November

A campaign is to be launched to protect vulnerable adults living in Derbyshire so they know where to turn if they are being abused, harmed or exploited. 

The campaign is launched on Monday 1 December by the Derby and Derbyshire Adult Protection Committee which was set up in 2001 to try to prevent abuse happening. 

The committee is a partnership between several bodies including Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council, Derbyshire Police, Derbyshire`s probation service, primary care trusts, district councils and the county`s National Care Standards Commission. 

As well as preventing abuse, the committee is also charged with making sure that if abuse occurs, a system is in place to protect the person from further abuse. 

The committee has now published 10,000 leaflets which will be distributed countywide urging vulnerable adults who are being abused to get in touch and get help to make it stop. 

Cue cards explaining the type of person who may be a vulnerable adult and detailing correct procedures to follow have also been produced as part of the information campaign. They will be handed out to all staff from agencies that may work with vulnerable adults in the course of their jobs. 

A vulnerable adult is any person, aged 18 years old or over, who needs help or support because of mental ill health, a physical or learning disability or is frail because of old age. 

Help with protection may be needed because the person may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation. 

Types of abuse, neglect or mistreatment involve:

• Physical injury or unreasonable physical constraint of an individual where an injury may have been inflicted or knowingly not prevented
• Sexual abuse including sexual activities an individual may not have given consent to, may not fully comprehend or which they do not wish to continue 
• Psychological abuse including action which is not of a physical nature but severely affects the well-being of a person 
• Discriminatory abuse - ie psychological abuse that is racist, sexist or linked to a person`s age or disability 
• Misappropriation of a person`s money or any other action against the person`s best interests. Last year in Derbyshire, up to April 2003, a total of 242 reports were received concerning possible incidents of abuse of vulnerable adults. The abuse included physical and financial abuse against vulnerable adults with learning difficulties and older people. 

The committee has found that abuse of vulnerable adults takes place across a range of settings. These include abuse by family members, paid carers at home, in day, residential or hospital care, by other vulnerable adults (for example in a group care setting) or by strangers who may target them because of their vulnerability. 

In the county last year, new services were provided to 77 vulnerable adults in order to lessen the likelihood of abuse reoccurring. 

These included: 

• Five injunctions or exclusion orders 
• 18 people moved to a place of safety 
• 12 people given additional care support 

The committee`s new leaflets, which tell people how to contact agencies which can help to stop abuse, are now available in places including county libraries, police stations, doctors` surgeries and hospitals. A second leaflet has also been produced which will be given to people once they make a complaint, telling them how they will be dealt with and what will happen next. 

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for social care and health, Councillor Anne Western, said: "When someone is being abused they will generally know how to get help or have the ability to make it stop themselves. However, when the abuse is happening to a vulnerable adult they may not know where to turn. 

"The Derby and Derbyshire Adult Protection Committee is working hard to ensure that vulnerable adults, their carers and relatives do know where to go to get help, support or advice. 

"The main aim is to stop the abuse and to protect the vulnerable person so that they can live happily in a safe environment." 

For more information or a leaflet people should call: 

• their nearest Derbyshire County Council social services area office (details available from Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058)
• Derby City Council`s social services on 01332 717777. 

CASE STUDY

Fred J. is an older person who is physically frail and has dementia, meaning that he is not able to make informed choices concerning key aspects of his life. 

He has a solicitor who is managing his financial affairs on his behalf and lives in his own house but is provided with a high level of daily support. 

The care agency providing support contacted Derbyshire County Council`s social services to say that relatives had taken him to their own home for a visit but that he had not returned as planned. They were concerned that the relatives were seeking to financially exploit Mr J. 

Social services contacted health professionals providing help for Mr J, as well as contacting his solicitor and Derbyshire Police. 

It was agreed to try to make contact with Mr J and his relatives to ensure that he was safe and well and his best interests were being met. 

A visit was made to his relatives with the purpose of the visit being made clear, but access was denied. 

The involvement of the police was needed to gain access and Mr J. was found in a distressed and unkempt state. He was immediately taken away to a place of safety. 

A case conference was held involving representation from all parties and a careful examination of Mr J`s needs and preferences was made. 

He was returned to his own home on his request but received support to help him maintain his independence and recover from his ordeal.

A former tertiary college building has been taken over by Derbyshire County Council and is being re-launched as an adult community education centre. 

The Manor Centre in Ashgate Road, Chesterfield - which was formerly an outreach centre for the North East Derbyshire Tertiary College - will run a range of adult education classes from January next year. 

To give members of the public a chance to find out what is on offer a re-launch event will be held at the centre on Saturday 6 December, where visitors will can try some of the activities in free taster sessions. 

Sessions on offer include: 

• Computers for fun
• Digital camera demonstrations 
• Family fitness 
• Complementary therapies 
• Childcare courses 
• Psychological experiments 
• Drama and dance 

Representatives of the Afro-Caribbean Club, the Community Volunteers project and Read On - Write Away! will also be on hand to show visitors the work they do. 

Children will be able to visit Santa or use the crèche facilities. 

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "The Manor Centre is ideally placed in the centre of Chesterfield so we are hoping it will be a magnet for people throughout the area who are interested in doing an adult education class. 

"These taster sessions are ideal for anyone who has thought about doing a class but is unsure what to do. They allow visitors to try a range of activities for free and then pick the one that best suits them. "Learning is something you can do at any age, it is not just something that is confined to your school years. So I would urge everyone to come to the taster sessions and have a go at the activities on offer to see if there is something they might be interested in learning more about." 

The event will take place from 10am to 4pm, with the official opening taking place at 12.30pm.

A Government minister has praised Derbyshire County Council`s social services department for its innovative work in helping older people gain access to better services. 

The praise comes following an independent report carried out into the Government`s Best Value regime which is being followed at councils across the country. 

It comes less than a week after the social services department was ranked among the best in the country, gaining the highest grading - three stars - from the Social Services Inspectorate. It was also ranked in equal top position for services to older people. 

The new report, called `Changing to Improve: Ten Case Studies From The Evaluation Of The Best Value Regime`, looked at success stories from the implementation of Best Value. 

Derbyshire County Council`s Best Value review into services for older people, carried out by social services, was one of the 10 case studies singled out for praise in the report carried out by Cardiff University. 

Hundreds of people aged 55 and over were consulted during the council`s Best Value review which finished earlier this year. 

They were asked for their opinions on housing, health matters, leisure time, transport, advocacy and more generally about services they used. 

Older people were also asked about what services they would like to see that would improve their lives, and what changes could be made so that services better met their needs. 

As well as a large, countywide consultation, forums and conferences were also held to canvas opinions. 

Ambitious plans are now being put forward to help improve older people`s lives across Derbyshire, including a `HandyVan` scheme which would see a link up with Help The Aged. 

The new scheme will see older people receiving services including installing free smoke alarms, window locks and even changing light bulbs, and the project`s aim is to help older people live at home independently for longer, in a safe environment. 

Other plans in the county include setting up permanent forums which will give older people the opportunity to exchange ideas with each other and with organisations including councils and primary care trusts. 

Another project which the county council is looking to introduce in the future is the `Gold Card` - a card which will give cheap bus travel and discounts for various items. 

The Best Value review was highlighted in the independent report for its success in establishing partnerships with older people, leading to improved and better targeted provision of services and better co-ordination or services between providers. 

County council cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "The Best Value review and consultation was extremely important to the council. We were keen to gather as many people`s views as possible on the services provided for older people. 

"We can now develop services so they better meet older people`s needs in the future." 

She added: "The praise from the Government is a real boost to all the people who worked hard on the review in the social services department." 

Minister for Local and Regional Government Nick Raynsford said: "This report provides the first independent evidence that Best Value reviews are working well. They are helping authorities to improve service delivery and secure better outcomes for local people. 

"I congratulate Derbyshire County Council on making a success of Best Value in its area."

Two innovative companies in Derbyshire have been given a boost thanks to the county council and the Food and Drink Forum. 

The council has joined forces with the Food and Drink Forum, an industry advisor, to provide funding and business support to Jaquest Food Specialist at Bolsover and Scavellis, based in Sutton Scarsdale. 

Both companies had ambitious plans to further develop their businesses and, as members of The Food and Drink Forum they turned to the group`s experts for help. 

Jaquest Food Specialist, which produces smoked fish, smoked meats, cured hams and sausages, and Scavellis, which specialises in salamis and Italian-style dried and fresh sausages, as well as Parma-style hams, were helped by the forum to access available grant funding, business and technical advice. 

The Food and Drink Forum was set up five years ago to support the county`s food and drink industries. The county council backed the setting up of the forum, giving £10,000 a year for three years to support its work. 

The decision was made to do more to support the county`s food and drink sector, which employs around 12,000 people, in the wake of the foot and mouth crisis in 2001. 

