St Bede Catholic
a time of great challenge and uncertainty.” launching a new campaign for 2018 – Borough.
Academy for achieving an ‘outstanding’ rating and
Stockton Riverside College for being rated as ‘good’ Our Beautiful Borough. We’ve picked out a few examples of stunning shots from
Billingham, Norton and Yarm to inspire you.
in their recent inspections. These accomplishments The Borough is home to six thriving towns as well as
are a real credit to all the staff and young people doing beautiful countryside and villages, all of which we want to To enter, simply share your Beautiful Borough images with
great work there. You can read some of the inspectors’ showcase – who better to do that than the people who live us via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, or email your picture
here? Whether you’re a professional photographer or a keen along with your name and contact details to
comments on pages 20 and 21.
snapper, we’d love to see photographs of what you love about beautiful.borough@stockton.gov.uk
The recent months have been great for businesses the Borough. It could be your favourite park, a building that You can find details of the Council’s social media accounts
in Stockton-on-Tees. From page 14 you can learn holds special memories or just somewhere you enjoy visiting. on page 40.
about some of the many businesses thriving across
the Borough.
Stockton-on-Tees to host A selection of our favourite pictures will feature in the May
and July editions of Stockton-on-Tees News. Throughout
For more information and full details on the competition,
visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ourbeautifulborough
And once again we have a brilliant programme of brand new Great Tees 10K August and September, visitors to libraries in Billingham,
Ingleby Barwick, Norton, Stockton, Thornaby and Yarm will
events coming up. We’re very proud to host two great A major new running event will be held in Stockton
new events this year including the Great Tees Run
Award-winning
this September – and if you fancy taking it on, you d Bay in Eagles
cliffe
which you’ll find more about on page 4, and an exciting The Clevelan
can enter now!
supercar event that we’re bringing to Stockton High
favourites
The Simplyhealth Great Tees 10K takes place on Saturday 8
Street. You’ll find details of our spring/summer events September as part of the Great North Run weekend.
in the ENJOY pull-out on page 23 and in the What’s On
section from page 45. The event was launched on the High Street by Stockton’s
world champion athlete Richard Kilty where he was joined by
Finally, our Care for Your Area team will soon be the local ‘Sisters R Doing It’ running group.
A café in Billingham is officially the best in
out and about to sow the beautiful wildflowers that the region!
There will also be Junior and Mini runs over courses of 2K
flourished across the Borough last year. We received and 4K, giving children aged three to 14 the chance to get Kay’s Café on Station Road has been crowned North East
some excellent comments from residents while they involved. Regional Winner 2017 in the search for Britain’s Best Café.
were in bloom – you can see a range of stunning All routes will hug the banks of the Tees, with the 10K route Owner Gill Crooks said: “We were happy just to be nominated.
photos on pages 30 and 31. taking in iconic landmarks such as the Infinity Bridge and We were up against some bigger cafés in the region so it’s an
Newport Bridge. achievement to win.”
There’ll be more excitement on the day as the Greath North And in Eaglescliffe, the Cleveland Bay has made it into the top
CityGames Elite Mile will also take place in Stockton – ten North East dog-friendly pubs. Dog owners across the UK
relocating from NewcastleGateshead for the first time. voted for the finalists in the national Dog-friendly Pub Awards
Neil Schneider 2017 organised by dog sitting service, DogBuddy.com.
The event is being brought to the Borough thanks to a new
Chief Executive, partnership formed between Stockton-on-Tees Borough Peter Rafferty said: “We were surprised to be shortlisted!
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Council and the company responsible for the Great North Dogs are always welcome at the pub.”
Run - the Great Run Company. For full details of routes and For more information, search for Kay’s Café on Facebook
how to enter, visit www.greatrun.org/tees10k and visit www.clevelandbay.co.uk Kay’s Café in Billin
gham
PAGE 4 PAGE 5
STRONG COMMUNITIES STRONG COMMUNITIES
Norton Grange Coat Collections
SPOTLIGHT
ON…
Rural Information Day
at Stillington
Coat Collections Norton Grange
Our regular “Spotlight On”
feature highlights the vital
work some of the Borough’s
voluntary, community
and social enterprise
organisations are carrying
out across Stockton-on-Tees.
FRADE, a local re-use charity, was established in 1990
and their mission is to reduce poverty, reduce waste and Rural Information Day
increase employability. at Stillington
The charity sells donated household goods at affordable
prices, with further discounts of 25 per cent for people
on the lowest incomes. It also collects unwanted CHANGING LIVES Snacks all summer
Using funding from Thirteen housing group, Teesside
Winter Coats Collection
Working with food banks across the Borough, families in
TOGETHER
household items free of charge. Philanthropic Organisation and the Council’s Public need were kept warm and well during the cold months after
Beyond that, FRADE offers community work placements Health service, the Locality Forums worked with over 20 the forums launched their winter coats collection project.
for volunteers to gain new skills through training and organisations to combat hunger during the school holidays. More than 300 coats were donated from members of the
The funds were used to benefit more than 1,660 children community and distributed with food hampers to some of
experience. This helps them back into employment or as Public, private, voluntary, community and and young people. They were able to enjoy healthy snacks the Borough’s most vulnerable people.
a means to contribute to the local community.
social enterprise sector organisations and meals, help prepare the food and engage more with
In 2017, FRADE helped 7,638 households across Tees
Valley, provided 50 volunteer placements, employed nine work together as the Stockton Local the other holiday activities on offer such as family fun days,
day trips and youth clubs. It’s clear from their wonderful
staff and redirected 217 tonnes away from landfill. Strategic Partnership (LSP) to make a comments that the scheme made a huge impact on the
Christine Garcia, Chief Officer, said: “Last year we real difference to the lives of others. young people:
received 3,143 donations of ‘preloved’ items which • “I really enjoyed that. When can I do it again?”
helped people turn their houses into homes. We offer The LSP is made up of Four Locality • “I have really enjoyed the food especially the pita pizzas.”
free training sessions on carpentry skills which have Forums each representing different areas • “I’ve enjoyed doing cooking and making food and would
been a great success and transformed old furniture.
of the Borough. The Northern, Central, like to do more of it.”
