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February
| 28 February 2007 | Care support boost welcomed by council |
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New measures aimed at supporting carers who look after relatives have been welcomed by Derbyshire County Council. The Government has awarded county council’s social care services an extra £359,000 on top of its annual £2.65 million carers’ grant to fund short-term emergency respite care for people who need a break from their role. The extra money, awarded to local authorities across the country, is part of the Government’s New Deal for Carers and is aimed at relieving the strain on carers if they are sick or have other commitments. As well as the extra cash, a national helpline is also being set up to give carers advice and support. In Derbyshire there are currently 8,800 formal carers receiving support from the county council’s social care services. County social care staff, in consultation with local carers organisations, will now draw up plans looking at the most effective ways of channelling the extra money. This could include increasing flexible support for carers, extra respite care opportunities or added domestic help around the home. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults Councillor Dave Allen said: “Carers are dedicated and want to look after their family member themselves, often making the difference between them going into residential care or being able to live at home. "However, many need extra support with their caring role even if it’s only occasionally for a well-earned break. “The extra money is very welcome so that we can put more support-systems in place where they are most needed.” (Ref.MC.68.07) |
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| 28 February 2007 | From gas works to nature reserve |
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A piece of land which started off life as a gas works has been transformed into a nature reserve. Mousley Bottom at New Mills has also been used as a rubbish tip and a sewerage works. But now – after work carried out by Derbyshire County Council - it is a haven for wildlife which has been given local nature reserve status. The site was first reclaimed in the early ‘80s when paths were laid and large areas of planting took place. But the real work has been carried out over the last five years as the county council has improved habitats for wildlife in the woodlands and made the site more accessible with improved paths and boardwalks. A volunteer day was held to celebrate Mousley Bottom’s new status. Many hands made light work of weaving a fence with hazel rods, making a seating area and carrying out habitat work. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: ”It is so gratifying to see a place transformed to such a degree as this. “Only a matter of years ago Mousley Bottom was an industrial piece of land. Now – after lots of hard work by county council staff – it is home to a variety of wildlife, flora and fauna.” MUCKING IN…Anthony Madge and Catherine Ross from Birch Vale with (right) cabinet member for external affairs Councillor Dave Wilcox during a volunteer day |
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| 26 February 2007 | Pupils turn tutor to help younger children learn |
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Infant and primary school children are being trained to support younger pupils’ learning as part of a Derbyshire County Council peer tutor scheme. The project, run by the authority’s advisory and inspection service and educational charity The Derbyshire University of the First Age, teaches children different learning styles, how the brain works and how they can support learning. Skills taught to the peer tutors are designed to be used under staff supervision in sessions during lunchtimes, after-school clubs, holiday clubs, revision sessions or during assemblies. A conference hosted at Ilkeston Arena saw existing peer tutors help to train more than 50 pupils from:
The scheme benefits peer tutors by building self-confidence and reinforcing existing knowledge, while younger pupils respond well because they are being supported by a child of similar age who they can relate to. Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “All children involved benefit as the extra sessions help build relationships between pupils and consolidate the learning taking place in regular lessons. “The work they do really does help because peer tutors can explain how to overcome difficulties they may have recently overcome themselves and talk it through in a child’s language.” More than 170 pupils from schools across Derbyshire have been trained to act as peer tutors during the last three years. Peer tutoring is part of the authority’s Inspire Creativity strategy to bring together projects, events and professional development opportunities to help maximise children’s learning by making creative links across the curriculum. (REF:FW.51.07) |
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| 26 February 2007 | Social care recruitment backed by council |
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A national campaign to recruit more people into social care is being backed by Derbyshire County Council. The county council currently has around 40 vacancies in various posts across the county, ranging from home carers, kitchen staff and residential care assistants to social workers and service managers. There are currently around 14,000 people working for either the county council or independent care providers across Derbyshire offering support to older people, young people and their families and people with disabilities. There are also hundreds of people working in care and support roles at day centres and residential homes. The Government’s national social care recruitment drive starts in March and will highlight a variety of careers in the sector through television and radio adverts. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults Councillor Dave Allen said: “The national campaign is about encouraging more people to think about a rewarding career in social care and to highlight the variety of posts that are available. “Social care offers a wide range of work possibilities with full or part-time vacancies and flexible hours and in Derbyshire we also offer training and the chance to gain more qualifications to progress to different roles.” (Ref: MC.64.07) |
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| 26 February 2007 | Permit scheme bid to keep traffic moving |
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Derbyshire County Council is hoping a new scheme will ease the misery of drivers and get traffic moving across the county. The authority is applying to the Government to use a permit system to manage when and where roadworks take place. This will mean any company – eg gas, water, electricity – who needs to carry out work will have to apply in advance for permission to do so detailing when, where and how long the proposed scheme will take. The county council will then be able to plan and co-ordinate where works are taking place which in turn should help reduce congestion on the roads. Permits will be given according to the length of the proposed scheme and a charge will be made to cover administration and monitoring costs once the scheme has started. The new system also gives the power to fine companies who fail to apply for a permit or who do not complete the works within the given timescale. The authority now has to apply to the Government giving details of the proposed scheme which it is hoped will start next year. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “By using a permit system we will be able to manage what works are carried out on our roads, encourage joint working and monitor companies to minimise the time it takes to carry out a scheme. “All this will eventually mean less delays for drivers and the easier movement of traffic around the county.” (REF: SM.66.07) |
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| 23 February 2007 | Stands being snapped up for food and drink fair |