In line with this, the council has staged two Derbyshire Quality in Food and Drink Awards to promote the use of home-grown produce at local restaurants and catering establishments and helped to organise two East Midlands Food and Drink Fairs at Bolsover Castle. 

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: "We were delighted to be able to support the further development of Jaquest Food Specialist and Scavellis. 

"They are both extremely high class, county-based businesses producing top quality, exciting food." 

He added: "We hope the support offered by the Food and Drink Forum will encourage other small producers in Derbyshire`s speciality food and drink sector to apply to us for financial help for their development plans." 

Glynne Smith from the Food and Drink Forum said: "The work we undertook with each of these businesses is typical of the type of help and business advice available from the forum. 

"Our remit is to support the whole food and drink industry across the East Midlands with a range of products, services and solutions for common problems, assisting with business growth, enhanced performance and profitability."

Young people from across Derbyshire are being sought to stand for elections to the county`s youth forum.

Derbyshire County Council`s Big Vote elections will see young people aged 11 to 19 voting for 16 of their fellow students to become members of the Derbyshire Youth Forum. 

The forum was set up by the county council in 2000 to give young people a greater voice in the democratic process.

Each district or borough has its own representatives and the forum develops its own manifesto. Members` views are fed to the county council. 

In the past 12 months members of the youth forum have:

• Met with Government ministers to talk about young people`s needs 
• Been involved in work to improve transport for young people in rural areas 
• Met Margaret Hodge, the Children`s Minister 
• Worked to develop Derbyshire County Council`s youth service website 
• Visited the Government Office for the East Midlands 

The elections are being organised in partnership with Derbyshire County Council`s b_line student travel and discount card. 

Nominations to the forum are being sought until 5 December. Nominees can be aged between 11 and 18 and, if elected, will serve for a two-year period. 

Young people will then be able to vote between 26 January and 28 February via the Internet, mobile phone text messaging and paper voting forms. 

Councillor John Williams, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: "The youth forum gives young people the chance to have their say on issues that matter to them. 

"Last year the elections were successful in getting young people interested in the political process and the way that decisions taken by councils and the Government affect their lives. 

"I hope that a record number of young people will put themselves up for nomination." The success of last year`s elections, which attracted almost 5,000 votes, led to Derbyshire County Council winning the Institute of Public Relations` local government award for the best PR campaign. 

An exhibition of artwork by students from St Thomas More and Buxton Community schools will be on show at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery on Saturday 22 November to Saturday 24 January. 

Both schools exceed national standards in art and design at GCSE, AS and A level and the show, called Artwork 2003, represents the best work from their examination courses. 

The work by the students is in two and three dimensions and reflects their enthusiasm and energy for their subject.

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "The museum offers an excellent place for the young people to exhibit their fabulous work to a much wider audience. 

"Both schools are proud of the work and believe that the arts have a role to play within the local community. 

"We hope that everyone who visits the exhibition enjoys it as much as the students enjoyed producing the work."

Visitors to the gallery can also see Creative Expression - an exhibition by the Art Through Textiles Group which will be on show until 3 January. 

As part of the commitment to increase public access to the museum service and to enable more people to enjoy history and art, admission to the Derbyshire County Council-run museum is free. 

For more information please contact Ros Westwood or Sue Palmer on 01298 24658. 

Derbyshire County Council is again taking part in a Government-led drive to cut the number of young people playing truant from school. 

For the next three weeks, education social workers from the authority and the police will be patrolling the streets of Derbyshire on the lookout for children who should be in school. Truants will be returned to school or to a place of safety and parents given support to improve school attendance. 

This is the fourth time the county council has taken part in the Government`s co-ordinated national truancy sweeps. The council is concerned that many absences from school are with their parents` blessing and is determined to clamp down. 

"A day of school missed is a day of learning missed, whatever the reason," said county councillor Alan Charles, the authority`s cabinet member for education. 

"Education is a vital part of a child`s future and being in school is a top priority. Going shopping is not a valid reason for failing to attend." 

Education social workers from Derbyshire County Council will be going out with police officers until Friday, December 5, stopping parents with children and children alone who should be in school. 

Further sweeps are also scheduled for the coming months as part of the county council`s ongoing campaign against truancy. 

Councillor Charles said: "Like us, the Government is concerned that many absences are condoned by parents who, when stopped, will come up with a variety of feeble excuses why their children aren`t in school. 

"It is vital that children are in school so they can learn. Education is not something children can miss out on."

Truancy sweeps in Derbyshire will be carried out at various places in the coming weeks. After children are returned to school or to an agreed safe place, follow ups will be carried out by the county council`s education social workers to determine whether there is a pattern of non-attendance and what can be done to help. 

A large part of the work of the education social work team is to work with the families of children who are truanting in order to get them back into school. 

Councillor Charles added: "Truancy sweeps are only one part of a wide range of measures we use to ensure children go to school. 

"We are already carrying them out on a regular basis and are working with families who are experiencing problems to help get children into school. #

"Our job is to ensure that every child has access to effective education appropriate to their needs and there could be any number of reasons why a child is not attending. 

"I want to impress on parents that keeping a child out of school can only damage their future." 

Every year, Derbyshire County Council prosecutes between 40 and 50 families for non-attendance. 

Under new rules, parents can face up to three months in prison, a fine of £2,500, or both, if they are found guilty of an aggravated offence of non-attendance.

The potentially fatal consequences of teenagers being encouraged to drive fast and recklessly by their friends are being highlighted in a new road safety play. 

On average there are eight injury accidents a week involving 16 to 19-year-old drivers in Derbyshire and each year 400 drivers and passengers in this age group are hurt. 

As part of its ongoing commitment to raising road safety awareness among young people Derbyshire County Council has commissioned 12 performances of a play called DriveTime to show to 14 to 16-year-olds in secondary schools next month. 

It tells the story of student Michael Clarke as he progresses from his sixteenth to eighteenth birthday. He believes a car will be the solution to all his worries - he`ll be the envy of all his friends and find it easier to attract girlfriends. But in reality the image he acquires as a young driver is a negative one. The play looks at how Michael is encouraged by his peers to drive irresponsibly and how that pressure can have tragic consequences. After the performance, students will be encouraged to identify and discuss what points led to a dangerous situation and how they could have been avoided. 

County council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "We have used educational drama to highlight road safety issues to primary and secondary pupils in the past and found it works well at getting the message across. 

"This play aims to create positive attitudes to road use by developing self-esteem and looking at ways of overcoming peer pressure as well as demonstrating that young drivers need to combine newly-acquired skills with a safe, responsible attitude towards driving so they don`t put themselves and other road users at risk." 

Schools signed up to host the show are in Bakewell, Belper, Chesterfield, Glossop, Hasland, Hope Valley, Ilkeston, Langley Mill, New Mills, Tibshelf and Woodville. 

Checks by Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards have found 15 per cent of shops are selling food that is past its best before or use-by dates. 

Since November last year trading standards officers have visited 365 shops and found problems in 55 stores, raising concerns about food quality and public health. 

Use-by dates are put on perishable food and drink to tell consumers and retailers the point where they should no longer be sold in shops. 

Problems have been found at all types of food retail outlets, including corner shops, newsagents, supermarkets and cash and carry stores. 

Councillor Walter Burrows, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for public protection and transport, said: "We are very concerned about the number of cases where we have found out of date food during regular inspections of shops. 

"These retailers are not just risking prosecution and fines but are putting the public`s health in danger as out of date products can cause food safety problems. 

"We would ask consumers to check products carefully when putting items in their shopping baskets. If they find food on sale that is past its use by date or products where it appears that dates have been removed they should contact trading standards." 

Of the 55 stores where problems were found the investigations have resulted in five shopkeepers being prosecuted under the Food Labelling Regulations 1996, receiving fines ranging from £500 to £17,500. Three further cases are currently waiting to be dealt with by the courts. 

Two premises received formal Home Office cautions and another shop was sent a formal letter of warning by trading standards officers. Six investigations are still continuing. 

In all the remaining cases shopkeepers were given infringement notices and advice on dealing with the problem so that it doesn`t happen again. 

Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards officers are also concerned about a growing trend to find foods being sold with product labels written in foreign languages and not English. Food must be sold with English labelling so that consumers know what is in the product. 

Anyone wanting to report problems with food use by dates should ring Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards on 01629 585858. 

Young taxpayers in the Chesterfield area will be asked to "spend" hundreds of pounds in a town centre consultation exercise run by Derbyshire County Council. 

People aged 18 to 30 years will receive vouchers representing £630 when they visit The Peacock Centre at 67 Low Pavement, Chesterfield, on Saturday (22 November). 

They will be asked to spare five minutes to say how they would use that amount - the average council tax per Chesterfield-area household currently spent on county council services. 

In return for their input, the council will give away hundreds of vouchers for local nightclubs, Wayfarer day travel tickets worth £7 each, and also offer two lucky participants the chance to win a Christmas party hamper plus a cash prize. 