“Our volunteers gave 22,916 hours of their time, without • “I have had a great time – love the food, especially the new
which we could not operate. One said: ‘I had been
Eastern and Western locality forums feed fruit I tried.”
written off and felt life was not worth living. I started into the LSP to tackle family poverty, help Borough-wide advice and information sessions
to volunteer and it has turned my life around. My families to maximise their income and A series of advice and information sessions were held in
confidence has grown and I now look forward to
the future’.” give every child the best start in life. each locality to increase residents’ access to local services
and financial advice. Residents were able to access
For more information about FRADE visit These are just some of the excellent confidential, independent advice on energy bills, welfare,
www.frade.co.uk, call 01642 608791
or drop-in to their store on Brunswick Street
community projects which they have benefits, employment and training. The drop-in sessions
took place in Norton Grange, Stillington, Billingham and
in Stockton. been involved in. Thornaby with more planned across the Borough in 2018.
PAGE 6 PAGE 7
STRONG COMMUNITIES ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT
10 years of Fairtrade support
Stockton-on-Tees is celebrating its tenth year as a Fairtrade Borough.
The Mayor, Councillor Maurice Perry, was presented with a
certificate of renewal of status on behalf of the Stockton Fairtrade
Borough Partnership by the group’s chair, Maureen Rigg.
The status recognises the Borough’s commitment to promoting
Fairtrade principles and to supporting people in developing
nations to be able to sell their products at a fair price.
The Borough first gained Fairtrade status in 2007 after
achieving five qualifying goals including a wide availability of
Fairtrade products in local shops and catering outlets.
The campaign has also been strongly supported by local
residents, businesses, the Council, faith groups and schools.
Fairtrade’s mission is to “connect disadvantaged producers and
consumers, promote fairer trading conditions and empower
producers to combat poverty, strengthen their position and take
more control of their lives.”
If you’d like to get involved with the campaign in the Borough,
visit www.facebook.com/FairtradeStockton or email Maureen Rigg presents the Fairtrade Stockton-on-Tees has a
fairtradestockton@gmail.com
status certificate to the Mayor longstanding tradition
in manufacturing that
is still very much in
evidence today. Through
A dedicated Stockton volunteer has been
our regular Made in
AWARD-WINNING SUPPORT recognised for her efforts to support local
people affected by cancer. Stockton-on-Tees
feature we take a look at
Phyl Wood received the Douglas Macmillan Award for some of the Borough’s
the Northern Region, which commends volunteers who manufacturing success
represent Macmillan Cancer Support in the community.
stories.
Phyl has been volunteering for over seven years and
has represented the charity across the Tees Valley by
fundraising, coordinating collections, delivering talks,
Phil Walker, Operations Director, and Gareth Thomas, Managing Director
visiting Macmillan Centres and helping at local and national
events in her own time.
Icon Plastics is looking to the future after
She said: “I chose Macmillan Cancer Support because investing in a new site in order to continue the
Douglas Macmillan’s values and beliefs for his charity fit fantastic growth and success it has achieved in
so well with my own. Like so many people, my family has recent years.
experienced the rollercoaster ride that comes with a cancer
diagnosis.” The new 10,000 square foot factory sits on a 2.7 acre
site and will, after refurbishment and fitting out, see a
Liz Airey, Fundraising Manager, added: “I am thoroughly Sue Gallim
total investment of over £600,000. This additional facility ore, Secon
delighted that Phyl has won this award. We at Macmillan dary Asse
complements Icon’s neighbouring 36,000 square foot plant mbly Ope
rator
absolutely appreciate all her support and dedication to the
on Durham Lane Industrial Park, Eaglescliffe.
charity. She is a truly inspirational lady who puts everyone
before her own needs.” The company specialises in plastic injection moulded
operations and assembly department as well as create
Senior Macmillan Volunteer, Jackie Easton components and assembly for a wide range of sectors
To access support from Macmillan visit office and factory space for new projects and product
presents Phyl Wood with her award including automotive, electronics, agricultural, healthcare,
www.macmillan.org.uk or call 0808 808 00 00. development.
construction and white goods.
“It’ll free up space in the main factory to allow the
Icon’s 28 moulding machines allow it to operate around the
Volunteering is a great way to gain skills clock, five days a week, to serve its main UK market as well
expansion of the injection moulding, quality assurance
and experience, boost your self-confidence and training departments - in turn creating more jobs and
as exporting to Eastern Europe and Asia.
apprenticeships.
and meet new people. The business currently employs 60 full-time staff but hopes
There are a whole host of opportunities to volunteer with organisations “Icon Plastics has built its business on the high level of
to create a further six jobs and two apprenticeships as a
across Stockton-on-Tees. If you’d like to learn more about what’s quality and service it provides and this can only be achieved
result of the new expansion.
available then take a look at the Stockton-on-Tees Volunteers website. and maintained if we continue to invest in our people, plant
Created by Catalyst in partnership with the Council, it lists a wide range of Gareth Thomas, Managing Director, said: “The new site and machinery.”
volunteering opportunities across the Borough. will give us the space we desperately need to continue
To find out more about Icon Plastics, visit
growing the business; it allows us to expand our secondary
Find out more at www.stocktonvolunteers.co.uk www.iconplastics.co.uk
PAGE 8 PAGE 9
ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT
Hotel taking Behind the scenes
shape
The construction of Stockton’s
Hampton by Hilton hotel has taken
at the Globe
a major step forward. It’s full steam ahead with
The hotel foundations have been sunk and work to construct
the metal skeleton framework is well under way. the Globe restoration.
