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October
| 31 October 2003 | New members sought for education admission appeals panels |
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Volunteers are being sought to join an independent panel that adjudicates on appeals where a parent has been refused a place for their child at the school of their choice. Derbyshire County Council is looking to appoint lay and independent members to the independent education appeals panel pool, which considers appeals about admissions to community and voluntary controlled schools. Lay members should have no previous teaching experience or been involved in the management of a school. However they can have experience as a school governor or have helped a school in a voluntary capacity. Independent members can have previous teaching experience or have been involved in the education system in some way or be a parent with a child at a Derbyshire school. Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, said: "Although appeal panel members are not paid a wage they are given travel and subsistence allowances for the work they do. "The amount of appeals that members attend during a year depends on their personal commitments but the hearings take place during the daytime and usually take either a half or full day. "By volunteering to join a panel members of the public can play an important role in the community, helping to resolve issues for both parents and schools." All new members are given full training and also attend annual refresher training sessions. Anyone interested in becoming a panel member can obtain further details and an application form by writing to David Tysoe, County Secretary, County Hall, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3AG or by ringing Jill Moyes on 01629 580000, extension 7356. |
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| 31 October 2003 | Householders warned about doorstep sellers |
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Trading standards officers from Derbyshire County Council are teaming up with police in the Derbyshire Dales to warn householders to be on their guard against doorstep traders. The warning is targeted particularly at vulnerable and elderly residents who may end up paying thousands of pounds more than similar items would cost elsewhere after falling prey to traders using high-pressure sales techniques. Trading standards and the police have received a number of complaints from concerned neighbours and relatives of elderly residents targeted by traders selling alarms, damp proofing, new driveways and roof work. Some people are targeted on the doorstep with an unsolicited call while others are approached first by telephone and persuaded to accept a visit. Sellers may imply they are carrying out a survey and not selling anything. Others claim they are working in conjunction with the police or local authority, giving the impression they have some kind of approval. Sometimes they will ask people if they live alone. Trading standards have issued the following advice:
Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for public protection and transport, Councillor Walter Burrows, said: "High pressure sales techniques can be difficult to refuse in a face to face situation in your own home. "If you invite a doorstep seller in be prepared to say no. Better still, don`t invite them in. "However, if you do invite them in you must be on your guard. For example, some doorstep traders may get around cancellation rights by starting work very soon after the visit." PC Tony Browett, crime reduction officer at Matlock police station, said: "Never be afraid to politely say `no` to someone who turns up at your door offering goods or a service and never listen to any scare tactics they might use to persuade you. They are usually nonsense." A handy leaflet entitled Doorstep Selling - Know Where you Stand is published by the Department for Trade and Industry and is available from Derbyshire County Council trading standards and your local police station. Derbyshire residents wanting more advice about this, or any other consumer issue, can get in touch with trading standards on 01629 585858. If you have any information regarding any crime contact your local police, or, if you prefer to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You could receive a reward. |
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| 31 October 2003 | Funding for Record Office to reveal medieval book |
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A grant of almost £4000 has been awarded to the Derbyshire County Council-run record office so that rare medieval documents can be made available safely to the public. The East Midlands Museums, Libraries and Archives Council awarded the funding to the record office in Matlock to buy equipment so ancient documents can be removed from an enormous bound book. The historical book is currently too heavy to handle weighing 15kg and using it is damaging the items in it. It was made in the 19th century to store 13th and 15th century documents from the Pinxton area. The record office will buy special equipment so that the documents can be removed causing minimal damage and preserved to share with others. The project will also be an opportunity for the office`s conservation staff to develop skills and gain experience in treating very old and delicate documents. Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "The money will be a great boost for the record office and the new equipment will mean that more people can view historical documents safely and without causing any damage. "A lot of people are interested in learning about the history of their family or the area where they live but are put off from doing so because they think it is hard to find documents. "I am sure that record office staff and local history enthusiasts will be delighted to be able to view such ancient local manuscripts." The project will take place over several months and is due to be completed by the summer of 2004. These documents can be consulted in Derbyshire Record Office in New St., Matlock. More information is available by ringing the record office on 01629 580000, extension 35207 or emailing mailto:record.office@derbyshire.gov.uk |
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| 30 October 2003 | Government minister to visit Derbyshire`s CJB |
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Government minister Lord Falconer is to visit Derbyshire next week to see how the county`s new Criminal Justice Board has progressed since it was set up in April. He will meet board members at Derbyshire Police Headquarters in Ripley on Friday 31 October to talk about the work being carried out to achieve criminal justice system targets at local level. As part of his visit to Derbyshire he will also visit relevant local agencies to talk to offenders and victims of crime. Derbyshire CJB was one of 42 local boards set up across the country in April following a review of the criminal justice system which highlighted a need for the agencies involved to work together more closely to improve efficiency and increase public confidence in the system. The boards are designed to help narrow the "justice gap" - the difference between the number of crimes recorded and cases successfully brought to justice - by ensuring criminal justice system targets are met and delivered locally. Lord Falconer became Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs in Tony Blair`s reshuffle in June. The new department is designed to drive forward the Government`s radical agenda for reforming the criminal justice system. Lord Falconer`s role will include overseeing the creation of a single national courts service, the introduction of major improvements to the performance of the courts with a significant reduction in the proportion of ineffective trials and a reform of the system for the appointment of judges. Derbyshire CJB chairman David Adams said: "Board members are already working closely with their Derbyshire partners in the new CJB working arrangement. This is designed to improve the service we provide to the people of Derbyshire. "This reform is designed to send a clear message to criminals and the community that the criminal justice system works. We`re looking forward to welcoming Lord Falconer to the county to see the progress we`re making and to help us highlight that message." Derbyshire CJB is made up of chief officers from the Crown Prosecution Service, Police, Crown and Magistrates` Courts, the Probation Service, Youth Offending Service and the Prison Service. The board has developed an action plan identifying four key target areas which are to:
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| 29 October 2003 | Volunteers needed for youth mentoring scheme |
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Adults in North East Derbyshire, Chesterfield and Bolsover area are being sought by Derbyshire County Council to help with a new project to steer young people away from crime. Derbyshire Early Years and Childcare Service, led by the county council, along with Chesterfield volunteer centre is running a youth mentoring project aimed at young people in danger of going off the rails. Volunteers will provide youngsters with support and guidance to help guide them through difficult times. The aim of the project, backed by The Children`s Fund, is to see a reduction in both youth crime and anti-social behaviour. Reliable adults with good communication skills who can spare a minimum of one hour per week and think that they can be a positive link between the community and a young person are what the scheme is looking for. This role will last six months and the mentoring scheme will provide training and support for anyone interested. Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "While we acknowledge it can be a challenging role and needs patience and understanding, being a youth mentor can be enormously rewarding. "Young people face many difficult issues while they are growing up and talking to a mentor may help to steer them in the right direction. "We are always looking for ways in which we can work with the community to reduce crime and disorder." For more information about the youth mentoring scheme and how to become a volunteer youth mentor call Alison Latymer on 01629 580000 ext. 5730. |
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| 28 October 2003 | Have your say on Bakewell parking scheme trial |
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Residents and businesses are being urged to have their say on a trial scheme designed to help ease parking problems near their homes. Derbyshire County Council has been testing a new residents` parking scheme in Bagshaw Hill, Bakewell, over the past six months and following detailed surveys carried out last month is planning to make it permanent. The surveys revealed that the experimental scheme - which allows residents-only parking with a £26 annual permit - has allowed residents and their visitors to park more easily, has improved traffic flow and allowed easier access for emergency vehicles. Although many comments were positive, some residents have requested changes to the plans. Proposed modifications have now been drawn up and are being posted to all residents and businesses in the area with a reply form for comments. County council cabinet member for environment and highways Councillor Brian Lucas said: "It`s very important that we hear from as many of the residents and businesses affected by this matter as possible so we can make the best decision. "We`ve already received many very positive comments about the scheme but are also aware there are some concerns which we`ve tried to take into account in the new plans. "We will review all the responses and act on them where appropriate to make sure this scheme has maximum benefits for as many people as possible." The scheme - in which for an annual £26 fee residents receive a permit which allows them to park in marked bays in their scheme area - is being tested to overcome householders` parking problems caused by shoppers and tourists leaving their cars in the area for long periods. Forms need to be returned to the council by November 26. For more information about the scheme members of the public can call traffic and safety officer Mary Wardle on 01629 580000, extension 7677 |