Leader of the county council Councillor John Williams said: "We`ve run consultation exercises before but have always had difficulties communicating with this hard-to-reach age group. 

"This is the first time we have run a consultation in a town centre shop and we are looking forward to meeting as many people as possible who are aged between 18 and 30 years. 

"We really want to hear how they would like to spend their money on council services, in what we hope will be a fun exercise with a serious purpose". 

Members and officers from the council will be available throughout the session, held between 11am and 3pm, to discuss issues arising from the consultation and provide information about county council services.

People aged over 50 who may be interested in helping to set up or join a local forum are invited to an open day next week. 

The open day is being held on Thursday 20 November between 10am and 12.30pm at the Assembly Rooms, Market Hall, Chesterfield. 

The setting up of a forum, which has the proposed name of `Chesterfield 50+ Inspired Group` is being backed by Derbyshire County Council and Chesterfield Borough Council. 

The forum, when developed, would give older people the opportunity to exchange ideas with each other and with decision-making organisations including councils and primary care trusts. 

Members would be able to inform organisations about the needs of older people through the forum, influencing the development of services and support and anything that may impact on their lives. 

A steering group of older people is co-ordinating the open day and invitations to older people`s groups in the area have already gone out. 

Leaflets have also gone out to libraries in the area inviting people along and the steering group is hoping at this stage people will give them an expression of interest at the open day. 

The setting up of the forum is connected to the national `Better Government for Older People` programme. 

The programme is a national initiative launched in 1998 to give older people a voice to improve public services and is a partnership between central government, local government, older people and the voluntary sector. 

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "It is extremely important that the views of older people are listened to and the county council is supporting the setting up of forums across the county. 

"By developing local forums the channels of communication between them and organisations which affect their lives will be opened and it will be easier for ideas and views to be exchanged. 

"I hope that anyone who feels they would like to get involved goes along to the open day on Thursday to find out more."

Railway enthusiasts and local historians can now find out details of the very earliest days of railways thanks to a new guide published by Derbyshire Record Office. 

The new book available from the Derbyshire County Council-run record office in New Street, Matlock reveals how railways have affected the area and includes summaries of railway records from all over Derby and Derbyshire between the 1820s and the present day. 

Information on companies and lines, stations, staff, industrial action, and withdrawal or closure of services as well as associated businesses is provided in the 68-page guide entitled Railway Records: a subject guide. 

Amongst the records is an eye witness account of the earliest railway accident when Stephenson`s engine The Rocket ran over and fatally injured William Huskisson in 1830. 

More recent items include the re-opening of previously closed stations such as Dronfield. Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "I am sure there will be a great deal of interest in the new book among local people, railway enthusiasts and everyone whose lives were involved with the railway. 

"The guide will provide a trip down memory lane for older generations and bring history alive for younger people, who never saw the railway lines used." 

Railway Records: a subject guide costs £5.50 including postage from Derbyshire Record Office, postal address: County Hall, Matlock, DE4 3AG or £4.50 to personal callers at the record office in New Street, Matlock. Opening hours are Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 4.45pm. 

For further information call the record office on 01629 580000 ext. 35202 or email record.office@derbyshire.gov.uk

More than 80 pupils are to be trained as peer tutors by Derbyshire County Council so they can help younger children to learn. 

The peer tutor programme is designed to help pupils of all ages develop new skills in sessions held outside core school hours, in places including libraries, after-school clubs or holiday clubs. The idea is that the peer tutors reinforce their existing knowledge by passing on their skills to other children. The younger pupils respond well because they are being supported in their learning by people of a similar age. 

Eight secondary schools across Derbyshire are sending pupils aged 14 to 16 to be trained in how become peer tutors during a conference being held at Masson Mill in Matlock Bath on Friday 21 November. 

Roger Taylor, chief education officer at Derbyshire County Council, said: "Learning does not stop at the school gates, it is a continual process. 

"Young people spend 15 per cent of their waking time at school so projects like these allow them to continue their learning in a friendly and fun atmosphere outside of the core school hours. 

"Peer tutoring is so effective because the young people doing the teaching can relate well to their fellow pupils and know the areas where they are likely to struggle when learning because they have gone through the process themselves. 

"School or library staff will be supporting the peer tutors in their work with younger children at all times." 

Peer tutoring is part of a project being run by Derbyshire County Council`s schools advisory service and the Derbyshire University of the First Age, an educational charity that uses creative approaches to learning. 

Pupils will attend the conference from Aldercar Community Language College in Langley Mill; Mill Hill School in Ripley; Kirk Hallam Community Technology College; The Meadows Community School in Old Whittington; Springwell Community School in Staveley; St Thomas More RC School in Buxton; Brookfield Community School in Chesterfield and Newbold Community School in Newbold, Chesterfield.

Have you done your bit to improve Derbyshire`s local environment? If so you could be in line for a share of up to £10,000 prize money. 

Derbyshire County Council is inviting entries for its 15th annual Greenwatch Awards competition to recognise and reward the efforts being made to safeguard and enhance the local environment. 

Judges will be looking for projects which save energy and resources, encourage sustainable travel, prevent pollution, care for historic buildings, sites and wildlife habitats, protect Derbyshire`s heritage or help the local community. 

The event is being sponsored by Tarmac Central Ltd, the Environment Agency and Waste Recycling Group who will each present their own special awards at the awards ceremony next May. The Derby Evening Telegraph, English Nature and Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust will also present special prizes on the night. 

Entries are invited from individuals, schools and colleges, businesses and community groups based in Derbyshire. Schemes need to be almost complete by the closing date of February 29 so they can be assessed in time for the awards ceremony to be held at County Hall in Matlock on May 27. 

For the first time in 2004 projects which do not receive a cash award but meet a basic criteria will also receive recognition, including a commendation certificate and invitation to the ceremony. Projects selected by the judges to be the best in their categories are in line for a share of up to £10,000 prize money. 

Derbyshire County Council deputy leader Councillor John Powell said: "We`re keen to reward the tremendous work carried out by residents and volunteers across the county all year round to improve the local environment for everyone. 

"I would also like to say how delighted I am to retain the support of Tarmac Central Ltd and the Environment Agency, and to welcome our new sponsor for 2004, the Waste Recycling Group. Without support from these groups our event could not go ahead." 

Online entry forms are available www.derbyshire.gov.uk/greenwatch (opens in a new window) From libraries, schools and countryside service visitor centres or by phoning Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058.

A new unit at a home for older people which will provide accommodation for those needing extra care has been officially opened. 

The rehabilitation unit has been opened at The Spinney Home for Older People in Brimington and will provide a place to stay for people who, for example are recovering from a fall or have had a stay in hospital. 

The new unit occupies one of the wings at the Derbyshire County Council-run home at Woodlands, off Lansdowne Road. It boasts five en-suite bedrooms as well as a lounge and kitchen, all specifically for rehabilitation purposes.

Each person who goes into the unit is assessed by the community rehabilitation team to identify their needs. 

The person could stay for up to six weeks in the unit free of charge and they are able to visit their homes during this period. 

At the end of the rehabilitation period the person`s needs will be reassessed and if they require extra support at home this will be organised with the relevant agencies. 

The unit is a joint development between the county council`s social services and Chesterfield Primary Care Trust (PCT) and will provide rehabilitation in a homely setting. 

County council cabinet member for social care and health, Councillor Anne Western, officially opened the new unit at a ceremony on 3 November. 

Representatives from the PCT were also at the ceremony, along with county council chair Councillor Charles Cutting, Spinney residents and staff. 

Councillor Western said: "The aim of the unit is to avoid unnecessary admission to hospital or long-term residential or nursing care. 

"This is an excellent idea and will help people to increase their independence in a safe and caring environment."

During the day of the official opening, people were invited to visit the home and unit and discuss the project with members of staff.

Star ratings published today have ranked Derbyshire County Council`s social services as among the best in the country. 

The Social Services Inspectorate, which comes under the Department of Health, has given Derbyshire a top rating of three stars, improving on last year`s two stars. 

The ratings are published following visits and independent judgements of performance across all areas of social services. 

The three star excellent rating puts the county council in the top 16 authorities across the country and in the top 10 per cent. It was also ranked in equal top position with three other authorities for services for older people. 

The release of the star ratings coincides with the publication of the Department of Health`s Performance Assessment Framework (PAF) indicators for 2002/2003. 

Out of the 51 indicators, the council`s social services department was rated in the highest or second band in 41 areas with 20 being placed in the top band. 

There were 12 areas where there had been an improvement and no areas which require urgent action. The department was ranked on its performance in areas including: 

• Older people and those with disabilities who are helped to stay in their own homes 
• The health of children in social services care 
• The stability of placements for looked after children 
• Assessments of adults and older people 
• The adoption and fostering of children 

County council cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "We are extremely pleased that we are among the leading departments in the country and feel that the hard work which has gone into the department from all the staff has been acknowledged. 