The 128-bed hotel is being built by construction contractor The existing dressing room block has been demolished to
Bowmer and Kirkland Ltd on the former dairy car park site and make way for the new facilities needed for the kind of large
there were opportunities galore for local suppliers at a special scale music and comedy acts the venue will host when it
‘Meet the Buyer’ event in November. re-opens as a 3,000 capacity live entertainment venue.
Local firms had the chance to bid for a range of work packages A fully-accessible six storey extension will be constructed
associated with the construction of the new hotel. in its place to accommodate additional dressing rooms
and a greenroom, as well as full high tech production and
The hotel forms part of the 56-acre, mixed-use Northshore security facilities.
regeneration scheme which incorporates new offices, homes and
leisure facilities just a short walk from Stockton town centre. Meanwhile, the seats in the circle have been removed so
they can be replaced with some that are in keeping with the
It will be owned by the Council and operated by leading Globe’s art-deco past and the water damaged auditorium
industry experts, Interstate UK Management Ltd. floor has been carefully taken up ahead of it being replaced
The hotel’s metal framework with flooring which will accommodate new, removable
being constructed
For further information visit www.stockton.gov.uk/northshore
seating to allow for both seated and standing audiences.
Ingleby Barwick Stepping back in time Is this the Lewis brothers?
The original Globe Theatre was
Leisure Facility owned by Stockton brothers,
Charles and Alfred Lewis.
And it’s thought that the
blue plaques (pictured)
Preparatory works to on the front of the Globe
construct Ingleby Barwick’s depict them.
If you know any more
new leisure facility are now about the plaques
please get in touch
under way. at www.facebook.com/
TheGlobeStockton or by emailing
Work to divert the utility services for the new multimillion TheGlobe@stockton.gov.uk
pound leisure facility on the site of All Saints Church of cer, Sophie Owens
Heritage Learning Offi
England Academy have started, tying in with the £3million
expansion of the school. The Globe’s exciting new future may be in sight but its
The development of the new All Saints Academy staff fascinating past won’t be lost thanks to the appointment
car park will immediately follow completion of these of a Heritage Learning Officer.
preparatory works.
The combined leisure centre, library and customer service
point will open in summer 2019 offering a wide range of
Sophie Owens has taken up the post and among the
thought provoking activities she is responsible for are hard
hat tours, photography and oral history recording as well
Winner!
In the last edition of Stockton-
facilities including swimming pools, a health and fitness as workshops, talks and much more.
on-Tees News we asked how
suite, gym and community access library. To keep up with Globe news visit many tonnes of scaffold were
www.facebook.com/GlobeStockton in the Globe.
It will be operated by Tees Active Limited which already
operates high quality fitness and leisure venues in the Anyone who would like to share their old photos or
Three readers correctly guessed 300 tonnes so we asked
Borough on behalf of the Council. memorabilia of the Globe with the restoration team are
the Mayor to pull one winner’s name from a hat.
urged to get in touch by emailing
TheGlobe@stockton.gov.uk Congratulations to Andrew Humble who won a pair of
Stockton Calling tickets.
PAGE 10 PAGE 11
ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT
Students make Stockton-on-Tees a home away from home
Students from around the world Just a short walk away from Stockton Town Centre, the
ISC (managed by the highly respected education provider
are arriving in Stockton-on-Tees Study Group) is preparing international students for
university study.
and making it their home as And the new intake wasted no time in getting to know their
surroundings. As part of their orientation visits the new
they come to study at Durham arrivals recently enjoyed a trip to Billingham where they
purchased homeware essentials and shared a coffee before
University’s International Student visiting the library and then the Forum to sign up for gym
memberships as well as checking out the ice rink, swimming
Centre (ISC) at Queen’s Campus.
Survey ranks Highways
pool and GoClimb facilities.
and Transport services
country’s best
The Council’s Highways and Transport services have been specialist, Ipsos MORI, rated the Council number one
rated the best in the country in a national survey. nationally for street lighting provision, road safety,
community transport fares and the provision of safe
Residents from more than 3,300 households across 112
crossing points.
local authority areas were asked for their views on road
safety, public transport, walking and cycling provision, The services also ranked among the nation’s best in
efforts to tackle congestion, accessibility and highway other areas including efforts to reduce traffic congestion,
maintenance among others. highways maintenance, roadwork management and road
surface conditions.
The results of the independent National Highways
and Transport Network survey, conducted by research To read the survey, visit https://nhtsurvey.econtrack.com
P299-1_st-dtva-where-next-210x99.indd 1 22/01/2018 12:05
PAGE 12 PAGE 13
ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT
business
Open for
With new and established
businesses flourishing
across Stockton-on-Tees, The relaxed bar space at Fourteen
Drops
the Borough is very much luxury hairdressing A Protector Security patrol vehicle at the new premises
Fourteen Drops, Yarm
The King and I on Norton High Street offers
open for business.
