February

Careful service planning and controls on spending mean that Derbyshire County Council's cabinet is likely to recommend a council tax rise of just 7.94 percent when it meets on Friday (February 7).

After months of detailed discussion, the council's financial experts are proposing a budget of £652.3 million for 2003-4 to ensure the authority can maintain its existing services and respond to new demands on its resources.

If agreed by the cabinet, the new budget to be recommended to the council at its meeting on Wednesday, February 12, will mean a rise in Band D council tax of £67.24.

Said Council Leader Councillor John Williams: "We know that no-one wants to pay more tax, so while some increase is inevitable we have worked hard throughout the year to keep it to a minimum.

"Kent County Council has just announced a proposed council tax increase of 12.5% and press reports in the last few days suggest that in East Sussex and Surrey, increases could be as high as 20% with Essex not far behind with an estimated 16.8% rise.

"Judged against the national position, I'm confident that Derbyshire's rise will be at the lower end of the scale."

He added: "The fact that we stick to a precise financial plan and have a clear vision for the future development of our services are factors that have just helped win the council an 'Excellent' rating from the Audit Commission.

"The results of that careful management is a proposed budget that will ensure top quality services without hitting people too hard in their pockets"

Ref: JCH.62.03

Work to create a complete history of Derbyshire as part of a national project is being carried out with the support of Derbyshire County Council.

The Victoria County History project was set up in 1899 to give every county in England a standard set of reference books providing a comprehensive description of the history and geography of the county and each parish within it. 

The plan was to produce general volumes with essays about different aspects of the county and topographical volumes made up of the histories of individual parishes.

Derbyshire produced two general volumes of history in 1905 and 1907 but the whole project then ran into financial problems and no further books were produced.

Following fund raising by the Derbyshire VCH Trust work on the project was able to begin again last year.

Philip Riden, of the history department at the University of Nottingham, has been carrying out the Derbyshire work with help from Derbyshire County Council through its local studies libraries, Derbyshire Record Office and the museums’ service.

He is currently researching a volume on Bolsover and district and collecting information about parishes in north-eastern Derbyshire.

Derbyshire County Council is now working with the VCH to put together a national bid for £4 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. If successful, the original aim of producing a nationwide history will move a step nearer completion. As well as being published in red hardback volumes, the information will also be accessible easily and quickly through the Internet.

As part of this process Dudley Fowkes, chairman of the Derbyshire VCH project, visited Derbyshire County Council to find out what work had already been produced about the county’s history and what help is needed to complete the historical documents. 

Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for community services, said: “Derbyshire is one of the counties taking a lead on this project and we already have produced a lot of our historical information due to the hard work of Philip Riden.

“As he can only work on a part-time basis a successful Heritage Lottery Fund would enable us to employ a full-time editor so that it can be completed sooner.”

All the history that has already been written can be seen on the Internet by logging on to www.derbyshirepast.net (opens in a new window)

Ref: (JF.64.03)

Derbyshire County Council is on the lookout for school governors and headteachers willing to sit on its independent appeals panels.

The panels hear appeals by parents whose children have been excluded from school 
and are an important part of an independent service for families.

The panels hear around 20 appeals in Derbyshire each year with an appeal usually lasting around half a day, depending on the case.

New rules mean the panels have to be made up of a mixture of lay members, headteachers and school governors and the authority is hoping to sign up willing volunteers.

Previously, the panels were made up of lay members of the community and independent members with a background in education.

Councillor Alan Charles, the county council’s cabinet member for education, said: “These panels offer families an important opportunity to have their case reviewed by a wholly independent group of people.

“The panels have no connection with the school or the county council and are a vital part of the education system for families with children who have been excluded.”

To be eligible to serve on a panel, governors must have been a governor for at least 12 consecutive months in the last six years. Headteacher members must have worked as a head within the last five years.

The chair of the panel must be a lay member and must not have worked in schools in a paid capacity but can previously have been a governor or volunteer.

The changes are designed to ensure that appeals panels, while remaining independent, properly reflect the challenges facing headteachers and the interests of the school community.

Although members of the panels are not paid, they can claim travel and subsistence allowances and training is provided.

To find out more about becoming a member, call Ivan Walters on 01629 580000 ext 7328, or write to him at Derbyshire County Council, County Hall, Matlock DE4 3AG.

Ref: (AJ. 66. 03)

A £7m scheme to provide a single site secondary school for Ashbourne has been completed ahead of schedule and within budget.

The new Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School buildings – constructed on the upper site to complement the existing upper school buildings – was due to open at Easter, but the final pupils move in on 21 February.

The ambitious scheme has been overseen by a partnership comprising Derbyshire County Council, the school and the Miller Group. It has involved extending the upper school site off Green Road to provide a single site development.

The state-of-the-art facilities include major new extensions with classrooms, sports hall and amenity facilities. An extra 16 acres of land has been used to increase the size of the playing field and in a separate initiative new dining facilities have been provided by Initial Catering. Accommodation has also been transformed for staff, with the provision of staff room and administration facilities.

Bringing the school on to a single site will save time and resources. The upper and lower sites were 1½ miles apart and the school had needed two 20 minute breaks each day to allow for travelling between the sites. These long breaks are no longer required, ensuring pupils can spend more time in the classroom. 

Leader of Derbyshire County Council Councillor John Williams said: “Staff and pupils have had to put up with poor buildings for too long and we are delighted that the scheme has come in ahead of schedule. There were significant problems with the structure of the lower school buildings which were beyond economic repair – it would have cost millions of pounds to bring them up to scratch.

“The partnership with the school and Miller Group has afforded a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring the school on to one site.”

County council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: “This initiative has provided excellent educational facilities for Ashbourne. The single site school overcomes a number of problems by saving time and resources and providing a better environment for staff and pupils.”

Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School headmaster Roger Wilkes said: “The improved buildings will benefit future generations of pupils. However, the quality of life for teaching staff will also be transformed, with excellent staff rooms and administration accommodation. The development is also a great addition to the sports and arts facilities of the Ashbourne area.”

Ref: (CT.67.03)

How far will you go? That’s the question for b-liners as they prepare to enjoy a week’s free travel on buses in Derbyshire thanks to Derbyshire County and Derby City councils.

The amazing ‘b-line freerider’ bus week offer is being made to coincide with the half-term holidays.

It means that from midnight on Friday 14 February until midnight on Sunday 23 February all 11 to 18-year-old b_line cardholders can have unlimited bus journeys absolutely free. 

Even journeys from Derbyshire across the border into places like Sheffield, Nottingham, Mansfield, Leicester and Burton are included.

To take advantage of the free travel all young people have to do is show the bus driver their b_line card and then they can start clocking up the miles.

And the good news doesn’t end there. At the end of the week b_liners will be asked to fill in a survey giving their views about Freerider. All answers will be entered in a prize draw with one entry being picked out to receive a Casio handheld mini-TV, which is being donated by bus company Arriva Midlands. 

Derbyshire County Council leader Councillor John Williams said: “This is the first time we have organised Freerider Week so I would urge all b_liners to take advantage of the free bus travel on offer.

“We are constantly looking at ways of encouraging more people to use public transport. By organising Freerider Week we hope b_liners will get a taste for using buses so it becomes a habit whenever they want to go shopping, to the cinema or visiting friends.”

Councillor Sara Bolton, Derby City Council’s cabinet member for planning and prosperity, said: “More than 10,000 leaflets and posters have been sent out to schools and colleges to make young people aware of Freerider Week.

“We are also receiving a lot of support from bus companies to help promote the event. So I hope that all b_liners will hop on their local bus and take advantage of the free travel on offer.”
Keith Myatt, press and publicity manager for Arriva Midlands, said the offer will ensure that b_liners are not bored during the holidays.

He said: "We are pleased to be working with Derbyshire County Council to offer free travel for b_line pass holders. Arriva Midlands is committed to making public transport as efficient, reliable and cost effective as possible.”

Ref: (JF.69.03)

A comprehensive timetable providing details of all bus services serving the Bolsover area has been published by Derbyshire County Council.

The booklet covers bus routes for Bolsover, Glapwell and Pleasley, including many subsidised by the county council to provide crucial social links for people in isolated parts of the community.

The timetable also includes details on the new service 73, which provides direct links from rural villages to the centres of Bolsover, Clowne and Killamarsh. The route also stops at Bolsover hospital.

More than 9,000 copies of the booklet have been printed by Derbyshire County Council which will be distributed to homes in the area within the next week. 

Councillor Eric Swain, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for public protection, said: “As an authority we spend more than £4.1 million each year subsidising local bus services to improve the quality and efficiency of public transport.

“In addition bus companies are running many routes serving the Bolsover, Glapwell and Pleasley areas.

“This guide brings together information about all these services, which are run by a variety of different bus companies, so that the public has up-to-date information about which buses they can catch.”

RESURFACING PROGRAMME CHANGED

Plans to resurface a footpath outside shops at the West Bars roundabout in Chesterfield are being delayed to enable Severn Trent Water to carry out some work.

Derbyshire County Council was due to resurface the pavement before the end of March but Severn Trent water needs to do some work on its water mains which will not be completed by then.

To ensure that the pavement is not resurfaced and then immediately dug up again the county council has decided to delay its work until after Severn Trent has finished its improvements.

The scheme will now be considered as part of Derbyshire County Council’s highways programme for the financial year beginning in April.

Ref: (JF.74.03)

A meeting is to take place between Derbyshire County Council and the Post Office following the news that five branches around the county are facing closure.