"We feel we narrowly missed gaining three stars last year so this announcement is very welcome." 

She added: "We regard the performance indicators and the star rating as a good guide for the public to let them know about how our services are performing and also a measure for us too. If there are areas which need improving we are soon made aware of them. 

"We shall naturally be working incredibly hard to maintain this excellent rating in the future." 

Shopkeepers and consumers are being warned to look out for contaminated vodka after Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards found two suspect bottles. 

Trading standards officers believe the bottles, found in north-east Derbyshire, could be fake Kirov Vodka which is contaminated with methanol. 

They have been sent off for analysis but it will be several days before the results are known. A full investigation will be carried out and if the bottles prove to be contaminated officers will look to take the people responsible to court. The findings come as the Food Standards Agency has issued a national warning that counterfeiters are trying to pass off fake bottles as the Kirov Vodka brand and the bottles could pose a danger to public health. 

The symptoms of methanol poisoning can take several hours to develop but include: 

• Severe abdominal pain 
• Drowsiness or dizziness 
• Blurred vision leading to blindness 

Coma with breathing difficulties Shopkeepers and consumers are asked to look out for the 35cl and 70cl size fake bottles. 

They have a red metal screw top and a front label with gold lettering on a white background. Genuine bottles of Kirov Vodka have a printed red cap with a double-headed eagle printed in gold and black on the top. 

The word Kirov is printed three times at an angle on the cap side. Councillor Walter Burrows, cabinet member for public protection and transport, said: 

"With the finding of these two suspect bottles we would ask everyone to be particularly vigilant and check that they are buying genuine Kirov Vodka and not the contaminated fake product. 

"If consumed the contaminated vodka can cause severe medical problems so it is vital that anyone who finds a fake bottle contacts trading standards immediately. 

"Where contaminated food or drink products are being sold we will have no hesitation in prosecuting the people responsible." 

Trading standards officers are also issuing warnings about two more food products that are contaminated with the illegal chemical dye Sudan I, which can cause cancer. 

They are Natco`s Tandoori Masala Spice Mix and Pran`s Naga Chilli Pickle Extra Hot. Natco`s products come in 100g and 400g packets with the batch code M9224. They have been on sale in various retail outlets, including cash and carry stores. The Pran products are in 300g glass jars and have been sold in Asian food shops. 

Further information about all contaminated food and drink products is available by visiting Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards website at www.tradingstandards.gov.uk Alternatively, consumers can ring 01629 585858 or visit a trading standards mobile advice unit. 

Schools or voluntary groups thinking about beginning a green project can apply for a grant of up to £500 in a new Derbyshire County Council scheme. 

Non-profit making groups based in Derbyshire which are starting a project, including schools, community groups, voluntary organisations, youth groups and parish councils can apply for one of the authority`s Greenwatch Action Grants. 

All sorts of projects are eligible ranging from recycling schemes to wildlife gardening - or anything which will benefit Derbyshire`s environment. 

The council has run the grant scheme since 1994 but has this year revised the system to make it easier and quicker for people to apply. 

Derbyshire County Council deputy leader Councillor John Powell said: "It is often difficult for groups that want to carry out small but worthwhile projects to obtain funding. 

"The Greenwatch Action Grants scheme aims to make the process of obtaining grants of up to £500 much easier and we look forward to receiving applications from eligible groups in Derbyshire". 

Organisations interested in applying for a grant can download an application form www.derbyshire.gov.uk/greenwatch (opens in a new window) Forms are also available from libraries, schools and countryside service visitor centres or by contacting Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058. 

Do you have a favourite novel you`d like to share with the nation? Readers across Derbyshire can get involved in the Big Read with a host of events taking place in the county next month. 

Derbyshire County Council is hosting a programme of events at many of its libraries to tie in with the BBC`s campaign to find the nation`s favourite novel. 

During Big Read Big Week, which runs from December 1 to 6, the BBC aims to promote regional and local events and encourage residents to visit their local library to vote for their favourite book. The list, which started off with 100 titles in April, is now down to 21 following public votes. The winner will be announced before Christmas. 

As part of the campaign the council is hosting the following programme in December:

Monday 1:

• The Big Read comes to Wingerworth Library - join readers and staff at 4pm to discuss the top 21 titles and vote for a winner. More information: 01246 208345. 

Tuesday 2:

• Buxton Teenage Reading Group discuss the Big Read books for children at Buxton Library. More information: 01298 24658. 
• Staff from Newbold Library visit Chesterfield Golf Club with their top 21 books and a laptop computer so members can register their votes. More information: 01246 209292. 

Chapel-en-le-Frith Library will launch a new Book Chat Reading Group and discuss the Big Read (7.30pm). More information: 0198 812212. 

Wednesday 3:

• Melbourne Library Big Read coffee morning from 10am to 11.30am. Readers are invited to join members of two local Book Chat groups and library staff to talk about the Big Read top 21. More information: 01332 863893.

Thursday 4:

• A Big Read coffee morning from 10am to 11.30am at Sharpe`s Pottery Museum in Swadlincote. Members of the local Book Chat group will join library and museum staff, readers and members of the public to discuss the top 21. Coffee and biscuits cost 50p. More information: 01283 217701.
• Heanor Book Chat add a Big Read flavour to their normal monthly meeting at Heanor Library  with a discussion of favourites from their own top 21 at 7pm. More information: 01773 712482. 
• Wirksworth Library - the Big Read final countdown. People from local reading groups will be invited to "champion" their favourite from the top 21 from 7.30pm to 9pm. A vote will be taken at the end of the evening to decide which book they think the nation`s favourite will be. Wine and food will be available. More information: 01629 823173. 
• The Big Read comes to Clay Cross Library. Join readers and staff at 7.30pm to discuss the top 21 titles and vote for a winner. More information: 01246 862592. 

Friday 5:

• Browse through the Big Read top 21 at Newbold Library. There is an open invitation from 9am to 7pm for readers to come along for refreshments and a chance to discuss the Big read and vote online for your favourite. More information: 01246 277328. 
• Big Read coffee morning at Long Eaton Library. Join staff and members of the Book Chat readers` group at 10.30am for a coffee and a chat about the Big Read top 21. More information: 0115 973 5426. 

What are the Big Read favourites in Bolsover? Find out between 5.30pm and 6.30pm as Bolsover Library invites you to go along and chat about the top 21 and hear the result of the area vote. 01246 810675. 

Tuesday 16:

• Drop in to Alfreton Library during your lunch hour for "Sandwiched Between Books" to discuss the Big Read - and air your views about the winner! You could also borrow something you may have missed. Drinks are provided but bring your own sandwiches between 12.15pm and 1.45pm. More information: 01773 833199.

 County council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "Visitors have been enjoying our Big Read events over the past few months so we`re delighted to announce our latest programme of events.

"We`ve tried to make sure there`s something for everyone as well as providing lots of chances for Derbyshire readers to vote for their favourite book." 

For more information contact the library or call county council reader development officer Priscilla Baily on 01773 831359 or e-mail priscilla.baily@derbyshire.gov.uk

Children are being urged to get visible and stay safe on the roads this winter with a new campaign launched by Derbyshire County Council. 

The authority is reminding youngsters aged up to 16 to wear bright clothing or something reflective on their jackets or bags during the dark winter months. 

As part of the campaign parents are being offered the chance to improve their child`s safety and boost their school`s funds by buying a new design of safety coat with reflective strips. 

Chesterfield-based husband and wife company B S Safety Wear has developed the coat after one of their friend`s children was knocked down by a car and is offering to reimburse 10 per cent of the £29.99 cost of each coat purchased back to the child`s school. 

Posters are also being sent out to every Derbyshire school backing the Government`s national campaign "Be Bright - Morning and Night" featuring a cartoon hedgehog family. Road safety advice leaflets will also be available on request. County council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: 

"Simple measures such as wearing light or fluorescent clothing can have a significant impact on improving road safety. "We hope raising awareness will encourage all road users to consider their own safety and the safety of others to help reduce accidents at this time of year." 

As well as launching its own campaign the county council is also backing the national campaign launched on October 25 in its role as a partner in Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership with colleagues from Derby City Council, Derbyshire Constabulary and primary care trusts. 

Road safety campaigns such as these are among the initiatives Derbyshire County Council has in place to achieve the road casualty reduction targets it has signed up to - to cut the number of child casualties by 60 per cent and adult casualties by 45 per cent by 2010.

Sixty foster carers have been honoured at a ceremony held at County Hall for their long service and dedication to looking after children under the care of the county council. 

Derbyshire County Council`s social services department held a presentation ceremony and dinner for foster carers who had been looking after children and young people for 15 years and over. Carers were presented with a certificate and Marks & Spencer vouchers at the ceremony held at the council`s headquarters in Matlock. 