This bar, charcuterie, wine and che
ese shop has been
The King and I, Norton The Protector Group, Billingham
et by exp ert sommeliers Fiona
opened on Yarm High Stre The King Security business The Protector Group has recently
Fourteen Drops offers Situated on Norton High Street, luxury salon
McLain and Andrea Asciamprener. Its award- relocated its offices from Hartlepool to Billingham, creating
carefully chosen wines, and I offers a range of hairdressing services.
customers the chance to sample berto n and an additional 20 jobs. The company moved into larger
xed bar space. It also winning stylists Marcus King, Anna Pem
purchase and enjoy them in the rela - from every day premises on Belasis Business Park after it secured a
non-alcoholic and hot Michael Veitch have a passion for hair
serves a range of delicious food, to photo shoo ts for awar d £4million, five-year contract to provide security services to
cuts and colours in the salon
drinks as well as weekly specials. . a multinational petrochemical business.
ceremonies and magazines
www.fourteendrops.co.uk www.protectorsecurity.co.uk
www.thekingandinorton.com
Sandgate Shopping Parade in Ingleby Barwick Katherine Burns at her boutique, Lady Marmalade
Auton at The Boutique at Poppys The team at Jacksons Law Firm, Preston Farm
Vicki Murray and Janice
Sandgate Shopping Parade, Lady Marmalade, Thornaby
The Boutique, Stockton Ingleby Barwick Jacksons Law Firm, Eaglescliffe Owner Katherine Burns started her business online and
, Jacksons
on Silver Street, The One of the region’s most established law firms decided to open up her shop, Lady Marmalade, as sales
Located next to Poppys hair salon All units at the new shopping parade in Ingleby Barwick
to a mode rn, purp ose
s to Stockton’s Cultural Quarter with are now fully occupied. The parade, next to The Rings has moved its head office increased. The independent boutique on Lanehouse
Boutique at Poppys add Farm
hing and accessories. built office building at Falcon Court on Preston Road, Thornaby stocks a range of specially selected
a stunning collection of women’s clot on Myton Way, has all manner of retailers including a
legal services
s to evening wear and Industrial Estate. It offers a wide range of ladies’ clothes and accessories inspired by the latest
From something special for occasion DIY shop, café and pub, Co-op food store, Roseberry
h East inclu ding
tique has everything to businesses and people in the Nort fashion and celebrity trends.
from race days to weddings, the bou Newhouse Estate Agency, Yarm Butchers and Al Forno’s
te clien t advic e.
Italian restaurant as well as a specialist cycling and corporate, commercial, and priva www.facebook.com/ladymarmaladeboutique
covered.
running shop. www.jacksons-law.com
www.theboutiquepoppys.co.uk
PAGE 14 PAGE 15
ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT COMMUNITY SAFETY
STOCKTON – A BASE FOR ALL BUSINESS AWARD WINNING
Stockton is proving to be an increasingly popular base for a wide range of businesses SAFETY IN STOCKTON
and organisations, showing that High Streets are no longer just a place for shopping. One of the Council’s dedicated Town Centre
We highlight here some of the new faces in town: Operations officers has been commended by the
Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland for
Watson Woodhouse Solicitors their work to keep Stockton a safe place to live,
With over 25 years of practice as a quality legal service, work and visit.
Watson Woodhouse is relocating from Yarm Road to a Chris Dunwell scooped the ‘Community Safety Contribution
central Stockton venue. to Tackling Antisocial Behaviour’ award after working
Investing in the area and the local community, Watson closely in partnership with Cleveland Police to enhance
Woodhouse has committed over £60,000 of refurbishments community safety and help encourage more people to visit
into their new High Street property and is creating two and use Stockton Town Centre.
trainee positions.
Chris said: “I feel the award has come as a result of
The firm will be offering free community law clinics on continuous great partnership work. To win the award
Monday evenings and Wednesday afternoons. against really strong competition makes me feel especially
and Shaun Hilton
James Watson, Victoria Molloy Visit www.watsonwoodhouse.co.uk for more information. proud of the ongoing dedication of the entire Town Centre
from Watson Woodhouse Operations team.”
JD Training Solutions
Offering expert training services, JD Training Solutions are
looking to the future after opening their new premises on
Silver Street in Stockton.
Road safety champions crowned!
The company aims to equip people with practical skills More than 1,500 schoolchildren from
through bespoke training and development via 25 highly Stockton-on-Tees battled it out in the
trained professionals at their Apex House base. annual Road Safety Quiz.
Among the training courses on offer are health and The top three schools, Egglescliffe CE
safety, first aid, fire safety, dementia awareness and risk Primary School, St Paul’s RC Primary
assessment. School, Billingham and St Patrick’s
Staff outside JD Training Solutions
on Silver Street To view a full directory, visit www.jd-training.co.uk RC Primary School, Thornaby, went
head-to-head in the final at Stockton
Baptist Church.
No 60 at ARC St Paul’s RC Primary School proved
ARC’s contemporary and vibrant café bar on Dovecot Street to be road safety stars as this year’s
has recently been refurbished and is better than ever with a winners!
revamped menu. The event was organised by Stockton-
Serving well-priced, quality food throughout the day and on-Tees Borough Council’s Road
transforming into a bustling bar by night, No 60 offers Safety Team and supported by Tees
Triumphant pupils from St Paul’s RC Primary School with their Road Safety Quiz plaque
something for everyone. The café bar also houses a training Active who generously donated prizes.
kitchen giving young people an introduction to a culinary
career.
Home safety quiz winner
Visit www.arconline.co.uk/no60 for more information.