Councillor Geoff Carlile, the authority’s cabinet member for regeneration, will talk with senior representatives from the Post Office at County Hall, Matlock, on Wednesday 5 March.

The discussion will centre around the Post Office’s major restructuring programme, which it says is vital to secure the long-term future of the urban network.

It follows the news that the Greenwich Post Office in Ripley is to close on Monday 17 February.

In Alfreton, the county council is supporting a campaign to find a replacement post office after Midlands Co-op announced it would not be renewing its franchise at Institute Lane.

Meanwhile, branches in Marlpool and Heanor and the village post office in Burbage in the High Peak are also under threat of closure.

The Post Office is blaming the closures on falling customer numbers and plans by the Government to pay pensions directly in to bank accounts.

Councillor Carlile, who has spearheaded the county council’s campaign to protect the county’s post office network, said: “I would like some clarification from the Post Office about the restructuring programme. They say it is affecting urban post offices but Burbage is a small village in the High Peak and cannot be classed as urban.

“I have objected to all the proposed closures because it would result in the loss of important community facilities. I am particularly concerned that elderly people and those without access to transport may be unable to get to alternative locations.

“Concerns have also been raised with me about the ability of alternative post offices to cope with the extra customers resulting from the proposed closure of branches, particularly in Heanor and Marlpool.

“The county council is proud of its record in working with the Post Office to reinstate services in rural parts of the county. We have also been working to encourage people to remain with the Post Office after the new payment system for pensions comes in to force.”

Councillor Carlile also welcomed the news that a closure-threatened post office in New Bolsover will open for two mornings a week on a temporary basis after another sub postmaster stepped in.

Previous campaigns by the county council have seen post office services reinstated in Ashford-in-the-Water near Bakewell, Kirk Ireton near Wirksworth, Palterton near Shirebrook and Pilsley near Chatsworth.

The work of the authority has been recognised in the Post Office watchdog Postcomm’s annual report which states: “Derbyshire County Council provides a good model which other less active councils could emulate.”

Ref: (CC.75.03)

A scheme to reduce burglary in South Derbyshire is the latest project to benefit from a Derbyshire County Council community safety grant.

The county council is ploughing £1,500 into the £5,500 project run by the South Derbyshire Crime and Disorder Partnership which aims to re-establish Neighbourhood Watch in the south of the county.

Cash from the county council will be used to supply security marking kits to its 100 district-wide members.

Marking property can act as a deterrent to burglars. It is also easier for the police to identify stolen property if it is recovered.

The South Derbyshire Crime and Disorder Partnership is one of eight district-based Derbyshire community safety partnerships set up to focus on local crime reduction targets.

It pulls together the resources and expertise of local organisations including South Derbyshire District Council, Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Police and the probation service.

Having identified a reduction in domestic burglaries as a priority, the South Derbyshire Crime and Disorder Partnership aims to reduce domestic burglary by 47 per cent by 2005.

The latest community safety grant brings the total awarded by the county council to Derbyshire-wide crime-busting initiatives over the past year to more than £140,000.

Councillor Eric Swain, the county’s cabinet member for public protection, said: “It is vital that we support the work of the eight local community safety partnerships and I am delighted we have been able to support this important project in South Derbyshire.

“Our aim is to reduce crime and disorder in Derbyshire and we can do this by assisting the work of groups in local communities.”

Chair of the partnership Councillor John Wilkins said: “Neighbourhood Watch schemes are an extremely useful tool in the fight against crime.

“The grant from the county council will be very useful for buying property marking kits for co-ordinators who will be able to use them to mark items such as computers, televisions and videos.

“We want to make it as tough as possible for burglars.”
 

Ref: (AJ. 76. 03)

Derbyshire County Council has welcomed today’s Government announcement that three more Derbyshire secondaries are to become specialist schools – bringing the total number across the county to 14.

The Government announced today that Brookfield Community School in Chesterfield has been designated a Specialist School for Sport, John Port at Etwall a Specialist for Technology and the Long Eaton School a Specialist for Science.

Schools that are designated as specialists develop into centres of excellence in their chosen area – which could be engineering, languages, science, technology, sports & arts, mathematics & computing or business and enterprise. They receive additional funding from the Government: a one-off capital grant of £100,000 and £123 annually per pupil, initially over four years.

Pupils benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, with a wider range of courses to develop their skills and build their experience. Also, the schools continue to provide a full, broad and balanced curriculum. 

Today’s announcement is not only good news for students at Brookfield, Etwall and Long Eaton – educational provision throughout Derbyshire will also benefit.

This is because the specialist centres share their knowledge and experience with schools throughout the county, and also forge links with their local community.

To date 11 other Derbyshire schools have achieved specialist status (see ‘Note to News Editors’). In addition, over half of the remaining secondaries have expressed an interest or are actively pursuing specialist status.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: “I would like to extend my congratulations to the schools. 

“It is good news not just for those schools but for the whole of the county, because specialists will play an increasingly important role in the development of education in Derbyshire.

“A key priority for the county council is to develop learning communities - groups of schools that work together to share their knowledge and experience. 

“Specialist schools will play a leading role in these partnerships. Their expertise will not only benefit their own pupils, they will work with others to raise educational standards in schools throughout their area. It brings schools closer together so that all pupils benefit from a diverse range of centres of excellence.” 

Ref: (CT.77.03)

Seven schools have signed up to a Derbyshire County Council scheme designed to reduce the pollution and congestion caused by cars during the school run.

Every morning and afternoon the roads near schools in Derbyshire become clogged up as parents drop off or pick up their children by car.

To try and ease the problems Derbyshire County Council’s highways safety team is working with schools to produce travel plans introducing a range of initiatives that will encourage parents to leave the car behind.

Councillor Eric Swain, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for public protection, said: “This initiative is not intended to be anti-car. We recognise that for some parents the car is the only way that they can get their children to school on time.

“What we want to do is offer practical alternatives that will actually save parents time and money. At the same time we are making the roads around schools safer for pedestrians and improving the health of children and their parents by reducing pollution.

“A large proportion of children who are brought to schools in the car actually live less than a mile from the building and by the time parents have fought through the traffic jams it is quicker to walk, cycle or use public transport.”

The schools taking part in the project are: 

• Dronfield Junior and Infant Schools in School Lane, Dronfield
• Dunston Primary School in Dunston Lane, Chesterfield
• Glossopdale Community College in Talbot Road, Glossop
• Hady Primary School in Hady Lane, Chesterfield
• Ilkeston School in King George Avenue, Ilkeston
• John Port School in Main Street, Etwall
• Long Eaton School in Tamworth Road, Long Eaton

Each school has formed a committee consisting of teachers, parents, children, governors and local residents to draw up a travel plan that will deal with the specific problems facing their local community.

Ideas suggested in the different schemes include:

• Car sharing schemes.
• Establishing buddy walking schemes where a group of children from a neighbourhood walk together to school, either unaccompanied or with an adult.
• Improved and wider pavements near schools.
• Speed reduction measures around schools.
• Offering cycle training for children.
• Increasing the number of school crossing patrols.
• Introduce one-way systems around some schools to improve traffic flow.
• Providing more school buses.
  

Derbyshire County Council’s highways and road safety officers will work with schools over the coming months to help implement the measures they have identified.

It is hoped that other schools in Derbyshire will produce their own travel plans to widen the project to all parts of the county.

Ref: (JF.78.03)

A boost for plans to replace the Long Eaton School with a new, state-of-the-art single site facility have coincided with the Government announcement that the school has been awarded specialist science status.
Plans for the replacement school are being progressed by a consortium comprising Derbyshire County Council, the school and private sector company Babcock and Brown.

The ambitious project is being developed under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI), which would see the school financed and built by Babcock and Brown (see ‘Note to News Editors’).

The partnership had asked the Government for permission to press ahead with detailed plans for the new school – and the Government has now awarded ‘notional credit approval’, which means that the partnership can develop its final business case. It is hoped that the final business case – which must demonstrate that the development would provide value for money – will be approved by the Government later this year.

Detailed project plans are already in place and Babcock and Brown will soon submit a planning application for the new buildings. If the initiative progresses as planned works could get underway next year with the new school scheduled to open during 2005.

Derbyshire County Council leader Councillor John Williams said: “There is a desperate need for new buildings and we are delighted that we now have permission to press ahead with this ambitious project.

“Without PFI there is no way we could afford to replace the school. The community can now look forward to modern, fully equipped buildings which will meet the needs of the community for years to come.”

Headteacher Richard Vasey said: “This is excellent news and we hope that the scheme can now progress as quickly as possible. Everyone is looking forward to having a new school with up-to-date facilities.”

News about the PFI boost coincides with this week’s Government announcement that the school has been awarded specialist science status, bringing the number of specialist secondaries across the county to 14.

Schools that are designated as specialists develop into centres of excellence in their chosen area – which could be engineering, languages, science, technology, sports & arts, mathematics & computing or business and enterprise. They receive additional funding from the Government - a one-off capital grant of £100,000 and £123 annually per pupil, initially over four years. Long Eaton will be using its capital funding to build two specialist science facilities – a physiology room and an environmental resource centre.

Pupils benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, with a wider range of courses to develop their skills and build their experience. Also, the schools continue to provide a full, broad and balanced curriculum.

The announcement about specialist status is not only good news for students at Long Eaton – educational provision throughout the area will also benefit.

This is because the specialist centres share their knowledge and experience with schools throughout the county and also forge links with their local community.