They were welcomed to the evening by county council chair Councillor Charles Cutting and the certificates were presented by director of social services Bruce Buckley, with each carer being thanked personally by county council cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western. 

Carers came from across the county for the evening and were treated to dinner before the presentations. 

They represented all fields of the fostering service, with some people having also adopted children. While all of the people at the ceremony had cared for children over a long period, others have combined fostering with looking after children with disabilities as part of respite care schemes and many have offered emergency placements at very short notice. 

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "The presentation evening was our way of saying a big thank you to all our long-term foster carers who have shown such dedication and hard work over the years. 

"When children come under our care they are often frightened, confused or angry and our army of foster carers give them love, patience and understanding. 

"We can never thank them enough for giving over their homes to give young people a sense of belonging and stability. 

"We hope they all enjoyed the evening and will continue to support the county council by fostering for many years to come."

Derbyshire County Council is set to open its doors to further inspection and scrutiny despite securing an "excellent" rating from government watchdogs 12 months ago. 

A report to next week`s meeting of the council`s Cabinet recommends that Audit Commission-appointed inspectors carry out a "qualitative assessment" to see how the council has progressed. 

Although rewarded with an inspection "holiday" after it scored top ranking in the comprehensive performance assessment (CPA) regime, the council continues to welcome external feedback. 

"I believe we`re one of the first "excellent" council to put ourselves voluntarily under the spotlight," commented Cabinet member for external affairs Councillor Dave Wilcox. 

"We positively welcome external scrutiny from a range of sources. This is an opportunity for us to get some independent comment on our current progress and future plans." 

As part of the process, the assessment will look at the council`s: 

• Performance in delivering services 
• Best Value Performance Plan 
• Assessment of what it has achieved against its CPA action plan.  

"We believe we`re going from strength to strength and have made significant improvements in many areas over the last year," added Councillor Wilcox. 

"But we would say that wouldn`t we. That`s why it is important to us to hear what external inspectors have to say. And, whether the news is good or bad, we want to hear it so we can make changes where they are needed." 

In its summary assessment of what it has achieved over the last 12 months, the council highlights: 

• The rolling out of a performance management programme across all services
• An annual saving of £3 million from a new and improved purchasing system 
• Above average results at all SATs key stages, GCSEs and A-levels 
• Free nursery places for all three year olds 
• A 50%-plus increase in intensive home support for older people 
• Investors in People status secured across all services for the second year. 
• "Freerider" weeks on the county`s buses resulting in 184,813 passenger journeys.  

The inspector`s report following their qualitative assessment will be published next month.

Villagers who would have been left without a bus service after two companies announced they were withdrawing their routes will stay on the road thanks to Derbyshire County Council. 

Transport company Stagecoach withdrew its 95 service which provided a link from Hilcote to Chesterfield and Mansfield on September 1. 

Trent then announced that from next Monday (November 16) it would no longer run its 91 service through Hilcote, severing the links it provided to Alfreton and Sutton. These two changes would have left the village with no bus service. 

But the county council has stepped in to make sure residents still have access to work, shops and other community services in line with its commitment to ensuring villages across the county have a minimum two-hourly daytime service. 

From Monday the council will be providing a new Monday to Saturday service between Alfreton and Sutton via South Normanton, Blackwell and Hilcote. The service, to be operated by Doyles of Ripley, will also provide connections to Tibshelf and Chesterfield from Blackwell. 

County council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "We are committed to ensuring residents in villages such as Hilcote have access to jobs, shops and services and if we hadn`t stepped in passengers would have been left stranded." 

Details of all Derbyshire bus services are available by calling Traveline on 0870 608 2608 or visiting the website www.derbysbus.net" 

Trading standards officers from Derbyshire County Council are taking to the road during National Consumer Week to raise awareness about the illegal sale of alcohol, fireworks, cigarettes and butane gas to children. 

Selling alcohol, butane gas or fireworks to anyone under 18 is illegal, as is selling knives cigarettes and tobacco products, such as cigarette papers, to young people under 16. 

To make sure traders are aware of the law - and to remind parents and young people of the rules - a specialist officer from trading standards` safety section will be on the authority`s mobile advice and information unit to answer queries during the next two weeks. 

The officer will be able to give help and advice - particularly to parents and retailers - about the rules governing age-restricted products and is armed with a number of useful leaflets. 

Councillor Walter Burrows, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for public protection and transport, said it was important the whole community worked together to stop underage sales. 

He is hoping to recruit the public to the county council`s ongoing campaign against underage sales and is appealing to people to get in touch if they see age-restricted products being sold to children. 

Coun Burrows said: "We work with traders throughout the year to stop underage sales by offering advice and guidance. 

"Ignorance is no defence for traders so we work hard to ensure they know the law. "We also use young volunteers to carry out test purchases in a bid to catch those who flout the law. 

"Now we are calling on everybody in the community to help us clamp down on the illegal sale of age-restricted goods by giving us a call if they see products being sold to children." Anyone concerned about underage sales can call the trading standards hotline on 01629 585858. 

As well as driving home the message about underage sales, staff on the mobile advice unit are also keen to remind the public about general safety. 

Staff have examples of unsafe electrical items, toys and clothing to show the public and a consumer advisor will be on hand to deal with any other consumer-related queries. 

National Consumer Week runs from November 10-15 but the advice unit will be touring the county for the next fortnight with the community safety message (see Notes to News Editors). 

Trading standards are also on the lookout for more young volunteers willing to carry out undercover checks. They must have permission from their parents and be aged between 12 and 15. 

For more details about volunteering call Mick on 01629 580000 ext 6185.

Do you fancy doing your bit for the community and getting paid for it? 

Derbyshire County Council needs to recruit a school crossing patrol for a new location outside Creswell Infant School in Elmton Road, Creswell. 

SCPs are paid £5.12 an hour during term-time and through the school holidays. 

Deputies (who are called on to cover sickness and holiday leave when required) are paid £5.45 an hour for time worked. Full uniform and training is provided. 

For more information or to apply call the council`s SCP co-ordinator Eileen Murphy on 01629 585463.

The mysteries of local dialect found in a Victorian farmer`s diary led one of his relatives to seek help to translate it from Derbyshire County Council - who ended up publishing the book! 

Cornwall resident Alec Burdekin inherited his great grandfather William Hodkin`s diary two years ago. Although he knew William had worked on the Chatsworth estate at Beeley in the 1860s he struggled to make sense of some of the strange spellings and Derbyshire dialect terms. 

He approached staff at the county council`s local studies library in Matlock who helped him transcribe the diary and find suitable illustrations, photographs and newspaper articles from its archive. 

Staff soon realised what a valuable local history resource the diary could be and agreed the authority would publish it as soon as the transcription was complete. 

The result - "A Victorian Farmer`s Diary - William Hodkin`s Diary 1864-66 - Life In And Around Beeley On The Chatsworth Estate" by T A Burdekin - is now in print and will be launched at Chatsworth House on November 17. 

County council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "We`re delighted to publish this diary which gives a fascinating account of daily life on the Chatsworth estate and promises to enthral local historians and students of agricultural history alike. 

"The photographs, illustrations and archive news material our library staff have helped to collate really bring the narrative to life and recreate an image of the rural lifestyle that made the Derbyshire landscape what it is today."

The diary tells the story of daily life on the Chatsworth estate in the days before farm mechanisation. William Hodkin records his joys, such as the birth of his daughter, and his sorrows including his fears as the cattle plague swept the county in 1866. 

Mr Burdekin will be launching his book at Chatsworth House with the Duchess of Devonshire or her representative, Councillor Janes and county council chair Councillor Charles Cutting. The author will describe how the book was created and hand over the original diary to the Chatsworth estate archives. 

Among the audience will be members of his family, county council library staff and local people who have helped with the book. 

It is priced £6.95 and available from all Derbyshire libraries and some bookshops. ISBN number 0 903463 72 5. It can also be ordered by post from Library Administration, Cultural and Community Services Department, Derbyshire County Council, County Hall, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3AG. Cheques for £8, including postage and packaging, should be made payable to Derbyshire County Council. 

A conference designed to help governors involve pupils more actively in the day-to-day life of schools is being organised by Derbyshire County Council. 

The pupil participation and school improvement conference will show how schools can be improved by giving pupils a greater voice through setting up school councils. 

School councils are groups of pupils, elected by their peers, who are given a say in decisions that affect their lives.

The free conference, which will take place on Saturday 22 November at County Hall in Matlock, is open to all governors from Derbyshire schools. 

During the day governors will see a performance by Actorshop, a group that uses drama to highlight ways that school councils can be run more effectively. 

Pupils from infant, primary and secondary schools will also attend the event to pass on their personal experiences, explaining what they have gained from taking part in school councils and the Derbyshire Youth Forum. 

The event will also be used to discuss the implications of the Education Act 2002 for governors. Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, said: "The conference will involve a mixture of presentations aimed at school governors. 