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| 28 October 2003 | Giving youth a voice |
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Young people from across the High Peak are being invited to a Derbyshire County Council-run conference where they can have their say on issues from buses to leisure centres. The It`s Your Shout conference will give young people the opportunity to put their questions directly to county councillors, borough councillors, the police, youth service organisers, staff from the b_line youth travel and discount card scheme and other relevant groups on any topic that matters to them. In addition delegates, who can be aged 13 to 19, will have the chance to attend two out of four workshops on the topics of the environment, leisure time activities, sports and leisure and legal rights for young people. The event will take place at Bradbury House in Market Street, Glossop from 10.30am to 4pm on Sunday 9 November. Delegates will receive a free lunch, free entry into a prize draw and a goody bag. Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "We hope that as many young people as possible from the High Peak area will take this opportunity to let us know their views or concerns about issues that matter to them. "If we are to target services effectively it is important that we are listening to what young people want and how they want to see those facilities provided. "The information we gain from the day will be used to help us to make decisions about providing better services for young people in the High Peak area." Young people attending the event will also be given the opportunity to join the High Peak Youth Forum, which is a consultative group set up to provide on-going liaison between young people and Derbyshire County Council. Free transport will be provided to the conference for people living in Buxton, Chapel-en-le-Frith and New Mills. Further information about the conference or the transport is available by ringing 01663 743394. |
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| 27 October 2003 | School pupils prove new cycle scheme |
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Pupils at a Derbyshire school are the first in the country to complete a pilot child cycle training scheme being run by the British School of Motoring (BSM). The Long Eaton School in Tamworth Road is the first school to take part in the trial scheme in which school pupils aged 11 to 14 are trained how to ride their bikes safely. Derbyshire County Council is supporting the project as part of its commitment to improving road safety outside schools through the Safer Routes to School programme. The Long Eaton School was the first selected to take part in the trial because of the school`s commitment to encourage pupils to cycle to school. The school became one of the first in Derbyshire to achieve Eco School status, an award acknowledging environmental good practice. BSM, Britain`s largest driver training company, provided all the bikes, helmets and reflective clothing so that all pupils were given an equal opportunity to complete the training. A total of 44 pupils from the school completed the course and were awarded with the first BSM cycle training certificates. Councillor Walter Burrows, cabinet member for public protection and transport, said: "We are delighted that a Derbyshire school has been the first to try out this new training. "Reducing deaths and injury on our roads is one of the council`s key priorities and we hope this scheme will help us achieve our targets. "The success of the scheme could lead to the course being rolled out across the UK and would include adult and family cycle training. "Such a scheme would encourage more pupils to cycle and would also mean drivers of the future would have experienced two-wheeled travel first, making them more considerate towards cyclists." Last year 29 cyclists aged 11 to 14 were injured on Derbyshire`s roads. The council aims to reduce the number of road deaths and serious injury by 60 per cent for children and 45 per cent for adults by 2010 in line with Government targets. |
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| 23 October 2003 | Don`t delay on Young achiever nominations |
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Time is running out for members of the public to nominate outstanding young people for a prestigious Derbyshire County Council award. The 2003 Derbyshire Young Achievers Awards will recognise extraordinary children and young people in the county who have shown:
Most Derbyshire Young Achievers receive no other formal recognition for their bravery, kindness or commitment to their school and community. The awards, which are partly sponsored by local businesses, aim to put that right. Nominees must attend a primary, secondary or special school in the Derbyshire County Council area but can be nominated by anyone, including their family, school, parish or district council. Derbyshire County Council leader Councillor John Williams said: "We have already received a high number of applications for this year`s awards but there is still time for members of the public to nominate a young person that they know. "This is an opportunity for us to acknowledge the good work that young people do which often goes unrecognised in the community." Alternatively, nomination forms are available from Derbyshire schools, libraries and parish and town councils or county councils website at www.derbyshire.gov.uk (opens in a new window) The closing date for entries is Friday 7 November. The winners will have their awards presented to them at a ceremony in Matlock on Friday 19 December. Last year more than 80 young people received an award - 45 per cent had a serious illness or disability, 25 per cent were for outstanding sporting, artistic or academic achievement and 30 per cent were for services to the community.Don`t delay on young achiever nominations |
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| 21 October 2003 | Support group help for parents and carers |
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Parents and carers of children with special educational needs in the Glossop area are invited to a meeting to talk about setting up their own support group. Derbyshire Parent Partnership Service has organised the meeting, which takes place on Monday 3 November between 7.30pm and 9pm at Bradbury Community House, Market Street, Glossop after demand from a local group of parents and carers. The idea of the meeting is for parents and carers to join forces to discuss how they would like the support group to operate and to make sure they get the best help and advice for their children`s future. The parent partnership service is an impartial service funded by Derbyshire County Council that offers advice to parents and carers of children with special educational needs. It aims to encourage partnership between parents and carers and all those involved with children with special educational needs in Derbyshire. Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "The special education needs system is geared towards meeting the individual needs of the child, but this means it has to be a very involved process. "The parent partnership service aim to support parents and carers through this process and enable them to fully support their child, so that they receive the best possible education. "We hope that this meeting will provide the basis for a support group which will eventually run itself, with parent partnership support. "The meeting is an informal get-together giving people a chance to meet others who may have had similar experiences and have a say in their own support group as well as hopefully having some fun." Refreshments will be provided at the meeting. For more information about the meeting call the Derbyshire Parent Partnership Service on 01246 273154. |
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| 21 October 2003 | New sports and arts centres to open in local communities |
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Local communities across North East Derbyshire will soon benefit from new sports and arts facilities. The multi-purpose halls have been developed by Derbyshire County Council and are opening on a rolling basis at four primary schools: Kirkstead Junior at Pinxton, Mary Swanwick Primary at Chesterfield, Pilsley Primary, and Renishaw Primary. Funding for the £2.2m initiative has come from the Government and the National Lottery. The facilities will be managed by the schools and when not being used by pupils they will be available for their local communities. The multi-purpose sports halls have each cost between £500,000 and £600,000. They are the size of two badminton courts and include an office, changing rooms and storage space. The facilities have been built using innovative design and `dry lining` construction techniques which will ensure that the buildings are low maintenance with better acoustics. Under-floor heating maximises the available space and low energy lighting will cut down running costs. Derbyshire was awarded the funding as part of the Government`s Space for Sports and the Arts programme. The programme aims to ensure that deprived communities have better access to facilities for sports and the arts. Councillor Alan Charles, county council cabinet member for education, said: "This is an excellent initiative. We are delighted to have received so much funding and are pleased that the halls will soon be in use. "The four communities will receive facilities to be proud of. By providing them at the schools we hope to encourage pupils to play sport and engage in the arts from an early age, which will have a positive effect on their health and well-being. "The scheme also provides much-needed facilities for the local communities, which until now have had limited access to venues for sports and arts activities." The Space for Sport and the Arts programme is funded by the Government, the National Lottery`s New Opportunities Fund, Sport England and the Arts Council of England. |
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| 21 October 2003 | Changes to improve four bus services |