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Food and drink producers are being urged to sign up fast to secure a stand at the sixth Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair. The two-day fair at Bolsover Castle is being held on 19-20 May and is organised by Derbyshire County Council. Thousands of people attended the fair last year and this year should be just as popular, with two large marquees set up in the castle grounds housing around 100 food and drink stalls. A wide selection of locally produced goods, from chocolates, meats, cheeses, smoked goods, pies, pickles, cakes, beer and wine will be for sale during the fair and many stall-holders will be offering free tasting sessions. Dozens of food and drink producers have already booked their stands and the county council is urging anyone who may want a stall to contact them now to secure their place. Entry to the fair will be £2.50 per adult and £1.50 for children and concessions. The price includes admission to the castle and grounds and as well as the numerous stalls there will be live music, entertainers, face-painting and a brass band. There will also be a large craft fair, crafts@thecastle. During both days celebrity chef Ed Baines, who has appeared on numerous TV food and cookery programmes, will be showing off his culinary skills in the cookery theatre and there will be a chance for visitors to chat to him, pick up tips and get books signed too. There will also be a host of chefs from Derbyshire eateries demonstrating their signature dishes and giving people culinary advice and ideas. The third Derbyshire Food and Drink Festival will also be launched at the fair. The festival, which runs from 19-28 May will see culinary events take place at various locations across the county and events will be posted on the Derbyshire Food Festival website (opens in a new window) Establishments taking part in the festival will include restaurants, pubs, hotels, cheese shops, butchers and delicatessens and they will be holding events to promote Derbyshire’s food and drink industry including tours, festival menus and free tasting sessions. Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “Already there has been a lot of enthusiasm shown for the fair and the festival and we are confident it will be the best yet. “We have had excellent feedback over the years from stall holders at the fair, many returning year after year. “I would urge any producers wanting a stall at the fair to contact us shortly to secure their place and help us to put Derbyshire’s top quality food and drink on the map.” Food and drink producers wishing to exhibit at the fair or establishments wanting to hold an event during the food festival should contact Stephanie Walsh at Derbyshire County Council on 01629 585964. (Ref: MC.63.07) |
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| 23 February 2007 | Book now for safer pubs courses |
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Pub and nightclub licensees in parts of Derbyshire are being encouraged to sign up for free courses to help them increase safety for staff and customers. Places are filling up fast on the sessions, run by Derbyshire County Council, which are part of a pilot scheme to help reduce alcohol-related crime, particularly in busy town centres. The one-day courses run in March and each venue is offered two different courses providing its staff with recognised qualifications. The Designated Premises Supervisor course highlights the legal and practical responsibilities of licensees and gives an insight into important changes in the licensing law. The Conflict Resolution and Personal Safety course covers topics including ways of resolving confrontation, the law relating to violence and assault, self defence and reporting of incidents. Candidates will complete a short multiple-choice exam at the end of each course to gain the qualification and certificate. Invitations to the courses have been sent to 370 pubs and nightclubs in the Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East areas of the county and licensees are being encouraged to book early as places are limited. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “We hope licensees book onto these courses as they offer a great opportunity to pick up some practical safety tips and get an accredited qualification for free. “The courses are designed to help pubs and nightclubs protect their staff and customers and create a safe working environment. “Unfortunately when alcohol is involved some people do get aggressive and violent so we want to equip pub and nightclub staff with the skills and confidence to deal with these situations and make their venues safer for everyone.” Sessions will take place at two Chesterfield venues on the following dates: BIIAB Designated Premises Supervisor courses:
CIEH Conflict Resolution and Personal Safety courses:
All sessions run between 9am and 5pm. The scheme is being supported by Derbyshire police and if successful could be extended to other parts of the county. For more information on the courses or to apply for a place licensees can contact Derbyshire County Council’s community safety team on 01629 580000 ext 7495 or email katya.redwood2@derbyshire.gov.uk (Ref: SS.62.07)
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| 22 February 2007 | Young people rise to county's challenge |
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Creative youngsters competed to have their youth projects put forward for a national competition to win up to £45,000 funding. Derbyshire County Council’s youth service played host to more than 50 young people taking part in the Youth Challenge Competition Fund. Youth workers from each of the county’s eight districts selected one project developed by youngsters in their area to be part of Derbyshire’s heat. Members of Derbyshire Youth Forum, which has 16 elected representatives aged between 11 and 19-years-old, judged the projects to decide which one to put forward into the national competition. North East Derbyshire’s project to provide a youth shelter, astro-turf and goal posts on playing fields near the village hall at Mickley was overall winner. The project was given the green-light to receive Youth Opportunity Funding of £3,200 for the Astroturf and goal posts and £4,565 for a youth shelter by the authority’s cabinet in October last year. Competing schemes included; helping young people learn to drive, a multi-use community garden, residential courses for youngsters, youth centre refurbishment and a theatre project to explore issues affecting young people. The Youth Challenge Competition Fund offers projects across the country the chance to win grants from a £2 million pot by developing innovative schemes. Cash prizes of between £30,000 and £45,000 are awarded to 15 successful projects shortlisted from all the national entries. Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “Derbyshire has more than 100 youth service projects supported by the Youth Opportunity and Youth Capital Fund, which are improving the lives of young people by giving them the chance to make friends, try new activities and learn skills. “The standard of projects entered was extremely high and we were delighted to see the effort and inspiration this generated in young people.” The national final will take place on March 29. (FW.52.07)
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| 22 February 2007 | Delta holidays prove force for good |
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More than 300 young people have enjoyed an outdoor adventure holiday break in the past year through a Derbyshire County Council-run scheme.
The Derbyshire Education Leisure Time Activities (DELTA) scheme offers activity breaks for groups of young people at the county council-run Lea Green Centre in Lea, near Crich, and White Hall Centre in Buxton.
The breaks are provided for young people who would not normally be able to visit an outdoor adventure activity centre due to their family’s social or financial circumstances. This includes young people with learning difficulties or physical disabilities and young carers.
By the end of March 302 young people will have had holidays at one of the two centres – 39 more than last year. A further 101 young people have been sponsored by DELTA to attend residential courses booked through their schools.
DELTA has also run taster days to encourage 75 children with low self-esteem to try activities for a day with the hope it will lead to them feeling confident enough to take a longer break in the future. Of these 84 per cent have gone on to book further activity breaks. A further 24 people are due to go on the courses before the end of March.
Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to expand the number of activity breaks on offer through this very successful scheme.
“Staff at both the centres are able to offer one-to-one support to ensure that all young people can attend no matter what their needs or disabilities might be.
“We have received very favourable comments from the participants on the activity breaks and it is clear that the breaks help boost the self-confidence of those young people.”
Derbyshire County Council spent £70,885 in the last financial year running the DELTA project.
Young people can be referred on a DELTA activity break by Derbyshire County Council’s education welfare officers, social care workers and children’s centre managers. Headteachers, staff in health trusts, Barnardos Family Action and Derbyshire Young Carers can also refer cases.
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| 22 February 2007 | Dan urges others to get creative on new courses |
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Artist and designer Dan Marsh is urging other creative minds to take advantage of a series of free workshops aimed at helping people to set up in business. The Focusing Creativity programme is aimed at people running or setting up creative businesses ranging from web design and visual art to advertising and music. It consists of five jargon-free workshops starting with a core one-day event on Tuesday 3 April and running through to Friday 20 April with all the courses being held at The Voicebox, Kensington Mews, Forman Street, Derby. The programme, supported by a number of organisations including Derbyshire County Council, is available free to creative industries across the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership (DDEP) areas of Amber Valley, Erewash, Derbyshire Dales, South Derbyshire, Derby City and High Peak. It is funded by DDEP, the Arts Council East Midlands and the Derbyshire Arts Partnership and as well as the programme, specialist mentoring and grant assistance of up to 50 per cent on areas including marketing will also be available. Dan, 32, runs his own creative, design and arts solutions service Giant Minds in Wirksworth and after attending the Focusing Creativity programme he is highly recommending it to others running or setting up new creative businesses. He set up Giant Minds in 2002 but it is only in the past couple of years he has started to put all his efforts in to working for himself and not freelancing for other people. Dan said: “Focusing Creativity gave me a lot more confidence in what I was doing and I also picked up a lot of very useful advice and tips from the courses and from the group sessions. “Talking to other people who are going through similar situations and coming up against the same challenges really helps you to focus and you can all help each other. “I have been able to focus my ideas since going on the course and push my business forward. Sometimes you can feel a bit `on your own’ and it combats that feeling as you know there is support and advice out there.” Since completing the course Dan took on his largest project to date, the complete re-branding and re-designing of a dental practice in Cornwall. “We did everything from the logo and branding to building furniture and the reception so its image and themes ran through the whole enterprise. It was very rewarding and we have had some great feedback,” he said. Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “All aspects of running a successful creative business are covered in the Focusing Creativity programme, from planning a strategy and a development plan to marketing and financial skills. “Creative industry experts lead the workshops and guide people through the process of setting up a new business which can be quite daunting. “We have had some excellent feedback from the programme so far and I’m glad that creative minds like Dan have taken something positive away from completing Focusing Creativity.” As well as the Focusing Creativity programme itself, specialist one-to-one mentoring is available following the workshops and there will be specialists on hand to refer people to other support schemes if necessary. There has been a high demand for past courses and places are limited so people are urged to sign up fast to guarantee a place. To apply for a place or for further details contact the Derbyshire Enterprise Agency on 01332 548010 or e-mail info@derbyshire.org. FOCUSING CREATIVITY PROGRAMME DATES
(Ref:MC.60.07)
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| 22 February 2007 | Derbyshire County Council retains top rating |
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A Government watchdog has awarded Derbyshire County Council the highest rating in an assessment of the quality of services offered by authorities across the country. The Audit Commission’s Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA), published today (Thursday 22 February) has revealed the authority is “improving well” and has retained the best rating of four stars. Derbyshire is in the top three best performing county councils in the country, and the best performing authority in the East Midlands. Audit Commission inspectors found the council is “providing good value for money, and works effectively with partners to deliver joint priorities.” Councillor John Williams, county council leader said: “We’re proud to have maintained our record as a top performing council with a four star rating. “We work extremely hard to improve life for the people of Derbyshire and offer the high quality services they deserve. “We will continue to do this to achieve even more and offer even better value for money to our taxpayers. “Our plan is to build on successes and carry on making every possible improvement to how, where and when we deliver services to keep standards and public satisfaction high.” The Audit Commission also praised the council for:
Authority chief executive Nick Hodgson said: “Everyone working for Derbyshire County Council is committed to giving excellent customer service to our residents and I’m delighted the hard work has been rewarded with the top CPA rating. “It’s always a challenge for a strongly performing council that’s offering good value for money to make further improvements but we aim to make more progress. “We work closely with our partner organisations to make Derbyshire a fantastic place to live, work and visit and will put every effort into making it the best county in the country.” The authority has gained the highest status in the annual CPA reports since they were introduced by the Government in 2002. Each assessment scores councils on the quality of services being delivered and authorities’ ability to improve. (Ref: FW.57.07) |
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| 22 February 2007 | Warning over unhealthy takeaways |
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Residents are being reminded to think about what they eat after a food survey by Derbyshire County Council revealed extremely high levels of salt and fat in takeaway meals. As part of an East Midlands regional survey trading standards officers analysed meal samples from nine random supermarkets and independent takeaways across the county and found meals from takeaways contained the highest levels of saturated fat and salt. Pizzas came out worst with the average pizza from an independent takeaway containing 148 percent of the daily recommended saturated fat intake and 160 per cent of the daily recommended salt intake. Supermarket pizzas were not much healthier containing up to 90 percent of the recommended daily salt. Vegetable curry with plain rice bought from a supermarket contained moderate levels of fat and salt but the same meal bought from a takeaway contained more than three times the amount of fat and double the amount of salt due to the much larger servings. Similar results were found for the sweet and sour chicken samples with the average serving of a takeaway version of the meal, which included egg fried rice, containing double the amount of the recommended daily salt intake. The county council joined forces with trading standards authorities across the East Midlands to carry out the survey as part of Food Awareness Week to highlight the importance of checking information on food labels. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “Food Awareness Week is about raising awareness of food content so consumers have the power to check the quality of the food they buy and are confident they know what it contains. “We are not saying people should never eat takeaways but it is important they are aware of their salt, fat and sugar intake and when there is no label to check you really don’t know how much you are consuming in one go. "We will continue to monitor food samples and work with food suppliers and retailers to reduce dangerous fat and salt levels as part of our commitment to improving the health of local people.” Advice leaflets highlighting ‘what is a lot’ of salt, fat and sugar in the diet are available at doctor's surgeries, medical centres, all Derbyshire County Council libraries and trading standards offices. Leaflets can also be obtained from Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058. Complaints about food products, including those listed below, should be reported to the authority’s trading standards service through Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06:
(Ref: SS.54.07) |
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| 21 February 2007 | Derbyshire leads way in helping patients have more say |
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Derbyshire County Council is leading the way in helping patients have more say in their health care. The authority is one of only nine local authorities chosen to pilot a new scheme which allows people to book a hospital appointment in their local library. Library staff are trained to help residents use the new Choose and Book system which allows patients to choose a hospital or clinic for an outpatient appointment then book a date and time that suits them via the computer. It is being trialled in three Derbyshire County Council libraries and on three of the council’s mobile libraries and gives people who don’t own their own computer free access to the internet as well as guidance on how to use it. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, Councillor Bob Janes, said the pilot scheme offered the authority an opportunity to help local people have more say in their healthcare. He added: “We’re pleased to have been chosen to help launch the service. “Patients can come in to the library and get help from our trained staff in using the Internet. “And when they are ready to make their decision about when and where they want their treatment they can make their choice instantly on the computer. “ The pilot scheme is part of the Partnership for Patients initiative which gives patients – once they have been referred by their GP for an outpatient appointment – choice over which hospital or clinic to go to. When they have decided, they can then book a date and time to suit them. This can be done at the GP’s surgery immediately or later by phone or electronically on the internet. This is where the county council’s library service can step in. Staff have been trained to help patients access information about their healthcare choices and then help them make a booking online. The pilot was launched this month and is running at Bolsover, Bakewell and Hayfield libraries and on mobile libraries in Bradwell, Codnor and Barlborough. Councillor Janes added: “Not everybody is familiar with the internet which can be a daunting prospect if you’ve never used it before. Our libraries have the Choose and Book leaflets available and our staff are trained in helping people use the system. “We are keen to enhance the services we offer people in our libraries and I hope people will take the opportunity to use the service to help make their appointment. “Our trained staff can help ensure that people’s unfamiliarity with technology does not stop them having a choice.”
The pilot will last for six months and will be independently evaluated by Loughborough University. The pilot libraries in Derbyshire are: Bolsover Library, Church Street; Bakewell Library, Granby Road: and Hayfield Library, Kinder Road. The mobiles call at stops in and around Bradwell, Codnor and Barlborough. For full details of their routes, go to http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/mobile_libraries (opens in a new window) Since January, patients have had the right to choose from up to four healthcare providers after being referred by their GP. (Ref: AJ.58.07) |
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| 21 February 2007 | Derbyshire libraries celebrate World Book Day |
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Libraries across Derbyshire will be celebrating the 10th annual World Book Day on Thursday (1 March) with a series of fun events. Organised by The Reading Agency, the national event aims to promote the enjoyment of books and reading. In Derbyshire County Council libraries there will be displays including a list of “Quick Reads” and people will be encouraged to share their 10 favourite books to compile the ultimate reading list. Across the county events will include a “How to set up a poetry group” session with Derbyshire’s poet laureate Cathy Grindrod, an internet book quiz, family reading sessions and children dressed as their favourite character from a book. Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “There will be something for all the family in our libraries on World Book Day and I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the event. “Reading is a great way for families to spend time together and as well as being fun it helps to develop literacy skills and a love of books in children which hopefully will carry on in to adulthood. “Why not take the opportunity to visit one of our libraries to find out about the range of services we offer including the free loan of books, free use of computers and access to the internet as well as hiring CDs, DVDs and computer games.” Here is a list of events that will be taking place in Derbyshire libraries during World Book Day on Thursday 1 March: Amber Valley
Bolsover
Chesterfield
Derbyshire Dales
Erewash
North East
(Ref: CC.58.07) |
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| 21 February 2007 | Help to solve a museum murder mystery |
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Do you fancy being in your own episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation? Then an event at Derbyshire County Council’s Buxton Museum and Art Gallery could be for you. Young people aged 12 to 18 are invited to use forensic science to solve a murder mystery during an event being held at the venue on Saturday 10 March. It is being held to celebrate National Science and Engineering Week, organised by the British Association for the Advancement of Science to celebrate the importance of science, engineering and technology to our lives. The youth sleuths will use science to investigate the murder of a member of staff including fingerprinting, analysing fibres and using chemicals to test an unknown substance found at the crime scene. Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “I would encourage young people to sign up to this fun event. “It will give them a chance to experience for themselves the very important role that science plays in the investigation of crimes.” The event takes place between 1pm and 3pm and budding Horatio Cain’s must book to take part by ringing 01298 24658 as numbers are limited. While at the museum, visitors can enjoy a new exhibition using items from the Derbyshire Police Collections, called Time Served, and Jeff Perks’ powerful anti-war exhibition Words out of War. Buxton Museum and Art Gallery is open to the public free of charge as part of Derbyshire County Council’s commitment to provide access for all to cultural activities. For more information contact Martha Jasko on 01298 24658 or email martha.jasko@derbyshire.gov.uk (Ref: CC.55.07) |
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| 20 February 2007 | Helping your community group |
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A series of workshops will be held across Derbyshire to help the organisers of community, voluntary or independent groups find out more about the Derbyshire Children and Young People’s Trust. The trust – a partnership involving Derbyshire County Council, health services, Connexions Derbyshire, Derbyshire Police, the voluntary, community and independent sector and the Learning and Skills Council – is organising the Moving Forward Together sessions. The events, for organisers of groups involving children and young people, will also look at the:
Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We are lucky in Derbyshire to have so many voluntary, community and independent sector groups working with children, young people and families. “These workshops are an opportunity for them to get together to network and share ideas and to hear about and contribute to new developments. “It also enables organisers to find out more about the many new policies, procedures and laws that apply to organisations working with children and young people.”