In order to apply for specialist status schools must raise £50,000, and the Long Eaton secured significant funding from Rolls Royce, Fisher Scientific in Loughborough, SC Nevis Engineering Consultants, Tibbett and Britten (DSL), Orion, Groundwork Erewash Valley, Sandiacre Packaging and the Parent School Association.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: “I would like to extend my congratulations to Long Eaton School. It is good news not just for Long Eaton but also for the whole of the county, because specialist schools will play an increasingly important role in the development of education in Derbyshire.

Headteacher Richard Vasey said: “We are delighted to be awarded specialist status and I would like to thank everyone connected with the school for their hard work and dedication.

“This is not only good news for pupils, but also for the community as a whole. The expertise we are developing will be shared with other local schools so that we help to raise educational standards throughout the area.”

Ref: (CT.80.03)

Height barriers and limits on the amount of waste that can be taken to civic amenity sites are being introduced by Derbyshire County Council to prevent abuse of the system.

The new rules are being introduced to stop trade and commercial waste being taken to civic amenity sites across Derbyshire in an attempt to avoid paying the Landfill Tax.

The tax has to be paid by builders, landscape gardeners and other trades when they dispose of rubble and other waste.

But unscrupulous firms are pretending to be ordinary householders so that they can avoid paying the £14 a tonne tax.

From Monday 3 March householders will be limited to bringing two 25kg sacks of rubble, soil and construction waste to civic amenity sites.

Height barriers will also be introduced to stop large trade vehicles using the site. Any larger loads will be directed to alternative commercial waste disposal sites.

Any members of the public wanting to bring more rubbish will be offered the use of alternative waste sites run by the Waste Recycling Group at Alfreton and Chesterfield. However a charge will be made.

Councillor Walter Burrows, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for environment and highways, said: “Since the Landfill Tax was introduced the amount of rubble, soil and construction waste going to civic amenity sites has risen to account for more than 25 per cent of all waste.

“This is making it hard to manage sites properly and is also hampering our efforts to increase the amount of waste that we recycle.

“Civic amenity sites are set up to deal exclusively with household waste so by introducing these rules we hope that it will only be members of the public that are able to use them.”

Civic amenity sites are provided by Derbyshire County Council for the disposal of household waste which is either too large or bulky to be accepted as part of the normal weekly refuse collection. 

There are five civic amenity sites located at Glossop, Loscoe, Ilkeston, Bretby and Stonegravels in Chesterfield.

Traders wanting information about where they can take waste can ring Derbyshire County Council’s waste management office on 01629 580000, extension 7532.

Ref: (JF.81.03)

Historic caricature prints and drawings by local artist George Woodward are to be preserved after Derbyshire County Council was awarded a £33,000 Heritage Lottery grant.

Derbyshire Record Office holds the largest known collection of work by the Derbyshire-born artist outside of the British Museum. It consists of 494 prints and drawings from the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

The collection is in need of specialist conservation treatment and cataloguing. Once that is completed electronic copies of all the prints and drawings will be made so that they are available on CD-ROM for use by schools, lifelong learning groups and researchers.

The Derbyshire County Council-run record office has received a £33,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The authority will pay £3,526 itself towards the £37,526 cost, with Derby City Council contributing the remaining £1,000 in kind.

Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for community services, said: “George Woodward was one of the leading British artists when caricature drawing was at its height.

“Caricatures were so popular because they enabled people to convey opinions and comments in a visual form which would have risked prosecution under libel laws if they had been put into writing.

“Receiving the Heritage Lottery Fund grant enables us to make George Woodward’s prints and drawings more widely available and to find out more about his life.”

Three temporary jobs will be created to carry out the conservation work on the Woodward collection, which will be managed by the county archivist and senior conservator at Derbyshire Record Office. 

Once electronic copies of the caricatures have been made an exhibition will be held to enable members of the public to see Woodward’s work.

The original documents will continue to be held at Derbyshire Record Office where they will be available to researchers under supervision.

Ref: (JF.82.03)

Thousands of leaflets are being sent out this week explaining new Government guidance which will affect the way people are charged for home care and non-residential social services. 

The two major programmes, named `Fairer Charging` and `Supporting People`, are both being introduced on Tuesday 1 April and leaflets are now available seeking views on the new schemes. 

Both schemes would change the way people are charged for services they receive, although Derbyshire County Council`s proposals, based on the new guidelines, do not include any increases for existing service users or tenants living in sheltered housing. 

The new fairer charging guidance will affect how people are charged for some services they receive from social services including meals on wheels, laundry and day care. 

Supporting People is a new way of managing housing-related supported services, such as housing wardens, support workers and community alarm systems. 

The leaflets are now available from all county libraries or by telephoning the county council`s call centre Call Derbyshire and asking for one to be sent. Around 5,000 service users will also receive them at home. 

Everyone affected by the new guidance will be asked to take part in a consultation process, which starts today (Monday 24 February) and runs until Monday 10 March. 

Under the Government guidance, local authorities have flexibility on whether they charge for services or not and the level of such charges. 

The consultation process will give existing service users the chance to have their say on the current level of charges for: 

• Meals on wheels - £1.30 per two course meal
• Laundry - £1 per load
• Day care - £1.50 per day
• Home helps - free of charge 

The county council is planning to keep these charges at the same level and people are being asked as part of the consultation, to comment on this proposal. 

The two programmes are different, but the fairer charging guidance has implications for the level of charging carried out under Supporting People. 

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for health and social care, Councillor Anne Western, said: "The new legislation will mean a change to how services are charged for and could affect how much people pay. 

"However, it is important that people understand that they will not be paying more than they do at the moment under the new programmes and some may even end up paying less." 

Councillor Western added: "We hope people will take the opportunity to take part in the consultation and have their say about whether or not they think our charging proposal is fair." 

People who have not received a leaflet at home but would like one can pick one up at their local library or contact the county council`s call centre Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058.

An innovative education project for fairground Traveller children in Derbyshire is helping to stimulate the youngsters` interest and ensure that they stay in school. 

The vocational learning scheme enables the young people to spend one day a week out of the classroom, picking up engineering skills that are put to good use with their family business. 

The project, which has been developed by Derbyshire County Council`s education department and Frederick Gent School at South Normanton, is aimed at a group of 13-year-old Traveller children. 

During the winter and spring they are based at the Fairview and Guildhall sites at Pinxton and attend the school, and during summer and autumn they travel around the country with their family business. The school provides learning materials for the children when they travel around with their families, and their work is monitored by traveller education services. However, there was a concern that they may lose interest during their absence and not return to school after the end of the fairground season. With this in mind the vocational scheme aims to keep the youngsters motivated and ensure they remain in school where they can achieve their educational potential. 

Three courses have been organised - welding, electrical lighting for fairground signs and airbrush painting for signs - all of which lead to recognised qualifications. 

This is the second year of the initiative. A successful pilot was organised last year by the Derbyshire Traveller Education Service, the school, Derbyshire Career Services and the Showmen`s Guild. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "The scheme has helped ensure that the students are excited about learning, and the quality of their work on the course has been excellent."

First World War records from a Buxton hospital giving details of soldiers who were injured during fighting have been donated to Derbyshire Record Office. 

The Devonshire Hospital, which later became the Devonshire Royal Hospital, was used to treat many injured troops from Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand between 1914 and 1918. 

Many patients signed an autograph album with details of their regiment, service record and the date when they were repatriated to England. 

Included in the documents is 2nd Lieutenant Benny Badcock of the 1/6th Sherwood Foresters. After treatment at the Devonshire Hospital he returned to active service but was killed by a shell on 9 July 1918, aged 20. 

Another patient, Gunner Colerigh, was injured in Newcastle during a Zeppelin raid in October 1915. 

The documents can be seen by visiting the Derbyshire County Council-run record office in New Street, Matlock and will be of particular interest to military and local historians. 

Further information is available by emailing record.office@derbyshire.gov.uk or by ringing 01629 585347.

Libraries across Derbyshire are organising a series of events to celebrate World Book Day next week. 

The annual event is a partnership of local library authorities, publishers, booksellers and interest groups to promote books and reading for people of all ages, particularly children. Through school they are being encouraged to take an interest in reading and owning their own books. Teachers have been sent information packs to help them promote the event, on Thursday 6 March, and each pupil will be entitled to a free book token through the scheme. 

More than 30 countries took part in World Book Day last year and this year many Derbyshire libraries are taking part with events including competitions, children`s storytime and a chance to join your local library and borrow books from outlets such as supermarkets on the day. 

County council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "This is a great opportunity for Derbyshire libraries to join in an international event to promote the pleasure of books to children and readers of all ages. 

"We have lots of fun events lined up to try to change the way people who may never think of picking up a book or visiting a library to think again. 

"We hope as many people as possible come along to see not only what books can offer them but what Derbyshire`s libraries can offer them too." 

For the first time this year people can also take join in the festival online which includes the chance to chat with famous authors, discovery poetry and find out how to make a book on www.worldbookdayfestival.com

A series of 90 diaries giving details of the environmental history of the Whatstandwell and Crich areas have been donated to the Derbyshire Record Office. 

The diaries were written between 1901 and 1953 by John B Wallis, an expert on ecology and natural history, who also wrote weekly columns in papers including the Sheffield Star. 

Among the information he collected was details of when wild flowers blossomed, when trees came into leaf and what the weather was like on his daily walks. 

The documents are expected to be of use to historians interested in ecology and the environment because it is unusual for diaries to be kept for 50 years. 

The diaries can be seen by visiting the Derbyshire County Council-run record office in New Street, Matlock. Further information is available by emailing record.office@derbyshire.gov.uk or by ringing 01629 585347.