The refurbished café bar
The Stockton Home Safety Association held an
Market matters! information event recently in Stockton Town
Centre to provide a range of advice on staying
Stockton’s iconic traditional market is celebrating after scooping
‘Best Large Outdoor Market’ in the Great British Market Awards for safe within the home environment.
its event programme and the work of the Business and Enterprise Visitors outside the Town Hall who completed a
team with local schools, colleges and youth organisations. questionnaire on the topic were entered into a special prize
Traders at the market, which is over 700 years old and known draw. Ann Peacock, from Stockton, was first out of the hat
locally as “The Queen of the North”, recently signed up to the and scooped a £25 Love2Shop voucher.
Real Deal national charter to demonstrate their commitment to Ann said: “The event was full of great information and
preventing counterfeit and other illicit goods being sold. advice to help protect people against scams and generally
Stockton’s market is held every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. stay safe.”
PAGE 16 PAGE 17
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
A Borough of
opportunities
Hi! My name is Jess Hugill, I’m 19 years
old and live in Ingleby Barwick. I’m really
pleased to have been asked to write the
first Stockton-on-Tees News column for
A new campaign has been launched Following guidance from The Children’s Society, the
campaign is being developed to create the conditions the Bright Minds Big Futures project and
to ensure the Borough of Stockton- where our young people: I’m looking forward to sharing with you
on-Tees is a great place to grow up! • have a strong sense of self my experience of being a young person in
• have safe and supportive relationships
It will promote: the Borough.
• feel part of the community
I always wanted to push myself to be the best I
A programme of events and activities are being developed to
could be and I soon realised this meant taking every
• Our ambition is for every give young people the opportunity to have their voices heard
and tell the Council what they think about growing up here.
opportunity that came my way. This began three
years ago when I was elected as the Member of Youth
young person to be SPORTING SUCCESS
We want to know what is important to them and give them
Parliament for Stockton-on-Tees. The role gave
the chance to have their say on the future of the Borough.
me so many new experiences including being part
successful and have a big
ON THE TABLE
And to keep you up to date with the campaign we’ll be of the Stockton Youth Assembly to speaking in the
handing over to our young people. In every edition of House of Commons. I had an incredible two years
future Stockton-on-Tees News we’ll bring you a report from one of of campaigning for our young people and improving
Ben Piggott, 12, a pupil at Egglescliffe School, is being tipped
our Bright Minds, Big Futures correspondents. You can read their engagement with politics.
for sporting success after excelling in his chosen discipline –
• Our commitment is to the first column from Jess Hugill in this edition.
My next challenge arrived shortly after when I signed
up to be a Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (SBC)
table tennis.
ensure children and young Want to get involved? Correspondent for Stockton International Riverside Ben is currently ranked as the second best player for his age in
the country and recently celebrated a huge achievement after
Festival last summer. I worked in a group of young
people are at the heart of Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/bmbf for information on how
you or a young person you know can join the campaign and
people promoting and reporting on the festival being selected for the England under 13s squad.
including writing blog posts and interviewing artists.
the future of the Borough how you can help us understand what young people need
and want in the Borough and how to access a whole host of
We had the time of our lives!
His sights are now firmly set on the future as he continues to
be part of Tees Valley Sport’s Future Champions programme.
I have so much to thank the Borough for, as every The scheme helps young people achieve their sporting
opportunities and events – from becoming an Stockton-on-
• Our aim is to understand Tees Borough Council Correspondent to taking part in special opportunity that has come my way has taught me potential by offering free access to local facilities and,
through Teesside University, providing bespoke strength and
something that I didn’t know about myself and given
what young people need
Council takeover days.
me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone. conditioning advice as well as training programmes.
Schools, colleges, community groups and businesses are This helped me decide that university wasn’t for me
and want to make this also being encouraged to take part. For more information
contact Jane Webb, Bright Minds Big Futures Coordinator,
and pushed me to find another opportunity which I
Ben said: “I’m working really hard and training as much as
possible. I’ve had great support from coaches at Ormesby
found in my engineering apprenticeship with Nestlé.
happen on 01642 528519 or email
BrightMindsBigFutures@stockton.gov.uk. I’m currently training for the Stockton Duathlon and
Table Tennis Club and during my England camps.
“It’s really helped me to have support from my family as well.
will be taking up my SBC Correspondent role again, Hopefully I can go on and achieve my dream of representing
writing about my progress and continuing to discover England in major competitions.”
everything Stockton-on-Tees has to offer. I have
made the most of each opportunity and have amazing For more information about the Future Champions
memories and even better friends to share it programme, visit www.teesvalleysport.co.uk
all with.
PAGE 18 PAGE 19CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Are you a private foster carer?
If you are looking after someone else’s child for 28 days or more you might be a
Ofsted praise for college
Stockton Riverside College has been
private foster carer. given the Ofsted seal of approval.
When a parent arranges for their child to be Anyone who is already private fostering, or The college, which incorporates SRC Bede Sixth Form, NETA
looked after by another adult who is not a close plans to, should contact Training Group and The Skills Academy, has achieved a ‘good’
relative, it is called private fostering. childrenshub@hartlepool.gov.uk or call rating for the second consecutive time.
Parents and private foster carers are legally (Hartlepool dial code) 01429 284284.
Inspectors praised its work with employers and work
required to notify the Council if they are looking For further information visit experience opportunities for students – ensuring that learners
after a child in a private care arrangement. www.stockton.gov.uk/privatefostering develop the skills that employers are looking for.
They reported: “Most learners benefit from very well-planned,
helpful and relevant work experience placements that support
‘Outstanding’
them to practise their subject specific skills. This helps them
Our Lady and St Bede Catholic Academy to make informed choices about their next steps.”
has been rated ‘outstanding’ in all “Good-quality careers guidance” was also highlighted,
across the
criteria by Ofsted. resulting in learners and apprentices moving on to
employment, further or higher education.