The events will take place at:
Anyone wanting to book places on any of the workshops or find out further information should ring Matt Ford on 01629 580000, ext 5697 or email matthew.ford@connexions-derbyshire.org (REF: JF.53.07) |
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| 19 February 2007 | Bus passengers are more than satisfied |
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Bus users in Derbyshire are among some of the most satisfied in the country according to a new survey. Derbyshire County Council – along with every other authority in the country – asked local people to rate its services using a standard set of questions compiled by the Audit Commission. In Derbyshire more than 80 per cent of people who have used public transport information in the last 12 months were satisfied with the service – making the county council the highest performing shire county in the country in this category. And more than 70 per cent of people who have used bus services in the last 12 months said they were satisfied – giving the authority a third place rating among shire counties in England. The county council has various ways of keeping local people up to date with bus service news including:
The authority also works closely with bus operators to improve local bus services through such initiatives as Kickstart – Government money which goes towards improving routes and buses - and bus quality partnerships – where operators put on new buses and the county council improve the route, signage, information etc More than 1000 people filled in the questionnaires as part of the survey which is carried out every three years. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “We spend £5m a year on subsidised bus routes in Derbyshire. “We’re delighted the people who use them have given us this vote of confidence.” (REF: SM.50.07) |
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| 19 February 2007 | Why taking to the saddle has never been easier |
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Cyclists will be blazing a trail in north Derbyshire thanks to major improvement works by Derbyshire County Council. The authority is carrying out work on two schemes which will create better cycleway links in the Tibshelf area. The first scheme – due to start this week – involves creating a cycle route on a section of the Five Pits Trail. The old underpass under the High Street will be filled in and raised up to road level to improve the safety of the Five Pits Trail and create a link to Tibshelf Community School. The school is making the most of the new route and introducing cycle lockers with the help of cash from the county council. This means pupils will now have a healthy and environmentally friendly option of travelling to school. The scheme is costing £155,000 - £29,000 from the county council, £50,000 from Bolsover Local Strategic Partnership’s Neighbourhood Renewal Fund through Bolsover Countryside Partnership and £76,000 from SUSTRANS – and should be finished by the end of next month. The second scheme will see three phases of work being carried out on the old colliery railway line between Westhouses and Teversal in Nottinghamshire. The first phase towards creating a £400,000 multi user trail along the whole route has already started. It is a joint scheme between Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Bolsover District Council and Ashfield District Council. The first phase of work in Derbyshire – costing £80,000 – falls between Tibshelf Ponds and the county boundary. The second phase – to improve links to the Five Pits Trail - is due to start at the end of this month. The £40,000 scheme will be funded by Bolsover Local Strategic Partnership via Bolsover Countryside Partnership and should be completed by the end of next month. It is hoped work on the final phase can start early next year. This will include habitat improvements and extending the trail from Tibshelf to Westhouses and Blackwell. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “This is great news for the residents of Tibshelf and visitors to the area. “The improved cycleway and new greenway will open up more of our countryside for people to enjoy in a healthy and environmentally friendly way.” (SM.49.07) |
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| 19 February 2007 | Planning a future for rubbish |
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Three companies are in the running to help shape the future of the county’s rubbish. Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council have drawn-up a shortlist of firms bidding to manage Derbyshire’s household waste from 2010 onwards. Shanks, Waste Recycling Group and United Utilities now have until April 2007 to give a detailed outline of their proposals as an alternative to sending rubbish to landfill. The bid is all part of a joint approach by Derbyshire councils, including districts and boroughs, to dealing with the county’s rubbish over the next 25 years. It was put together to address problems with sending rubbish to landfill which is no longer acceptable on such a large scale. All Derbyshire councils are working together to drastically reduce the amount of rubbish buried in the ground. This is because rubbish produces greenhouse gases as it rots which damages the environment and landfill space is running out. Both the city and county councils face hefty penalties from the Government if they fail to reduce the amount of rubbish they send to landfill. It could mean council tax payers will face higher bills in future years if targets are not met. Initiatives to reduce, reuse and recycle rubbish such as kerbside recycling collection schemes, recycling banks, household waste recycling centres and home composting incentives are running across the county. Several composting plants are already in operation and more are planned in the next few years. But two waste treatment plants – one in the south of the county and one in the north - are also needed to deal with Derbyshire’s waste that cannot be recycled or composted. The councils have asked the contractors to propose the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods of treating the rubbish and recovering value from it. The waste strategy that was put out for consultation last year and has now been adopted by all councils in Derbyshire makes no specific recommendations concerning a preferred treatment method. Bidders’ proposals for handling the county’s rubbish will include plans for two plants. Derbyshire County Council leader Councillor John Williams said: “These are long-term plans for dealing with the rubbish we all produce as part of our daily lives. “We all want what’s best for Derbyshire and its residents and we’re keeping an open mind about our preferred waste treatment options.” Councillor Chris Williamson, leader of Derby City Council, said: “We’re continuing to consult with residents to find the most suitable sites for facilities and we’d like to thank everyone who has responded so far. “The contract is not expected to start until 2010 but we want to let people know what’s happening and will continue to do so every step of the way.”