Traffic lights are to be installed at a junction in Sandiacre to improve traffic flow and make it easier for pedestrians to cross the road. 

Work to install the lights at the junction of Bostock`s Lane and Derby Road will start on Monday 3 March and take between ten and 12 weeks to complete. 

During the morning and evening rush hours there are often long delays at the junction and until now it has been difficult for pedestrians to cross safely. 

A puffin pedestrian crossing will be installed as part of the £140,000 scheme. These are designed so that they will only stop traffic if somebody is waiting, preventing delays caused by pedestrians pressing the button and then walking away. 

Derby Road will also be widened to enable two lanes to be created on the approach to the junction. 

Councillor Walter Burrows, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for environment and highways, said: "The work is being carried out following requests from local residents and once completed it will enable motorists to use this junction much more easily. 

"By controlling the flow coming from each direction we hope to reduce the delays that can be caused by the sheer volume of traffic using the junction every day. 

"We are doing everything possible to keep disruption to a minimum, with much of the work taking place at the side of the road." 

When necessary temporary traffic lights will be used to control vehicles.

Consumers can get help and advice from the experts when Derbyshire County Council`s mobile advice and information unit goes on the road in March. 

The unit, which is operated by the county council`s trading standards service, will be stopping off at 22 venues during the month, giving shoppers and traders easy access to consumer advice. 

Whether it is information on booking holidays, buying goods and services, consumer credit, shopping over the Internet, marketing scams or consumer rights, trained staff can help. 

The unit features a confidential interview room where face-to-face interviews can take place in private. 

Councillor Eric Swain, the county council`s cabinet member for public protection, said: "The unit is an excellent resource which, because it is mobile, allows us to reach all parts of the county. 

"Our staff are fully trained to help consumers with their problems and I hope people will take advantage of their knowledge and expertise, available right on the doorstep." 

During March, the unit will be visiting the following areas between 10am and 3.30pm:

• Saturday 1st - South Normanaton, Macarthur Glen
• Monday 3rd - Glossop, Norfolk Square
• Tuesday 4th - Alfreton, pedestrian area
• Thursday 6th - Rowsley, Peak Village
• Friday 7th - Melbourne, High Street
• Saturday 8th - Heanor, Market Place
• Monday 10th - Chesterfield, Market Place
• Wednesday 12th - Dronfield School, Careers Day
• Thursday 13th - Staveley, Morrisons car park
• Friday 14th - Shirebrook, Market Place
• Saturday 15th - Long Eaton, pedestrian area
• Monday 17th - Buxton, Spring Gardens
• Tuesday 18th - Ilkeston, Market Place
• Thursday 20th - Belper, Somerfield car park
• Friday 21st - Dronfield, Civic Centre
• Saturday 22nd - Bakewell, Water Street
• Monday 24th - Ripley, Market Place
• Wednesday 26th - Clay Cross, Market Street car park
• Thursday 27th - Swadlincote, pedestrian area
• Friday 28th - Ashbourne, Medical Centre
• Saturday 29th - Matlock, Park Head (near Crown square)
• Monday 31st - Killamarsh, Parkside Shopping Centre 

People who can`t get along to the unit but would like advice about consumer issues can telephone Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards` hotline on 01629 585858.

Youth workers and young people in the High Peak are planning a sponsored sleep-out to raise awareness of youth homelessness. 

The event is being co-ordinated by Derbyshire County Council youth workers - based at local charity Buxton for Youth - with the support of the Buxton town centre co-ordinator and the Police. 

The 24-hour sleep-out is planned for Thursday and Friday morning 24 and 25 April, starting at 3pm on Spring Gardens in the town centre. 

Buxton for Youth member Sarah Roberts (15) got the idea for the event after visiting London as part of a youth service trip to the National Children`s Bureau. 

She enlisted the help of youth workers Pam Wilson and Heather McDonagh - who are based in Buxton for Youth`s information shop - to co-ordinate the event. 

During her trip to London Sarah had been shocked by the level of youth homelessness and on her return to Buxton she resolved to raise awareness of the issue locally. 

All money raised from the sleep-out will benefit vulnerably housed and homeless young people in the High Peak. In addition to sponsorship the organisers are appealing for loan of equipment and use of toilet facilities along with food, drink - and encouragement - during the sleep-out. 

For more information and sponsor forms please get in touch with the Buxton for Youth on 01298 79643. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "The Buxton for Youth information shop regularly receives requests for advice and counselling from young people who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. 

"Homelessness is something that local authorities and agencies are aware of and are working together to respond to - however, it is an important issue and so hopefully the sponsored sleep-out will raise people`s awareness." 

Buxton for Youth member Sarah Roberts said: "I was shocked to see the number of young people sleeping rough in London and wanted to make people aware of the issue in the Buxton area. I have been planning the event since last November and have been supported by the staff in the information shop." 

Buxton for Youth works closely with Connexions and other agencies to deliver services to young people. 

The information shop opened last November and is a partnership between the Buxton for Youth charity and the county council`s youth service. 

It is a one-stop-shop service providing advice and information about a wide range of issues affecting young people, from homelessness and debt to education & training and sexual health. 

In addition, the shop has links with other agencies, enabling the young people to access information from local solicitors, welfare rights, social services, youth offending service and police. 

It is open from Monday to Saturday and it also offers free Internet access for young people. People seeking advice and guidance can pop in or phone to make an appointment by ringing 01298 79643. 

The information shop builds on existing Buxton for Youth services at the Market Street premises, including the Cellar Youth Club, after school and weekend clubs and the High Peak South Young People`s Health Project.

Two swans have been shot dead while swimming on the Derbyshire County Council-run Chesterfield Canal. 

The authority`s canal warden Dominic Hodgson and PC Russ Parrish, wildlife officer for Derbyshire Police, were called to the scene, near Bilby Lane bridge at Brimington, by a member of the public on Saturday morning (22 February). 

They were initially unable to remove the dead swans because the canal was frozen over, causing extra distress for canal visitors. 

Both swans were recovered on Sunday afternoon by Derbyshire County Council countryside service staff from Tapton Lock Visitor Centre. 

Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for community services, said: "Visitors and staff were angry and distressed to see the way these beautiful birds had been treated. 

"Rangers in our countryside service are concerned about the increase in these type of incidents and the willingness of local people to carry and use air rifles despite knowing the consequences it can bring. 

"We will be working with the police to find the people responsible and to increase the number of patrols along the canal to try and stop it happening again." 

Anyone who saw anything suspicious between 4.40pm on Friday, when the swans were last seen alive, and Saturday morning should ring Chesterfield Police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. 

In a separate incident on Saturday 22 February the police armed response unit was called out to Chesterfield Canal after a report of youths with suspected firearms. Several youths were arrested and taken to Chesterfield police station for questioning. 

The attack on the swans come exactly 12 months after a cygnet had to be put down after suffering severe injuries following an attack by a dog. There were also a number of isolated incidents during 2002 where swans were shot at with air guns.

Ambitious plans to transform a former colliery spoil heap in Derbyshire in to a source of sustainable energy will be showcased at an international conference. 

The Markham Willows project - backed by Derbyshire County Council - has already received European recognition as an example of best practice in regenerating brownfield sites. 

As part of the scheme willow trees will be planted on the waste tips at Markham Colliery and the wood used as fuel to generate heat or power. 

The woodland will also form the basis of landscaping for the Markham Employment Growth Zone - a £50m industrial park off a new junction 29a on the M1 near Staveley. 

Now the project is to be featured at Consoil 2003 - the 8th International Conference on Contaminated Soil being held in Gent, Belgium, from May 12 to 16. 

The event gives organisations working to reclaim contaminated land a platform to showcase their work to a global audience. 

Councillor Geoff Carlile, the county council`s cabinet member for regeneration, said: "I am delighted that the Markham Willows project has been selected to take part in this prestigious event, which will give us the chance to show an international audience the innovative work being done in Derbyshire. 

"Markham Willows is a ground-breaking project that will significantly improve the local landscape and environment, provide a useful source of sustainable fuel and create jobs." 

It is hoped that up to 148 acres of land will eventually be developed as fuel-efficient coppice over a six year period. 

A small area of land has already been planted and the coppice will take three years to mature. As well as providing fuel for wood fired boilers, the woodland will also be opened up to the public. 

A consortium of companies and organisations with expertise in environmental issues - led by ExSite - has been set up to develop the scheme, which has attracted £125,000 from the East Midlands Development Agency, £136,000 through Landfill Tax Credits and £118,000 from the county council. 

In October, the scheme was named as one of only two in the UK to be highlighted as an example of European best practice in regenerating brownfield sites. The research carried out on behalf of RESCUE (Regeneration of European Sites in Cities and Urban Environments) is likely to form the basis of a Europe-wide policy backed by the European Commission.

Plans to replace Newbold Community School with a new, state-of-the-art single site facility have been boosted by the Government. 

The ambitious scheme is being progressed by a consortium comprising Derbyshire County Council, the school and private sector company Babcock and Brown. 

The project is being developed under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI), which would see the school financed and built by Babcock and Brown. 

The partnership had asked the Government for permission to press ahead with detailed plans for the new school - and the Government has now awarded `notional credit approval`, which means that the partnership can develop its final business case. 

It is hoped that the final business case - which must demonstrate that the development would provide value for money - will be approved by the Government later this year. 

Detailed project plans are in place and Babcock and Brown will soon submit a planning application for the new buildings. If the initiative progresses as planned the new school is scheduled to open during 2005. 