In the January assessment, inspectors praised the ‘high
board!
quality of teaching, learning and assessment’ across all Principal Phil Cook said: “This is not about the achievement of
subjects. They commended the school’s values of ‘integrity, any one person; it is about everybody and the dedication and
hard work and compassion’ that are evident in all aspects of hard work that every individual puts in. A copy of the report is available on the Ofsted website at
school life. www.ofsted.gov.uk
“Ofsted shines a spotlight on each and every one of us. To
The report goes on to say that leaders and governors are be consistently recognised as a ‘good’ college, we and the For further information about Stockton Riverside College visit
‘unwavering in their pursuit of excellence’. communities we serve should all feel extremely proud.” www.stockton.ac.uk
They found that relationships between pupils and their
teachers are ‘strong’, with teachers understanding the
strengths and weakness in each pupil’s learning. As a result,
teachers are able to plan activities accordingly.
The behaviour of pupils is ‘outstanding’, as is the school’s
work to promote their personal development and welfare
with a variety of extra-curricular activities.
The clubs visited by inspectors were ‘vibrant’, providing
opportunities for pupils to socialise and develop and build
their social skills.
Pupils celebrate with To see the report in full visit www.ofsted.gov.uk
headteacher, Chris Hammill
Forum forging new links
Adoption is changing Stockton Parent Carer Forum is growing in size and
strength as it works alongside the local authority,
Visit www.stocktonparentcarerforum.co.uk or contact
stocktonparentcarerforum@gmail.com for more information
More opportunities to place children with adoptive education, health and other service providers. and to sign up to stay informed of the latest updates.
families are being created thanks to a new partnership Through active participation from parents and carers of The work of the forum is interlinked with Stockton-on-Tees’
between the Tees Valley local authorities. children and young people with any special educational Local Offer. The Local Offer provides information to parents
Adoption Tees Valley is a new Regional Adoption Agency need or disability (SEND), the forum ensures the services and carers of children and young people with special
which brings together Middlesbrough Council, Redcar and that are planned and delivered meet the needs of children educational needs or disabilities to help them understand
Cleveland, Darlington, Hartlepool, and Stockton-on-Tees and their families. what services and support are available.
borough councils. The forum is a voluntary organisation and meets weekly on For more information, visit www.stockton.gov.uk/localoffer
The agency has been developed in consultation with Tuesdays at 10am (term-time only) at Newtown Community
voluntary adoption agences and aims to get the best Resource Centre where people can visit to talk with other
possible outcomes for adopters, children and birth families. parents and carers of SEND children.
Adoption Tees Valley is due to launch in spring 2018. Parents and carers now have the opportunity to book private
appointments with SEND officers to discuss their child’s
For further information, contact the Child Placement Team plan and services to ensure the best outcomes are being
at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council on 01642 526218. achieved for them.
PAGE 20 PAGE 21ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE ARTS, CULTURE AND
PULL OUT LEISURE
AND KEEP
Pl ai
Stockton
ac la
av
es bl
Duathlon Festival
st e!
il l
Sunday 22 April 2018
Stockton Riverside
RUN
CYCLE
ENJOY
RUN
Your guide to the major events happening across Stockton-on-Tees this spring and summer.
Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events for full details.
Whatever your goal, enter now at:
www.stockton.gov.uk/duathlon
PAGE 22 Big plans for great experiences
PAGE 23ARTS,
PULLCULTURE AND LEISURE
OUT AND KEEP ARTS, CULTURE AND
PULL OUT LEISURE
AND KEEP
Stockton Calling Stockton Duathlon Festival Stockton Stages Fire Engine and Vintage Vehicle Show
Saturday 31 March Sunday 22 April Thursday 31 May – Saturday 2 June Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 June
Stockton Town Centre Stockton Riverside Stockton Town Centre Preston Park Museum and Grounds
An all-day music festival renowned for showcasing new Enjoy a thrilling feast of running and cycling at one of Stockton’s newest festival returns this summer with a This popular family event returns once again with more
talent as well as firm favourites and long-established the UK’s biggest and best Duathlons. The annual race variety of top comedy and music at venues across the than 300 classic, vintage and historic vehicles on display
artists. This year’s highlights include Britpop legends, offers three separate distances to suit all abilities, from town centre. and a range of exciting activities for all ages.
The Lightning Seeds. beginners to elite athletes.
in aid of
Supercar Saturday Tees Regatta Stockton Cycling Festival
Saturday 5 May Saturday 19 May Friday 13 – Sunday 15 July
Stockton High Street River Tees Watersports Centre Stockton Town Centre
Get in gear for Supercar Saturday! It’s your chance to get Clubs from across the region flock to the scenic River Cycling fever returns in July with the annual Stockton Cycling Festival. This exciting free event offers a packed weekend
up close with a jaw-dropping selection of the latest models Tees to compete in this exhilarating rowing event. There of events for the whole family including elite racing, cycling challenges for all abilities, stunts, demonstrations and
- plus racing, classic and vintage cars. will be a wide range of events in three divisions, offering interactive fun, as well as a family fun ride on specially closed roads for everyone to join in.
competitors a full and varied day of racing.
PAGE 24
PULL OUT AND KEEP PULL OUT AND KEEP PAGE 25ARTS,
PULLCULTURE AND LEISURE
OUT AND KEEP ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE
Stockton-on-Tees is gearing up
Spring happenings to commemorate the 100-year
in Stockton anniversary of the end of World
War One.