"By letting pupils play a more active role in decision making on issues that affect their lives we can help young people to become more active citizens, both within and outside school." 

In a separate move, briefing sessions are also being organised in three Derbyshire schools for governors to find out the latest information about major issues affecting schools now and in the future. The free sessions will be attended by Councillor Charles and Derbyshire County Council`s assistant chief education officer Dave Connor, head of development David Humphrey and head of governor support Adrian Baldwick. 

They will be held at Buxton Community School on 20 November, Mortimer Wilson School in Alfreton on 25 November and John Port School in Etwall on 2 December. All sessions will take place between 6pm and 8pm. 

Information about all the governor events is available from Regina Schofer on 01629 585916 or by emailing regina.schofer@derbyshire.gov.uk

Derbyshire has been declared as one of the top performing probation areas in the country. 

National Probation Service Derbyshire came second out of 42 probation areas for 2002-2003 for achieving a consistently high performance across a range of government targets. 

The targets included contact with victims, supervision of offenders in the community following their release from prison and enforcement of court orders. 

The government targets were introduced two years ago as a means of standardising the provision of probation services throughout the country and cover a number of key areas of performance. 

They include the number of offenders completing accredited programmes and contact with victims of serious crimes as well as internal issues around staff sickness rates. 

In the performance targets Derbyshire was ranked second, bettered only by the probation service in County Durham. 

Last month the Director General of the National Probation Service of England and Wales Eithne Wallis visited the Derbyshire service to congratulate staff and the probation board on their performance. 

At the meeting staff gave presentations about the work of the service including the probation service`s links with black and ethnic minorities and the work they do with the courts. Following her visit Ms Wallis said: "These annual performance results reflect the hard work and dedication of staff in the Derbyshire area.

"There are some very strong programmes running in the area and fine examples of good practice which all help to reduce re-offending and protect the public." 

National Probation Service Derbyshire`s Acting Chief Officer John Allsop said: "We take our public protection responsibilities to the people of Derbyshire very seriously and our high performance reflects that. 

"Derbyshire is a very innovative service and our work with persistent offenders and those who commit crimes because of their drug use has been especially effective. 

Probation service board Chair John Raine said: "The Derbyshire probation board has put high performance at the very top of its agenda and will continue to do so to ensure standards are kept high." 

A free tree give-away is being launched by Derbyshire County Council as part of a national initiative to extend planting schemes. The authority`s East Derbyshire Woodland Project has teamed up with five district councils to hand out 10,800 saplings and hedgerow plants over the next six months. 

And thanks to additional funding from the Forestry Commission the scheme will also be available to a small number of groups in the High Peak, Derbyshire Dales and South Derbyshire areas this year. For the eighth year running schools, parish councils, community groups and individuals are invited to claim up to 50 trees or hedgerow plants each to plant across Derbyshire in areas where they will enhance conservation, improve the appearance of the site and benefit the public. There is an eight per cent coverage of trees nationally - but just seven per cent in East Derbyshire. 

This reduction has been caused by a combination of factors including mineral extraction, agriculture and building development over the last 50 years. County council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "Free trees will be available to a variety of groups and individuals to plant in areas where they will improve the environment and can be appreciated by residents and visitors. "This scheme is an excellent way of increasing the amount of tree cover in our county to improve our environment and we hope lots of people take advantage of it so all 10,800 trees are claimed."

 The £3,150 planting project, part-funded by all the councils involved and the Forestry Commission, will be officially launched during National Tree Week which runs from November 26 to December 7. But trees are already available for planting this season by contacting the following borough or district councils for an application form: 

Amber Valley: 01773 570222 

District of Bolsover: 01246 240000 

Chesterfield Borough Council: 01246 345345 

Erewash Borough Council: 0115 9440440 

North East Derbyshire District Council: 01246 231111 

For the High Peak, South Derbyshire and Derbyshire Dales areas call East Derbyshire Woodland Project officer Stephanie Burkinshaw on 01629 580000 ext 7195. 

Meanwhile, the council`s countryside service is teaming up with the East Derbyshire Woodland Project to host a planting day on Sunday 30 November in celebration of National Tree Week. People of all ages are invited along to Tibshelf Ponds between 10am and 3.30pm to help plant 2,000 native deciduous trees and create a new woodland at the former colliery site which is now managed by the council and has been restored to grassland, woodland and water features. 

Children aged under 12 must be accompanied by an adult and suitable warm clothing and footwear should be worn. Volunteers can meet at the car park off Sunny Bank, Tibshelf, at 10am and 1.30pm or find the rangers on site. For more information call the county council`s Clay Cross Countryside Centre on 01246 866960 or East Derbyshire Woodland Project officer Stephanie Burkinshaw on 01629 580000 ext 7195.

Parents of around 9,500 Derbyshire children who will transfer from primary to secondary education next year have until 5 December to apply for a place at one of the county`s community or voluntary controlled secondary schools.

During the last few weeks all parents of year 6 primary children - those born between September 1992 and the end of August 1993 - should have received a letter and Parents` Information Booklet from Derbyshire County Council setting out in full the secondary admissions procedure. 

If any parents have not received a letter they should contact their local area education office. Parents can apply for a place at any one community or controlled school. 

However, although they have a legal right to express a preference they have no automatic right to a place in any particular school. 

The deadline for parents to complete and return their school preference form is Friday 5 December 2003. These will be considered against the admissions criteria, and pupils will be awarded places up to schools` admission limits.

Parents will be notified of the outcome by the end of January. 

Any parents who are refused a place for their child have a right of appeal to an independent panel. Aided and foundation schools follow a similar timetable - however, parents apply direct to these schools. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said "Transferring from primary to secondary school is a crucial stage in a child`s education and so I would urge all parents to consider carefully the admissions information they recently received. 

"If parents miss the deadline they could risk not getting a place for their child at their preferred school." 

A new exhibition of textile art opens at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery on Saturday 8 November. A group of artists and craftspeople from North Derbyshire and Yorkshire have produced an exhibition called Creative Expression. 

The group known as Art Through Textiles use various textile techniques such as batik, felt-making, weaving, knitting, block printing and embroidery. 

The exhibition takes place at the Derbyshire County Council-run museum and art gallery in Terrace Road, Buxton until Saturday 3 January 2004. 

Anyone wishing to find out more about the artwork can talk to members of the group when they visit the museum on Saturday 22 November and Saturday 6 December between 2pm and 4pm. On Saturday 22 November, local group member Val Copley will be giving a talk at the museum explaining her work and connections with Buxton. 

People who are interested in having a go at producing a textile art picture themselves can attend a workshop sponsored by the Arts Council England. The workshop called Christmas Baubles takes place on Saturday 6 December and costs £3. People are advised to book early as places are limited. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "We are delighted to be able to put on show these imaginative and inspiring works of art which provide an insight into different aspects of life. 

People can visit any of the exhibitions for free and learn about art and in this case have a go at the technique themselves at the workshop." 

Visitors to the gallery can also see the stunning exhibition of paintings by Wendy Raphael which is on show until Saturday 15 November and the annual exhibition by Buxton and High Peak Art Society which runs until Saturday 29 November. 

Entry to all exhibitions is free. 

For information about all exhibitions or to book a place at the workshop call Ros Westwood or Sue Palmer at the museum and art gallery on 01298 24658 or by emailing buxton.museum@derbyshire.gov.uk

Plans to build a new £7.4m road to relieve congestion on one of Ilkeston`s busiest roads are about to take an important legal step forward before work can start on its construction. 

Derbyshire County Council already has planning permission to build the new Ilkeston-Awsworth Link Road but cannot start work until the Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO), a Side Roads Order and Bridging Orders are confirmed by the Secretary of State for Transport. 

These will give the authority the powers it needs to acquire land, alter side roads and footpaths and cross the Erewash Canal. Notices publishing the orders have now been issued. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for environment and highways Councillor Brian Lucas said: "Publishing the orders is an important legal process in this project and as it`s such a major development for the area we`ve made it a priority to keep local people informed at every step of the way. 

"Ilkeston has waited a long time for this link road which we believe will have many benefits for the whole community." 

During construction a small area of land at the edge of the Washmeadows recreation ground would be lost but the council aims to use the CPO to acquire a larger piece of land between the canal and the river to replace the loss. 

If the CPO is confirmed by the Secretary of State for Transport the new piece of land would be landscaped to create a public open space. No residential property is involved in the scheme. The authority is hoping to deal with any objections raised but if there are any issues which cannot be resolved a public enquiry could be called. 

Objections to the orders must be made in writing before December 19 and sent to the Secretary of State for Transport, Government Office for the North East, Local Authority Orders Section, Welbar House, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4TD. 