Derbyshire County Council leader Councillor John Williams said: "There is a desperate need for new buildings and we are delighted that we now have permission to press ahead with this ambitious project. Without PFI there is no way we could afford to replace the school." 

County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "This is excellent news because it means that the community is now one step closer to a new school with modern, fully equipped buildings that would meet the needs of the community for years to come." 

Newbold Community School headteacher Terry Gibson said: "We hope that the scheme can now progress as quickly as possible. Everyone is looking forward to having a new school with up-to-date facilities."

Hard-working members of a Derbyshire County Council youth club turned their hands to DIY to create their own skateboard ramp. 

With help from a local joiner, young people from Melbourne Youth Club designed and built the skateramp on the youth club site, using timber bought with cash donated by the local parish council. 

The keen skateboarders are now waiting for some better weather to get some practice in. Councillor Bob Janes is due to officially launch the ramp on Monday, March 3, when the county council`s cabinet member for community services will see the young people honing their skills. 

"This is an excellent project which shows what can be achieved when young people put their mind to something," said Coun Janes. 

"It was obviously no easy feat to get the money for the ramp, and then construct it, but they have used their initiative and created an excellent facility with the help from the local community. I would like to congratulate them on their hard work and perseverance." 

Melbourne Youth Club meets twice a week in a purpose-built centre on the site of Melbourne Infant and Junior schools on Packhorse Road. The 11-13 year-olds meet on Tuesdays and the 14-19 year-olds on Monday nights. New members are always welcome. Peter Adams, 13, who has been going to the club for two years, is one of those involved in the skateramp project. He said: "People have tried before to get a skateramp and had no luck. 

"Now we have built the ramp, we would like to develop the project and do better and more exciting tricks." 

Derbyshire County Council youth worker Michelle Younger, whose dad Andy is a joiner and helped the young people create their dream, said the project couldn`t have worked without the strong commitment of the young members and help from the local community. 

"We couldn`t have done it without Melbourne Parish Council, who gave the money for the wood and varnish, or Andy, who helped build the ramp. 

"A lot of hard work and planning has gone into it but the young people and staff had a lot of fun and have learnt a lot from the project." 

It took two weeks to build the ramp and any skateboarders who want to use it must wear a helmet and preferably knee and elbow pads.

Derbyshire County Council is to install new dropped kerbs to help pedestrians and particularly disabled people to cross the road at more than 20 locations in the Derbyshire Dales and the High Peak area. 

The work will cost £5,500 in total and be carried out over the next two months. 

County council cabinet member for environment and highways Councillor Walter Burrows said: "We`re delighted to be able to complete this work to make it easier for all pedestrians to cross the road safely and easily in these areas.

"The lowered roadside kerbs are also particularly helpful for wheelchair users, people with mobility problems and parents with pushchairs to cross from pavement to pavement." 

The kerbs will be installed in: 

Buxton: Bridge Street, The Square, The Crescent, A515 London Road/Moseley Street junction, A515 London Road/Byron Street junction, A515 London Road/Heath Street junction, A515 London Road/Heath Grove junction.

Glossop: Norfolk Street/Charles Street junction, High Street East (various locations).

Whaley Bridge: Bridge Street. <li>Hayfield: Meadows Road/St John Street junction, Chapel Street/New Mills Road junction.

Hope: A6187 outside caretaker`s house and along college entrance.

Matlock: A615/Smuse junction, A615/Coach Road junction, Firs Parade/A615 Causeway Lane junction.

Hathersage: Oddfellows Road (outside fire station), Oddfellows Road (two pairs outside car park), Crossland Road/Smithy Meadows junction, A6187 Sheffield Road/Crossland Road junction, The Dale (two pairs outside cul-de-sac entrances)

Education Minister Ivan Lewis is to give his seal of approval to a refurbished adult community education centre run by Derbyshire County Council. 

Clay Cross Centre, which offers more than 130 courses to local people of all ages, has undergone a major £570,000 facelift and now features purpose-built child-care facilities, a new computer suite and basic skills resource centre. 

Students are also enjoying improvements made to the general areas including an upgraded reception area, new coffee bar and better facilities for people with a disability, including a new lift. 

On Monday, March 3, Mr Lewis, the Under Secretary of State for Young People and Adult Skills, will declare the new-improved centre officially open. 

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council`s cabinet member for community services, will also be at the opening ceremony which gets under way at 10am with a tour of the facilities. 

Coun Janes said: "Clay Cross is one of our oldest and most popular centres and the improvement work has transformed it into a brighter, fresher learning environment. 

"More than 1,500 students enrol with us at the Clay Cross Centre every year and I am delighted the county council can offer pleasant surroundings in which to learn. Education is vital and can offer all kinds of opportunities for fun and enjoyment as well as open up better employment prospects." 

Money for the refurbishment has come from a number of sources including Derbyshire County Council, European Regional Development Fund, Single Regeneration Budget, Rural Development Project and Community Modernisation Fund in partnership with the Clay Cross Regeneration Steering Group. 

Staff from Derbyshire County Council adult community education service worked hard to attract the funding for the refurbishment scheme. 

Courses at the centre on Market Street range from computing to pottery and cookery to making your own clothes. Many courses are free including basic computing, GCSE English and maths and all adult basic skills to improve reading, writing and maths. 

Big discounts are also available for people on earnings-related benefits and the over 60s. For more information on course availability contact Louise Nadin on 01246 862383 or visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/adulteducation (opens in a new window). 

School crossing patrols across Derbyshire are to be honoured for carrying out their community role as part of national celebrations to mark 50 years of the service. 

Derbyshire County Council is planning to mark the national and regional golden jubilee of the SCP service with three parties before a national day of celebration on April 29. 

All Derbyshire`s 350 SCPs and their partners have been invited to one of the three events to be held at County Hall in Matlock. 

There they will all be presented with a gold jubilee badge and a certificate of appreciation, some will also receive long-service awards for five, ten, 15, 20 and 25 years` service and others will be presented with non-absence awards before enjoying a buffet and dancing. 

The council is also hoping to use the high-profile events to raise awareness about the service, correct common misconceptions about the job, such as that it is not paid and is only open to women aged over 50 or retired, and to help boost this Easter`s SCP recruitment campaign. 

County council deputy leader Councillor John Powell said: "School crossing patrols perform an invaluable role in our communities and we wanted to do something to say thank you during the golden jubilee. 

"We`re delighted to get involved in the national celebrations which will also give us an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of this important county council service." 

Derbyshire has 308 crossing patrol locations and currently has 38 vacancies. SCPs are paid £4.67 an hour during term-time and through the school holidays. Full training and uniform is provided. For more information or to apply call the council`s SCP co-ordinator Eileen Murphy on 01629 585463.

Derbyshire primary school pupils are to be taught how they can help shape and improve the area where they live with a pioneering new teaching pack. 

Derbyshire County Council`s education and environmental services departments have teamed up to produce the "Designing Sustainable Neighbourhoods" resource pack which has been sent out to all the county`s 360 primary and junior schools. 

It is also being sent for review to national planning, development and teaching profession magazines to share the council`s good practice and ideas across the UK. 

The pack aims to promote the message that everyone can play a part in how neighbourhoods are created, it shows how they work and how they can be improved. 

Part of the learning experience is also to show how sustainability starts in the community and how the development process increasingly relies on residents` participation. 

The council hopes that getting children involved in the issues contained in the pack as early as possible will help to promote good citizenship. 

The pack includes five activity sections forming the basic framework to teach Key Stage 2 pupils (aged seven to 11) about how their own habitat - the built environment - is structured. 

• Accessible neighbourhoods: How people of all ages and abilities are encouraged or discouraged from visiting places and using facilities through access design. 
• Variety within your neighbourhood: Facilities which provide choice and a stimulating environment to enrich our lives. 
• Safe neighbourhood streets: How building design and our ability to see and be seen can affect the safety of streets.
• Reading your neighbourhood: How distinctive features in the environment can help us find our way around.
• Friendly neighbourhood buildings: How buildings affect the quality of life and safety in the environment. 

A copy of the pack will be presented to the Royal Town Planning Institute`s president Vincent Goodstadt when he visits the county council`s headquarters in Matlock on March 13 for a meeting of Derbyshire planners. It is hoped this exposure will raise its profile to encourage other local authorities, as well as Derbyshire teachers, to use the resource and develop its ideas. 

County council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "We don`t know of any other authority which produces this kind of pack and therefore believe it will be an excellent teaching resource across the county and hopefully beyond. 

"Our staff have expert skills and knowledge to enrich our pupils` learning in this area and we are keen to spread this good practice and good ideas to other authorities. 

"We`re proud to present the pack to the Royal Town Planning Institute and hope the messages it carries helps to develop the industry partnership between planning and education." 

Council cabinet member for environment and highways Councillor Walter Burrows said: "Although the built environment has a direct impact on everyone`s quality of life, residents often complain that they feel left out and have little say in planning and development issues in their communities. 

"This is partly because they don`t know much about how the process works so we hope that starting to educate children at primary school will promote good citizenship and encourage them to become more involved in community issues when they`re older. 

"We believe equipping today`s youngsters with the knowledge and abilities to engage in community development is essential with the ever-increasing demand for public consultation and accountability within the planning system." 

Anyone who would like more information about the "Designing Sustainable Neighbourhoods" resource pack can call county council environmental studies officer Jane Featherstone on 01246 208267, e-mail urbanstudies@ukonline.co.uk call council urban designer Adam Lathbury on 01629 580000 ext 7184 or e-mail adam.lathbury@derbyshire.gov.uk

A newsletter has been published by Derbyshire County Council to keep residents along the former Matlock to Buxton railway informed about proposals to re-open the line. 