In association with The Royal
British Legion, landscape painter
Scarlett Raven and digital
artist Marc Marot will present
their immersive art exhibition
The Danger Tree at a visiting
exhibition to be held in Stockton
from Thursday 2 August –
Friday 28 September.
Visitors to the exhibition will be
able to use their smartphones
and tablets to interact with
Welcome to the Stockton Business several beautiful oil paintings,
Improvement District (BID) column of each inspired by the artist’s visit to the Somme.
SIRF18 Stockton-on-Tees News. Chair of the BID is Through augmented reality technology the paintings come to
Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 August life on screen as each layer of paint disappears to reveal the
Stockton Town Centre Janice Auton, founder of Poppys Hairdressing,
wartime sights and sounds from 100 years ago.
Stockton International Riverside Festival is back with four days packed full of incredible performances and magical
and in each edition she will use this part of the
Meanwhile work on the development of another moving exhibition
moments for everyone to enjoy. Keep an eye out for updates on www.sirf.co.uk magazine to keep you up to date with all sorts is under way as HMP Holme House and Novus, the prison’s
of interesting events and promotions. education provider, have teamed up with proud Stocktonian
Keep your eyes peeled to grab your copy of the Book of and frontman of The Wildcats of Kilkenny, Mike McGrother, on
Really Big Offers which offers over £1000 worth of savings. a project to bring the whole community together for Stockton’s
It’s free to pick up from the Rediscover shop on the High 100-year anniversary of World War One in November.
Street and local libraries. It’s even easier to spot the It is hoped that the collaboration between Mike and HMP
bargains in this edition as we’ve put the 60 vouchers into Holme House will encourage people to listen more to others,
categories like entertainment and leisure, food and drink, support drug rehabilitation and mental health needs of
retail and services and so on. The vouchers are valid until offenders, as well as raising awareness of the life experiences
the end of July, so pick up yours today! of 1,245 local World War One soldiers listed in the Book of
There’s plenty to look forward to in Stockton this spring. Remembrance.
The Easter Egg trail is for young and old to enjoy – search We will bring you more details of these exhibitions in the
through the shops, find the eggs, complete your card and May edition of Stockton-on-Tees News.
receive your own chocolate egg!
I’m also looking forward to Stockton Calling which returns
on Saturday 31 March for its ninth year and will showcase
the best emerging musical talent alongside established
favourites and legends.
The BID has been up and running for nearly 18 months and
we’ve enjoyed some fantastic events as well as welcoming
24 new businesses. Our first annual general meeting took
place recently, where a new board was set up and everyone
is looking forward to championing Stockton businesses
Billingham International Stockton Dragon Boat Festival and organisations. This is my last column as Chair and I
Folklore Festival Sunday 2 September would just like to say how much I have enjoyed the role and
River Tees Watersports Centre
Saturday 11 – Sunday 19 August look forward to seeing the BID go from strength to strength
Billingham Town Centre Are you ready to race the dragon? Teams of up to 20 in future.
The Billingham International Folklore Festival of World people are invited to a fun-filled day out with gripping, You can keep up-to-date by
Dance returns celebrating the diversity and richness of adrenalin-fuelled dragon boat racing on the River Tees. following the BID on
world cultures through traditional and contemporary No experience is required as training will be provided. OVER
£1000
RediscoverStockton
BOOK
THE OF
dance, music and crafts at performances, exhibitions For more information visit SAVINGS
and workshops by over 300 international performers. www.stocktondragonboatfestival.co.uk @StocktonBID OF REALLY
BIG
OFFERS
Y
PLEASE TAK E A FREE COP
This is just a selection of the fantastic events to enjoy in Stockton-on-Tees.
- JULY 2018
FEBRUARY 2018
VOUCHERS VALID
Further information on all of these events and more can be found at www.stockton.gov.uk/events
PAGE 26 PAGE 27ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE
Music magazine Tees Active Sports Academy celebrates success
Tees Active Sports Academy is Zac Allin – competed for the Great Britain U23 team at the
strikes the right
World and European Canoe Slalom Championships.
reflecting on a year of stellar sporting
Connor Turner – competed for the Great Britain U23 team
achievements for their young athletes at the Wildwater Canoeing World Championships.
chord from our Borough, including:
Lewis Baldwin – selected for the Great Britain U18 ice
hockey team.
All of these amazing achievements have been made
by current, active members of the academy and all are
benefitting from its commitment to developing local sporting
talent and desire to help aspiring athletes across all sports
A new music magazine set up to Amy Carr – won two gold medals (200m and long jump)
and bronze (100m) at the World Junior Para Athletics
to reach their potential.
The academy also endeavours to support the development
promote local bands and artists is Championships.
of local coaches and officials by providing training courses,
going from strength to strength. Beth Bryan – won bronze at the World Rowing Championships
and Jo Wratten was a finalist as part of the women’s eight crew.
workshops and seminars.
For more information visit www.teesactive.co.uk
POINT BLANK TEESSIDE is full of interviews, photographs and gig
reviews of acts from around the region. It also showcases the range
of stunning live music venues, including Stockton’s ARC, Georgian
Theatre and KU, which all offer the chance to see exciting new
artists right here on our doorstep.
The magazine’s creator, Steve Sibbald, 36, from Stockton, says it is
a labour of love. “I don’t currently play in a band so POINT BLANK
TEESSIDE is my contribution to the scene. The reaction has been
incredible and loads of bands and fans have contacted me either
asking for interviews or to help pen articles.”