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Improvements are being made to four Derbyshire County Council bus routes later this month to improve the services for passengers. The changes will affect four services; the 257 from Sheffield to Hope Valley and the Derwent Dams, the 253 and 254 evening and Sunday buses in Dronfield, the number 9 route in Derby and the 331 Alfreton to Pinxton and Nottingham service. County council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "We`re delighted to be able to upgrade a number of our services in line with our ongoing commitment to improving Derbyshire`s public transport system. "We`re keen to make our bus network as accessible and convenient as possible for everyone in the county and improvements such as these which will be in place from next week is another step towards achieving that goal." Summary of service changes to be in place from Sunday 26 October: Sheffield to Hope Valley and Derwent Dams The 257 bus, which is routed via Stanage, Hathersage and Bamford on its way to the Ladybower and Derwent Dams, is to get a new Saturday and Sunday timetable. It will include an extra early morning journey on Sundays for walkers wanting to make an early start. Buses on Sundays will continue to the head of the water at the Kings Tree. The service is being funded by Derbyshire County Council, the Peak District National Park Authority, the Hope Valley Rural Transport Partnership and Stanage Forum Evening and Sunday Buses in Dronfield Buses on routes 253 and 254 are being extended in Dronfield to cover extra parts of the town in the evenings and on Sundays. Green Lane Bottom has been added to the route at these times and the 253 buses routed this way will now carry the number 255 to show that they are specially routed. On weekday evenings an hourly service will be available to and from Sheffield with the 254 running to Chesterfield every two hours and the 255 to Eckington and Crystal Peaks also two-hourly. Borrowash and Ockbrook to Derby A new bus operator is to take over the number 9 bus route in Derby. Little Bus will be running the service at similar times to the previous operator which served the route. Derbyshire County Council has stepped in with funding to continue the service and has also arranged for it to serve West Park School. Little Bus plans to run a low floor easy access bus on the service making it easier to use for passengers with mobility difficulties. Alfreton to Pinxton and Nottingham The 331 bus is to run at hourly intervals during the week in a major timetable change. By offering the most direct service to Nottingham the 331 bus provides important public transport links for the communities along the line of route. Pinxton now has better bus links to nearby towns including South Normanton and Alfreton as well as frequent buses to Nottingham. The new timetable, to be operated by Doyles of Ripley, is funded in partnership by both Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire County Councils.
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| 20 October 2003 | Skateboard park plans get cash boost |
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Young skateboarders in Renishaw could soon be trying out their latest moves at a skateboard park following a £10,000 cash boost from Derbyshire County Council. The North East Derbyshire community safety partnership has been given the money towards a £25,000 project, which will provide proper facilities for young people who are currently riding their skateboards on roads and pavements. The idea for the initiative came after police received around 30 complaints about anti-social behaviour involving young people who were out skateboarding on the streets. The skateboard park will be built off Main Road. Renishaw Parish Council is contributing £5,000 towards the building costs and will also pay for the insurance and maintenance costs. Councillor Walter Burrows, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for public protection and transport, said: "Young people tell us they are skateboarding on the streets because there is nowhere else for them to go. "The skateboarders will be involved in picking the equipment that will be installed in the park to ensure that it meets their needs. "By providing them with a proper facility we will also be helping to tackle the concerns of local residents who find it a nuisance to have people skateboarding around their streets." The North East Derbyshire community safety partnerships was set up to help tackle crime by pulling together the resources and expertise of local organisations including Derbyshire County Council, North East Derbyshire District Council, the police, probation service and primary care trusts. |
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| 20 October 2003 | Parents encouraged to support schools |
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Parents in North East Derbyshire are being encouraged to support their children`s education by making sure they do not miss days of school without good reason. The Staveley Brimington Learning Community, which was set up with support from Derbyshire County Council, held a display in Morrisons Superstore in Staveley to promote its message to parents. Education social workers from Derbyshire County Council were on hand throughout the day to offer advice to parents and discuss any attendance matters with them. A sample of the leaflets produced by the learning community featuring their anti-truancy goals along with the message `school is cool` which is being promoted to pupils were available. All children who attend schools in the learning community have been given one of the leaflets to encourage positive behaviour and regular attendance. Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "Every day of school missed is a day`s education opportunity lost which will have an effect on the child`s life opportunities. "I strongly endorse the work being done by the schools because the community working together like this will have the strongest impact." Learning communities are groups of secondary and primary schools which work together to promote achievement and share good practice. There are 31 learning communities in Derbyshire, operating around secondary schools and their partner primaries. The schools that make up the Staveley Brimington Learning Community are Springwell Community School; Brimington Manor Infant; Brimington Junior; Netherthorpe School; St Joseph Primary; Staveley Junior; Barrow Hill Primary; Speedwell Infant; Norbriggs Primary; Henry Bradley Infant; Poolsbrook Primary; Inkersall Primary; Woodthorpe Primary and Hollingwood Primary. |
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| 20 October 2003 | Business as usual at Newhall civic amenity site |
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Householders are being reminded that Derbyshire County Council`s civic amenity site at Newhall is open for business as usual despite the nearby landfill site closing earlier this month. Some residents have stopped using the site since Bretby landfill site, which is off the same access in Main Road, closed on October 9 but it is open as usual. Visitors can drop off most household waste for recycling including metal, wood, cardboard, glass, textiles, car batteries and electrical appliances including fridges. Over the last year the site handled more than 5,800 tonnes of waste - more than 3,000 tonnes of which was recycled. County council cabinet member for environment and highways Councillor Brian Lucas said: "We`re concerned that some people thought the civic amenity site at Newhall had closed at the same time as the landfill site but we want to make it clear it`s open as usual. "The site makes a valuable contribution to helping the county council meet Government recycling targets so we are keen to encourage people to continue using it." The site is open every day from 8.30am to 6pm except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year`s Day. For more information contact the county council`s Call Derbyshire call centre on 08 456 058 058. |
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| 16 October 2003 | Green light for new recycling centre |
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Work on a £400,000 scheme to encourage householders to recycle their waste is to start next month following the go ahead from planners. Derbyshire County Council has been granted planning permission to expand and improve its Household Waste Recycling Centre in Loscoe. Around 320 people a day visit the Taylor Lane site creating 13,000 tonnes of rubbish a year – nearly 8,000 tonnes of which is recycled. The expansion plan will help to increase the site’s recycling potential and reduce traffic congestion caused by a large increase in visitors over the last few years. It will also solve the problem of skip collection lorries blocking access to recycling points for users. Site improvements include:
The site, which will double in size to two acres, can take most kinds of household waste including wood, glass, metal, electrical appliances including fridges, furniture, clothes and car batteries. Residents can help by sorting rubbish before they leave home. The site will remain open when expansion work starts next month but will close on January 12 until the scheme is completed in April. The nearest alternative centre during the closure is in Manners Avenue, Ilkeston. For more information contact the county council’s Call Derbyshire call centre on 08 456 058 058. |
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| 15 October 2003 | Foul deeds at Chesterfield Library |
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Prepare to be scared! Derbyshire County Council local studies librarian Geoff Sadler has just the thing as those dark nights draw in... He has just published his latest book "Foul Deeds and Suspicious Deaths In and Around Chesterfield" and will be talking about the events behind the stories at the town`s library next month. Geoff, who is well-known for his local history work as well as Westerns published under his pen name Wes Calhoun, has been researching the subject right back to the 1430s. He will be talking about his work and signing copies of the book at Chesterfield Library, New Beetwell Street, on Friday 14 November at 10am. Tickets for the event cost £1 with 60p concessions and are available from the library reception desk. The 158-page illustrated book, priced £9.99, will also be on sale. |
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| 15 October 2003 | Derbyshire pupils join World Walk |
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Pupils at more than 180 schools across Derbyshire joined millions more across the globe to join in International Walk to School Day. Derbyshire County Council has been backing the scheme since 1998 and recognises schools which take part with awards and certificates. Walk to School weeks aim to improve health and road safety awareness, reduce dependency on the car and ease traffic congestion and pollution. An international Walk to School day is held once a year. Council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "We`re delighted that so many schools now support our Walk to School weeks and this international event which have benefits for the whole community. "It shows teachers, pupils and parents are thinking about health, road safety and the damaging effect traffic can have on the environment." From just 19 Derbyshire schools taking part in a Walk to School trial in its first year, 136 took part in the latest event held this summer. Schools receive a certificate the first year they take part leading to a merit, bronze, silver, gold and premier awards for continued commitment. |
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| 15 October 2003 | County`s £1.2million cash boost for schools |