Independent consultant Scott Wilson Railways is currently carrying out a feasibility study to see if reinstating the Derby to Manchester (Matlock to Buxton/Chinley link) rail line is viable from an environmental, engineering and economic viewpoint. 

The A4 colour newsletter explains what the project is about, the timescales involved and details about how the public can have their say during public exhibitions in June and July. There is also a most frequently asked questions section. 

The newsletter will be delivered over the next few days to homes on both sides of the former railway line and is also available from libraries and selected supermarkets, post offices and tourist information centres along the route. 

Councillor Walter Burrows, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for environment and highways, said: "The issue of whether to re-open the Derby to Manchester rail line is sure to be of great public interest. 

"We are committed to keeping the public fully informed about what is happening and giving them their say before any decisions are made. 

"With a project that could cost taxpayers between £80 million and £100 million it is vital that we ensure that the line re-opening is viable and what most people in the area want." 

As well as providing funding itself Derbyshire County Council has brought together a partnership of organisations to pay the £885,000 cost of the feasibility study. 

The partners are Amber Valley Borough Council, the Buxton and Peak District SRB 6 Partnership, Countryside Agency, Derby City Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council, East Midlands Development Agency, European Regional Development Fund, Government Office for the East Midlands, High Peak Borough Council, Peak District National Park Authority, Peak Park Transport Forum, Rural Development Programme, Strategic Rail Authority and Tarmac plc.

A national company that misled hundreds of thousands of consumers over the price of products in its catalogue has been fined £3,000 following an investigation by Derbyshire County Council trading standards. 

Express Gifts Ltd - trading as Ace Cards and Gifts - pleaded guilty at Ilkeston Magistrates` Court today (20 February) to five sample charges of publishing misleading prices. 

The Lancashire-based company - which has a turnover in excess of £100m and a customer base of more than one million people - posted the misleading literature to around 500,000 homes. 

Consumers received an initial catalogue and if they did not place any orders they received a follow up `offer leaflet` advertising big discounts on the original catalogue price. However, when the two brochures were compared the discounts were much lower than claimed. 

The problem came to light after the company mailed the catalogues to the home of a Derbyshire County Council trading standards officer. He compared the two and uncovered 40 misleading prices. 

The company pleaded guilty to five sample charges under the Consumer Protection Act and was fined £600 for each with £460 costs, a total of £3,460. The remaining 35 matters were taken into consideration. The charges related to the following products: 

• A toy computer advertised in the offer leaflet with a 50% discount. However, when compared with the catalogue price the discount was just 25%
• A 30-piece dinner service advertised in the offer leaflet with a 35% discount, which was actually 17%
• A toy garage advertised with a 45% advertised discount which was actually 17%
• A set of de-humidifiers with a 64% advertised discount which was actually 29%
• A pagoda fountain with a 58% advertised discount which was actually 17%. 

Derbyshire County Council deputy leader Councillor John Powell said: "The offer leaflet misled thousands of consumers and it is thanks to the vigilance of one of our trading standards officers that the problem came to light. 

"There were a large number of false claims in the leaflet which would have made consumers believe they were getting a real bargain, when in some cases the actual discount was just a couple of pounds."

Teams from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland descend on Derbyshire County Council`s Lea Green Sports and Development Centre next week to battle it out in the Four Nations Basketball Championships. 

The two-day championships take place on Friday and Saturday 28 February and 1 March at the centre, at Lea near Matlock. 

The prestigious event has been organised by the county council and the England Basketball Association, with the support of Derbyshire schools Basketball Association, local young people and sponsors including HSBC. 

The opening ceremony is at 3.15pm, with the first tip off at 4pm on the Friday and the matches continue throughout Saturday, culminating with a trophy presentation hosted by the county council`s cabinet member for Community Services, Councillor Bob Janes. 

The event is open to the public and it is free to attend - for more information or to reserve a place contact Lea Green on 01629 534561. 

"We are thrilled to be hosting such a great event for schools basketball and the Lea Green Centre is fast building a deserved reputation for staging excellent events and tournaments," said Councillor Janes. 

"We will be giving a warm Derbyshire welcome to all of the nations and I`m sure that the event will be remembered not just for the quality of the basketball but also for the friendships made." 

Basketball is just one of the sports on offer at the Lea Green Sports and Development Centre. 

The centre - which provides sporting and personal development programmes for schools, youth groups and other voluntary and community groups - offers a wide range of sports and adventure facilities including football, cricket, badminton, Problem solving and ropes courses, archery, orienteering and netball.

A powerful play designed to turn young people off the idea of drugs is touring Derbyshire secondary schools over the next 12 weeks. 

The Theatre in Education `Buzz` project - which was developed in 1999 by Derbyshire County Council - is targeted at 12 and 13-year-olds. 

It tackles problems of drug misuse and discourages young people from developing dangerous habits. All Derbyshire secondary and special schools have been invited to book the play and a list of performances is attached under `Notes to News Editors`. 

It is performed by Fast Forward - a theatre company specialising in health education - and features a character called `Buzz`, a designer drug whose company is addictive. 

The play forms part of a complete teaching package, which includes videos, workshops and discussion groups. 

Reaction from Derbyshire pupils and teachers was so positive after the initial tour that Fast Forward developed a version for the United States, which has visited schools across California. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "The play works because it raises issues of drug misuse on a level young people can relate to, without preaching to them. 

"Young people today face a lot of peer pressure to experiment with drugs, and the play helps them understand the pitfalls and encourages them to make the right choices for the benefit of their health and well-being." 

The `Buzz` project forms part of the county council`s drug and alcohol education strategy, and the authority published guidance to all schools to help them develop their own drug education policy. As well as drug misuse, the county council has used theatre projects to get across a number of important issues to young people, including racism, bullying and road safety.

A youth conference in South Derbyshire next month will give local young people the chance to discuss the issues that matter to them - from the `Big Vote` Youth Forum election to plans for a new skate park in Swadlincote. 

Organised by Derbyshire County Council`s youth service, the conference takes place on Saturday 1 March between 10am and 4pm at the Woodville Youth Centre. 

It is aimed at all young people aged 11 to 18 who take part in youth clubs, school councils and activity groups throughout South Derbyshire. The day of activities includes: 

The `Big Vote` 

Voting in the Derbyshire Youth Forum election takes place between 24 February and 22 March and two representatives will be elected to serve the South Derbyshire area. All of the nominated candidates for the district have been invited along to the conference. They will deliver their election speeches and there will be an opportunity for young people to question the candidates and cast their vote. 

The Money Game 

This workshop will explain how the county council spends its funding to provide local services for young people and other people in the community. 

All Different, All Equal 

A workshop about citizenship, discussing young people`s rights and responsibilities and their attitudes to issues such as ethnicity and gender. 

Swadlincote Skate Park 

A skate part is planned for the town and young people will be able to come along and contribute their design ideas. Videos of skate parks will be shown to support the design process. 

Lunch will be available on the day and the county council will arrange transport to ensure that as many young people as possible have the opportunity to take part. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "The conference will give young people the chance to get together and express their opinions about the areas they live in and issues of local importance. 

"We`re hoping that as many people as possible will come along and we will be very keen to listen to their views and concerns."

Are you struggling to trace your ancestors? If so, advice sessions being organised by Derbyshire County Council could be the answer. 

Each of the one-to-one sessions will be run by qualified archivists and last for 20 minutes. Participants receive an information pack which they can keep, providing details about to how use information sources like the Internet. They will also receive a personal written report following their session. 

The sessions cost £4 per person and will be held at the county council-run Derbyshire Record Office in New Street, Matlock on Thursday 13 March between 10am and noon. 

Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for community services, said: "Tracing your family tree is a popular hobby but getting started can be a problem because there is so much information and many ways of accessing it. 

"By discussing research with an expert it is possible to find an effective way of getting the information needed without all the hassle." 

Places can be booked by ringing the record office on 01629 585347 or emailing record.office@derbyshire.gov.uk

Improvements are to be carried out at Alfreton Library to make it easier for all visitors to use the building. 

Derbyshire County Council is installing automatic doors and handrails at the branch in Severn Square to improve access for all users, particularly those with disabilities. 

The library will close for a week from Monday 7 April to Monday 14 April while work is carried out. The scheme will also include essential maintenance work. 

County council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "We`re delighted to be able to carry out access improvements at Alfreton Library to ensure all members of the community feel welcome at their local branch and can benefit from its many services."

Some of Derbyshire`s finest eateries celebrated culinary success at last night`s Quality in Food and Drink Awards. 

A total of 60 entries were received for the awards which aim to showcase good quality food and drink and promote the use of Derbyshire produce to local people and visitors to the county. 

Organised by Derbyshire County Council, the second annual awards also aimed to establish links between local providers and suppliers to boost the local economy. 

The short listed entries were judged on several criteria including the promotion of Derbyshire produce on the menu, the use of local produce and suppliers, the quality of the food and drink and customer service. 

And the winners and highly commended entrants were announced during a ceremony held at County Hall, Matlock, last night (Monday 17 February). The winners were presented with glass trophies to put on display. 

The winner of the Restaurant of the Year category was Buckingham`s in Newbold Road, Chesterfield - a runner-up in the same category last year. The Cavendish Hotel in Baslow was highly commended. 

And Buckingham`s had a double reason to celebrate after being highly commended in the Best Breakfast category. The King`s at Ivy house, New Haven, near Buxton, were the winners in that category. 