You can pick up your copy from music venues across the area, POINT BLANK
TEESSIDE edito
r, Steve Sibbald
Sound It Out on Yarm Street in Stockton, or read it at
www.pointblankteesside.co.uk
FRAMING THE TEESDALE WAY
Zac Allin Amy Carr
Beth Bryan Jo Wratten
There’s a brand new way to enjoy the unique Look through the frames to take in the iconic sight of Newport
landscape of the Borough. Bridge and its surrounding landscape. Follow the route along
Preston Lane to see the picturesque scenery of the Cleveland
Framing the Teesdale Way is a new project which gives Hills and Roseberry Topping.
walkers the opportunity to take in a snapshot view of the local
Framing the Teesdale Way has been developed by the Council
scenery through two distinctive, hand-crafted photo frames.
in partnership with Groundwork North East and supported by
The permanent etched metal frames have been forged by local River Tees Rediscovered Landscape Partnership, thanks to
blacksmith, Peat Oberon, and can be found on the Teesdale money awarded through the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Way walking route at the Tees Approach Road A1032 and off
Preston Lane in Eaglescliffe.
Connor Turner Lewis Baldwin
PAGE 28 PAGE 29ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING St Mary’s roundabout, Norton Five Lamps, Thornaby A1045-Ingleby Way junction Going wild in the Borough Stunning wildflowers were planted across seven prominent areas of the Borough last year and bloomed spectacularly – as these pictures show! The mix of wildflowers, including poppies, marigolds and cornflowers, were planted in parts of Norton, Stockton, Oxbridge, Billingham and Thornaby and proved to be very popular. To complement the spectacular front cover shot from the Five Lamps area in Thornaby, here’s a selection of pictures showing the Borough’s flowers at their blooming best. Oxbridge Allotments Bypass Road, Billingham PAGE 30 PAGE 31
ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING
Know your kerbside collections Newport Bridge blazes the night sky
The fortnightly kerbside collections of The Grade II listed Newport Bridge
green waste are starting soon: is looking better than ever after
During the Easter
Red week collections begin on period, waste and enjoying new lighting installations.
Monday 16 April recycling collections Around 150 energy efficient and individually controllable
Blue week collections begin on
A S T ER S will be carried out LED lamps, capable of a huge range of colours, light up
Monday 23 April E T I ON
as normal with the bridge after sunset to show the historic structure at
E C our staff working its very best.
If you’re unsure of your collection week, COLL on Good Friday to
ensure there is no
The new lighting scheme, introduced by Stockton-on-Tees
Borough Council, was designed by Stainton Lighting Design
you can find out by signing up to My Stockton – and installed by Powercare – both local firms.
visit www.stockton.gov.uk/mystockton
disruption.
Newport Bridge originally opened in 1934 as a “lifting
or call 01642 391959. bridge” after Teesside iron and steel works, Dorman Long,
had fabricated the steel for the structure.
Don’t fall foul of fly tipping fines
The Council is reminding households and
businesses that it is their duty to make sure that
the waste they produce is disposed of properly.
If you employ someone to take away your rubbish, they must
be a licensed waste carrier or you could end up footing an
expensive bill.
The Council receives thousands of reports of fly tipping each year
Striking gold with stray dogs
and is taking action after Cabinet authorised the issue of fixed
penalty notices – with fines to cost offenders £400.
Fly tipping is the illegal disposal of waste without a waste
management licence and covers everything from the dumping of
a single black bin bag to tonnes of waste.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council has once again
To report a fly tipping offence, call 01642 391959
For more information visit www.stockton.gov.uk/flytipping received one of the RSPCA’s most prestigious
or email careforyourarea@stockton.gov.uk
accolades for its work with stray dogs.
The Council’s Animal Welfare team was awarded the
STEP ONTO THE PROPERTY LADDER ‘Gold Footprint’ at the charity’s Community Animal
Welfare Awards.
The award recognises the exceptional work undertaken
It enables buyers to purchase a share in a property and then
Landlord and housing developer, Thirteen, pay an affordable rent on the remaining share, which is by animal welfare officers and the care and professional
is offering Stockton-on-Tees residents an owned by Thirteen. Over time, residents can invest more into approach they provide, with special emphasis on stray dogs
the property allowing them to build on the percentage they being cared for and reunited with their owners.
increasingly popular way of getting on to own, meaning they can work towards owning 100 per cent of For further information or for advice on
the property ladder. their home. microchipping and other services, call 01642 526557,
Animal Welfare Officer, Robin Hunter,
A wide range of brand new two and three bedroom properties To find out more contact Thirteen on 01642 947070 or visit email animal.welfare@stockton.gov.uk or visit
cares for the Borough’s stray dogs
are available for shared ownership across sites at Green www.thirteengroup.co.uk www.stockton.gov.uk/animalwelfare
Lane in Yarm, Infinity Riverside on the banks of the Tees in
Protecting
Stockton, and Queensgate off Yarm Road – all within walking The Council regularly monitors the condition of the road and
distance to local shops and services. bank and had planned to carry out work this summer to make
The new homes offer all the essentials needed for a perfect sure the roadside was maintained.
Leven Bank
home and include a contemporary fitted kitchen, spacious However, the latest inspection revealed that recent snow
living area, ground floor w/c, double glazing, gas central and ice have eroded the river bank. Concrete barriers have
heating and off street parking. been positioned at the existing low level crash barrier and
Shared ownership is an affordable way to get onto the investigations and tree thinning have been carried out in
property ladder, especially for those looking to buy a preparation for the main works.
home with a small deposit.
Essential works to protect Leven Bank
At the time of going to print, urgent work was being planned
in Yarm have been brought forward. to repair the road.
PAGE 32 PAGE 33You can also read