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Derbyshire`s schools are about to get a major cash boost from Derbyshire County Council. More than £1.2million is being ploughed into schools to help keep down class sizes and boost school budgets. The authority has been able to invest the extra £1.227m thanks to careful management of the 2002/03 schools-related education budget, its own budget and lower than expected pupil numbers in primary schools. Derbyshire`s cabinet agreed to allocate the money as follows:
Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, said: "This is a bit of good news for schools at a time when every penny counts. "Schools will be able to choose exactly how they spend the extra cash themselves and I`m sure they will put it to good use. "Thanks to prudent financial management we have also been able to allocate £275,000 to Key Stage 1 to keep class sizes down, which I am, and I`m sure parents, will be especially pleased about." Cash for the school clusters will be used to pump-prime collaborative projects, particularly those that help create a smooth transition for pupils moving from primary to secondary school. School clusters - also called learning communities - are groups of secondary and primary schools which work together to promote achievement and share good practice. There are 31 learning communities in Derbyshire, operating around secondary schools and their partner primaries. |
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| 15 October 2003 | Consultation launched over plans for older people |
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The views of older people are being sought on multi-million pound proposals aimed at upgrading residential care homes, building new ones and improving care services in the community. Derbyshire County Council has launched a consultation in to its plans to invest in and develop residential and caring services for older people and anyone affected by the proposals - residents, carers, relatives and staff - who would like to give their views can do so between now and 16 January 2004. The council`s cabinet voted to consult about the proposals put forward at a meeting on Tuesday (14 October). The council`s proposals include:
Current residents and staff affected by the proposals are being informed at meetings held in each of the homes today. Residents will now have the opportunity to give their views in meetings with social services managers, collectively and in one-to-one meetings along with their relatives or carers. Staff will also have the opportunity to give their views. If agreed upon, the new homes for older people and the extracare development would not be ready for occupation until before October 2005 and residents would not have to move until the buildings are ready unless they choose to transfer to a different home. Those who wish to move to the new developments would be able to move straight into their new homes from the old buildings, minimising disruption to them. The new developments would give all residents their own high quality rooms with en-suite facilities. Residents and staff at the two homes which it is proposed would close in Duffield and Cotmanhay will be consulted collectively and individually to get their views. Social services staff would work closely with staff and residents to identify alternative care and redeployment options. In order that the council is made fully aware of the implications of closure, during the consultation period all residents will have an up-to-date assessment of needs and staff will work with them, their relatives and friends to plan and organise alternative future placements. Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "We are asking for people`s views on these developments in our residential care provision for older people. "After carrying out a very detailed review of our residential services we have drawn up these proposals which we feel set a clear direction for the future of residential services and community provision in Derbyshire. We now want to hear from people who will be affected by the proposals. "We are proposing to invest millions of pounds on the future of Derbyshire`s residential care and community care services. By upgrading homes, building new ones and improving resources in the community we are widening the choices available to older people in the county, giving them more independence, dignity, respect and privacy." Councillor Western added: "While some people may feel unsettled by the changes we feel positive about the route we are proposing to take and will work hard to ensure that people are happy with their services." To make your views known on any of the proposals write to the Director of Social Services, Derbyshire County Council, County Hall, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3AG. The consultation period will end on 16 January 2004. After this period the council will evaluate and consider all views expressed before making its final decision. |
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| 13 October 2003 | Welcome for Post Office action |
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A new partnership between the Post Office and the village pub means that two Derbyshire communities are celebrating the return of their local post office service. News of the re-opening of Turnditch`s sub-post office in the Cross Keys pub has been warmly welcomed by Derbyshire county councillor Geoff Carlile who has spearheaded the authority`s fight to protect Derbyshire`s sub-post office network. And the council`s campaign - backed by both the Post Office and the Derbyshire Federation of Sub Postmasters - received a further boost last week with the news that the north east Derbyshire hamlet of Lower Pilsley had followed the office-in-the-pub model. In a deal brokered by the local parish council a new `satellite` service will run two mornings each week at the Star Inn. Councillor Carlile, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "We are grateful to the Post Office for the efforts it is making to return rural sub-post office services to Derbyshire communities where they have been recently lost. "Over the last couple of years several Derbyshire villages have seen a part-time service attached to the village pub. It`s a great deal that combines an existing focal point for village life with a service that is much valued, particularly by those people without access to a car." Sub-post office services are also set to return to Heage with a new facility housed in a barn conversion within the courtyard of the Windmill Inn. Subject to planning permission and a grant towards conversion costs, the service should re-open early next year. The county council and the Post Office are continuing their search for solutions to replace village post office services in Weston Underwood where the sub-post office closed in March and in Great Longstone where the service was lost in April. Councillor Carlile said: "We recognise that it is hard for a sub-post office to be financially viable in a small community and the idea of combining it with another local business such as a pub, shop, café or village hall is the ideal compromise. "We`ve seen new services established in a number of villages and, in particular with the Post Office, we`ll continue our efforts to replace the services in these two villages whenever it becomes possible to do so." |
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| 13 October 2003 | Out of school clubs get helping hand |
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People involved in managing out of school clubs can look forward to receiving extra help and support in the form of a specially designed free in-depth business guide. Derbyshire Early Years and Childcare Service, led by Derbyshire County Council, is providing hundreds of the free folders to assist their service to deliver more support for childcare providers and voluntary committees. The guide is a reference tool providing vital, up to date information on running out of school clubs. Out of school care providers will be receiving their folder during the next few months. The business guide contains a whole range of support including a start up checklist as well as information about legal requirements, finding premises, funding issues, typical pay scales, marketing and publicity, dealing with tax and what additional help is out there. There is also a disc enclosed which has lots of samples of leaflets, business plans, job descriptions, questionnaires and more. The early years and childcare service offers free help and support on a wide range of issues including:
Derbyshire Early Years and Childcare Partnership chair and cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "Out of school clubs provide parents with affordable, accessible, good quality childcare. Children are given exciting, fun activities to do which help to develop their confidence and social skills in a safe environment. "It is vital that we do all we can to provide help and support for the people who offer their time to run these clubs. "The free folder contains very useful information on all areas of running one of these clubs. I`m sure that club organisers will find it a huge help." For more information on the out of school business guides or setting up out of school clubs call Carol Brierley or a childcare development officer on 01629 580000 ext. 5741. |
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| 10 October 2003 | Warning over chemical dye in food |
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Consumers in Derbyshire are being warned to be on the look out for frozen meat products that have been contaminated with a chemical dye that could cause cancer. Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards officers have joined forces with their colleagues at Derby City Council and environmental health officers at all borough and district councils to issue the warnings about the meat products, which have been produced by Blackburn-based firm Khan Quality Foods. Officials fear Derbyshire consumers may have bought meat containing the contaminated chemical dye Sudan I from butchers or corner shops in Yorkshire, Leicestershire or Greater Manchester. Small retail outlets in Derbyshire may also have sold the items in the past. Sudan I is not allowed to be used in food because it can cause cancer if products containing it are eaten regularly over a long period of time. However, there is no immediate threat of illness if products are only eaten a few times. The Food Standards Agency has warned that the contaminated products have best before dates between 1 June 2004 and 25 September 2004. Only the products listed below are affected: Product name Brand nameFiesta Chicken Sausage KQF Fiesta Beef Sausage KQF Spicy Chicken Lollies Mr Spicy Spicy Chicken Kebabs Mr Spicy Spicy Beef Lollies KQF Spicy Beef Kebabs KQF Spicy Lamb Lollie Mr Spicy Spicy Lamb Kebabs Mr Spicy Spicy Lamb Kofta KQF Spicy Chicken Kofta KQF Fiesta Lamb Sausage KQF A product called Sammy`s Easy Cook Couscous Zesty Lemon and Coriander with best before dates of the 7, 8 or 24 September 2004 also contains the contaminated dye. Its 200g packets have a white background and green lettering. They were sold in Tesco stores. The same product, sold in 1.5kg catering size clear jars at Makro stores, should also be returned due to contamination. The jars have a red lid and a label with a green background and white lettering. The best before dates on the effected products are 30 December 2004 or the 1, 4 or 9 January 2005. Councillor Walter Burrows, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for public protection and transport, said: "We would ask members of the public to check in their freezers to see if they have any of these products. "Anyone who has one should throw it away, or return it and request a refund from the store where it was purchased. "We are also still concerned about 70 other food products which have been found to contain Sudan I, particularly some brands of chilli powder." A full list of products that have had to be withdrawn from sale due to being contaminated with Sudan I can be found on Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards website at www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/derbyshire/foodhazards (opens in a new window) Alternatively, consumers can ring 01629 585858 or visit a Derbyshire County Council mobile advice unit. |