Other winners were: 

Pub/Bistro of the Year - Winner: The Coach and Horses, Main Street, Ashbourne; Highly Commended: Hudson Bay Beer House, Craggs Road, Bolsover. 

Tea Room/Coffee House of the Year - Winner: Earth Brand, Church Street, Ashbourne; Highly Commended: The Rookery, Main Road, Eyam. 

Councillor Geoff Carlile, the county council`s cabinet member for regeneration, said: "Once again, the Derbyshire Quality in Food and Drink Awards have been a huge success and I would like to congratulate the winners and thank everyone who has taken part. 

"These awards have not only helped to raise the profile of Derbyshire`s excellent food and drink but of the county itself as a superb place to come to visit for a day or even an overnight stay. 

"We also hope the awards have helped to establish vital links between local producers and suppliers to help to give them and the county`s economy a boost." 

Awards were presented by Councillor Carlile and county council chair Councillor Kath Trueman.

Schools from throughout Derbyshire will be attending a conference next month to find out how they can join a successful scheme that has helped dozens of schools introduce anti-bullying initiatives. 

Around a quarter of the county`s schools are currently signed up to Derbyshire County Council`s ABC scheme. The authority is encouraging more to take part and schools that have not yet signed up have been invited to the conference, which takes place on 13 and 14 March at Swanwick Hayes Conference Centre. 

Heads, teachers and governors will be attending the conference and keynote speakers include a representative from national charity Kidscape and leading academic Andrew Mellor, who has carried out extensive research into bullying.

A series of workshops will introduce the scheme and outline the support available to help schools develop policies and initiatives to combat bullying. 

The ABC scheme was launched in 1996 and the county council is aiming to increase the number of primary, secondary and special schools taking part. 

Schools work towards three levels of award - Initial, Interim and Award of Excellence - and meet a range of performance indicators which demonstrate effective anti-bullying strategies. 

The performance indicators are set out in a pack which helps schools develop their anti-bullying commitment, for example by discussing bullying issues in lessons, by improving communication with pupils and parents, by setting up monitoring and evaluation systems and by training staff. 

A few of the initiatives introduced by local schools include: 

• Setting up school councils and discussing bullying issues at meetings.
• Setting up buddy systems whereby older pupils take new students under their wing.
• Peace gardens for pupils who want time away from playground hustle and bustle.
• Developing an anti-bullying ethos and encouraging pupils to be aware of bullying - in particular mobilising the `silent majority` to make sure that bullying behaviour is not tolerated. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "It`s very important for schools to deal with bullying issues because it causes misery to victims and leads to low self-esteem and truancy. The ABC scheme forms an important part of the county council`s education strategy and so we hope the conference will encourage even more schools to get on board."

Derbyshire residents still have two weeks to enter projects in a competition to improve the county`s local environment - and share in £10,000 prize money. 

Derbyshire County Council is inviting entries for its 14th annual Greenwatch Awards competition to officially recognise the efforts being made to safeguard and enhance the local environment. 

Entries opened in November but anyone with an environmental project they think may qualify still has until February 28 to register their interest. 

Judges will be looking for projects which save energy, encourage sensible travel, prevent pollution, care for historic buildings, sites and wildlife habitats and maintain local distinctiveness. This year the event has two new sponsors, the Environment Agency and Tarmac Central Ltd, who will present their own new special awards: 

• Environment Agency Award for the best overall sustainability project.
• Tarmac Central Community Award for the best project involving a whole local community. 

Meanwhile, other special awards to be made are: 

• The Environment Agency shields to the best primary and secondary schools projects working towards sustainability.
• Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust prize for outstanding achievement in built conservation.
• Derby Evening Telegraph rosebowl for the best small and large business schemes.
• English Nature prize for outstanding contribution to biodiversity in Derbyshire. 

This year entries will be invited in five categories; sustainable use of resources, farming and landscape management, built environment, wildlife conservation and Derbyshire`s heritage. 

Award entries are invited from individuals, schools and colleges, businesses, community groups and individuals. Schemes need to be almost complete by the closing date (February 28) so they can be assessed in time for the awards ceremony on May 22. 

Derbyshire County Council deputy leader Councillor John Powell said: "We`re very pleased with the quality and number of entries received so far, but there`s still time to get your environmental project registered. 

"We are keen to recognise and reward any innovative and locally-based scheme which benefits the community and ideally also involves local people." 

Winning entries will share cash prizes worth £10,000 and commendation certificates will be awarded to entries deserving special recognition. 

Entry forms, plus more details about the awards, are available by clicking here or from libraries, schools, countryside service visitor centres and County Hall in Matlock or by phoning Annie Simpson on 01629 580000 ext 7110.

An ambitious project to reorganise Dronfield School to create a single site, state-of-the art facility is one step closer following the submission of a detailed planning application. 

The £6m scheme - which has been developed by Derbyshire County Council, the school and Miller Construction - would provide a host of new, hi-tech facilities for pupils and for the local community. 

Currently the school is concentrated on two sites which are a mile apart, the lower Gosforth site off Carr Lane and the upper Fanshawe site off Green Lane. 

The lower site is in such a poor state that it would cost £1.5m over the next few years, just to maintain it in its existing condition. 

As well as the high cost of maintenance, the split site causes additional problems - resources are duplicated at both sites and teacher time is wasted travelling between the sites. 

These problems would be resolved by consolidating the school on the upper site. Additional buildings would accommodate the following state-of-the-art facilities: 

• Five science labs and prep-room
• Six modern languages rooms and nine maths rooms, all fully equipped with IT facilities
• Two music rooms and four art rooms
• Drama production hall, which would be available for the community when not used by the school
• Six new tennis/netball courts, full size all weather astroturf pitch and playing fields 
• New dining and kitchen facilities. 

In addition, existing technology facilities would be expanded at the school, which was awarded specialist technology status last year. 

It is hoped that the outcome of the planning application will be known by the end of April. Subject to planning permission, work could get underway during the late spring/early summer, with the new buildings open for September 2004. 

Just over half of the required funding has been awarded to the county council by the Government. The authority will contribute a further £1.5m with the remaining funds raised by selling the redundant lower school buildings. However, any future development of the lower site would be limited to the `footprint` of the current buildings and would not encroach on the existing green space, which would be retained for education or community use. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "I`m delighted that the plans are progressing. Reorganising the school onto a single site would have a tremendous impact and help transform the educational facilities for staff and pupils. 

"The school has an excellent reputation and was awarded specialist status last year. This project would provide the community with the buildings that they deserve and that will benefit local children for many years to come." 

Dronfield School headteacher Chris Burke said: "This excellent development would provide a superb, state-of the-art school on a single site, and all of the facilities would be either brand new or re-vamped. 

"It would resolve the existing problems caused by the current split site and would provide Dronfield with some of the best educational facilities in the country. We are really impressed with the plans and are convinced that the local community will have an educational facility of which they can be truly proud."

A recruitment campaign has been launched across Derbyshire to try to attract more men to take up careers in childcare. 

Derbyshire Early Years and Childcare Partnership has launched the campaign which it hopes will attract more men to take up jobs ranging from childminders to out of school club staff. 

Statistics have shown that of the 4,212 childcare workers in the county, less than one per cent of them is male. 

The recruitment drive aims to get the message across to men that there are many job opportunities in childcare both full time and part time and many people working in the profession have even set up their own businesses. 

The Early Years and Childcare Partnership feels that there are men who would be interested in a career in childcare but they are not sure about what steps to take to find out more information. 

The partnership is appealing for men of all ages and backgrounds who would like more information to visit their website or ring to find out more. 

Councillor Bob Janes, chair of Derbyshire Early Years and Childcare Partnership, said: "Men are currently under-represented in childcare careers at the moment and the partnership is keen to reverse this. 

"We are looking for men from all walks of life who can bring a number of qualities to childcare roles, but most importantly we are looking for men who are enthusiastic about working with children." 

Councillor Janes added: "We are sure there are many men out there who would be ideally suited to a career in childcare and there is a wealth of information available for them to be able to find out more. 

As well as the range of different jobs available in the profession, there are also many opportunities for people to run their own businesses in childcare which we are sure would appeal." 

For more information about getting a job in childcare visit the Derbyshire Early Years and Childcare Partnership`s website at www.childcare.derbyshire.org or ring childcare recruitment co-ordinator Debbie Bushell on 01629 580000 extension 5788. 

CASE STUDY - ANDY MORRIS 

Former professional footballer Andy Morris (35) has been working with children and young people for three years since he stopped playing for Chesterfield Football Club. He works under the umbrella of Football in the Community and runs Footballers` Further Education and Vocational Training Schemes. 

Community officer Andy, who is based at Chesterfield Football Club, works with children from five years old into their teens, teaching them footballing skills and tactics. 

Andy said: "I really enjoy my job. Obviously it`s hard work but being in a position to coach and develop children is very rewarding. 

"Working with young people brings a wide range of duties and responsibilities from coaching football to administrative duties. I also organise events, monitor the trainees, attend meetings, look after finances, do a lot of computer work and develop training programmes." 

Andy added: "My job has allowed me to be a male role model for children and gives me the opportunity to pass on different skills to them. 

"Men may shy away from working with children as they think it is something that women do, but they have a lot of different skills to offer. 

"It`s not all about being strong and masculine but using your life skills, experiences and personality to help encourage and develop our next generation." 

CASE STUDY - GRAHAM BATE 

When Graham Bate`s wife Sue set up her childminding business from their home in Findern, near Derby, it wasn`t long before he decided to join her part-time to help out. 