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| 19 February 2007 | b_line celebrates quarter million milestone |
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Eleven year old Andrew Wright is the quarter of a millionth young person to receive a b_line card since Derbyshire County Council launched the scheme in 2001. And to celebrate the 250,000 cardholder milestone, b_line awarded the Year 7 Brookfield Community School pupil with some top prizes including an iPod nano, a b_line goody bag and a family weekend in Oxford. Councillor Walter Burrows, chair of Derbyshire County Council, presented Andrew with the prizes at Brookfield Community School, Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield on Thursday 8 February. Andrew, from Holymoorside, Chesterfield, said: “When I found out I was the 250,000 b_liner I didn’t know what to say but the best bit is definitely the prizes.” He is looking forward to taking his mum, dad and older brother on the weekend to Oxford in May – a prize donated to b_line by several businesses including the YHA and Virgin trains. Councillor John Williams, county council leader, said: “Reaching our quarter millionth cardholder is a great milestone for b_line and we are delighted with the scheme’s success. “b_line is growing in popularity all the time with more businesses signing up to our discount scheme and our successful magazine which lets us keep in touch with our b_liners as well as helping them get the most from their card.” More than 55,000 copies of b_line magazine are distributed through Derbyshire schools, colleges, youth centres, libraries and from b_line discounters. Copies are also available by phoning Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058. All 11 to 18 year olds who live in Derbyshire are automatically issued with b_line cards through their school, as long as it is run by Derbyshire County Council or Derby City Council, or through their college. For more information about b_line, or if you are a business who would like to sign up, visit the website www.derbyshire.gov.uk/b_line (opens in a new window) or ring Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058. Andrew's lucky number: b_liner Andrew Wright, 11, receives top prizes from Derbyshire County Council’s chair Councillor Walter Burrows after becoming the 250,000 young person to get a b_line travel and discount card. (Ref: SS.46.07) |
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| 14 February 2007 | Stamping Out Anti-social Behaviour |
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Pupils are learning valuable lessons in tackling anti-social behaviour thanks to a touring play funded by Derbyshire County Council. Year 7 students from Eckington School watched the play ‘Do Something’ to learn more about how they can combat anti-social behaviour they may encounter. The play, which will tour schools across Derbyshire, encourages young people to think about issues including bullying, vandalism, peer pressure, graffiti and underage drinking. After each 40-minute performance of the play pupils take part in workshops to discuss and learn from the subjects raised and think about ways to challenge anti-social behaviour. Derbyshire County Council has financed the project with £34,200 so secondary schools, special schools or support centres could book the play and presentation for free. Topics covered in the presentation are part of schools’ citizenship curriculum. Councillor Joyce Sanders, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services, said: “Young people need to be given the skills to combat anti-social behaviour because they are the future of our society. “If we want to make our communities the kind of place we all want to live in it is vital to instil these values in our students. “Very often young people are already making a positive contribution to their neighbourhoods and by giving them this chance to learn about anti-social behaviour we are equipping them for further involvement.” Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “Learning isn’t just about being able to apply the knowledge and skills taught through the National Curriculum – we are giving the young people skills for life. “I hope that all the students who watch the play and take part in the workshops enjoy the experience and find it useful.” The production, performed by the Impact on Learning theatre group, will tour until Friday 2 March. This tour comes on the back of a successful pilot project to raise awareness of anti-social behaviour issues, which included providing teaching packs to schools and involving pupils in a limited number of similar drama and presentation workshops. Playing safe: (back from left) Joseph Morris and Holly Sinfield from Impact Theatre Company and (front from left) Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, pupil Jacob Staniforth (13), Martin Rock from Impact Theatre Company, pupil Keziah Davis-Cottan (11) and Councillor Joyce Sanders, cabinet member for community safety services. (Ref: FW.37.07) |
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| 14 February 2007 | County backs food awareness week |
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Consumers across the county can find out about labelling, content, use-by dates and a host of other useful information during Food Awareness Week. Derbyshire County Council’s trading standards is working in partnership with the authority’s libraries to host displays at ten branches from today (February 14) until Wednesday 21 February. Advice leaflets will be offered, along with free fridge magnets, and displays will remind people of the importance of reading labels carefully to check the salt, fat and sugar content in food. Councillor Joyce Sanders, cabinet member for community safety services, said: "We want to raise awareness so consumers have the power to check the quality of the food they buy and are confident they know what it contains. “Labels can sometimes be confusing, even when they provide the necessary information, because it can be hard to gauge whether the amount of salt, fat and sugars is high or not in a particular product. “One of the priorities of the council is to improve the health of local people and our trading standards service is working hard to make sure residents can interpret food labelling so they can help themselves stay fit and happy by making informed choices.” Derbyshire is one of eight regional trading standards authorities holding events as part of the successful annual Food Awareness Week, which is now in its fourth year. Information leaflets and posters to highlight food labelling awareness have already been distributed to doctors’ surgeries, dental practices, medical centres and the school meals service through a partnership of trading standards and primary care trusts in Derbyshire. Information will be available at libraries in; Alfreton, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Melbourne, Wirksworth, New Mills, Brimington, Gamesley, Long Eaton, Staveley and Matlock. Complaints about food products, including those listed below, should be reported to the authority’s trading standards service through Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06:
(Ref: FW.44.07) |
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| 14 February 2007 | Latest step in protecting ancient cave art site begins |
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Work to protect and preserve an Ice Age cave art site has entered its final stage. Derbyshire County Council has taken up the old B6042 at Creswell Crags and is transforming it into a bridleway which will give horse riders, cyclists and walkers access to the ancient site. The work – funded by the East Midlands Development Agency and the county council – has involved using specialist equipment and consulting with archaeologists to make sure the natural beauty of this historically important place is in kept intact. Creating the 700m bridleway has involved building scree banks to give a sense of what the gorge would have looked like 10 – 50,000 years ago, rebuilding dry stone walls and reducing the appearance of the new limestone track so it is in keeping with its surroundings. The county council opened a section of new road designed to cut down on the effects of traffic at Creswell Crags heritage site last year. It is hoped the bridleway will be open for use in May. Once completed it will link up to the visitor centre where new steps have been built up to the caves and another which was previously inaccessible has been opened up. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “The county council recognises the historical importance of the Creswell Crags heritage site. “This latest work will allow more people to enjoy this fascinating place while protecting it for generations to come.” (REF: SM.45.07)
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| 09 February 2007 | Sports courts for students |
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Sporting students joined a Derbyshire county councillor to officially open a £1.1 million sports hall at a north-east Derbyshire school.
Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, opened the four-court sports hall at Eckington School.
The sports hall was built using a £970,000 grant from the National Lottery’s New Opportunities Fund for PE and Sport and a £125,000 contribution from the school.
A covered corridor links the new sports hall to an existing one. Existing changing rooms were also refurbished as part of the project.
Councillor Charles said: “The sports hall has really improved the facilities for pupils and the wider community.
“Schools are making a real effort to encourage pupils to lead more active lives and the sports hall has enabled them to do this.” Sporting chance…Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, tries out the sports centre with Eckington School pupils (from left) Gemma Hamilton, 17, Mary Amos, 14 and Katie Hemming, 15.
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| 09 February 2007 | Take a leaf out of Richard and Judy's book |
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Book club buffs needn’t splash out on Richard and Judy’s latest choices – simply pop down to your local library and borrow them. Derbyshire County Council has 60 sets of the TV twosome’s eight book club choices for 2007 – one set each for the county’s libraries, including its 13 mobiles. They’re all available for a free, three-week loan, making a considerable saving for any avid readers and fans of the Channel 4 show. The county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, Councillor Bob Janes, said he was pleased to be able to offer all the books on the list in every one of the county’s libraries. He said: “Book clubs are a growing phenomenon in this country and there are more and more book groups springing up in Derbyshire all the time. “We’ve got more than 130 now, including children’s and several for the visually-impaired. Many people are also interested in TV and radio book clubs, including the Richard and Judy club. “It can cost quite a lot to buy all the titles but instead of buying the books on the list, people can borrow them from our libraries.” He added: “This year’s list is wide-ranging and there are some popular authors as well as some lesser-known writers on it. “Simply by being on the list, the authors are likely to be catapulted into the best-seller list and I hope people will take advantage of the books we have for loan and come in to our libraries to see what’s on offer.” Books featured on Richard and Judy’s list for 2007 are:
To find your nearest Derbyshire County Council library or mobile library or to join a local readers’ group visit the libraries section of our website. (Ref: AJ.43.07)
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| 09 February 2007 | County's road improvements continue |
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More than £700,000 will be invested in road repairs and improvements by Derbyshire County Council this month. Announcing this month’s investment, Derbyshire County Council leader Councillor John Williams, said: “Residents often tell us they want better roads and pavements in Derbyshire. “We will continue to improve and maintain the condition and safety of our roads and pavements for local people and visitors.” During February, work to improve roads will be carried out by the county council in the following districts: Amber Valley - £81,000
Bolsover - £165,000
Chesterfield - £90,000
Derbyshire Dales - £154,000
High Peak - £70,000
Glossop - £40,000
North East Derbyshire - £62,000
South Derbyshire - £78,000
(REF: SM.42.07) |
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| 07 February 2007 | Derbyshire County Council tax increase - 57p a week for the average home | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A council tax increase of 3.9% - expected to be among the lowest of any county in the country – has been unanimously agreed by Derbyshire County Council. It means a 57p a week increase for the average Derbyshire household. Local people are now paying almost £85 a year less than the average for county council services.
In its latest spending round, the Government agreed a £6.8 million (5.8%) grant increase – well short of the £14.5 million the council needs to standstill.
But, to protect and improve services, the council is using efficiency savings valued at £7 million. And the cash raised from this year’s rise in council tax tops up our budget by a further £10.8 million.
Council leader Councillor John Williams said: “We’re facing some big challenges and to make ends meet we will have to tighten our belts and find better and cheaper ways of delivering high quality local services.”
He added: “We know it’s one of the biggest bills local people get each year. That’s why we keep a close check on all areas of our spending so they get the best possible value for money.”
Nearly £7.7 million more will be invested in essential areas of growth including:
Other priorities on the budget include criminal record checks, building maintenance and additions to the council’s risk management spending.
The new £389.3 million budget – an increase of £17.5 million on last year - will allow the council to meet the extra cost of:
“Thanks to a lot of good housekeeping, we’ve managed to keep council tax increases low for the last five years and improve life for local people too,” said Councillor John Williams.
“We’ve set ourselves an even more ambitious efficiency target of £8 million over the next 12 months to make ends meet.
“And we need to plan for big pressures facing us over the next two or three years such as equal pay issues, landfill tax and fines, a new government funding system and climate change.” New council taxes levels are set at:
(REF: JF.41.07) |
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| 07 February 2007 | How do we deal with waste in the future? Have your say... |
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Residents and businesses across Derbyshire are being asked to help in the search for new sites to deal with waste in the future. More than five million tonnes of rubbish is generated in Derby and Derbyshire each year. At present far too much of this is sent to landfill sites, wasting valuable resources and costing millions of pounds to dispose of. But these landfill sites are running out and by 2010 strict government guidelines will mean local councils must bury much less or face hefty fines. Now Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council are looking at new ways of dealing with waste – to recognise it as a resource rather than rubbish to be thrown away. Since 2005 the councils have been consulting widely on where new developments for recycling or treating waste could be built in Derbyshire, including Derby. Last year a list of possible sites in industrial areas was published. Now people have another chance to give their comments by the end of March on:
Councillor John Williams, leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “We need to look at new ways of dealing with waste that would otherwise go to landfill sites and make sure there are enough facilities in the future to recycle, reuse and treat waste to create energy and other products. “This will require new developments, both in the city and county, to process and deal with household and business waste and we need the public’s help to find sites where these can be built which will have the least impact on people and the environment.” Councillor Chris Williamson, leader of Derby City Council, added: “We have already consulted with people in Derby and Derbyshire to enlist their help in identifying suitable sites. “We now want further views on these potential sites and the likely size of the facilities we will need. It is important that people tell us what they think now while we are still putting the development plan together.” Following this consultation a list of “preferred options” will be drawn up and people will be asked for their views on these in September. Depending on the outcome of that consultation, the preferred options will be included in a document called the Derby and Derbyshire Waste Sites Development Plan Document.