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| 10 October 2003 | Council`s A to Z in your pocket |
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A fingertip guide containing details of Derbyshire County Council`s key services has been published for local people. Copies have been distributed to libraries, schools, countryside centres, tourist information centres and town halls. The pocket guide, a fold-out "Z-card", contains an A to Z list of council telephone extensions, area offices and other services including those dealt with by Call Derbyshire, the county council`s contact centre. The compact design means it can be easily kept by the phone or in your pocket. The guide also contains contact telephone details for other local services, including the police and fire services, local district councils and travel helplines, acting as a first point of reference for anyone living in the county. Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor John Williams said: "The guides give people the correct number to access the county council service they need as well as a list of other useful numbers. "It will save people from going to the trouble of trawling through their phone books. "We aim to ensure our services are accessible and user friendly so keep it by your phone - it could save you a lot of time." People can receive a free copy of the guide by contacting Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058. |
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| 09 October 2003 | Warning over scam prize draws |
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A daughter has joined forces with Derbyshire County Council to make a heartfelt plea urging members of the public not to get caught out by scam prize draws. Linda Cockerton is warning other people to be on their guard after discovering that her 85-year-old father, who lives in north east Derbyshire, has spent thousands of pounds entering `prize draws` since 1994. The pensioner had more than 10,000 prize draw envelopes hidden away in his bedroom, along with bags of prizes such as cheap jewellery, cameras and combs. Linda, who lives in Arkwright, said: "My father has spent his life savings and pension money sending money off to enter these so called prize draws. "I absolutely detest the people who organise these draws because they are picking on vulnerable members of the community, particularly the elderly. "While it is too late to do anything about what has happened to my father I want to stop this happening to anybody else." Linda has decided to join forces with Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards officers to help raise public awareness about the dangers of entering prize draws where the organisers ask participants to send an `administrative fee` to take part. Her father is receiving on average between 25 and 30 prize draw letters a day and each asks him to send either £15, £20 or £30 to cover costs. Councillor Walter Burrows, cabinet member for public protection and transport, said: "The organisers of these prize draws are clever because they do not actually break the law. "They ask people to send in money to take part but then send them prizes that are virtually worthless so the participants end up out of pocket. "We would advise anyone who gets a letter asking them to send off money to take part in a prize draw to throw it away." Anyone who needs advice about a prize draw letter should ring Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards team on 01629 585858. |
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| 06 October 2003 | Prizes for green-fingered winners |
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Residential homes and day centres are showing off their colours once again after a gardening competition organised by social services. Prizes from £50 to £150 will be awarded to the winners at a ceremony in October at County Hall, Matlock. A total of 20 groups entered the Derbyshire County Council social services amenity fund gardening competition pruning, planting and tending their plants and shrubs while battling for cash prizes. The competition, in its ninth year, aims to involve staff and people who use the centres and homes in gardening projects, encouraging recycling and improving the environment. Any social services establishment can enter and over the years the competition has helped to transform gardens and the outside of buildings across the county. There were two overall categories – one for adult services and one for children’s services, with each divided into a category for a full garden and a minor display, as well as a Unison prize. As in previous years, each home or centre taking part received £50 towards creating a full garden or £25 to create a minor display, with money coming from the Social Services Amenity Fund. The winners and runners up this year are: FULL GARDEN – ADULTS 1st Prize Rowthorne Home for Older People, Swanwick £150 2nd Prize Southlands Home for Older People, Long Eaton £100 MINOR DISPLAY – ADULTS 1st Prize Underhall Resource Centre, Two Dales £100 Joint 2nd Prize Holmlea Home for Older People, Tibshelf £50 Joint 2nd Prize Holmlea Resource Centre, Tibshelf £50 FULL GARDEN – CHILDREN 1st Prize Glenholme Family Centre, Long Eaton £150 2nd Prize Leyfield House Family Support Centre, Staveley £100 MINOR DISPLAY – CHILDREN 1ST Prize Spire Lodge Family Centre, Chesterfield £100 2nd Prize Gamesley Family Centre £50 INDVIDUAL’S PRIZE Mrs Alice Hemmingray, The Glebe, Alfreton £30 UNISON PRIZE Child from Gamesley Family Centre £30 TALLEST SUNFLOWER (13’ 1½”) South Lodge, Swadlincote £25 Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for health and social care, Councillor Anne Western said: “The competition gives staff and people who use the services and buildings a project they can all get involved in. “Everyone from the homes and centres have been delighted with the improved gardens. The hard work has been worth it and they have made their environment better for themselves and other people.” All the winners and runners up will receive their cash prizes at a ceremony held at County Hall, Matlock on Thursday 9 October. |
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| 06 October 2003 | Help for job seekers and employers in Staveley |
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Unemployed people are being given the chance to find a job and employers are getting a helping hand too thanks to Derbyshire County Council’s new library resource. Staveley Library is opening ‘The Workstation’, a new collection of information providing help and information for people looking for jobs and for employers needing advice on health and safety issues. Resources for job seekers include contact information, job descriptions, guidance on writing CVs, fax and photocopy facilities and Internet access. Employers will benefit from the reference books and guides on health and safety at work with advice and guidance covering all areas of their duties in the workplace. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes and Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for sustainability and environmental services Councillor Keith Morgan launched the new collection at Staveley Library, Hall Lane earlier this week. Councillor Janes said: “I’m sure the new collection will be a great resource for job seekers. There will be information about work places, job markets, how to write a good CV and plenty more. “We hope that people will come in and use The Workstation when looking for work as they can get tips on applying for jobs and can contact potential employers by email or fax. “The health and safety information will also be very useful for workers and employers as it will give them a clear reference point to get workplace guidelines and advice. “Our aim is to encourage people to realise libraries are now centres that provide information for all sectors of the community not just to loan books.” The Workstation has been introduced as part of a partnership between Derbyshire County Council library service, Chesterfield Borough Council’s environmental health service and the Staveley Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder Project, a Government regeneration scheme providing extra resources to boost the community. For more information about The Workstation, members of the public can call Ruth Kaye at Staveley Library on 01246 472448. |
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| 06 October 2003 | Book chat begins in Brimington |
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A new readers’ club is being launched for residents in the Brimington area next month. Brimington Library is holding its first Book Chat meeting on Monday 6 October at 3pm for book enthusiasts to come together and discuss books. Members of the group will be encouraged to get to know each other, discuss their literary tastes and plan future reading. They will choose a book, which everyone reads and then talk about it the following month. Anything from biographies and travel writing to crime, best sellers, new novels, classics and poetry will be covered and they can all be borrowed from Brimington library. Book Chat has been organised by Derbyshire County Council and is aimed at anyone who enjoys reading books and talking about them. Councillor Bob Janes, the council`s cabinet member for community services said: "The aim of the Book Chat groups are to get more people interested in reading, encourage readers to share their views and also find out about new titles. "It offers a chance to expand their reading, try new titles and above all have fun." “We hope the groups will encourage more people to visit their library and see the vast range of resources we now have on offer.” The meetings will take place monthly on Monday afternoons at 3pm. For more information call Carole Burke at Brimington library, Church Street on 01246 271547. |
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| 03 October 2003 | Something for everyone at Amber Valley libraries |
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There`s something for everyone at libraries across Amber Valley over the next few weeks in a new season of attractions. Derbyshire County Council has organised a variety of events at some of its branches across the borough with more to follow later this autumn. This month`s Amber Valley programme features: Duffield Library, Wirksworth Road - Thursday 9 October: 2pm to 4pm: Librarians Elaine Glenwright and Will Newman present a wine and words event for National Poetry Day. Tickets are £3 with £2 concessions.