Graham (56) trained as an assistant childminder and now works with Sue, who is a registered childminder, for two hours on Monday, Tuesday afternoons and all day Wednesday. 

The business has now been going for about four years and Graham, who also works part-time for an estate agent, has enjoyed every minute of his involvement. 

Four children aged one to four years are currently looked after by Sue and Graham, who both have plenty of experience having brought up four children of their own and have six grandchildren. 

Graham said: "As Sue`s assistant I do a whole range of jobs, from routine jobs like washing up and tidying to the more fun tasks of reading stories with the children and playing with them. We also go for lots of walks and about once a fortnight Sue and I take them swimming." 

Graham added: "It can be very hard work and we try to teach the children how to behave and know the boundaries they can`t cross. In that way we are quite traditional, but it is very rewarding and lots of fun too. 

"I would say to anyone thinking of doing this job that you need lots of patience and you need to love and feel comfortable with children. 

"I certainly enjoy it. There is nothing like walking into a room and being greeted by a happy, smiling child. It`s wonderful."

Two information display boards have been put up in Chesterfield railway station by Derbyshire County Council to provide visitors with more information about the town. 

Until now passengers arriving at the railway station have had nothing to direct them to the shops and key public buildings or provide information about bus services in Chesterfield. 

The displays contain information and a map of the town, along with a leaflet which rail passengers can take away to help them as they move around town. 

Councillor Eric Swain, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for public protection, said: "It is no use us encouraging people to visit Chesterfield by train if they don`t know the time of connecting bus services or have no idea of which direction the shops are in." 

Derbyshire County Council is currently working on plans to introduce similar information boards at Buxton and Alfreton railway stations. 

The authority has also carried out a survey to see what improvements can be made to bus services that serve Chesterfield railway station. 

More than 320 people were questioned to find out what it would take to encourage them to leave the car behind and travel to the railway station by bus. 

Passengers asked for: 

• A more frequent service
• Low fares
• Direct services so that passengers don`t have to change buses 

The results of the survey are now being considered by Derbyshire County Council`s public transport unit to see how bus and other transport links between the town and railway station can be improved. 

S Johnson of Chesterfield and J Cartwright of Dronfield have each won £50 after their survey answers were the first two drawn out of a hat.

Volunteers from the Glossop area are being sought to help provide an advice service that supports parents of children with special educational needs. 

The appeal has gone out from the Derbyshire Parent Partnership Service, an independent service established by Derbyshire County Council that supports and advises families about the special educational needs process. 

The volunteers will train as volunteer `Parent Partners` and their role will be to offer help by filling in forms, making `phone calls, providing information about the range of services available and by attending school meetings with parents. 

All volunteers will receive training and 10 weekly sessions will be taking place at the New Scout Community Building at Simmondley on Wednesdays between 9.30am and 12.30pm, starting on Wednesday 19 March. 

No experience is required. Volunteers could be school support workers interested in the special needs process, parents of children with special needs or anyone who is a good listener and has some time to spare. 

Potential volunteers - or parents of children with special educational needs who want advice and support - can get in touch with the partnership on (01246) 273154. Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "The partnership provides an extremely valuable service to parents, and so we are keen to expand it in the High Peak area. We will be very grateful to hear from any volunteers who would like to train for this rewarding role."

Pop idols Darius and Sarah Whatmore are urging Derbyshire young people to take part in the up-and-coming Derbyshire Youth Forum elections - dubbed the `Big Vote`. 

All Derbyshire young people aged 11 to 18 are eligible to vote to elect two representatives for their district/borough. Voting gets underway on Monday 24 February and continues until 21 March. 

Chart topper Darius - who heard about the Big Vote during a recent appearance in Sheffield - urged local young people to exercise their democratic right to vote. "If you`ve ever voted in Pop Idol or Big Brother you`ll know it`s far more exciting to find out who has won if your vote is having a bearing on the outcome," he said. 

And Manchester pop diva Sarah Whatmore added: "Derbyshire young people have got to just get out there and do it! If you want something to happen enough, it will - with a bit of luck!" 

This year the elections have teamed up with Derbyshire County Council`s b_line youth travel and discount card to give all young people a chance to take part. And in a first for a UK election voting will be via the Internet and mobile phone text messaging as well as the traditional ballot paper. 

All Derbyshire young people are about to receive a b_line magazine which introduces the candidates and explains how young people can cast their vote. All of the information will be available on the b_line website at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/b_line (opens in a new window) 

Big Vote teaching packs have also been distributed to schools so that the election can be discussed in citizenship lessons. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "Derbyshire young people have a chance to make history by being the first to elect candidates via their mobile phone or the Internet. 

"The Youth Forum is really important because it ensures that young people can raise the issues that matter to them with the politicians who make the decisions. So have a look at the candidates for your area and cast your vote!" 

As well as electing their local representatives all young people who vote will be entered into a free draw to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Alton Towers for themselves and five classmates - by chauffeur-driven limousine of course!

A budget to reflect the priorities of local people was agreed by Derbyshire County Council yesterday (Wednesday, February 12). 

At the end of the full council meeting during which Cabinet members set out proposed developments in services ranging from education initiatives to economic regeneration and road improvements, the council formally approved a Cabinet recommendation to fix a budget of £652.3 million for the coming financial year. 

The new budget represents an overall increase of £67.7 million on the budget for 2002 -2003 and means a 7.94% increase in council tax. For a Band D council tax payer the increase will be £67.24 a year or £1.29 a week. 

The fixing of the new budget comes after months of detailed consultation with residents, representatives of business and other groups within the county. 

Said Council Leader Councillor John Williams: "Never before have we had such wide ranging consultation on the budget. As well as our statutory meetings with Chambers of Trade and business organisations, we`ve been out to the four corners of the county to meet with groups of local people. We`ve also taken into account the results of our recent MORI tracking survey. 

"These exercises showed clearly that education, the care of vulnerable people, crime and business crime, support for young people and regeneration are key concerns for many people. I`m very pleased that we have been able to set a budget that will enable us to do more to tackle those identified priorities." 

He added: "The figures we have seen so far suggest that Derbyshire`s council tax rise will be the lowest among the shire counties in the East Midlands and, after all councils have set their new budgets, may well prove to be the lowest of any shire county in the country."

Matlock Library is to close for two weeks to enable Derbyshire County Council to carry out essential maintenance and refurbishment work. 

The library is based in a detached house that was converted in 1944. Due to its age the building now needs structural repairs to the internal walls and floor. 

To enable the concrete floors to be laid the building will close to the public from Monday 3 March to Saturday 15 March. During the closure the children`s library will also be decorated. Library users will be able to borrow extra books in the week before the closure. 

Customers wanting to renew items that they have on loan during this period will be able to do so by ringing Call Derbyshire on 08456 058058. The call centre is open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays. 

Anyone with questions about the closure should ask staff at Matlock Library or ring them on 01629 582480.

A couple who run an off licence in Swadlincote have had their licence to sell alcohol revoked by licensing justices. Derbyshire County Council and the Police are warning other businesses that they could face a similar fate if they break the law and sell alcohol to children. 

The application to revoke the Licence of Mr Mohinder Singh Shanker and Mrs Kulvinder Kaur Shanker of Londis Stores, 2 Goseley Avenue, Hartshorne, Swadlincote, was made by the Police and heard by Licensing Justices at Derby Magistrates` Court on Friday (7 February). 

The court heard that Derbyshire County Council trading standards officers visited the off licence last June accompanied by a child volunteer, who succeeded in buying a Reef vodka alcopop drink. 

The Justices said that procedures were not in place to prevent the sale of alcohol to under-18s and they concluded that the couple are not fit and proper to hold a Justices licence. The couple were allowed 21 days to appeal. 

Last month Mr and Mrs Shanker were each fined £250 by Derby Magistrates in a prosecution brought by Derbyshire trading standards. The prosecution was the first since last summer, when trading standards launched its crackdown on the underage sale of alcohol from off licences. 

Since then dozens of businesses have been visited and 23 sold alcohol to children (see `Note to News Editors`). The visits are continuing and businesses face a £1,000 fine and the loss of licence to sell alcohol. "This is the first case of its kind in Derbyshire but I don`t think it will be the last," said the county council`s cabinet member for public protection Councillor Eric Swain. 

"Since we launched our campaign 23 off licences sold to children. Following this revocation they must be wondering if the same fate awaits them. 

"Loss of the alcohol licence puts the licensee`s livelihood at risk, and this case must surely bring home to other businesses the risks involved in selling alcohol to children. 

In presenting the Police case for revocation of the licence, PC Clive Needham, Licensing Manager for Derby Division said: "Sales of alcohol and other age restricted products present clear and well documented risks, not only to the health of young people, but to crime and disorder. 

"Incidents of alcohol related anti-social behaviour continue to increase, impacting upon Police resources and local communities. Licensees have a clear duty to conduct their premises in a responsible and lawful manner. 

"Derbyshire Constabulary will continue to work closely with Trading Standards Departments and will, where appropriate apply for revocation of the Justices Licence for any premises found to be selling alcohol irresponsibly or unlawfully."

Education inspectors have praised the improvements in pupil attainment and quality of teaching at English Martyrs` Catholic Primary at Long Eaton.

The school had been placed in Special Measures in March 2000 after the Government inspectors voiced concerns about the quality of education. However, following a recent visit they concluded that standards have risen so high - with the school outperforming other primaries around the country - that the school can leave Special Measures. 

The good news is revealed in the inspectors` report, which has just been published. It sets out the actions taken by