This document will be submitted to the government which will then appoint an inspector to hold an examination in public to consider any outstanding objections. The inspectors’ report will be binding. Leaflets containing details of the consultation are available from district planning offices, libraries and by ringing Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058. Details of the consultation and accompanying documents are also available in the consultation section of our website or at www.derby.gov.uk (opens in a new window) People can give their views by writing to the Minerals and Waste Framework Team, Derbyshire County Council, Shand House, Dale Road South, Matlock, DE4 3RY or emailing wasteminsldf@derbyshire.gov.uk. People are urged to get their responses in by the end of March. For more information contact Ken Acons on 01629 580000 ext 3321 or email ken.acons@derbyshire.gov.uk or David Slinger on 01332 256001 or email david.slinger@derby.gov.uk (Ref: CC.40.07) |
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| 07 February 2007 | Specialist school news welcomed |
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A decision to award specialist school status to a Chesterfield secondary school has been welcomed by Derbyshire County Council. Parkside Community School in Boythorpe Avenue will gain specialist status in maths and computing from 1 September. Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, has welcomed the news which means 39 of the county’s 47 secondary schools now have specialist status. He said: “I would like to congratulate everyone at the school who has been involved in making this successful bid which took one-and-a-half year’s hard work. “Pupils, parents and teachers raised £10,000 and private donors gave a further £40,000 to provide the match funding element required for the successful bid. “Gaining specialist status will provide pupils with better facilities and staff will be able to develop and share their expertise.” Specialist status will mean the school:
David Miller, deputy headteacher of Parkside Community School, said: “We are really pleased about this news.
“We want to get started as soon as we can so that we can have as many projects in place by September as possible.
“As part of gaining specialist status we will also be looking at improving the range of courses we offer and making new ones available.” (REF: JF.39.07) |
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| 05 February 2007 | Residential to Scotland for young people of Amber Valley |
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Young people from a Derbyshire County Council youth club in Amber Valley are preparing for a trip north of the border. The 20 young people who attend youth clubs from across the Amber Valley district, are going on a residential to Aviemore, in Scotland, run by the Amber Valley Youth Team, who are based at the Polygon Youth Centre, in Church Street, Alfreton. The trip is being financed by the Youth Opportunity Fund. Young people will have the opportunity to try their hand, and feet, at skiing and snowboarding with professional instructors, between Sunday 11 to Wednesday 14 February. While on the residential, the youth workers will get feedback from young people on the youth service, to improve future provision. As part of the authority’s annual youth plan, each district holds a consultation event, to help plan services for the next year. Information will be picked up on the trip to help shape Amber Valley’s plan through questionnaires and one-to-one questioning on what the youngsters like, dislike and want to see more of at their local youth sessions. The young people will also be able to gain accreditation in Youth Train and Snowlife Sports Awards while on the residential. (Ref: AB.35.07) |
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| 02 February 2007 | Help us to Scrap the Scams |
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Do you get annoyed by prize draws and get-rich-quick schemes? Derbyshire County Council’s trading standards team want you to help them put a stop to the scams. Residents are being urged to help tackle scammers and rogue traders by bringing any leaflets, flyers, emails or faxes they’re worried about to any Derbyshire County Council library. Between Saturday 10 and Saturday 24 February residents can drop these offers into Scrap the Scams bins at county council libraries and trading standards experts will check them and make sure companies aren’t trying to rip people off. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “This is a chance for all Derbyshire residents to bring to our attention what kind of offers they are receiving. “There are dozens of types of scams circulating at any one time. They offer a chance to invest in an exciting new money-making investment scheme, an unexpected win on a prize draw or lottery, or ask for your bank account details and can be aimed at businesses as well as consumers. “If you have spotted a scheme that might be dubious drop it in one of our Scrap the Scams bins and we will check whether it is legal.” Trading standards officers warn that bogus lottery or bank letters, faxes and emails can seem very convincing and look professionally produced, but promotions of this kind, however they are distributed, are a dishonest attempt to trap people into parting with their money. Any material handed into Scrap the Scams bins will only be used by trading standards officers to identify scams. All personal information will be kept secure. Trading standards staff are also offering advice on how to spot a scam. They are encouraging residents to consider the following questions when they receive an offer that seems too good to be true:
Councillor Sanders added: “In our experience, if an offer appears too good to be true - then it probably is.” February is also scams awareness month launched by the Office of Fair Trading. The national campaign will focus on scams which originate overseas. Anyone who thinks they have been a victim of a scam or for help and advice on any consumer issues call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk (opens in a new window) For more information on Scrap the Scams Call Derbyshire 08 456 058 058 or visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards/scrapthescams (opens in a new window) (Ref: SS.33.07) |
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| 01 February 2007 | Children celebrate at presentation evening |
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Almost 70 young people from all corners of the county came together at an evening of awards and celebration, for successfully completing activities and challenges. Duke of Edinburgh awards were presented to 69 Derbyshire young people at a ceremony hosted at the Medway Centre in New Street, Bakewell, with a further 24 award winners, unable to attend. Youngsters had earned 7 Gold Awards, 11 Silver Awards, 75 bronze awards through the project, which offers 14 to 25-year-olds the chance to try out new activities and develop new skills, interests and hobbies. It also provides opportunities to work as part of a team and have a positive affect on the community. Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for cultural and community services, presented certificates and badges to the young people at the ceremony on Wednesday 24 January.
“Their enthusiasm, drive and determination has been recognised with these awards, which will reflect their worth to education providers and further employers. “I hope this is the start of many good things to come for the young people and wish them every success in the future.” The full list of award winners is below. * denotes young people that have gained their award but were unable to attend the ceremony. Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Silver Award Bronze Award
(Ref:AB.31.07) |
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