Ripley Library, Grosvenor Street - Wednesday 15 October: 7.30pm to 8.30pm: Tim Brooks and Zoe Sewter from Groundwork Erewash give a talk entitled "Timelines and Green Spaces" about Groundwork Erewash`s Greenway and community wildspace projects in and around Ripley. Tickets are £2 and £1.50 concessions. Alfreton Library, Severn Square - Wednesday 22 October: 7.30pm to 9pm: Wildlife photographer and author Michael Leach will give a humorous illustrated talk "It`s a funny way to make a living" about the highs and lows of his work as well as tricks of the trade. Tickets are £3.50, with £2.50 concessions, including refreshments.
Belper Library, Bridge Street - Wednesday 29 October: 7.30pm to 9pm: BBC Radio Derby "birdman" David Tideswell will give an illustrated talk about attracting birds to your garden. Tickets are £2.50, with £2 concessions, including refreshments. Tickets for all these events are available from the library hosting the event County council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "We hope our visitors enjoy this month`s events - and we promise we have more in store." For more information about Derbyshire County Council`s events in its Amber Valley libraries call district librarian Julie Potton at Alfreton Library on 01773 833199. |
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| 03 October 2003 | School pupils make counselling video |
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Pupils at two Derbyshire schools have produced a video to use in lessons to promote peer counselling in their schools. Derbyshire County Council`s youth service organised a weekend at Lea Green Outdoor Education Centre, near Matlock, for the students to put the video together. The film is made up of five cameo scenes reflecting young people`s experiences of life. Each story ends with the young person at the centre of the story seeking support from a peer counsellor. The project brought together 23 pupils from Staveley`s Springwell Community School and Netherthorpe School who are involved in peer counselling in both schools to produce the video to use in their lessons. The weekend consisted of seven workshop sessions in which young people joined in getting to know each other games, drama warm up exercises, role play, discussions, filming and collecting personal evidence of their learning. Working in groups they identified the main issues they deal with as peer counsellors and then selected a theme to explore. All of the acting and filming was carried out during the weekend at Lea Green. Students produced the film to be used in PHSE (Personal, Health and Social Education) lessons as a discussion starter and to raise the profile of their projects in school. Their hard work has led to the pupils being awarded with Open College Network certificates as part of the county council`s Youth Train programme, an initiative that offers positive activities and guidance to improve young people`s skills, confidence and abilities. Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, Councillor Bob Janes said: "The film is an excellent way of tackling the sensitive issues that so many young people face. "I`m sure it will be very successful in encouraging discussion in lessons and helping pupils to deal with difficult experiences and decisions that they may have previously faced alone." Netherthorpe School held a film premiere to launch the video to fellow pupils, their guests and representatives of the school. |
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| 03 October 2003 | Children`s laureate to feature in festival |
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Children`s laureate Michael Morpurgo will be the star attraction during a festival being run by Derbyshire County Council to promote reading and writing among school pupils. Michael, who has written more than 90 children`s books, has been appointed by the Government to highlight the importance of authors in creating the readers of tomorrow. He has agreed to attend a celebration event next March, which will be the climax of the county council-run Children`s Festival, although activities will continue until July 2004. The festival, which starts this month, will involve thousands of children and local communities in activities designed to inspire young people so they will be encouraged to read and try their hand at creative writing. Planned events include:
Arts Council England has today announced it is giving Derbyshire County Council a £12,000 Grants for the Arts award as part of the festival. The award will be used to employ artists to spend 78 days working in schools throughout Derbyshire on a variety of projects covering fine arts, photography, sculpture, textile printing and performing arts. Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, said: "While we are constantly trying to improve standards in schools we rarely celebrate the fact that children in Derbyshire are reading and writing better than ever before. "This festival offers a chance to celebrate what has already been achieved and to build on it so we can develop the reading and writing skills of young people. "We are very grateful to Arts Council England because their funding enables artists to go into schools to work with pupils and parents to inspire their creativity and enthusiasm for literature." Laura Dyer, executive director of Arts Council England, East Midlands, said: "One of our national priorities is young people. This project will reach a large number of children, encouraging their interest in the arts and developing their creative skills." |
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| 03 October 2003 | Childminder wins top award in second success for county |
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A Derbyshire childminder has become the second woman in the county to scoop a top national award in two years. Sharon Richardson (33) of Draycott was named Childminder of the Year in a national contest run by Early Years Educator Magazine at a ceremony in Birmingham. Derbyshire also triumphed in the competition last year when grandmother Sue Bate, of Findern, was awarded the prestigious accolade. Sharon, who has a nine-year-old son Jack, gave up her job in pensions and life assurance after her son was born with a chronic lung disorder to look after him full-time. After being in hospital for a year, Jack came home on oxygen and needed round-the-clock care. However, as his condition began to improve, Sharon decided to try to find a job that would fit in with her caring for Jack and looked into becoming a childminder. Childminding fitted the bill and seven years ago Sharon became fully registered. Although she started looking after one child, word soon spread and she now has 15 on her books, regularly entertaining 10 at a time for activities and tea after school. The youngsters under Sharon`s care are aged from two to 14 years old and she has her work cut out developing activities that will keep them all interested until they are picked up by their parents. Sharon, who has taken on two registered helpers for the extra busy days, was nominated for the Childminder of the Year award by Vanessa Perry and Neil Bradburn of Long Eaton. Sharon regularly looks after the couple`s two-year-old daughter Leigh, who needs extra care due to a medical condition. The couple were finding it difficult to find someone to look after Leigh because of her special needs and when they heard about Sharon and her experience with Jack they approached her to see if she could help. Sharon said: "I was only too happy to look after Leigh. I obviously have experience with looking after a sick child and I wasn`t daunted like some people may have been. "It was lovely to be nominated and short-listed but I never thought I could win. It`s a real honour and a good feeling to know your work has been recognised." Sharon, who is supported by Derbyshire Early Years and Childcare Partnership, led by Derbyshire County Council, has just been inspected by OFSTED, which registers childminders, passing with flying colours. She is a member of the Derbyshire Childminding Network and is also visited by the Early Years and Childcare Partnership every two months to check everything is running smoothly. Sharon said: "You have to be a very cheerful person, as well as having patience and an imagination. I would say to anyone who thinks they might like to do a job like this to look into it. I love it and haven`t looked back." Derbyshire Early Years and Childcare Partnership chair and cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "We are extremely pleased to have not one, but two national winners of this prestigious competition. "I think it reflects the excellent choice in the type of quality childcare that is out there in the county and I would like to congratulate Sharon on her national award." Anyone who is interested in a career in childcare or becoming a childminder should call Derbyshire County Council`s childcare recruitment co-ordinator Debbie Bushell on 01629 580000 extension 5749. |
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| 03 October 2003 | A good walk should be just what the doctor ordered |