For general information about the project write to Geoff Pickford, Principal Engineer, Environmental Services Department, Consultancy and Contacting Division, Derbyshire County Council, Station Road, Darley Dale, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 2EQ, call him on 01629 580000 ext 5449 or e-mail geoff.pickford@derbyshire.gov.uk Alternatively, Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 or e-mail call.centre@derbyshire.gov.uk

A free course gets underway in the coming weeks to help local parents and carers in the Bakewell area support their children with special educational needs. 

The four-week course has been organised by the Derbyshire Parent Partnership Service, an impartial service funded by Derbyshire County Council that offers advice to parents and carers of children with special needs. 

The sessions cover all aspects of the special educational needs process, including dealing with meetings, paperwork and the role of education professionals. 

The course takes place at the Friends Meeting House in Bakewell between 10am and noon on Wednesdays, starting on 19 November. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "The special needs education system is geared towards meeting the individual needs of the child, but this means it has to be a very involved process. 

"It is understandable for parents who are new to all of this to find it quite daunting - for example, they will be called on to attend quite a lot of meetings with teachers and educational workers. "However, the courses will support them through this process and will enable them to fully participate and support their child, so that they receive the best possible education. 

"The course also gives people a chance to meet others from the area who may have had similar experiences." 

Places are limited and so parents are urged to get in touch as soon as possible to register their interest. 

For more information they should contact the Derbyshire Parent Partnership Service on 01246 273154. 

Two confectionery companies have been fined £1,500 each after being prosecuted by Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards for supplying sweets with excess food colouring. Just Sweets Ltd, of Chichester, West Sussex, and Dunhills (Pontefract) Plc of Pontefract, West Yorkshire, both admitted charges of exceeding the maximum concentration of the food colouring carmoisine allowed under the Colourings in Food Regulations 1995. 

The charges followed an inspection visit by the county council`s trading standards team to Sainsburys in Ashbourne where a sample of Yummy Rhubarb Custards was taken from the pick and mix section of the supermarket. 

When the sweets were analysed they were found to contain 70mg of the food colouring carmoisine per kilogram, which is more than 40 per cent higher than the legal limit of 50mg per kilogram. 

The sweets were made by Dunhills (Pontefract) Plc and supplied to Sainsburys by Just Sweets Ltd. Both companies were prosecuted after they admitted they had not carried out an analysis to check the make-up of the sweets or carried out any other procedures to ensure they complied with the food colouring regulations. 

Both companies appeared before Derby Magistrates Court on Thursday 30 October where they told magistrates that since the investigation by Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards team all the sweets had been recalled and the recipe changed to ensure it now complies with the regulations. 

Magistrates fined both companies £1,500 and ordered them to pay £480 costs each. Speaking after the case, Councillor Walter Burrows, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for public protection and transport, said: "The fines given by the magistrates show how seriously the public views the issue of food safety, particularly as products such as these are eaten by children. 

"We hope this case will act as a warning to all manufacturers to check that the food they produce is properly analysed to ensure it meets all the food safety regulations."

Library users in Pinxton are being asked for their views on their library`s opening hours as far more people are using it during the daytime than the evenings. 

During November, anyone from the local community can have their say on the opening hours and choose from one of the following three options: 

1. Close one evening and extend the hours over the other two days 

2. Close one evening and open an additional morning 

3. No change 

The first two options will increase the number of opening hours overall by one hour a week, with no additional funding required. 

People can pick up a questionnaire from Pinxton Library on Kirkstead Road and give their comments on the proposed opening hours. 

The result of the survey will decide the library`s new timetable. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "It makes sense to let the residents themselves decide on the opening hours as they are the ones who use the library. 

"I`m sure that the new opening times will mean a more efficient service for those who wish to use the library." 

Pinxton Library currently opens during the following hours: 

Tuesday - between 2pm and 5pm and between 5.30pm and 7pm 

Thursday - between 2pm and 5pm and between 5.30pm and 7pm Friday - between 9.30am and 1pm and between 2pm and 5pm For more information call Hilary Doherty, Bolsover district librarian on 01246 823179. The changes are due to begin in the New Year.

Residents of Tideswell can look forward to an improved library service from December with the introduction of three new developments. 

Firstly, the Derbyshire County Council-run library is to open on Saturday mornings. With effect from the first week in December it will be open on Mondays and Fridays between 2pm and 7pm and Saturdays between 9.30am and 1pm.

The second development to take place in December is the launch of a video and DVD hire service. This will be available from Monday 1 December. The range of titles includes feature films, children`s films and classic TV. Prices start from £1.20 to rent older feature films for two nights. 

Finally a new video phone is allowing users to chat face-to-face with relatives on the other side of the world or to get advice on tax, benefits or consumer problems. The main benefit of the new free network is for deaf and hearing-impaired users who can lip-read or use sign language over the monitors. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "I am sure that Tideswell`s residents will be delighted at the improvements to the service. "The Saturday opening hours will be a great advantage for many people who work in 9 to 5 jobs and may have struggled to visit the library during normal opening hours. 

"We`re pleased to be able to share the new video phone technology with visitors and any of our staff will show them how easy it is. We also hope it encourages people to take a look at the many other services we have on offer while they`re there."

European partners are being sought by Derbyshire County Council to bid for funding to help set up a network of environmental technology centres. 

A successful bid for EU funding has already helped to set up an environmental technology centre at the £50 million Markham Employment Growth Zone (MEGZ) on the former colliery site in Derbyshire, with building work starting in November. 

This centre will be linked up with a network of similar centres in other countries across Europe using a new proposal for inter-regional funding. 

The county council set out its plans for its own centre during a fact-finding mission to Frankfurt Oder, Germany last month with representatives from the Environment Agency, colleges and the private sector. 

The council is hoping to attract European partners for the inter-regional bid and has already had confirmation that Germany, Poland and Belgium are on board. During the fact-finding mission, the county council gave a presentation to an environmental recycling and energy forum mapping out the plans for MEGZ, which will see the development of the former Markham Colliery site into an industrial park, creating around 8,000 new jobs. 

The presentation given at the forum to a German and Polish audience highlighted the new £2.75 million Markham Environmental Technology, Training and Innovation Centre which will provide a focus for environmental innovation on MEGZ. The centre would incorporate businesses, exhibition space, training and conference space for use by environmental technologies sector organisations and the wider community. 

It would be sustainable and its construction would include solar panels, a wood-fired boiler and recycling of grey water, for example rain water. 

The centre would also be linked up to the innovative Markham Willows project which has already attracted European interest. The project involves willow trees being planted on the waste tips of the former colliery site and the wood used as fuel to generate power or heating, to be used in the new environmental centre. 

It is hoped that up to 148 acres of land will eventually be developed as fuel-efficient coppice over a six-year period. The Markham Willows project has already received European recognition, being highlighted as one of only two sites in the UK held up as an example of best practice in regenerating brown field sites. 

It has also been showcased at an international conference held in Belgium earlier this year. Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile, who led the fact-finding mission to Germany, said: 

"During our trip to Germany we had the opportunity to present our plans for MEGZ and talk in depth about the Markham Willows project and our new environmental technology, training and innovation centre. 

"We met with several representatives from German and Polish companies and are pleased to say they are now on board with our plans for a trans-national bid for EU funding. 

This funding, if successful, would help to set up a European network of environmental technology centres which we think would be very beneficial. It would allow the companies in each of the centres to network with like-minded companies across the EU." 

He added: "Our centre at Markham will be state-of-the-art and we are very exited that other countries are interested, and we are hoping more will take up the idea."

A call has gone out to people who may be interested in giving a child a permanent home to attend an open evening held to mark National Adoption Week. 

Derbyshire County Council is supporting National Adoption Week, which runs from 3 - 9 November, and is hoping that anyone who has thought about adoption will come forward to find out more information. An open information evening has been organised by the council`s central adoption team for Tuesday 11 November in committee room 1 at County Hall, Matlock between 7pm and 9pm. 

Anyone who is interested in adopting a child is welcome to attend the evening where they will meet with adoption staff and given more information about the process. 

They will also be able to find out more about the children in the county who are currently looking for permanent homes. The council`s social services department is currently trying to find permanent homes for 13 children and has 10 suitable parents ready to adopt. 

The department wants to hear from people wanting to give a loving, stable home to older children and sibling groups, particularly boys. Although there are 10 parents who have been cleared for adoption by the council, they are not perfect matches for the children currently waiting for homes and the adoption team is hoping more people will come forward. 

The more people who are cleared for adoption, the quicker the process will become for the children currently waiting, who are living at the moment in temporary foster homes. County council cabinet member for social care and health, Councillor Anne Western, said: 

"Prospective adopters can come from all backgrounds and cultures and must be able to offer all the love and care that a child needs. 

"Adopting a child is not easy and prospective adopters will have to undergo stringent checks before being accepted, but it can be incredibly rewarding and creates families that are together for life." She added: 

"We are hoping to expand the number of people currently waiting to adopt, so that when children come to us they may not have to wait too long for a permanent family. 