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Doctors, nurses and other health care professionals are being urged to encourage their patients to walk their way back to health. The Chesterfield Walk This Way project, a three-year scheme set up in February 2002 to promote the health benefits of walking and highlight routes in the borough, is targeting GP surgery and hospital staff with the message. The project has organised a free one-day training course to highlight what level of physical activity is recommended, the consequences of not living an active lifestyle and giving staff up-to-date ideas and skills on how to encourage patients to become more active. The course will also encourage workplaces to set up their own walking group. Walk This Way is run by a partnership of groups including Derbyshire County Council, Walking the Way to Health, North Derbyshire and North Nottinghamshire Coalfield Alliance, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield Primary Care Trust (PCT), the Ramblers` Association, Rethink and Staveley Neighbourhood Management. County council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "This PCT training has only become available this year and we hope anyone working in the health care professions will seize this opportunity to enhance their existing skills and encourage patients to become more active by taking a walk." Anyone from, health visitors to doctors and nurses to hospital-based staff, as well as any professional trying to encourage physical activity among their patients can apply for training. It will take place at the Arkwright Centre, Arkwright Town off the A619 near Bolsover on Tuesday 14 October from 9.30am to 3.30pm. For more information or to register for the day call the Chesterfield Walk This Way team on 01246 280978. |
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| 02 October 2003 | School children targeted to boost attendance |
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School children in North East Derbyshire will be handed leaflets about the importance of attending school as part of a learning community programme to improve standards of education. The Staveley Brimington Learning Community (SBLC) which was set up with support of Derbyshire County Council consists of all schools in the area working together to achieve a number of goals including good student behaviour, attendance policies and working with parents. The community has produced the leaflets to highlight several messages to parents and children about the aims of the organisation and what the families themselves can do to improve their own community. The leaflet will be given out at the start of October in all the schools that make up the SBLC. These are: Springwell Community School Brimington Manor Infant Brimington Junior Netherthorpe School St Joseph Primary Staveley Junior Barrow Hill Primary Speedwell Infant Norbriggs Primary Henry Bradley Infant Poolsbrook Primary Inkersall Primary Woodthorpe Primary Hollingwood Primary Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "I support the learning community`s message that attendance should be a top priority for parents. "Every day of school missed is a day`s education opportunity lost which will have an effect on the child`s life opportunities. "I strongly endorse this initiative because the community working together like this will have the strongest impact." Display boards with information about the Staveley Brimington Learning Community and advice for members of the public will be in the foyer of Morrison`s Superstore in Staveley on Thursday 9 October. Education social workers will be on hand throughout the day. Funding to produce the leaflets has come from `The Staveley Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder Project`, a Government regeneration scheme which provides extra resources to boost the community in the Staveley area. |
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| 02 October 2003 | Ripley road improvements start next week |
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Road resurfacing work is starting next week to improve a stretch of the A610 between Buckland Hollow and the A38 roundabout at Ripley. Derbyshire County Council is spending £135,000 on the scheme which will start on Monday (October 6) and is expected to take just over two weeks to complete. Some of the work to remove the old road surface will be carried out at night to minimise disruption but drivers are being warned to expect delays and to avoid the area by using alternative routes if possible. County council cabinet member for environment and highways Councillor Brian Lucas said: "We`re doing what we can to reduce inconvenience to drivers but this is a major scheme and there will obviously be considerable disruption so we urge them to be patient and bear with us during the work. During the first week road planing and resurfacing will take place on the roundabout between 6pm and 11pm. During these times there will be road closures on the A38 slip roads and the B6441 and local diversions will be signed along the A615, B6013 and B6179. At the end of the first week, resurfacing work along the stretch of A610 from Buckland Hollow to the roundabout will take place during the day after the morning rush-hour and be controlled by temporary traffic lights. This phase is due to be completed by the end of the second week. Road lining and anti-skid surfacing work will be carried out throughout the scheme and should be finished at the beginning of the third week. |
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| 02 October 2003 | Buxton and High Peak art society exhibition |
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Watercolours, oil paintings, pastels and ink drawings will be on display at this year`s Buxton and High Peak Art Society Exhibition. The free annual exhibition will be on show at the Derbyshire County Council-run Buxton Museum and Art Gallery between Saturday 4 October and Saturday 29 November. Buxton and High Peak Art Society is a lively group of artists from all parts of the community. Each member of the society has a different approach to art creating an exhibition that offers something to suit everyone`s taste. There is a great deal of variety in the techniques used and also the subject matter of the pictures. Local residents and artists who may be inspired by the exhibition are welcome to join the society. Other exhibitions showing at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery include the theatre and ballet inspired paintings by Wendy Raphael, which can be seen until Saturday 15 November, and Images in Print, a joint exhibition by Trevor Hodgkison and Christianne Downs, which is on show until Saturday 1 November. Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, Councillor Bob Janes, said: "We are delighted to welcome the popular exhibition to the museum and art gallery. I`m sure the display of pictures will be as diverse as ever and with the usual high standard of technical expertise. "It`s great that we are able to show off the local talent in this exhibition. New and budding artists will no doubt feel inspired to join the society themselves and maybe see their own work in next years display." Entry to all exhibitions is free as part of Derbyshire County Council`s commitment to increase public access to the arts. For further information on any event at the museum and art gallery call Ros Westwood or Sue Palmer on 01298 24658. |
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| 02 October 2003 | Big day for poetry at Chesterfield Library |
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It`s national Big Poetry Day next week and staff at Chesterfield Library are making sure everyone can get involved. The branch is preparing to launch its own new autumn season of events - Chesterfield Poets - and as part of the programme is hosting events to mark Big Poetry Day on Saturday 11 October. The free events, being sponsored by the county council with co-funding from Chesterfield Borough Council, will run from 10am to 2pm and include activities and entertainment suitable for all the family:
Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said, "We`re delighted to be able to support Big Poetry Day locally while also taking the opportunity to launch our new season of poetry events at Chesterfield Library. "With such a range of activities for all ages happening on the day and throughout the autumn we hope to encourage people who don`t normally visit the library to come along - and take the chance to see all the other services we have on offer." For more information about Big Poetry Day events at Chesterfield Library or the branch`s new poetry season call district librarian Ann Ainsworth on 01246 209292. |
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| 02 October 2003 | Action stepped up in run up to bonfire night |
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Trading standards officers from Derbyshire County Council are stepping up their actions to ensure people are safe this coming Bonfire Night. Checks on retailers using child volunteers, routine safety checks on the storage of fireworks and visits to car boot sales will be carried out as part of the county council`s firework safety campaign. Officers will also be taking part in the Derbyshire Bonfire Registration Scheme seminar at Alfreton on Sunday, October 12, for people planning a display. It is against the law for traders to sell fireworks to anyone under 18 and the county council is warning traders that if they are caught flouting the law they could be prosecuted. The maximum fine is £5,000. Last year, 11 people were injured by fireworks in Derbyshire. Councillor Walter Burrows, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for public protection and transport, said: "Bonfire night is an enjoyable night but fireworks are explosives and can kill and maim. It is essential that fireworks are only bought and handled by responsible adults who follow the Firework Code. "Fireworks should only be sold from registered premises and we would urge anybody offered fireworks away from licensed retailers not to buy them. "It is illegal to supply anyone under 18 with fireworks and I would urge shopkeepers who may be unsure of somebody`s age to ask for proof of age. If it cannot be supplied, do not serve them." Derbyshire County Council licenses more than 350 premises to sell and store fireworks, from corner shops to wholesalers. As well as carrying out undercover checks using child volunteers to ensure retailers aren`t selling to people underage, checks will also be carried out to ensure fireworks are stored safely and in accordance with the law. Officers will also be looking to see that illegal fireworks - such as "bangers" - are not on sale. Coun Burrows added: "Traders have a legal and moral duty to uphold the law and the vast majority do. However, our undercover visits and checks of registered premises will reinforce our firework safety message and hopefully ensure we can all enjoy the celebrations." Trading standards has the following advice to consumers:
Traders who sell fireworks are advised to:
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| 01 October 2003 | Hundreds give thumbs up to meals on wheels |
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Meals on wheels users have given the thumbs up to the completely frozen service which has now been up and running for a year. The frozen meals delivered once a fortnight replaced deliveries of hot food and were introduced by Derbyshire County Council in September 2002. Since the introduction the county council has surveyed more than 1,000 people who receive the meals to find out what they think of the new service. When asked to comment on the variety, taste and presentation of the meal, more than 90 per cent said that they were always satisfied and many said that the quality of meals had improved since the introduction of the fully frozen service. A total of 94 per cent of meals on wheels users said they felt the meals were always good value for money and more than 90 per cent said the person delivering the food was always polite and courteous. The survey asked people for suggestions on how to improve the service and areas highlighted included providing more gravy and custard with meals and cooking vegetables for longer. Others also said they would like to have more say in when the meals were delivered to their homes and that large print menus would be welcomed. The county council is now looking at making changes in line with comments made in the survey. Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "We wanted to find out what people thought of the new service and have been very pleased with the results. "To discover that more than 90 per cent of people were always satisfied with the meals was very good news and we shall be striving to increase that number." She added: "We are grateful to those who took part as their suggestions and comments can be used as the basis for us to improve the service further and continue to give people what they want." The service is provided on behalf of the county council by Apetito, with deliveries carried out by Wiltshire Farm Foods. Until 30 September 2002 it was provided by the Women`s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS). Apetito was chosen following taste tests by a panel of meals on wheels users who put the company`s selection of food out in front for quality, choice and presentation. People receiving meals on wheels can choose from a selection of 42 meals costing £1.30 each for a two-course meal and a gourmet range is available at a higher cost. The service is also now available via Wiltshire Farm Foods to anyone who would like to have their meals delivered. Prices for this service vary from £1.50 to £4 for a main course, with desserts starting at 45p. For more information about the meals on wheels service people should telephone their local social services office. |
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| 01 October 2003 | Handy plans will improve older people`s lives |
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Ambitious plans to improve the lives of older people in Derbyshire have taken a step forward with the proposed introduction of a `HandyVan` scheme. The county council is looking to team up with older people`s charity Help The Aged to launch the new scheme which will be concentrated in the south of the county, Erewash and Amber Valley. The HandyVan scheme was given the green light by the county council`s cabinet at a meeting today (30 September) on the eve of International Day of Older Persons. The scheme will cost around £70,000 in the first year and will be funded by the county council and Help The Aged. The scheme`s aim is to keep older people more secure from crimes and accidents in their own homes and has been developed to help those on low incomes. A number of organisations, from neighbourhood watch schemes and social services to church groups, victim support or the Citizens` Advice Bureau can refer older people to the scheme and they will receive services including installing free smoke alarms, window locks and even changing light bulbs. The HandyVan scheme is part of a host of new initiatives planned to improve the lives of older people living in their own homes and to help those people to stay living in their own homes for longer. Other plans in the county include setting up 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 county council is spending £350,000 this year on improving services for older people, including helping them to develop job opportunities and boosting community transport. The new schemes have come about as a result of the council`s Best Value Review of older people in the community. Over the past year hundreds of people aged 55 years and over have been asked for their views on a wide range of issues affecting their lives and have provided comments on dozens of services. The emphasis of the Best Value Review was to ask older people what they would like to see to help make their lives better. Covered in the review were issues ranging from accommodation and quality of life through to information, health, leisure and transport. County council leader Councillor John Williams said: "We wanted as many views as possible from a wide range of people and we wanted them to tell us what they wanted from services in the future. "The HandyVan scheme is just one of a number of schemes that are planned for the future which we hope will improve older people`s lives. "The emphasis of this scheme, as with many others, is that it will help older people to live in their own homes for longer if that is what they want. They will be more independent and feel safer in their homes." Councillor Williams added: "We are very pleased that the partnership with Help the Aged has resulted in such a positive scheme being planned and it is apt that the decision was made on the eve of International Day of Older Persons. "The county council is committed to improving the lives of older people and now we are armed with their views we can start to implement the schemes to do this." |
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| 01 October 2003 | Derbyshire Libraries celebrate Family Learning Weekend |
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Mums, dads, grandparents, children and friends can take part in one of 11 "Fun For Families" events taking place across the county. Derbyshire County Council`s cultural and community services along with ROWA! - Read On Write Away - are organising a number of events that encourage learning for all the family and also make it fun. The day`s events are part of Family Learning Weekend - an annual event co-ordinated by the Campaign For Learning that delivers learning opportunities to thousands of families nationally. Sandiacre Library, Clay Cross Library, Shirebrook Library, Swadlincote Library, Ashbourne Library, Glossop Library and Alfreton Library are offering a programme of family events on Saturday 11 October between 10am and 1pm supported by library and ROWA staff. Events include:
At the same time, two ROWA buses will be at Wirksworth and Doveridge offering a range of the Family Learning Weekend activities. The Wirksworth bus will be parked outside the Memorial Hall on Derby Road and the Doveridge bus will be parked in the Village Hall car park on Sand Lane. Chesterfield Library is also running a series of poetry events between 10am and 2pm including:
All day - follow the poetry trail - match the poem to the object and win a prize . For tickets to the show and workshop call Chesterfield Library, New Beetwell Street on 01246 209292. Buxton Museum and Art Gallery is joining in the weekend`s fun by launching a museum activity book for families. The free book contains colouring in, word searches, cross words, quizzes and other activities for children and their families to do whilst visiting the gallery in Terrace Road and at home. Information about events at the gallery is available by ringing Ros Westwood or Sue Palmer on 01298 24658. Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "Family Learning Weekend brings the excitement of learning and discovery back to communities. The combination of fun and learning are the main ingredients in the weekend`s winning formula. "Without family support, a child`s formal education can be a struggle. Family learning offers extra opportunities to families and helps to bring all family members together to support one another. "The learning schemes are often a second chance for parents and grandparents to return to learning and widen their horizons." |
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