"We are hoping that people who may have been thinking about it will come forward and either attend our open evening or send for an information pack to find out more." 

When someone expresses an interest in adoption they will receive a home visit from a social worker if requested to establish their reasons for wanting to adopt. They will also be given more information about the process. If they wish to proceed they are asked to fill in an application form. 

At this point health and police checks will be carried out to establish their suitability to offer a home for a child. If their application is successful they will be asked to attend preparation sessions and they will undergo an assessment. After this, another social worker will carry out a home visit to offer a second opinion on their application. 

If the prospective adoptive parents or parent pass all these stages their case will be considered by an adoption panel which includes independent members. The panel will then decide whether or not they are suitable to adopt. Once this is complete the process of `matching` them with a suitable child or sibling group will begin. 

The process can take up to a year, depending on individual circumstances. National Adoption Week, which is in its seventh year, is organised by the British Agencies for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF). 

For more information, and to ask for an information pack, telephone the county council`s central adoption team on 01629 585725. 

• Profiles of young people looking for families
• Jenny and Robert need to be placed together. 

Eight-year-old Jenny is a lively girl who enjoys active outdoor play and has made good progress since joining her current foster family where she lives with her brother, Robert. 

She has responded well to consistency and a caring approach and can be very affectionate. She presents as a happy child, attending a mainstream school and has a statement of special educational needs. Ethnic Descent: White English Family Needed: 

A permanent one or two parent family who can accept Jenny`s statement of special educational needs and offer her time, attention and stimulation. Contact: Indirect contact via post is envisaged with her birth mother and maternal grandparents and direct contact with her brother if placed separately. Legal Status: Care Order and Freeing Order. Adoption Allowance: 

May be payable.

Robert, who is four, is a lively, bright little boy with very good verbal skills. He is very sociable with adults and children and gets on well with his foster carers` grandson. Robert is lovable but can be quite boisterous. 

He is a confident little boy who is reaching all his developmental milestones. He suffers from mild asthma and can be a fussy eater. Ethnic Descent: 

White English Family Needed: An active white two parent adoptive family who can offer him a stable, loving home. Contact: Indirect contact via post is envisaged with his birth parents and grandparents as well as direct contact with his sister if placed separately. Legal Status: 

Care Orders, Freeing Orders are in place. 

Adoption Allowance: 

May be payable: 

Dillon is a caring boy who is eager to please. He likes having cuddles when he thinks no one else is looking. He is lacking in confidence and can easily be frustrated. The nine-year-old enjoys playing outside with friends and attends the local clubs. He attends mainstream school and is statemented. 

He is making steady progress and has developed a small friendship network. To date Dillon has been looked after in the same foster placement with his two siblings since 1999. However, the needs of the children are such that separate permanent placements are sought. Ethnic Descent: Birth Mother: White English; Birth Father: White Hungarian Family Needed: Ideally an active one or two parent family, who could handle Dillon`s frustration and build on his self-esteem. 

Adopters who would work with the contact plan. Dillon needs to be the youngest child, ideally. Contact: Annual indirect contact by post with birth parents, half sibling and grandparents. Direct contact between his younger brother and sister who hopefully will also have identified adoptive families. 

Legal Status: 

Care Order. 

Freeing for Adoption applied for. 

Adoption Allowance: May be payable. 

Becky is a healthy five-year-old with medium length dark brown hair and blue eyes. Becky is a very sociable, friendly and chatty girl who enjoys playing with other children, particularly liking outdoor games. 

Her favourite pastimes are writing, drawing, cutting, sticking, playing with dolls and television. She likes school and is always eager to please. She makes friends easily and gets many invites to parties. Personality wise, Becky is confident, very friendly and outgoing. 

She is sociably bright and has a very good memory. She would like a new mum and dad like her sisters have, but she still loves her birth mother. Becky`s new family would need to provide her with plenty of individual attention and consistent boundaries. Ethnic Descent: White English Family Needed: 

A white one or two parent family where Becky is the only or youngest child in a family of older teenagers. Contact: Indirect contact via post is envisaged with her birth mother and siblings with possible direct contact with siblings. Legal Status: 

Care Order. 

Eight-year-old Jordan is a happy, energetic and engaging young boy. He is very chatty and friendly and has made great progress in foster care gaining confidence and trust in adults. He is slightly delayed in his development and has some extra support at school. 

He sometimes finds it hard to express his emotions due to neglect within his birth family, but this is improving and he has become close to his foster carers, thriving on adult one to one attention. 

Jordan is proud of new skills as he acquires them and is thrilled when he receives praise. Jordan is healthy and a very talented football player. He is always keen to try new activities and experiences. 

Ethnic/Racial Origins: 

White English. 

Family Needed: An approved one or two parent family who have the energy and time to help Jordan achieve his potential and where he will be the only or youngest child by several years. 

Contact: 

Indirect contact via post with his birth parents and half brother is planned and direct contact with his full siblings three times per year. Allowances: 

An adoption allowance may be payable. Legal Status: 

Care Order 

Simon, who is six, loves being the youngest in the household and loves adult attention. He is particularly attached to his male carer. He is usually cheerful and affectionate but likes to have his own way. He is in mainstream school, but is finding schoolwork difficult. 

He has a little cluster of friends and enjoys watching television and playing outside. Ethnic Descent: Birth Mother: White English; Birth Father: White Hungarian Family Needed: 

Ideally an active one or two parent family, who could show caring, strong and consistent care. Adopters who would build on his self-esteem and be understanding of his academic issues. 

Simon needs to be the youngest child. Contact: Annual indirect contact via post with birth parents, half sibling and grandparents. 

Direct contact between his older brother and sister who hopefully will be in separate adoptive placements. 

Legal Status: Care Order. Freeing for Adoption applied for. Adoption Allowance: May be payable. 

An illegal tip on a Chesterfield industrial estate will soon be a thing of the past, thanks to Derbyshire County and Chesterfield Borough councils. 

For work started today (November 3) to remove the 12,600-tonne eyesore from the Armytage Industrial estate after the councils agreed to earmark a share of the £180,000 clean-up bill. Waste was illegally dumped on the Armytage Industrial Estate several years ago. And, despite enforcement action by the Environment Agency and the county council, the owners of the site failed to remove the hazard. Now bankrupt, the owners cannot be held liable for clearing the site. 

Currently, no individual, council or organisation is legally responsible for removing the waste heap. But, now that the tip has been on fire, the councils believe urgent action must be taken to reduce the risk from fire, air and water pollution. 

"It`s vital that urgent action is taken to put an end to the misery caused by this illegal tip," said Derbyshire County Council Leader John Williams. 

"We have to put the history of the tip behind us and put an end to the problem once and for all. That`s why the county council is meeting the lion`s share of the cost, topped up with a contribution from Chesterfield Borough Council and Landfill Tax exemptions," he added. 

Chesterfield`s Lead Member for Environmental Services Councillor Keith Morgan said: "I am very pleased that the county council is taking steps to remove this blot on the landscape. 

"My council has a priority to take firm action on fly tipping in the borough. My particular concern, once the heap is removed, is to prevent further illegal tipping on this land and to punish those responsible." 

VHE Construction will take around six weeks to clear the site and remove all the material to licensed waste disposal sites at Staveley and Sutton in Ashfield. 

After the task is completed the county council will take the site over and intends to lease or sell it as quickly as possible to prevent any further unauthorised tipping. 

In the meantime the council has asked other owners and tenants to help "police" the site by reporting any further illegal tipping by calling environmental health services on 01246 345740. 

Derbyshire families bereaved by road accidents are being invited to a remembrance service next month. 

Derbyshire County Council is supporting the Oakleaf Remembrance Service which will also include people who have been injured in road accidents. 

Cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows will attend the event to be held at Derby Cathedral on Sunday 16 November at 3pm. 

Representatives from the council`s environmental services department, the emergency services and other people involved in dealing with accidents on Derbyshire`s roads will also attend. 

The service, which has the dual aim of raising awareness about the dangers of speeding and reckless driving, has been organised by the local branch of the national road safety campaign group RoadPeace. 

Councillor Burrows said: "This service is aimed at comforting those who have suffered bereavement or injury in accidents on our roads as well as supporting those involved in dealing with the aftermath or helping the victims. 

"We hope it will also raise road safety awareness by bringing home the devastating consequences faced by the families and friends of people involved in accidents." 

As people arrive they will be handed a paper oak leaf on which they can write the name of someone they want to remember, their age and date of death and any other details. During the service everyone will be invited to bring their oakleaf forward and place it on the altar and at the end will be given an acorn as a sign of new life. 

Anyone who cannot attend the service but would like the name of a loved one written on an oakleaf on their behalf can contact RoadPeace member Derek Storer on 01773 823766. For more information about the service call Mr Storer or county council road safety officer Vanessa Cairns on 01629 580000 extension 7060.